An Israeli military investigation revealed that ground operations in Gaza inadvertently influenced Hamas' killing of six hostages in August. The probe stated soldiers were unaware of the hostages' presence during the Rafah operation. The victims’ bodies were later found in an underground shaft. Critics accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government of insufficient action to secure hostage releases. The conflict has left over 45,000 Palestinians dead and displaced nearly 2M. Amid ongoing negotiations, 96 hostages remain missing, with 62 believed alive. Israel denies obstructing aid to Gaza despite UN warnings of a humanitarian crisis. No ceasefire breakthrough has been achieved yet.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating Canadian colleges accused of facilitating the trafficking of Indian nationals into the United States. The probe, initiated after a tragic 2022 incident where a Gujarat family died attempting to cross the Canada-US border, highlights illegal student visa misuse. The investigation has revealed a network involving 112 Canadian colleges, 1,700 agents in India, and 25,000 students trafficked annually. ED has frozen assets and conducted searches in multiple cities, uncovering links between Canadian institutions and the trafficking operation, with two men convicted for their role in the smuggling ring.

Pakistan's air strikes on Afghanistan's Paktika province killed 46 people, including many women and children, according to the Taliban government. The strikes, which occurred in the Barmal district, targeted four locations, with one attack killing 18 members of a single family. Six others were injured, mostly children. The Taliban condemned the air raids as "barbaric" and vowed retaliation, calling it a violation of Afghan sovereignty. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been rising due to border disputes and accusations of militant harboring by the Taliban. Pakistan has yet to comment on the strikes.

An Azerbaijan Airlines flight, J2-8243, crashed near Kazakhstan’s Aktau city, killing at least 42 people, with 27 survivors. The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, was rerouted due to fog in Grozny. The plane, an Embraer 190, made an emergency landing three kilometers from Aktau, bursting into flames upon impact. Authorities initially reported 110 people on board, later revising the number to 72. Kazakhstan's emergency services extinguished the fire, and survivors were rushed to a hospital. Investigations into the crash’s cause, including technical issues, are underway.

Russia launched a major missile and drone strike across Ukraine on Christmas Day, targeting energy infrastructure, leaving parts of Kyiv and Kharkiv without power. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it "inhumane" and accused Russia of deliberately choosing Christmas for the assault. Over 70 missiles and 100 drones were launched, with more than 50 missiles intercepted. Power cuts and restrictions are in place across the country, and air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv, where many sought shelter in metro stations. Kharkiv’s mayor reported damage to energy facilities, leaving at least six injured.

A passenger plane carrying 72 people crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, the Emergencies Ministry confirmed. The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, en route from Baku to Grozny in Russia’s Chechnya, was rerouted due to heavy fog in Grozny. Local media reported the plane circled the airport before crashing. Rescue teams, comprising 52 personnel and 11 vehicles, found the aircraft on fire and began extinguishing the blaze. Initial reports suggest survivors, but casualty details are pending. A national operations center has been established to manage the response.

Shimla and Manali turned into snowy paradises as Himachal Pradesh witnessed heavy snowfall on Christmas, attracting tourists in droves. However, the weather caused 223 road closures, including 3 national highways, and led to 4 fatalities due to vehicle skidding. Hotel occupancy in Shimla surged to 70%, with bookings rising by 30%. Authorities rescued hundreds of stranded tourists and deployed 268 machines to clear roads. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir experienced subzero temperatures, with Srinagar recording -6.6°C and Gulmarg at -7.4°C. The Met department forecasts more snow and cold conditions in the coming days.

Australia announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against India, confirming Travis Head’s availability after passing a fitness test for his groin injury. Head, who scored centuries in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, remains a key player in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Additionally, 19-year-old Sam Konstas will debut as an opener, becoming Australia’s youngest Test debutant since 2011. Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney and brings aggressive intent, showcasing impressive performances in domestic and A-team games. Scott Boland also returns, replacing injured Josh Hazlewood. Australia hopes to dominate India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of suppressing free expression after her play Lajja was removed from two theatre festivals. Nasrin claimed police pressured organisers of the Gobardanga and Pandua festivals to cancel the play, citing concerns about communal unrest. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar criticized Banerjee, alleging hypocrisy and appeasement politics. He accused her of stifling art and ignoring attacks on Hindu temples. Nasrin lamented, “The voices of writers are being muzzled.” Police officials have not confirmed their involvement. The incident has sparked debate on artistic freedom and governance in West Bengal.

In Bethlehem, the traditional Christmas spirit is overshadowed by the ongoing Gaza war. Public celebrations have been canceled, and tourism has halted, devastating the local economy. Reverend Munther Isaac described the town as “sad in solidarity with Gaza.” Bethlehemite Christians express despair, questioning global silence on Gaza’s plight, where over 45,000 people have died. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Palestine Lions Club provide food parcels to struggling families, embodying Christmas’ spirit of giving. “We hope to bring hope and joy,” said volunteer Wael Shaer. Amid fear and uncertainty, Bethlehem remains a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.