Trump's National Address: In his national address, President Donald Trump listed the major accomplishments of his second term, touting significant progress on immigration and the economy. He highlighted achievements in border security and job creation, while justifying the use of tariffs on trade partners as necessary to protect American industries and workers.  Eugene Craig, Political Analyst, speaks to WION about the implications and reception of Trump’s address.

Trump's National Address: Trump Justifies Tariffs, Highlights Immigration, Economy 

President Donald Trump declared, “I stopped invasion on our southern border,” during a national address where he listed the major accomplishments of his second term. He highlighted achievements in border security, immigration, and the economy, asserting that his administration’s policies have made the southern border secure and restored order. 

 Donald Trump: “Southern Border Invasion Stopped,” Touts Achievements

Trump's National Address: In a live address, President Donald Trump promised an “economic boom” in 2026 and highlighted his administration’s immigration record as a key achievement. Trump emphasized his commitment to job creation, economic growth, and border security, stating that the coming year will bring prosperity and opportunity for Americans.

Trump's National Address: Trump Promises 2026 Economic Boom, Points to Immigration Record

U.S.-Venezuela: The United States has significantly increased its military deployment in the Caribbean, sending fighter jets, helicopters, and thousands of troops to Puerto Rico amid rising tensions with Venezuela. President Trump has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels, prompting Venezuela to accuse the US of “state-sponsored piracy” at the United Nations.


U.S.-Venezuela: US Deploys Fighter Jets, Helicopters to Puerto Rico Amid Venezuela Tensions

Christmas 2025: The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, has once again lit up the night sky with spectacular hand-crafted lanterns, marking the start of the Christmas season in the Philippines. Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," the city hosts an annual competition where massive lanterns, some reaching up to 30 feet in diameter, are illuminated with intricate designs and synchronized lights. 


Christmas 2025: Hand-Crafted Lanterns Light Up Philippines’ Christmas Capital

President Donald Trump stated that his administration “inherited a mess” from the previous government, as he prepared to deliver a prime-time address to the nation. The speech comes amid a dip in Trump’s popularity, with recent polls showing declining approval ratings and heightened public concern over the economy. 


Trump Before Address: “We Inherited a Mess,” Promises to Turn Things Around

Imran Khan's sister, along with other PTI leaders and supporters, faced a water cannon assault outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, as police dispersed a peaceful sit-in demanding access to the jailed former prime minister. The PTI alleges that the water used contained chemicals, causing harm to protesters, including women and the elderly, and described the action as a violation of basic human rights and constitutional freedoms.

PTI Claims Chemical Water Used on Protesters Outside Adiala Jail 

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the owners of the nightclub where a deadly fire claimed 25 lives in Arpora, Goa, have landed at Goa’s airport and will be quizzed at Anjuna police station as part of an investigation into a potential corruption nexus. The brothers were deported from Thailand and arrested in Delhi before being brought to Goa under transit remand. 

Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers Taken to Anjuna Police Station 

Karthigai Deepam Row: The arguments in the Karthigai Deepam row hearing at the Madras High Court have concluded, but the court has yet to pass its verdict. The case centers on the dispute over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon site near the Thiruparankundram temple in Tamil Nadu. 


Karthigai Deepam Row: Madras High Court Yet to Pass Verdict

The UK has experienced its sunniest year on record in 2025, with 1,622 hours of sunshine- surpassing the previous record set in 2003. Scientists note that frequent high-pressure systems reduced cloud cover, leading to exceptionally sunny spells, particularly in spring and summer. While the UK has generally become sunnier since the 1980s, the exact cause remains uncertain, with some attributing it to natural variability rather than climate change.


Sunshine Shattered Records Across Uk in 2025, Scientists Blame Climate Change

Finland is leading conservation efforts to preserve the polar bear population, with initiatives such as relocating polar bears to wildlife sanctuaries in Finnish Lapland and participating in Europe-wide breeding and research programs. These efforts are part of broader international actions to safeguard a genetically healthy polar bear population amid threats from climate change. 

Finland Leads Conservation Efforts to Preserve Polar Bear Population 

French farmers are angry and protesting against the government's mass culling of cows to contain an outbreak of lumpy skin disease. So far, 113 cases have been detected, leading to the slaughter of 3,300 cattle. Farmers are demanding widespread vaccination instead of culling, arguing that the policy is excessive and harmful to their livelihoods.

French Farmers Protest Mass Cow Culling Over Lumpy Skin Disease

Global stocks extended losses as weak US jobs data sparked fresh market uncertainty. The latest payroll report revealed a rise in unemployment to 4.6% and only modest job growth, raising concerns about the economic outlook. 

Wall Street Ends Mixed After Weak Jobs Report Raises Concerns 

The United States has suspended the implementation of a $40 billion tech deal with the United Kingdom, pausing the agreement that was announced in September during President Trump’s visit to the UK. The move has raised questions about the future of the partnership, with officials citing ongoing reviews and strategic considerations.

U.S.-UK: U.S. Halts $40 Billion Tech Agreement Announced During Trump’s UK Visit

Scientists have discovered a massive, 20-kilometre-thick rock layer beneath the Bermuda Triangle, unlike anything previously found on Earth. This structure, located between the oceanic crust and tectonic plate, may explain why the seafloor in the region remains elevated despite the absence of recent volcanic activity.

Bermuda Triangle: Mysterious Giant Structure Stuns Scientists

With the bank of Japan set to hike interest rates again on December 19th, Bitcoin's recent selloff is expected to crash further. In this news in numbers report, we look at how Bitcoin has crashed every time the BOJ hiked rates in recent times. 


