India reached 326/7 on Day 3 of the 4th Test against Australia, trailing by 148 runs, as rain forced an early Tea at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Nitish Kumar Reddy (85* off 119) and Washington Sundar (40* off 115) forged a crucial 105-run eighth-wicket partnership, countering Australia’s pace and spin. Despite early setbacks, including the dismissals of Pant and Jadeja, India avoided the follow-on. Reddy showcased resilience with his maiden Test fifty, while Sundar provided solid support. The rain interruption leaves the game delicately poised, with India looking to narrow the gap further on resumption.

The US has hinted at Russia's involvement in the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 on 25 December. White House spokesperson John Kirby cited "early indications" linking Russian air defence systems to the incident. The Embraer 190 plane, damaged over Grozny, Chechnya, was redirected across the Caspian Sea before crashing in Kazakhstan. Survivors reported hearing explosions mid-air, while Azerbaijan's transport minister confirmed "external interference." Russia and Kazakhstan proposed a CIS-led probe, but Azerbaijan demands an international inquiry. The Kremlin has denied responsibility, calling the situation in Chechnya "complex." The crash injured several but credited pilots saved 29 lives.

Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away on December 25 at 94 due to lymphoma. Known for transforming Suzuki into a global automotive leader, he pioneered small cars and motorcycles. His bold ventures included introducing the iconic Maruti 800 in India in the 1980s, solidifying Suzuki’s dominance in the Indian market. Leading the company for decades, Suzuki forged key partnerships with General Motors and Volkswagen, expanding operations worldwide. Despite stepping down in 2016 amid a testing scandal, his advisory role continued to shape Suzuki’s legacy. His leadership and innovative vision leave an indelible mark on the industry.

The Houthis pledged to intensify missile attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians despite Israel’s airstrikes on Yemen. The strikes targeted Yemen’s Sanaa airport, ports, and power stations, killing at least 4 and injuring UN personnel. Houthi leader Mohammed al-Bukhaiti accused Israel of “genocide in Gaza” and vowed continued military operations. Israel claimed the attacks were retaliation for Houthi missile launches, asserting it targeted "military infrastructure." The UN expressed grave concerns over escalating violence and its impact on humanitarian efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of continued actions against the "Houthi terrorist organisation."

Former PM Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 in Delhi, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and humility. Sonia Gandhi, former Congress chief, paid tribute, calling him a "friend, philosopher, and guide" and the "epitome of wisdom, nobility, and humility." Remembering his contributions, she highlighted his commitment to social justice and democratic values, which transformed millions of lives. Credited with 1991’s economic reforms, Singh's passing creates an irreplaceable void. Tributes poured in from leaders, including President Murmu, PM Modi, and Vice President Dhankhar. His last rites will be held Saturday. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.

US universities are advising international students to return before Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration, fearing potential travel bans. Institutions like Cornell and USC are issuing warnings due to Trump's proposed immigration policies, including expanding bans on Muslim-majority countries and revoking visas for "radical" individuals. India, now the largest source of international students in the US with 3.3 lakh enrolled in 2023-24, faces added caution, as new countries may be added to the travel ban list. While Trump suggests green cards for graduates, his policies create uncertainty. Universities aim to minimize disruption, ensuring students can continue their educational pursuits.

Azerbaijan Airlines attributed the fatal crash of Flight J2-8243 in Kazakhstan to "external physical and technical interference" on Friday. The crash, which occurred Wednesday in Aktau, Kazakhstan, claimed 38 lives, including two pilots and a flight attendant, while 29 passengers survived. Reports suggest the jet may have been struck by a Russian missile, though the Kremlin denies the allegations. Fog and Ukrainian drones reportedly disrupted the plane’s original route to Grozny, Russia. Survivors have been hospitalized, while severely burned bodies are undergoing identification. Investigations are ongoing, with conflicting claims from Russian and Ukrainian authorities about the incident.

Israeli forces forcibly evacuated Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, medics reported. The hospital, one of Gaza’s last functioning facilities, was given just 15 minutes to evacuate patients and staff. Reports indicate Israeli airstrikes near the hospital killed around 50 people, including five medical staff. Some patients in intensive care remain at risk due to a lack of specialized evacuation equipment. The Israeli military stated it was "unaware" of strikes in the area and is investigating claims of medics being targeted. Aid agencies have been unable to deliver supplies to the area under heavy blockade since October.

A North Korean soldier, captured by Ukraine while fighting alongside Russian forces, has died from his injuries, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to Russia, with nearly 3,000 reportedly killed or injured, according to Ukrainian President Zelensky. The captured soldier was seized on December 26 and succumbed to his wounds hours later. NATO claims Russia supports North Korea’s missile programs in exchange for troops. South Korea warns of Pyongyang’s involvement escalating the conflict. Intelligence suggests North Korea aims to modernize its military through battlefield experience in Ukraine.

Two sailors died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by their yacht's boom. The fatalities occurred on the boats Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. Both incidents happened overnight, with the sailors receiving CPR but unable to be revived. The names of the deceased have not been released. Fifteen other yachts, including favorites like Master Lock Comanche, withdrew due to poor weather. The race continues, with boats expected to arrive in Hobart by Friday or Saturday. Race organizers expressed condolences to the families and crews affected.