Protests over Iran's economic woes have led to at least three reported deaths, marking the largest unrest since 2022. While demonstrations have slowed in Tehran, they've expanded to rural provinces, with fatalities occurring in cities inhabited by the Lur ethnic group. The unrest, fueled by economic pressures, also includes chants against the theocratic system.

Source: Iran unrest: 3 killed as protests spread; chants against theocracy grow louder

Source: I&B ministry denies directing edits to Dhurandhar, says changes proposed by makers

The incident took place around 9.30 pm in the Damudya area, near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Koneshwar Union. The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das, was reportedly waylaid, beaten and doused with petrol before being set ablaze, reported news agency ANI, citing Prothom Alo. Das was later shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment as his condition worsened, the report said.

Source: Hindu man attacked in Bangladesh: Mob pours petrol, sets him on fire; victim critical

NASCAR icon Denny Hamlin has shared an emotional update after a devastating house fire turned his family’s life upside down. The fire broke out at his parents’ home in North Carolina on Sunday night. Denny Hamlin took to social media to address fans and well-wishers. He thanked people for the messages sent after his father’s passing.

Source: Denny Hamlin shares mother’s health update after tragic fire kills father

Russia stated it recovered data from a downed Ukrainian drone. Moscow claims this data shows the drone targeted a Russian presidential residence. Russia will share this information with the United States. Ukraine and US officials have denied the alleged attack. This incident follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Source: Ukraine attack on Putin residence: After CIA rejects claim, Russia to give proof to US

Reshma, wife of Jinesh Sukumaran who died in Israel, has died after an alleged suicide attempt. Jinesh was found dead in Israel in July. Reshma reportedly consumed poison at her home. The couple has a 10-year-old daughter. Jinesh had moved to Israel in June. The funeral will be held on Thursday.

Source: Wayanad tragedy worsens: Man found dead in Israel, wife dies after consuming poison

A computer science engineering student from IIT Hyderabad has achieved a historic Rs 2.5 crore package from a Netherlands-based firm, marking the highest ever at the institution. This achievement comes amidst a challenging job market, with the student converting a two-month internship into a pre-placement offer. The institute also saw a significant 75% jump in average packages.

Source: IIT-Hyd student lands Rs 2.5 cr package; highest in institute’s history

Michael Vaughan dismisses England's Melbourne Test win as a 'lottery', urging the team to prove their mettle in Sydney. He stresses that a competitive performance in the final Ashes Test is crucial for the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes regime to avoid scrutiny, emphasizing the need for honest reflection on mistakes rather than denial.

Source: Ashes: 'If they get pummelled…'- Ex-England captain issues warning for Stokes & McCullum

Charles Barkley, the former NBA star, has amassed a significant net worth of $90 million by 2025-26, fueled by lucrative broadcasting deals and past endorsements. His career transitioned from the court to successful stints on TNT and CNN, significantly boosting his income beyond his NBA earnings. Barkley's enduring popularity continues to drive his financial success.

Source: Charles Barkley’s net worth 2025-26: NBA legend’s $90M fortune, deals

China's military drills near Taiwan, timed with the approaching 2027 deadline, signal Beijing's growing assertiveness under President Xi Jinping. The US is bolstering Taiwan's defenses amid concerns about delayed weapons and industrial capacity. Analysts warn of China's 'Anaconda strategy' and the potential for miscalculation, as Xi Jinping faces pressure to achieve 'reunification'.

Source: 'Anaconda strategy': Will Xi Jinping risk it all over Taiwan in 2026?

The BJP has dropped nearly 40% of its 2017 corporators for the upcoming BMC elections, making way for new faces and defectors. While some wards were reserved, others saw incumbents sidelined to accommodate fresh talent. The party, which won 82 seats previously, released a list of 137 candidates, with many former corporators from western suburbs notably absent.

Source: BMC polls shake-up: Why BJP denied tickets to almost 40% of its 2017 corporators

US President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Russia's Vladimir Putin, advocating for a tougher stance amid stalled Ukraine peace talks. An editorial shared by Trump argues Russia is obstructing peace, urging Washington to abandon concessions and adopt a "bigger stick" approach. This comes as both sides report escalating hostilities and drone attacks, underscoring the volatile situation.

