Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. Haniyeh, a key figure in Gaza ceasefire talks, was killed amidst rising regional tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Katz declared Israel's intent to "damage strategic infrastructure" and "behead leaders" of Houthi forces, citing their missile attacks and Red Sea naval blockade in solidarity with Palestinians. The admission comes months after Haniyeh’s death, which Iran previously blamed on Israel. Haniyeh’s successor, Yahya Sinwar, was also killed during Gaza operations, intensifying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Indian concertgoers are voicing frustrations over poor infrastructure at live music events, including unsanitary toilets, traffic jams, and inadequate crowd management. Fans at Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh’s Chandigarh concert faced long queues, unhygienic washrooms, and minimal accessibility for people with disabilities. Singer Dosanjh pledged not to perform in India again until venues improve. The Indian concert industry, which generated ₹8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 25% by 2025, struggles with limited dedicated venues. Organizers blame bureaucratic hurdles and costly temporary infrastructure. As India prepares to host global stars like Ed Sheeran, fans hope for improved experiences.

Delhi woke up to dense fog on Tuesday as the minimum temperature settled at 9.9°C, with the maximum expected at 19°C. Despite light rain and drizzle, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'severe' category at 406 for the third consecutive day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Humidity levels ranged from 79%-95%, adding to the discomfort. Monday also recorded fog and a minimum temperature of 8.6°C, slightly below average. The India Meteorological Department has predicted continued cloudy skies and possible rain, though improvement in air quality remains elusive for now.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced "some progress" in talks to release Gaza hostages, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. This comes as Hamas and allied groups hinted at a ceasefire deal, pending conditions. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's goal to dismantle Hamas and ensure regional security, citing recent military gains. Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels and Hamas escalated hostilities, prompting Israeli and allied counterstrikes. Netanyahu emphasized peace with Arab nations through expanded Abraham Accords, calling it a "historic opportunity." The ongoing conflict continues to test Israel's diplomacy and security strategies in the Middle East.

Heavy snowfall in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, left over 1,000 vehicles stranded between Solang and the Atal Tunnel, creating traffic chaos. Police rescued 700 tourists and shifted them to safety. The influx of visitors for Christmas and New Year celebrations worsened the situation. Visuals showed police assisting stranded travelers amid snow-covered roads. Meanwhile, Shimla experienced a mesmerizing snowfall, delighting tourists and boosting the local tourism industry. Many visitors extended their stay, calling the snowfall a "once-in-a-lifetime experience." Authorities continue to manage the situation as Himachal Pradesh braces for more winter tourism challenges.

Telangana Congress MLC Theenmar Mallanna has filed a complaint against Allu Arjun and the "Pushpa 2" team over a controversial scene showing the actor urinating in a swimming pool with a police officer present. Mallanna termed the scene "disrespectful" to law enforcement. This comes after a stampede at a Hyderabad cinema during the film's premiere, leading to a woman’s death and injuries to her son. Hyderabad Police had earlier arrested Arjun, but he secured interim bail. On Sunday, protesters vandalized Arjun's Hyderabad residence, demanding justice for the victim. The controversy continues to escalate.

Health officials in Gaza reported 58 fatalities in 24 hours from Israeli strikes. An attack on a tent camp in al-Mawasi, designated as a humanitarian zone, claimed 8 lives, including 2 children. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed 6 more deaths from a strike on an aid convoy and 2 from a vehicle attack in al-Mawasi. Meanwhile, al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah received 3 bodies after an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Nuseirat refugee camp. The escalating violence continues to devastate Gaza's civilian population amidst ongoing hostilities.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) experienced its first snowfall of the season, delighting tourists and locals alike. Light snowfall blanketed the "Queen of Hills" on December 23, enhancing its charm as a winter destination. Tourists shared their excitement over witnessing fresh snowfall for the first time. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have dropped by 2-3°C, with Shimla recording 3.5°C. More snowfall is predicted on December 27-28 due to a western disturbance. An orange alert has been issued for Shimla and nearby districts. Visitors are advised to take precautions as Shimla continues to attract winter enthusiasts.

Cadbury, a beloved chocolate brand, lost its royal warrant for the first time in 170 years after King Charles III's review. The Royal Warrant Holders Association published a list of 386 holders, excluding 100 firms, including Cadbury and Unilever. Campaign group B4Ukraine had earlier called for the removal of companies operating in Russia, like Mondelez, which owns Cadbury. Cadbury, awarded a warrant by Queen Victoria in 1854, expressed disappointment but respected the decision. Warrant holders display royal arms as a mark of quality. Buckingham Palace did not comment on individual decisions regarding the warrants.

A man was arrested Sunday for allegedly setting a woman on fire aboard an New York City subway train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in US. Surveillance footage showed the suspect igniting the victim’s clothing before sitting on a bench as she burned. The woman, believed to be asleep, died at the scene. High school students identified the man, leading to his arrest on the same subway line. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the act “depraved.” The suspect and victim were strangers, with no prior interaction. Investigations are ongoing as charges are yet to be filed.