In a friendly cricket match held on December 15, 2024, at Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the Lok Sabha Speaker's XI led by Anurag Thakur defeated the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s XI captained by Kiren Rijiju by 73 runs. The event aimed to raise awareness about tuberculosis under the "TB-Free India Awareness Cricket Match" initiative. Thakur scored 111 runs, playing a key role in the victory. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey was named best fielder, while Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda won best bowler. MPs from various parties participated, promoting the message of fitness and TB awareness.

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi, 27, was arrested in Sari City for performing in a YouTube concert without a hijab. The video, which gained over 1.4M views, featured Ahmadi in a black bodycon dress with four male musicians. Two of the musicians, Soheil Faghih Nasiri and Ehsan Beiraghdar, were also detained. Ahmadi described her performance as "a right I could not ignore." Her lawyer confirmed the lack of disclosure regarding charges or detention location. The arrest underscores heightened enforcement of Iran's strict dress code, following 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death over hijab rule violations.

The US is collaborating with Bangladesh's interim government to strengthen law enforcement and ensure minority safety. President Joe Biden is monitoring developments closely, said John Kirby, US national security adviser. Protests over attacks on minorities, including Hindus, have sparked concerns in the US. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met Biden in September, affirming commitments to security and human rights. The Yunus government, which replaced Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August, faces criticism over rising violence. India also addressed minority safety during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Dhaka. Over 88 cases of minority attacks were reported between August and October.

In his final days in power, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad confided in Iran's foreign minister about Turkey’s support for Sunni rebels attempting to topple his regime. Assad reportedly voiced frustration during a December 2 meeting with Iranian Minister Abbas Araqchi, claiming Turkey’s actions were intensifying the conflict. In response, Iran promised to continue supporting Assad but raised concerns with Turkey. As Assad fled to Moscow, his ouster marked the end of five decades of his family’s rule. Iran's support had been crucial in the civil war, but Assad's downfall represents a significant blow to the Iran-led alliance in the Middle East.

A shooting near a migrant camp in Dunkirk, France, left 5 people dead on December 14, 2024. A 22-year-old man, claiming responsibility for the killings, surrendered at a nearby Ghyvelde police station. He confessed to first shooting a 29-year-old in Wormhout, followed by the killing of four others at the Loon-Plage camp, including two security agents and two migrants. Witnesses described the attacker, believed to be a French national, opening fire with a shotgun. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack, which targeted Kurdish migrants who had recently been rescued after a failed Channel crossing.

The US has acknowledged direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, following their toppling of Syria’s Assad regime. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed discussions with HTS regarding the fate of missing American journalist Austin Tice. This marks the first US acknowledgment of communication with the group, designated as a terrorist organization. The rebels, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, are seeking an inclusive Syrian government after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. International talks in Jordan emphasized regional unity and peace, while Israel continued airstrikes against Syria’s strategic assets. HTS's future role remains uncertain.

Four individuals were arrested for vandalizing a Hindu temple, homes, and shops in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, following tensions over a Facebook post. The incident on December 3 involved a mob attacking the Loknath Temple and properties of the Hindu community after a post by Akash Das circulated online. Police detained Das for safety but faced mob resistance. Authorities filed cases against 12 identified and over 150 unidentified suspects. Communal violence against minorities has surged in Bangladesh, with 88 incidents reported since August. India has expressed strong concerns over these attacks, while international groups call for immediate action to protect minorities.

Day 1 of the 3rd Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Brisbane's Gabba was disrupted by rain, allowing only 13.2 overs of play. India’s decision to bowl first saw Usman Khawaja (19*) and Nathan McSweeney (4*) remaining unbeaten overnight. Weather forecasts suggest rain early on Day 2, potentially delaying the start, though significant play is expected later under cloudy skies. India made changes with Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep replacing R Ashwin and Harshit Rana. The high-stakes match comes as the series is tied 1-1, with India winning in Perth and Australia bouncing back in Adelaide. Fans hope rain won’t spoil the decider.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of undermining India’s Constitution in a sharp Lok Sabha attack. Modi alleged Congress altered the Constitution 75 times, prioritizing power over democracy. "Congress tasted blood for power, wounding the Constitution’s soul," he said, labeling the 1975 Emergency a permanent "taint." Modi criticized Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi for exploiting constitutional amendments and suppressing citizens’ rights. He accused Congress of sowing discord while the Constitution upheld unity. Modi highlighted his government’s contributions, like Swachh Bharat toilets, contrasting them with Congress’s "Garibi Hatao" slogan. The speech sparked strong opposition from Congress MPs.

President-elect Donald Trump vowed to cut business ties and impose tariffs on countries refusing to accept deported migrants. In a Time magazine interview after being named 2024 "Person of the Year," Trump reiterated his focus on strict immigration policies, including using the National Guard for deportations. Emphasizing legal immigration, he warned against accepting prisoners or individuals from mental institutions. Trump pledged to deport families together and avoid prolonged detentions. "We'll do whatever it takes within the law," he stated, adding that non-compliant nations would face severe tariffs. The announcement underscores Trump’s commitment to border security during his presidency.