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A disturbing video was circulating on Social Media in which an Israeli man was seen ramming a Palestinian offering Namaz at the roadside, in Ramallah, the occupied West Bank. After hitting him with the four-wheeler ATV, he was hurling abuses at him. A moment later, the Israeli settler was seen again shouting at him and gesturing towards him to leave the area.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shocking footage shows an armed Israeli settler driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle and deliberately running over a Palestinian worshipper for no apparent reason, then continuing to try to push him off the road. The incident occurred near Ramallah. <a href="https://t.co/4RQuY3jdLv">pic.twitter.com/4RQuY3jdLv</a>&mdash; ✌️🇵🇸✌️ Mohammed Najjar (@hamada_pal2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamada_pal2020/status/2004268794278277496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident has triggered a response from the Israeli military. It said in a statement that the reservist has “acted in severe violation of his authority”. The man was confirmed to be an Israeli reservist soldier, whose service has since been terminated. The incident was captured on camera and widely circulated. Israeli media reported that his weapon had been confiscated and the man was under house arrest for 5 days. Israeli police did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.&nbsp;The Palestinian man had not sustained any physical injury. His father, Majdi Abu Mokho, said that the assailant, along with other settlers, has set up an outpost in the village and comes in occasionally to graze the livestock and block the roads and provoke the residents, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;This year has been the most violent for settler attacks in the West Bank, Palestine. According to the United Nations, over 1680 attacks in 2025, averaging 5 per day, specifically in Jenin and Tubas governorate, were recorded, and 227 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces or settlers between January 1 and December 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A shocking video shows an Israeli settler ramming a Palestinian man offering Namaz in Ramallah. The reservist soldier has been dismissed after the incident.

A disturbing video was circulating on Social Media in which an Israeli man was seen ramming a Palestinian offering Namaz at the roadside, in Ramallah, the occupied West Bank. After hitting him with the four-wheeler ATV, he was hurling abuses at him. A moment later, the Israeli settler was seen again shouting at him and gesturing towards him to leave the area.

A shocking video shows an Israeli settler ramming a Palestinian man offering Namaz in Ramallah. The reservist soldier has been dismissed after the incident.

Watch| Israeli settler rams Palestinian man offering Namaz in West Bank

A day after US President Donald Trump ordered deadly strikes on Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, he revealed that the American forces were “going to do it earlier” but were ordered to delay the attack to give them a “Christmas present”. On Thursday (Dec 25), Trump announced that the US troops carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against ISIS targets in the West African nation, marking the first US military action in the country under his current term.In an interview with Politico published on Friday, Trump accused the ISIS militants in Nigeria of persecuting Christians, adding that the US strikes “decimated their camps”. The US president also said that the attack was originally planned for Wednesday but was delayed one day by him for symbolic reasons.“They were going to do it earlier,” Trump told Politico. “And I said, ‘nope, let’s give a Christmas present.’” He further added, “They didn’t think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated.”Meanwhile, Nigeria’s information minister said on Friday that the US used guided missiles launched from drones in the strikes conducted on Christmas.“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor,” Information Minister Mohammed Idris said in a statement.Idris added that the attack was carried out with the “full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” with “explicit approval” from President Bola Tinubu. He added that no civilians were injured in the attacks.“The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance,” Idris said. “Debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State.”Washington earlier released a video of projectiles being launched by a US Navy ship. The United States Africa Command confirmed that “multiple ISIS militants” were killed in the operation. No details were released on the exact locations hit or the number of casualties.<h2>‘MERRY CHRISTMAS to dead terrorists’</h2>Announcing the strikes, Trump had written on his Trump Social platform, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

Washington earlier released a video of projectiles being launched by a US Navy ship. The United States Africa Command confirmed that “multiple ISIS militants” were killed in the operation.

A day after US President Donald Trump ordered deadly strikes on Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, he revealed that the American forces were “going to do it earlier” but were ordered to delay the attack to give them a “Christmas present”. On Thursday (Dec 25), Trump announced that the US troops carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against ISIS targets in the West African nation, marking the first US military action in the country under his current term. In an interview with Politico published on Friday, Trump accused the ISIS militants in Nigeria of persecuting Christians, adding that the US strikes “decimated their camps”. The US president also said that the attack was originally planned for Wednesday but was delayed one day by him for symbolic reasons. “They were going to do it earlier,” Trump told Politico. “And I said, ‘nope, let’s give a Christmas present.’” He further added, “They didn’t think that was coming, but we hit them hard. Every camp got decimated.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s information minister said on Friday that the US used guided missiles launched from drones in the strikes conducted on Christmas. “A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor,” Information Minister Mohammed Idris said in a statement. Idris added that the attack was carried out with the “full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” with “explicit approval” from President Bola Tinubu. He added that no civilians were injured in the attacks. “The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance,” Idris said. “Debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State.” Washington earlier released a video of projectiles being launched by a US Navy ship. The United States Africa Command confirmed that “multiple ISIS militants” were killed in the operation. No details were released on the exact locations hit or the number of casualties. ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS to dead terrorists’ Announcing the strikes, Trump had written on his Trump Social platform, “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper. May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

Washington earlier released a video of projectiles being launched by a US Navy ship. The United States Africa Command confirmed that “multiple ISIS militants” were killed in the operation.

Did US delay Nigeria strike to give ISIS a ‘Christmas present’? Here’s what Trump said

28-year-old White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has shared pictures of her baby bump on Christmas Day. Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio are already parents to 17-year-old baby boy Niko. They are now expecting a girl, Karoline shared the news on Instagram.“The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for - a baby girl coming in May 2026.☺️” wrote Press Secretary in an Instagram post. My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. 🥹"&nbsp;<h2>Who is Nicholas Riccio?&nbsp;</h2>Nicholas Riccio is a real estate entrepreneur. His business, Riccio Enterprises, manages 15 properties in Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. He studied at Plymouth State University, during which he reportedly had periods of financial hardship and even homelessness. His story is another one of “rags to riches”.&nbsp;<h2>Why is social media buzzing?</h2>Ricco is 60, and Leavitt is 28. The two met when she was 25 years old, during her congressional campaign in 2022. She was on The Megyn Kelly Show and running for a Congress seat in New Hampshire in 2022. She, however, lost the election to Democrat Chris Pappas. The age difference between them is the thing that got social media talking.&nbsp;"Leavitt’s husband was 32 when she was born and 50 when she turned 18. Riccio will also be 78 when this kid graduates high school." said one user, “I’m really tired of Christian Conservatives normalising paedophiles and creeps having kids they can’t care for”. Leavitt, when discussing the age gap, said it was "atypical" to be concerned at first. But later, it implied he was more supportive. &nbsp;“He's built a very successful business himself, so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career," said Leavitt.&nbsp;

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announces pregnancy. Who is her husband, Nicholas Riccio, and why is their age gap trending on social media?

28-year-old White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has shared pictures of her baby bump on Christmas Day. Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio are already parents to 17-year-old baby boy Niko. They are now expecting a girl, Karoline shared the news on Instagram. “The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for - a baby girl coming in May 2026.☺️” wrote Press Secretary in an Instagram post. My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. 🥹" Who is Nicholas Riccio? Nicholas Riccio is a real estate entrepreneur. His business, Riccio Enterprises, manages 15 properties in Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. He studied at Plymouth State University, during which he reportedly had periods of financial hardship and even homelessness. His story is another one of “rags to riches”. Why is social media buzzing? Ricco is 60, and Leavitt is 28. The two met when she was 25 years old, during her congressional campaign in 2022. She was on The Megyn Kelly Show and running for a Congress seat in New Hampshire in 2022. She, however, lost the election to Democrat Chris Pappas. The age difference between them is the thing that got social media talking. "Leavitt’s husband was 32 when she was born and 50 when she turned 18. Riccio will also be 78 when this kid graduates high school." said one user, “I’m really tired of Christian Conservatives normalising paedophiles and creeps having kids they can’t care for”. Leavitt, when discussing the age gap, said it was "atypical" to be concerned at first. But later, it implied he was more supportive. “He's built a very successful business himself, so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career," said Leavitt.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announces pregnancy. Who is her husband, Nicholas Riccio, and why is their age gap trending on social media?

Social media buzzes over Karoline Leavitt's age as she shares her pregnancy news

Amid escalating violence in Yemen, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged "restraint" Friday. Avoiding taking names of either Saudi Arabia or UAE, he said, "We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution." He also thanked both the countries - supporting rival groups - for their "diplomatic leadership".&nbsp;Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has urged Yemen separatists to withdraw peacefully from seized provinces and give back control of the territories to the Riyadh-backed government.&nbsp;Taking to X, Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said that the Southern Transitional Council should "peacefully hand over" the two regional governorates.&nbsp;"It is time for the Southern Transitional Council in this sensitive phase to prioritize the voice of reason, wisdom, the public interest, and unity of ranks by responding to the Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts to end the escalation, withdraw their forces from the camps in the two governorates, and hand them over peacefully to the National Shield forces and the local authority," read the statement posted on X by the defence minister.&nbsp;Earlier the separatist group claimed that Saudi Arabia fired warning airstrikes directed at its forces. The claim made by Southern Transitional Council (STC) was backed by United Arab Emirates that issued a video of the attack in Wadi Nahab, Hadramaut province.

Saudi Arabia has urged Yemen separatists to withdraw peacefully from seized provinces and give back control of the territories.

