South Korea’s military says at least 1,100 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The casualties occurred in the Kursk region, where Russia is battling a Ukrainian ground incursion. Around 12,000 North Korean soldiers are reportedly involved in the conflict. North Korea has also been supplying Russia with weapons, including rockets and howitzers, and plans to send kamikaze drones. The U.S. and other nations have condemned North Korea’s support for Russia’s war effort, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to resign as most Liberal MPs, particularly from Ontario, call for his step down. This follows the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland over policy differences. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya have also voiced their demand for Trudeau’s resignation. His departure could potentially ease tensions with India, which have worsened due to accusations against India over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A new leader could shift Canada’s approach, potentially improving diplomatic ties with India. Polls show the Conservative Party is leading.

The UK is set to enjoy a warm Christmas, with temperatures expected to be 5°C above the usual for this time of year. The Met Office predicts temperatures of 12-13°C across the country, with some sunny spells, especially in the east. "It will be extremely mild over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day," said meteorologist Dan Stroud. However, the weather will remain grey in some areas, with drizzly outbreaks and fog in the northwest. There is no sign of a white Christmas, as the air flow from the Azores brings milder conditions.

India has confirmed receiving a note verbale from Bangladesh regarding an extradition request for Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A source stated, "We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter." Hasina has been residing in India after being ousted in Bangladesh. The issue arises amid the presence of a caretaker government in Bangladesh. Authorities have refrained from providing further details or commenting on the request.

A statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar was vandalised in Ahmedabad early on Monday. Unidentified individuals damaged the statue’s nose and spectacles near Shri KK Shastri College in Khokhra. Police have filed an FIR and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprits. Local residents protested at the site, demanding action against those responsible. The incident follows recent unrest in Parbhani, Maharashtra, after a similar act of vandalism. Authorities have assured swift action, while protests continue in both areas, calling for justice and stricter measures against hate-driven acts.

India will play their Champions Trophy matches in the UAE after Pakistan, the tournament host, chose it as a neutral venue. The decision comes after India refused to visit Pakistan, citing government advice. Due to strained political ties, India last toured Pakistan in 2008. The two teams only face off in multi-nation tournaments, such as the ICC World Cup. The Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, will take place in February and March 2025. This will be Pakistan's first time hosting an ICC event since the 1996 World Cup. Matches between the rivals will remain on neutral grounds.

A woman died after being set on fire on a stationary subway train at Brooklyn’s Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, New York, US. Police said a man used a lighter to ignite her clothing, engulfing her in flames within seconds. Officers extinguished the fire, but the woman died at the scene. The suspect, who had stayed near the crime scene, was later arrested at Herald Square station. Police credited three teenagers who recognized the suspect and called 911. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the attack "one of the most depraved crimes possible." Authorities are investigating the motive.

Former Mossad agents have revealed details of a daring operation that caused nationwide pager blasts across Lebanon in September. The blasts targeted Hezbollah militants, killing dozens and injuring nearly 3,000, including civilians. In an interview with CBS News, the agents explained how they tricked Hezbollah into buying Israeli-made pagers loaded with explosives. “We wanted to send a message,” they said. “If he’s just dead, so he’s dead. But if he’s wounded, he becomes living proof of our superiority. That’s the fear we wanted to instill.” The operation, spanning a decade, was hailed as one of Mossad's most intricate.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the US from December 24 to 29. This is the first high-level visit since Donald Trump’s recent election win. He will meet US officials to discuss key issues, including strengthening India-US ties and addressing global challenges. The talks aim to boost cooperation in areas like trade, technology, and defence. During his visit, Jaishankar will also chair a meeting with India’s Consul Generals in the US. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects India’s commitment to deepening ties with the US and addressing regional and global issues together.

Protests erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over a new reservation policy for jobs and admissions. Hundreds of students and political leaders gathered outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, demanding changes. CM Abdullah’s son joined the protest, along with National Conference MP Ruhulla Mehdi and opposition leaders. The policy, introduced earlier this year, reduces reservations for the general category and increases them for tribes and OBCs. Protesters claim the policy is unfair and discriminatory. The government has formed a panel to review the policy and said it will follow court rulings. Abdullah promised a fair decision after proper review.