The BRICS alliance has grown to 10 member countries with the addition of 5 new states, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are now full members of the bloc. BRICS was originally formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China as members, later expanding to include South Africa in 2010. Argentina had been approved to join but withdrew its candidacy last week. According to Putin, the new members signal the "growing authority" of BRICS on the global stage. Under Russia's 2022 presidency, BRICS will focus on strengthening multilateralism and working towards an equitable world order. Over 200 BRICS events are planned in Russia this year, culminating in a summit in Kazan in October.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is under scrutiny as the Maharashtra government's labor ministry investigates complaints of TCS halting the salaries of approximately 900 employees and allegedly imposing "forced transfers" on 2000 workers. The IT employees union, Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), filed the complaint, citing insufficient notice for relocations causing hardship. TCS faces accusations of threatening disciplinary action against non-compliant employees. The company's move to stop salaries for objecting workers has drawn criticism, leading to a joint meeting with the labor department scheduled for January 18.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a specialized satellite designed to study black holes and other astronomical phenomena. The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) lifted off successfully on Monday from Sriharikota spaceport, becoming only the second such space telescope after NASA's, launched in 2021. According to ISRO, the $30 million mission aims to enable more detailed research into black holes and improve scientific understanding. XPoSat has a planned lifespan of 5 years in orbit. The launch follows a series of successful ISRO missions over the past year, including lunar and solar studies. It represents India's growing space capabilities and ambitions, as ISRO also prepares for a manned mission in 2025 after completing test flights.

Devastating collision at Tokyo's Haneda Airport claims five lives as a Japan Coast Guard aircraft collides with a Japan Airlines plane. Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirms the death of five Coast Guard crew members, while all 379 passengers and crew on the Japan Airlines flight escape unharmed. The airport is temporarily shut down, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida orders swift damage assessment. The Japan Coast Guard investigates the incident, with NHK reporting the pilot's evacuation. The Airbus A-350, JAL flight 516, bursts into flames after landing, possibly struck by the Coast Guard plane. All passengers and crew are safely evacuated.

At least 48 people have died after Japan was struck by a series of major earthquakes on Monday, with the largest recorded at magnitude 7.6. Rescuers are in a "battle against time" to find survivors trapped under rubble, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The quakes sparked fires and destroyed homes near the epicenter on Japan's Noto peninsula. Around 1,000 troops have been sent to assist rescue efforts, but damaged infrastructure is hampering access to affected areas. Over 100 homes in Wajima city have been destroyed by fires still burning Tuesday morning. The government has urged coastal residents to stay away despite lifted tsunami warnings, as strong aftershocks are forecast.

Storm Henk is wreaking havoc across the UK, with the Met Office issuing an amber wind warning for southern England, the Midlands, East Anglia, and Wales until 20:00 GMT. Exposed coasts may experience gusts of 70 to 80mph, while inland areas could face winds up to 60mph. A yellow rain warning is in place until 21:00, affecting regions as far north as Manchester and Hull. Over 100 flood warnings and nearly 200 flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency. The Met Office emphasizes the risk of flying debris, potential injuries, power cuts, and advises precautions such as securing loose objects and avoiding coastal areas.

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar sums up a thrilling 2023 for Indian cricket, praising the women's team for historic Test wins against Australia and England. While the men clinched victories in the Asia Cup and Asian Games, their World Cup dreams were shattered in a surprising defeat to Australia. Gavaskar emphasizes the excitement in the sport, stating, “I think it's been a fantastic year for both the men's and the women's team, particularly the way the women's team has performed.” Despite setbacks, including a heartbreaking World Cup final loss, 2023 remains a memorable year for Indian cricket, marked by achievements and heartbreaks on the international stage.

A Japan Airlines Airbus A-350, flight 516, burst into flames on Tokyo's Haneda airport runway following a collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft. All 367 passengers, eight toddlers, and 12 crew members were safely evacuated. The Japan Coast Guard is investigating the incident. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called for a swift assessment of the damage. NHK footage revealed significant eruptions of fire and smoke from the plane. Haneda temporarily closed all runways. The collision and subsequent fire mark a grave incident, with authorities working to understand the details of the accident and ensure passenger safety.

Singer Chinmayi Sripaada expressed outrage as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Congress leader P Chidambaram, and actor Kamal Haasan appeared at an event with lyricist Vairamuthu, whom she accused of sexual harassment in 2018. Sharing a post of the leaders with Vairamuthu at a book launch, Sripaada lamented the alleged promotion of her molester while she faced repercussions. Stalin shared a video of the event on New Year's Day. Sripaada, who has persistently sought justice, urged for a change in the system that shields sex offenders. Seventeen women have accused Vairamuthu of harassment.

A Japan Airlines plane caught fire on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Local TV footage showed a burst of fire from the side of the Airbus A350 as it taxied, followed by flames on the wing. Nearly 400 passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire, with the cause still unclear. The incident occurred after the aircraft reportedly collided with a Japan Coast Guard plane. Haneda, a busy airport, faced disruptions during the New Year holidays. Authorities are investigating, and Japan Airlines provided updates on the situation.