Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat. Leaders across party lines, including PM Modi, paid tribute to the architect of India’s economic liberalisation. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, led Singh’s final journey from the party headquarters. Foreign dignitaries, including Bhutan’s King and Mauritius’ foreign minister, attended. The Centre allocated space for a memorial after a BJP-Congress spat. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared, with flags at half-mast nationwide. Singh, a two-time PM, was lauded as a visionary economist whose reforms reshaped India’s economic trajectory.

Elon Musk is under fire for alleged censorship after 14 conservative accounts on X claimed their blue ticks were revoked. These accounts had criticized Musk's pro-immigration stance, with the billionaire calling anti-immigration Republicans "contemptible fools" and "racists." Losing the verification badge has hindered these users' ability to monetize their accounts. Musk, who supports skilled legal immigration, reiterated that posts muted or blocked by verified accounts would face reduced visibility. Critics accuse him of "shadowbanning," undermining free speech claims. The controversy highlights escalating debates on immigration and Musk's influence over political discourse on his platform.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unbeaten 105 at the MCG in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has captured the cricket world’s attention. The 21-year-old's knock, alongside Washington Sundar's 50, rescued India from a precarious 7-231. Reddy completed his maiden Test century with a boundary off Scott Boland, bringing tears of pride to his father in the stands. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded Reddy as a future star but cautioned him to honor the sacrifices of his family and remain grounded. “He must not take Indian cricket for granted,” Gavaskar stated, emphasizing humility and dedication for sustained success.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev for the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane this week. The crash, which killed at least 38 people and left 29 survivors, occurred near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after the plane tried to land at Grozny airport, which was under Ukrainian drone attacks. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin expressed condolences and explained that Russian air defences repelled the attacks. The crash has raised concerns, with some speculating that a Russian missile may have downed the plane. Several airlines have suspended flights to Russia in light of the incident.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for conducting former PM Manmohan Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat instead of a designated memorial site. Calling it an "insult," he noted that former PMs’ last rites are traditionally held at burial sites to enable public homage. The Congress had requested a dedicated location, but the government clarified that a memorial would be built in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated the decision to Singh’s family. While Congress leaders termed the cremation a “deliberate insult,” BJP called the controversy unwarranted. Singh was cremated with full state honors, sparking a political row.

India’s World Test Championship (WTC) qualification hopes depend on the outcome of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. India is currently third in the WTC standings, behind South Africa and Australia. If India wins the series 3-1, they will qualify for the final. However, even with a loss or draw in Melbourne, India can still make it to the final, depending on the results of South Africa’s series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s series against Australia. India’s chances were bolstered by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stunning maiden Test century, helping India stay competitive.

Authorities across major Indian cities are enforcing strict guidelines for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Hyderabad mandates permissions for ticketed events and a ban on drug use, while sound systems must shut down by 10 pm. Bengaluru has introduced security measures, restricted vehicle movement, and set a 1 am party end-time. Mumbai, permitting all-night events, will monitor alcohol consumption, limit terrace parties to midnight, and ban boat parties, a restriction in place since 2008. Proactive security steps, zero tolerance for drink-driving, and arrangements for intoxicated guests’ safe return are in place to ensure smooth festivities.

Former PM Manmohan Singh was cremated in Delhi on Saturday, with Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuck and Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful attending. World leaders, including French President Macron and Russian President Putin, hailed Singh as an "outstanding statesman." US President Biden credited him for the India-US nuclear deal, calling him a "true statesman." Mauritius and Singapore flew national flags at half-mast as a mark of respect. Palestine described Singh as a "wise politician and economist." Known for fostering South Asian partnerships, Singh's legacy as a leader dedicated to India's growth remains unparalleled, shaping global ties and economic reforms.

India will receive 20 more cheetahs from South Africa within two months, marking the next phase of the reintroduction project. Officials at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, are preparing for their arrival, following the successful translocation of 20 cheetahs earlier. Meanwhile, a 17,000 sq km cheetah corridor is being developed, connecting Madhav Tiger Reserve, Kuno National Park, and Rajasthan’s Ranthambore. Plans also include relocating a female cheetah and her cubs to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary for training. With 24 cheetahs now thriving in Kuno, the ambitious project aims to restore the cheetah population and enhance wildlife tourism in India.

A car driven by Marathi actress Urmila Kothare's driver hit two metro workers near Poisar Metro station in Mumbai’s Kandivali, killing one and severely injuring another. Police reported that the vehicle, traveling at high speed, lost control shortly after midnight. Kothare and her driver sustained minor injuries, saved by timely airbag deployment. A case has been registered against the driver at Samata Nagar Police Station. Kothare is a renowned actress known for films like Duniyadaari and her recent TV comeback. The tragic accident adds to growing concerns over Mumbai's rising road fatalities. Investigations are ongoing.