Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed his frustration with ultra-edge technology after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s contentious dismissal in the fourth Test. Despite Jaiswal’s 84-run knock being cut short, Cummins was confident the batter had edged the ball, stating, “Oh look, I think it was just clear that he hit it. We heard a noise, saw a deviation, so it was absolutely certain that he hit it.” However, he criticized the technology, saying, “Ultra-edge… I don't think anyone has complete confidence in it.” The decision, which came after a review, sparked debate, but Cummins stood by the umpire’s call.

ISRO successfully launched the SpaDeX mission to demonstrate advanced in-space docking technology, a crucial step for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan. The PSLV-C60 rocket carried two spacecraft, SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target), into low Earth orbit. Over the next 10 days, the spacecraft will test docking techniques, with the final goal of achieving a controlled approach and connection. This mission is a key milestone for India’s space exploration ambitions, paving the way for human spaceflight and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), as India aims to become the fourth country to master space docking.

Indian cricket gears up for a pivotal 2025 with major challenges and transitions. The men’s team eyes the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai and possibly the WTC final, but senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face scrutiny over form. Jasprit Bumrah emerges as a potential Test captain, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer vie for ODI leadership. The women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, targets an ICC title as India hosts the ODI World Cup. With Gautam Gambhir’s coaching under review, 2025 marks a defining year for both men's and women's cricket teams.

Delhi and surrounding regions brace for a severe cold wave and dense fog as temperatures drop significantly ahead of the New Year. The Safdarjung area recorded 15°C, 5°C below normal, while Palam saw 13°C, 7°C below average. Dense fog is expected to persist in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 1, affecting visibility and travel. Northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan will also face similar conditions. While air quality in Delhi improved to a "moderate" AQI of 183, the meteorological department forecasts worsening cold and fog in Northwest India over the coming days.

India lost the MCG Test to Australia by 184 runs, conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the hosts secured a 2-1 series lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal's controversial dismissal on Day 5 sparked debate, with BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla criticizing third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat for overruling the on-field decision without conclusive evidence. Jaiswal, who scored a valiant 84 off 208 balls, fell in the 71st over when a Snicko review suggested no contact with his gloves, yet the umpire ruled him out. The decision proved pivotal as India's hopes crumbled. The fifth Test begins on January 3 in Sydney.

The body of Santra Saju, a 22-year-old Indian student from Kerala, was found in a river near Newbridge, Scotland, on December 27. Saju, a student at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, had been missing since December 6, when she was last seen at a supermarket in Livingston. Police Scotland stated formal identification is pending, but her family has been informed. Authorities confirmed no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal. Her disappearance, described as out of character, prompted an extensive search. Family and friends expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death.

The India-Australia fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set a new attendance milestone for Test matches in Australia, with over 350,700 fans attending across five days. This surpasses the previous record set in 1937. Daily turnout peaked at 87,242 on the first day and remained strong, with over 51,000 attending the fifth day’s first session alone. The Melbourne Cricket Club underestimated the final day’s numbers, causing delays as only one gate was opened. This follows India’s remarkable fan turnout during the 2022 T20 World Cup at the same venue, solidifying the ground’s place in cricket history.

Magnus Carlsen, world’s top chess player, will rejoin the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) relaxed its dress code. The Norwegian grandmaster quit the tournament in New York when informed his jeans violated regulations. FIDE now permits “elegant minor deviations” like jeans paired with a blazer. Carlsen, 34, confirmed his return and his intent to wear jeans. Known for his maverick nature, Carlsen’s actions highlight ongoing debates over tradition in chess. Previously, he faced controversy over allegations of cheating against a rival, which were settled in 2023.

5 people have been charged in connection with Liam Payne's death in Argentina. The 31-year-old One Direction star died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Hotel manager Gilda Martin, employee Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores face manslaughter charges. Two hotel workers, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, are charged with supplying drugs. Toxicology reports showed Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription drug in his system. Authorities ruled his fall as accidental, as he may have been unconscious. Payne’s funeral was held in the UK last month.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep sadness over the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100. Xi praised Carter for his role in normalizing China-US relations, which began in 1979. In a message to US President Joe Biden, Xi said Carter made significant contributions to fostering cooperation between the two nations. Xi emphasized that China-US ties are "one of the most important" globally and expressed China's willingness to work with the US for healthy and stable relations moving forward. Carter, although not visiting China during his presidency, remained a key figure in diplomatic exchanges.