India’s Koneru Humpy clinched her second World Rapid Chess Championship title on December 29, 2024, by defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar. Humpy, who won her first title in 2019, joins China’s Ju Wenjun as the only players to secure multiple championships in this format. The Indian chess star earned 8.5 points from 11 rounds, overcoming a challenging year. "This is a surprise," she said, crediting family support for her success. Humpy's victory follows D Gukesh's triumph in the classical format World Championship. Russia’s Volodar Murzin won the men’s title.

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer and loyalist of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was inaugurated as Georgia's president on December 29, 2024. His election has been declared "illegitimate" by the outgoing president Salome Zurabishvili and opposition groups. Despite these claims, Kavelashvili took the oath of office during a parliamentary ceremony. Zurabishvili, who continues to assert her position as the "only legitimate president," has vowed to challenge the new president’s authority and fight against the ruling party. The situation adds to Georgia’s political tensions as the country faces internal division.

India expressed deep sadness over the tragic plane crash in Muan, South Korea, which killed at least 176 people on December 29, 2024. The crash involved a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet returning from Bangkok. The plane lost control during landing when its landing gear failed to deploy, skidding off the runway and exploding on impact. India's Ambassador to Seoul, Amit Kumar, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the people of South Korea. The country's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, assured full government support to the victims' families.

Malayalam TV actor Dileep Sankar was found dead in a hotel room in Thiruvananthapuram on December 29, 2024. He had been staying in the city for the shoot of an ongoing serial. Dileep, known for roles in serials like Ammayariyathe and Panchagni, was reportedly dealing with health issues. He had not been seen leaving his room, and his body was discovered after a foul odor emerged. Police have started an investigation, and while no foul play is suspected, further updates are awaited. His untimely death has shocked the Malayalam entertainment industry.

At least 176 people were killed after a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The flight, arriving from Bangkok with 181 people on board, went off the runway, crashed into a wall, and exploded into flames. Two survivors, including a flight attendant, were rescued and hospitalized. Families of the victims are gathering at the airport as rescue operations continue. Authorities suspect bird strikes and poor weather as possible causes, though no official cause has been confirmed yet. Investigations are ongoing into the tragic crash.

The BJP accused Congress of politicizing the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said, "Congress was present for media attention but absent in according dignity to him." He refuted Congress’s claims of mismanagement, stating the funeral adhered to protocol with full military honors. Congress alleged inadequate seating for Singh's family, disrupted procession due to Amit Shah's motorcade, and lack of proper media coverage. Malviya countered these, blaming logistical constraints and security measures, and urged Congress to "stop exploiting his death for political gain."

The Pakistan Army will train the Bangladesh Army in Mymensingh and three other cantonments starting February 2025, marking its first involvement since 1971. This agreement, initiated during the Yunus regime, aims to strengthen ties with Islamabad. Training, led by Major General rank officers from Pakistan, has sparked fears of anti-India indoctrination within the Bangladesh Army, which had previously diluted such ideology under Awami League rule. Explosives discovered at Chittagong Port, allegedly from Pakistan, further raised regional security concerns. India remains cautious about this development, given its potential impact on the geopolitics of South Asia and the northeastern states.

A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to Muan crashed at Muan International Airport, South Korea, with 179 of 181 passengers presumed killed. Minutes before the tragedy, a passenger texted, “Should I say my last words?” The Boeing 737-800 attempted a belly landing, skidding off the runway and erupting in flames. Witnesses reported explosions and thick black smoke. Investigators are probing bird strikes and weather conditions. Two survivors, likely crew members, were rescued. Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended condolences. Jeju Air apologized, pledging full support for families as recovery operations continue and flights remain suspended.

  India fought valiantly on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending Australia’s second innings at 228/9. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell, including 4 wickets and his 200th Test scalp, dismantled Australia’s batting. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed key dismissals. Despite India’s efforts, a resilient 50-run last-wicket partnership between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland extended Australia’s lead to 333. Earlier, India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a valiant 114, bringing India’s first innings total to 369. With one day remaining, India faces a challenging chase in this thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy encounter.

A toddler narrowly escaped a fatal accident at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Christmas Day. The child sprinted toward a 400-ft cliff edge in a restricted area near the erupting caldera but was saved when his mother grabbed him just a foot from the edge. Families had gathered to watch the ongoing eruption, which began on Dec 23. Park rangers have issued warnings to stay on trails, avoid closed areas, and keep children close. "Hopefully sharing this incident prevents future tragedies," said ranger Jessica Ferracane. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, continues its low-level eruption.