Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir hosted a low-profile wedding for his third daughter, Mahnoor, on December 26 at the Pakistan Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi, marrying her to his nephew, Abdul Rehman, the son of his brother, according to multiple reports. The ceremony was attended by top political and military figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, the ISI chief and senior army officials, but no official photos were released due to security. Abdul Rehman is a former army captain now serving as an assistant commissioner through a military quota, and about 400 guests were present at the event, which was kept discreet amid tight security. (PC: Reuters)

Israel has announced it will bar more than two dozen international humanitarian organisations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, ActionAid, and the International Rescue Committee, from operating in Gaza for failing to meet new registration rules demanding detailed staff information — seen by Israel as a security measure. Foreign ministers of 10 countries including the UK, Canada and France warned the move risks worsening an already “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where winter conditions and damaged infrastructure leave millions in urgent need of shelter, healthcare, and basic supplies. Critics say the bans will hamper aid delivery and deepen civilian suffering. (PC: AP)

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi claimed Beijing helped mediate the May India-Pakistan military standoff, asserting China’s “objective and just stance” in resolving global conflicts, including tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. He listed several crises China engaged in, framing Beijing as a peace builder. India firmly rejected any third-party role, saying the four-day confrontation ended through direct military-to-military talks and that it opposes external intervention. The remarks echo similar U.S. claims by former President Donald Trump that Washington mediated a ceasefire, which India also denies. (PC: AP)

The Saudi-led coalition conducted a limited airstrike on Yemen’s Mukalla port after two vessels from the UAE’s Fujairah port entered without approval and unloaded unauthorised weapons and combat vehicles, allegedly for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council separatists. Saudi and Yemeni authorities said the operation targeted the military cargo and posed no collateral damage, insisting it defended security and de-escalation efforts. Yemen’s presidential council declared a state of emergency, canceled its defense pact with the UAE, and ordered Emirati forces to leave within 24 hours, deepening the rift between long-time Gulf allies. (PC: Reuters)

The funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia will be held in Dhaka on Wednesday after Zohr prayers, officials said. Zia died on Tuesday morning at the age of 80 after a long illness. Her body will be taken from Evercare Hospital to her Gulshan home, Feroza, on Wednesday morning, and then to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. Funeral prayers are set for 2 pm at the South Plaza and Manik Mia Avenue. She will be buried beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan. India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar will attend. Bangladesh has announced three days of state mourning. ( PC: HT)

India has become the world’s fourth largest economy after overtaking Japan, the government said on Tuesday. The country’s GDP now stands at about USD 4.18 trillion. It is expected to surpass Germany to become the third largest economy within the next two to three years. A Press Information Bureau release said India is the fastest growing major economy. Real GDP grew 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of FY26, up from 7.8 per cent in the first quarter. Growth was driven mainly by strong local demand. The Reserve Bank of India has raised its full-year growth forecast to 7.3 per cent. (PC: HT)

An IndiGo flight travelling from Kolkata to Hyderabad reported a bird strike on Monday and landed safely at Shamshabad airport, officials said. The pilot followed safety steps and all 118 passengers on board were unharmed. The airline said the aircraft will be checked before it returns to service. No damage details were shared. A similar case was reported in October when an Air India flight from Colombo to Chennai faced a bird hit that was noticed after landing. That plane was grounded for checks and passengers exited safely. Airport teams said bird strikes are handled through standard checks to ensure aircraft safety before further flights. (PC: India Today)

Some Eurostar trains have resumed after hours of disruption in the Channel Tunnel caused by a power supply failure. The first service to run was the 15:04 train from London to Brussels, which left shortly after 16:00 GMT. However, Eurostar has told passengers not to travel unless necessary, warning of long delays. Only one tunnel line is open because of damage to overhead cables. LeShuttle services for cars have also restarted slowly, with queues earlier near Folkestone. The UK transport department said disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day. Eurostar will offer compensation for hotels, taxis, and meals to affected travellers. (PC: BBC)

Iran erupted into major protests Monday as the rial plunged to a record low of 1,390,000 against the US dollar, with demonstrations spreading across Tehran and several major cities. Western sanctions have devastated the economy, causing food prices to surge for Iran's 92 million population. Central bank chief Mohammad Reza Farzin reportedly resigned amid the crisis. Traders shut shops urging nationwide solidarity while protesters clashed with security forces, resulting in multiple arrests. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the "legitimate demands," promising fundamental reforms to the monetary and banking system. He tasked the interior minister to engage protesters through dialogue. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani admitted authorities recognize the significant pressure on citizens and don't defend the current situation. 

A 40-year-old Hindu man, Bajendra Biswas, was killed Monday evening in central Bangladesh after being accidentally shot by a colleague inside a garment factory. The incident occurred at Sultana Sweaters Limited in Mymensingh's Bhaluka upazila, where both men worked as Ansar security personnel. Police arrested the alleged shooter, Noman Mia, 22, after a shotgun in his possession discharged while they sat together. The bullet struck Biswas in the left thigh, causing severe bleeding. He was rushed to Bhaluka Upazila Health Complex but declared dead on arrival. Police are investigating whether the shooting was purely accidental or if other factors contributed. The victim's body has been sent for autopsy.