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.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress of twisting his remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar, calling their actions "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution." Speaking at a press conference on December 18, Shah said, “My statements were misrepresented. Congress spreads fake news. I can never speak against Ambedkar ji.” Shah highlighted BJP's initiatives to honor Ambedkar, including memorials and Constitution Day. Meanwhile, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Shah’s resignation, calling his comments disrespectful. Shah countered, accusing Congress of undermining constitutional values and neglecting Ambedkar's legacy. The controversy has intensified parliamentary protests and political rhetoric.

A tragic incident occurred near Mumbai’s Gateway of India on December 18, 2024, when a speedboat collided with a ferry carrying 56 passengers, resulting in one death. The boat, traveling from the Gateway to Elephanta Island, began sinking on its return journey. Twenty passengers were rescued, with visuals showing people in life jackets being transferred to other boats. The rescue operation is ongoing, with teams from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local authorities involved. The ferry route is popular for visiting the Elephanta Caves, an iconic tourist destination.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, was met with heartfelt tributes from the cricket world. After announcing his decision following India’s third Test against Australia, Gautam Gambhir expressed, “The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend is something I wouldn’t trade for the world! Generations of bowlers will say they became a bowler because of Ashwin.” Ravi Shastri called Ashwin an "invaluable asset" during his coaching years. Fellow cricketers, including Ajinkya Rahane and Dinesh Karthik, also celebrated Ashwin’s legendary career.

A Delhi court has granted former JNU student leader Umar Khalid a seven-day interim bail from December 28 to January 3 to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid, arrested in 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots, had sought a 10-day bail. This marks his latest attempt at bail since being in custody for over four years. His previous bail petitions were rejected, with the most recent denial by the Delhi High Court in December. Khalid continues to claim no physical evidence links him to the riots.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manish Tewari have been named to a parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing the "One Nation, One Election" bill. This bill, introduced by the BJP, proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and state elections, requiring constitutional amendments. The committee, which will include Congress and Trinamool members, is expected to engage with MPs, legal experts, and the Election Commission. The bill has sparked intense debate, with opposition parties, including Congress and the Trinamool, voicing concerns over its impact on India's federal structure. The committee will have 90 days to submit its report.

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's greatest cricketers, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old made the decision during a press conference in Brisbane, alongside India captain Rohit Sharma. Ashwin retires with 765 wickets across all formats, including 537 Test wickets, the second-most in Indian history. He also recorded 37 five-wicket hauls and 11 player-of-the-series awards. Known for his skills both with the ball and as a batter, Ashwin’s legacy is cemented with six centuries in Tests. His final match will be the ongoing Adelaide Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major overhaul of the H-1B visa programme, effective January 17, 2025. The new rule aims to streamline the visa approval process, helping US companies fill critical job vacancies more effectively. Indians, who hold the majority of H-1B visas, are expected to benefit most. The changes include quicker processing for returning H-1B workers, flexibility for F-1 visa students transitioning to H-1B status, and strengthened programme integrity. The new rule also modernises the definition of specialty occupations and clarifies eligibility for non-profits and government research organisations.

Iranian lawmakers are seeking to amend a controversial bill tightening hijab regulations, stirring fresh debate. The proposed "Law on Supporting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab" imposes penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or $6,000 fines for promoting "nudity" or "indecency." Shahram Dabiri, vice president for parliamentary affairs, confirmed the parliament's request to hold off on finalizing the bill, citing needed amendments. Protests over mandatory hijab laws escalated after Mahsa Amini's 2022 death in custody, leading to months of unrest and global criticism of Iran's human rights policies.