Telugu superstar Jr NTR has safely returned to Hyderabad with his family following their holiday in Japan, marked by a series of devastating earthquakes.The star, who spent Christmas and New Year in Japan with his family, arrived in Hyderabad late Monday night. In a video shared on social media, Jr NTR, accompanied by his wife and children, was seen at the airport. Expressing deep shock over the earthquakes, Jr NTR took to social media, stating, "Spent the entire last week there, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. Grateful for the resilience of the people and hoping for a swift recovery. Stay strong, Japan." The family had celebrated Christmas and New Year in Japan. Additionally, Jr NTR shared exciting news about his upcoming film "Devara," revealing the release of its first glimpse on January 8, 2024.

Four people were shot dead, and five critically injured in a recent outbreak of violence in Manipur's Thoubal district. As a response, curfew has been reimposed in Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the violence, promising swift action against the perpetrators. The attackers, yet to be identified, reportedly donned camouflage attire and targeted locals. The motive appears linked to extortion, leading to clashes with enraged residents. This incident compounds the prevailing ethnic tensions, with Manipur witnessing a series of violent episodes in recent weeks, raising concerns and necessitating heightened security measures.            

South Korea's opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was stabbed in the neck while engaging with reporters in Busan. The attack occurred as Lee walked through a crowd after inspecting a new airport site. Graphic footage showed him collapsing, with onlookers rushing to assist. The assailant, who reportedly asked for an autograph before the assault, was swiftly apprehended by police. Lee, conscious and bleeding, was transported to Pusan National University Hospital. Described as an act of terror, the incident prompts calls for a thorough police investigation. Lee, a former presidential contender, faces past scandals but remains a potent political figure in South Korea's landscape.

A series of 155 earthquakes struck Japan on New Year's Day, claiming at least 12 lives and forcing thousands to evacuate. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake triggered tsunami warnings, causing waves up to 5-feet high. Rescue efforts face obstacles with damaged roads and halted transport services, hindering access to the worst-affected Noto Peninsula. Major highways remain non-operational, leaving 33,000 households without power. The earthquakes also prompted tsunami warnings in Russia, South Korea, and North Korea. US President Joe Biden pledges support, emphasizing the strong bond between the US and Japan. The disaster revives concerns over Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity, with authorities warning of potential further shocks.

Japan has lowered its highest-level tsunami alert that was issued following powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.6 quake, on Honshu's west coast. Despite the downgrade, coastal residents have been warned against returning home due to the threat of deadly waves. The Monday quakes caused building collapses with residents inside them and a fire in Wajima City, Ishikawa prefecture. Electricity was out for more than 30,000 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea, with expected aftershocks. While the immediate casualties remained unclear, the warning persisted for potential waves reaching up to 3 meters. The situation prompted vigilance as Japan grappled with the aftermath and possible further seismic activity.

Iran has dismissed US and UK demands to cease its support towards Houthi rebels and their attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships, labeling the accusations as unwarranted interference. The Iranian Navy deployed the Alborz destroyer to the Red Sea, emphasizing its commitment to the vital shipping lane. As tensions escalated on Sunday, the US military reported sinking three Houthi vessels in the Red Sea, resulting in 10 militant deaths. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme National Security Council praised the Houthi rebels for their "brave actions" against perceived "Zionist aggression," signaling heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Metropolitan Police have identified 16-year-old Harry Pitman as the victim stabbed to death in London on New Year's Eve. Pitman was fatally attacked during celebrations with friends on Primrose Hill around 11:40pm on Sunday, minutes before the New Year celebrations. Responding officers desperately tried to save him before he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight. A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Pitman's murder. Detectives believe an altercation between the victim and suspect sparked the unprovoked violence. They urge witnesses among holiday crowds to come forward with information. Pitman's devastated family is being supported by specialists. The deadly stabbing renews concerns over youth violence in London.

Doctors are reporting a concerning rise in scabies infections across the UK, sparking fears of a public health crisis. The highly contagious skin condition is spreading rapidly amid shortages of critical treatments permethrin and malathion. Dermatologists describe the situation as an "absolute nightmare," with outbreaks in care homes, nursing facilities, and university dorms. They warn limited tracking of scabies patients means the problem could be far worse than currently known. Without access to treatments, doctors struggle to contain the spread. Some desperate patients turn to expensive foreign imports. Experts urge authorities to address the shortages and plan for further outbreaks, especially in communal living spaces. They also aim to reduce stigma so those affected seek prompt treatment. If left unchecked, the surge in scabies poses major risks this winter.

In a strategic move, the Indian Army is set to deploy six Apache attack helicopters near the Pakistan border in Jodhpur, enhancing combat capabilities in the western desert. The choppers, arriving from the US in February-March, follow the training of over 50 pilots and technicians. With 22 Apaches already in service with the Indian Air Force, this deployment raises the joint inventory to 28. Boeing, in collaboration with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, commenced production last August. The AH-64E helicopters, known for advanced technology and battle-tested performance, aim to elevate the Indian Army's operational effectiveness and defensive capabilities in the region.

A court in Bangladesh has sentenced Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to six months in jail for labor law violations related to Grameen Telecom, a company he founded. Supporters claim the move is politically motivated ahead of the general elections, pointing to Yunus' past consideration of forming a political party. Author Taslima Nasreen alleges Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's reluctance to let any Bangladeshi surpass her father's fame. Yunus, known for microcredit efforts, faces ongoing legal battles with the government. The verdict raises concerns about the politicization of legal proceedings and its impact on Bangladesh's global image.