Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, received Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honor, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence, during an official visit to the Kingdom. The Pakistan Army announced the prestigious recognition, which represents one of Saudi Arabia's most distinguished awards for foreign dignitaries and leaders. The medal acknowledges exceptional contributions to bilateral relations and regional cooperation. This honor reflects the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, two nations with historically close diplomatic, military, and economic relationships. The award ceremony took place during Munir's official state visit, underscoring the strategic importance both countries place on their partnership and collaboration across defense, economic, and cultural spheres. (PC: X)

China launched island-wide special customs operations in Hainan, creating the world's largest free-trade port with zero-tariff eligibility for 74% of goods up from 21%. The island, 50 times Singapore's size, operates as a separate jurisdiction with its own customs, tax, and regulatory systems. Companies registered in Hainan pay only 15% corporate tax versus 25% mainland rates, while skilled professionals face just 15% income tax compared to mainland's 45%. Products gaining 30% value through Hainan processing enter mainland China duty-free. Since 2020, over 8,000 foreign companies from 176 countries invested $14.6 billion. This bold move counters rising global trade barriers and aims to reverse China's 10% FDI drop. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of misusing India’s institutions and undermining the electoral system. Speaking at an event in Berlin, he alleged that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation were being used to target political opponents while sparing those linked to the ruling party. Gandhi also repeated claims that elections in Haryana and Maharashtra were unfair and said the Election Commission failed to address concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the remarks, accusing Gandhi of speaking against India while abroad.

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.

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.

Japan is preparing to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. The move follows a confidence vote in the Niigata prefectural assembly backing Governor Hideyo Hanazumi’s decision. The restart is part of Japan’s effort to cut emissions and lower fuel imports. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports reopening selected reactors to boost energy security. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is run by TEPCO, the operator of the Fukushima plant, raising public concern. Fourteen nuclear plants have reopened so far. The first reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa could add about two percent to power supply in the Tokyo region. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, a senior leader of Bangladesh's National Citizen Party, was shot in the head by unknown gunmen in Khulna district Monday morning. Sikdar, central organizer and Khulna divisional convener of NCP's labour wing Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was planning a divisional labour rally when attacked around 11:45 am in Sonadanga area. He received treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital before being transferred for CT scan. The shooting occurred amid escalating political violence following radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death. Bangladesh faces intensifying tensions ahead of February 2026 elections, with attacks on minorities and anti-India rhetoric from NCP leaders threatening to sever India's northeastern states.