India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back spasm on Day 2 of the crucial fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, a match determining the WTC Final. Bumrah managed only one over post-lunch before being sent for precautionary scans. Although he is fit to bat, the decision on his bowling will depend on his condition on Day 3. Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) stepped up in his absence, dismissing Australia for 181. India finished at 141-6, with Rishabh Pant's blazing 50 adding momentum. India must win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as Australia leads 2-1.

London’s first new Piccadilly line test train, part of a £2.9 billion upgrade, was graffitied shortly after arriving from Germany. The nine-carriage train, built by Siemens Mobility, promises air-conditioned carriages, increased capacity, and improved energy efficiency. Mayor Sadiq Khan called it a pivotal step for London’s transport modernization. The vandalism occurred at Latchmere Junction en route to a west London depot. TfL swiftly cleaned the graffiti and reassured residents about the project’s progress. Testing continues overnight and during planned closures, with all 94 trains expected to enter service by 2027. This marks a key milestone for London’s iconic Tube network.

President Joe Biden has blocked the $14.9 billion sale of US Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing risks to national security. The decision followed a deadlock in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Biden emphasized the need to protect domestic industry and critical supply chains, a move welcomed by the United Steelworkers union. Nippon Steel and US Steel criticized the decision, calling it politically driven and a violation of due process. Japan’s industry minister expressed regret over the decision. Biden reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the US manufacturing base and maintaining resilient supply chains.

Matthew Livelsberger, a US Army Green Beret veteran, detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, injuring 7 people. Livelsberger, reportedly struggling with PTSD, left digital notes blaming “feckless leadership” for America’s decline, calling his act a "wake-up call." His charred body was identified through military ID and passport. Authorities linked his actions to personal struggles, including a recent marital dispute. The FBI described the incident as a tragic suicide involving a decorated veteran. Livelsberger's final messages urged citizens to act against societal decay, highlighting his deep disillusionment with US leadership.

In Chhattisgarh, journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, 28, was found dead in a contractor's water tank on January 3 in Bijapur. Missing since January 1, Mukesh had exposed alleged irregularities in a Rs 120-crore road construction project in Bastar involving contractor Suresh Chandrakar. His body was discovered at Suresh's property, prompting police to arrest three suspects, including the contractor's brothers. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the murder, calling it a loss to journalism, and promised harsh punishment for the culprits. This case highlights the risks faced by journalists in Bastar, where corruption and violence are prevalent.

Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old Briton from London, was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pick-up truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, killing and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. The FBI confirmed the discovery of an Islamic State flag in the vehicle, suggesting a premeditated act. Explosives were also found nearby. Pettifer’s family called him a “wonderful son and friend.” At least 39 people were injured, some critically. Bourbon Street has since reopened ahead of the Sugar Bowl football match.

A New York judge has set January 10, 2025, as the sentencing date for U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. Convicted in May of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records, Trump faces a conditional discharge, likely avoiding jail. His spokesperson slammed the case as "lawless" and a "witch hunt." The $130,000 payment allegedly aimed to silence Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump denied the allegations and plans to challenge the ruling. The sentencing comes just 10 days before his presidential inauguration, marking a historic first for a president-elect.

Sunil Gavaskar has hinted that Rohit Sharma’s Test career may be over after he opted to rest from the 5th Test in Sydney. Rohit struggled throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, scoring only 31 runs in five innings. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar remarked, “The Melbourne Test might be Rohit's last. The selection committee will likely focus on someone who can lead until the 2025-27 World Test Championship.” India’s series loss and Rohit’s 2024 Test average of 24.76 have intensified retirement speculations. Official confirmation of his future in red-ball cricket remains awaited.

Jill Biden, US First Lady, received a $20,000, 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond from PM Narendra Modi during his June 2023 US visit, making it the most expensive gift received by the Biden family last year. The diamond, produced and polished in Surat, India, was retained for official use in the White House East Wing, per US protocol. High-value gifts exceeding $480 must be declared and are typically transferred to the National Archives. Jill Biden could "purchase" the gift after her tenure. Other notable gifts to the Bidens include a $14,063 brooch from Ukraine and luxury items from various global leaders.

President-elect Donald Trump has strongly criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, accusing them of escalating violent crime and radical terrorism in the U.S. Following a deadly truck attack in New Orleans and an explosion near Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Trump stated, "I said many times during rallies that radical Islamic terrorism will become so bad in America that it will be hard to imagine. That time has come." He labeled Biden as the "worst president in U.S. history" and called for CIA intervention to address national security. Biden’s immigration policies remain under intense scrutiny.