The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the full schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, following a hybrid model with matches split between Pakistan and the UAE. India’s group-stage fixtures, including the marquee clash against Pakistan on February 23, will take place in Dubai. Pakistan will host 10 matches, while Dubai will host key games, including the final if India qualifies. Group A includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. All matches start at 2:30 PM IST, with Star Sports broadcasting in India. Pakistan enters as the defending champion.

Bethlehem’s Manger Square, usually vibrant during Christmas, remains subdued this year due to the Gaza war. Security forces surrounded the Church of the Nativity, as local authorities opted for minimal decorations, reflecting a somber mood. Mayor Anton Salman emphasized focusing on Palestine's suffering under Israeli occupation. Midnight Mass will proceed, led by the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarch, but festivities remain muted. Vendors lamented the lack of tourists, crucial to Bethlehem's economy. Amid regional violence, residents and visitors expressed hope for peace. “Christmas is about faith,” Salman said, urging prayers to end the conflict.

Pakistan is reportedly negotiating a deal with China to procure 40 J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking Beijing's first export of its most advanced aircraft. If finalized, Pakistan would become the only country outside China to operate these jets, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities. Despite Pakistan's ongoing economic crisis and reliance on International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailouts, the deal may be financed through Chinese loans. Defense experts highlight concerns over Pakistan's mounting debt to China. The jets, unveiled in November, were discussed during high-level meetings between Chinese and Pakistani military officials. No official confirmation has been made by Beijing.

R Ashwin, the legendary off-spinner with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024. Reflecting on his career, Ashwin expressed no regrets about not captaining the Indian Test team but admitted he would have enjoyed the opportunity. "Leadership doesn't need a title. I contributed to others' success," he said. Ashwin, who led Punjab Kings in IPL and Tamil Nadu teams, will continue playing for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 after being bought for ₹9.75 crore. Ashwin’s retirement came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Tanush Kotian named as his replacement for the Boxing Day Test.

Protests have erupted across Syria after masked gunmen burned a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town near Hama. The new Islamist leadership, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), condemned the act, claiming foreign fighters were responsible and promising swift repairs. Demonstrations in Damascus saw protesters carrying crosses and chanting, "We will sacrifice our souls for our cross." Georges, a Christian protester, stated, "If we're not allowed to live our faith, we don’t belong here anymore." HTS, with a controversial jihadist past, vows to protect minority rights. However, ensuring stability amidst extremist threats remains a significant challenge for Syria's new rulers.

Sebastian Zapeta, a migrant from Guatemala deported in 2018, has been charged with murder and arson after setting a woman ablaze aboard an F train at New York's Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station. Surveillance footage showed Zapeta igniting the victim’s clothes, killing her instantly. Police apprehended him with a lighter linking him to the crime. Authorities confirmed his illegal re-entry into the US after deportation. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the attack "depraved." US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to detain Zapeta again. Officials pledged swift justice for the horrifying crime.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun left his Hyderabad home for police questioning on Tuesday in connection with a fatal stampede during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2: The Rise. The incident, which occurred earlier this month at a theatre, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman. The actor’s residence was heavily secured by police, following Sunday's incident when a group of men, claiming to be Osmania University students, vandalized the property. Authorities are investigating the events surrounding the stampede, with further developments expected.

In his first Christmas message as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer expresses optimism for the year ahead. Acknowledging the difficult times, particularly regarding the economy, Starmer urges people to focus on family, friendship, and caring for one another. He also emphasized the importance of peace, especially in the Middle East. Starmer’s message comes almost six months into his leadership, with ongoing criticism of his party's handling of the economy. He thanked essential workers and wished a Merry Christmas to everyone across the UK, encouraging unity and hope for a brighter 2025.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. Haniyeh, a key figure in Gaza ceasefire talks, was killed amidst rising regional tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Katz declared Israel's intent to "damage strategic infrastructure" and "behead leaders" of Houthi forces, citing their missile attacks and Red Sea naval blockade in solidarity with Palestinians. The admission comes months after Haniyeh’s death, which Iran previously blamed on Israel. Haniyeh’s successor, Yahya Sinwar, was also killed during Gaza operations, intensifying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced "some progress" in talks to release Gaza hostages, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. This comes as Hamas and allied groups hinted at a ceasefire deal, pending conditions. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's goal to dismantle Hamas and ensure regional security, citing recent military gains. Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels and Hamas escalated hostilities, prompting Israeli and allied counterstrikes. Netanyahu emphasized peace with Arab nations through expanded Abraham Accords, calling it a "historic opportunity." The ongoing conflict continues to test Israel's diplomacy and security strategies in the Middle East.