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.

India reached 326/7 on Day 3 of the 4th Test against Australia, trailing by 148 runs, as rain forced an early Tea at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Nitish Kumar Reddy (85* off 119) and Washington Sundar (40* off 115) forged a crucial 105-run eighth-wicket partnership, countering Australia’s pace and spin. Despite early setbacks, including the dismissals of Pant and Jadeja, India avoided the follow-on. Reddy showcased resilience with his maiden Test fifty, while Sundar provided solid support. The rain interruption leaves the game delicately poised, with India looking to narrow the gap further on resumption.

The US has hinted at Russia's involvement in the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 on 25 December. White House spokesperson John Kirby cited "early indications" linking Russian air defence systems to the incident. The Embraer 190 plane, damaged over Grozny, Chechnya, was redirected across the Caspian Sea before crashing in Kazakhstan. Survivors reported hearing explosions mid-air, while Azerbaijan's transport minister confirmed "external interference." Russia and Kazakhstan proposed a CIS-led probe, but Azerbaijan demands an international inquiry. The Kremlin has denied responsibility, calling the situation in Chechnya "complex." The crash injured several but credited pilots saved 29 lives.

Delhi-NCR experienced its coldest December day in years as incessant rain brought temperatures down to 13°C. The region recorded 42.8 mm rainfall, the highest in December in 27 years. The IMD issued a yellow alert, predicting more rain and thunderstorms over the weekend. Traffic disruptions and waterlogging were reported, with a road cave-in at RK Puram causing vehicle damage. Air quality improved slightly, with an AQI of 179 in the ‘moderate’ category, though Anand Vihar's AQI hit 236 ('poor'). The rain, caused by a western disturbance, will likely maintain low temperatures, with a high of 16°C and a low of 12°C forecasted.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be cremated with full State honours at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi, today at 11:45 am. The 92-year-old statesman passed away on December 26 after battling age-related illness. His body will be taken to the Congress headquarters at 8 am for public tributes before a funeral procession begins at 9:30 am. The Union government has announced a seven-day State mourning and promised a memorial in his honour. Traffic advisories have been issued in Delhi for the procession. Tributes continue to pour in, highlighting Singh’s humility and contributions to India’s development.

The US mission in India issued over 1 million nonimmigrant visas to Indians in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. Visitor visa applications surged, with a 26% increase in Indian travelers compared to 2023. Additionally, India became the top sender of international students, with over 331,000 students in the US. Washington plans to establish a US-based H-1B visa renewal program in 2025, benefiting skilled workers. The mission has also streamlined visa processing and reduced interview wait times, further strengthening India-US ties, which the embassy called “a testament to enduring bilateral relations.”

India bids farewell to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92. The funeral procession will begin at 9:30 am from Congress headquarters, with the last rites at 11:45 am at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared, with flags at half-mast across India. Global leaders, including French President Macron and US Secretary of State Blinken, paid tributes to the architect of India’s economic liberalization. The government plans to allocate a memorial site for the veteran leader, honoring his remarkable contributions as an economist, statesman, and two-time Prime Minister.

Delhi experienced its heaviest December rainfall in 15 years, with 9.1 mm recorded in 24 hours, causing temperatures to plummet to 14.6°C. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir saw heavy snowfall, prompting the IMD to issue an “orange alert” for six Himachal districts, including Shimla and Kullu. Kashmir faced severe cold, with temperatures plunging to -7.3°C in Srinagar, freezing water supply lines. Key routes like the Srinagar-Leh Highway remain closed. Rainfall also impacted Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh, with hailstorms reported in some areas. Authorities advised caution as extreme weather persists across northern India.

Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away on December 25 at 94 due to lymphoma. Known for transforming Suzuki into a global automotive leader, he pioneered small cars and motorcycles. His bold ventures included introducing the iconic Maruti 800 in India in the 1980s, solidifying Suzuki’s dominance in the Indian market. Leading the company for decades, Suzuki forged key partnerships with General Motors and Volkswagen, expanding operations worldwide. Despite stepping down in 2016 amid a testing scandal, his advisory role continued to shape Suzuki’s legacy. His leadership and innovative vision leave an indelible mark on the industry.

The Houthis pledged to intensify missile attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians despite Israel’s airstrikes on Yemen. The strikes targeted Yemen’s Sanaa airport, ports, and power stations, killing at least 4 and injuring UN personnel. Houthi leader Mohammed al-Bukhaiti accused Israel of “genocide in Gaza” and vowed continued military operations. Israel claimed the attacks were retaliation for Houthi missile launches, asserting it targeted "military infrastructure." The UN expressed grave concerns over escalating violence and its impact on humanitarian efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of continued actions against the "Houthi terrorist organisation."