The BCCI has introduced a major rule change allowing bowlers to bowl two bouncers per over in IPL matches starting 2024. The move aims to make contests between bat and ball more competitive. After testing it successfully in domestic tournaments, the league will implement it next season. Indian pacer Unadkat welcomes the change saying it gives bowlers an extra weapon, especially in death overs when batsmen expect only yorkers. With more bouncer options, pacers will be in high demand at the next player auction. The tactical shift could make bidding wars for top quicks like Cummins and Starc even more intense between franchises.

The US has announced a 10-nation coalition including the UK, France, Bahrain, and Italy to address Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The rebels have escalated attacks on tankers and cargo vessels in the key transit route that carries 12% of global trade. The goal of the coalition is to ensure freedom of navigation and bolster regional security. Meanwhile, the Houthis said they attacked two vessels linked to Israel in solidarity with Gaza, but one ship's owner denied having any Israeli ties. The incidents are disrupting global trade in an attempt to pressure Israel over its conflict with Hamas. (Image Source: @sentdefender on X)

Persistent heavy rainfall in southern Tamil Nadu has resulted in three fatalities and disrupted normal life. The India Meteorological Department issues a yellow alert for Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi. Flooded roads, submerged bridges, and breached lakes cut off transportation, affecting several regions. Stranded passengers from the Tiruchendur-Chennai Egmore Chendur Express receive food drops, and efforts are underway to evacuate the remaining 500. Governor RN Ravi convenes a meeting to mobilize resources, declare holidays, and shut schools in affected districts. The Indian Army aids evacuations, highlighting the severity of the situation.

North Korea has conducted its fifth successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), condemned by South Korea, Japan, and the US. The missile, launched from near Pyongyang, flew about 1,000km, with Japanese officials reporting it landed in the sea west of Hokkaido. The ICBM, capable of reaching anywhere in the US, comes after talks between the US and South Korea on strategic weapons. Japan states the missile's potential range exceeds 15,000km. South Korea's President orders the upgrading of nuclear deterrence. The launch follows a short-range ballistic missile fired the night before, escalating tensions.            

Marvel actor Jonathan Majors, known for portraying Kang the Conqueror, was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in a car. Post-verdict, Disney-owned Marvel swiftly removed him from upcoming projects, including the lead role in "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty." Majors faced two assault and two harassment charges, with the jury convicting him on one assault and one harassment count. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office highlighted evidence of a "cycle of psychological and emotional abuse." Majors, set to be sentenced on Feb. 6, could face up to a year in prison. His management, PR firm, and advertisers had already severed ties post-arrest.

Predatory Sparrow, an Israeli-linked hacker group, claimed responsibility for a major cyber-attack on Iranian petrol stations, causing a 70% outage. The group cited its action as a response to perceived aggression by Iran and its proxies. The attack, conducted "in a controlled manner," aimed to avoid harm to emergency services. Iran's civil defense agency is investigating, and while fuel minister Javad Owji stated that 1,650 stations are operational, suspicions persist about external interference. Predatory Sparrow has a history of cyber-attacks on Iranian infrastructure, with ties to Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate suspected.

Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, reveals downsizing military operations due to diminishing foreign aid, highlighting ammunition shortages along the entire front line. Despite Western promises, US and EU aid delays, totaling billions, impact Ukraine's fight against Russian forces. Gen Tarnavskyi emphasizes the country's need for artillery shells, prompting a shift in tactics. As political hurdles stall aid packages, Ukraine aims to boost its own ammunition industry with Western assistance. Concerns rise over Russia's perception of weakening international support, signaling the need for sustained commitment to Ukraine's defense.            

Ram Temple Trust's general secretary, Champat Rai, confirmed, "Both are elders of the family, and considering their age, they were requested not to come, which was accepted by both." LK Advani, 96, and MM Joshi, 90, founding members of BJP, won't attend the Ayodhya temple consecration. PM Modi is set to attend on January 22, with former PM HD Deve Gowda invited. Rai added, "Shankaracharyas of six darshanas and around 150 saints and sages will participate." Celebrities like Dalai Lama, Rajnikanth, and Amitabh Bachchan are also invited. Preparations conclude by January 15, with rituals commencing on January 16.

Amidst false rumors of Dawood Ibrahim's death circulating on social media, his close aide Chhota Shakeel refutes the claims in an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18. Shakeel confirms Dawood's well-being, denouncing the viral message as fake. Born into infamy, Dawood, once Mumbai's underworld kingpin, has eluded authorities for years, currently residing in Karachi. The misinformation, spreading on various platforms, wrongly alleged his poisoning and demise. Shakeel asserts the D-Company's legal business ventures and dismisses new business interests. Dawood's life remains shrouded in mystery despite occasional glimpses into his activities.

China faces a double seismic blow as a magnitude-6.2 earthquake claims 111 lives in Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Hours later, a 5.5-magnitude quake strikes Xinjiang, adding to the nation's crisis. Gansu reports 105 deaths, 4,700 houses damaged, and 397 injuries. Rescue operations are underway, with power and communication lines disrupted. Chinese President Xi Jinping urges comprehensive efforts. The overnight low plunges to minus 15 degrees Celsius. In Xinjiang, the new quake triggers concerns, occurring amidst an already challenging situation. Tents and aid are dispatched as the nation grapples with the aftermath of nature's dual assault.