The ICC has announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will start on February 19, with Pakistan playing New Zealand in Karachi. India’s league matches, including the big clash against Pakistan on February 23, will take place in Dubai. The final will also be held in Dubai if India qualifies; otherwise, it will be in Lahore. Matches will follow a hybrid model, split between Pakistan and the UAE. Group A features India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. All games will start at 2:30 PM IST.

Congress MLA R Bhoopathi Reddy issued a stern warning to actor Allu Arjun over his remarks about Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. “If you talk about our Chief Minister, be cautious. You are from Andhra. You came here to live,” said Bhoopathi. He added that the actor’s films might be banned in Telangana if he doesn’t stop criticizing the CM. The warning came after a December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre, which left a woman dead. Allu Arjun denied wrongdoing, calling the incident an accident. Police filed a case against him, but he was granted bail on December 14.

Four astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) – Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, Don Pettit, and Nick Hague – shared a heartfelt Christmas message on December 23. Initially launched on an eight-day test flight on June 5, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered technical issues, leaving them stranded. In their festive video, the crew passed weightless candy canes and thanked mission control teams for sacrifices during the holidays. Williams, a seasoned space traveler, marked another holiday season in orbit. The astronauts showcased canned festive meals and reflected on spending holidays away from loved ones while focusing on mission responsibilities.

On Christmas Eve 2024, Heathrow Airport delighted travelers with a creative touch. Its flight display system announced the arrival of Santa Claus and his reindeer from the North Pole at midnight. A charming message warned passengers to keep carrots safe, adding humor to the festive spirit. The Instagram post garnered 140,000 views, with users praising the innovative gesture. Heathrow also introduced a life-sized polar bear photo booth, holiday harmonies from "The Jingle Belles," and free gift-wrapping stations across terminals. Passengers celebrated the unique efforts to spread holiday cheer at one of the busiest airports in the UK.

Allu Arjun's "Pushpa 2: The Rule" continues its blockbuster run, amassing ₹1089.51 crore in India after 20 days. Directed by Sukumar, the film has crossed ₹1500 crore globally. However, the actor faced questioning by Hyderabad police over a December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the film's premiere. Protesters earlier vandalized his residence, demanding compensation for victims. The film's producers have since donated ₹50 lakh to the victim's family. Despite controversies, Pushpa 2 collected ₹14.25 crore on its third Tuesday. Allu Arjun plays a red sandalwood smuggler, Pushpa Raj, in the film.

A local Afghan staffer at the closed Indian Consulate in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, sustained minor injuries in an incident, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian authorities are in contact with their Afghan counterparts and awaiting further details. India had shut the consulate in 2020, though it continues humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. Partnering with UNODC, India has supplied over 50,000 MT of wheat, medical aid, and earthquake relief. The Indian Embassy in Kabul operates with a technical team focused on aid delivery. India aligns its Afghanistan policy with historical ties and UN resolutions, including UNSCR 2593.

Metropolitan Bishop Youhanon Mar Meletius of the Kerala Orthodox Church criticized PM Modi for attending a Christmas event in New Delhi while incidents of vandalism marred celebrations in Kerala's Palakkad district. Three VHP activists were arrested for disrupting school festivities and damaging a Christmas crib. The BJP denied involvement, with state president K Surendran urging a thorough investigation and hinting at possible conspiracies. These incidents challenge the BJP's ongoing Christian outreach efforts, including their annual 'Sneha Yatra' campaign. The bishop’s remarks underscore growing tensions, as he condemned the destruction of Christmas symbols while the PM participated in celebrations elsewhere.

Denmark has announced a $1.5 billion defence upgrade for Greenland, hours after Donald Trump reiterated the US's interest in purchasing the Arctic territory. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed plans for inspection ships, drones, dog sled teams, and upgraded Arctic Command facilities. The move aligns with concerns over security in Arctic waters amidst Chinese and Russian activities. Greenland’s PM Mute Egede rejected Trump’s proposal, asserting, "We are not for sale," but encouraged trade cooperation. Analysts believe the investment responds to US pressure, strengthening Denmark’s military presence in the region to counter encroachment and maintain sovereignty over Greenland’s strategic resources.

Actor Allu Arjun was questioned for 4 hours by Hyderabad Police over a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Pushpa 2's premiere on Dec 4, which caused the death of Revathi, a 36-year-old woman. Arjun, who appeared with his father and lawyers, stated he learned of the incident the next day. Despite police denying permission for his visit, thousands of fans gathered, leading to chaos. CCTV footage showed security struggling to control the crowd. Arjun, arrested on Dec 13, received bail and announced ₹25 lakh aid for the victim’s family, while the film’s producers provided ₹50 lakh assistance.

Actor Allu Arjun was questioned for 4 hours by Hyderabad Police over a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Pushpa 2's premiere on Dec 4, which caused the death of Revathi, a 36-year-old woman. Arjun, who appeared with his father and lawyers, stated he learned of the incident the next day. Despite police denying permission for his visit, thousands of fans gathered, leading to chaos. CCTV footage showed security struggling to control the crowd. Arjun, arrested on Dec 13, received bail and announced ₹25 lakh aid for the victim’s family, while the film’s producers provided ₹50 lakh assistance.