World leaders, led by WHO chief Dr Tedros, will gather at Davos to discuss the potential threat of 'Disease X,' an unknown pathogen that could surpass the impact of Covid-19. The panel aims to prepare healthcare systems for future pandemics, emphasizing the need for platform technologies. Recent fears stem from wildlife viruses with spillover potential. The initiative traces back to lessons from the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic, pushing for early research and development preparedness. Research on Disease X in 2017 played a crucial role in developing the first Covid-19 vaccine, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in global health.

EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti responds to allegations that the company's decision to suspend flight bookings to the Maldives instigated the recent diplomatic standoff. Pitti clarifies the move was in response to the Maldivian president's "pro-China" stance and anti-India sentiments. Highlighting the 95% support from the Indian public, he asserts the decision was about upholding the country's dignity. The travel aggregator faced criticism for exploiting the row, leading to a surge in interest for Lakshadweep trips. The India-Maldives tension continues following critical remarks about PM Modi by suspended ministers. The Maldives insists on Chinese tourist influx, escalating the diplomatic rift.

A transformative journey unfolds as NITI Aayog's report discloses that 24.82 crore people in India exited multidimensional poverty from 2013-14 to 2022-23. The national decline from 29.17% to 11.28% showcases a significant reduction in poverty levels. Uttar Pradesh leads the states with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Modi applauds the achievement, emphasizing inclusive growth. The report projects India reaching single-digit poverty levels by 2024, and it foresees the realization of Sustainable Development Goals ahead of 2030. Noteworthy initiatives and global collaboration contribute to this substantial positive shift.

A magnitude 3.6 earthquake shook Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir at 8:53 am, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. The quake, at a depth of 5 km, prompted NCS to tweet the details. This follows a similar incident in central Assam yesterday, where a 3.6 magnitude earthquake hit East Karbi Anglong district. NCS, the Government of India's earthquake monitoring agency, continues its vigilance. No major damage reported in both cases, but locals in various districts felt the tremors. Earthquake preparedness remains crucial in seismic-prone regions.

Microsoft introduces Copilot Pro, a $20/month subscription bringing advanced AI features to individual users of Office apps. Extending beyond Copilot's free version, subscribers get exclusive access to AI assistance in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote on PC. Copilot Pro users enjoy priority access to the latest OpenAI models, including GPT-4 Turbo, promising faster performance during peak times. The subscription also enhances AI image creation, offering 100 boosts per day with improved quality, while regular users are limited to 15 boosts. Microsoft aims for a unified AI experience across devices, positioning Copilot Pro as a premium service for enhanced AI capabilities.

In Ayodhya, the town resonating with spiritual significance, the seven-day 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals for the consecration of the Ram temple have commenced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intimately linked to the temple's history, is set to preside over the grand ceremony on January 22. The intricate rituals, following Hindu traditions, include the 'Dashvidh' bath, atonement, Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, and diverse poojas. The installation of Golden Doors in the temple's Garbh Griha adds a touch of opulence. As Ayodhya becomes the focal point of these sacred practices, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, echoing the aspirations and devotion that have fueled this decades-long journey.      

Vivek Ramaswamy exited the Republican primary race after finishing fourth in the Iowa Caucuses. The biotech entrepreneur and vocal critic of 'wokeness' threw his support behind Donald Trump following the former president's dominant win. Ramaswamy acknowledged the lack of a viable path for his candidacy, citing concerns about the nation's direction. Known for his provocative statements, he faced challenges sustaining momentum. Despite once polling at 11.6%, he dwindled to just over 4% on his campaign's final day. Former GOP Speaker Newt Gingrich commended Ramaswamy's endorsement of Trump as "mature and statesmanlike."

Hamas releases a video announcing the death of two Israeli hostages seized in October. The footage features a woman hostage, Noa Argamani, revealing their deaths under duress. Israel's military denies responsibility, calling it a "brutal use of innocent hostages." The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, attributes the deaths to "Zionist army's bombing." The situation exacerbates tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accuses Hamas of applying "psychological pressure," ruling out a Gaza ceasefire. The international community watches closely as the humanitarian crisis escalates in the region.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, expresses deep concern over escalating threats to maritime traffic near India, citing direct impacts on the country's energy and economic interests. Jaishankar, after talks with Iran's counterpart, urges the international community to address the issue promptly. He emphasizes the need to prevent further violence and hostilities in West Asia. The minister also underscores India's support for a two-state solution in Palestine, calling for dialogue and diplomacy. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, with recent Houthi attacks on ships and international airstrikes in Yemen.

In the initial stages of the Iowa caucuses, former President Donald Trump secures a notable victory, clinching 49.5% of the votes with just 6% of the ballots counted. Trump is set to address his supporters in Des Moines, where celebrations are underway. The competition for second place unfolds between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, securing 22.4%, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley with a substantial 20.6%. Amid the political drama, a disruption hits a caucus site in Des Moines. President Biden's campaign reacts swiftly to Trump's projected win, emphasizing the need to protect previous achievements.