Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Delhi Police responded to a call about a blast near Israel's embassy in New Delhi. The Crime Branch and forensics team are investigating the reported incident at Chanakyapuri. The Delhi Fire Service received a call about an explosion on an empty plot around 6:00 PM. Israel's foreign ministry acknowledged the reports, stating the alleged explosion near the New Delhi embassy is under investigation. An eyewitness mentioned hearing a loud sound, seeing smoke from a tree. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government is cooperating with Indian authorities in the matter.

Speaking at a 'Veer Bal Diwas' event commemorating Guru Gobind Singh's sons, PM Modi stated India is breaking free from the "mindset of slavery." Expressing faith in people and heritage, He noted, "When we respect our heritage, the world also values it," highlighting changing global perspectives. Commemorating Guru Gobind Singh's sons, Modi outlined a vision for youth, foreseeing opportunities in the next 25 years. Stressing India's global recognition, he urged prioritizing health, saying, "When fit, you'll be super hit." Modi called for a movement against drugs and celebrated 'Veer Bal Diwas' as symbolic protection of Indianness, honoring the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh's family.  

A MiG-29K fighter jet suffered a tire burst on the taxiway at Goa Airport during Navy's operational hours, prompting a nearly two-hour runway closure. The incident led to the diversion and delays of sixteen flights. The runway reopened after the disabled jet was removed with a crane. No injuries were reported. The Airports Authority of India confirmed the resumption of civil aircraft operations. The MiG-29K squadron operates from Goa's INS Hansa naval base, sharing the runway with the civilian airport. The closure affected afternoon flights, with one diverted to Mopa International Airport.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted India's commitment to tracking down those responsible for recent drone attacks on Merchant Navy ships, stating, "The government has taken the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto and MV Sai Baba very seriously." Speaking at the commissioning of INS Imphal, he declared, "Whoever carried out this attack, we will find them even from the seabed. Those behind it will be brought to justice." The Pentagon attributed one attack to an Iran-backed group. MV Chem Pluto, targeted off India's west coast, docked in Mumbai, showing damage from a drone strike. India assures cooperation with friendly nations to safeguard maritime trade in the region.

A tiger from Pilibhit's Tiger Reserve forest in Uttar Pradesh ventured into Atkona village, perching on a Gurudwara wall. Locals promptly alerted the forest department, leading to a security cordon using a net. The incident drew a massive crowd, capturing the spectacle on social media. Concerns about the tiger's well-being sparked discussions in the comments, with some questioning its return to the wild. The video, shared on December 26, garnered over 1.1 lakh views, prompting queries about the tiger's safety and speculations about its health. Wildlife authorities are on the scene to manage the situation.

According to intelligence sources, terrorists, including JeM and LeT, employ Chinese weapons, bodysuit cameras, and communication devices in Jammu and Kashmir attacks. China's supply of weapons and drones to Pakistan is linked to recent terror strikes. Infiltrators use Chinese sniper guns, and encrypted communication devices for infiltration are traced back to China. China is suspected of aiming to divert Indian troops from Ladakh by escalating terrorism in Kashmir. Despite this, Indian security remains vigilant, countering attempts on both fronts. A recent attack in Poonch prompts plans to reinforce Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch-Rajouri sector with additional troops.

Thick fog blankets Delhi and the NCR, causing disruption in flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Visibility drops significantly, reaching 150m, prompting the diversion of five flights to Jaipur. The cold wave tightens its grip over northern India, with the minimum temperature in Delhi hitting 7 degrees Celsius. Very dense fog affects isolated areas in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and more. The Regional Meteorological Department forecasts partly cloudy skies and continued dense to very dense fog in the morning. Night shelters witness increased occupancy as residents seek refuge from the cold.

The Army initiates an inquiry, involving a Brigadier-level officer, into three civilian deaths in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation, prompted by recent terrorist attacks on Army personnel, aims to address casualties and circumstances within the officer's responsibility. Following a deadly ambush on Army vehicles last week, aerial surveillance and ground combing operations intensify in the Dera Ki Gali and Bafliyaz forest belt. The People's Anti-Fascist Front, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, claims responsibility for the attack. Amid allegations of custodial torture, the Army takes disciplinary actions and adjusts officer postings. Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasizes professional conduct during operations.

A 24-year-old woman engineer named Nandhini in Tamil Nadu, Chennai was burnt alive by her former classmate, Vetrimaran (formerly Pandi Maheswari), who underwent a sex change to marry her. The tragic event unfolded as a birthday surprise turned into a nightmare. Nandhini was Blindfolded, chained and slashed with blade before she was killed. Police are investigating the dark turn in their relationship, suspecting Vetrimaran's jealousy as a motive. The victim, Nandhini, was rushed to the Hospital where she died, while Vetrimaran faces murder charges and is in judicial custody. The incident has left the community stunned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a Christmas programme at his residence, lauds Jesus Christ's message of kindness and service, describing them as guiding lights for India's development. PM Modi values his longstanding relations with the Christian community, recognizing their dedication to serving the poor. He reminisces about meeting the Pope, emphasizing discussions on global issues for a better world. The Prime Minister acknowledges the Christian community's significant role in India's freedom struggle and expresses pride in their ongoing contributions to the country's welfare. The Christmas event reflects PM Modi's appreciation for shared values and collective progress.