Amid escalating violence in Yemen, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged "restraint" Friday. Avoiding taking names of either Saudi Arabia or UAE, he said, "We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution." He also thanked both the countries - supporting rival groups - for their "diplomatic leadership". Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has urged Yemen separatists to withdraw peacefully from seized provinces and give back control of the territories to the Riyadh-backed government. Taking to X, Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said that the Southern Transitional Council should "peacefully hand over" the two regional governorates. "It is time for the Southern Transitional Council in this sensitive phase to prioritize the voice of reason, wisdom, the public interest, and unity of ranks by responding to the Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts to end the escalation, withdraw their forces from the camps in the two governorates, and hand them over peacefully to the National Shield forces and the local authority," read the statement posted on X by the defence minister. Earlier the separatist group claimed that Saudi Arabia fired warning airstrikes directed at its forces. The claim made by Southern Transitional Council (STC) was backed by United Arab Emirates that issued a video of the attack in Wadi Nahab, Hadramaut province.

Saudi Arabia has urged Yemen separatists to withdraw peacefully from seized provinces and give back control of the territories.

US appeals for restraint in Yemen as Saudi urges separatists to withdraw peacefully

More than 1,800 flights were cancelled in the United States due to winter storm Devin during the peak holiday travel period on Friday (Dec 26). The heavy snowfall has prompted authorities in New York and New Jersey to declare a state of emergency as the storm disrupted travel for thousands ahead of the New Year. Severe storm warnings and heavy snow have been forecast across the Midwest and the northeast parts of the country.Reuters reported that a total of 1,802 flights were cancelled, while 22,349 were delayed till Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for 40 million Americans, warning them of “hazardous travel conditions for the Great Lakes into the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England today through Saturday morning.”“For areas farther north from upstate New York to the Tri-State area, including New York City and Long Island, 4-8 inches of snowfall is forecast for late Friday into night,” according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center.New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport warned passengers of potential delays or cancellations of flights as the country’s largest city braced for up to 10 inches (25 centimetres) of snow overnight – the most in four years.

The temperatures dropped in parts of the US over the weekend following Christmas after an Arctic blast swept down from Canada. Meanwhile, 30 million Americans remained under flood or storm advisories in California, which has been witnessing torrential rains.<h2>State of emergency declared in New York, New Jersey</h2>“As widespread snowfall is expected to start in New York City and its surrounding areas this evening, I will declare a State of Emergency to ensure that our agencies and local partners have the resources and tools they need to respond to the storm,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.Meanwhile, New Jersey and Pennsylvania issued commercial vehicle restrictions on some roads, including several interstate highways.“This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel,” New Jersey’s acting governor Tahesha Way said in a statement. “We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads.”

Meanwhile, 30 million Americans remained under flood or storm advisories in California, which has been witnessing torrential rains.

More than 1,800 flights were cancelled in the United States due to winter storm Devin during the peak holiday travel period on Friday (Dec 26). The heavy snowfall has prompted authorities in New York and New Jersey to declare a state of emergency as the storm disrupted travel for thousands ahead of the New Year. Severe storm warnings and heavy snow have been forecast across the Midwest and the northeast parts of the country. Reuters reported that a total of 1,802 flights were cancelled, while 22,349 were delayed till Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for 40 million Americans, warning them of “hazardous travel conditions for the Great Lakes into the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England today through Saturday morning.” “For areas farther north from upstate New York to the Tri-State area, including New York City and Long Island, 4-8 inches of snowfall is forecast for late Friday into night,” according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport warned passengers of potential delays or cancellations of flights as the country’s largest city braced for up to 10 inches (25 centimetres) of snow overnight – the most in four years.

Meanwhile, 30 million Americans remained under flood or storm advisories in California, which has been witnessing torrential rains.

‘Hazardous travel conditions’: Winter storm cancels 1,800 flights in US; state of emergency in New York, New Jersey | WATCH

US President Donald Trump asserted in an interview with Politico that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's optimism about the 20-point peace plan is irrelevant without his approval. Trump also told the US media that he is going to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon, as much as I want.” Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in his Palm Beach residence on Sunday to discuss the peace plan. Trump said that there's a "good shot" at the resolution of Ukraine's conflict during the meeting. &nbsp;“He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got," said Trump to Politico. Zelenskyy said earlier this week that there were some disagreements with Washington over territory issues and NATO-related provisions. However, he said there had been an agreement on freezing the frontline and keeping the door open for joining NATO, as reported by Kyiv Post.“Every meeting and every conversation brings us closer to the desired result,” said Zelenskyy.Apart from showing that it everything depends on his approval, Trump shared a positive outlook about Sunday's meeting,“I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” said Trump.Russia, on the other hand, accused Zelenskyy on Friday of trying to sabotage the US-brokered plan to end the war. It had clearly opposed the meeting and specifically called out Europe for not being in favour of the US brokered 28-point peace deal. Moscow has no desire to abandon its territorial and security demands, specifically withdrawal from Donbas and legal renunciation of NATO ambitions.The 20-point peace deal is the only material acknowledgement made by Ukraine to end the 3-year-long war. Apart from territorial concession and creating a demilitarised buffer zone in the east, the deal also seeks bilateral security guarantees from the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump says Zelenskyy’s 20-point Ukraine peace plan is meaningless without his approval, signals talks with Putin and a possible breakthrough

US President Donald Trump asserted in an interview with Politico that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's optimism about the 20-point peace plan is irrelevant without his approval. Trump also told the US media that he is going to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon, as much as I want.” Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in his Palm Beach residence on Sunday to discuss the peace plan. Trump said that there's a "good shot" at the resolution of Ukraine's conflict during the meeting. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got," said Trump to Politico. Zelenskyy said earlier this week that there were some disagreements with Washington over territory issues and NATO-related provisions. However, he said there had been an agreement on freezing the frontline and keeping the door open for joining NATO, as reported by Kyiv Post. “Every meeting and every conversation brings us closer to the desired result,” said Zelenskyy. Apart from showing that it everything depends on his approval, Trump shared a positive outlook about Sunday's meeting,“I think it’s going to go good with him. I think it’s going to go good with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” said Trump. Russia, on the other hand, accused Zelenskyy on Friday of trying to sabotage the US-brokered plan to end the war. It had clearly opposed the meeting and specifically called out Europe for not being in favour of the US brokered 28-point peace deal. Moscow has no desire to abandon its territorial and security demands, specifically withdrawal from Donbas and legal renunciation of NATO ambitions. The 20-point peace deal is the only material acknowledgement made by Ukraine to end the 3-year-long war. Apart from territorial concession and creating a demilitarised buffer zone in the east, the deal also seeks bilateral security guarantees from the US.

Donald Trump says Zelenskyy’s 20-point Ukraine peace plan is meaningless without his approval, signals talks with Putin and a possible breakthrough

Trump downplays Zelenskyy's optimism, says Ukraine peace plan means nothing without his approval

Still stuck with the Gmail addresses from when you were a teenager and you now eagerly want to make some changes to it? Well then, there is some good news as Google is likely to allow you to finally change your Gmail ID, while retaining the same account. This is according to an update to Google’s account help page.&nbsp;Notably, the updated guidance on email address changes appears only in the Hindi version of Google’s support page, implying that the &nbsp;tech giant may begin with this change from India or Hindi-speaking markets.&nbsp;The page further says, it is rolling out this feature to all its users, suggesting that this is going to happen globally. While the English language page continues to say @gmail.com addresses “usually cannot be changed.”&nbsp;After the new roll out, Emails sent to the old address will arrive in the inbox. Also the original address will still work for signing in to Google services like Drive, Maps and YouTube.&nbsp;Earlier anybody who wanted a new Gmail address had to create a new account and then transfer all data through tedious and complicated process. This many times disrupted integrations with third-party apps. All data that includes &nbsp;photos, messages and emails would remain unchanged after the update. Interestingly users will be able to use the old email address as well, according to the Hindi translation on the support page. &nbsp;However, Google is yet make any formal announcement or press release about the new anticipated change.

Earlier anybody who wanted a new Gmail address had to create a new account and then transfer all data through tedious and complicated process.

Still stuck with the Gmail addresses from when you were a teenager and you now eagerly want to make some changes to it? Well then, there is some good news as Google is likely to allow you to finally change your Gmail ID, while retaining the same account. This is according to an update to Google’s account help page. Notably, the updated guidance on email address changes appears only in the Hindi version of Google’s support page, implying that the tech giant may begin with this change from India or Hindi-speaking markets. The page further says, it is rolling out this feature to all its users, suggesting that this is going to happen globally. While the English language page continues to say @gmail.com addresses “usually cannot be changed.” After the new roll out, Emails sent to the old address will arrive in the inbox. Also the original address will still work for signing in to Google services like Drive, Maps and YouTube. Earlier anybody who wanted a new Gmail address had to create a new account and then transfer all data through tedious and complicated process. This many times disrupted integrations with third-party apps. All data that includes photos, messages and emails would remain unchanged after the update. Interestingly users will be able to use the old email address as well, according to the Hindi translation on the support page. However, Google is yet make any formal announcement or press release about the new anticipated change.

Earlier anybody who wanted a new Gmail address had to create a new account and then transfer all data through tedious and complicated process.

Google plans to allow users to change their Gmail address, here is all you need to know

US President Donald Trump on Friday complained about the DOJ's focus on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He urged the department to release any documents naming the Democrats, to 'embarrass them'. He called the whole process a “Democrat inspired Hoax”, and it is turning attention away from the issues that are most important to them. In his Christmas Day Truth Social post, he alleged that “The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans.”“Release all of their names, embarrass them,” said Trump.The Justice Department trickled out some of the Epstein Files over the last week under the Epstein Transparency Act issued on November 19 by the President himself. Though did not provide any incriminating evidence on either Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, who have been repeatedly linked with the late sex trafficker. The release, however, gave an expansive view of the scale of the operations of Epstein.

