Heavily armed Australian police rammed a white Hyundai hatchback in a dramatic operation in a Sydney suburb, just four days after the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack. The vehicle, reportedly heading toward Bondi, was stopped by officers who handcuffed and detained the occupants amid heightened security fears. The action followed intelligence inputs as authorities remain on high alert after the worst terror attack in Australia in three decades, which killed 15 people. Police said the operation was precautionary, with investigations underway to determine any links to the Bondi shooting.

Pakistani international kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput is facing potential disciplinary action after he appeared for a team labelled as India in a private tournament held in Bahrain on December 16, wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has called an emergency meeting on December 27 to investigate the incident, saying no permission or NOC was obtained and that his participation under another nation’s banner is “unacceptable”. Rajput apologised, claiming he didn’t know the side was named “Indian team”. The controversy has sparked debate on cross-border sports representation. (PC: Facebook)

Union Minister Giriraj Singh sparked fresh outrage by defending Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the hijab controversy, saying the Muslim woman who allegedly refused a government job “can refuse it or go to hell”, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society. Singh argued that showing one’s face is necessary when receiving appointment letters and insisted there was nothing wrong in Kumar’s act of pulling the woman’s hijab at an official event in Patna, framing it as identity verification. His remarks intensified debate over personal dignity, religious freedom and public conduct. 

India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 18, 2025, in Muscat to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and economic ties. Under the deal, Oman will grant zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines for Indian goods — covering nearly all Indian exports including textiles, gems, pharmaceuticals and automobiles — while India will cut tariffs on about 78% of imports from Oman. Annual trade between the two nations already exceeds $10 billion, and the pact is expected to expand market access, diversify exports, and deepen strategic economic engagement in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

Amandeep Singh-Bola, a 34-year-old New Zealand-born man of Indian and Kiwi heritage, helped restrain an alleged shooter during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, Australia. He ran toward the gunfire, jumped on one of the attackers, and pinned him down with the aid of a police officer. Singh-Bola said he acted to help bring the assailant down and assist others in danger, despite initially mistaking the shots for fireworks. The attack, linked to an extremist motive, killed 15 people and injured dozens, including Indian students. (PC: AP)

The US visa crisis has worsened for Indian workers after H-1B and H-4 visa interviews were postponed to October 2026. Many appointments earlier fixed for early 2026 were suddenly rescheduled. US officials cited delays due to expanded social media checks and limited resources. Hundreds of Indian professionals are now stuck in India or abroad, with jobs and family plans at risk. Some are separated from spouses and children in the US. Immigration lawyers say legal options are limited. Applicants have been advised to seek remote work or extended leave while waiting for new interview dates. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received Oman’s national honour, the First Class of the Order of Oman. This is the 29th international honour given to PM Modi. The award has earlier been given to global leaders such as Queen Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela, and King Abdullah of Jordan. PM Modi is in Oman as part of the final leg of his three-nation tour. He was welcomed by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in Muscat. The two leaders held talks on trade and ties. India and Oman also signed a free trade agreement during the visit. (PC: HT)

Kartik Sharma’s IPL journey is a story of struggle and hope. The 19-year-old was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 14.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. His family faced deep hardship to support his dream. His mother sold her jewellery and the family sold farmland to fund his training. During a domestic tournament, Kartik and his father even slept hungry after running out of money. Kartik kept working hard despite years without selection. Strong domestic performances changed his fate. Today, his success brings pride to his family and hometown. (PC: NDTV)

Hospitals across England are on high alert after new data showed flu cases hit record levels for this time of year. NHS England said more than 3,100 flu patients were in hospital last week. The rise has started to slow in some regions, but pressure remains high. The warning comes as resident doctors continue their strike action during the busy winter period. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said flu and strikes are putting strain on services. NHS leaders urged people to seek care when needed and get flu jabs. Ambulance delays have improved, but hospitals remain under stress. (PC: Sky News)

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the G RAM G Bill, which will replace the MNREGA scheme. The bill guarantees 125 days of rural employment per household every year. Opposition MPs protested strongly, accusing the Centre of insulting Mahatma Gandhi by removing his name from the law. They shouted slogans and tore copies of the bill in the House. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the move and blamed Congress for politicising Gandhi’s name. He said the government follows Gandhi’s ideals through welfare schemes. The House was adjourned after continued protests by Opposition members. (PC: India Today)