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.

South Korea's parliament has impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, following a vote of 192 in favor. Han, who assumed office after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, faced criticism for blocking the appointment of three judges to oversee Yoon's case. The opposition's impeachment motion followed Han's refusal to progress Yoon’s impeachment process. This marks the first time an acting president has been impeached in South Korea's democratic history. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will replace Han. The decision must be confirmed by South Korea's Constitutional Court within 180 days. Political chaos continues to grip the country.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 after a prolonged illness. Tributes poured in, highlighting his enduring legacy and recalling his famous 2014 remark, "History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media." Known for bold economic reforms in 1991, Singh transformed India's growth trajectory despite facing allegations of weak leadership during UPA-II. Leaders across parties praised him as a visionary economist and a silent architect of modern India. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "History shall judge you kindly." Singh’s legacy remains pivotal in shaping India's economic and political landscape.

Syria's rebel-led government reported 14 interior ministry troops killed and 10 wounded in clashes with Assad loyalists near Tartous. The loyalists ambushed security forces pursuing a former officer linked to Assad’s regime. Reinforcements were deployed, leading to arrests, including the ex-officer. Demonstrations and unrest have also erupted in Alawite-dominated areas like Homs and Latakia, following concerns over revenge against the Assad-linked Alawite community. Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces mounting challenges to stabilize the nation after ousting Assad's regime in a lightning offensive. Syrians demand justice for atrocities under Assad, complicating reconciliation efforts.

Ukrainian forces have captured an injured North Korean soldier sent to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, marking the first such capture since December. South Korea’s spy agency confirmed the capture, following the circulation of a photo on Telegram. North Korea is believed to have deployed over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia, although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have confirmed the troops' presence. Ukrainian forces suspect some North Koreans have been issued fake Russian IDs. The collaboration between Russia and North Korea, involving elite troops, increases tensions and poses risks for regional stability.

An Australian newspaper sparked controversy by depicting Virat Kohli as a clown after his on-field clash with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The newspaper’s headline, “Clown Kohli,” showed Kohli with a clown’s nose and mocked the incident, where Kohli shouldered Konstas. Ravi Shastri, reacting to the over-the-top response from the Australian media, suggested it reflected desperation due to Australia’s winless run at Melbourne’s MCG. Shastri also defended the 20% fine imposed on Kohli, noting that precedents exist for such breaches of conduct.

Azerbaijan Airlines' Embraer 190 crashed in western Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, killing 38 and injuring 29. The flight, diverted from Baku to Aktau, came down after reportedly encountering worsening weather. Early reports suggest Russian air defense systems may have targeted the plane, with holes in the tail section of the wreckage consistent with missile shrapnel. However, both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan officials caution against speculation. Investigators are examining potential causes, including a bird strike and possible missile involvement. Azerbaijan observed a nationwide mourning day with a moment of silence for the victims.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to hold peace talks with Ukraine in Slovakia, following Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's offer to host negotiations. Fico, who recently visited Moscow, has been critical of EU support for Ukraine and has fostered closer ties with Russia. While Ukraine has not responded, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shifted his stance, suggesting a ceasefire under NATO's protection to negotiate territorial recovery. The war has inflicted immense losses on both sides, with Russia's manpower significantly affected. Ukrainian forces have faced difficulties in reclaiming territories held by Russia.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Yemen's Sanaa airport during Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, which killed 6 and injured 40. Tedros, in Yemen to assess the humanitarian situation and negotiate the release of UN detainees, was unhurt but reported damage to the airport’s control tower and runway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes targeted "military infrastructure" of the Houthi rebels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the attacks "especially alarming." Houthi officials condemned the strikes as "barbaric," while Iran criticized them as violating international peace. Escalating tensions continue between Yemen and Israel.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, passed away at 92, leaving behind a significant legacy in both political and economic spheres. Known for his role in economic reforms during the 1990s and the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, his leadership shaped India's modern economy. His tenure saw impressive GDP growth and key social initiatives, though his legacy was marred by controversies such as the 2G and CWG scams. A celebrated economist, Singh's contributions to India's development are widely acknowledged, and he remains a towering figure in Indian political history.