The Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its office-bearers triggers a storm. Newly-elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, accuses protesting wrestlers, stating, "These players are past their prime." Singh alleges politics and disruptions to junior wrestlers' progress, emphasizing the need for proof if he has disrespected anyone. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's return of awards adds a personal touch. The Indian Olympic Association appoints Bhupinder Singh Bajwa to lead the ad-hoc committee, aiming to navigate the turmoil. Wrestling faces a significant shakeup as allegations and protests dominate the scene.

Actor and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth, 71, has passed away at a Chennai hospital. Initially on ventilator support following a positive Covid-19 test, the hospital's statement clarified that pneumonia led to his demise. Admitted for a routine health check on Tuesday, his party had deemed him "healthy." With a notable film career and political legacy, Vijayakanth served as an MLA and Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016. Recent health concerns had prompted a reduced political role. The news marks the end of a significant era in Tamil cinema and politics.

The national capital woke up to near-zero visibility as dense fog shrouded Delhi and adjacent areas. With the mercury plummeting to 6 degrees Celsius, the cold wave persists, compelling the homeless to seek refuge in night shelters. Transport, including trains, faced delays due to low visibility. The India Meteorological Department forecasts "dense to very dense" fog until December 29. Changes in weather patterns are anticipated after December 30, offering relief from the chilling conditions. Amid the cold wave, Uttar Pradesh alters school timings, and a 15-day winter vacation is declared from December 31.

During his Rajouri-Poonch visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured justice to the families of three civilians who died after an army ambush. Singh pledged, "Whatever has happened...there will be justice." The civilians, picked up for questioning, alleged torture, leading to a court of inquiry and officer removals. Singh emphasized soldiers' duty, stating, "Not only to safeguard the nation's interests but also to win the hearts of the people." Families received ex-gratia payments, and Singh paid tribute to slain soldiers, underscoring the country's indebtedness to their sacrifice. The incident raises questions about military conduct.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared photos wrestling with Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia at Virendra Akhara, Haryana. The visit follows the suspension of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by Sports Ministry. Rahul highlighted the struggle of athletes amid controversies over WFI elections, stating, "If these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their arena and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path?" Deepak Punia explained, "He came to see how the daily life of a wrestler goes." The suspension, prompted by allegations of past influence, led to protests by athletes, including Bajrang Punia returning Padma Shri.

Two suspects caught on CCTV near the site of blast that occurred close to the Israel Embassy in New Delhi on Monday. The embassy confirmed the incident, reporting no casualties. A letter criticizing Israel's Gaza actions, attributed to "Sir Allah Resistance," was found wrapped in an Israeli flag. Security has been heightened, and forensic teams are investigating. No burnt explosives were discovered, raising the possibility of a "chemical explosion." Israeli authorities are cooperating in the investigation. This incident follows heightened security alerts globally since Israel's conflict with Hamas. In 2021, a blast near the embassy damaged cars, and in 2012, a bomb targeted an embassy car, injuring a diplomat's wife.

During a virtual interaction in Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi expressed his goal to transform 2 crore women associated with self-help groups into 'lakhpati' individuals. Engaging with beneficiaries, he sought support for this initiative. A woman named Rubina Khan, part of an SHG under the Aajeevika mission, shared her success story of starting a clothing business, expanding, and contributing during the COVID-19 period. PM Modi praised her self-confidence, emphasizing women's role in making the country 'atmanirbhar' (self-dependent). Rubina's achievements showcased the impact of government welfare schemes on grassroots entrepreneurship.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during a visit to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized, "The Army does not have to only save the nation from enemies; it also has the responsibility to win the hearts of people." Following recent civilian deaths in Poonch, Singh added, "Ensure such things don't happen again," expressing a commitment to end terrorism in the region. The deaths occurred during an anti-terror operation, leading Singh to express prayers for the injured soldiers, assuring, "Each of our army personnel is important to us." Singh, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, reviewed the security situation.

Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) carried out violent protests in Bengaluru, targeting high-profile areas like Kempegowda International Airport and prominent business districts. The group, advocating for the mandatory use of Kannada, damaged English signboards, claiming they "undermined the official language of Karnataka." KRV convener TA Narayana Gowda defended the actions, stating, "If you ignore Kannada, or put Kannada letters in small (print), we will not let you operate here." Police have taken preventive measures, detaining several protesters involved in the attacks.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has established a temporary committee to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) following the suspension of its newly elected administration. Led by Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, the ad hoc committee, including MM Somaya and Manjusha Kanwar, aims to ensure fair play, accountability, and transparency. The decision was prompted by alleged arbitrary actions by the WFI's President and officials, violating constitutional provisions and good governance principles. IOC chief PT Usha expressed concern in a letter stating, "The Indian Olympic Association has recently become aware that the recently appointed President and officials of the WFI have made arbitrary decisions in violation of their own constitutional provisions and against the principles of good governance espoused by the IOC and further without following due process overturned the rulings of the IOA appointed ad hoc committee."