Russian President Vladimir Putin and fellow CIS leaders visited the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg as part of an informal summit programme. Guided by director Mikhail Piotrovsky, the delegation toured parts of the vast collection, which holds over 3 million artworks and artefacts spanning painting, sculpture, applied arts, archaeology and numismatics, with origins tracing back to Catherine the Great’s 1764 purchase of a major Berlin collection.

Putin and CIS Leaders Visit St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum During Informal Summit

While visiting Abu Dhabi, French President Emmanuel Macron and Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin attended a military exercise at the 5th Cavalry Regiment’s training centre, observing desert-combat drills alongside French troops stationed in the UAE. The visit, part of Macron’s traditional Christmas trip to forces deployed abroad, also aims to deepen France–UAE defence cooperation and broader strategic partnership.​​

Macron and Defence Minister Vautrin Watch 5th Cavalry Regiment Drills During Christmas Visit to UAE

Images show emergency services tackling large fires in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region after overnight strikes damaged energy infrastructure, warehouses with fertiliser and agricultural machinery, and left at least one person injured, according to state emergency services. The attacks come amid ongoing Russian strikes on key civilian and energy facilities across southern Ukraine, raising fresh concerns over power security and winter resilience for residents.​

Emergency Services Battle Blaze After Overnight Strikes Hit Energy Sites in Ukraine’s Odesa Region

Tensions have escalated between India and Bangladesh after Dhaka suspended visa services at its missions in Delhi and Agartala. The move signals a growing diplomatic tussle between the two neighbors, raising concerns over travel, bilateral ties, and regional cooperation amid an already sensitive political climate.

Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services at Delhi, Agartala Missions

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured dramatic evidence of young planets being destroyed around a nearby star. The observations reveal powerful stellar radiation tearing apart infant worlds, offering rare insight into how planetary systems evolve — and sometimes fail — in their earliest stages

Hubble Captures Infant Planets Being Destroyed Around Nearby Star

Are Israel and Iran heading toward another major war? Israel has raised fresh concerns with the United States, while Iran insists its missile programme is purely defensive. With Donald Trump set to host Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on December 29, the stakes are rising. We break down the signals, strategic calculations, and why the Middle East is watching this moment so closely.

Israel vs Iran War Soon? Netanyahu to Present Trump With New Iran Attack Plan

What began as a night of celebration at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches ended in unspeakable violence. New and disturbing details have emerged in the investigation into the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where fifteen people were killed. Authorities say the attack was meticulously planned. Watch to understand what investigators have revealed so far.

Bondi Beach Probe: Cops Say Attack Was Meticulously Planned

As Gaza remains devastated by war and a deepening humanitarian crisis, Israel has approved 19 new settlements in the West Bank. The decision comes as the Trump administration unveils a sweeping and controversial blueprint to transform Gaza into a futuristic international hub, raising sharp questions about regional stability, international law, and the future of the conflict.


Israel Approves 19 New Settlements in West Bank After U.S. Drafts Gaza Blueprint

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir has claimed the country received “divine help” during Operation Sindoor, referring to the military confrontation with India in May. According to Munir, this assistance was felt during the conflict, sparking debate and raising questions about military messaging, faith, and regional tensions.

Munir: Pakistan Got Divine Help During Operation Sindoor

Bangladesh is facing a deepening political and security crisis following the killing of youth leader and election candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. On Monday, another student leader was reportedly shot, raising concerns over law and order and press freedom under the interim government. With elections approaching, serious questions rise about whether the unrest is being deliberately engineered to sabotage democratic processes in the country.


Bangladesh Unrest: Religious Hatemongers, Lynch Mobs Seek to Destroy Bangladesh Democracy 

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 

Pakistan is taking steps to prevent citizens from traveling abroad to beg, aiming to tackle the rising issue of international begging networks. Authorities are implementing measures to monitor and restrict cross-border begging, highlighting social, economic, and legal challenges facing the country.

Pakistan Is Trying to Stop People From Going Abroad to Beg

Japan is making a major pivot back to nuclear energy by planning to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant. The move reflects the country’s efforts to secure energy independence, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and meet climate goals amid rising global energy demand.

