Zara Dar, a Texas-based YouTuber with an MS in Computer Science, quit her PhD to become an OnlyFans content creator. In an emotional LinkedIn video, she described her decision as stressful but empowering, criticizing corporate IT jobs as "thankless." Zara revealed earning over $1M, enabling her to pay a mortgage, buy a car, and plan for a house. She emphasized valuing autonomy over stability, stating her work now builds her legacy, not someone else’s. While some criticized her move, many applauded her courage. "This life I am building is a masterpiece in progress," Zara concluded optimistically.

The US has called on Bangladesh to protect minority Hindus following reports of violence and attacks on temples. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, urging respect for all faiths and human rights. Advocacy groups report brutal incidents, including killings, assaults, and temple destruction. HinduAction criticised Yunus for failing to control extremists. Congressman Shri Thanedar asked the Biden administration to address these issues strongly. The White House promised accountability for protecting minorities. Sullivan reaffirmed US support for a democratic Bangladesh. The violence follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, with global concern growing.

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, starting a Jubilee year for Catholics. Over 30 million pilgrims are expected in Rome. The ceremony included prayers and blessings, with bells ringing across the Vatican. Pilgrims passing through the Holy Door will receive forgiveness for sins. Rome has undergone extensive renovations for the event, including restored monuments and improved roads. Security is tight, with 700 officers deployed. The pope called for peace and reflected on the suffering caused by wars. The Jubilee, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," includes global events and aims to inspire spiritual renewal.

Armed men attacked a public hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, killing three people, including two journalists and a police officer. The shooting occurred during a briefing about the hospital's reopening. Several others were injured. The General Hospital had been recaptured in July after being destroyed by gangs. The attack was blamed on the Viv Ansanm gang. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. Haiti’s transitional government promised action against the attackers. Haiti continues to face severe gang violence, with 85% of the capital under gang control and 5,000 deaths reported this year. The situation remains critical.

Pakistani airstrikes on December 24 in Afghanistan’s Paktika province killed at least 15 people, including women and children. The attacks targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a family died. The Taliban condemned the strikes, calling them an attack on sovereignty, and vowed to retaliate. Pakistan has not confirmed the airstrikes but claims they targeted Taliban hideouts near the border. The Taliban denies these claims, stating civilians, including Waziristani refugees, were the victims. Tensions between the two countries remain high due to accusations of harbouring militants and rising attacks by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

Four astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) – Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, Don Pettit, and Nick Hague – shared a heartfelt Christmas message on December 23. Initially launched on an eight-day test flight on June 5, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered technical issues, leaving them stranded. In their festive video, the crew passed weightless candy canes and thanked mission control teams for sacrifices during the holidays. Williams, a seasoned space traveler, marked another holiday season in orbit. The astronauts showcased canned festive meals and reflected on spending holidays away from loved ones while focusing on mission responsibilities.

On Christmas Eve 2024, Heathrow Airport delighted travelers with a creative touch. Its flight display system announced the arrival of Santa Claus and his reindeer from the North Pole at midnight. A charming message warned passengers to keep carrots safe, adding humor to the festive spirit. The Instagram post garnered 140,000 views, with users praising the innovative gesture. Heathrow also introduced a life-sized polar bear photo booth, holiday harmonies from "The Jingle Belles," and free gift-wrapping stations across terminals. Passengers celebrated the unique efforts to spread holiday cheer at one of the busiest airports in the UK.

Denmark has announced a $1.5 billion defence upgrade for Greenland, hours after Donald Trump reiterated the US's interest in purchasing the Arctic territory. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed plans for inspection ships, drones, dog sled teams, and upgraded Arctic Command facilities. The move aligns with concerns over security in Arctic waters amidst Chinese and Russian activities. Greenland’s PM Mute Egede rejected Trump’s proposal, asserting, "We are not for sale," but encouraged trade cooperation. Analysts believe the investment responds to US pressure, strengthening Denmark’s military presence in the region to counter encroachment and maintain sovereignty over Greenland’s strategic resources.

A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an explosion in its engine room, Moscow said. The ship went down between Spain and Algeria. Two crew members are missing, while 14 others were rescued and taken to Spain. Ukraine claims the ship was on a mission to move weapons from Syria. Tracking data shows the ship left St Petersburg on 11 December. The incident raises questions about Russia's operations in Syria, especially after Bashar al-Assad's government fell earlier this month. Russia's future in Syria, including its military bases, is now uncertain.

American Airlines, the world’s largest airline operator, briefly grounded all flights in the US on Christmas Eve due to a technical glitch. The Federal Aviation Administration lifted the halt after an hour, allowing operations to resume. The disruption impacted thousands of passengers during the peak holiday travel period. Passengers shared grievances on social media, citing canceled or delayed flights. The airline apologized, stating, “We are working to resolve the issue quickly.” The glitch coincides with anticipated record-setting travel on Christmas Eve, echoing a major global IT outage six months earlier that disrupted multiple industries.