The U.S. military shot down a drone and anti-ship missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels toward a U.S. Navy warship in the Red Sea. According to the U.S. Central Command, the USS Mason destroyer intercepted the weapons in the Southern Red Sea. The Houthis have targeted vessels in the vital shipping lane in recent weeks in what they claim is support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The failed strike was the 22nd attack by the rebels on international shipping since mid-October. As the U.S. bolsters naval defenses in the area, the Treasury also announced new sanctions against those financing Houthi operations. The rebels say their aim is to pressure Israel over civilian deaths in Gaza. (Image Source: NDTV)

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has ruled that Donald Trump cannot appear on the state's 2024 presidential ballot, citing his role in inciting the January 6th attack on the Capitol as disqualifying him under the Constitution's insurrection clause. Trump's campaign objected to the decision and vowed legal action, while Bellows stated Trump "engaged in insurrection." As a swing state, losing ballot access in Maine holds significance for Trump's viability as the frontrunner, and increases pressure on the Supreme Court to weigh in as his eligibility faces challenges in multiple states.

Voting will be held today to decide which idol of Lord Ram Lalla will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust will vote among three options crafted by different sculptors, choosing the one with the best divine and childlike look to represent the god. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on December 30th to inaugurate the redeveloped railway station and airport ahead of the consecration ceremony to be held on January 22nd, which Modi will also attend. The city is preparing for the event with enhanced security near the temple site and decorations like new ceremonial gateways.

At least 14 rounds were fired at the home of Satish Kumar's elder son on December 27 in Surrey. Kumar is president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir temple. No injuries occurred but the house sustained damage. The attack follows a rise in vandalism targeting Hindu temples across Canada recently, including Kumar's temple. These incidents have coincided with increased pro-Khalistan separatist activism. Canadian authorities are investigating the shooting as a potential hate crime. India has raised concerns over defacements of Hindu places of worship in Canada multiple times with the government.

Prashanth Neel's Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, starring Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Shruti Haasan, is making waves at the box office. The action-packed film, an adaptation of Ugramm, secured an impressive ₹5.32 crore on its seventh day, contributing to a projected total of ₹300.72 crore in India. Worldwide, the team claims Salaar has crossed ₹500 crore. The sequel, promising deeper insights into characters' tales, adds excitement. Salaar, featuring Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, Sriya Reddy, and more, solidifies its position as a cinematic force, captivating audiences globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14. During a meeting with BAPS Swami Ishwarcharandas, PM Modi expressed enthusiastic support for the historic temple. The discussions highlighted the temple's significance for global harmony and Modi's vision for India's spiritual leadership globally. Swami Ishwarcharandas honored the PM for his contributions, while the delegation acknowledged his global achievements. PM Modi praised efforts in the temple's construction, emphasizing its role as a symbol of spiritual harmony. The inauguration promises to be a momentous celebration of diverse cultures.            

Israeli officials warn of a shrinking window for diplomacy as conflict intensifies with Lebanon. Hezbollah launches a record number of rockets and drones, prompting concerns of a military response. The "diplomatic hourglass" is running out, with ministers emphasizing limited options. Amid the Gaza war, the US deploys reinforcements to deter further attacks. Secret negotiations seek to de-escalate tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border. Civilians suffer as casualties rise, raising fears of a broader conflict. Israel's military advances in Gaza, despite international calls for a ceasefire. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainties surrounding the duration and resolution of the conflicts in the region.

Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the 'King of Ayodhya,' anticipates a thriving future as the city undergoes a remarkable transformation before the Ram Temple's grand consecration on January 22. Revealing a surge in development, he notes, "More than 100 applications for five-star hotels have come in." Ayodhya, once lacking proper accommodations, is set to become a Smart City with a new airport and revamped railway station. Mr. Mishra expresses optimism, stating, "Ayodhya will be known as the best holy town in the country." The developments signal a positive turn as the city sheds the historical shadow of 'Mata Sita's Curse.'

Scotland faces widespread turmoil as Storm Gerrit leaves nearly 8,000 homes powerless. Cupar in Fife witnessed evacuations due to flooding, and the A9 in the Highlands closed amid heavy snow. SSEN reports the north east and Shetland as the hardest-hit areas, with outages extending into Friday. Landslides and road damage compound travel issues, while a "localised tornado" damages 100 homes in Greater Manchester. Rural regions, especially in the north east, brace for potential 48-hour blackouts. Rail services are halted, and a major incident is declared on the snow-locked A9. Emergency teams work to restore normalcy as Scotland grapples with the aftermath of Storm Gerrit's relentless onslaught.

Air India's inaugural Airbus A350, landed in Delhi on December 23, introduces a new era of air travel. With 28 business class suites, 24 premium economy seats, and 264 economy class seats, the three-class cabin promises unparalleled comfort. The airline, committed to sustainability, showcases state-of-the-art technology, including the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system. Despite past challenges, Air India's dedicated preparation and recent DGCA approval for engineering line maintenance signify a smooth transition. The A350's arrival marks a significant step in Air India's ambitious order of 250 new aircraft from Airbus.