A shooting at a high school in Perry, Iowa on Thursday left several people injured and the suspected shooter dead. The incident occurred before classes had started for the day at Perry High School, leaving few students and staff present at the time. Multiple gunshot victims were taken to a hospital in Des Moines, about 40 miles away. The suspect died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement. The shooting took place as Republican candidates campaigned nearby ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Fifteen-year-old student Zander Shelley was grazed twice before hiding in a classroom and texting his father. The shooting comes amid a rash of gun violence at schools across the country.

The Islamic State has asserted responsibility for twin explosions during an Iranian ceremony commemorating Qassem Soleimani's death, resulting in nearly 100 casualties. The first blast, confirmed as a "suicide bomber" attack, was followed by a second explosion near Soleimani's grave. Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed a "harsh response" against the perceived culprits, whom officials, such as Mohammad Jamshidi and Esmail Qaani, linked to the U.S. and Israel. However, some experts, including Ali Vaez, note that the attack's characteristics align more with the modus operandi of the Islamic State.

Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) detains Tahar Singh and Om Prakash Mishra for social media threats targeting the Ram Temple and CM Yogi Adityanath. Allegedly following instructions from Devendra Tewari, the STF investigates Tewari's potential political motivations. Tewari, with prior cases, is currently evading arrest. The STF reveals the accused created fake emails, alamansarikhan608@gmail.com and zubairkhanisi199@gmail.com, to send threats. Tewari aimed for "political gain" through increased visibility and security measures. The charges include criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, promoting enmity, forgery, and using forged documents. The STF is unraveling the plot to ascertain Tewari's specific political objectives in this alarming incident.

Labour questions the closure of Catamaran Ventures, owned by Rishi Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty. The firm, which held shares in a government-backed education start-up, wound up in December. Labour's Pat McFadden queries the impact on affiliated businesses, tax arrangements, and urges continued transparency in ministerial interests. Catamaran's closure reportedly resulted in a significant charity donation. With an election looming, this move suggests Labour's scrutiny of Murty's wealth could play a role in campaigning. Previously under scrutiny for non-dom status, Murty, heiress to Infosys, holds an estimated £700m in Infosys shares.            

Following a Qatar court's decision to commute the death sentences of eight Indian Navy veterans, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively discussing the way forward. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the veterans are no longer on death row and revealed a confidential court order. The legal team is utilizing the 60-day window to appeal in Qatar's highest court. Initially sentenced to death on espionage charges in October, the veterans now face varying prison terms. The Qatari court's decision comes after their families appealed the earlier ruling. Charges have not been publicly disclosed by either Qatar or India.

China's Global Times praises India's evolution into a strategically confident nation, lauding its economic growth, governance improvements, and foreign policy shifts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The article, authored by Zhang Jiadong of Fudan University, highlights India's diplomatic finesse in major global alignments, emphasizing a nuanced stance in conflicts like Russia-Ukraine. The narrative notes India's departure from historical shadows, expressing ambitions to act as a "world mentor" politically and culturally. Zhang concludes, recognizing India's rapid transformation as a geopolitical force demanding global consideration.            

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to Air India and SpiceJet for rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots during dense fog in Delhi. Over 50 flights faced diversion on December 24-25 and December 27-28 due to low visibility. Responding within 14 days is mandated. CAT III compliance is crucial for landings in adverse weather. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia cited unprecedented fog density, coordinating with airlines for trained pilots. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasted very dense fog at Delhi's IGI airport. Passengers experienced delays, and the Delhi Airport Authority warned of disturbances for non-CAT III compliant flights, emphasizing the need for trained pilots in challenging weather conditions.

Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, commencing on January 14 from Manipur, will span 6,700 km across 15 states and over 100 Lok Sabha constituencies. Initially named Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0, the march aims for political, economic, and social justice. The change in route from Arunachal Pradesh and the addition of "Jodo" reflect the impact of last year's successful Bharat Jodo Kanyakumari-Srinagar Yatra. The expedition, involving buses for logistical efficiency, concludes at Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace in Gujarat, fostering nationwide participation from political parties and the public.

In a stellar display of cricket prowess, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami have been shortlisted for the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year. Gill's exceptional 2023, amassing 1584 runs with five centuries, set him apart. Kohli's World Cup heroics, accumulating 765 runs, earned him Player of the Tournament. Shami's lethal bowling in the World Cup, claiming 24 wickets, adds to the fierce competition. Daryl Mitchell, a key player for New Zealand, completes the formidable lineup. The cricketing world awaits the announcement of the coveted award, recognizing the outstanding contributions of these Indian cricket stars.   

Newly obtained CCTV footage from a Gurugram hotel discloses the final hours of former model Divya Pahuja before her tragic murder. The footage captures Pahuja with accused hotel owner Abhijeet Singh in the early morning, later showing her body being dragged down a hotel corridor. Singh, alleged to have shot Pahuja due to a blackmail dispute, and two accomplices are in custody. Police seek the body, believed to be dumped in Punjab. Pahuja, previously jailed in connection to a gangster's encounter, was out on bail. Investigations continue into the disturbing case.