India has expressed grave concern over ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, condemning the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man lynched and set on fire over false blasphemy allegations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that "unremitting hostilities" by extremist elements against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists cannot be dismissed as political violence or media exaggeration. India reported approximately 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during Bangladesh's interim government tenure. Jaiswal rejected Bangladesh's "false narrative" on these incidents and urged authorities to ensure minority safety and hold perpetrators accountable. Regarding BNP leader Tarique Rahman's return after 17 years, India reiterated support for free and fair elections while closely monitoring the protection of minority rights.

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died at Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, after waiting eight hours for treatment despite complaining of severe chest pain. The father of three arrived at the hospital on December 22 after experiencing chest pain at work. Despite his blood pressure rising to 210 and constant pain complaints, staff conducted an ECG, gave him Tylenol, and told him chest pain wasn't considered acute. After more than eight hours in triage, he was finally called into the emergency room but collapsed and died within 10 seconds. His wife blames the hospital for not providing timely care. Canadian health authorities have referred the case to the Chief Medical Examiner for review.

At least 14 people were injured in a violent incident at a rubber factory in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Friday afternoon. A man armed with a knife reportedly stabbed multiple workers, and an unspecified liquid was sprayed during the attack, according to emergency officials. Local fire department personnel transported the injured to hospitals for treatment. Japanese police detained the suspect at the scene, and authorities are investigating the motive and the nature of the liquid used. Further details on the victims’ conditions have not been released. 

An accountant carrying ₹85 lakh in cash was robbed in a brazen daylight attack on the Delhi–Lucknow highway near Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. CCTV footage shows two bike-borne criminals overtaking the victim’s scooter, kicking him off the vehicle, and escaping with the cash-filled bag. The victim was returning after collecting money for a Noida-based businessman when the incident occurred. He sustained injuries but survived. Police have registered a case, formed multiple teams to track the accused, released suspect visuals, and announced a ₹50,000 reward for information leading to their arrest.

China has strongly rebuffed a recent U.S. Pentagon report suggesting Beijing may be leveraging reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control with India to prevent deeper strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the assessment a distortion of China’s defence policy designed to sow discord and justify U.S. military dominance, insisting Beijing views its relationship with India from a “strategic height and long-term perspective” and opposes external interference. China stressed the border situation is stable with open communication channels and emphasised its commitment to strengthening mutual trust and cooperation with India. 

Cambodia has accused Thailand of intensifying strikes along their disputed border even as defence officials from both nations continued multi-day peace negotiations aimed at ending deadly clashes. Phnom Penh claims Thai F-16 jets dropped bombs near Chok Chey village in Banteay Meanchey province, escalating violence that has reignited a long-running territorial dispute. Bangkok, meanwhile, says Cambodian forces launched heavy attacks into Thai territory, damaging homes and shelling border areas. The conflict has displaced around a million people and shattered a previous truce, prompting international calls for a ceasefire and fresh diplomatic efforts. (PC: The Guardian)

Aditya Dhar’s spy-action thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has crossed ₹1,000 crore worldwide within just 21 days of its December 5 release, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The global tally stands at around ₹1,006.7 crore, with ₹668.80 crore nett earned in India so far, boosted by strong third-week footfalls and Christmas ticket sales. Despite an “Adults Only” rating and limited Gulf release, the film performed exceptionally overseas, contributing significantly to its box office run and overtaking big 2025 hits like Kantara: Chapter 1. Dhurandhar has revitalized year-end Bollywood business and paves the way for its Part 2 in March 2026. 

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died of a suspected cardiac arrest after waiting over eight hours for treatment in the emergency room of Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, Canada on December 22. He had been rushed to the hospital with severe chest pain and repeatedly told staff his pain was “15 out of 10,” but was given only Tylenol and an ECG, which reportedly showed no significant issue, before being asked to continue waiting. His blood pressure rose sharply during the wait, and when finally called in, he collapsed and died shortly after. He leaves behind his wife and three children, and the case has sparked questions about emergency care response times. (PC: X)

A 25-year-old woman, identified as Kalpana, was shot inside a club on MG Road in Gurugram in the early hours of December 20 after she allegedly refused a marriage proposal, police said. Her husband from Najafgarh, Delhi filed a complaint stating the assailant, Tushar (25) of Sangam Vihar, had been pressing her for marriage despite her being married. An FIR was registered and police arrested Tushar and his friend Shubham (24) from Baraut (UP). Investigation revealed Tushar befriended her six months ago and shot her after her rejection; further probe continues. (PC: X)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman, back from 17 years in exile, addressed supporters in Dhaka as the country faces political tension before the February 2026 elections. Rahman urged peace and inclusivity, saying Bangladesh belongs equally to people of all faiths and regions — Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians and calling for collective nation-building and safety for all citizens. His speech is viewed as an attempt to reassure minorities after recent unrest and incidents targeting communities, while positioning the BNP as a unifying force in the upcoming polls. (PC: Reuters)