A tragic attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day left 15 people dead and dozens injured. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, drove a truck into crowds in the French Quarter. The attack ended when police shot and killed Jabbar. The FBI found an Islamic State flag in the vehicle. Gaps in barriers allowed the truck to enter Bourbon Street, raising concerns about security. The area was crowded with partygoers and football fans for the Sugar Bowl. Despite the tragedy, locals believe New Orleans will recover. Investigations are ongoing to uncover whether Jabbar acted alone or had help.

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, is on death row in Yemen for the murder of a Yemeni man, Talal Abdo Mehdi, in 2017. Yemen's president approved her death sentence in December 2024. However, her release is possible if the victim's family pardons her and accepts blood money. Talks have stalled as her lawyer demands $40,000 in fees. India has assured full support to her family in their efforts to secure a pardon. Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari, has been in Yemen since April 2024, trying to help her daughter. Her execution could occur within a month without a resolution.

Rohit Sharma, India's cricket team captain, will be rested for the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, sources say. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in his place. Rohit has struggled in the series, scoring only 31 runs in three matches. He also missed the first Test to stay with his family after the birth of his second child. Head coach Gautam Gambhir said the final playing XI would be announced after reviewing the pitch. India, trailing 1-2 in the series, must win the Test to keep their World Test Championship hopes alive.

ISRO plans to launch a US communications satellite enabling voice calls via smartphones directly from space in February or March. The mission, led by New Space India Limited, marks the first launch of an American company’s large-scale satellite by an Indian rocket. Texas-based AST SpaceMobile will use ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 to deploy its 6,000-kg Bluebird satellite with a 64-square-meter antenna into low Earth orbit. The satellite aims to deliver affordable 5G broadband service worldwide, connecting satellites to regular smartphones. ISRO officials confirmed the project is a commercial venture targeting groundbreaking mobile communication technology.

Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D Gukesh, Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympian Praveen Kumar will be conferred with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on January 17. Bhaker’s initial exclusion from the nominees list sparked controversy, later resolved by the Sports Ministry. Bhaker expressed gratitude, reiterating her focus on achieving more for India. Gukesh earned the honor for becoming the youngest world chess champion. Harmanpreet led India to an Olympic hockey bronze, while Praveen claimed gold in high jump T64 at the Paris Olympics. The awards will be presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

At least 11 people were injured in a shooting outside Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York, late Wednesday. The victims, including children, were transported to hospitals such as Long Island Jewish Hospital and Cohen's Children Medical Center. Police confirmed none are critically injured and all are expected to recover. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. in Jamaica, a neighborhood in New York City. Footage shared online showed a significant police presence at the scene. Authorities are investigating the motive. This attack follows another mass shooting in New Orleans, highlighting ongoing gun violence concerns in the U.S.

A Bangladesh court denied bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, charged with sedition. Arrested on November 25 near Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, Das faces allegations of raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. The Chattogram court rejected his plea after a 30-minute hearing amid heavy security. Protests erupted, with violent clashes leaving one lawyer dead. ISKCON Kolkata’s VP Radha Raman Das called the decision "sad," urging justice. Das, suffering from multiple health issues, claims charges are fabricated. Global calls for his release persist.

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is resisting arrest for a third day after declaring martial law on December 3, a move swiftly reversed following protests. Facing charges of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Supporters and opponents have gathered outside his Seoul residence, creating a standoff with authorities. Yoon, claiming to protect the nation, refused police questioning three times and called the arrest order unlawful. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, appointed after Yoon's impeachment and his replacement's dismissal, pledged to restore order. A constitutional court will soon rule on Yoon’s impeachment.

At least 15 people were killed in the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. Victims include former Princeton University football player Martin "Tiger" Bech, 18-year-old aspiring nurse Nikyra Dedeaux, store manager and father Reggie Hunter, 27-year-old mother Nicole Perez, and audio-visual technician Matthew Tenedorio. Families shared heartfelt tributes as investigations continue. Bech, a two-time Ivy League champion, was remembered as a "ferocious competitor." Dedeaux had plans to start nurse training this month. Hunter had wished his family a Happy New Year minutes before his death. The attack has left New Orleans mourning and demanding justice.

Rohit Sharma’s tenure as India’s Test captain is reportedly under review amid poor performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With India facing a must-win fifth Test in Sydney, tensions in the dressing room have escalated. Reports suggest Rohit may not feature in India’s Test plans after the series, though no immediate retirement announcement is expected. Virat Kohli, seen actively guiding the team during the series, is a strong contender to reclaim the captaincy. Additionally, concerns over Gautam Gambhir’s coaching approach and the handling of Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement have prompted the BCCI to plan a post-tour performance review.