Six people, including a German couple, were detained in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, on Thursday night for alleged illegal religious conversions. The incident took place in a rented house in Srikaranpur town near the India–Pakistan border. Police said the German nationals had recently visited a restricted border area without prior authorisation, raising security concerns. A case has been registered under the religious conversion law based on a complaint.

German Couple Detained Over Alleged Illegal Religious Conversions Near India–Pakistan Border

The death toll in Gaza has climbed to 70,925 since the start of the Israeli offensive in October 2023, with the majority being women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Gaza Death Toll Mounts to 70,925 Amid Ongoing Conflict

Australia has marked a National Day of Reflection to honour the victims of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which claimed the lives of 15 people and left many others injured. The day, observed exactly one week after the tragedy, saw Australians across the country light candles at 6:47 PM and observe a minute of silence as a solemn act of remembrance. Government buildings flew flags at half-mast, and the Jewish community, deeply affected by the attack, was supported by national and state leaders. 


Bondi Attack Victims Honoured on National Day of Reflection 

Heavy and unusual downpours have triggered severe flooding across the UAE, including major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, bringing much of the country to a standstill. The record rainfall, described as the heaviest in decades, caused widespread waterlogging, disrupted travel, and prompted authorities to issue urgent safety advisories. 


UAE: Unusual Downpours Trigger Floods in UAE

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called on the US to increase pressure on Russia, stressing diplomacy, arms supplies, and sanctions, as Moscow continues its offensive, hitting eastern regions and civilian areas.


Zelensky Calls on US to Step Up Pressure on Russia to End War

Bangladesh witnessed a sea of people joining the funeral of the popular figure of the July 2024 uprising, Sharif Osman Hadi, in a state mourning on Saturday.

Hundreds of thousands of people joined the funeral of slain political activist and aspirant of Dhaka-8 constituency of the February 2026 election, held before the national parliament in Dhaka.

Hadi, 32, was laid to rest near the Dhaka University Central Mosque, next to the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose writings inspired an uprising.

Osman Hadi's Funeral Held at Central Mosque of Dhaka University

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual end-of-year televised news conference, taking questions from members of the public as well as Russian and international media. The event is broadcast nationwide and traditionally covers domestic and international issues. Join us live to know more on this!


Putin's Marathon Annual Presser Turns Into 'Ask-Me-Anything' 

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

Hundreds of motorcycle-riding Santas paraded through Sofia on Saturday (December 20) as the Bulgarian capital counts down to Christmas. 


Sofia Turns Festive as Hundreds of Motorcycle-Riding Santas Parade

Two Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank amid fresh tensions, as security operations and clashes were reported in the area. Authorities are investigating the incident while the situation on the ground remains tense.


Occupied West Bank Sees Fresh Violence, Two Palestinians Killed

US forces intercepted a second Venezuelan oil tanker as Trump intensifies pressure on Maduro, citing sanctions, drug trafficking, and oil disputes, while Venezuela condemns the action and vows legal retaliation.

Venezuela on Oil Tanker Seizure: Its Theft & Kidnapping

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

The Justice Department released more documents Saturday from the Jeffrey Epstein files, after an initial release Friday of thousands of photos, police reports and other material — the first records to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.

Justice Department Releases More Epstein Records; Over 13000 Files Made Public 

US Intercepts Second Oil Tanker Off Coast of Venezuela

Bangladesh witnessed a sea of people joining the funeral of the popular figure of the July 2024 uprising, Sharif Osman Hadi, in a state mourning on Saturday.

Hundreds of thousands of people joined the funeral of slain political activist and aspirant of Dhaka-8 constituency of the February 2026 election, held before the national parliament in Dhaka.

Hadi, 32, was laid to rest near the Dhaka University Central Mosque, next to the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose writings inspired an uprising.


Former prime minister and coordinator of the largest Communist grouping Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Saturday warned that his party would hit the streets if the March 5 general election is postponed under any pretext.


Nepal: Former PM Prachanda Threatens Street Action if Polls Deferred

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 signaled his willingness to halt the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that Russia would end its "special military operations" if the West respects Russia's security interests. Putin’s remarks indicate a conditional approach, suggesting that a resolution to the conflict is possible if Western powers address Russia’s security demands. 

Putin: Ready to Halt Ukraine War If West Respects Security 

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, the interim government announced on Saturday (December 20, 2025).

Bangladesh Violence: Yunus Says 7 Arrested in Bangladesh Hindu Man Lynching Case

Hong Kong Villagers Revive 300-Year-Old Jiao Festival to Ward Off Evil

Heavy rains over the past week have compounded the already dire living conditions of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 


Gaza: Torrential Rains Flood Gaza & Collapse War-Damaged Homes

The United States has carried out large-scale military strikes against ISIS targets across Syria, President Donald Trump said, a week after two US soldiers and an interpreter were killed in Palmyra. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites, describing it as a “declaration of vengeance”. Syrian authorities said they support efforts to combat ISIS.

US Military Strikes ISIS Targets Across Syria Following Deadly Attack on US Troops

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 

China has discovered a massive undersea gold reserve off the coast of Laizhou City in Yantai, Shandong Province. It is being reported as Asia's largest undersea gold reserve. The recently found reserve puts the cumulative reserve of Laizhou at more than 3900 tonnes, which roughly accounts for 26 per cent of China's national gold reserve, as reported by the Chinese state media. The discovery makes the Laizhou region the top in both gold reserves and gold production in China. However, the reports do not specify the actual size of the gold reserve.

China Finds Asia's Largest Undersea Gold Deposit in East China Sea | WION

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