M4 Pro: Monitor not connecting via HDMI/USB-C

My M4 Pro(Sequoia 15.7.7) bought in Jan, 2025 doesn't connect to my LG 20*****056 monitor via Apple's USB-C/HDMI adapter. It never did. So I used the direct HDMI connector. It used to work even with a cheaper HDMI cable. Stopped working recently But now the Cable is Belkin's Ultra high-speed HDMI cable.

But the direct HDMI port isn't sending output. The USB-C adapter never connected.

Should I now avail the Apple Care option to check both ? It is frustrating because the machine never left my home during this period.

USB-C to HDMI was supposed to work ?

Thanks

[Edited by Moderator]