"Now 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein have been found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax. When do they say NO MORE, and work on Election Fraud etc." said Trump in a Truth Social post.The released documents have some of the FBI reports alleging about Trump's activities at his Mar-a-Lago, like hosting parties with prostitutes, rape allegations, and witness of murdering a baby, some of which the DOJ referred to as scandalous, have not been proven. The new release also had flight logs which mentioned Trump had flown in Epstein's jet &nbsp;“many more times”. Former US President Bill Clinton has also been pictured with numerous underage women whose faces were redacted. Clinton's spokesperson last week urged to release of "any remaining records" that have mentions of him or pictures of him. He said that Clinton has nothing to hide. Trump on Monday called the release a “terrible thing” that many people, like lawyers, bankers who have met Epstein once, will have their reputation tarnished.The legislation had set a deadline for thousands of documents to be made available by December 19. The DOJ's release was heavily redacted, underwhelming, and it had attracted bipartisan criticism. The DOJ is expected to release more over the coming weeks.

Donald Trump, frustrated with the DOJ's focus the Epstein files, urges the release of documents naming Democrats as more pages are discovered under the Transparency Act.

US President Donald Trump on Friday complained about the DOJ's focus on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He urged the department to release any documents naming the Democrats, to 'embarrass them'. He called the whole process a “Democrat inspired Hoax”, and it is turning attention away from the issues that are most important to them. In his Christmas Day Truth Social post, he alleged that “The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans.” “Release all of their names, embarrass them,” said Trump. The Justice Department trickled out some of the Epstein Files over the last week under the Epstein Transparency Act issued on November 19 by the President himself. Though did not provide any incriminating evidence on either Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, who have been repeatedly linked with the late sex trafficker. The release, however, gave an expansive view of the scale of the operations of Epstein.

Donald Trump, frustrated with the DOJ's focus on the Epstein files, urges the release of documents naming Democrats as more pages are discovered under the Transparency Act.

Trump urges DOJ to release Epstein files naming Democrats: 'Embarrass them'

After Israel became the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, US president Donald Trump in an interview to New York Post said he opposed US recognition of Somaliland. On being asked US's stand on the issue Trump said, "No," and added "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?"&nbsp;It is not only the US but South African nations and Somalia have also denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland. Rejecting the move, the &nbsp;African Union (AU) said the decision risks "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent".&nbsp;The pan-African body's head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said Somaliland "remains an integral part" of Somalia.<h2>Israeli recognises Somaliland</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump.Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel.&nbsp;“I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X.&nbsp;Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population.&nbsp;Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition.&nbsp;

It is not only the US but South African nations and Somalia have also denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland and say it will hamper peace and stability.

After Israel became the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, US president Donald Trump in an interview to New York Post said he opposed US recognition of Somaliland. On being asked US's stand on the issue Trump said, "No," and added "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" It is not only the US but South African nations and Somalia have also denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland. Rejecting the move, the African Union (AU) said the decision risks "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent". The pan-African body's head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said Somaliland "remains an integral part" of Somalia. Israeli recognises Somaliland Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel. “I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X. Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population. Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition.

It is not only the US but South African nations and Somalia have also denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland and say “it will hamper peace and stability".

'Does anyone know Somaliland'?: Trump reacts on Israel recognising Somaliland as sovereign state

A concert by renowned singer James, which took place in Faridpur, nearly 120 kilometres from Dhaka, had to be reportedly called off after violence broke out at the venue, leaving at least 25 people, including 15-20 students, injured in the attack. But who is the singer James, and why was his concert attacked? Let's delve into knowing more details.<h2>Who is singer James?</h2>James is a popular Bangladeshi singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer and also a playback singer. In addition, he is the frontman of a rock band named Nagar Baul, which was previously named Feelings. Born in 1964 to Mojoammel Haque and Jahanara Khatun in Naogaon, Rajshahi, in then East Pakistan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-concert-attack-bricks-hurled-after-mob-turns-violent-at-least-25-injured-1766805038553">Bangladesh concert attack: Bricks hurled after mob turns violent; at least 25 injured</a>&nbsp;After completing college, James developed a strong interest in music. From his teens, James developed an avid interest in music, an interest which his family did not accept or support. In the early-to-mid 1970s, while learning guitar, James became interested in bands like The Doors, Dire Straits and Led Zeppelin and guitarists like Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and Jimi Hendrix.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jana-nayagan-thalapathy-vijay-receives-roaring-welcome-in-malaysia-ahead-of-audio-launch-1766801020333">Jana Nayagan: Thalapathy Vijay receives roaring welcome in Malaysia | Watch</a>&nbsp;James has also led a successful solo career and has delivered several hit albums, including Ononna, Palabe Kothay, Dukhini Dukkho Korona and Thik Achhe Bondhu. He has also sung four songs in Bollywood films, including Bheegi Bheegi in Gangster, Chal Chalein in Woh Lamhe, Rishtey and Alvida in Life in a...Metro and Bebasi in Warning. James has also won the Bangladeshi National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer twice for his performance in the films of Desha: The Leader and Swatta. &nbsp;James appeared in the Bollywood movie Life in A... Metro, in which he played the role of a member of a street band, along with Pritam and Suhail Kaul.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/kapil-sharma-s-kis-kisko-pyaar-karoon-2-eyes-january-re-release-after-facing-a-washout-in-december-due-to-dhurandhar-1766763494105">Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 eyes January re-release due to this reason</a><h2>More details about the Bangladesh concert attack</h2>The singer was performing at the event and had to flee the venue immediately after the violence broke out. Reportedly, the concert was supposed to begin around 9 pm on Friday and was part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of a local school.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/inside-the-copenhagen-test-sinclair-daniel-and-mark-o-brien-upack-questions-risks-and-emotional-truth-about-the-show-exclusive-1766762122958">Inside the Copenhagen Test Experience with Sinclair Daniel &amp; Mark O’Brien</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">On Friday, 26 December, James, the iconic voice of Bangladeshi rock was scheduled to headline the 185th anniversary concert of Faridpur Zilla School. What should have been a celebration turned into chaos when an extremist group attacked the venue, vandalized property, and forced… <a href="https://t.co/htpsEdxQys">pic.twitter.com/htpsEdxQys</a>&mdash; Dipanwita Rumi(দীপান্বিতা রুমী) (@dipanwitarumi) <a href="https://twitter.com/dipanwitarumi/status/2004654444345254370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

But the program had to be called off by authorities soon after a violent mob attempted to force their way into the venue and allegedly hurled bricks and stones at the audience. Several videos have now gone viral on social media.

A concert in Bangladesh had to be halted immediately after a mob began to wreak havoc and hurled bricks. Renowned singer James, who was performing at the event, had to flee immediately. Read to know more. 

A concert by renowned singer James, which took place in Faridpur, nearly 120 kilometres from Dhaka, had to be reportedly called off after violence broke out at the venue, leaving at least 25 people, including 15-20 students, injured in the attack. But who is the singer James, and why was his concert attacked? Let's delve into knowing more details. Who is singer James? James is a popular Bangladeshi singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer and also a playback singer. In addition, he is the frontman of a rock band named Nagar Baul, which was previously named Feelings. Born in 1964 to Mojoammel Haque and Jahanara Khatun in Naogaon, Rajshahi, in then East Pakistan. Also Read: Bangladesh concert attack: Bricks hurled after mob turns violent; at least 25 injured After completing college, James developed a strong interest in music. From his teens, James developed an avid interest in music, an interest which his family did not accept or support. In the early-to-mid 1970s, while learning guitar, James became interested in bands like The Doors, Dire Straits and Led Zeppelin and guitarists like Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and Jimi Hendrix. Also Read: Jana Nayagan: Thalapathy Vijay receives roaring welcome in Malaysia | Watch James has also led a successful solo career and has delivered several hit albums, including Ononna, Palabe Kothay, Dukhini Dukkho Korona and Thik Achhe Bondhu. He has also sung four songs in Bollywood films, including Bheegi Bheegi in Gangster, Chal Chalein in Woh Lamhe, Rishtey and Alvida in Life in a...Metro and Bebasi in Warning. James has also won the Bangladeshi National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer twice for his performance in the films of Desha: The Leader and Swatta. James appeared in the Bollywood movie Life in A... Metro, in which he played the role of a member of a street band, along with Pritam and Suhail Kaul. Also Read: Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 eyes January re-release due to this reason More details about the Bangladesh concert attack The singer was performing at the event and had to flee the venue immediately after the violence broke out. Reportedly, the concert was supposed to begin around 9 pm on Friday and was part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of a local school. Also Read: Inside the Copenhagen Test Experience with Sinclair Daniel & Mark O’Brien

A concert in Bangladesh had to be halted immediately after a mob began to wreak havoc and hurled bricks. Renowned singer James, who was performing at the event, had to flee immediately. Read to know more.&nbsp;

Bangladesh concert attack: Who is singer James, whose event got cancelled after mob wrecks havoc

Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday (Dec 27) announced that they have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire, ending weeks of deadly border clashes, the two countries said in a joint statement. This comes after a long-standing border conflict was reignited between the neighbours earlier this month, breaching an earlier truce brokered by US President Donald Trump. According to official counts, at least 47 people have been killed, while about a million were displaced.Both sides have agreed to freeze the movement of troops and allow civilians living in the border regions to return to their homes as soon as possible, the statement said. The ceasefire will go into effect at 12:00 pm (5 am GMT), ending the conflict over a smattering of ancient temples in disputed zones along the two countries' shared frontier. Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to cooperate on demining efforts and combating cybercrime.“Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire after the time of signature of this Joint Statement with effect from 12:00 hours noon (local time) on 27 December 2025, involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas,” said the statement signed by the defence ministers of the two countries.This comes three days after foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Thailand and Cambodia as members, announced a crisis meeting.&nbsp;The United States, China, and Malaysia had also pushed for the neighbours to resume the ceasefire. Earlier in July, the three countries brokered a truce between Thailand and Cambodia following a five-day military conflict, but the ceasefire was short-lived. The July clashes resulted in the deaths of dozens before the truce came into effect.The conflict stems from a dispute over territory over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, where ancient temples are claimed by both sides.&nbsp;In the latest clashes, at least 25 Thai soldiers and one civilian were killed, while Cambodia said that 21 civilians were killed on its side.

