In response to rising concerns over deepfake videos, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory, urging social media platforms to adhere to existing IT rules. The directive, targeting misinformation fueled by AI, emphasizes clear communication of prohibited content under Rule 3(1)(b) to users. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar warns of legal consequences for violations and announces close monitoring of compliance. The advisory aims to combat deepfake dissemination, outlining penalties under the Indian Penal Code and IT Act. Social media platforms must inform users about legal provisions, ensuring due diligence in content removal.

Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking development – eSoil, an electrically conductive substrate for hydroponic cultivation, resulting in an impressive 50% increase in barley seedling growth within just 15 days. Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, emphasizes its potential: "With hydroponics, we can grow food also in urban environments in very controlled settings." This electronic substrate, made of cellulose and PEDOT, not only ensures low energy consumption but also poses no high voltage risk. The breakthrough paves the way for sustainable and controlled farming methods, addressing food demands and environmental challenges.

In the first Test match between India and South Africa, India's batting faltered on the rain-hit day 1. KL Rahul showcased resilience with an unbeaten 70, steering India to 208/8 in 59 overs. However, Kagiso Rabada's fifer (5/44) left India struggling, dismissing key players. Virat Kohli managed 38, Rohit Sharma 5, and Shreyas Iyer contributed 31. Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur also fell victim to Rabada's incisive spells. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill faced challenges, scoring 2 and 8, respectively. India faces an uphill task to reach a competitive total, highlighting the batting lineup's vulnerability against South Africa's formidable bowling attack.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the imperative to "properly prepare for future pandemics" after three years of Covid challenges. In his end-of-year message, he characterized 2023 as a turning point, marked by "immense and avoidable suffering" globally. Calling for a "monumental" pandemic accord, Tedros urged countries to address preparedness gaps exposed during the Covid crisis. Reflecting on relief efforts for Gaza, he warned of a potential cholera resurgence, stating, "Relief efforts are not coming close to meeting the needs of people in Gaza." Tedros expressed optimism for 2024, identifying it as a "unique opportunity" to enhance global collaboration, cooperation, and equity.

Karnataka witnessed a surge in Covid cases, logging 74 new infections, as per the health bulletin released by the state government on Tuesday. Two Covid-related deaths were reported, both individuals had underlying health conditions. The affected districts include Mysuru and Dakshina Kannada. Notably, 34 cases of the JN.1 variant were detected on Monday, with Bengaluru reporting 20 cases. The government emphasizes precautions for those above 60 and issues guidelines for New Year celebrations, urging adherence to COVID Appropriate Behavior. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directs increased testing across the state, assuring readiness for any situation.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the arrival of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, expressing completion in October. The announcement, made at a Moscow-led economic bloc meeting, sparked global worries. Tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use, were not specified in quantity or deployment location. Russia asserts control over these weapons in Belarus. Lukashenko aims to deter NATO-member Poland, a Ukraine supporter. The compact devices, easily transportable, add to geopolitical tensions. Analysts note their discreet nature, raising challenges for Western monitoring. Belarus possesses underground facilities, remnants of the Cold War, potentially used for storage.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has joined Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik in returning national awards Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Phogat expressed concern over the treatment of women wrestlers. The move follows protests against former Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan, accused of sexual harassment. Phogat stated she doesn't want awards to be a "burden on the path of living with dignity." The rapid succession of athletes returning awards coincides with a panel close to Bhushan winning elections, prompting concerns about leadership continuity. The panel has been suspended by the sports ministry.

Russia acknowledges damage to its warship, Novocherkassk, in a Ukrainian airstrike on Feodosiya, Crimea. The attack reportedly occurred early Tuesday, with one person killed and several injured. Ukrainian air force commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk shared footage of a massive explosion, claiming the ship's destruction. While the images are unverified, satellite data suggests potential damage. The incident marks another blow to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, impacting its ability to supply occupied territories. Tensions persist amid conflicting claims between Russia and Ukraine.

Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Delhi Police responded to a call about a blast near Israel's embassy in New Delhi. The Crime Branch and forensics team are investigating the reported incident at Chanakyapuri. The Delhi Fire Service received a call about an explosion on an empty plot around 6:00 PM. Israel's foreign ministry acknowledged the reports, stating the alleged explosion near the New Delhi embassy is under investigation. An eyewitness mentioned hearing a loud sound, seeing smoke from a tree. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government is cooperating with Indian authorities in the matter.

Christmas night in New York saw chaos as over 500 pro-Palestine protesters clashed with NYPD, throwing fake blood on nativity scenes and chanting 'Christmas is cancelled here.' 'Long Live Intifada' slogans echoed at the Rockefeller Center, turning the festive atmosphere tense. Signs reading 'No Joy in Genocide' and confrontations at Biden officials' offices marked the protests. Nightfall escalated the unrest outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, leading to scuffles and NYPD arrests. Messages like "Zionism is terrorism" adorned Union Square, emphasizing tensions over US-Israel policy. NYPD reported 'Level Three' mobilization to handle the disruption.