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.

The BJP has criticized Rahul Gandhi for traveling to Vietnam to celebrate the New Year while India mourns the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of disrespecting Singh, claiming that he had "abused and insulted" him during his lifetime. The Congress responded, defending Gandhi's private travel and criticizing the BJP for politicizing the issue. Congress MP Manickam Tagore also hit back, accusing the BJP of diverting attention from its treatment of Singh's family. Manmohan Singh passed away last week at the age of 92.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a new scheme to provide Rs 18,000 monthly honorarium to priests (pujaris) and granthis in temples and gurudwaras. Named the "Pujari, Granthi Samman Yojana," the scheme aims to honour their role in society. Kejriwal stated this was the first time such a move was being made in the country. The BJP criticised the announcement, calling it a pre-election strategy, and questioned why similar support was not provided earlier. Registration for the scheme begins Tuesday at Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place, with plans to expand across the city.

India’s captain Rohit Sharma admitted to struggling with his batting and leadership in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India lost the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by 184 runs, sparking questions about Rohit’s Test future. He dismissed retirement rumours but acknowledged, “As a captain and batter, it’s disappointing when things don’t work.” India is now trailing 1-2 in the series. Rohit remains hopeful of a win in the final Sydney Test, saying, “A 2-2 draw will be nice.” India must win the match starting January 3 to retain the trophy and improve their World Test Championship final chances.

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan commented on the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Allu Arjun’s visit for Pushpa 2. The chaos killed a woman and injured her son. Speaking to reporters, Kalyan said, “The law is equal for all, and police must prioritise public safety.” He added, “It would have been better if someone had visited the victim’s family earlier on behalf of Allu Arjun. The lack of humanity in this matter is deeply disappointing.” Kalyan praised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for his response and urged fair handling of accountability. Public opinion remains divided over the incident.

A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people crashed while landing at Muan Airport on Sunday. Only two crew members survived. The plane hit birds and tried to land again but overshot the runway, crashing into an embankment. Experts are questioning why the plane was too fast and its landing gear was not down. Rescue teams are working to identify bodies. South Korea’s acting president has ordered a full investigation and inspection of the country’s airline systems. The transport ministry is also reviewing all Boeing 737-800 aircraft for safety checks. Muan Airport remains closed.

Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the 4th Test in Melbourne, securing a 2-1 series lead. Chasing 340, India crumbled to 155 all out. Pat Cummins starred with a double blow in the opening session, dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Virat Kohli fell before lunch, leaving India at 33/3. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty 84 ended controversially after a DRS call. Despite a 88-run stand between Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, Australia triggered a collapse in the final session. Earlier, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added crucial runs before Jasprit Bumrah wrapped up Australia’s innings at 234.

Elon Musk expressed doubts over the death of Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old ex-OpenAI employee found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. Suchir’s mother, Poornima Ramarao, alleged foul play, citing ransacked rooms, blood spots, and signs of a struggle. A private autopsy reportedly contradicted police conclusions of suicide. Musk responded to her call for justice on X, stating, “This doesn’t seem like suicide.” Suchir, a whistleblower against OpenAI’s data practices, resigned in August 2024 over ethical concerns. His family is urging the FBI to investigate, declaring, “It’s a cold-blooded murder.”

A recent poll indicates that Labour would lose its majority in the UK general election if held today, with Sir Keir Starmer’s party likely to lose nearly 200 seats. Labour would still top the election but face a fragmented parliament with five parties holding over 30 seats each. The poll highlights the strain on the UK's First Past the Post system, which struggles to handle multi-party politics. Reform UK would emerge as a significant force, becoming the third largest party with 72 seats. The election outcome could make government formation challenging.

India's chase of 340 in the 4th Test against Australia is in jeopardy as Yashasvi Jaiswal's long innings was cut short controversially. Jaiswal, who scored 84 off 208 balls, was given out after a hook shot, despite no spike on the snickometer. Earlier, Rishabh Pant’s resistance ended with a reckless shot, and India’s tail has now been exposed. After a quick collapse post-Tea, Australia remains close to victory. India’s chase, already difficult, is further complicated by three quick wickets falling before Lunch. Australia set India a tough target, and the game is nearing its climax.