Around 15,000 Taliban fighters are marching towards Pakistan after Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan killed dozens, mostly women and children. The Afghan Taliban has condemned the airstrikes, vowing retaliation. Pakistan's attacks targeted the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in eastern Afghanistan, escalating tensions. This conflict highlights Pakistan’s dual-Taliban challenge, with the TTP and the Taliban regime both causing instability. The Afghan Taliban, once nurtured by Pakistan for strategic purposes, now poses a growing threat to Pakistan’s security. Pakistan's past support for the Taliban has come back to haunt it, increasing violence across its borders.

Russia has urged people not to speculate about the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which killed 38 people. Speculation about a missile strike has been growing, but the Kremlin has denied it. The Embraer 190 plane had diverted to Kazakhstan after bad weather in Russia. Authorities are investigating the cause, with some suggesting a bird strike. However, doubts remain, and footage from the crash site has raised questions. Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to affected areas while investigations continue. Russia calls for caution until the official investigation is complete.

An Israeli airstrike on central Gaza killed five Palestinian journalists from Al-Quds Today TV, a channel linked to Islamic Jihad, as they slept in a marked broadcast truck. Witnesses say the truck was directly hit. Israel's military claimed it targeted a vehicle carrying militants but denied attacking media workers. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reports 195 journalists killed since the Gaza war began in October 2023. International groups condemned the strike, emphasizing journalists are civilians under international law. The war has caused over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly women and children, amidst accusations of severe humanitarian violations. Negotiations for a ceasefire remain stalled.

2 women, aged 38 and 24, were killed in a stabbing at an apartment in Milton Keynes, UK, on Christmas Day. A dog injured in the attack also died later. A man and a teenage boy were seriously injured and are now in stable condition in hospital. Police in the UK arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The incident happened at Santa Cruz Avenue around 6:30 pm. Thames Valley Police said the victims and suspect were known to each other. Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin called the attack shocking and reassured the public that no other suspects are involved.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh filed a complaint with the ED against BJP MP Parvesh Verma and ex-MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa, alleging they gave ₹1,100 to women voters in the New Delhi constituency. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi accused Verma of bribing voters, demanding his arrest. Atishi claimed cash was being distributed at Verma’s residence along with voter ID registration. Verma denied the allegations, stating the money was part of a welfare scheme by 'Rashtriya Swabhiman' and accused AAP of misleading people. The elections for the Delhi Assembly are set for February next year.

Simran Singh, a 25-year-old radio jockey and Instagram influencer, was found dead in her Gurugram apartment. The police suspect suicide. Simran, known as RJ Simran, had nearly seven lakh Instagram followers and was loved as "Jammu Ki Dhadkan" (Heartbeat of Jammu). A friend staying with her informed the police about her death. Her last Instagram reel, posted on December 13, showed her smiling on a beach with the caption, "Just a girl with endless giggles and her gown." Her body has been handed over to her family. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy is “under threat from those in power in Delhi.” In a message read at a Congress meeting in Karnataka, she claimed, “These organisations never fought for our freedom. They opposed Mahatma Gandhi bitterly and glorify his killers.” Gandhi added that Gandhian values and institutions are being attacked across the nation. She urged Congress members to confront these forces with determination. Calling the meeting a “historic occasion,” she encouraged the party to renew its commitment to Gandhi’s ideals. Gandhi regretted being unable to attend the meeting in person.

A tragic Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killed 38 of the 67 onboard, with 29 survivors, including 11 critically injured. The Embraer 190 was diverted from Grozny, Chechnya, due to fog. Speculation arose over shrapnel damage, suggesting a possible air defense missile strike, but Russian authorities cautioned against premature conclusions. The flight data recorder has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning. Survivors recalled a failed landing attempt before the crash. Experts and officials remain divided on the cause, awaiting detailed findings to clarify the incident’s circumstances.

An NRI’s viral post on X criticizes an Indian family for loud behavior aboard a Finland train from Lapland to Helsinki. User Gokul described the family speaking loudly in Hindi with their cabin doors open, disrupting the "ultra-quiet" atmosphere. He lamented, "Indians lack civic sense." The post triggered mixed reactions. Some agreed, citing similar experiences, while others urged Gokul to address the issue directly. Critics highlighted that other nationalities can also be noisy, with one stating, "Noise isn’t exclusive to Indians; check the London Underground on weekends." The debate continues to trend online, sparking discussions on public etiquette abroad.

Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas said, "Think Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, altercations fire me up," reflecting on his on-field exchange with the India star during Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Konstas, who scored an aggressive 60 off 65 balls, downplayed the incident, claiming Kohli’s physical contact was unintentional. The 19-year-old’s audacious knock, including reverse scoops against Jasprit Bumrah, helped Australia reach 311/6 at stumps. Konstas explained that the tension “brings the best out of me,” motivating his fiery approach. Kohli’s contact led to a fine but no suspension. Konstas’s batting inspired Australia’s top order.