Homelessness in the United States surged by 12%, reaching a record high of about 653,000 people, the most since 2007. Soaring rents and the waning impact of pandemic assistance contributed to the increase. The data reveals a concerning rise in first-time homelessness and ends a downward trend in family homelessness since 2012. Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge emphasizes the urgent need for proven solutions. While progress was made in reducing homelessness in recent years, factors like the shortage of affordable homes and high housing costs contribute to the current crisis.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking at an event organized by far-right Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, cautions that migrants could 'overwhelm' the UK and vows to seek reforms in global refugee rules. Sunak argues that failing to address illegal migration would erode public trust in politicians and governments. He suggests updating post-war frameworks on asylum, potentially including agreements like the European Convention on Human Rights. Critics accuse Sunak of adopting divisive rhetoric, echoing sacked home secretary Suella Braverman's approach. Sunak also discusses joint funding with Italy to return migrants from Tunisia to their home countries. 

Delhi Capitals sought to trade Rohit Sharma for IPL 2024 captaincy, approaching Mumbai Indians, who declined the offer, per CricTracker. With Hardik Pandya named MI captain, DC aimed for a seasoned leader as Rishabh Pant was set to play as an Impact Player. Despite MI's rejection, Pant will continue leading post-recovery from a car accident. After Pandya's captaincy announcement, MI faced a follower decline on social media. Rohit, who led MI to five IPL titles, remains an iconic figure in the league. Mumbai recently traded Cameron Green for Hardik Pandya.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai, in a recent all-hands meeting, defended the decision to lay off 12,000 employees, stating it was crucial to navigate economic changes and position the company for future growth. While acknowledging the impact on morale, Pichai emphasized the necessity of the layoffs, noting that delaying the decision would have hindered the company's ability to adapt and invest strategically. The layoffs, representing 6% of Alphabet's workforce, were characterized as a challenging but essential move amid a shifting global landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram to promote government schemes. The initiative, delayed due to election constraints, prioritizes reaching every corner of the country. PM Modi underscores city development's role, highlighting the yatra's progress, covering thousands of villages and 1,500 cities in a month. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praises economic empowerment initiatives, and BJP leaders nationwide express commitment to India becoming a global power by its 100th independence anniversary. The yatra includes health camps, impacting over 7,82,000 people.

Tamil Nadu gears up to tackle a potential COVID-19 outbreak following a spike in cases in neighboring Kerala and in Singapore. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian instructs officials to implement preventive measures, conduct RT-PCR tests for increased fever cases, and closely monitors the situation. Kerala reports a case of the JN.1 subvariant, emphasizing a growing trend in infections. Tamil Nadu maintains 36 active cases with a 98.94% discharge rate. Health authorities are in contact with Kerala counterparts, and a mock drill assesses public health preparedness. The Union Health Ministry coordinates efforts to monitor points of entry.

Gujarat police conducted joint raids on 17 immigration consultancy firms in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara, seizing 27 passports, 53 computers, and various documents. Acting on complaints of visa fraud, the raids exposed fake mark sheets and tampered test scores used to obtain visas for the USA, Canada, and Australia. Complaints alleged that individuals, despite paying hefty fees, faced deportation from foreign airports. Authorities, including over 50 police personnel and computer experts, executed the raids, also uncovering ₹5.5 lakh cash and liquor bottles, violating Gujarat's strict prohibition policy. Forensic examination will determine the authenticity of seized items.

As Singapore witnesses a 75% spike in COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Health strongly encourages mask-wearing in crowded places, irrespective of health status. The surge, with 56,043 cases from Dec 3 to 9, sees average daily hospitalizations rising from 225 to 350. The intensive care unit reports an increase from four to nine daily cases. Predominantly, the JN.1 variant is responsible. The Ministry emphasizes personal and social responsibility, urging unwell individuals to stay home and advising travelers to wear masks, obtain travel insurance, and avoid poorly ventilated crowded areas.

The detection of the JN.1 COVID subvariant in Kerala sparks worries, with a case found in a 79-year-old woman. Originating from the United States in September 2023, JN.1, a descendant of BA.2.86, raises concerns about its impact. The patient, with mild influenza-like symptoms, had recovered from COVID-19. While an Indian traveler also tested positive in Singapore, there's no surge in cases reported. Surveillance by INSACOG assures vigilance, with expert Rajeev Jayadevan noting JN.1's fast spread and immune evasion. China reports seven cases, emphasizing the need for caution amid rising COVID infections in India.

In a strategic move following their setback in Madhya Pradesh elections, the Congress party has appointed Jitu Patwari as the new state unit chief, replacing former chief minister Kamal Nath. The decision underscores a focus on the influential Other Backward Classes (OBC) electorate, constituting over 50% of voters in the state. Despite Patwari's recent electoral defeat, the Congress aims for a fresh start ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections. The party also unveiled key appointments reflecting generational and caste balancing, with Umang Singhar as Legislative Party leader and Hemant Katare to potentially retain Brahmin community support.