Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with top Telugu film industry representatives in Hyderabad following the stampede during the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, which led to the death of a woman and critical injuries to her son. During the meeting, Reddy emphasized that actors must take responsibility for controlling their fans to maintain law and order. He assured the filmmakers and actors that the government supported them but condemned the actions following Allu Arjun’s arrest in the case. The government is also considering ticket price hikes for films with cultural significance.

Indonesia and Thailand are marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed an estimated 230,000 people. Survivors and families gathered in Aceh, Indonesia, and Phang Nga, Thailand, to honor the victims. The tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra, caused massive destruction across a dozen countries, including India and Sri Lanka. Mass graves in Aceh, where over 14,000 victims are buried, remain a focal point of remembrance. The region has rebuilt with stronger infrastructure and early warning systems to prevent future tragedies. Annual commemorations continue, reflecting resilience and remembrance.

Dense fog in Delhi on December 26 caused low visibility, prompting the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to implement low-visibility procedures, though flights remained on schedule. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 7°C and predicted dense fog continuing into the late night and early morning hours. Air quality was in the ‘very poor’ category, with an AQI of 372. At least 18 trains to Delhi were delayed. The weather department also forecasted light rain later in the day. Authorities advised passengers to check with airlines for updates.

On December 26, 2024, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 10 people and injured more than a dozen, according to Gaza health authorities. A bombing in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood killed five and injured 20, with fears of more casualties as people remain trapped under rubble. In a separate attack, five journalists from Al-Quds Al-Youm television were killed when their media van was hit near Al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat. There was no immediate comment from Israel. Tensions remain high, with Hamas and Israel blaming each other for the failure to finalize a ceasefire.

On December 25, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump posted a "Merry Christmas" message on Truth Social, slamming the Radical Left and criticizing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Democrats. He also claimed Chinese soldiers were operating the Panama Canal. Trump nominated Kevin Marino Cabrera, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, as the new U.S. Ambassador to Panama, highlighting his "America First" credentials and expertise in Latin American politics. Trump emphasized that Cabrera would "represent our nation's interests" and foster economic growth and international partnerships in Panama.

Australian debutant Sam Konstas stunned Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, smashing 34 runs off his bowling in a single spell, including a remarkable six. This marked the first six conceded by Bumrah after 4,484 deliveries in Test cricket. Konstas, showcasing fearless batting, reached a 52-ball half-century, unnerving the Indian bowling attack. His aggressive approach, featuring T20-style shots, made him the top scorer in the session. Bumrah, known for his discipline, faced rare punishment as Konstas etched his name in record books by scoring the most runs off him in a single spell.

Top Tollywood personalities, including Allu Arjun's father Allu Arvind and actor Nagarjuna, met Telangana CM Revanth Reddy following the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede controversy. The incident caused injuries and the tragic death of a woman, prompting scrutiny over benefit shows and ticket price hikes. Producers and actors pledged ₹2 crore to support the victim’s family. This marks Nagarjuna’s first meeting with the CM post the Konda Surekha controversy. BJP alleged political harassment by Congress, accusing it of targeting Telugu cinema. Discussions aimed to repair strained ties and ensure better safety measures for cinema events.

On Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Virat Kohli and 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas clashed after Kohli appeared to shoulder push the youngster. Konstas, undeterred, continued his fearless innings, scoring a 52-ball half-century. Umpires and players intervened to defuse the heated exchange. Konstas, the fourth youngest Test debutant for Australia, impressed with his aggressive stroke play. The Australian batter has already tallied 718 first-class runs at an average of 42.2. The fiery moment highlighted Konstas’ composed mindset and Kohli’s intense competitive spirit.

Japan Airlines faced a cyberattack on Thursday, disrupting domestic and international flights and halting ticket sales. The airline reported a system malfunction at 7:24 am local time, affecting its internal and external networks. By 8:56 am, the issue's root cause—a malfunctioning router—was identified and addressed. Temporary measures included shutting down the router and suspending ticket sales for all flights scheduled for the day. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and is monitoring system recovery. Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines operates from hubs at Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports and Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports.

Syria's new rebel-led authorities reported the death of 14 interior ministry personnel in an ambush by forces loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad near Tartous. The security forces were targeted while attempting to arrest a former officer linked to Saydnaya prison abuses. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) noted three militants also died during clashes, with reinforcements deployed afterward. Concurrently, a curfew was imposed in Homs following unrest linked to an attack on an Alawite shrine. HTS, now leading Syria, faces criticism for failing to safeguard minorities, following Assad’s ousting and his family’s escape to Russia.