Christmas 2025: Pope Leo XIV presided over Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking his first Christmas as pontiff and drawing thousands of worshippers to the Vatican. The ceremony was steeped in tradition, with the pope delivering a message focused on faith, charity, and hope, and calling for a global ceasefire and greater attention to the needs of the poor. 

Christmas 2025: Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Christmas Mass at Vatican

Norovirus on the Rise:  Norovirus cases are increasing rapidly across the United States, with the CDC reporting a doubling of outbreaks in recent months and a new dominant variant (GII.17) driving the surge. Health experts say the winter months typically see a spike in norovirus, but this year’s outbreak is particularly strong, affecting homes, schools, and public venues.

Norovirus on the Rise: U.S. Sees Rise in Norovirus Outbreaks 

MPs in the UK are demanding that the health minister halt the upcoming clinical trial of puberty blockers, which is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will involve children under 16. The trial comes after a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s was made permanent following the Cass Review, which highlighted significant gaps in evidence regarding their safety and long-term impacts on children.


UK Health Minister Pressured Over Puberty Blocker Study

Israel’s announcement of new West Bank settlements has been widely condemned, with the UN and several countries stating that the move violates international law and could jeopardize the fragile Gaza truce. 

Israel Condemned Over West Bank Settlement Plan 

Nigeria Mosque: A suspected bomb exploded inside a crowded mosque in Maiduguri's Gamboru market, Nigeria, killing at least seven people and injuring others during evening prayers. Authorities have not confirmed the exact number of casualties, but witnesses and local leaders reported multiple fatalities and injuries.


Nigeria Mosque: Bomb Blast Kills At Least Seven in Nigeria Mosque

Venezuela Vs U.S.: Venezuela has leveled accusations of extortion against the United States, citing increased military pressure and sanctions as tensions escalate between the two nations . The U.S. has responded with heightened naval activity and economic measures, prompting Caracas to denounce what it calls coercive tactics and threats to its sovereignty .


Venezuela Vs U.S.: Venezuela Charges U.S. With Extortion as Tensions Mount

Tamil Nadu: A government bus collided with an SUV and a car in Tamil Nadu after suffering a tyre burst, killing nine people and injuring several others on a national highway near Cuddalore. The accident occurred when the bus veered into the opposite lane, leading to a head-on collision.


Breaking: Nine Killed in Tamil Nadu Bus-SUV-Car Collision

China’s Military Shake-Up: Several top PLA officials were notably absent from a high-profile military event led by President Xi Jinping, as Beijing intensifies its anti-corruption campaign within the armed forces . The purge is seen as part of Xi’s efforts to strengthen his grip on the military and eliminate potential rivals, reflecting deeper political and institutional changes in China’s defense establishment .


China’s Military Shake-Up: Top PLA Generals Missing Xi-Led Event Amid Anti-Graft Purge

The Indian environment ministry has issued a ban on the grant of new mining leases in the Aravalli hills, a significant move aimed at conserving this vital ecological zone from further environmental damage due to mining . The decision is widely seen as a crucial step in protecting biodiversity and preventing further degradation of the Aravalli range .


Aravallis Protected: Environment Ministry Halts New Mining in Aravallis

The Delhi government has announced a series of strict measures aimed at tackling the city’s worsening pollution crisis. These include policies to limit emissions, enforce stricter regulations, and improve air quality. Residents and authorities are closely watching how effective these steps will be in combating Delhi’s chronic pollution problem.

Delhi Air Crisis: Government Vows to Implement Strict Measures to Control Pollution 

U.S.-Venezuela: The United States has seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, intensifying President Trump’s campaign of pressure on President Maduro’s government. The move is part of a broader blockade strategy aimed at restricting Venezuela’s oil exports and increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro’s regime. The seizures have heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Washington signaling its determination to target key revenue sources for the Maduro government.


U.S.-Venezuela: Second U.S. tanker seizure off Venezuela Amid Trump’s Maduro pressure

Iran has stepped up the expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants, exacerbating the strain on Afghanistan as the country faces a worsening economic crisis.


Iran Accelerates Return of Afghan Migrants Amid Economic Crisis

Netanyahu-Trump meet in Florida: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to meet President Trump in Florida, where he is expected to voice concerns about Iran’s efforts to rebuild its nuclear enrichment sites and discuss strategies to counter Tehran’s ambitions.


Netanyahu-Trump meet in Florida: Israel Raises Concerns Over Iran's Nuclear Site Rebuilding

Pakistan: A Pakistani court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in a corruption case related to the misuse of state gifts. The verdict was delivered by Special Judge Shahrukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated. Both were convicted of abusing their authority and committing criminal breach of trust regarding state gifts. Their lawyers have announced plans to challenge the verdict in the high court, calling the case politically motivated and baseless.


Pakistan Ex-PM Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Corruption Case 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will end its "special military operations" if the West respects Russia's security interests. His remarks signal a conditional approach to ending the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that continued military actions depend on how the West addresses Russia's security concerns. 


