Outgoing US President Joe Biden condoled the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hailing him as a “true statesman” and a “kind and humble” leader. Biden emphasized Singh's pivotal role in the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the Quad partnership. Recalling interactions from 2008 and 2013, Biden highlighted Singh’s contributions to shaping one of the world’s most consequential bilateral relationships. The White House extended condolences to Singh’s family and the Indian people. Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away at 92. His final rites were performed with full state honors in New Delhi.

India’s reply to Australia’s 474 in the 4th Test was led by Nitish Reddy, who scored a historic 105* on Day 3 in Melbourne. Coming in at 191/6, Reddy’s 105 off 176 balls, including a 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50), helped India avoid the follow-on and reduce the deficit to 116 runs by stumps. Despite a resilient effort, heavy rain led to the early end of play. India finished Day 3 at 358/8, still trailing Australia by 116 runs, with hopes of continuing their fight tomorrow.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on December 28, 2024. Leaders from across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and foreign dignitaries, paid tribute. A seven-day national mourning period was declared, with the national flag flown at half-mast. The Centre also agreed to allocate space for a memorial in his honour, following discussions between the Congress and BJP. Singh, remembered for his role in India's economic liberalisation, passed away at 91.

Ukrainians are hopeful for a New Year prisoner exchange with Russia, as negotiations have become more difficult amidst Russian territorial gains. Ukrainian official Petro Yatsenko stated that while talks are ongoing, exchanges have dwindled in 2024, with only 10 swaps so far. Over 8,000 Ukrainians are believed to be held by Russia. Some families, like Andriy and Lena Turas, have been reunited after lengthy captivity, but many Ukrainians still wait for their loved ones' release. The UN reports widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners by Russian forces, claims denied by Russia.

Srinagar Airport canceled all flights on Saturday due to heavy snowfall, which caused poor visibility and runway issues. This disruption follows a series of cancellations on Friday evening as the region experienced its first snowfall of the season. The snowfall also affected road and rail traffic, leaving approximately 2,000 vehicles stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Train services were suspended on the Banihal-Baramulla section. Despite the challenges, locals and tourists expressed joy at the arrival of the snow, which is expected to benefit tourism, agriculture, and the region’s water supply.

The funeral procession of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh began from Congress headquarters, with tributes paid by Congress leaders and dignitaries. Singh will be cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the ceremony. A seven-day national mourning has been declared, with flags at half-mast across India. The Centre has agreed to allocate space for Singh's memorial, following a dispute between BJP and Congress. Singh, a key architect of India’s economic liberalisation, passed away recently, leaving a lasting legacy.

The UK is expected to experience heavy fog over the weekend, reducing visibility to as low as 100 meters in some areas. The worst of the fog will affect the South East, central England, East Anglia, and parts of South Wales. While the Met Office has not issued weather warnings, the situation may lead to ongoing disruptions at airports, as seen on Friday, when flights at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester were delayed or cancelled. The fog is expected to clear by Sunday, but wet and windy weather will follow, causing further travel challenges.

Bodycam footage released by New York authorities reveals correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility beating handcuffed inmate Robert Brooks, 43, who died the next day. The footage, made public by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows officers striking Brooks in the face, groin, and stomach while he was seated on a medical table. Following an internal review, 13 officers and a nurse were fired. Preliminary findings suggest asphyxia due to neck compression as the cause of death. Brooks was transferred to Marcy just hours before the assault and had been serving a 12-year sentence.

Magnus Carlsen, reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion, was disqualified from the 2024 tournament in New York for violating FIDE’s dress code. He wore jeans, explicitly prohibited in the regulations, and refused to change despite being fined $200. FIDE cited impartial application of rules, referencing Ian Nepomniachtchi, who complied after a similar infraction. Carlsen criticized the rules as “stupid” and declared his disinterest in future FIDE events. “It became a matter of principle for me,” Carlsen said, choosing not to appeal. FIDE defended the dress code, emphasizing professionalism and fairness for all participants.

In a late-night decision, the Centre approved a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following Congress’s demands. The Congress had criticized the initial denial, with leader Jairam Ramesh calling it a "deliberate insult" to India's first Sikh PM. After discussions, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed the approval to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The cremation will take place at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi, today at 11:45 am. BJP countered Congress's accusations, pointing out their lack of a memorial for PV Narasimha Rao. The memorial’s location and details will follow after land allocation and trust formation.