Pakistan’s National Day congratulatory message to Bhutan has sparked a global embarrassment after it ended up praising an India-funded project in Bhutan. The message, intended to highlight Bhutan’s achievements, inadvertently commended infrastructure and development projects financed by India, drawing criticism and ridicule online.

Pak-India: Pakistan Congratulates Bhutan, Ends Up Praising India

Nepal: The Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) leadership race has intensified, with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli facing a tough challenge from senior leader Ishwar Pokhrel for the party’s top post.

Nepal’s CPN-UML Faces High-Stakes Leadership Battle 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome in Oman as the two nations marked the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The visit, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, highlights the deep strategic partnership between India and Oman, rooted in historic trade, cultural ties, and strong people-to-people connections.

India-Oman: Diplomatic Ties Marked with Grand Welcome for PM Modi

Privacy advocacy group NOYB has filed a formal complaint against TikTok and Grindr, alleging that the companies unlawfully tracked user activity and shared sensitive data without consent. NOYB claims TikTok monitored a user’s activity on Grindr through a third-party tracker, AppsFlyer, violating European Union privacy laws and potentially exposing sensitive information


NOYB Alleges TikTok Tracked Grindr Use Without Consent

The UK economy has faced mounting challenges in 2025, including stubborn inflation, weak growth, high interest rates and pressure on household finances. As policymakers look ahead, questions are growing over whether 2026 will bring relief through rate cuts, improved productivity and stronger consumer confidence.


Spotlight on UK's Economic Struggles in 2025 |Will 2026 Be a Better Year for UK's Economy

World Cup 2026: FIFA has announced a 50% increase in prize money for the 2026 World Cup, with the winner set to receive a record $50 million. The total prize pool for the tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will reach $655 million, distributed among the 48 participating teams.

World Cup 2026: FIFA Announces 50% Prize Money Hike for 2026 World Cup

President Donald Trump justified the imposition of tariffs on trade partners, stating they are essential to protect American workers and industries. In a national address, Trump argued that tariffs help shield the U.S. economy from unfair trade practices and ensure that American businesses can compete globally. 


Donald Trump: President Justifies Tariffs on Trade Partners

Pakistan police have booked the sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan under anti-terrorism laws, registering an FIR over alleged involvement in activities deemed unlawful by authorities.


Pakistan: Imran Khan's Sisters Booked Under Anti-Terror Law; FIR Filed 

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft has been silent since December 4th after successfully capturing an image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS just days before vanishing behind Mars. The orbiter which operated flawlessly for twelve years studying the Red Planet's atmosphere has suddenly stopped working.


NASA Probe Goes Dark After Close Encounter with 3I/Atlas

Nepal is set to roll out an online system to track foreign tourists, aiming to enhance visitor safety, improve monitoring and strengthen tourism management across the country.


Nepal To Start Tracking Foreign Tourists Online 

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

President Donald Trump has stated that he expects the next Federal Reserve Chair to strongly support lower interest rates, signaling his continued push for monetary easing to stimulate the economy. Trump has long advocated for rate cuts, arguing they will help fuel growth and support businesses. His remarks come amid ongoing debates over the direction of U.S. monetary policy and speculation about potential candidates for the Fed Chair position.


Trump Expects Next Fed Chair to Strongly Support Lower Rates

Bhutan said Wednesday it will invest $1 billion from national cryptocurrency reserves to develop a "Mindfulness City", which it hopes will become an economic hub for the tiny Himalayan nation.


Bhutan: Gelephu City Gets $1 Billion Crypto Boost from Bhutanese King

Russia-Ukraine War: accusing them of obstructing peace efforts and seeking Russia’s collapse. He reiterated his demand for full control of Ukraine’s Donbas region “at all costs,” warning that Moscow is prepared to use force if necessary. In response, EU leaders have intensified diplomatic and economic pressure, promising further sanctions and support for Ukraine, while insisting on maintaining the unity of the Western alliance


Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Blames Europe for Ukraine War, Demands Donbas “At All Costs”

The central government is set to move three key bills, including one for a constitutional amendment, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday to codify a legal framework for the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers at the Centre or in states/UTs, if they are arrested on certain serious criminal charges.


India: Parliament Clears Three Key Bills As Opposition Objects

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vowed to continue oil trade despite Washington’s order to block sanctioned oil tankers. Maduro declared that Venezuela will not be intimidated by U.S. sanctions, asserting that the country’s oil exports will persist as a matter of national sovereignty.

Maduro Vows to Continue Oil Trade Despite Washington’s Blockade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a historic $35 billion natural gas deal with Egypt, marking the largest export agreement in Israel’s history. The deal, facilitated by U.S. energy giant Chevron and Israeli partners, will supply Egypt with natural gas and is expected to generate billions in tax revenue for Israel, boosting its economy and regional energy influence.

Netanyahu: Israel Approves Historic $35 Billion Natural Gas Deal With Egypt

The US State Department has approved a possible sale of Aegis Class Destroyer Support and related equipment to Japan, the Pentagon said Tuesday.


US State Department Approves $100 Million Military Sale to Japan 

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) that he has approved a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, the biggest gas deal in Israeli history. The agreement could also help repair relations between the two countries strained during the two-year war in the Gaza Strip.


Netanyahu Approves $35 Billion Natural Gas Export Deal to Egypt, Biggest in Israeli History 

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

wion

Wion, News on Wion, stories on Wion, articles on Wion, Wion stories at Wion, Wion news, Wion latest news