Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Hezbollah, stating that Israel had struck the group “in ways it could not imagine” during recent bombardments in southern Lebanon. Israel's military hit 290 Hezbollah targets, including rocket launchers, following escalating tensions. Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed 37, including senior Hezbollah leaders. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket attacks on Israel's northern military sites. Netanyahu emphasized that if Hezbollah hasn't yet understood the message, it soon will. Tensions continue to rise following earlier explosions linked to Hezbollah, with casualties climbing to 39 and over 3,000 injured.

India secured its first-ever gold in the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, with D Gukesh shining on the final day. Gukesh's decisive victory over Russia's Vladimir Fedoseev, along with Arjun Erigaisi's triumph against Serbian Jan Subelj, ensured India's historic win. The team, consisting of Gukesh, Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Srinath Narayanan, celebrated as China dropped crucial boards against the USA. This marks India’s first gold at an in-person Olympiad, following a shared online gold during the pandemic. India previously earned bronze medals in 2014 and 2022.

A mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, left 4 people dead and 18 others injured late Saturday night, according to police. The shooting occurred in the Five Points South area, known for its nightlife. Birmingham police officer Truman Fitzgerald reported that "multiple shooters fired multiple shots" at a group of people, leaving two men and one woman dead at the scene, with a fourth victim dying in the hospital. No arrests have been made, and authorities believe the attack was targeted. Detectives are working to identify the intended target(s). Over 400 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S. this year.

An Israeli airstrike on a school compound in Gaza City killed seven people, including a Hamas official, Majed Saleh, on Sunday. The Kafr Qasem School, located in the Beach camp, was sheltering displaced families when it was struck. Israel's military stated the attack targeted Hamas fighters operating from the site, aiming to minimize civilian casualties through aerial surveillance. Gaza health officials reported 16 deaths in Israeli strikes on Sunday. The ongoing conflict, which started in October 2023, has caused significant casualties and displacement, with over 41,300 Palestinians killed to date.

A gas leak at the Tabas coal mine in eastern Iran has resulted in a deadly explosion, killing at least 51 workers. The blast occurred on Saturday evening, triggered by methane gas buildup, with 20 others injured. Rescuers are working to retrieve those still trapped 250 meters below ground. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered condolences and ordered an investigation. The mine, owned by private firm Madanjoo, is one of the richest coal reserves in Iran. Search efforts continue, hindered by dangerous gas concentrations in the mine's chambers.

Two suspended doctors, Dr Avik Dey and Dr Birupak Biswas, have been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. The doctors, reportedly linked to former principal Sandip Ghosh, are under scrutiny following the discovery of incriminating audio clips. Dr Dey allegedly threatened junior doctors, while Dr Biswas was present on-site during the incident without authority. Both doctors were previously suspended by the West Bengal health department.

Coldplay has announced a third Mumbai concert on January 21, following the swift sell-out of tickets for the January 18 and 19 shows. The initial tickets sold out within an hour, leaving many Indian fans disappointed. Due to overwhelming demand, BookMyShow has added the new show. Fans who missed out earlier can now attempt to purchase tickets starting at 2 pm. To join the queue, interested buyers must click on the booking link beforehand. This additional show offers a second chance for enthusiasts to secure tickets.

At least 51 people were killed and 20 injured after a methane leak triggered an explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran. The blast occurred late on Saturday with 69 miners working underground. Rescue operations are underway, as 24 miners are still believed to be trapped inside. The mine is located around 335 miles southeast of Tehran. Iranian state media reported the explosion's devastating impact, but it remains unclear if all trapped miners have been accounted for. The rescue teams are working to free any remaining survivors from the wreckage as investigations into the cause of the blast continue.

Heavy rainfall in Agra has caused significant damage to the Taj Mahal, India's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cracks have appeared on walls and floors, while semi-precious stones inlaid using pietra dura technique have been dislodged. Arabic inscriptions on doors surrounding the main dome have worn away. Stones from the floor in front of the royal mosque have chipped off. Water seepage from the main dome and garden inundation have also been reported. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated an investigation. The damage highlights concerns over the monument's conservation.

A goods train traveling from Kanpur to Prayagraj was halted near Prempur station in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning after the loco-pilot spotted a gas cylinder on the railway tracks. The emergency brakes were applied at 5:50 am to prevent an accident. Railway police and security teams inspected the scene and found the cylinder to be empty. The cylinder was removed from the tracks, and authorities have initiated an investigation into how it ended up there. The incident, confirmed by the North Central Railway’s CPRO, is under probe to determine any potential foul play or safety concerns.