Thailand, Cambodia agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’ ending weeks of deadly border clashes

Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday (Dec 27) announced that they have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire, ending weeks of deadly border clashes, the two countries said in a joint statement. This comes after a long-standing border conflict was reignited between the neighbours earlier this month, breaching an earlier truce brokered by US President Donald Trump. According to official counts, at least 47 people have been killed, while about a million were displaced. Both sides have agreed to freeze the movement of troops and allow civilians living in the border regions to return to their homes as soon as possible, the statement said. The ceasefire will go into effect at 12:00 pm (5 am GMT), ending the conflict over a smattering of ancient temples in disputed zones along the two countries' shared frontier. Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to cooperate on demining efforts and combating cybercrime. “Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire after the time of signature of this Joint Statement with effect from 12:00 hours noon (local time) on 27 December 2025, involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas,” said the statement signed by the defence ministers of the two countries. This comes three days after foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Thailand and Cambodia as members, announced a crisis meeting. The United States, China, and Malaysia had also pushed for the neighbours to resume the ceasefire. Earlier in July, the three countries brokered a truce between Thailand and Cambodia following a five-day military conflict, but the ceasefire was short-lived. The July clashes resulted in the deaths of dozens before the truce came into effect. The conflict stems from a dispute over territory over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, where ancient temples are claimed by both sides. In the latest clashes, at least 25 Thai soldiers and one civilian were killed, while Cambodia said that 21 civilians were killed on its side.

Thailand, Cambodia agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’ ending weeks of deadly border clashes

Thailand, Cambodia agree to ‘immediate’ ceasefire, ending weeks of deadly border clashes

A concert in Bangladesh on Friday (Dec 26) was called off after what organisers described as an “attack from the outsiders.” The incident took place at a local school in Faridpur, around 120 kilometres away from Dhaka, when a mob tried to force their way into the venue and began hurling bricks and stones after being denied entry. At least 25 people, including 15-20 students, were injured in the attack.&nbsp;Popular singer James was performing at the concert, but had to flee the venue after the violence broke out as the authorities ordered the cancellation of the event.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Islamist mob attacks concert of Bangladesh&#39;s biggest rockstar James at Faridpur. James has sung for Bollywood also. The mob wants no music or cultural festivals to be held in Bangladesh. James somehow managed to escape. <a href="https://t.co/0yNeU0Us9h">pic.twitter.com/0yNeU0Us9h</a>&mdash; Deep Halder (@deepscribble) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepscribble/status/2004627146111844431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What happened at concert?</h2>The concert was set to start around 9:30 pm on Friday. However, just before James was about to take the stage, a group of outsiders broke into the venue. When they were denied entry, they started throwing bricks and stones and tried to take control of the stage. The students resisted the attack at the Faridpur Zilla School, forcing miscreants to retreat.The daily Prothom Alo reported that the event, a reunion and cultural program, was intended for only registered former and current students. However, thousands came to the venue after learning that singer James was going perform.&nbsp;Around 10 pm, the convener of the organising committee, Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, announced on the stage that they had received instructions from the Faridpur district administration to cancel the rock singer’s performance.Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the publicity and media sub-committee of the anniversary celebrations, said, “We had made all necessary preparations to ensure the success of James's concert, but we still do not understand who carried out the attack or why. At least 15 to 20 students of Faridpur Zilla School were injured after being hit by bricks.”“Taking the overall situation into account, we were compelled to cancel the programme on the instructions of the district administration,” he added.

Popular singer James was performing at the concert, but had to flee the venue after the violence broke out as the authorities ordered the cancellation of the event.

A concert in Bangladesh on Friday (Dec 26) was called off after what organisers described as an “attack from the outsiders.” The incident took place at a local school in Faridpur, around 120 kilometres away from Dhaka, when a mob tried to force their way into the venue and began hurling bricks and stones after being denied entry. At least 25 people, including 15-20 students, were injured in the attack. Popular singer James was performing at the concert, but had to flee the venue after the violence broke out as the authorities ordered the cancellation of the event.

Popular singer James was performing at the concert, but had to flee the venue after the violence broke out as the authorities ordered the cancellation of the event.

Bangladesh concert attack: Bricks hurled after mob turns violent; at least 25 injured

Russia on Friday (Dec 26) accused Ukrainian President and his European allies of seeking to “torpedo” a US-brokered plan to end the war ahead of Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend. Meanwhile, Kyiv was rocked by several powerful explosions on Saturday (Dec 27) as authorities warned of a possible missile attack.This comes as Trump intensifies efforts to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. The US President is expected to discuss new proposals in Sunday’s meeting with Zelensky.The 20-point peace plan would freeze the current frontlines but allow Kyiv to pull back troops from the east, where demilitarised buffer zones could be created, Zelensky revealed this week.Zelensky’s office said that a meeting with Trump is planned for Sunday (Dec 28) in Florida, where US and Ukrainian officials met earlier this week.“We will discuss these documents, security guarantees,” he said of Sunday’s meeting. “As for sensitive issues, we will discuss (the eastern region of) Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and we will certainly discuss other issues,” he added.On the other hand, the Russian side has signalled its opposition to the plan ahead of the Florida talks.“Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party,” Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday. “Especially in a context where Kyiv and its sponsors – notably within the European Union, who are not in favour of an agreement – have stepped up efforts to torpedo it.”Meanwhile, speaking about the Ukrainian leader’s plan to news outlet Politico, Trump said that “he doesn’t have anything until I approve it”, adding: “So we'll see what he’s got.”<h2>Powerful explosions rock Kyiv</h2>Ahead of the Sunday talks, powerful explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian air force sounded a nationwide air alert and warned of drones and missiles moving towards Kyiv and several other regions in the country.“Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are operating. Stay in shelters!” Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

Meanwhile, Kyiv was rocked by several powerful explosions on Saturday (Dec 27) as authorities warned of a possible missile attack.

Russia on Friday (Dec 26) accused Ukrainian President and his European allies of seeking to “torpedo” a US-brokered plan to end the war ahead of Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend. Meanwhile, Kyiv was rocked by several powerful explosions on Saturday (Dec 27) as authorities warned of a possible missile attack. This comes as Trump intensifies efforts to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. The US President is expected to discuss new proposals in Sunday’s meeting with Zelensky. The 20-point peace plan would freeze the current frontlines but allow Kyiv to pull back troops from the east, where demilitarised buffer zones could be created, Zelensky revealed this week. Zelensky’s office said that a meeting with Trump is planned for Sunday (Dec 28) in Florida, where US and Ukrainian officials met earlier this week. “We will discuss these documents, security guarantees,” he said of Sunday’s meeting. “As for sensitive issues, we will discuss (the eastern region of) Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and we will certainly discuss other issues,” he added. On the other hand, the Russian side has signalled its opposition to the plan ahead of the Florida talks. “Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party,” Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday. “Especially in a context where Kyiv and its sponsors – notably within the European Union, who are not in favour of an agreement – have stepped up efforts to torpedo it.” Meanwhile, speaking about the Ukrainian leader’s plan to news outlet Politico, Trump said that “he doesn’t have anything until I approve it”, adding: “So we'll see what he’s got.” Powerful explosions rock Kyiv Ahead of the Sunday talks, powerful explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian air force sounded a nationwide air alert and warned of drones and missiles moving towards Kyiv and several other regions in the country. “Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are operating. Stay in shelters!” Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

Meanwhile, Kyiv was rocked by several powerful explosions on Saturday (Dec 27) as authorities warned of a possible missile attack.