Japan's Pivot Back to Nuclear Energy, to Restart the World's Biggest Nuclear Power Plant

Delhi Government Vows to Implement Strict Measures to Control Pollution

The U.S. Justice Department has denied any cover-up regarding the Epstein files. Officials clarified that former President Donald Trump's photograph was initially removed from the database to protect victims’ privacy. 

Trump Administration Facing Charge of Trying to Hide His Picture From Epstein Files

Bangladesh faces unrest as protests continue, but the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirms that there was no breach of security at the Bangladesh High Commission. This video covers the latest updates on the demonstrations, government response, and the situation in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh on the Boil: MEA Confirms No Breach at High Commission

The quality of U.S. Economic data is under the scanner, with the response rate used for key job metrics falling to a record low. According to the kobeissi letter, the data quality continues to deteriorate.

U.S. Jobs Data Response Rate Down 64% From 90% Before 2012

In Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, the house of BNP leader Belal Hossain was set on fire, sparking outrage. The BNP condemns the attack and demands justice, highlighting rising political tensions.

Bangladesh: BNP Leader’s House Torched in Lakshmipur, Party Demands Justice

Life behind bars can feel slow and isolating, making it difficult for inmates to reintegrate into society after release. A California prison is testing virtual reality (VR) programs to prepare inmates for life outside, helping them build skills, cope with challenges, and reconnect with the outside world.

California Prison Tests VR to Help Inmates Reconnect With Society

Iran has conducted new missile drills that have spooked Israel, with reports suggesting the exercises could be a cover for a potential attack. Tensions rise as the U.S. monitors the situation closely.

Iran-Israel Tension: New Iranian Missile Drills Raise Israel Concerns Over Possible Attack

Epstein Investigation: Justice Dept Denies Epstein Cover-Up, Explains Trump Photo Removal

The US Coast Guard is pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean. Tensions rise as Washington monitors shipments amid sanctions and energy concerns. 

US-Venezuela: US Coast Guard Chases Third Venezuelan Oil Tanker

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard rejected claims that Russia poses a broader European invasion threat, saying intelligence assessments show Moscow lacks the capacity for such action, even as peace talks with Russian and Ukrainian officials continue.

US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard Rejects Report Claiming Putin Plans to Invade Europe

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Putin and CIS Leaders Visit St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum During Informal Summit

Macron and Defence Minister Vautrin Watch 5th Cavalry Regiment Drills During Christmas Visit to UAE

Emergency Services Battle Blaze After Overnight Strikes Hit Energy Sites in Ukraine’s Odesa Region

Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services at Delhi, Agartala Missions

Hubble Captures Infant Planets Being Destroyed Around Nearby Star

Israel vs Iran War Soon? Netanyahu to Present Trump With New Iran Attack Plan

Bondi Beach Probe: Cops Say Attack Was Meticulously Planned

Israel Approves 19 New Settlements in West Bank After U.S. Drafts Gaza Blueprint

Munir: Pakistan Got Divine Help During Operation Sindoor

Bangladesh Unrest: Religious Hatemongers, Lynch Mobs Seek to Destroy Bangladesh Democracy

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

Pakistan Is Trying to Stop People From Going Abroad to Beg

Japan's Pivot Back to Nuclear Energy, to Restart the World's Biggest Nuclear Power Plant

Hubble Captures Infant Planets Being Destroyed Around Nearby Star

Delhi Government Vows to Implement Strict Measures to Control Pollution

Trump Administration Facing Charge of Trying to Hide His Picture From Epstein Files

Bangladesh on the Boil: MEA Confirms No Breach at High Commission

U.S. Jobs Data Response Rate Down 64% From 90% Before 2012

Bangladesh: BNP Leader’s House Torched in Lakshmipur, Party Demands Justice

California Prison Tests VR to Help Inmates Reconnect With Society

Iran-Israel Tension: New Iranian Missile Drills Raise Israel Concerns Over Possible Attack

Epstein Investigation: Justice Dept Denies Epstein Cover-Up, Explains Trump Photo Removal

US-Venezuela: US Coast Guard Chases Third Venezuelan Oil Tanker

US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard Rejects Report Claiming Putin Plans to Invade Europe