Japan Airlines confirms its jet had received permission to land before the tragic collision at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, claiming the lives of five individuals. The near-catastrophic incident involved a coast guard plane on an aid mission to the New Year's Day earthquake zone. While the coast guard plane's captain survived with serious injuries, all 379 passengers and crew on the Japan Airlines aircraft safely evacuated before it was engulfed in flames. The cause of the collision is under investigation, and government officials have pledged a thorough examination into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, announced that January 22 will be observed as a 'dry day' across the state to commemorate the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The decision aligns with the conclusion of the 'good governance' period, emphasizing the significance of Ram Raj in the state. The state contributes to the festivities by sending aromatic rice and vegetables to Ayodhya for the ceremony. With an atmosphere of celebration anticipated, the declaration of a dry day aims to enhance the joyous occasion, resembling Diwali festivities. The state eagerly awaits the auspicious event on January 22.

The aftermath of powerful earthquakes in Japan's Ishikawa prefecture reveals a rising death toll of 62, with many feared trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescuers confront aftershocks and poor weather in their mission to locate survivors. Over 20 people are seriously injured, and efforts to determine the number of missing individuals are ongoing. The earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.5 tremor, struck the Noto Peninsula, causing widespread damage. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of heavy rainfall, heightening the risk of landslides. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledges the urgency, emphasizing the race against time for rescue operations.            

Delhi experienced a dip in minimum temperatures, reaching 6-9 degrees Celsius, accompanied by persistent fog conditions. Despite a slight improvement in visibility to 500 meters, the air quality remained 'very poor.' In response to severe cold weather, Noida and Greater Noida authorities ordered the closure of schools up to Class 8 until January 6. North India, including Punjab and Haryana, anticipates 'cold day' conditions until January 5, with the weather department predicting dense to very dense fog in the coming days. Additionally, parts of Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh may witness similar foggy conditions. Cold wave impacts are expected to linger, prompting precautions in affected regions.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay has resigned amidst allegations of plagiarism and criticism for her congressional testimony on antisemitism. The decision follows concerns about her handling of a hearing where she faced backlash, particularly from New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. The controversy also involves accusations of plagiarism in Gay's academic work, which underwent an independent review. Harvard Corporation expressed gratitude for Gay's contributions but confirmed her departure. Alan M. Garber will serve as interim president. Gay, the first person of color and second woman as Harvard's president, will remain a faculty member.

Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas chief, declares that hostages taken from Israel won't be freed without adhering to the resistance's conditions. In a televised address, Haniyeh emphasizes, "The enemy's prisoners will only be released on terms set by the resistance." This stance has been communicated to Qatar and Egypt, calling for a complete cessation of aggression against Palestinians. Meanwhile, Gaza witnesses 207 deaths in 24 hours, bringing the Palestinian death toll to over 22,000. Yoav Gallant, Israeli defense minister, notes efforts targeting tunnels, stating, "We are reaching them all ways." Haniyeh also expresses openness to a unified Palestinian administration, saying, "We are open to the idea of a national government for the West Bank and Gaza."

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, expressed uncertainty on India-China relations in 2024, citing dependence on "Chinese policy" and the crucial aspect of "mutuality." In an interview with ANI, Jaishankar emphasized the need for mutual recognition for progress. Reflecting on the Ladakh standoff, he underscored that disregarding agreements in 2020 hindered mutual understanding. Discussing foreign policy legacies, Jaishankar highlighted Modi's realism, aligning with Sardar Patel, contrasting Nehru's approach. He urged a realistic stance in dealing with China, emphasizing confidence and India's millennia-old civilization.

Newly released files from the National Archives show that Srichand P Hinduja, embroiled in the “cash-for-passports” scandal, asked a British diplomat in 2001 if he should avoid returning to the UK until after the general election. Hinduja had donated £1m to Labour's Millennium Dome project while applying for a passport, leading to Peter Mandelson's resignation. Hinduja was concerned about becoming embroiled in a scandal damaging to Labour before the election. The diplomat gave no advice. The archives also showed the Conservatives questioned Tony Blair about his links to Hinduja amid the scandal. Though Hinduja was cleared of wrongdoing, the scandal harmed Labour ahead of the 2001 polls.

Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms the death of Saleh Arouri, a top Hamas official, in a southern Beirut explosion. Arouri, a founder of Hamas' military wing and West Bank head, was reportedly targeted by an Israeli drone. The blast, killing four, prompts Hamas to vow continued resistance. Hezbollah pledges retaliation against any Israeli targeting of Palestinian officials in Lebanon. Lebanon's PM condemns the incident as a "new Israeli crime." Israel, though not claiming responsibility, suggests a "surgical strike against the Hamas leadership." Tensions escalate following months of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Amidst a lingering cold wave in North India, Noida schools for students up to Class 8 will be closed from January 3 to 6, according to the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration. Following a prior shutdown on December 29 and 30 due to harsh weather conditions, this decision aims to prioritize the safety of younger students. Classes for students in Classes 9 to 12 will continue as scheduled. With temperatures reaching single digits in Uttar Pradesh, the move aligns with precautionary measures. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light rains in western UP from January 3, adding to the wintry conditions.