Russia accuses Zelensky of seeking to ‘torpedo’ US plan as Ukrainian capital rocked by powerful explosions

An American journalist and a far-right activist, Matt Forney, threatened violent attacks against Indian-origin people in the United States and Hindu temples in 2026 and called for the mass deportation of Indians from the country, according to a now-deleted post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote in a post that what he described as “Indian hatred" in the US would reach a “boiling point" next year, resulting in widespread violence.&nbsp;“Indians will be racially singled out for violence, Indian-owned businesses will be vandalised, Hindu temples will be hit with bombings and mass shootings," he wrote. He also said, “The media [will] cover up hate crimes they would otherwise eagerly blame on MAGA and Trump," he wrote. As someone who wants peace in America, I deplore all violence, and there is only one way to stop it. For their own safety, we must DEI: Deport Every Indian," Forney added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-thwarts-planned-attacks-on-christmas-arrests-over-100-islamic-state-group-suspects-details-inside-1766670065971">Turkey thwarts planned attacks on Christmas, arrests over 100 Islamic State group suspects. Details inside</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Nick Fuentes, the far-right personality who was in the limelight for his racial slurs against the US Swconf Lady, launched a racist attack on another Indian-origin politician - Vivek Ramswamy. It was after the Republican leader’s AmFest speech. Fuentes asked him to “go back to India.” At AmFest, Ramaswamy challenged notions of American identity, urging conservatives to focus on values and ideals instead of ancestry or lineage. Responding to Ramaswamy’s statement, Fuentes called him pompous and again called him “anchor baby.”&nbsp;“This is not your home. And you know it’s not your home. That’s why you married an Indian and you had Indian kids, You gave them Indian names and you didn’t assimilate, you didn’t even adopt the religion of our country. And you go around telling us that we don’t even have to speak English to be American. Fk you. You should go back to India where there’s a lot more people like you. There’s a billion and a half Indians in India and you don’t have to worry about being called a Jt there because there’s a billion and a half fking Jts in India and they won’t call you one over there,” Fuentes said.&nbsp;“We're not asking anymore. We're telling you. And if you think now that you're gonna become the governor of Ohio, telling white people that you're as American as them, you got your anchor baby, birthright citizenship from your H1-B f****ng parents, you think you're gonna go around Ohio telling people that have been there since the civ or since the Revolutionary War, you're as American as them, you're now going to be their governor," he added.

 He wrote in a post that what he described as Indian hatred in the US would reach a boiling point next year, resulting in widespread violence.

An American journalist and a far-right activist, Matt Forney, threatened violent attacks against Indian-origin people in the United States and Hindu temples in 2026 and called for the mass deportation of Indians from the country, according to a now-deleted post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote in a post that what he described as “Indian hatred" in the US would reach a “boiling point" next year, resulting in widespread violence. “Indians will be racially singled out for violence, Indian-owned businesses will be vandalised, Hindu temples will be hit with bombings and mass shootings," he wrote. He also said, “The media [will] cover up hate crimes they would otherwise eagerly blame on MAGA and Trump," he wrote. As someone who wants peace in America, I deplore all violence, and there is only one way to stop it. For their own safety, we must DEI: Deport Every Indian," Forney added. Also read: Turkey thwarts planned attacks on Christmas, arrests over 100 Islamic State group suspects. Details inside Earlier, Nick Fuentes, the far-right personality who was in the limelight for his racial slurs against the US Swconf Lady, launched a racist attack on another Indian-origin politician - Vivek Ramswamy. It was after the Republican leader’s AmFest speech. Fuentes asked him to “go back to India.” At AmFest, Ramaswamy challenged notions of American identity, urging conservatives to focus on values and ideals instead of ancestry or lineage. Responding to Ramaswamy’s statement, Fuentes called him pompous and again called him “anchor baby.” “This is not your home. And you know it’s not your home. That’s why you married an Indian and you had Indian kids, You gave them Indian names and you didn’t assimilate, you didn’t even adopt the religion of our country. And you go around telling us that we don’t even have to speak English to be American. Fk you. You should go back to India where there’s a lot more people like you. There’s a billion and a half Indians in India and you don’t have to worry about being called a Jt there because there’s a billion and a half fking Jts in India and they won’t call you one over there,” Fuentes said. “We're not asking anymore. We're telling you. And if you think now that you're gonna become the governor of Ohio, telling white people that you're as American as them, you got your anchor baby, birthright citizenship from your H1-B f****ng parents, you think you're gonna go around Ohio telling people that have been there since the civ or since the Revolutionary War, you're as American as them, you're now going to be their governor," he added.

&nbsp;He wrote in a post that what he described as “Indian hatred" in the US would reach a “boiling point" next year, resulting in widespread violence.

‘Deport Every Indian’: American journalist calls for mass deportation and threatens violent attack against Indians

A man was arrested in France on Friday (Dec 26) for allegedly stabbing three women on the Paris metro. The attacks occurred on Metro Line 3 between about 4:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., with the suspect allegedly stabbing women at the Rpublique, Arts-et-Mtiers and Opra stations, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-thwarts-planned-attacks-on-christmas-arrests-over-100-islamic-state-group-suspects-details-inside-1766670065971">Turkey thwarts planned attacks on Christmas, arrests over 100 Islamic State group suspects. Details inside</a>&nbsp;The French Police identified the suspect from the surveillance cameras at the stations and tracked the geolocation of his mobile phone after he fled the scene. The suspect has been identified as a 25-year-old man of Malian origin, born in 2000, and known to the police.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-this-is-not-your-home-racist-nick-fuentes-launches-another-hate-speech-against-indians-asks-vivek-ramaswamy-to-go-back-to-india-1766595636877">‘This is not your home’: ‘Racist’ Nick Fuentes launches another hate-speech against Indians, asks Vivek Ramaswamy to ‘go back to India’</a>&nbsp;An AFP journalist at the Republique station saw a security team treating a woman who had been wounded in the leg and appeared to be in a state of shock. "The victims were quickly taken care of by the emergency services," they told AFP. As per the Paris police, the three women injured were treated by the emergency services and taken to the hospital, but they were not in critical condition.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-something-that-would-shake-bangladesh-what-did-sharif-osman-hadi-s-shooter-say-to-his-girlfriend-before-the-attack-1766146632136">‘Something that would shake Bangladesh’: What did Sharif Osman Hadi's ‘shooter’ say to his girlfriend before the attack</a> &nbsp;"Activating the gelocation of his mobile phone led to his arrest late afternoon in Val d'Oise," they said. "The police are on site. Back-up security teams have been deployed to reinforce safety on the line," they added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-has-an-alcoholic-s-personality-us-president-s-chief-of-staff-susie-wiles-makes-big-claims-in-disingenuously-framed-interview-1765912672199">‘Trump has an alcoholic's personality’: US president’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, makes big claims in ‘disingenuously framed’ interview</a>

The French Police identified the sus[pect the surveillance cameras at the stations and tracked the geolocation of his mobile phone after he fled the scene.

A man was arrested in France on Friday (Dec 26) for allegedly stabbing three women on the Paris metro. The attacks occurred on Metro Line 3 between about 4:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., with the suspect allegedly stabbing women at the Rpublique, Arts-et-Mtiers and Opra stations, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. Also read: Turkey thwarts planned attacks on Christmas, arrests over 100 Islamic State group suspects. Details inside The French Police identified the suspect from the surveillance cameras at the stations and tracked the geolocation of his mobile phone after he fled the scene. The suspect has been identified as a 25-year-old man of Malian origin, born in 2000, and known to the police. Also read: ‘This is not your home’: ‘Racist’ Nick Fuentes launches another hate-speech against Indians, asks Vivek Ramaswamy to ‘go back to India’ An AFP journalist at the Republique station saw a security team treating a woman who had been wounded in the leg and appeared to be in a state of shock. "The victims were quickly taken care of by the emergency services," they told AFP. As per the Paris police, the three women injured were treated by the emergency services and taken to the hospital, but they were not in critical condition. Also read: ‘Something that would shake Bangladesh’: What did Sharif Osman Hadi's ‘shooter’ say to his girlfriend before the attack "Activating the gelocation of his mobile phone led to his arrest late afternoon in Val d'Oise," they said. "The police are on site. Back-up security teams have been deployed to reinforce safety on the line," they added. Also read: ‘Trump has an alcoholic's personality’: US president’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, makes big claims in ‘disingenuously framed’ interview

The French Police identified the sus[pect the surveillance cameras at the stations and tracked the geolocation of his mobile phone after he fled the scene.

France: Man stabs three women on Paris metro, arrested

South Korea on Friday (Dec 26) said that it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed neighbour, and a decades-old national security ban on Pyongyang's propaganda remains in place. Critics, including President Lee, say South Koreans are politically mature enough to judge such material, which often idolises the North's leadership, for themselves.&nbsp;They also argue the ban amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world.&nbsp;Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.&nbsp;The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-nation-to-recognise-somaliland-as-independent-state-isreal-gaza-somalia-benjamin-netanyahu-abraham-accords-trump-1766770494091">Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state</a>&nbsp;The announcement comes after Seoul's unification ministry told President Lee last week that it aims to ease public access to some North Korean propaganda materials.&nbsp;Lee said at the time that fears "the public will fall for the propaganda and become commies" were overblown.“Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'”&nbsp;Lee said earlier this month he felt an apology was due to the North over his predecessor's alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border.&nbsp;Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.



South Korea on Friday (Dec 26) said that it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed neighbour, and a decades-old national security ban on Pyongyang's propaganda remains in place. Critics, including President Lee, say South Koreans are politically mature enough to judge such material, which often idolises the North's leadership, for themselves. They also argue the ban amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world. Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement. The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added. Also Read: Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state The announcement comes after Seoul's unification ministry told President Lee last week that it aims to ease public access to some North Korean propaganda materials. Lee said at the time that fears "the public will fall for the propaganda and become commies" were overblown. “Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'” Lee said earlier this month he felt an apology was due to the North over his predecessor's alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border. Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North. (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.