Putin: Russia Will End ‘Special Military Operations’ If West Respects Security 

The United States has launched massive airstrikes targeting over 70 Islamic State (IS) locations in Syria in retaliation for a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of American troops. The strikes, described as a significant show of force, are aimed at degrading IS capabilities and sending a clear message that attacks on U.S. forces will be met with a strong response.

U.S.-Syria: U.S. Launches Massive Strikes on Over 70 IS Targets in Syria

Bangladesh: Bangladesh is preparing to bury prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi beside the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, following his death from gunshot injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in Dhaka.  His burial at the grave of Kazi Nazrul Islam is seen as a tribute to his role in the country’s recent political movements and a gesture of national unity.


Bangladesh: Osman Hadi To Be Buried Beside Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam

Bangladesh: Bangladesh has erupted in violence following the death of uprising leader Osman Hadi, who died in Singapore after being shot by masked attackers in Dhaka. Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 student-led protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was campaigning for parliamentary elections when he was attacked. 


Bangladesh Erupts After Uprising Leader Osman Hadi Dies

The Madhya Pradesh government has taken strict action in response to a surge in HIV cases in Satna district, where at least six thalassemia-affected children were found to have contracted HIV through blood transfusions. The government has suspended a senior doctor and two lab technicians, while a show-cause notice has been issued to the Chief Medical and Health Officer.

Madhya Pradesh Govt Cracks the Whip Over HIV Cases in Satna District 

In 2024, Saudi Arabia formally warned Pakistan about the misuse of Umrah visas by beggars traveling to Mecca and Medina to solicit alms. The Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs cautioned that if Pakistan failed to curb this practice, it could negatively impact genuine Pakistani pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj. This warning came amid growing concerns in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries about organized begging and the reputational damage it causes to Pakistan. 


Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Warned Pakistan Over Umrah Visa Misuse in 2024

Extreme weather is battering the Pacific Northwest, as heavy rain and strong winds trigger flooding and damage across several states.


Washington: Extreme Weather Hits Pacific Northwest

Qatar marked National Day with a grand parade and military display along the Doha Corniche, featuring flypasts by jets and helicopters, marches by various branches of the armed forces, and a vibrant celebration of Qatari heritage and unity.

Qatar Celebrates National Day with Military Flypast

Delhi Pollution: Delhi is grappling with one of its worst air pollution episodes in years. New data shows that the city’s air quality in the first eight days of December was the worst since 2018. With an average AQI of 343, putting residents at serious health risk.

Delhi Pollution: Grap Stage IV Measures Enforced in Delhi 

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released a new batch of photos and documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, including redacted IDs, text messages, and images that reveal connections to elite figures. The release, which coincides with the deadline for the Justice Department to disclose its Epstein files, aims to provide transparency into Epstein’s network and activities. 

Epstein Files: Democrats Unveil Redacted IDs, Texts, Elite Links 

Brown University: A suspect in the Brown University shooting has been found dead in a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire, ending a five-day manhunt. The individual, identified as Claudio Neves Valente, was found dead by apparent suicide, bringing closure to the campus and the wider community.


Brown University Shooting: Suspect Found Dead in Hampshire 

U.S.-Venezuela: The U.S. military has conducted strikes on two alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing five people. The operations, part of Operation Southern Spear, are aimed at disrupting narco-trafficking routes and are conducted in international waters.  

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. Strikes 'Drug Boats' in Pacific, 5 Killed

Bangladesh Violence: Bangladesh has been plunged into chaos following the death of uprising leader Osman Hadi, who died in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka. His death has triggered widespread protests and violence across the country, with police launching a manhunt for the attackers and releasing photos of suspects.


Bangladesh Violence: Osman Hadi Death Sparks Nationwide Violence in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Violence: Bangladesh is in turmoil following the death of uprising leader Osman Hadi, who succumbed to injuries after being shot by masked attackers in Dhaka. His death has triggered widespread protests and violence across the country, with police launching a manhunt for the assailants and releasing photos of suspects. Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 student-led protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was also a vocal opponent of Indian influence in Bangladesh.


Bangladesh Violence: Bangladesh in Turmoil After Uprising Leader Osman Hadi Dies

Kennedy Centre: President Donald Trump has moved to rename the Kennedy Center, aiming to honor his legacy by attaching his name to one of the nation's most prominent cultural landmarks. The decision has ignited a fierce debate, with supporters applauding the gesture as a fitting tribute and critics warning that it politicizes a traditionally nonpartisan institution. 

Kennedy Centre: Move to Rename Center After Trump Sparks Controversy 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning to Russia, stating that any further escalation in Ukraine would bring "devastating consequences." He unveiled a three-layer security guarantee for Ukraine, combining military, economic, and political support to bolster the country's defenses and resilience. 

NATO Warns Russia: 'Devastating Consequences' if Ukraine Attacked 

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal: Farmers in Brussels have blocked major streets in protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, with the demonstrations gaining momentum as agricultural groups across Europe express fears that the agreement could undermine local farming standards and livelihoods. 

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal: Anti-Mercosur Protests Gain Momentum in Brussels 

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