A major fire broke out at Casa Aurelia building in Phase 2 of Lodha Palava township, Dombivli East, around 1:23 pm. Triggered by an 8th-floor short circuit, the blaze quickly spread to multiple apartments, reaching up to the 18th floor. Thankfully, all occupants evacuated safely. Firefighters, aided by two vehicles, worked tirelessly to control the fire, which was extinguished by 2:30 pm. No casualties were reported, and ongoing cooling operations are in progress. Viral videos on social media captured the intense flames and thick smoke rising from the scene.

Amid nationwide civil unrest in Ecuador, more than 100 prison guards and 14 administrative staffers are being held hostage in five prisons following President Daniel Noboa's state of emergency declaration. Lawmakers express concerns about the escalating chaos, with accusations of a cover-up. President Noboa vows to combat "terrorist groups," linking the unrest to a prison escape by an alleged gang leader. Armed forces are deployed, raids conducted, and a TV station in Guayaquil stormed by gunmen. Security forces reclaim stolen vehicles, rescue hostages, and plan to transfer foreign inmates. Ecuador grapples to regain control in the face of mounting violence.

A 12-year-old Asian black bear named Yampil has found a new home and second chance at life at a zoo in Scotland after being rescued from war-torn Ukraine. Yampil was one of the only animals found alive at a bombed-out zoo in the Donetsk region by Ukrainian soldiers last year. He was badly injured and malnourished but miraculously survived. After receiving veterinary care in Ukraine and Poland, Yampil was transported to an animal rescue in Belgium where he recovered over the past 7 months. The bear has now been moved again to the Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland where he is settling in comfortably, eating his favorite foods like cucumbers and watermelon. Yampil's arduous journey from the devastation in Ukraine to safety in Scotland represents a story of resilience and hope.

In a strategic expansion, Tata Consumer Products is fortifying its position in the Health & Wellness sector through dual acquisitions. The company has inked deals to acquire 'Organic India,' a renowned organic brand in Food & Beverages and Nutraceuticals. Concurrently, Tata Consumer has confirmed the acquisition of Capital Foods, home to popular brands 'Ching’s Secret' and 'Smith & Jones,' securing 75% equity upfront, with plans for the remaining 25% over the next three years. These moves align with Tata Consumer's strategy to diversify its portfolio, achieving total stakes of 100% and 75%, respectively. The acquisitions signal a substantial leap toward establishing a robust Health & Wellness platform, reinforcing Tata Consumer's strategic growth trajectory.

Indigo airline staff brought a touch of divinity to their inaugural flight from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya by dressing up as Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The heartwarming sight at Ahmedabad airport featured the staff making boarding announcements and greeting passengers in unique avatars. The airline has commenced services connecting Ayodhya and Delhi, with plans to enhance Ayodhya airport for larger aircraft and international flights. As the region gears up for the Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22, expectations rise for approximately 100 chartered flights, attracting dignitaries, politicians, and celebrities to Ayodhya for the momentous occasion.

Launching from Manipur, Congress is set to commence the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, with a focus on shedding light on crucial bread-and-butter issues. The 6,713 km journey spanning 100 Lok Sabha segments across 15 states is viewed as a transformative initiative. Starting amidst ethnic tensions in Manipur, the 67-day yatra aims to address concerns like unemployment and social justice, steering clear of electoral motivations as claimed by Congress. Set to conclude in Mumbai on March 20 or 21, the yatra competes for attention amid BJP's emphasis on the upcoming Ram temple consecration ceremony.

House lawmakers received a classified UFO briefing, with some feeling hopeful and others frustrated. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed disappointment, stating the session didn't address key concerns. Rep. Tim Burchett echoed this sentiment, calling it "more of the same." He believes information is tightly controlled. In contrast, Rep. Eric Burlison found the briefing directional, offering clarity for future inquiries. Allegations of a cover-up persist, with Rep. Andy Ogles claiming a concerted effort to hide information. Lawmakers like Rep. Robert Garcia, optimistic about new insights, introduced the Safe Airspace for Americans Act to enhance UAP reporting for civilian pilots.

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has been selected to lead the INDIA opposition bloc, aiming to challenge the NDA led by BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The decision follows discussions where Bihar CM Nitish Kumar suggested a Congress member take charge. However, seat-sharing complexities within the alliance, especially in Uttar Pradesh and discussions with AAP, remain unresolved. In Uttar Pradesh, tension persists due to Congress's refusal to share seats, while negotiations with AAP involve disagreements over seat allocations in Delhi, Punjab, Goa, Haryana, and Gujarat. The opposition bloc, INDIA, strives to prevent the NDA from securing a third consecutive term.

The BCCI has unveiled the 16-man squad for India's first two Tests against England, starting January 25. In a surprising move, 22-year-old Dhruv Jurel earns his maiden call-up as a backup wicketkeeper, stepping in for the rested Ishan Kishan. Notably, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna are absent due to injury concerns. Avesh Khan retains his place alongside a formidable pace attack. The spin combination comprises Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. India, led by Rohit Sharma, is set for their third assignment in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. [photo courtesy: BCCI/X]

Gurugram Police has retrieved the body of 27-year-old ex-model Divya Pahuja from a canal in Haryana's Tohna. Pahuja was allegedly murdered under suspicious circumstances at a Gurugram hotel on January 2. A major breakthrough came after one of the accused, Balraj Gill, confessed to disposing of Pahuja's body in the canal. The police, aided by multiple teams and the National Disaster Response Force, successfully located and identified her. Earlier arrests include hotel owner Abhijeet Singh. CCTV footage captured the victim, Abhijeet, and another person entering the hotel on January 2, with subsequent footage showing them dragging Divya's body later that night.