South Korea to relax decades-old ban on North Korean state newspaper

Amid the ongoing visa processing delays, the US Embassy in India has issued an advisory for Indians to be aware of agents offering guaranteed visas or quick approvals. It came after several applicants fell into the scammers' trap, who promised faster services for a fee. "Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans," the embassy wrote on X. The embassy also urged applicants to stay vigilant, follow official procedures, and rely only on credible sources to avoid falling victim to fraud.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-thwarts-planned-attacks-on-christmas-arrests-over-100-islamic-state-group-suspects-details-inside-1766670065971">Turkey thwarts planned attacks on Christmas, arrests over 100 Islamic State group suspects. Details inside</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans. This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VisaFriday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VisaFriday</a>, we’re highlighting steps you can take to identify scams, avoid… <a href="https://t.co/4a55mbOihR">pic.twitter.com/4a55mbOihR</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/2004416001387983278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Officials highlighted that the only possible way to obtain a US visa is via the embassy or consulate. They also said the only way to book an appointment is through our online scheduling portal, which is www.ustraveldocs.com. "If anyone says they can get you a visa outside this process, they are trying to scam you," the embassy said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-this-is-not-your-home-racist-nick-fuentes-launches-another-hate-speech-against-indians-asks-vivek-ramaswamy-to-go-back-to-india-1766595636877">‘This is not your home’: ‘Racist’ Nick Fuentes launches another hate-speech against Indians, asks Vivek Ramaswamy to ‘go back to India’</a>&nbsp;"Remember, the only fees you need to pay for a US visa are the ones outlined in our application," the embassy added. "For accurate information, applicants are encouraged to visit the official US Department of State website travel.state.gov or the US Embassy India visa website, in.usembassy.gov/visas," the embassy said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-something-that-would-shake-bangladesh-what-did-sharif-osman-hadi-s-shooter-say-to-his-girlfriend-before-the-attack-1766146632136">‘Something that would shake Bangladesh’: What did Sharif Osman Hadi's ‘shooter’ say to his girlfriend before the attack</a> &nbsp;

Officials highlighted that the only possible way to obtain a US visa is via the embassy or consulate. They also said the only way to book an appointment is through our online scheduling portal, which is www.ustraveldocs.com.

Amid the ongoing visa processing delays, the US Embassy in India has issued an advisory for Indians to be aware of agents offering guaranteed visas or quick approvals. It came after several applicants fell into the scammers' trap, who promised faster services for a fee. "Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans," the embassy wrote on X. The embassy also urged applicants to stay vigilant, follow official procedures, and rely only on credible sources to avoid falling victim to fraud. Also read: Turkey thwarts planned attacks on Christmas, arrests over 100 Islamic State group suspects. Details inside

Officials highlighted that the only possible way to obtain a US visa is via the embassy or consulate. They also said the only way to book an appointment is through our online scheduling portal, which is www.ustraveldocs.com.

‘If anyone says they can get you US visa...’: US Embassy in India alerts against scammers amid visa delays

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Friday that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf would launch a street movement on the directions of its founder, Imran Khan, asserting that it would be carried out with “full force”.&nbsp;Afridi reached Lahore on Friday evening with PTI leaders and workers to spearhead the party’s plan to launch a street movement but was denied entry to the city’s Liberty Chowk area, where a party gathering was scheduled. Earlier, he arrived at PTI leader Latif Khosa’s residence in Lahore, where he addressed reporters. “The people of Punjab and Pakistan stand with only one leader: he is sitting in Adiala jail right now and his name is Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi,” Afridi said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">پنجاب اسمبلی میں وزیراعلی سہیل آفریدی کی میڈیا سے گفتگو! <a href="https://t.co/vOLHo5WRjx">pic.twitter.com/vOLHo5WRjx</a>&mdash; PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (@PTIKPOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIKPOfficial/status/2004596409165922813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-blast-terror-suspect-taken-to-al-falah-university-reveals-where-explosives-were-refined-1766759046589">Delhi blast: Terror suspect taken to Al Falah University, reveals where explosives were refined</a> PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja wrote in a post on X at 9:32 pm that he and CM Afridi were at Liberty Chowk, but the Punjab Police were blocking their path. Earlier, Afridi alleged that a coordinated propaganda drive was underway to falsely suggest that the provincial government had approved a military operation in the Tirah area of Khyber tribal district. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775">Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</a> He said the provincial authorities had repeatedly alerted state institutions about the presence of militants in Tirah, but no action was taken. “The planned military operation was initiated without consulting the provincial government,” Afridi said.He said the tribal belt was not a testing ground but a populated area where residents had made immense sacrifices for the country. He also questioned the timing of the operation, saying it was difficult to comprehend why such an action would be carried out during heavy snowfall in Tirah. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-dissent-and-angst-triggered-mass-protests-worldwide-1766674340518">Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide</a> “We vehemently support the stand of Imran Khan on the issue of military operations. He is opposed to such actions insisting they have always brought misery to the innocent tribal people,” Afridi said.Afridi said the provincial government had convened the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Grand Peace Jirga with the objective of ensuring long-term peace in the province and the country after which a unanimous 15-point declaration was issued.Referring to the merger of the former FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afridi said residents had been promised PKR 1 trillion over 10 years, a commitment that remained unfulfilled. He said the Centre’s failure to release funds had negatively impacted development projects in the merged districts.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi alleged that a coordinated propaganda drive was underway to falsely suggest that the provincial government had approved a military operation in the Tirah area of the Khyber tribal district.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Friday that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf would launch a street movement on the directions of its founder, Imran Khan, asserting that it would be carried out with “full force”. Afridi reached Lahore on Friday evening with PTI leaders and workers to spearhead the party’s plan to launch a street movement but was denied entry to the city’s Liberty Chowk area, where a party gathering was scheduled. Earlier, he arrived at PTI leader Latif Khosa’s residence in Lahore, where he addressed reporters. “The people of Punjab and Pakistan stand with only one leader: he is sitting in Adiala jail right now and his name is Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi,” Afridi said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi alleged that a coordinated propaganda drive was underway to falsely suggest that the provincial government had approved a military operation in the Tirah area of the Khyber tribal district.

PTI to launch street movement on Imran Khan’s directions: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Afridi

Israel becomes the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, ending a three-decade-long struggle of the region, which broke away from Somalia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel.&nbsp;“I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X.<h2>Somliland's quest for legitimacy</h2>Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population.&nbsp;It enjoyed a brief recognition as an independent country for five days in 1960, when Somaliland was recognised by 35 countries, including Israel, before it was united with Somalia. It finally broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition. However, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Denmark, and Kenya, maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-s-youngest-civilian-warrior-sharvan-singh-awarded-rashtriya-bal-puraskar-for-helping-soldiers-during-operation-sindoor-indian-armed-forces-1766763659962">India’s Youngest Civil Warrior, Sharvan Singh awarded Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;Somalia, which considers Somaliland as a breakaway province, has long rejected and rallied against efforts to gain international recognition.<h2>Somaliland's reaction to Israeli recognition</h2>Somaliland’s president welcomed Israel’s announcement recognising its statehood, calling the move the start of a “strategic partnership”.In a post on X, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a “historic moment” and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, which normalise relations with Israel. "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome the Prime Minister of the State of Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," normalising relations with Israel, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi posted on X. &nbsp;

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that lacks international recognition as a separate country.

Israel becomes the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, ending a three-decade-long struggle of the region, which broke away from Somalia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel. “I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X. Somliland's quest for legitimacy Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population. It enjoyed a brief recognition as an independent country for five days in 1960, when Somaliland was recognised by 35 countries, including Israel, before it was united with Somalia. It finally broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition. However, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Denmark, and Kenya, maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland. Also Read: India’s Youngest Civil Warrior, Sharvan Singh awarded Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Operation Sindoor Somalia, which considers Somaliland as a breakaway province, has long rejected and rallied against efforts to gain international recognition. Somaliland's reaction to Israeli recognition Somaliland’s president welcomed Israel’s announcement recognising its statehood, calling the move the start of a “strategic partnership”. In a post on X, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a “historic moment” and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, which normalise relations with Israel. "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome the Prime Minister of the State of Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," normalising relations with Israel, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi posted on X.

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that lacks international recognition as a separate country.

Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with US President Donald Trump this weekend in Florida as part of ongoing discussions aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed that the meeting, scheduled for Sunday, will focus on a 20-point peace plan brokered by the US, along with proposals for security guarantees from the US to Ukraine.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin has continued talks with US officials over the phone, with Russia expressing its commitment to ongoing negotiations. Despite slow progress, Russia has refrained from commenting on Zelensky's offer to withdraw Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region, contingent on Russia also pulling back. Zelensky has been actively seeking security guarantees from the US as part of a potential agreement. One idea being considered is the creation of a demilitarized "free economic zone" in parts of Donbas that remain under Ukrainian control.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kimmel-vs-trump-late-night-host-claims-tyranny-is-booming-in-us-says-my-country-s-president-would-like-to-shut-me-up-because-1766763187731">Kimmel vs Trump: Late-night host claims ‘tyranny is booming’ in US, says ‘my country’s president would like to shut me up because...’</a>&nbsp;The Ukrainian leader also shared that he had received an update from his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, regarding the latest technical discussions. Zelensky emphasised that the pace of progress is rapid, with the potential for significant decisions ahead of the new year. He also confirmed a phone call with key Trump advisors, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on Christmas Day. Zelensky described the conversation as productive, generating new ideas for ending the conflict.&nbsp;Earlier in October, Zelensky and Trump had a more cordial meeting at the White House after a tense encounter in February. The current proposal under discussion includes the establishment of a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, where neither side would deploy troops, aiming to avoid the complex issue of legal territorial ownership while reducing military tensions.

