Republican lawmakers Pete Sessions and Elise Stefanik establish the Congressional Hindu Caucus, aiming to protect the interests of Hindu-Americans in the US. The caucus, representing diverse Hindu communities globally, focuses on free enterprise, limited government, family values, and robust foreign policies. Congressman Sessions emphasizes its commitment to amplifying the Hindu-American voice, celebrating contributions, and addressing concerns at the highest levels of government. The caucus, originally founded during the 115th Congress, plays a crucial role in connecting Hindu-Americans with policymakers, promoting a more inclusive and representative nation.

Kerala recorded 292 fresh COVID-19 infections and 3 fatalities in the last 24 hours, state health department data showed on Wednesday. This accounts for over 85% of India's new coronavirus cases. Kerala's active caseload now stands at 2,041, with 224 recoveries also reported. The latest deaths brought the state's cumulative COVID toll to 72,056. Officials say despite the recent rise in cases, Kerala remains prepared through isolation beds, oxygen supply and other provisions. Health Minister Veena George has issued directions to hospitals for arranging special facilities, treatment wings and ventilators for COVID patients. She asserted the state administration is vigilant and equipped to handle any potential virus wave.

Responding for the first time to US allegations of an Indian plot to assassinate a separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, PM Modi said he would "look into" any evidence but a "few incidents" won't affect ties. While asserting India's commitment to the rule of law, Modi conveyed concerns over overseas extremist groups intimidating and inciting violence under free speech guise. However, he affirmed the "mature and stable" India-US partnership anchored in bipartisan support, downplaying the assassination controversy as insufficient to undermine security cooperation or diplomatic relations. Unfazed, Modi reiterated the necessity of multilateralism and interdependence among nations in an interconnected world, stressing that absolute agreement on everything cannot be a prerequisite for collaboration.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticizes the government for suspending 141 Opposition MPs, stating "democracy has been strangulated." She emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the suspensions, attributing them to MPs raising a "reasonable and legitimate demand" for a Home Minister statement on the December 13 security breach in Parliament. Gandhi condemns the government's response to the request and expresses concern over the Prime Minister addressing the incident outside Parliament. She accuses the BJP of undermining diversity, weakening unity, and attacking the Indian Constitution, alleging a systematic assault on democracy by the ruling party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches out to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar amid a heated mimicry row involving suspended TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. PM Modi expresses deep concern and condemnation for the disrespectful behavior exhibited in the Parliament complex. Video clips of Banerjee mimicking Dhankhar sparked controversy, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recording the incident. Dhankhar, in response, asserts his commitment to constitutional principles, stating, "None of the insults will make me change my path." The controversy is labeled "ridiculous" and "shameful," reflecting a new low in parliamentary conduct, according to Dhankhar.            

In a tragic turn of events, the death toll rises to 131 in northwestern China following the powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake. Gansu witnesses 113 casualties, while Qinghai reports 18 deaths, with 16 still missing. Over 700 people are injured, and 155,393 houses suffer damage. Rescue operations successfully save 74 individuals, and 4,298 are evacuated. China's Ministry of Emergency Management reveals property worth USD 2.16 million is saved. Efforts include sending over 736 rescuers and 2,042 firefighters, with relief supplies like tents and overcoats dispatched. The earthquake, China's deadliest since 2014, triggers a swift and comprehensive response to address the immediate aftermath and support affected regions.

Torrential rains in Tamil Nadu have left at least 20,000 people stranded, prompting the army and disaster response teams to undertake rescue operations. The situation remains dire in the worst-affected Srivaikuntam area which saw heavy flooding due to overflowing rivers, though officials say no lives are endangered. With aerial food drops underway and teams striving to reach cut-off regions, Tuticorin MP Kanimozhi called the conditions challenging as even boats couldn't navigate submerged zones. This comes as Chennai recovers from Cyclone Michaung's destruction last month. Given the widespread damage, CM Stalin sought ₹2000 crore interim relief from the National Disaster Fund to aid victims and repair infrastructure battered by the unprecedented floods. (Video Courtesy: ANI on X)

At least 33 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday as Israel intensified attacks in response to Hamas rocket fire. This comes as the UN Security Council delayed a vote on resolutions seeking humanitarian access and ceasefire in Gaza until Wednesday, amid negotiations to avert a US veto. Israel meanwhile intercepted six rockets fired towards northern Israel from Lebanon, injuring two soldiers. The ongoing flare-up, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel in October, has raged for two months now. With rising casualties and no signs of de-escalation, the UNSC aims to push for aid access and end hostilities but faces resistance from Israel's ally US. The geopolitical stalemate persists as civilians continue bearing the brunt.

US Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged solidarity with Donald Trump after a Colorado court ruled the former president ineligible for the 2024 ballot over his role in the Capitol attack. Ramaswamy slammed the "unconstitutional" decision barring Trump as an "actual attack on democracy" by Democrat judges. The biotech executive vowed to withdraw from Colorado's GOP primary if Trump remains excluded. Ramaswamy called on other Republican contenders including DeSantis and Haley to join him or "tacitly endorse this illegal maneuver." Ramaswamy charged that the ruling targets Trump using a "new tactic" under the 14th Amendment to prevent him from ever holding office again.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, recently acquitted in the Al-Azizia Steel mill corruption case, candidly attributed Pakistan's economic struggles to self-inflicted wounds, stating, "Neither India nor the US, but we shot ourselves in our own foot." Sharif, eyeing a historic fourth term, criticized the military establishment for rigging the 2018 polls, leading to economic hardships. He questioned judges for endorsing military dictators and accused former ISI chief Gen Faiz Hamid of orchestrating his 2017 ouster. Sharif, a three-time premier, returned from exile, emphasizing internal factors over external influences in Pakistan's challenges.