Iran erupted into major protests Monday as the rial plunged to a record low of 1,390,000 against the US dollar, with demonstrations spreading across Tehran and several major cities. Western sanctions have devastated the economy, causing food prices to surge for Iran's 92 million population. Central bank chief Mohammad Reza Farzin reportedly resigned amid the crisis. Traders shut shops urging nationwide solidarity while protesters clashed with security forces, resulting in multiple arrests. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the "legitimate demands," promising fundamental reforms to the monetary and banking system. He tasked the interior minister to engage protesters through dialogue. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani admitted authorities recognize the significant pressure on citizens and don't defend the current situation. 

A 40-year-old Hindu man, Bajendra Biswas, was killed Monday evening in central Bangladesh after being accidentally shot by a colleague inside a garment factory. The incident occurred at Sultana Sweaters Limited in Mymensingh's Bhaluka upazila, where both men worked as Ansar security personnel. Police arrested the alleged shooter, Noman Mia, 22, after a shotgun in his possession discharged while they sat together. The bullet struck Biswas in the left thigh, causing severe bleeding. He was rushed to Bhaluka Upazila Health Complex but declared dead on arrival. Police are investigating whether the shooting was purely accidental or if other factors contributed. The victim's body has been sent for autopsy.

India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy with USD 4.18 trillion GDP and is projected to surpass Germany by 2030 to claim third position. The country remains the fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP expanding 8.2% in Q2 of 2025-26, marking a six-quarter high. India aims to reach USD 7.3 trillion GDP by 2030. International agencies have revised growth forecasts upward: World Bank projects 6.5% growth in 2026, Moody's expects 6.4-6.5%, IMF raised projections to 6.6% for 2025 and 6.2% for 2026. The government highlighted strong fundamentals including controlled inflation, declining unemployment, improving exports, stable financial conditions, and strengthening urban consumption supporting sustained momentum. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. The visit is to convey India’s condolences. Zia died on Tuesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Dhaka. She was the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She became Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister in 1991. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her death. She had a long political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met leading economists at NITI Aayog on Tuesday to discuss India’s growth strategy ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27. The meeting focused on self-reliance and long-term structural reforms. Modi said policies and budgets must align with India’s vision for 2047. He stressed the need for mission-mode reforms and global integration. Economists shared ideas to boost productivity in manufacturing and services. The talks also covered infrastructure, household savings, AI, and digital systems. Nirmala Sitharaman and senior officials were present. (PC: ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the state funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on December 31, government sources said. The visit comes at a time of strained relations between India and Bangladesh after the removal of Sheikh Hasina last year. Zia, who led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, served two terms in office between 1991 and 2006. Her son and party leader Tarique Rahman recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. During her rule, Dhaka moved closer to China, including in defence ties, which often caused unease in New Delhi. (PC: India Today)

India on Tuesday said filmmakers have artistic freedom after Chinese media criticised the film Battle of Galwan. The Salman Khan movie is based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. Khan plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who died in the incident. Government sources said India allows freedom of expression and the government has no role in the film. They said anyone with concerns can approach the defence ministry for details. China’s state-run Global Times claimed the film distorts facts and placed blame on Indian troops for the clash. India has said 20 soldiers were killed in the fighting. (PC: NDTV)

Saudi Arabia said it carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s port city of Mukalla after ships arrived with weapons meant for a separatist force. The Saudi military said the arms were unloaded from vessels that came from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. It said the attack was aimed at weapons and combat vehicles and was timed to avoid civilian harm. It was not clear if anyone was hurt. The UAE did not comment on the strike. The move marks a new rise in tension between Riyadh and the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the UAE and has seized areas in Yemen’s Hadramout region in recent days. (PC: HT)

After the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, attention has turned to her son Tarique Rahman as the future leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Rahman has been acting chairperson of the BNP for some time and returned to the country days before his mother’s death. Party leaders see him as the clear successor and possible prime minister if the BNP wins the next election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Zia, calling her role in democracy and India-Bangladesh ties memorable. Interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus urged calm and announced national mourning and a holiday for her funeral. (PC: NDTV)

Eurostar on Monday advised passengers to postpone travel between London and Paris due to major disruption in the Channel Tunnel. The company said there was a fault in the overhead power supply, followed by a failed Le Shuttle train. It warned that services which do run face long delays and last-minute cancellations. National Rail also urged travellers in the UK to delay journeys from London St Pancras to Paris. Le Shuttle reported long queues at Folkestone in Kent and Calais in northern France, with waits of several hours. Passengers were told to check live updates and avoid stations unless they already have tickets. (PC: X)