As heavy snowfall stranded hundreds of tourists between Gagangir and Gund villages in Kagan, Kashmir, locals opened their homes and the Jamia Masjid to offer shelter and warmth. Volunteers from the Civil Society Tehsil Gund helped accommodate over 1,000 tourists, providing food, warm water, and a safe space. The snowfall, which began on Friday and continued into Saturday, caused road closures and flight cancellations. The region welcomed the snow after months of low rainfall, though it caused power outages. Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured restoration efforts were underway.

The tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 at South Korea's Muan International Airport claimed 179 lives, with experts doubting a bird strike as the cause. Aviation specialists questioned the failure of landing gear and flaps, noting such incidents are rare. Videos showed the plane skidding, crashing into a concrete wall, and igniting flames. Two survivors are stable, while 65 victims have been identified. Jeju Air accepted responsibility, pending investigation. South Korea declared a national mourning period until January 4, 2025. Officials highlighted the pilot's heavy workload due to a mid-landing direction change after a mayday call.

Experts caution against a 1-in-6 chance of a massive volcanic eruption this century, potentially causing global climate chaos. Drawing parallels to the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption in Indonesia, which triggered a "year without summer," scientists predict significant cooling effects from released gases, dust, and rock. However, the temporary cooling won't counteract ongoing climate change, worsened by melting ice caps and increased rainfall. Dr. Markus Stoffel of the University of Geneva emphasized humanity's lack of preparation, urging global disaster strategies. Recent eruptions, such as Hawaii’s Kilauea, highlight the urgency for proactive measures to mitigate economic and ecological devastation.

Thousands of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants staged protests at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, demanding the cancellation of the 70th preliminary exams over alleged paper leaks. Police resorted to lathi charges and water cannons to disperse protestors who breached barricades near JP Golambar. Demonstrators seek Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s intervention, with activist Prashant Kishor supporting their demand, citing systemic corruption in Bihar’s exams. The district magistrate warned against gatherings at Gandhi Maidan and announced strict action against coaching centers inciting protests. The exams, conducted on December 13, have faced scrutiny due to claims of irregularities and leaked question papers.

A Jeju Air plane crash in Muan, South Korea, claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors. The aircraft, returning from Bangkok with 181 onboard, veered off the runway, hit a fence, and burst into flames during landing. Authorities confirmed 177 deaths, with 65 victims identified. Doctors reported the survivors are conscious but unable to recall the incident due to shock. The tragedy prompted South Korea to announce seven days of national mourning. The Boeing 737-800 model involved has a history of crashes, raising safety concerns. Global leaders, including China's Xi Jinping and UAE officials, extended condolences to the victims' families.

West Bengal and Rajasthan have emerged as major migrant destinations in India, according to a working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Based on Indian Railways data, Uttar Pradesh remains the top origin state, followed by Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Telangana. The report indicates a nationwide decline in migration by 11.78% since 2011, possibly due to better economic opportunities in smaller cities. Key routes include Uttar Pradesh-Delhi and Gujarat-Maharashtra. District-level data show Mumbai as the top destination, while Murshidabad-Kolkata tops in local movements. Authored by late economist Bibek Debroy, the study highlights emerging migration trends.

In 2024, Indian cinema gained global acclaim, led by women filmmakers and feminist narratives. Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light made history with the Grand Prix at Cannes and received Golden Globe nominations. Shuchi Talati's Girls Will Be Girls won two Sundance awards, while Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies earned critical praise despite box-office struggles. British-Indian director Sandhya Suri's Santosh became the UK’s Oscar entry, highlighting violence against women. These films explored universal themes like resilience, identity, and gender, resonating globally. Critics call this a pivotal moment for Indian cinema, showcasing its diversity and feminist strength.

Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stunning performance on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, taking 4/30 in 14 overs. His fiery spell left Australia, who had a 105-run first-innings lead, struggling at 135/6. Bumrah’s unplayable deliveries and sharp swing also earned him his 200th Test wicket. Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Darren Lehmann lauded Bumrah, with Vaughan calling him the "greatest of all time." Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal of Steve Smith set the tone, while Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 65 kept Australia fighting. India’s relentless attack has set up an electrifying finale to the Border-Gavaskar Test series.

A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Palghar, Maharashtra, spreading to the nearby Shri Chemical Company. Firefighters promptly deployed four fire tenders to control the blaze. Drone footage showed thick smoke and intense flames engulfing the area. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. Authorities are continuing efforts to extinguish the fire while assessing damages and investigating its cause. Residents have been urged to remain cautious as firefighting operations proceed. The incident highlights the need for stringent safety measures in industrial zones to prevent such disasters.

A deadly plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, veered off the runway. The flight, carrying 181 people from Bangkok, crashed into a wall and burst into flames, killing at least 177 people. Two crew members survived, but the remaining passengers are presumed dead. Officials suspect a bird strike and weather conditions contributed to the crash, which is South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster. Rescue teams continue to search for victims in the wreckage, which was mostly destroyed.