US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed joint military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. Biden stated, "These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea." Sunak called the strikes "necessary and proportionate," citing ongoing Houthi attacks despite warnings. Biden emphasized, "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary." The action aims to counter Houthi threats to freedom of navigation.

In a heartfelt audio message to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep emotions as he embarked on an 11-day religious exercise leading up to the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Modi, describing it as a first-time experience in his life, conveyed his sense of being chosen by God to represent all Indians during the sacred 'Pran Pratishtha.' Seeking blessings from the people, he acknowledged the difficulty of articulating such profound sentiments. The Prime Minister considers it his good fortune to witness this historic occasion, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming event.

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake rattled Afghanistan's Hindukush region at 4.51 am on Friday, marking the second quake in 24 hours. The National Center for Seismology reported the quake's depth at 17 kilometers with no reported damages or casualties. The previous day witnessed a stronger magnitude 6.1 quake in the same area, causing tremors in Delhi, North India, Lahore (Pakistan), and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing preparedness in the quake-prone region.

In a decisive response to Iran-backed Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted targeted strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen. President Joe Biden emphasized that these actions send a clear message against attacks on personnel and threats to freedom of navigation. The strikes, hitting over a dozen locations, aim to weaken Houthi military capabilities. The Houthis, defying international calls to halt their attacks, claim support for Hamas. The ongoing strikes mark a significant escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The international community, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, supports this united response.      

Dense fog enveloped Delhi, causing zero visibility, disrupting 23 trains and delaying flights by up to four hours. The Indira Gandhi International Airport issued advisories, while cold day conditions persisted in North India. The weather office warned of dense to very dense fog in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh till January 16. In addition, the Met department predicted cold day conditions in Uttarakhand, ground frost in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, and a fresh western disturbance affecting the Western Himalayan Region from January 16. The IMD also anticipated the withdrawal of Northeast Monsoon rains around January 15.

The University of York adjusts entry requirements for overseas students, now accepting A-Level equivalents of BBC grades, while British applicants face a high A*AA to BBB standard. Financial challenges prompt the move, raising worries about UK students' access to Higher Education. With tuition fees frozen and a reliance on international students for funding, critics express concerns over potential neglect of home-grown talent. The university defends its decision, emphasizing a flexible approach to international offer holders, citing different qualifications. The shift reflects broader financial strains affecting institutions nationwide.

A recent report reveals the longest shutdown, exceeding 5,000 hours, occurred in India's Manipur due to ethnic clashes. Russia's ban on social media, initiated in 2022 after Putin's Ukraine invasion, led to a £3.1bn economic loss. Globally, government-induced internet shutdowns in 2023 totaled £7.06bn, impacting 25 countries. Top affected nations include Russia (£3.1bn), Ethiopia (£1.5bn), and Iran (£722m). While overall internet costs dropped 67%, duration increased 18%. The study emphasizes the concerning link between government-led internet outages and human rights abuses, highlighting the economic and societal implications of such actions.

Goa Police uncover a crumpled note, potentially written with eyeliner, in Suchana Seth's bag, shedding light on her frustration in the custody battle for her son. The handwritten tissue paper note, hastily composed, indicates her resistance to the recent court order allowing the father visitation rights. While exact content remains undisclosed, it offers insights into Seth's troubled state of mind. Seth, implicated in her son's murder, checked into a Goa hotel on January 6; the grim discovery unfolded on January 7. Autopsy confirms smothering, and investigations continue into this chilling case.

South African lawyers present a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of planning to "destroy" Gaza, alleging genocidal intent from the highest state level. They call on the court to order Israel to cease military operations in Gaza. Israel vehemently rejects the accusations as "baseless." The court will deliver an opinion on the genocide allegation. Israel defends its actions, citing responses to Hamas attacks. Tensions rise as South Africa contends Israel's actions aim to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian group. The court's ruling, while not enforceable, holds significance in international relations.

Microsoft briefly claimed the title of the world's most valuable company, surpassing Apple, as the latter faced its worst start in years due to demand concerns. Microsoft's market valuation reached $2.888 trillion, driven by an early lead in generative artificial intelligence. Apple's market capitalization fell to $2.887 trillion, the first time since 2021 it dipped below Microsoft's. Apple's stock decline, prompted by iPhone sales worries and Chinese competition, contrasts with Microsoft's rise of 1.8% in January. The competitive landscape and regulatory scrutiny on Apple's services business contribute to its challenges.