Ukraine's military expressed shock over the actions of North Korean troops in the war, stating they "don’t understand what's happening" with several hundred casualties. Meanwhile, France's foreign minister revealed evidence of Russia attempting to manipulate French influencers. Over 2,000 content creators in Europe were contacted to spread Russian propaganda, with at least 20 agreeing, including nine French influencers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy admitted Ukraine cannot push Russian forces out of Crimea and eastern regions and called for diplomatic pressure to force Russia into negotiations.

Tragic boat accident that occurred off Mumbai’s coast on December 18, when a Navy speedboat collided with the Neelkamal ferry, killing 13 people. The dead include 10 civilians and 3 Navy personnel. The ferry was en route to Elephanta Island when the crash happened around 4 pm. Rescue operations involved Navy boats, Coast Guard, and helicopters, saving 101 people. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the toll and announced an investigation. PM Modi expressed condolences and offered ₹2 lakh for each deceased’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Sukumar's Pushpa 2: The Rule continues its strong run at the box office, earning over ₹971 crore in its first two weeks in India. The film, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, made ₹18.83 crore on its second Wednesday. After a ₹725.8 crore net in the first week, the film saw a significant boost in the second week, with collections reaching ₹63.3 crore on the weekend. The film’s success is remarkable, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed 13 Indian business leaders to Downing Street to strengthen UK-India ties. The delegation, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), met senior ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to discuss boosting investments, job creation, and advancing the UK-India trade partnership. “These discussions build on the strong relationship between our nations,” Starmer said. “India is a vital partner for the UK, and we aim to unlock more opportunities together, focusing on economic growth and innovation.” The Indian delegation included leaders from Bharti Enterprises, Tata Steel, and Reliance Industries, representing over £10 billion in investments and thousands of UK jobs. Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder of Bharti Enterprises, emphasized India’s fast-growing economy and the potential of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “The India-UK FTA negotiations present significant opportunities for mutual growth. This delegation will pave the way for numerous collaborations,” Mittal said. The visit follows Starmer’s meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit, where they agreed to enhance cooperation in technology, defence, and climate. Talks on the trade deal will resume in 2025, with a shared goal of strengthening economic ties worth £42 billion.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval met Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing for the 23rd Special Representatives meeting. They discussed border peace, disengagement progress in Demchok and Depsang, and solutions for the boundary issue. Both agreed to maintain calm at the border and avoid disruptions to bilateral ties. Measures for resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data sharing, and border trade were discussed. They emphasized stable India-China relations for global peace. Doval invited Wang to India for the next round of talks, reinforcing their commitment to resolving tensions that began in the Western sector in 2020.

Navy speedboat undergoing engine trials collided with a ferry near Mumbai, leaving 13 dead, including a naval officer and two technicians. The ferry, carrying 110 passengers, was en route to Elephanta Island. Ten ferry passengers died, while 102 people, including two from the speedboat, were rescued. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the victims’ families. Rescue operations by the Navy, Coast Guard, and local authorities are ongoing. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sadness over the incident. The accident occurred around 4 pm, with the ferry tilting after the collision.

Russia has developed an mRNA cancer vaccine, launching in early 2025. The vaccine is personalised, using a patient’s tumour to train the immune system to fight cancer. It treats cancer but does not prevent it. The Russian government will provide it free of charge, though it costs 300,000 rubles per dose. Details about its effectiveness and the types of cancer it treats are still unclear. Cancer cases are rising in Russia, with over 635,000 recorded in 2022. The vaccine aims to improve survival rates and is part of ongoing global efforts to develop personalised cancer treatments.

A ferry traveling from Mumbai’s Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves capsized near Elephanta Island on Wednesday after colliding with a defence vessel. 2 people have died, and five are still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, with help from the Navy, Coast Guard, and marine police. Over 75 passengers were rescued, some taken to Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Dockyard, and Gateway of India. The Coast Guard and helicopters are searching for survivors. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said most passengers were saved, and rescue efforts continue. Elephanta Island is a popular tourist spot, known for its ancient Gharpuri caves.

A UK court ruled that police can seize over £2m from Andrew and Tristan Tate for unpaid taxes. The brothers are accused of dodging taxes on £21m earned from their online businesses in the UK. They allegedly hid the money in accounts, including one in a woman’s name. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring called it a “straightforward cheat of the revenue.” The case used civil standards, needing less proof than criminal trials. Andrew Tate denies the claims, calling it an attack on his freedom. UK police are waiting to see if the brothers appeal the decision.

North Korean troops, deployed alongside Russian forces in Ukraine's Kursk region, have faced "several hundred" casualties, including 50 deaths in three days, according to Ukrainian special forces. A US military official revealed the casualties ranged from minor injuries to deaths, affecting soldiers of all ranks. Ukrainian forces, identifying the North Koreans by their large group movements, described them as easy artillery targets. “They don’t understand what’s happening,” a Ukrainian drone commander said, adding that such tactics are unprecedented. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops in the conflict, intensifying global scrutiny of Pyongyang's involvement.