Here are the highlights from Day 1 of the convention.
The countries will pin their hopes of victory on their quicks with seamer friendly wickets on order for the Tests in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg, and the contests set to be dominated by fiery exchanges of fast bowling.
'This is a historic juncture when the US is in great need of an alliance with India to strengthen its hands in the fierce struggle with China in the Asian theatre,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Rediff.com takes a look at some of the most prominent politicians across the world as they get jiggy with it.
Vanity Fair Oscar Party was no less than the big awards night.
It is almost puzzling to see more old men and women hang around long enough for people to begin wondering 'why not retire?'
Five Indian-Americans have been named among the 400 richest people in the US by Forbes, a list topped by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for the 21st year in a row with a net worth of $81 billion.
Carrie Fisher, who made Star Wars character Princess Leia so popular, passed into the ages on December 28
.. And other memorable couple outings at Cannes Film Festival.
In terms of days, Dale Steyn has spent 2,320 days at the top of the ICC Player Rankings for Test Bowlers, the most by any bowler since World War II.
Usain Bolt returned to the scene of his triple Olympic glory and duly delivered for 60,000 camera-flashing fans as he overcame a slow start to win the 100 metres and give the London Anniversary Games the Friday finale it demanded.
A quick look at the Oscar 2015 nominations.
