At a public rally in Assam’s Dibrugarh and Guwahati, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce political attack on the Congress party, accusing it of engaging in anti-national activities by allegedly helping illegal Bangladeshi immigrants settle in the state and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls aimed at keeping infiltrators out of elections. Modi claimed Congress neglected Assam and the Northeast for decades and prioritised vote-bank politics over security and development. He also highlighted BJP government’s development initiatives in the region and vowed to protect Assamese identity and interests ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: X)

A minute’s silence was held at Bondi Beach to remember victims of last week’s deadly shooting. The attack happened during a Hanukkah event. Fifteen people were killed, including two children. Crowds gathered as heavy police security guarded the area. Candles were lit across Australia in a show of unity. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed by some in the crowd. Community leaders blamed rising antisemitism. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Australia after the attack. (PC: BBC)

India has indefinitely suspended visa services at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, effective December 21, 2025, citing security concerns following a recent incident near the Assistant High Commission of India in the port city. The move comes amid heightened tensions and unrest triggered by the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which sparked protests and clashes. The IVAC statement said operations will remain halted until further notice, with a decision to resume only after the security situation is reviewed. No timeline has been given for reopening the centre. (PC: The Hindu)

Lionel Messi’s appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during his India tour was marred by chaos and dissatisfaction. Organiser Satadru Dutta told investigators that Messi was uncomfortable being touched and hugged by crowds, and was surrounded closely, including by West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who was seen posing with Messi. This situation made the Argentina star visibly unhappy and contributed to mismanagement. Thousands of ticket-holding fans struggled to see Messi, leading to frustration and vandalism inside the stadium. A Special Investigation Team is probing security lapses, crowd control failings, and organisational issues surrounding the event. (PC: AFP)

An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, allegedly assaulted passenger Ankit Dewan at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 following a dispute over queue use during security checks. Dewan claims the pilot called him “illiterate,” sparking a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical attack, leaving Dewan bloodied and traumatising his family, including his children. The airline condemned the act, suspended the pilot and launched an inquiry. Sejwal’s statement counters that Dewan made casteist remarks and threats, framing the incident as personal. The Civil Aviation Ministry and security agencies are probing the case. 

Pakistan U19 clinched their first-ever sole U19 Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai. Sameer Minhas' sensational 172 off 113 balls powered Pakistan to 347/8 before bowlers dismissed India for 156. Minhas won both Player of the Match and Series awards, finishing as tournament's top scorer. During the presentation, Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi avoided contact with Indian players, staying away from cameras while handing medals to Pakistani players. India's captain Ayush Mhatre collected the runners-up cheque from an Afghanistan Cricket Board official, with medals distributed by ICC Director Mubashir Usmani. India lost wickets regularly, offering only brief lower-order resistance. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's Bengali cultural institutions face systematic attacks from Islamic radicals, with patterns suggesting Pakistani involvement. Udichi Shilpi Gosthi's Dhaka office was attacked Friday, following assaults on Chhayanaut, Prothom Alo, and The Daily Star amid Sharif Osman Hadi protests. Udichi, founded in 1968 and awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2013, promoted Bengali identity during Bangladesh's liberation war. These institutions historically opposed Jamaat-E-Islami Bangladesh's pro-Pakistan stance. Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Pakistan-Bangladesh ties have strengthened with visa-free access for diplomats, direct flights, and new shipping routes. Reports suggest ISI operates from Pakistan's Dhaka High Commission. Critics view attacks on minorities, newspapers, and cultural centers as ISI destabilization tactics under the Yunus regime's soft approach toward Jamaat.

President Droupadi Murmu approved the VB-G RAM G Bill 2025, replacing MGNREGA with a new rural employment framework aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Key changes include increasing guaranteed work days from 100 to 125 annually and shifting funding to a 60:40 Centre-state split from the previous Centre-heavy models. The law introduces a 60-day employment pause during peak agricultural seasons and narrows permissible works to four verticals: water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and climate resilience. The government claims the changes promote cooperative federalism and better outcomes. Opposition leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi criticized removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and argued the Bill dilutes workers' rights-based entitlements. (PC: Reuters & The New Indian Express)

Pakistan U19 clinched their first U19 Asia Cup title since 2012 with a dominant 191-run victory over India U19 in Dubai. After posting 347/8 in 50 overs, powered by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172, Pakistan bowled India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs. Deepesh Devendran top-scored with 32 off 14 balls in India's collapse. The comprehensive win avenged Pakistan's earlier group-stage defeat where they were bowled out for 150 chasing 241. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, had entered the final unbeaten after victories over UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan's young guns significantly improved their batting and bowling performances to secure the title.

Pakistan dominated India in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, as India crumbled to 112/7 after 20.1 overs while chasing 348. India require 236 runs from 179 balls at 7.91 runs per over. Earlier, Pakistan posted a mammoth 347/8 in 50 overs, driven by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, entered the final unbeaten, having defeated UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan in the group stage, and Sri Lanka in the semifinals. Pakistan sought redemption after collapsing to 150 all-out in their previous encounter against India, finishing second in their group before beating Bangladesh in the semifinals. (PC: X)