Volodymyr Zelensky to meet Donald Trump in Florida for peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with US President Donald Trump this weekend in Florida as part of ongoing discussions aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed that the meeting, scheduled for Sunday, will focus on a 20-point peace plan brokered by the US, along with proposals for security guarantees from the US to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin has continued talks with US officials over the phone, with Russia expressing its commitment to ongoing negotiations. Despite slow progress, Russia has refrained from commenting on Zelensky's offer to withdraw Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region, contingent on Russia also pulling back. Zelensky has been actively seeking security guarantees from the US as part of a potential agreement. One idea being considered is the creation of a demilitarized "free economic zone" in parts of Donbas that remain under Ukrainian control. Also Read: Kimmel vs Trump: Late-night host claims ‘tyranny is booming’ in US, says ‘my country’s president would like to shut me up because...’ The Ukrainian leader also shared that he had received an update from his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, regarding the latest technical discussions. Zelensky emphasised that the pace of progress is rapid, with the potential for significant decisions ahead of the new year. He also confirmed a phone call with key Trump advisors, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on Christmas Day. Zelensky described the conversation as productive, generating new ideas for ending the conflict. Earlier in October, Zelensky and Trump had a more cordial meeting at the White House after a tense encounter in February. The current proposal under discussion includes the establishment of a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, where neither side would deploy troops, aiming to avoid the complex issue of legal territorial ownership while reducing military tensions.

Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet with US President Trump in Florida to discuss a 20-point peace plan and US security guarantees in the ongoing war with Russia

Jimmy Kimmel launched a fresh attack on US President Donald Trump on Christmas Day as he said that &nbsp;“tyranny is booming" in America. He accused the Trump administration of attempting to silence him. The late-night host made the remarks in Britain as part of Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message, a long-running annual broadcast designed as a provocative counterpoint to the traditional royal address. Kimmel told British viewers that “from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year," while mocking Donald Trump as “King Donny VIII."&nbsp;“You may have read in your colorful newspapers my country’s president would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored," Jimmy Kimmel said during the broadcast. He also added, “The American government made a threat against the company I work for, and all of a sudden, we were off the air."&nbsp;“We won, the president lost." He added that he was now back on air “every night giving the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved blocking." This came in amid the long-running feud between Kimmel and the American president.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-something-that-would-shake-bangladesh-what-did-sharif-osman-hadi-s-shooter-say-to-his-girlfriend-before-the-attack-1766146632136">‘Something that would shake Bangladesh’: What did Sharif Osman Hadi's ‘shooter’ say to his girlfriend before the attack</a> &nbsp;He also said, “You may have read in your colourful newspapers that my country’s president would like to shut me up – because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored. The American government made a threat against me and the company I work for, and all of a sudden we were off the air. But then, you know what happened? A Christmas miracle happened. Well, it was September. It was a September miracle. But the holiday does seem to come earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it?”

The late-night host made the remarks in Britain as part of Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message, a long-running annual broadcast designed as a provocative counterpoint to the traditional royal address.

Jimmy Kimmel launched a fresh attack on US President Donald Trump on Christmas Day as he said that “tyranny is booming" in America. He accused the Trump administration of attempting to silence him. The late-night host made the remarks in Britain as part of Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message, a long-running annual broadcast designed as a provocative counterpoint to the traditional royal address. Kimmel told British viewers that “from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year," while mocking Donald Trump as “King Donny VIII." “You may have read in your colorful newspapers my country’s president would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored," Jimmy Kimmel said during the broadcast. He also added, “The American government made a threat against the company I work for, and all of a sudden, we were off the air." “We won, the president lost." He added that he was now back on air “every night giving the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved blocking." This came in amid the long-running feud between Kimmel and the American president. Also read: ‘Something that would shake Bangladesh’: What did Sharif Osman Hadi's ‘shooter’ say to his girlfriend before the attack He also said, “You may have read in your colourful newspapers that my country’s president would like to shut me up – because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored. The American government made a threat against me and the company I work for, and all of a sudden we were off the air. But then, you know what happened? A Christmas miracle happened. Well, it was September. It was a September miracle. But the holiday does seem to come earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it?”

The late-night host made the remarks in Britain as part of Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message, a long-running annual broadcast designed as a provocative counterpoint to the traditional royal address.

Kimmel vs Trump: Late-night host claims ‘tyranny is booming’ in US, says ‘my country’s president would like to shut me up because...’

The central government on Friday (Dec 26) said that it continues to engage with the United States to finalise a bilateral trade agreement and that discussions have been held on contentious issues between both sides. New Delhi and Washington have been working out to conclude a trade agreement for months after President Trump announced baseline tariffs against its trade partners on April 2.&nbsp;Answering queries during the weekly media briefing concerning India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both governments continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement.&nbsp;Jaiswal underlined a recent visit of a US negotiator led by &nbsp;Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer from December 9 to 11. During the visit, Switzer met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials.&nbsp;On December 24, Indian envoy to the United States Vinay Kwatra held a meeting with US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.&nbsp;In a post on X, Kwatra said they had "extensive discussions on our shared goal to strengthen trade ties, as also his (Gor) plans and priorities for our bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the US Ambassador to India!"&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-washington-of-first-red-line-sanctions-us-defence-firms-over-arms-sales-to-taiwan-trump-us-china-trade-war-tarrifs-1766746852607">China warns Washington of ‘first red line’, sanctions US defence firms over arms sales to Taiwan</a>&nbsp;Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States during trade talks.&nbsp;The regulatory restructuring is aimed at reducing paperwork, cutting time for checks and fewer inspections for quality approval, the trade ministry said.&nbsp; ”The reforms aim to accelerate processes, reduce turnaround times, and leverage technology-driven systems to make quality assurance faster, more transparent, and more accessible for enterprises, institutions, and citizens,” said Jaxay Shah, the chairman of the Quality Council of India.&nbsp;Despite multiple rounds of talks and high-profile meetings, the United States continues to impose 50 per cent tariffs on India, the highest globally.

Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States.

The central government on Friday (Dec 26) said that it continues to engage with the United States to finalise a bilateral trade agreement and that discussions have been held on contentious issues between both sides. New Delhi and Washington have been working out to conclude a trade agreement for months after President Trump announced baseline tariffs against its trade partners on April 2. Answering queries during the weekly media briefing concerning India-US bilateral trade agreement talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both governments continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. Jaiswal underlined a recent visit of a US negotiator led by Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer from December 9 to 11. During the visit, Switzer met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. On December 24, Indian envoy to the United States Vinay Kwatra held a meeting with US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. In a post on X, Kwatra said they had "extensive discussions on our shared goal to strengthen trade ties, as also his (Gor) plans and priorities for our bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the US Ambassador to India!" Also Read: China warns Washington of ‘first red line’, sanctions US defence firms over arms sales to Taiwan Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States during trade talks. The regulatory restructuring is aimed at reducing paperwork, cutting time for checks and fewer inspections for quality approval, the trade ministry said. ”The reforms aim to accelerate processes, reduce turnaround times, and leverage technology-driven systems to make quality assurance faster, more transparent, and more accessible for enterprises, institutions, and citizens,” said Jaxay Shah, the chairman of the Quality Council of India. Despite multiple rounds of talks and high-profile meetings, the United States continues to impose 50 per cent tariffs on India, the highest globally.

Signalling forward movement in ongoing negotiations, India on December 24 announced reforms to remove red tape and ease its import quality checks, addressing an issue raised by the United States.

Continue to remain engaged with United States to finalise bilateral trade agreement, says Govt

High above the Abruzzo mountains, in the small Italian village of Pagliara dei Marsi, cats rule the streets. They slip through doorways, lounge on stone walls, and roam freely across lanes that have grown quieter with time. Human voices have faded here over decades of steady depopulation. Until recently, the village’s soundtrack was mostly the soft echo of paws and purring. That silence was broken in March. For the first time in nearly three decades, a baby was born in Pagliara dei Marsi.&nbsp;Nine-month-old Lara Bussi Trabucco has lifted the village’s population to around 20 and transformed everyday life. Her baptism filled the tiny church opposite her home, drawing every resident, and more than a few cats. In a place long accustomed to ageing faces, Lara has become an event in herself. “People who had never heard of Pagliara dei Marsi are now coming just because of Lara,” said her mother, Cinzia Trabucco. “She’s not even a year old, and she’s already famous.” Her birth has sparked joy, but it also exposes the depth of Italy’s demographic decline.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-billion-dollar-christmas-arkansas-player-wins-1-87bn-powerball-prize-1766666662564">A billion-dollar Christmas: Arkansas player wins $1.87bn Powerball prize</a>&nbsp;According to Istat, Italy’s national statistics agency, the country recorded just 369,944 births in 2024, the lowest figure ever documented. The fertility rate fell to 1.18 children per woman, placing Italy among the lowest in the European Union. Preliminary data for 2025 suggests the situation is worsening. No region reflects the crisis more sharply than Abruzzo, where births dropped by 10.2% in the first seven months of 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier. Pagliara dei Marsi, though tiny, mirrors a national reality: shrinking communities, empty classrooms, and a rapidly ageing population straining public services.&nbsp;“This village has lost generation after generation,” said Mayor Giuseppina Perozzi, who lives just steps from Lara’s home. “We’ve lost many elderly residents, and no one has replaced them.” Perozzi hopes Lara’s arrival might inspire others, though she acknowledges how rare such decisions have become.&nbsp;Trabucco, 42, teaches music and spent years working in Rome before moving to the village of her grandfather’s birth. She wanted to raise a child far from city congestion. Her partner, Paolo Bussi, 56, works in construction and is originally from the area. They receive a €1,000 baby bonus, introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government in 2025, along with a monthly child allowance of about €370. The incentives are part of efforts to confront what Meloni has called Italy’s “demographic winter.” Yet the couple says money alone does little to solve deeper problems.&nbsp;Balancing work and childcare is difficult, they say, in a country where nursery spaces remain scarce, and support for working mothers is weak. Many women leave the workforce during pregnancy and struggle to return. Education is another worry. Pagliara dei Marsi hasn’t had its own teacher in decades. While nearby towns still have primary schools, closures linked to falling birthrates raise doubts about their long-term survival. “The system needs a complete overhaul,” Trabucco said. “We pay high taxes, but we don’t get services that make family life easier.”