Bitcoin Crashes as Bank of Japan Set to Hike Rates Again 

U.S.-Venezuela: President Trump has threatened a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuelan oil tankers, escalating pressure on the Maduro regime amid ongoing tensions. The move signals a dramatic step to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports, its main source of foreign revenue, and could deepen the country’s economic crisis. 


U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Threatens ‘Total and Complete Blockade’ of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

The Indian rupee has plunged to record lows for three consecutive sessions, breaching the 91-mark against the US dollar on December 16, 2025. This decline is driven by sustained foreign institutional outflows, persistent dollar demand, and uncertainty over a potential India-US trade deal. 

Indian Rupee Slumps to Record Lows for Three Straight Sessions

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is making its closest approach to Earth, captivating astronomers and the public alike. Dubbed an “alien” comet due to its origins beyond our solar system, 3I/ATLAS will pass about 270 million kilometers from Earth on December 19, 2025. Scientists have observed unusual characteristics, including high levels of nickel and iron, and a greenish glow not typical of most comets.

3I/ATLAS: Interstellar Comet Makes Closest Approach to Earth

App developers in the European Union are urging authorities to take action over Apple’s App Store fees, which remain higher than those in the U.S. despite regulatory changes. The outcry highlights ongoing concerns about fair competition and the impact of Apple’s pricing on small developers, prompting fresh scrutiny of the tech giant’s practices in the EU market. 

Apple Fees Face Backlash as EU Developers Demand Fair Pricing 

Russia has captured Kupiansk in a significant advance, but Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed the setback as the country continues to resist. Europe is now preparing to send troops to Ukraine, prompting Moscow to issue strong warnings and draw a red line against direct involvement. The Kremlin claims Europe is hindering peace efforts, escalating tensions as the war enters a new phase with broader international stakes.

Kremlin Warns Europe: “Hindering Peace Efforts” as Russia Advances

Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, sparked a major controversy with her comments in a Vanity Fair interview, stating that President Trump has an “alcoholic’s personality.” The remarks have triggered internal fallout within the White House, with senior officials expressing concern. However, both Trump and his cabinet have publicly defended Wiles, downplaying the remarks and emphasizing her loyalty and effectiveness in the administration.


Vanity Fair Interview: Susie Wiles Calls Trump’s Personality “Alcoholic,” Cabinet Responds

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. lawmakers have launched a tough inquiry into the controversial double-tap strike on a Venezuelan boat, questioning Secretary of War Hegseth and Secretary of State Rubio over the operation's legality and consequences. The strike, which has drawn criticism for its aggressive tactics, is under scrutiny for potential violations of international norms and its impact on U.S.-Venezuela relations. 

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. Lawmakers Grill Hegseth, Rubio Over Double-Tap Strike on Venezuelan Boat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified diplomatic efforts, meeting with top European leaders to negotiate a path toward peace amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky is urging for stronger international support and coordinated action to end the conflict, highlighting the human cost and Ukraine’s resilience. 

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Pushes Diplomacy Amid Ongoing War, Zelensky in Talks 

Breathing the air in India’s capital now comes at a deadly cost. New data from the Global Burden of Disease 2023 shows that air pollution was linked to nearly 15 percent of all deaths in Delhi, making toxic smog the city’s single biggest health risk. An estimated 17,188 lives were lost in 2023 due to poor air quality, surpassing deaths caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.

But polluted air is not the only silent killer. Delhi’s hazardous roads, low visibility due to smog, reckless driving, and traffic congestion continue to fuel deadly accidents. This video examines how toxic air, dangerous roads, and policy failures have turned daily life in Delhi into a public health and safety crisis.

Different Ways To Die In Delhi: Toxic Smog, Killer Roads, No Solution In Sight

Brown University Shooting: Brown University remains in lockdown following a deadly shooting that left two students dead and nine others injured. The suspect, described as a male dressed in black, is still at large, prompting a massive manhunt involving over 400 law enforcement officers. The attack occurred during final exams in the Barus & Holley engineering building, with authorities sweeping the campus and surrounding areas.


Brown University Shooting: Campus Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Shooter Sought

President Donald Trump made a surprise appearance at the Army-Navy Football match, taking to the pitch and igniting euphoria among fans. The crowd erupted in chants of “USA, USA,” as Trump engaged with players and supporters, showcasing his continued connection with the military community.


Trump Ignites Crowd at Army-Navy Game, Fans Chant ‘USA, USA'

3I/ATLAS: The mysterious interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has become active ahead of its close encounter with Earth, drawing global scientific attention. Discovered in July 2025, 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected, originating from outside our solar system. 

3I/ATLAS: Mysterious Comet Active Ahead of Its Close Encounter With Earth

Avatar: A massive fire sculpture inspired by the Avatar franchise has illuminated London’s River Thames, marking the arrival of the highly anticipated film “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The spectacle, set beneath Tower Bridge, was reignited ahead of the UK premiere, attended by stars including Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and director James Cameron, who praised the blend of fire and water as central to the Avatar experience.

Avatar: Fire and Ash Sculpture Lights Up London 

Reform UK has overtaken the Labour Party in membership totals, marking a significant shift in British politics. Labour's declining membership has raised concerns among centre-left groups, as Reform UK's growing numbers reflect a broader realignment of political support.


Reform UK Membership Surges, Labour Declines Sparks Concern

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has claimed that the May 2023 riots were a "joint venture" between former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-ISI chief Faiz Hameed. Asif stated that the violent events were a calculated attack on the country's institutions, with both Hameed and Khan allegedly collaborating to undermine Pakistan's stability. 


Pakistan Defence Minister: May 2023 Riots Were Joint Venture of Imran and Faiz 

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