Tensions rise as North Korea conducts live-fire drills near the border for a third day. Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister, mocks South Korea's military in a statement. South Korea warns of an 'overwhelming response.' North Korea claims to test detection capabilities, denying firing actual shells. The South rejects the accusation as psychological warfare, urging North Korea to de-escalate. Residents seek shelter, but no reports of shells crossing the border. Recent missile tests and military expansion intensify the longstanding rift. Maritime buffer zone breached, risking the collapse of a 2018 military agreement easing tensions.

UK PM Rishi Sunak eyes tax cuts for workers, hinting at welfare reductions to fund the move before March's budget. Sunak emphasizes control over spending and welfare, targeting long-term disability payments. The Conservative leader aims for fiscal discipline, favoring tax cuts as a reward for hard work. The proposal resonates with some Tories seeking pre-election measures. Labour's Keir Starmer criticizes the focus, calling for a strategy supporting economic growth. Sunak's plans coincide with potential byelections and internal challenges within the Conservative party. The PM urges adherence to the existing plan for long-term change.

Elon Musk faces scrutiny as reports suggest his use of LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and mushrooms at private parties. The Wall Street Journal reveals concerns among Tesla and SpaceX board members. Musk, claiming a prescription for ketamine, faced backlash from a former Tesla director over erratic behavior. Incidents include LSD use in Los Angeles (2018) and ketamine in Miami (2021). A SpaceX event in 2017 raised eyebrows with a seemingly incomprehensible Musk, later denied by his attorney. Musk's unconventional work habits and "demon mode" noted. Board members express concerns about his alleged drug use, impacting leadership roles.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit London on January 8 for a two-day bilateral meeting with UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps. The talks will focus on defense, security, and industrial cooperation. Singh will also meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and engage with CEOs and industry leaders from the UK Defense Industry. Discussions will encompass critical technology sharing and potential collaboration in developing fighter aircraft and military platforms. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations and address regional situations in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine.

Several ex-Maldivian ministers express support for India after derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi by Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna. Former President Mohammed Nasheed distances government from comments. Suspensions follow for ministers who posted supportive comments on social media. Ex-President Solih emphasizes India's longstanding friendship, while former minister Ahmed Adeeb urges a friendly approach for positive relations. Ex-Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid calls for government reprimand and stresses India's historical support. Controversy sparked by PM Modi's viral post on Lakshadweep, leading to calls for boycotting Maldives and strained relations. #BoycottMaldives gains momentum on social media.

The BCCI has announced India's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, featuring a comeback for Rohit Sharma as captain and Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts return to T20Is after a hiatus since the 2022 World Cup. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal retain their spots, while Sanju Samson makes a comeback. The bowling lineup sees Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin attack. With the series commencing on January 11, the squad reflects a mix of experience and emerging talents, aiming to prepare for the T20 World Cup in June. Full Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

Severe flooding wreaks havoc across England as Storm Henk leaves over 1,800 properties submerged. The Environment Agency warns of ongoing misery until Monday, with significant impacts expected in the Midlands, Lincolnshire, and along the River Thames. Though the worst of the rain may have passed, forecasters predict a colder week ahead. A political row ensues over the government's response, with Labour accusing Chancellor Sunak of negligence. The Prime Minister defends the efforts, stating over £5.2bn invested in flood defenses. Financial recovery help is announced, offering up to £500 for households and £2,500 for small to medium-sized businesses affected by the floods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Gujarati folk singer Geetaben Rabari for her emotional song 'Shree Ram Ghar Aaye' ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Modi expresses the anticipation of Ram Lala's arrival in the grand temple, calling the bhajan touching. The song, posted on YouTube on January 1, has garnered over six lakh views. Modi, who has previously shared devotional songs, including those by Swasti Mehul, Jubin Nautiyal, Hansraj Raghuwanshi, and Swati Mishra, will participate in the inauguration and consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.

Hamza al-Dahdouh, the eldest son of Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief, was killed in an Israeli drone strike while reporting on the conflict. The strike targeted a group of journalists on a road between Khan Younis and Rafah. Freelance journalist Mustafa Thuraya also lost his life in the attack. Hamza had planned to cover the situation in the Moraj area, designated a "humanitarian zone" by the Israeli army. The strike adds to the toll of journalists killed during the Israel-Gaza war. Hamza's father, Wael al-Dahdouh, had lost family members in an earlier Israeli strike in October.

Maldives government suspends three ministers, including Mariyam Shiuna, for derogatory remarks about PM Narendra Modi after his Lakshadweep visit. The move follows a surge in cancellations of tourist bookings from India. Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarifies that such opinions are personal and do not represent the government's views. Former president Mohamed Nasheed and Vice President Ahmed Adeeb condemn the remarks. Over 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets reportedly canceled in retaliation. The Maldives, a key maritime neighbor to India, plays a crucial role in regional initiatives like 'SAGAR' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy.'