An Azerbaijan Airlines flight en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near Kazakhstan’s Aktau city, killing 38 passengers. The Embraer 190 attempted an emergency landing 3 km from Aktau, reportedly diverting due to bad weather. However, UK-based Osprey Flight Solutions suggested the plane may have been downed by a Russian air defense missile. Ukrainian officials echoed this claim, alleging Russian involvement. Russia’s aviation authority attributed the incident to a possible bird strike, though experts doubt this. The plane’s black box has been recovered for investigation. Videos showed the aircraft descending steeply before crashing and engulfing in flames.

Five journalists from Quds Today were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp. Their press-marked van, parked outside al-Awda hospital, was hit while awaiting the birth of a journalist’s child. Israel claimed the vehicle housed Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants, targeting it "with intelligence guidance" to minimize civilian harm. Quds Today denied the allegations, posting footage of the burning van. Separately, Israeli strikes killed five and injured 20 in Gaza City’s al-Zeitoun area. Ongoing ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, faced new disputes. Gaza's health ministry reports 45,000 deaths since the conflict began.

YouTuber Jeran Campanella, a prominent Flat Earther, spent ₹31.4 lakh on a journey to Antarctica to challenge the spherical Earth theory. His belief that Antarctica is an "ice wall" was disproven after witnessing the Midnight Sun, a phenomenon exclusive to Earth's tilt and rotation. Campanella confessed on his channel, "I honestly now believe there is a 24-hour sun." The expedition was part of Colorado pastor Will Duffy's "The Final Experiment," designed to end debates on Earth's shape. The event also debunked claims that civilians are barred from Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959.

India Post abruptly ended its Book Post service on December 18, 2024, causing outrage among readers and publishers. The service, offering affordable nationwide delivery of books at ₹80 for 5 kg, was vital for promoting literacy and education. Without stakeholder consultation, the category was removed from postal software, leaving even postal staff uninformed. Critics argue the decision undermines India’s fragile reading culture, with higher shipping costs deterring purchases. Adding to the blow, a 5% import duty on sample books has drawn backlash. Publishers and literary enthusiasts demand reinstatement of the service to support education and intellectual growth.

Salman Rushdie's controversial novel The Satanic Verses is back in India after 36 years, following the Delhi High Court's closure of the 1988 ban case. Bahrisons Booksellers in Delhi's Khan Market is selling the book for ₹1,999, with strong sales reported. The book, banned under the Rajiv Gandhi government for its alleged blasphemous content, was at the center of global controversy, including a fatwa against Rushdie. Readers and literary enthusiasts have shown mixed reactions to its return, with some applauding the move as a win for free speech. Other major bookstores have refrained from stocking the novel.

Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee after a heated altercation with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test. Kohli collided with Konstas during a drinks break, sparking criticism from commentators like Ricky Ponting, who alleged deliberate contact. The International Cricket Council (ICC) charged Kohli with a Level 1 offence, handing him one demerit point. Despite calls for stricter sanctions, Kohli avoided a ban. Konstas remained unfazed, contributing a vital 60 runs as Australia ended Day 1 at 311/6. Cricket legends criticized Kohli's actions as avoidable and unbecoming of a senior player.

The bald eagle, long a symbol of American strength and freedom, has been officially designated the US national bird after President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on Christmas Eve. The bird has represented the US on the Great Seal since 1782 but lacked formal recognition until Congress passed the legislation. Minnesota lawmakers, citing their state's large bald eagle population, led the initiative. Senator Amy Klobuchar praised the bird's resilience, as its population has soared since near extinction in 2009. The bald eagle is protected under the 1940 National Emblem Act, which prohibits hunting or selling the species.

India fought back on Day 1 of the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG after a blistering debut from Sam Konstas (60) and solid fifties from Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68*). Australia finished on 311/6, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the recovery, claiming three key wickets. Konstas, in particular, impressed with his aggressive batting, taking on Bumrah and Siraj with ease. India’s pace attack fought back in the final session, dismissing four Australian batsmen to reduce the damage, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 2.

On Christmas Day, Kate, Princess of Wales, was greeted by well-wishers at Sandringham following the royal family's church service. Despite being largely absent from public life due to her cancer treatment, Kate was "laden" with flowers, some from fans who camped out since 7:30 PM on Christmas Eve. Among the supporters was John Loughrey, who traveled from London and shared a heartfelt conversation with Kate, telling her she was an inspiration. Several others, including fans from Australia and the USA, joined to show their support during this challenging year for the royal.

During the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, debutant Sam Konstas clashed with his "favourite player" Virat Kohli, sparking a heated altercation on Day 1. Konstas, who scored an explosive 60 runs, acknowledged that emotions got the best of both players. Speaking post-dismissal, Konstas shared, “I didn’t quite realise as I was doing my gloves, but it happens in cricket.” The tension was diffused by Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough. The match referee is set to review the incident, with potential demerit points or monetary fines depending on the severity of the altercation.