A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, Vyssos, was struck by a Russian mine in the Black Sea, causing injury to two crew members and damaging the vessel. The ship, en route to a Ukrainian port on the Danube to load grain, experienced an explosion leading to loss of speed and control. Ukraine, continuing grain exports despite Russia's withdrawal from a UN-backed Black Sea grain deal, shared a photo of the explosion. The captain reportedly grounded the ship to prevent sinking. Efforts are underway to tow it for repairs. Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports persist, with cargo ships considered potential military targets.

India suffered an embarrassing loss to South Africa in the 1st Test, trailing 1-0 in the two-match series. Despite Virat Kohli's resilient 76, India collapsed, posting a meager 131 in the second innings, leading to an innings and 32-run defeat in Centurion. South Africa's commanding performance, with Dean Elgar's stellar 185 and a substantial first-innings lead of 157 runs, showcased their dominance. KL Rahul's century and Kohli's efforts were overshadowed by India's inability to counter the Proteas' prowess. India's total runs: 245 (1st Innings) + 131 (2nd Innings) = 376. South Africa's commanding total: 408 (1st Innings). The Rohit Sharma-led team faces a challenging comeback in the next match to level the series.      

Ukrainian President Zelensky expresses gratitude to the US for releasing the last $250 million military aid package, crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, stating "I thank President Joe Biden, Congress, and the American people for the $250 million military aid package announced yesterday." Zelensky warns of the impact any change in US policy could have on the war. The equipment includes air defense missiles, anti-tank weapons, and mine clearing tools, covering Ukraine's urgent needs. President Biden's support is pivotal, with Republicans seeking tough measures on migration. Zelensky appreciates the historic decision to provide F-16 jets and thanks the US for 34 military aid packages totaling over $24 billion this year. The US Ambassador underscores the critical need for ongoing funding.

Ex-Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu transitions from the cricket field to politics, officially joining Andhra Pradesh's ruling party, YSRCP, in Vijayawada. Accompanied by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Rayudu's political entry marks a significant move after retiring from cricket in 2023. The 37-year-old, who toured his native Guntur district to understand grassroots issues, had announced his political foray in June. Praising CM Jagan earlier, Rayudu expressed intent to serve the people and formulate a concrete action plan. Having played 55 ODIs with 1694 runs, Rayudu's political journey begins with YSRCP.

India records 157 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, with Kerala reporting the highest at 78, followed by Gujarat at 34, as per INSACOG's Thursday update. Nine states and Union territories detect the JN.1 sub-variant, including Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Delhi. INSACOG data reveals 141 JN.1 cases in December and 16 in November. The World Health Organisation classifies JN.1 as a "variant of interest," noting its rapid global spread with a "low" public health risk. The Centre urges constant vigilance amid rising Covid cases and the emergence of JN.1.

Two earthquakes, measuring 6.5 and 5.0 magnitudes, struck near Japan's coast in rapid succession, reported the US Geological Survey. The initial 6.5 magnitude quake occurred at 2:45 pm, centered off the southeast coast of the Kuril Islands, followed by a 5.0 magnitude jolt at 3:07 pm. Both quakes struck at depths of 23.8 km and 40 km, respectively. No immediate reports of damage. Japan has experienced a series of powerful quakes this year, with earlier tsunami warnings in December. Past earthquakes, including a 6.5 magnitude in May, caused injuries and building collapses in different regions.

In a Moscow court, Russian poet, Artyom Kamardin is sentenced to seven years, and Yegor Shtovba to five years and six months, for reciting poems against the Ukraine assault. Supporters in the courtroom expressed dismay as the poets were convicted of "inciting hatred" and "threatening state security." Kamardin alleges violent detention, including rape and forced apology video filming. Shtovba maintains innocence, questioning the legality of reading poetry. These sentences follow a trend of severe punishments for Russians protesting the offensive. Critics denounce trials as absurd, highlighting a crackdown on dissent amid Russia's actions in Ukraine. The international community watches closely as free expression faces harsh repression in Russia.

As New Year approaches, cities including Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bengaluru brace for restrictions. Mumbai enforces Section 144 till January 18, banning drones and aerial activities for 30 days. Lucknow follows suit with Section 144 till January 2, restricting public gatherings in various places. Bengaluru tightens security, imposing strict measures on drunk driving and traffic, setting a 1 AM deadline for New Year parties. Police Commissioner B Dayanand outlines restricted zones, aiming to curb traffic congestion in key areas. Citizens urged to adhere to guidelines for a safe celebration. Check local updates for comprehensive details on New Year festivities in these cities.

Sanjay Singh, the recently elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, asserts that the sports ministry failed to follow the "proper procedure" in suspending the WFI. Singh, citing the democratic election process, states, "We have won the elections (of WFI) democratically... After all these, if you say we are suspended, we are not going to accept it." He plans to challenge the suspension in court, emphasizing, "A democratically-elected body was not given a chance to explain its position which is against the principle of natural justice which everybody is entitled to under the Constitution of India." Singh dismisses the IOA-formed ad-hoc committee and accuses Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik of playing politics. Singh hopes for a favorable response from United World Wrestling regarding the ban imposed on WFI, stating, "We have written to the UWW requesting to lift the ban imposed on the WFI, as the elections were held democratically."

In a significant development, Qatar's Court of Appeal has commuted the death sentences of eight former Indian Navy personnel, replacing them with varying prison terms. The individuals, including decorated officers, were detained in August 2022 on undisclosed charges, rumored to be related to espionage. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs revealed that the detailed judgment is awaited. The Indian side, in coordination with legal teams, is exploring further appeal options. The court's decision brings relief, removing the death penalty, but the situation remains fluid as the families and officials await the detailed judgment and consider next steps in this complex case.