Both BJP and Congress shift focus to Lok Sabha elections after Assembly polls. BJP's two-day meeting, ending Saturday, sets a target of 35 crore votes for 2024, emphasizing a mission mode campaign. PM Modi directs workers to promote the Ram Temple consecration on January 22, urging social media engagement and live telecasts. A strategy to reach 7 crore beneficiaries of government schemes outlined. Congress's National Alliance Committee holds its first meeting, discussing seat-sharing with INDIA bloc allies for 2024. Mukul Wasnik leads the committee, aiming for a quick decision on sharing seats.

Shah Rukh Khan expresses gratitude on X as German fans flock to theaters for 'Dunki.' Shahrukh shared a video, originally posted by Shah Rukh Khan's Fan Universe. He wrote, "Thank u Germany!!! Glad you all enjoyed #Dunki… Love you and happy that the emotional aspects of the film struck a chord.” The film, projecting 40-50% growth, already shines internationally. 'Dunki' collects Rs 30 crores on day one, eyes significant expansion. With a 31.22% nationwide Hindi occupancy contributing to collection of Rs 49.20 Cr net in India. Highest occupancy seen in Mumbai with 46%. Despite success, 'Dunki' could not beat Shah Rukh Khan's earlier 2023 releases. The Rajkumar Hirani collaboration tells the story of a unique journey called the "Donkey Flight," captivating audiences globally.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur calls for Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia to take on coaching roles following their recent expressions of discontent. Malik emotionally announced her retirement, while Punia returned his Padma Shri in protest against Wrestling Federation of India's election. Thakur refrains from commenting on the controversy involving Sakshi Malik and Brij Bhusan but encourages past champions to guide budding athletes. Inaugurating new facilities at SAI, he highlights the nation's success in recent Asian Games, urging former champions to share knowledge and sustain the momentum in future competitions.

Prabhas-starrer 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire' makes waves at the box office, surpassing ₹148 crore within two days of release in India. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the action-packed film features Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Tinnu Anand. On day one, it raked in ₹90.7 crore, followed by an additional ₹57.61 crore on the second day. Chiranjeevi congratulates the team on the remarkable success, emphasizing the holiday season's film celebration. The movie, produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, marks a significant collaboration between Prashanth Neel and Prabhas.

The US State Department strongly condemns the vandalism of California's Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple, expressing support for Newark Police Department's pursuit of accountability. Suspected pro-Khalistan activists defaced the temple with anti-India graffiti, prompting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to voice concern and lodge a complaint. Newark police term the incident a 'targeted act' and pledge a thorough investigation. The senseless act is met with deep sadness, with a commitment to intolerance for such actions in Newark. The US State Department emphasizes the need for swift action against extremists and separatist forces. 

Massive fire erupted at Ankura Hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday, triggered by a short-circuit in outdoor terrace lights, as reported by hospital management. Approximately 15 patients inside were promptly relocated to another facility, averting casualties. The fire department swiftly contained the blaze, ensuring the safety of staff and patients. Despite the alarming incident, the hospital assures ongoing precautions for continued safety. Authorities are investigating the cause, highlighting the importance of vigilance in maintaining fire prevention measures.

Ukraine passes law permitting medical marijuana use for treating oncological diseases and post-traumatic stress disorders resulting from the ongoing Russian war. The parliament, with 284 votes in favor, approves the bill after a year-long debate. President Zelensky, a proponent, emphasizes fair legalization for therapeutic use. The law takes effect in six months, allowing hemp plant circulation for medical, industrial, and scientific purposes. Health Ministry to define specific conditions and medicines. Zelensky urges global best practices for Ukrainian relief from war's pain. 

In a recurring seismic event, Meghalaya experiences another earthquake, registering a magnitude of 3.5 on the Richter scale in the Tura region. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reports the quake at a depth of 5 km, with the epicenter located at latitude 25.55 and longitude 90.48. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. This incident follows a similar event on December 8, when a 3.8 magnitude quake shook Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The region remains on alert as seismic activities continue. Pakistan also faced recent tremors, with a 4.4 magnitude quake hitting Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In the aftermath of Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik's surprising retirement, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh addressed the matter, emphasizing, "It is their personal matter; I will not speak about this." Singh clarified his association with former chief Brij Bhushan Singh, stating, "Just because I am close to MP (Brij Bhushan Singh) does not mean I am a dummy candidate." Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Singh revealed plans for Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling events. Adding to the controversy, wrestler Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, expressing, "I am returning my Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister. All I have to say is in this letter; this is my statement." The WFI saga unfolds with athletes taking a stand.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar has proposed a meeting with Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge on December 25 to address the suspension of MPs during the Winter Session. Dhankar accuses the suspended MPs of causing "deliberate disorder" with slogans, placards, and disruptions. While Kharge expresses a willingness for dialogue, Dhankar alleges the deliberate nature of the disorder and criticizes the lack of interaction. The suspension of 146 MPs, split between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, stems from demands for a statement on the Parliament security breach. Rajya Sabha adjourned indefinitely on December 21 amid disagreements.