In response to a surge in cases and the detection of the JN.1 sub variant, Karnataka mandates a seven-day home isolation for all COVID-19 positive individuals. A cabinet subcommittee, chaired by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, made this decision. Symptomatic primary contacts will undergo testing, with guidelines forthcoming. Employees in home isolation, from both government and private sectors, are entitled to seven days of leave. Doctors and staff from UPHCs and Namma clinics will visit home-isolated and general ward COVID admissions. The state reported 74 new cases, with Bengaluru accounting for 57, and two deaths attributed to COVID.

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi reveals facing severe online abuse from Indian fans after a controversial wicket-celebration against India's Suryakumar Yadav. Shamsi removed a boot and mimicked speaking into it during the second T20I in Gqeberha earlier this month, sparking negative reactions. The spinner expressed dismay at the personal attacks, stating, "It's the worst it's ever been." Shamsi urged more players to speak against such behavior, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse, "Yes, we're all trying our best... but you need to behave like a human being. You can't carry on like an animal." Despite defending his celebration on social media, Shamsi encountered further hate. The incident highlights the impact of online abuse on players and the call for sportsmanship.

Two international passengers were apprehended at IGI Airport, New Delhi, for allegedly carrying medicines valued at Rs 80 lakh. CISF, during routine screening, detected suspicious images in their bags, leading to a physical check and the seizure of the medicines. The passengers lacked supporting documents, prompting suspicion. In a separate move, the government has assigned comprehensive security of the Parliament complex to CISF after a recent breach. Experts from CISF will conduct a survey for regular deployment, considering the force's proven expertise in access control and security.

A loud blast near the Israel embassy in New Delhi on Monday has prompted heightened security measures. Two suspects were captured on CCTV near the blast site, and a letter critical of Israel's Gaza actions, wrapped in an Israeli flag, was discovered. The group "Sir Allah Resistance" claimed responsibility for the explosion. Although no casualties were reported, Delhi Police is actively investigating the incident, examining CCTV footage and the letter. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed cooperation with Indian authorities. Security has been reinforced around the embassy, recalling a 2021 blast in the vicinity and a 2012 bombing targeting an Israeli embassy car.            

A thick blanket of fog engulfed Delhi and its surroundings, severely impacting visibility and leading to traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for "very dense fog" as cold wave conditions persisted across north India. In Delhi, the Palam observatory near the airport recorded a mere 50 meters of visibility, creating hazardous travel conditions. The air quality also plummeted to a "very poor" level, with the average Air Quality Index at 381. Commuters faced challenges, and the Delhi airport, while maintaining operations, cautioned travelers about potential delays due to the prevailing weather conditions.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kicked off his five-day Russia visit with a nostalgic touch, recalling childhood memories. Landing in Moscow, Jaishankar shared an entry pass from 1962, commemorating the first Russian cosmonauts in space at the Red Square. Visiting this iconic location as a seven-year-old left a lasting impression. Emphasizing the enduring ties, he highlighted the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership "The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of the last 75 years." He said, also urging the Indian community to deepen cooperation saying, "Contribute to the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation." Jaishankar, set to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, recognized the consistent bond between India and Russia over 70-80 years, even as both nations transformed.

With heavy traffic in Himachal Pradesh during the holidays, a tourist drove a Mahindra Thar SUV through Chandra River to escape congestion on the roads to hill stations. A video of this went viral, causing locals to criticize the move. Police fined the driver under traffic rules. Over 55,000 vehicles passed through Rohtang's Atal tunnel in three days, creating challenges for local authorities. Shimla anticipates over 1 lakh vehicles for New Year, raising concerns about traffic and the area's delicate environment. The situation prompted the Director General of Police to appeal for safe travel practices, emphasizing the state's management efforts.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) faced a bomb threat via email, targeting RBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. The sender, using the username 'Khilafat India', demanded the resignation of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, alleging their involvement in a significant scam. The threat outlined 11 potential bomb attacks scheduled for 1:30 pm on Wednesday in Mumbai. Although police investigated the specified locations, no evidence was found. A case has been registered at the MRA Marg Police Station.

Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla, a key supporter of OpenAI with a $50 million investment, anticipates AI causing significant economic deflation over the next quarter-century. Khosla suggests a shift in economic metrics, where traditional measures like GDP may lose relevance due to AI's impact. As AI takes center stage, he envisions capital scarcity but an abundance of goods and services. Khosla's insights prompt reflection on the right metrics for this evolving economic landscape, challenging conventional assessments of economic health.

An Italian environmental technology investor, residing in the UK for 14 years, faces risk of deportation due to unawareness about the post-Brexit EU settlement scheme, potentially tens of thousands of EU citizens who were unaware shares a similar fate as her. Silvana, with a "permanent residency" card, discovered its invalidity when renewing her daughter's health insurance card. The Home Office changed rules in 2019, requiring a separate EU settlement scheme application. Despite attempts, including a rejected biometric residency identification, she faces removal. The government altered the definition of "reasonable grounds," removing "lack of awareness." Silvana criticizes the government for misinformation, and campaigners warn of others facing similar issues.