Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a special review meeting to evaluate safety arrangements for pilgrims at Sabarimala temple amid rising footfalls. With average daily pilgrims surging from 62,000 to 88,000 in December, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure harm prevention. He recommended extending darshan time, limiting spot bookings, adhering to parking schedules, deploying more police forces, and expressing condolences over a child pilgrim's death. Underscoring the government's commitment to pilgrims' well-being, he stressed implementing decisions from prior consultation meetings regarding crowd control and systems for women and children.

The Israeli military has reportedly commenced the pumping of seawater into Hamas' tunnel complex in Gaza, aiming to destroy tunnels where hostages, fighters, and munitions are believed to be concealed. U.S. officials suggest the process may take weeks. While some in the Biden administration see it as a strategy to neutralize threats, concerns are raised about potential risks to Gaza's fresh water supply. Israel's military is yet to comment on the matter, and the Israeli defense ministry spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment. The unconventional move underscores efforts to address security challenges in the region.

Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher, famous for portraying Captain Ray Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, died at 61 after a brief illness. Braugher, acclaimed for roles in Homicide: Life on The Street and other notable projects, earned his first Emmy for the gritty police drama. Transitioning to comedy in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he garnered four Emmy nominations. Braugher's diverse career showcased his versatility. Married for over 30 years to Homicide co-star Ami Brabson, he leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. The actor's death, confirmed by his publicist, marks the end of an illustrious career.

On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other top leaders paid tribute to the security personnel martyred while defending the temple of democracy against terrorists. President Droupadi Murmu said the nation remains forever indebted to the brave guards who foiled the audacious plot on December 13, 2001 by Pakistan-based outfits, sacrificing their lives. Nine people were killed in the attack before all five terrorists were neutralized. The President and PM reiterated India's resolve to wipe out the menace of terrorism globally. They called the attack a dastardly plan to eliminate India's political leadership that was heroically prevented by security forces.

Smital Dhake, a 26-year-old British-Indian data scientist from Maharashtra, has won the Newcomer of the Year award at the UK's prestigious RailStaff Awards 2023. Born in Jalgaon and educated in England, Dhake works at Alstom's office in Hatfield as their first and only data scientist. She was recognised for her stellar contributions to developing innovative technologies like Alstom’s Modular Advanced Route Setting system, which uses machine learning to enable efficient railway operations. Described as an inspiration for women in STEM fields, Dhake visits schools to promote engineering careers. Her award caps a meteoric rise at one of the world’s leading rail mobility companies. Dhake’s grandparents motivated her to work hard and apply her skills, a mindset that led to this triumph. (Image Courtesy: @AlstomUK on X)

British PM Rishi Sunak survived a crucial parliamentary vote on the controversial Rwanda asylum bill as no MPs from his Conservative party voted against it, although several abstained. Sunak had hosted rebels within his party threatening to defeat the bill, which aims to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda. More right-wing Tories felt it wasn't tough enough on immigration while centrists cited human rights concerns. With the opposition voting against, Tory rebels abstaining or voting no could have inflicted an embarrassing loss. Sunak's last-minute charm offensive proved enough as the bill passed, despite over 40 Conservatives still unhappy. Avoiding a historic early defeat on his key immigration legislation will come as a relief for Sunak amid Tory infighting over the issue.

Ravi Uppal, owner of the Mahadev online betting platform being probed for money laundering worth Rs 6000 crore, has been detained in Dubai based on an Interpol red corner notice by the Enforcement Directorate. Officials are in talks to deport him to India. The agency alleges the Dubai-run platform generated Rs 200 crore daily through a network of franchises and hawala transactions to siphon off proceeds. A cash courier's statement claims over Rs 500 crore was paid to ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, which is also under probe. Several Bollywood celebrities summoned by ED admitted receiving cash payments from Uppal for events. Uppal's detention tightens the noose on the expansive betting and money laundering racket unearthed by Indian agencies.

India voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and hostage release amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The draft resolution was backed by Arab countries but didn't mention Hamas. India supported a US-proposed amendment unequivocally condemning Hamas' terrorist attacks in Israel. Earlier, India had abstained on a similar resolution at the UN in October, although calling for humanitarian access to Gaza. The UNGA vote comes after the US vetoed a ceasefire resolution at the Security Council despite widespread support. Over 1,200 Israelis and 18,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed since Hamas launched a major offensive against Israel in October. India's vote signals a subtle shift in its public positioning on the crisis.

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, a prominent Rwandan opposition leader, condemns the UK's "shocking" asylum transfer deal with Rwanda, emphasizing the country's human rights issues. Umuhoza, who faced imprisonment for challenging the Rwandan government, calls for a shift in UK efforts towards supporting human rights improvements in Rwanda rather than implementing a flawed immigration treaty. The UK, a key development partner to Rwanda, is urged to use its global influence to foster dialogue, political inclusion, and respect for human rights. Umuhoza contends that addressing root issues is crucial before considering any transfer of asylum seekers.

The Israeli army announced the successful retrieval of hostages' bodies in a Gaza operation. Eden Zakaria and Ziv Dado, seized by Hamas on October 7th, were positively identified, prompting authorities to inform their families. The operation signifies a crucial step in addressing the aftermath of the October attack. Families, previously in agonizing uncertainty, now find closure with the return of their loved ones' remains to Israel. The Israeli forces' effective action not only concludes a distressing chapter but also underscores the nation's commitment to securing its citizens against terror threats.