The United States conducted powerful airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, targeting fighters accused of killing Christians in the region, US President Donald Trump announced on social media. The strikes, which he described as “powerful and deadly,” were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and reportedly killed multiple ISIS militants, according to the US Africa Command. Trump framed the action as retaliation against extremist violence and warned of more military action if attacks continued. Nigeria’s government emphasized ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts amid its complex security challenges. 

A female manager of a private IT company in Udaipur has accused her CEO, a senior woman executive and the executive’s husband of gang-raping her inside a moving car after a birthday and year-end party on December 20. According to the police, the trio offered her a lift home, allegedly gave her alcohol or intoxicant causing unconsciousness, and then assaulted her during the journey. The victim later reviewed dashcam footage and filed a complaint. Police have detained all three accused and handed the case to the Women’s Crime Branch, with legal action and investigation ongoing. (PC: India Today)

At least five worshippers were killed and 35 others injured when a bomb exploded inside the Al‑Adum mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers, police said. The blast, which occurred around 6 p.m. local time, is believed to be a suicide attack, with fragments of a suspected suicide vest found at the scene. No group has yet claimed responsibility. The incident highlights ongoing insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, where Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction, have waged a long‑running insurgency. Authorities have condemned the attack and urged vigilance during the festive season.

The United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting fighters accused of attacking communities, especially Christians, according to US President Donald Trump. The strikes, described as “powerful and deadly,” were carried out on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025) and reportedly killed multiple militants in Sokoto State. The US Africa Command said the operation occurred in coordination with and at the request of Nigerian authorities, involving intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation. Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the action as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts. Trump framed the strikes as retaliation against extremist violence toward Christians, though Nigerian officials stress militants target all civilians. (PC: AP)

Pre-Christmas celebrations in parts of India saw multiple vandalism and disruption incidents, sparking political uproar. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob stormed Magneto Mall during a bandh tied to alleged religious conversion disputes and vandalised Christmas decorations, leading to an FIR against several individuals. In Assam’s Nalbari district, four people linked to VHP and Bajrang Dal were arrested for damaging and burning Christmas decorations at a school and nearby shops, shouting slogans against celebrations. Kerala and Madhya Pradesh also reported clashes and confrontations related to festive events, prompting condemnation from opposition leaders. 

Three mechanical engineering students from Bhagwan Mahavir University in Surat have developed Garuda, India’s first driverless AI-powered electric bike prototype, using nearly 50% scrap materials. Built at a cost of around ₹1.8 lakh, the bike is controlled by a Raspberry Pi system and operates through voice commands. It features smart sensors that enable automatic braking, obstacle detection, and speed control. The bike is also equipped with GPS navigation, cameras, a digital dashboard, and wireless charging. The innovation highlights sustainable engineering, cost-effective design, and the growing potential of artificial intelligence in India’s two-wheeler and mobility sector.

India’s aviation sector is set to expand with two new airlines, alHindAir and FlyExpress, receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Civil Aviation Ministry. alHindAir is being promoted by the Kerala-based alhind Group, a travel and tourism company established nearly three decades ago in Calicut (Kozhikode). The airline’s promoter is Mohammed Haris T, who is spearheading the group’s entry into the aviation sector. The clearance marks a key regulatory step, allowing both airlines to move closer to operational launch after obtaining further approvals, including the Air Operator Certificate. The development is expected to boost competition and regional connectivity in Indian aviation. (PC: DNA)

India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam, defence sources said. The missile, developed by DRDO, has an intermediate range of about 3,500 km, significantly enhancing India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent and second-strike capability. The K-4 SLBM strengthens India’s nuclear triad, joining land and air delivery systems. The test achieved all planned objectives, demonstrating progress in strategic weapons development and placing India among a limited group of nations with submarine-launched nuclear missile capability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a death wish for Russian President Vladimir Putin following devastating Christmas attacks on Ukraine. Invoking the Ukrainian myth that "the heavens open" on Christmas night, Zelenskyy stated, "May he perish," without naming Putin directly. Russia launched major missile strikes killing three people and causing widespread power outages on Christmas Eve, followed by 131 drone attacks on Christmas Day. Ukrainian defenses intercepted most drones, but 22 struck 15 regions. Zelenskyy condemned Russia's "godless" strikes during the festival, questioning their peace intentions. He urged citizens to remain resilient, honoring fallen heroes who defended Ukraine, declaring, "We will not lose our way in the darkness." 

Hollywood actor Kumail Nanjiani, who grew up in Pakistan, expressed nostalgia for India-Pakistan cricket matches, noting they've lost their former "brotherhood" vibe. Speaking on Hasan Minhaj's YouTube channel, Nanjiani observed that while both were once top cricket teams, "now Pakistan is not that great and India is the best in the world." He recalled how these matches once celebrated similarities between nations despite political differences, emphasizing shared culture and language. Nanjiani lamented that nationalism has increasingly seeped into Indian and Pakistani films, creating unhelpful animosity. He believes the matches previously highlighted unity over division, with people from both countries connecting despite governmental tensions, a sentiment largely lost today. (PC: X)