A car attack at Magdeburg's Christmas market killed 5 people, including a child, and injured over 200, with 41 critically hurt. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi-born psychiatrist and critic of Islam, acted alone, officials said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack a "dreadful tragedy," pledging full investigative efforts. The suspect, Taleb A, was arrested at the scene, with unverified videos showing the vehicle plowing into the crowd. Emergency responders, including 100 firefighters, rushed to assist. A memorial service was held at Magdeburg Cathedral. This attack reignites concerns about public safety at festive events across Germany.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed SpaDeX satellites, set to launch aboard PSLV-C60, marking India’s debut in autonomous space docking technology. The mission involves two 220 kg spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), operating in a 470 km low-Earth orbit. SpaDeX aims to demonstrate key technologies like spacecraft rendezvous, docking, electric power transfer, and composite control. This innovation is crucial for future lunar missions, including Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Space Station (BAS). Joining the elite US, Russia, and China, India is poised to enhance its space infrastructure and solidify its position in global space exploration.

Eight drones struck high-rise buildings in Kazan, Russia, sparking massive fires and prompting emergency evacuations. Russian authorities accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, which disrupted operations at Kazan and Izhevsk airports. Rosaviatsia reported Russian air defenses downed one drone, but others penetrated. Residents were safely evacuated as authorities launched relief measures. This incident follows Russia's overnight assault on Ukraine, involving 60 drones and 5 missiles targeting Kyiv and other cities, leaving 1 dead and multiple injured. The attack underscores escalating tensions in the conflict. Kazan is located 800 km east of Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Kuwait, met 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa. The meeting followed a heartfelt request from Handa’s granddaughter on social media platform X, expressing her grandfather's admiration for the PM. Modi responded promptly, making the visit during an interaction with the Indian diaspora. Handa's family described the meeting as a “lifetime experience.” This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years, focusing on strengthening ties in trade, energy, and regional security. The Indian community constitutes 21% of Kuwait's population.

Allu Arjun's "Pushpa 2: The Rule," directed by Sukumar, has set new records, surpassing ₹1000 crore nett in India within 16 days. The film, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, earned ₹725.80 crore in its first week and ₹264.80 crore in the second week, with ₹632.50 crore coming from its Hindi release alone. Globally, the blockbuster grossed over ₹1500 crore in 14 days and is now aiming for ₹2000 crore. Producers confirmed the film will remain in theaters for 56 days before its OTT release. "Pushpa 2" is on track to outshine "Baahubali 2" and "Dangal."

The Watumull family, originally from Sindh (now Pakistan), built a $4B empire in Hawaii, starting with a single store in 1915. Founded by Jhamandas Watumull and partner Dharamdas, the East India Store evolved into a retail giant, popularizing the iconic Aloha shirt. Overcoming challenges, including U.S. citizenship barriers, the family expanded into real estate and philanthropy, supporting Indian-Hawaiian exchange and independence movements. Gobindram Watumull's wife Ellen played a key role in U.S. law reforms. Today, the family’s focus is on real estate, with their last retail store closing in 2020, cementing their legacy in Hawaiian history.

India is finalizing a $4 billion deal with Russia for the Voronezh radar system, enhancing its air defence and threat detection capabilities. With a vertical range exceeding 8,000 km and horizontal reach over 6,000 km, the radar can track 500+ objects, including missiles and stealth aircraft. The system will primarily address threats from China and the Indian Ocean region. In line with 'Make in India,' 60% of the radar will be locally manufactured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Russia underscores the strategic partnership, with discussions also covering S-400 missile deliveries and broader military cooperation.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas received knighthood and damehood respectively from King Charles III during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The royal family celebrated their achievements on social media, stating, “Arise, Sir Christopher Nolan and Dame Emma Thomas!” Known for their partnership on iconic films like The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer, the duo was recognized for their outstanding contributions to cinema. Nolan, who won his first Best Director Oscar for Oppenheimer earlier this year, has been collaborating with Thomas since 1997, producing numerous blockbusters.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings, predicting gusts up to 85mph across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and western England this weekend. Coastal areas face dangerous conditions with large waves. The disruptive weather aligns with holiday travel, risking delays in road, rail, air, and ferry services. Northern Scotland is set to experience the strongest winds Saturday afternoon. The RAC advises avoiding major routes during peak hours (1-7 PM) on Friday and Saturday. Winds will ease next week, but Christmas Eve and Day remain mild, with rain likely in northern regions.

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges corruption in the framing of Delhi's excise policy. This development comes weeks before the Delhi Assembly elections, where AAP seeks a fourth term. Kejriwal, who was granted interim bail in corruption cases, contested the charges, citing the absence of mandatory sanctions during court cognisance. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Priyanka Kakkar criticized the move, accusing the ED of diverting attention from other issues. The ED has not yet disclosed the sanction document.