The UK could see a White Christmas this year, with the Met Office predicting sleet and snow between December 24 and January 7. Snow is more likely on higher ground in the north, while London and southern areas may experience settled conditions. Meteorologists caution that the forecast remains uncertain and clearer predictions will emerge five days before Christmas. Historically, snow has fallen on Christmas Day in about half of the years since 1960, though widespread snowy landscapes are rare. The forecast follows disruptions caused by Storm Darragh, which left 24,000 homes without power earlier this week.

Bashar al-Assad’s regime profited $5B annually from Captagon, a potent amphetamine fueling Middle Eastern drug markets and warfare. Dubbed the "poor man's cocaine," Captagon accounted for 80% of global supply, with production linked to Assad's family and military. Recent reports indicate a 90% drop in production after the collapse of Assad’s regime, with operations shifting to small compounds in Lebanon under Iran-backed Hezbollah. Experts warn of a potential resurgence, as Iraqi militias may fill the void. Captagon’s addictive properties and role in combat make it a tool of both revenue and terror, raising global security concerns.

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to end birthright citizenship upon taking office on January 20, arguing it encourages illegal immigration and "birth tourism." Indian immigrants in the US would face increased challenges under this policy, with broader anti-immigration measures, such as restrictions on student and H1-B visas. Legal experts warn that ending birthright citizenship would face significant constitutional challenges, but could create a more unpredictable immigration system. Advocates argue that it is essential for immigrant integration and that repealing it would worsen illegal immigration and create a permanent underclass of non-citizens.

India's World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes face a major setback as "unusual" weather in Brisbane threatens the third Test against Australia. The match, starting Saturday at the iconic Gabba, comes after India's 10-wicket loss in Adelaide. Brisbane has experienced heavy rainfall, making conditions uncertain for the Test. Forecasts predict a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms on Day 1, with chances rising to 60% on the final day. If the match is washed out, India’s path to the WTC final becomes even more difficult, as a loss or draw in the remaining series matches could eliminate them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Kapoor family on December 11 to discuss the upcoming centenary celebrations of legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. Modi described Raj Kapoor’s contributions to Indian cinema as monumental, symbolizing the "golden journey" of the industry. He encouraged the Kapoor family to create a film showcasing Raj Kapoor’s legacy for Central Asia, emphasizing its potential for Indian cinema. The family shared plans to restore 10 of Raj Kapoor's films, which will be showcased across 160 theaters in 40 cities in India, starting with a premiere on December 13 in Mumbai.

A study has revealed that cameras and drones in Corbett National Park, originally intended for wildlife monitoring, are being misused to surveil local women without their consent. Forest rangers have used drones to intimidate women, discouraging them from collecting natural resources. The study, conducted by the University of Cambridge, highlights the negative impact on women's behavior, causing them to act more quietly, increasing their risk of encounters with dangerous animals. Researchers warn that surveillance technologies are inadvertently reinforcing patriarchal control over women, while also compromising their safety and mental well-being.

India’s $9 billion development project on Great Nicobar Island has raised alarms among environmentalists and indigenous tribes. Spanning 166 sq km, the plan includes a transshipment harbour, power plant, and airport to boost trade. While the government claims it won’t displace tribes, experts warn it threatens vulnerable groups like the Shompen tribe, whose habitat will be disrupted. Environmental concerns focus on deforestation, habitat loss, and the impact on marine life, including giant leatherback sea turtles. The 30-year project poses risks of disease exposure and cultural erosion, leaving islanders and environmentalists deeply concerned about its long-term consequences.

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has achieved a major milestone by becoming the third highest-grossing South Indian film in the Hindi market, earning ₹331 crore in just five days. The film surpasses the opening week collections of Baahubali 2 and KGF: Chapter 2, with the Hindi version outperforming the Telugu version, which grossed ₹211.7 crore. This action-packed sequel is now set to challenge the records of Baahubali 2 (₹501 crore) and KGF: Chapter 2 (₹435 crore) in the Hindi market. Pushpa 2 continues to dominate, becoming 2024’s second biggest Hindi film after Stree 2.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed gratitude to opposition leaders supporting her potential leadership of the INDIA bloc. Leaders such as RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav and YSRCP's Vijayasai Reddy have endorsed Banerjee's political acumen and track record. Lalu Yadav stated, “Mamata should lead the INDIA bloc,” while Samajwadi Party’s Udaiveer Singh also voiced support. However, Congress leaders questioned TMC’s national influence, citing the party's performance outside Bengal. Banerjee reiterated her commitment to the alliance, saying she could manage responsibilities from Bengal. The INDIA bloc, a coalition of over 20 parties, seeks unity to challenge the BJP.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat, is likely to get bigger with a proposed addition of two new floors. An application submitted by his wife Gauri Khan to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) is under consideration. The expansion, which will increase the six-story sea-facing property in Bandra, is estimated to cost ₹25 crore. Mannat, a colonial-style heritage building established in 1914, covers 2,091 square meters. Renamed after Shah Rukh Khan purchased it in 2001, the residence continues to draw large crowds of fans daily, especially on the superstar’s birthday.