A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare. Police said the victim, Aria Thorpe, was found dead at a house on Lime Close on Monday evening. A post-mortem showed she died from a single stab wound. The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. He spoke only to confirm his details. The court remanded him in custody. He will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. Police said the case has shocked the town and support is being given to schools and families. (PC: BBC)

Venezuela has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump after he ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil ships linked to the country. Trump said the move targets Venezuela’s government, which the US now labels a foreign terrorist group. He accused it of drug smuggling and human trafficking. Venezuela rejected the claims and said the US wants to steal its oil. The order follows the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker last week and fresh sanctions on more ships. Caracas called the action a serious threat and warned it could raise tensions. Venezuela depends heavily on oil exports for its economy. (PC: Getty Images)

A London court has ordered the indefinite detention of a man who stabbed an 11-year-old girl in Leicester Square. The girl, an Australian tourist, was visiting London with her mother. The attack happened outside a Lego store in August last year. The accused, Ioan Pintaru, grabbed the child and stabbed her multiple times. She suffered serious injuries but survived the attack. Pintaru later pleaded guilty to causing serious harm and carrying a knife. Doctors told the court he was suffering from severe mental illness. The judge said the crime caused lasting trauma to the child and deep fear for her family. (PC: X)

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh seized 750 sacks of roasted chickpeas treated with harmful chemicals in Gorakhpur. The Food Department found that a synthetic yellow dye was used to make the chickpeas look attractive. Officials said the dye is meant for clothes and paper, not food. Tests confirmed high chemical content, making the product unsafe to eat. Health experts warned it can harm the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer. The chickpeas were brought from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. All seized sacks were banned from sale. Officials said strict legal action will be taken against suppliers involved in the adulteration network. (PC: India Today)

Thousands gathered in Sydney on Wednesday for the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, killed in the Bondi Beach shooting. He was among 15 people shot dead during a Hanukkah festival. Schlanger was known as the Bondi Rabbi and helped organise the event. Community leaders called his death an unspeakable loss. Family members spoke of his kindness and service. Political leaders and diplomats attended the funeral. Other victim funerals are planned this week, including that of a 10-year-old girl. Police said charges against the main accused may proceed after medical checks. The attack was Australia’s deadliest shooting since 1996. (PC: BBC)

UK inflation fell more than expected in November, dropping to 3.2%, its lowest level since March, driven mainly by falling food prices such as cakes, biscuits and cereals. The sharper-than-forecast decline has strengthened expectations that the Bank of England will cut its main interest rate to 3.75% this week as the UK economy faces weak growth and rising unemployment. Finance minister Rachel Reeves welcomed the data, calling lower household bills a priority. Markets reacted immediately, with the pound weakening as traders priced in further rate cuts in 2026. Analysts say the fall in inflation is likely enough for Governor Andrew Bailey to approve another rate reduction, offering borrowers a “Christmas present.” (PC: The Economic Tiimes)

Australian police have charged Naveed Akram over the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. He faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one terrorism charge. Fifteen people were killed in the attack during a Hanukkah event. Dozens were injured. Akram was hurt in the incident and appeared in court from his hospital bed. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed during a police shootout at the scene. Police say the attack was aimed at the Jewish community. Authorities have called it a terrorist incident. Investigations are ongoing. The next hearing is scheduled for April 2026. (PC: BBC)

The surviving shooter from the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney has woken from a coma and been arrested at his hospital bedside, as authorities continue the investigation into the terrorist attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens during a Hanukkah celebration. The 24‑year‑old suspect, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and captured by police during the incident and has now been formally charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act. The attack, described by law enforcement as Islamic State‑inspired, has prompted national grief, discussions on gun law reforms, and widespread condolences for victims and their families. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where they discussed strengthening India-Israel bilateral ties, prioritising cooperation in technology, economy, connectivity and security. Jaishankar, who conveyed warm wishes from PM Narendra Modi, said the talks reflected both sides’ confidence that the strategic partnership will grow from strength to strength. He also held meetings with President Isaac Herzog and other senior Israeli leaders. The visit builds momentum ahead of a proposed future visit by Netanyahu to India, with both nations exploring closer engagement across multiple sectors. (PC: PTI)

Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir faces a critical test as President Donald Trump pushes Islamabad to contribute troops to Gaza's stabilisation force. Munir, now Pakistan's most powerful military chief with unprecedented constitutional powers extending until 2030, is expected to meet Trump in Washington soon. Trump's 20-point Gaza plan envisions Muslim nations overseeing reconstruction in the war-torn territory. While Munir has cultivated close ties with Trump, including a rare solo White House lunch in June, deploying troops could trigger domestic backlash from Islamist parties and Imran Khan supporters. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated Pakistan might consider peacekeeping but ruled out disarming Hamas, calling it "not our job." (PC: India Today)