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."

China announced sanctions on seven US companies, including Raytheon’s Canada and Australia subsidiaries, after Washington approved a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan. Beijing accused the US of infringing on its sovereignty and territory and froze the assets of the targeted firms in China, banning them from business activities with Chinese entities. The sanctions follow escalating tensions over Taiwan, with China conducting military drills and vowing to defend its territorial claims. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned the US against supporting Taiwan, stating such actions “will only burn itself.” Taiwan remains a contentious issue in US-China relations.

The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday, will be conducted today at 11:45 am at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi, with full military honours. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed a state funeral for the veteran leader, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Known for his pivotal role in India's economic liberalization and landmark policies like NREGA, Dr. Singh was also a celebrated economist. Tributes have poured in from leaders worldwide, including the US, Canada, and Russia, acknowledging his immense contributions to global diplomacy and economic reform.

Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out mix-up on Day 2 of the fourth Test at MCG has divided opinions. Jaiswal, batting on 82, was run out due to miscommunication. Sunil Gavaskar opined that while Kohli’s fitness could’ve completed the run, the risk was unnecessary at that stage. Justin Langer echoed this, citing Pat Cummins’ athletic prowess as a deterrent. The run-out triggered a collapse, with Kohli falling for 36 and India ending the day at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remain at the crease, attempting to stabilize India’s innings.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to PM Narendra Modi, requesting a dedicated memorial space for former PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92. Singh’s funeral is scheduled for December 28, but the Centre has not yet responded to the appeal. Kharge emphasized Singh's legacy as a statesman and urged the government to honor him with a sacrosanct venue. The Congress-led UPA previously established Rashtriya Smriti Sthal as a common memorial in 2013, restricting separate sites. The demand underscores the need to honor Singh’s contributions, much like the belated memorial for P.V. Narasimha Rao, granted under Modi's tenure.

Former PM Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 in Delhi, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and humility. Sonia Gandhi, former Congress chief, paid tribute, calling him a "friend, philosopher, and guide" and the "epitome of wisdom, nobility, and humility." Remembering his contributions, she highlighted his commitment to social justice and democratic values, which transformed millions of lives. Credited with 1991’s economic reforms, Singh's passing creates an irreplaceable void. Tributes poured in from leaders, including President Murmu, PM Modi, and Vice President Dhankhar. His last rites will be held Saturday. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.

US universities are advising international students to return before Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration, fearing potential travel bans. Institutions like Cornell and USC are issuing warnings due to Trump's proposed immigration policies, including expanding bans on Muslim-majority countries and revoking visas for "radical" individuals. India, now the largest source of international students in the US with 3.3 lakh enrolled in 2023-24, faces added caution, as new countries may be added to the travel ban list. While Trump suggests green cards for graduates, his policies create uncertainty. Universities aim to minimize disruption, ensuring students can continue their educational pursuits.

Azerbaijan Airlines attributed the fatal crash of Flight J2-8243 in Kazakhstan to "external physical and technical interference" on Friday. The crash, which occurred Wednesday in Aktau, Kazakhstan, claimed 38 lives, including two pilots and a flight attendant, while 29 passengers survived. Reports suggest the jet may have been struck by a Russian missile, though the Kremlin denies the allegations. Fog and Ukrainian drones reportedly disrupted the plane’s original route to Grozny, Russia. Survivors have been hospitalized, while severely burned bodies are undergoing identification. Investigations are ongoing, with conflicting claims from Russian and Ukrainian authorities about the incident.

Salman Khan marked his 59th birthday on December 27 with an intimate midnight celebration at his sister Arpita Khan’s residence. A heartwarming video shows Salman cutting a cake with his niece Ayat, who shares the same birthday. The event was attended by family and close friends, including Iulia Vantur and music composer Sajid Wajid. Salman’s bodyguard Shera shared a heartfelt post calling him “Maalik.” While fans awaited the teaser of Salman’s upcoming film Sikandar, its release was postponed due to the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The teaser will now be unveiled on December 28.