Seven Indians were injured, and five people were killed in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Among the injured, three have been discharged. The Indian Embassy is assisting affected citizens. The suspect, Saudi national Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, reportedly held Islamophobic views and opposed Germany’s migrant policies. The attack injured 205 others, with a nine-year-old among the deceased. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the act as “terrible, insane.” The market event has been canceled in mourning for the victims. Authorities are investigating potential motives behind the incident.

A three-storey building collapsed in Mohali, Punjab, on December 21, 2024, killing a 20-year-old woman and leaving several others trapped under the debris. The building housed a gym on all three floors, and it collapsed during excavation work in the adjacent building’s basement. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and fire services working to rescue those trapped. Medical teams are also on standby. Authorities have registered a case against the building owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has addressed the recent arrest warrant issued against him in connection with a Provident Fund (PF) fraud case. Uthappa clarified his limited role in the companies involved, stating that he was appointed as a director due to his financial contributions in 2018-19 but had no executive responsibilities. He assured that his legal team has provided documentation confirming his lack of involvement in day-to-day operations. Uthappa vowed to resolve the matter legally and urged the media to accurately report on the case.

Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s harshest winter period, began on Saturday with Srinagar recording its coldest December night in 50 years at minus 8.5°C. The local meteorological office issued a cold wave alert for Himachal Pradesh, predicting heavy snowfall and rain on December 23-24, and on December 27 at many places. An orange alert was issued for Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Mandi until December 24, while a yellow warning for cold waves and frost remains in effect for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu until December 25. Cold wave conditions continue to impact the region, affecting agriculture and water supply.

US President Joe Biden signed a crucial funding bill on December 21, 2024, preventing a government shutdown just before Christmas. After intense last-minute negotiations, the bill was fast-tracked through Congress with support from the Democratic-led Senate and Republican House members. The bill, which funds the government until March 14, 2025, includes disaster aid and relief for farmers but omits key provisions like pharmaceutical reforms. Influential figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, played pivotal roles in shaping the bill, sparking debate over Musk's influence on the Republican leadership.

Seven Indian nationals were injured in a horrific attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, where a car rammed into the crowd, killing five and injuring over 200. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, offering assistance to injured nationals and their families. Police arrested 50-year-old Saudi national Taleb, a doctor, as the suspect. He had lived in Germany for two decades. Authorities confirmed no explosives were found in the vehicle, and Taleb's far-right and Islamophobic views surfaced on social media. The attack has raised concerns about extremism.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has retained the Home Ministry, while his deputies, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, have been assigned Urban Development and Finance portfolios, respectively. The portfolio allocation follows a week of negotiations in the BJP-led Maharashtra government. Fadnavis also oversees Energy, Law and Judiciary, and General Administration, while Shinde’s responsibilities include Housing and Public Works. Pawar is tasked with Finance, Planning, and State Excise. The government’s cabinet expansion, which saw 39 ministers take oath, aims to address state governance and administrative challenges.

Ravindra Jadeja expressed shock upon learning of Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement, revealing he was informed just five minutes before the announcement at a press conference. The duo, who formed India's most successful Test bowling partnership with 587 wickets, had spent the day together, and Ashwin gave no indication of his decision. Jadeja, who regards Ashwin as his "on-field mentor," emphasized the importance of the opportunity for young talents following Ashwin’s retirement. The pair's contributions both with the bat and ball have been crucial for India, especially in recent games like the Chennai Test against Bangladesh.

AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi criticized Telugu actor Allu Arjun in the Telangana Assembly for his alleged insensitivity following a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad. The December 4 incident at Sandhya Theatre left a woman dead and her son injured. Owaisi claimed Arjun, after learning about the tragedy, commented the movie "would now be a hit" and later waved to fans from his car. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy added that police had denied screening permission. Arjun, arrested on December 13, secured bail but spent a night in custody due to procedural delays.

Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, UK, to celebrate the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year. Pagans, druids, and dancers greeted the sunrise at 8:09 am with drumming, chanting, and singing, though low clouds obscured the view. Stonehenge, built 5,000 years ago by a Neolithic sun-worshipping culture, is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. Visitors could access the iconic stones, a rare privilege during solstices. The event symbolizes spiritual and cultural unity, echoing ancient traditions. Similar celebrations occurred worldwide, including yuzu baths in Japan and sunrise gatherings in Spain's Palma cathedral.