Royal Christmas cards across Europe this year feature closer, more relaxed family images. The Prince and Princess of Wales shared an informal photo with their children outdoors, continuing a move away from formal portraits. King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared arm in arm in a picture taken during a state visit to Italy. Prince Harry and Meghan released a winter image from Canada. Other royal families, including those of Spain, Belgium, Monaco, and Luxembourg, also opted for softer poses, mixing tradition with a more personal style.

Unrest in Bangladesh has led to a diplomatic exchange with India and protests in Kolkata. Bangladesh suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi, Tripura, and Siliguri after demonstrations near diplomatic premises. India summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and raised concerns over attacks on minorities and diplomatic sites. In Kolkata, protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission over the killing of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Police in Bangladesh said the lynching followed unverified blasphemy claims and involved factory colleagues. At least 12 people have been arrested. Separately, protests intensified in Bangladesh after the killing of youth leader Osman Hadi, with media offices attacked and minority groups staging demonstrations.

US President Donald Trump said the release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files could unfairly damage reputations of people who met the financier years ago. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said many individuals photographed with Epstein had “nothing to do” with his crimes. He reacted after images in the first batch of files released by the US Justice Department showed former president Bill Clinton. Trump said he disliked the release of such photos and called it a “terrible thing”. He added that the controversy was being used to divert attention from Republican achievements. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

A 27-year-old Hindu factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched in Bangladesh after being forced to resign and handed to a mob, police said. The incident occurred at a garment factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Investigators said supervisors did not alert police in time, despite hours of unrest. Authorities found no clear evidence supporting blasphemy claims against Das. According to the Rapid Action Battalion, factory officials and workers were among those arrested. CCTV footage showed colleagues joining the assault. The mob later hung the body near the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway and set it on fire. Twelve people have been detained so far. (PC: India Today)

Russia has stepped up attacks on the southern Ukrainian region of Odesa, hitting power networks and port facilities in recent days. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said the strikes were “systematic” and focused on key infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attacks aimed to block Ukraine’s sea routes. Regional officials said a civilian vessel was damaged during a strike on port facilities. Earlier attacks cut electricity to about 120,000 people and caused fires at storage sites. Odesa has become vital for exports as other southern ports remain inaccessible due to Russian control. (PC: BBC)

Three cricket enthusiasts have built a full-sized cricket ground near Shimla, filling a long gap in local sports facilities. Veenu Diwan, Ajay Thakur and Abhay Thakur carved the ground from a steep hillside in Padechi panchayat, about 15 km from the city. Work began in 2021 and took four years to complete. The ground measures 120 by 90 metres. The effort contrasts with a stalled government stadium project at Katasani village, launched in 2007 by former chief minister Virbhadra Singh. The trio now plans to start a residential cricket academy and build a hostel at the site.

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended consular and visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi, a day after India halted visa operations in Chattogram. The Bangladesh High Commission said services were stopped “due to unavoidable circumstances” until further notice. India had earlier suspended services at the Indian Visa Application Centre in Chattogram following security concerns after protests linked to the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Indian officials cited threats near diplomatic premises as the reason. The move comes amid strained ties, with both sides reviewing security around missions and visa centres. (PC: India Today)

Dense fog covered Delhi and parts of the NCR on Tuesday morning, reducing visibility sharply in several areas. Near-zero visibility was reported in pockets of Ghaziabad and Noida, slowing traffic during peak hours. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility dropped to 50 metres around 8 am, the India Meteorological Department said. Air quality stayed severe, with the AQI at 414, data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed. The IMD said fog is likely to continue over the next few mornings, with only gradual improvement expected later in the week. (PC: HT)

A Sikh religious procession in New Zealand was halted after a far-right group blocked its route in Auckland. The Nagar Kirtan, organised by a local Sikh gurdwara, had official permission from authorities. Protesters linked to the group True Patriots of New Zealand stood in front of the procession and performed a haka. They held banners with anti-immigrant messages and chanted religious slogans. Police stayed at the scene and stopped the situation from turning violent. Sikh participants remained calm during the disruption. Community leaders in India and New Zealand condemned the incident and urged authorities to protect religious freedom. The episode has renewed concerns about racism and minority safety in the country.

The Centre on Monday said false claims were being made about the Supreme Court ruling on the Aravalli range. Union minister Bhupender Yadav said the court has clearly asked for scientific conservation of the Aravallis in Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. He said the government has always supported a green and protected Aravalli range. Yadav clarified that the technical committee formed by the court will only study mining issues. He said no mining is allowed in the NCR region. The minister added that new mining leases are barred except in rare cases. He highlighted the presence of wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves, stressing the ecological value of the range. (PC: India Today)