Severe thunderstorms are expected across large parts of England and Wales, with the Met Office issuing multiple warnings through the weekend. The first warning, in effect from 12pm to 8pm Friday, spans from the West Midlands to the South East and includes much of Wales. Heavy rain, gusty winds, frequent lightning, and possible hail are predicted, with up to 40mm of rain in three hours. Communities could face power cuts, flooding, and travel delays, with warnings of "danger to life" due to fast-moving floodwater. Further warnings are in place for Saturday and Sunday, covering even larger areas.

Israel launched a significant air offensive on southern Lebanon, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and weapons storage facilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the sites were prepped for attacks on Israel. Lebanon's National News Agency reported at least 52 Israeli strikes on Thursday night. Hezbollah retaliated by firing missiles into northern Israel. Tensions escalated after deadly explosions across Lebanon, which Hezbollah blamed on Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the military action as a “new phase of the war,” focusing on Hezbollah’s northern front. Casualty reports remain unclear as strikes and counterstrikes continue.

Hezbollah launched at least 140 rockets into northern Israel on Friday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese group targeted military sites, including Israel's 188th Armoured Brigade headquarters. This attack follows two days of intense exchanges after thousands of communication devices exploded in Lebanon, widely attributed to Israel, killing and injuring civilians. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the strikes, declaring them a "declaration of war." The conflict, which has seen daily exchanges of fire since October, continues to escalate as Israel seeks to restore control in the region. Ceasefire prospects remain uncertain.

Indian businessman Ashneer Grover’s controversial remarks praising toxic workplaces have gone viral after the tragic death of 26-year-old EY India employee Anna Sebastian Perayil. In an old video, Grover criticized the “lifeless” atmosphere at EY, claiming toxic environments drive better work. Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, reacted on social media, calling Grover’s stance “baffling.” Following Perayil’s death, reportedly linked to work stress, former EY employees voiced concerns about harsh office conditions. The Union labour ministry is investigating the incident. Grover’s comments have sparked a broader debate on work culture in corporate India.

India is set to establish three international aviation hubs in the next decade, according to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. These hubs will improve global connectivity and support the nation’s growing aviation market, which is projected to be the third-largest by 2030. The expansion aims to enhance India’s strategic position between Europe, Africa, and East Asia. These hubs will boost tourism, trade, and cargo operations, contributing significantly to GDP growth. Scindia highlighted Delhi’s IGI Airport, now the world’s second-largest by passenger capacity, as a model for future hub development.

The Tirupati Temple Trust has confirmed that prasad samples were highly adulterated in the ongoing laddoo controversy. Executive Officer J Syamala Rao announced that legal action will soon follow after laboratory reports revealed significant contamination, including pig fat, palm oil, and beef tallow. The Trust accused AR Dairy Food Private Limited of non-compliance in supplying ghee, citing laboratory results from Gujarat. Penalties are expected, and the Trust is considering implementing stricter quality checks, including sensory labs, to prevent future issues. The controversy erupted following former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s allegations regarding poor-quality ghee used in the laddoos.

The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning for parts of England and Wales, effective from 12pm to 8pm today. The alert covers the West Midlands, South East, South West, and large areas of Wales, including Cardiff and Swansea. Heavy rain, gusty winds, and frequent lightning are expected, with up to 40mm of rain possible in three hours. This may cause hazardous driving conditions, power outages, and train disruptions. Lightning strikes also pose a risk to buildings. Two additional warnings are in place for the weekend. The public is advised to stay informed and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions.

Coldplay is set to perform in Mumbai in January 2025 as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour, marking their return to India after an eight-year hiatus. The Grammy-winning rock band, led by Chris Martin, will hold two shows on January 18th and 19th at DY Patil Stadium. Booking dates, ticket prices, and other details for the highly anticipated event have been officially announced on Bookmyshow. Fans in India are excited for Coldplay’s comeback, as the band prepares for another spectacular live performance after their last concert in the country in 2016.

Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza killed two people in Gaza City and Beit Hanoon, adding to the dozens killed in the past 24 hours. In Syria, Israeli forces targeted a car near Damascus airport, killing a “senior figure,” as reported by Syrian state media. Lebanon’s Health Minister stated that recent coordinated explosions across the country have not weakened the resolve of the Lebanese people. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials condemned Israeli soldiers after video footage showed them kicking dead bodies off a rooftop. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as evidence of the Israeli military’s "brutality."

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has demanded a comprehensive report regarding allegations of using "beef tallow," "lard" (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee for preparing laddus at Tirupati's Sri Venkateswara temple. This comes after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed the previous YSR Congress-led government used animal fat instead of ghee in the temple's prasadam. Nadda has spoken to Naidu, seeking details and the available report for examination, and plans to investigate further with state regulators. He assured that suitable action will be taken based on food safety standards.