- Earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand: A series of powerful earthquakes, including a 7.7 magnitude tremor, struck central Myanmar near Sagaing, killing at least 144 people and injuring 732, according to state-run broadcaster MRTV. The quakes also affected Bangkok, Thailand, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least eight deaths. Dozens remain trapped under rubble, and a major hospital in Naypyidaw has been declared a "mass casualty area."
- India News: The Central Government approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees, raising it from 53% to 55%, effective immediately. In West Bengal, BJP leaders criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent Oxford speech, labeling it "anti-India." Meanwhile, protests by DYFI cadres in Siliguri demanded employment and alleged state corruption.
- Judicial Developments: The Indian Supreme Court quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi over an Instagram post, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech. Separately, Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer from Delhi to Allahabad High Court was notified amidst an inquiry into a cash-related controversy at his residence.
- Sports: In the IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Tim David’s hat-trick of sixes helped RCB post 196/7. The chase is ongoing in Chennai.
- Global Tensions: The U.S. named India and China as "state-actors" in fentanyl trafficking, a move that coincides with tariff threats from President-elect Trump. In Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua, an encounter left four policemen and three terrorists dead, highlighting security challenges.