Disney's iconic characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the 1928 film "Steamboat Willie" are now in the public domain in the US as Disney's copyright expired. Creators can freely use these early versions. The expiration, part of US copyright law, allows sharing, performing, and repurposing. Other works from 1928, including Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus" and AA Milne's "The House at Pooh Corner," also enter the public domain. Although Disney still holds trademarks, allowing certain use, experts anticipate creative reimagining. Disney assures modern Mickey versions remain under copyright, continuing their role as global ambassadors.

Rajasthan's Phalodi experienced its coldest day at 5.6 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest temperature in the state. Jaipur recorded a minimum of 7.6 degrees Celsius on the New Year's first day. Other cities like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sirohi reported chilly temperatures. Alwar and Sriganganagar recorded 8.2 degrees, with Pilani at 8.5 degrees. The state observed dry weather with moderate to dense fog in some areas. Meteorological department officials shared these details as residents bundled up to combat the cold.

Efforts to establish self-regulatory bodies for online gaming in India have stalled, prompting the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) to consider direct control over game approvals. Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar revealed a lack of progress in appointing such bodies, with only one application received and rejected. The proposed group of ministers for a regulatory framework also faces delays. Meity aims to prevent industry dominance in self-regulation and is weighing the government's direct involvement in determining permissibility. The decision, yet to be finalized, comes after amendments to IT rules in April sought self-regulation for online gaming.

Bangladesh's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, 83, known for his microfinance efforts against poverty, faced a political storm as a Dhaka labor court convicted him and three colleagues for not establishing a workers' welfare fund. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing Yunus of exploiting the poor, intensified verbal attacks. The court sentenced them to six months' simple imprisonment, met with bail and denial of charges. Facing over 100 more accusations, Yunus called the verdict "unprecedented." Global figures, including Barack Obama, condemned the "continuous judicial harassment." Critics claim political retaliation, alleging Yunus's case symbolizes government "weaponizing labour laws."

Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issues a new threat, targeting India's economic system by attacking the Bombay Stock Exchange on March 12. Pannun, designated a 'terrorist' in India, urges dumping Indian stocks and buying American ones. Intelligence sources claim he aims to profit after the failed referendum. Pannun previously incited actions against the PM's Ayodhya roadshow, offered a reward, and made threats on the ICC World Cup final, Indian Parliament, and Air India. US officials revealed a foiled plot against Pannun on American soil in November 2023. Ongoing investigations continue.

The Indian embassy in Japan establishes an emergency control room and shares helpline numbers for Indian citizens following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake triggering a tsunami. The embassy is in regular contact with local authorities, emphasizing citizens' adherence to government instructions. The helpline numbers include Mr. Yakub Topno, Mr. Ajay Sethi, Mr. D.N.Barnwal, Mr. S. Bhattacharya, and Mr. Vivek Rathee. The Japan Meteorological Agency issues tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama. While there are no immediate reports of major injuries, the Prime Minister urges residents to stay vigilant for potential earthquakes and evacuate tsunami-prone areas.

Tragedy struck as a 16-year-old boy was fatally stabbed just before midnight on New Year's Eve at Primrose Hill, London. Hundreds of revelers witnessed the incident. Police cars navigated through crowds to reach the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A murder investigation is underway, and a suspect has been arrested. Mayor Sadiq Khan and Sir Keir Starmer express condolences. Police appeal for witnesses, noting the busy atmosphere. Extensive cordons are in place, and forensic examinations are ongoing. The incident mars the New Year celebration, prompting reflections on senseless violence.

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand dispels rumors about the runtime of his upcoming film "Fighter," featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Contrary to reports suggesting a three-hour-plus duration, Anand confirms the actual runtime to be under 2 hours and 40 minutes. The film, promising adrenaline-pumping action, recently unveiled a teaser that garnered positive responses. Scheduled for a January 25, 2024 release, "Fighter" showcases aerial stunts shot at Indian air bases with real Sukhois. Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi also star in the film, marking Deepika's first collaboration with Hrithik.

The central government declares gangster Goldy Brar a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Linked to the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International, Brar is accused of cross-border affiliations, multiple killings, radical ideology, and making threatening calls to pro-nationalist leaders. A member of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, Brar claimed responsibility for Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala's 2022 murder. Involved in arms smuggling and plotting to disrupt peace in Punjab, he faces an Interpol Red Corner Notice for extradition. In an exclusive interview, Brar previously mentioned actor Salman Khan being on their "kill list."

Despite strained relations, India and Pakistan uphold a tradition by exchanging lists of nuclear installations, honoring a pact dating back to 1992. Diplomatic channels facilitated the simultaneous exchange of these lists in New Delhi and Islamabad. The Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, signed in 1988, mandates this annual exchange. Both countries also shared lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen, emphasizing humanitarian matters. India urges the release of fishermen, and Pakistan seeks consular access to its citizens. This marks the 33rd consecutive year of such exchanges between the neighboring nations.