Indian students, braving a snowstorm in Brampton, Ontario Canada, continue protesting Algoma University, demanding transparency after 32 of them failed exams. The university offers a makeup exam, but protesters insist on proving their deserved grades, claiming no direct communication from the institution. Allegations of racial bias emerge, impacting Algoma's reputation, heavily reliant on Indian student enrollment. The incident prompts concerns for other colleges depending on foreign student revenue. Concurrently, Brampton landlords protest a permit requirement for overcrowded housing, fearing cost transfer to tenants. Both situations reflect challenges faced by educational and housing sectors amid changing regulations.

Amid worsening air quality, Delhi-NCR enforces anti-pollution curbs under GRAP-III. The Commission for Air Quality Management reintroduces restrictions, banning non-essential construction, BS-III petrol, and BS-IV diesel vehicles. The central commission advises state governments to consider suspending classes up to Grade 5. The decision follows an emergency meeting due to a sudden deterioration in air quality, with the 24-hour AQI surpassing 400, categorizing it as 'severe.' The 8-point action plan includes increased road cleaning, water sprinkling, public transport enhancement, and stricter bans on construction activities. Measures aim to combat the escalating pollution levels in the region.

Seoul's military reports North Korea launching a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile towards the East Sea. The launch follows Pyongyang's recent live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border with South Korea. Details about the missile are under analysis by Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff state their military is fully ready, closely sharing information with the US and Japan. The missile test occurs amid strained inter-Korean relations, with North Korea branding Seoul its "principal enemy" and conducting advanced missile tests. The situation adds to tensions in the region.

After a brief respite, cold wave grips Kashmir as Srinagar records minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, dropping 4.4 degrees from Friday's temperature. The dry winter in Kashmir leads to freezing nights and unusually warmer days, with Srinagar's day temperatures 8 degrees above normal. Jammu experiences colder nights than Srinagar, recording 2.5 degrees Celsius. Chilla-i-Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter period, intensifies cold conditions in the region, with chances of snowfall highest during this period. The valley faces a 79% rainfall deficit for December, and mainly dry weather is forecasted till January 21.

Approximately 1,300 attendees at the Prime Minister's Navi Mumbai MTHL event reported feeling sick, with 14 requiring hospitalization. A makeshift hospital with 250 beds provided basic medical treatment for dehydration, acidity, and body ache cases. Raigad district officials downplayed the number, stating it's within expectations. The efficient medical preparations received praise from SPG Commandos. To avoid a repeat of last year's tragedy, a hospital with 500 standby beds was swiftly set up. Ambulances, VIP-reserved, and 47 teams with medical personnel ensured swift response. Majority faced issues due to dehydration during the lengthy event.

Netflix pulls Tamil film "Annapoorani – The Goddess of Food" following protests by Hindu hardline groups, alleging it hurt religious sentiments. The movie, featuring Nayanthara as a Brahmin woman defying traditional norms, faced backlash for portraying her friendship with a Muslim man and a dialogue about Hindu god Ram. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests, accusing the film of promoting "love jihad." Co-producers, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issued an apology. Mumbai police received a complaint, and a case was filed in Maharashtra against eight, including Nayanthara, for alleged religious sentiments harm. Streaming platforms in India often face criticism from religious groups.

Milind Deora, a former Congress MP, resigns from the party, sparking speculation about joining Shiv Sena. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde responds positively, stating, "I will welcome him if he is joining the party." Deora's exit ends a 55-year family association with Congress. His decision is linked to a desire to contest from South Mumbai, conflicting with alliance preferences. Despite Congress downplaying the impact, Jairam Ramesh attributes the move to Prime Minister Modi. Sandeep Dikshit suggests "greed and fear" influenced Deora's choice. The political landscape awaits confirmation of Deora's reported shift to Shiv Sena.

Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, reveals plans to cap the influx of international students, deeming the current system "out of control." With around 900,000 international students, discussions on reduction targets remain behind closed doors. India leads in student numbers, comprising over 37%. Recent measures, including increased financial requirements for study permits, aim to ensure a viable system. Miller emphasizes the need to discuss volume impact on specific areas. As Canada reassesses international student policies, changes aim to balance intake and address financial capabilities.

Indonesia's Mount Marapi unleashed another eruption on Sunday, sending smoke and ash 1,300m high. No casualties were reported, but over 100 residents evacuated since the alert level was raised to Level 3 on Wednesday. The eruption's unpredictability, not linked to deep magma movement, poses challenges for forecasts. In early December, a surprise eruption claimed 24 lives. With over 120 active volcanoes, Indonesia remains vulnerable to seismic events due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire." Authorities closely monitor Marapi, home to about 1,400 residents, emphasizing the need for preparedness amid ongoing volcanic activity.

Former President Donald Trump denounces GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as a "fraud" and "conman" on TruthSocial. Trump warns supporters against backing the biotech entrepreneur, accusing him of deceitful campaign tricks. Ramaswamy, a staunch Trump supporter, faces backlash from Trump's campaign, signaling concerns about his potential base support. In response, Ramaswamy defends Trump, citing a system aiming to keep him out of the White House. Despite Trump's criticism, Ramaswamy remains committed to his "America-First approach." The attack precedes the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll before the Jan. 15 Iowa Caucuses.