Source: 'Turn up the heat': Trump shares editorial critical of Putin amid failing Ukraine talks

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is eager for a rematch against Nick Kyrgios after their exhibition "Battle of the Sexes" loss. She believes a full-sized court and adjusted serving rules would better level the playing field for a second encounter. Sabalenka expressed confidence in her ability to learn from the defeat and secure revenge.

Source: Battle of the Sexes: 'I love revenge'- Sabalenka calls for rematch with Kyrgios

A devastating fire ripped through a packed New Year's Eve party at a Swiss ski resort bar, causing panic and a desperate escape. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as revellers smashed windows to flee flames and smoke. Dozens are feared dead and over 100 injured, with many young people believed to be among the victims.

Source: 'Ceiling on fire': Panicked partygoers smashed windows; witnesses recount Swiss bar horror

A Kargil war hero, Sanjib Bhattacharya, and his family are among 32 lakh citizens in Bengal facing hearings to regain voting rights after being excluded from the 2002 electoral rolls due to border duty and job assignments outside the state. Residents and a local councillor expressed anger over the perceived harassment of former soldiers, calling for special arrangements.

Source: Kargil hero in Bengal voter drive: Ex-soldier queues up to reclaim rights amid SIR gap

Delhi witnessed record vehicle sales in 2025, overwhelmingly dominated by private petrol vehicles, raising concerns about worsening congestion and pollution. Experts highlight the need for stronger EV promotion and improved public transport to counter this trend. The surge, driven by economic factors and post-Covid shifts, underscores the city's environmental challenges.

Source: Delhi sees record 8.16 L vehicle sales in '25: Private petrol vehicles dominate

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed serious doubts about the long-term future of ODI cricket, suggesting it might not survive beyond the 2027 World Cup after the departure of stars like Kohli and Sharma. He highlighted the growing dominance of T20 leagues and Test cricket's enduring appeal, noting that ODI relevance heavily relies on its biggest names.

Source: ODI cricket: 'Slow death' - Ashwin's chilling warning after Kohli-Rohit era

A fire ravaged the spire of Amsterdam's Vondelkerk church on New Year's Day, causing partial destruction. The incident occurred amidst a night of widespread fireworks-related violence and attacks on emergency services across the Netherlands, leading to injuries and a nationwide mobile alert.

Source: Amsterdam: Fire engulfs iconic Vondelkerk church during New Year celebrations; watch

A Shiv Sena candidate in Pune has been booked after allegedly swallowing nomination forms belonging to a rival party member at a ward office. The incident occurred when the candidate attempted to tear the form, then fled to the washroom and consumed it. Police have registered a case against him.

Source: Maha civic polls: Shiva Sena aspirant swallows 'A & B form' of fellow party candidate

Source: GST revenue momentum holds: December collections stand at Rs 1.75 lakh cr; up 6.1%

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's selective ODI appearances have revitalized the format, drawing significant fan interest. Their continued commitment and strong performances, reflected in the batting rankings, have restored anticipation. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan advocates for longer series and multi-team tournaments to sustain this momentum and capitalize on their impact.

Source: 'Why can’t we?': Ex-India cricketer questions ODI scheduling with Virat, Rohit in focus

India's first bullet train is slated for a 2027 launch, with the Surat to Bilimora section opening first. The ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, developed with Japan, promises speeds up to 320 kmph, drastically cutting travel time. Additionally, the first Vande Bharat sleeper train will debut in January 2026, offering comfortable overnight journeys.

Source: Bullet train by 2027! Key routes revealed; which cities will be linked first?

Source: Sworn-in on the Quran: Mamdani becomes NYC mayor; takes oath at subway station

While conquering the world geographically is a tad hard these days, there is no semblance of doubt that 2025 was Donald Trump’s year, a man who rode back into the White House and instantly went about dismantling everything: American soft power, the “deep state”, the global economy, the rules-based international order, the White House’s East Wing, and anything else he could get his hands on.

Source: What 2026 has in mind for Donald Trump

Former Tesla AI chief Andrej Karpathy believes Google's Waymo couldn't replicate Tesla's recent coast-to-coast autonomous drive. He highlighted Tesla's end-to-end neural network versus Waymo's modular system, which struggled during a San Francisco power outage. Karpathy praised the milestone despite recent criticism from Elon Musk about his "dated" views.

Source: Tesla's former AI boss: Waymo cannot match Tesla self driving tech; explains reason