Ukrainian forces have captured an injured North Korean soldier sent to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, marking the first such capture since December. South Korea’s spy agency confirmed the capture, following the circulation of a photo on Telegram. North Korea is believed to have deployed over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia, although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have confirmed the troops' presence. Ukrainian forces suspect some North Koreans have been issued fake Russian IDs. The collaboration between Russia and North Korea, involving elite troops, increases tensions and poses risks for regional stability.

An Australian newspaper sparked controversy by depicting Virat Kohli as a clown after his on-field clash with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The newspaper’s headline, “Clown Kohli,” showed Kohli with a clown’s nose and mocked the incident, where Kohli shouldered Konstas. Ravi Shastri, reacting to the over-the-top response from the Australian media, suggested it reflected desperation due to Australia’s winless run at Melbourne’s MCG. Shastri also defended the 20% fine imposed on Kohli, noting that precedents exist for such breaches of conduct.

Azerbaijan Airlines' Embraer 190 crashed in western Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, killing 38 and injuring 29. The flight, diverted from Baku to Aktau, came down after reportedly encountering worsening weather. Early reports suggest Russian air defense systems may have targeted the plane, with holes in the tail section of the wreckage consistent with missile shrapnel. However, both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan officials caution against speculation. Investigators are examining potential causes, including a bird strike and possible missile involvement. Azerbaijan observed a nationwide mourning day with a moment of silence for the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and leaders across political lines paid their last respects to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at his residence on Friday. PM Modi offered condolences to the Singh family and met his wife, Gursharan Kaur. The Centre has declared a seven-day mourning, and Congress has cancelled all party events for the period. Singh’s last rites will take place on Saturday with full state honours, after his youngest daughter arrives in India. Dr. Singh, former PM from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to hold peace talks with Ukraine in Slovakia, following Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's offer to host negotiations. Fico, who recently visited Moscow, has been critical of EU support for Ukraine and has fostered closer ties with Russia. While Ukraine has not responded, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shifted his stance, suggesting a ceasefire under NATO's protection to negotiate territorial recovery. The war has inflicted immense losses on both sides, with Russia's manpower significantly affected. Ukrainian forces have faced difficulties in reclaiming territories held by Russia.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi on December 26, 2024, after a prolonged health battle. A key figure in India’s economic reforms, Singh served as PM from 2004 to 2014. Tributes have flooded in from national and global leaders, including PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi. The Union Government has declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Singh’s funeral, scheduled for Saturday, will be held with full state honours in New Delhi, allowing the public to pay their last respects.

India reached 51/2 at Tea on Day 2 of the 4th Test against Australia at the MCG, losing KL Rahul’s wicket on the final ball before the break. Earlier, Australia posted 474, with Steve Smith scoring his 34th Test century and Pat Cummins narrowly missing a half-century. Jasprit Bumrah claimed 4 wickets for India. Rohit Sharma, opening the innings, was dismissed cheaply for 3 runs. As Virat Kohli walked out to bat, loud boos echoed through the stadium. The final session promises intense cricket as India looks to stabilize its innings.

Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away due to age-related issues. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him "one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership." Afghan ex-President Hamid Karzai stated, "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons." Canadian ex-PM Stephen Harper praised Singh’s "exceptional intelligence and integrity," while Maldivian ex-President Mohamed Nasheed said, "He was a delight to work with, like a benevolent father figure." Known as the architect of India's economic reforms, Singh’s legacy profoundly shaped global relations and domestic growth.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Yemen's Sanaa airport during Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, which killed 6 and injured 40. Tedros, in Yemen to assess the humanitarian situation and negotiate the release of UN detainees, was unhurt but reported damage to the airport’s control tower and runway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes targeted "military infrastructure" of the Houthi rebels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the attacks "especially alarming." Houthi officials condemned the strikes as "barbaric," while Iran criticized them as violating international peace. Escalating tensions continue between Yemen and Israel.

The Indian cricket team donned black armbands on Day 2 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne to honor former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. Singh, India’s PM from 2004 to 2014, died at AIIMS Delhi due to age-related issues. The BCCI stated, “The Indian team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.” Meanwhile, Steve Smith scored his 34th Test century, solidifying Australia’s strong position. Pat Cummins added 49 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.