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.

Eighteen ancient Shaiva and Buddhist sculptures, dating back to the 6th-7th century CE, have been discovered near Maninathpur village in Odisha’s Bhadrak district. The find includes intricately carved miniature temples and argha stupas, featuring deities like Shiva, Parvati, Buddha, and Padmapani. Discovered by local youth Bibekananda during a morning walk, the artefacts were identified by INTACH and researcher Biswambhar Raut. Archaeologist Sunil Pattnaik confirmed their significance, praising the artistic excellence of the Khondalite stone sculptures. These artefacts are now preserved at the Buddhist Vihara Museum, offering insights into Odisha’s blended Shaiva-Buddhist heritage.

North India experienced heavy rain on Friday, leading to a sharp 10°C drop in temperatures in Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an 'orange' alert for Delhi and a hailstorm warning for several regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The rain disrupted traffic and caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are bracing for heavy rainfall and snowfall, with cold wave conditions expected from Sunday. Churu, Rajasthan, recorded the lowest temperature of 5.4°C. The ongoing weather is attributed to a Western Disturbance interacting with easterly winds.

Israeli forces forcibly evacuated Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, medics reported. The hospital, one of Gaza’s last functioning facilities, was given just 15 minutes to evacuate patients and staff. Reports indicate Israeli airstrikes near the hospital killed around 50 people, including five medical staff. Some patients in intensive care remain at risk due to a lack of specialized evacuation equipment. The Israeli military stated it was "unaware" of strikes in the area and is investigating claims of medics being targeted. Aid agencies have been unable to deliver supplies to the area under heavy blockade since October.

A North Korean soldier, captured by Ukraine while fighting alongside Russian forces, has died from his injuries, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to Russia, with nearly 3,000 reportedly killed or injured, according to Ukrainian President Zelensky. The captured soldier was seized on December 26 and succumbed to his wounds hours later. NATO claims Russia supports North Korea’s missile programs in exchange for troops. South Korea warns of Pyongyang’s involvement escalating the conflict. Intelligence suggests North Korea aims to modernize its military through battlefield experience in Ukraine.

Two sailors died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by their yacht's boom. The fatalities occurred on the boats Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. Both incidents happened overnight, with the sailors receiving CPR but unable to be revived. The names of the deceased have not been released. Fifteen other yachts, including favorites like Master Lock Comanche, withdrew due to poor weather. The race continues, with boats expected to arrive in Hobart by Friday or Saturday. Race organizers expressed condolences to the families and crews affected.

South Korea's parliament has impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, following a vote of 192 in favor. Han, who assumed office after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, faced criticism for blocking the appointment of three judges to oversee Yoon's case. The opposition's impeachment motion followed Han's refusal to progress Yoon’s impeachment process. This marks the first time an acting president has been impeached in South Korea's democratic history. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will replace Han. The decision must be confirmed by South Korea's Constitutional Court within 180 days. Political chaos continues to grip the country.

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Indian team to drop out-of-form pacer Mohammed Siraj following a string of underperforming performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Siraj has taken 13 wickets in seven innings but has struggled with the new ball, putting extra pressure on teammate Jasprit Bumrah. Gavaskar recommended that Siraj be informed about his exclusion due to non-performance rather than being rested. He also suggested bringing in Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna for the fifth Test in Sydney to bolster the pace attack. Siraj's economy rate of 4.07 runs per over has been a concern.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 after a prolonged illness. Tributes poured in, highlighting his enduring legacy and recalling his famous 2014 remark, "History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media." Known for bold economic reforms in 1991, Singh transformed India's growth trajectory despite facing allegations of weak leadership during UPA-II. Leaders across parties praised him as a visionary economist and a silent architect of modern India. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "History shall judge you kindly." Singh’s legacy remains pivotal in shaping India's economic and political landscape.