Azerbaijan Airlines attributed the fatal crash of Flight J2-8243 in Kazakhstan to "external physical and technical interference" on Friday. The crash, which occurred Wednesday in Aktau, Kazakhstan, claimed 38 lives, including two pilots and a flight attendant, while 29 passengers survived. Reports suggest the jet may have been struck by a Russian missile, though the Kremlin denies the allegations. Fog and Ukrainian drones reportedly disrupted the plane’s original route to Grozny, Russia. Survivors have been hospitalized, while severely burned bodies are undergoing identification. Investigations are ongoing, with conflicting claims from Russian and Ukrainian authorities about the incident.

Israeli forces forcibly evacuated Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, medics reported. The hospital, one of Gaza’s last functioning facilities, was given just 15 minutes to evacuate patients and staff. Reports indicate Israeli airstrikes near the hospital killed around 50 people, including five medical staff. Some patients in intensive care remain at risk due to a lack of specialized evacuation equipment. The Israeli military stated it was "unaware" of strikes in the area and is investigating claims of medics being targeted. Aid agencies have been unable to deliver supplies to the area under heavy blockade since October.

A North Korean soldier, captured by Ukraine while fighting alongside Russian forces, has died from his injuries, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to Russia, with nearly 3,000 reportedly killed or injured, according to Ukrainian President Zelensky. The captured soldier was seized on December 26 and succumbed to his wounds hours later. NATO claims Russia supports North Korea’s missile programs in exchange for troops. South Korea warns of Pyongyang’s involvement escalating the conflict. Intelligence suggests North Korea aims to modernize its military through battlefield experience in Ukraine.

Two sailors died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by their yacht's boom. The fatalities occurred on the boats Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. Both incidents happened overnight, with the sailors receiving CPR but unable to be revived. The names of the deceased have not been released. Fifteen other yachts, including favorites like Master Lock Comanche, withdrew due to poor weather. The race continues, with boats expected to arrive in Hobart by Friday or Saturday. Race organizers expressed condolences to the families and crews affected.

South Korea's parliament has impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, following a vote of 192 in favor. Han, who assumed office after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, faced criticism for blocking the appointment of three judges to oversee Yoon's case. The opposition's impeachment motion followed Han's refusal to progress Yoon’s impeachment process. This marks the first time an acting president has been impeached in South Korea's democratic history. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will replace Han. The decision must be confirmed by South Korea's Constitutional Court within 180 days. Political chaos continues to grip the country.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at 92 after a prolonged illness. Tributes poured in, highlighting his enduring legacy and recalling his famous 2014 remark, "History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media." Known for bold economic reforms in 1991, Singh transformed India's growth trajectory despite facing allegations of weak leadership during UPA-II. Leaders across parties praised him as a visionary economist and a silent architect of modern India. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "History shall judge you kindly." Singh’s legacy remains pivotal in shaping India's economic and political landscape.

Syria's rebel-led government reported 14 interior ministry troops killed and 10 wounded in clashes with Assad loyalists near Tartous. The loyalists ambushed security forces pursuing a former officer linked to Assad’s regime. Reinforcements were deployed, leading to arrests, including the ex-officer. Demonstrations and unrest have also erupted in Alawite-dominated areas like Homs and Latakia, following concerns over revenge against the Assad-linked Alawite community. Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces mounting challenges to stabilize the nation after ousting Assad's regime in a lightning offensive. Syrians demand justice for atrocities under Assad, complicating reconciliation efforts.

Ukrainian forces have captured an injured North Korean soldier sent to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, marking the first such capture since December. South Korea’s spy agency confirmed the capture, following the circulation of a photo on Telegram. North Korea is believed to have deployed over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia, although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have confirmed the troops' presence. Ukrainian forces suspect some North Koreans have been issued fake Russian IDs. The collaboration between Russia and North Korea, involving elite troops, increases tensions and poses risks for regional stability.

An Australian newspaper sparked controversy by depicting Virat Kohli as a clown after his on-field clash with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The newspaper’s headline, “Clown Kohli,” showed Kohli with a clown’s nose and mocked the incident, where Kohli shouldered Konstas. Ravi Shastri, reacting to the over-the-top response from the Australian media, suggested it reflected desperation due to Australia’s winless run at Melbourne’s MCG. Shastri also defended the 20% fine imposed on Kohli, noting that precedents exist for such breaches of conduct.

Azerbaijan Airlines' Embraer 190 crashed in western Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, killing 38 and injuring 29. The flight, diverted from Baku to Aktau, came down after reportedly encountering worsening weather. Early reports suggest Russian air defense systems may have targeted the plane, with holes in the tail section of the wreckage consistent with missile shrapnel. However, both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan officials caution against speculation. Investigators are examining potential causes, including a bird strike and possible missile involvement. Azerbaijan observed a nationwide mourning day with a moment of silence for the victims.