For three decades, no one was born here. Then came Lara Bussi Trabucco 

High above the Abruzzo mountains, in the small Italian village of Pagliara dei Marsi, cats rule the streets. They slip through doorways, lounge on stone walls, and roam freely across lanes that have grown quieter with time. Human voices have faded here over decades of steady depopulation. Until recently, the village’s soundtrack was mostly the soft echo of paws and purring. That silence was broken in March. For the first time in nearly three decades, a baby was born in Pagliara dei Marsi. Nine-month-old Lara Bussi Trabucco has lifted the village’s population to around 20 and transformed everyday life. Her baptism filled the tiny church opposite her home, drawing every resident, and more than a few cats. In a place long accustomed to ageing faces, Lara has become an event in herself. “People who had never heard of Pagliara dei Marsi are now coming just because of Lara,” said her mother, Cinzia Trabucco. “She’s not even a year old, and she’s already famous.” Her birth has sparked joy, but it also exposes the depth of Italy’s demographic decline. Also Read: A billion-dollar Christmas: Arkansas player wins $1.87bn Powerball prize According to Istat, Italy’s national statistics agency, the country recorded just 369,944 births in 2024, the lowest figure ever documented. The fertility rate fell to 1.18 children per woman, placing Italy among the lowest in the European Union. Preliminary data for 2025 suggests the situation is worsening. No region reflects the crisis more sharply than Abruzzo, where births dropped by 10.2% in the first seven months of 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier. Pagliara dei Marsi, though tiny, mirrors a national reality: shrinking communities, empty classrooms, and a rapidly ageing population straining public services. “This village has lost generation after generation,” said Mayor Giuseppina Perozzi, who lives just steps from Lara’s home. “We’ve lost many elderly residents, and no one has replaced them.” Perozzi hopes Lara’s arrival might inspire others, though she acknowledges how rare such decisions have become. Trabucco, 42, teaches music and spent years working in Rome before moving to the village of her grandfather’s birth. She wanted to raise a child far from city congestion. Her partner, Paolo Bussi, 56, works in construction and is originally from the area. They receive a €1,000 baby bonus, introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government in 2025, along with a monthly child allowance of about €370. The incentives are part of efforts to confront what Meloni has called Italy’s “demographic winter.” Yet the couple says money alone does little to solve deeper problems. Balancing work and childcare is difficult, they say, in a country where nursery spaces remain scarce, and support for working mothers is weak. Many women leave the workforce during pregnancy and struggle to return. Education is another worry. Pagliara dei Marsi hasn’t had its own teacher in decades. While nearby towns still have primary schools, closures linked to falling birthrates raise doubts about their long-term survival. “The system needs a complete overhaul,” Trabucco said. “We pay high taxes, but we don’t get services that make family life easier.”

A baby born after 30 years brings hope to an Italian mountain village, while exposing the scale of Italy’s worsening birthrate crisis

For three decades, no one was born here. Then came Lara Bussi Trabucco

Since Russia’s Ukraine invasion, Poland has reported several airspace violations involving missiles, jets, helicopters and drones between 2022 and 2025, triggering fighter scrambles, radar alerts, NATO responses and diplomatic protests.

Poland intercepts Russian plane near its airspace – How many times has Moscow violated its airspace?

A suicide attempt in Saudi Arabia's Mecca went viral on the internet after the video of the incident showed a man jumping from the upper floors of Masjid al-Haram. In a dramatic move, the man was saved by one of the security officers present there. The officer reportedly sustained injuries while saving the man. The Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque immediately initiated action after the man attempted to jump from an upper floor. The Haram security forces said, &nbsp;“there was an incident of a person attempting to take his own life from the upper floors of the Grand Mosque."&nbsp;“A security officer was injured while trying to prevent him from hitting the ground at the moment of his fall. Both individuals were immediately transferred to receive the necessary medical care, and the required official procedures were completed," the forces said.&nbsp;After this, the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr Abdur Rahman As Sudais, urged visitors to "adhere to regulations and instructions, to revere the sanctity of the place, to observe proper Islamic manners therein, and to devote themselves to worship and obedience."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🕋🚨 A security guard at the Masjid al-Haram rushed to intervene after a person tried to take their own life by jumping off the upper floors of the masjid. The security guard was injured while trying to prevent the person from hitting the ground. Both individuals were… <a href="https://t.co/NnpveIE8wf">pic.twitter.com/NnpveIE8wf</a>&mdash; • (@Alhamdhulillaah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alhamdhulillaah/status/2004265868708987260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque immediately initiated action after the man attempted to jump from an upper floor. 

A suicide attempt in Saudi Arabia's Mecca went viral on the internet after the video of the incident showed a man jumping from the upper floors of Masjid al-Haram. In a dramatic move, the man was saved by one of the security officers present there. The officer reportedly sustained injuries while saving the man. The Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque immediately initiated action after the man attempted to jump from an upper floor. The Haram security forces said, “there was an incident of a person attempting to take his own life from the upper floors of the Grand Mosque." “A security officer was injured while trying to prevent him from hitting the ground at the moment of his fall. Both individuals were immediately transferred to receive the necessary medical care, and the required official procedures were completed," the forces said. After this, the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr Abdur Rahman As Sudais, urged visitors to "adhere to regulations and instructions, to revere the sanctity of the place, to observe proper Islamic manners therein, and to devote themselves to worship and obedience."

The Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque immediately initiated action after the man attempted to jump from an upper floor.&nbsp;

WATCH: Man attempts suicide at Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram, dramatically saved by security officer

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak was on Friday convicted on all charges of abuse of power and money laundering in the biggest trial yet in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. It was Razak’s second major trial for the multi-billion-dollar state funds scandal. Najib, 72, was accused of misappropriating nearly 2.3 billion Malaysian ringgit ($569 million) from the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). A judge found him guilty on four charges of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering. Rajak is already in jail after he was convicted years ago in another case related to 1MDB. Friday’s verdict comes after seven years of legal proceedings, which saw 76 witnesses called to the stand.&nbsp;The verdict, delivered in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, is the second blow in the same week to the former PM, who has been imprisoned since 2022, after the court rejected his application on Monday to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. On Friday, dozens of people gathered outside the court in support of Najib.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-killed-21-injured-in-blast-inside-alawite-mosque-in-syria-s-homs-toll-may-go-up-says-official-1766749937610">5 killed, 21 injured in blast inside Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs city; toll may go up, says official</a>&nbsp;The 1MDB scandal made headlines across the world when it came to light a decade ago, embroiling prominent figures from Malaysia to Goldman Sachs and Hollywood.&nbsp;<h2>At least $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB</h2>&nbsp;Investigators estimated that $4.5 billion was siphoned from the state-owned wealth fund into private pockets, including Najib’s.Najib’s lawyers claim that he had been misled by his advisers, in particular, the financier Jho Low, who has maintained his innocence but remains at large.&nbsp;In 2020, Najib was convicted of abuse of power, money laundering and breach of trust over 42 million ringgit ($10 million) transferred from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB, into his private accounts. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, but the jail term was halved last year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mothers-have-blind-love-for-raja-betas-who-can-be-villainous-says-hc-gives-30-year-jail-to-man-in-rape-murder-case-1766744403407">Mothers have blind love for ‘raja betas’ who can be villainous, says HC, gives 30-year jail to man in rape, murder case</a>&nbsp;The latest case concerns a bigger sum of money, also tied to 1MDB, credited to his personal bank account in 2013. Najib said he believed the money was a donation from the late Saudi King Abdullah, but the judge rejected the claim.&nbsp;<h2>What is 1MDB and the scandal about it?</h2>&nbsp;The 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund was set up in 2009 to turn Kuala Lumpur into a financial hub and boost the economy through strategic investments, but it started to attract negative attention in 2015 after it missed payments.The fund was then accused of money laundering and channelling hundreds of millions of dollars into private pockets to acquire assets globally, including yachts, paintings, jewellery and real estate.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775">Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</a>&nbsp;Malaysian and US investigators say at least $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, a state fund Najib co-founded in 2009 while in office. More than $1 billion allegedly made its way into accounts linked to Najib, who has denied wrongdoing.&nbsp;Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor, was also sentenced to 10 years in jail in 2022 for bribery, but is free on bail pending an appeal against her conviction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-dissent-and-angst-triggered-mass-protests-worldwide-1766674340518">Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide</a>&nbsp;The scandal led to election loss for Najib’s Barisan Nasional coalition, which had governed the country since its independence in 1957. The recent verdicts have exposed fissures in the ruling coalition, which includes Najib’s party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for politicians on all sides to respect the court’s decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The verdict, delivered in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, is the second blow in the same week to the former PM, who has been imprisoned since 2022, after the court rejected his application on Monday to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak was on Friday convicted on all charges of abuse of power and money laundering in the biggest trial yet in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. It was Razak’s second major trial for the multi-billion-dollar state funds scandal. Najib, 72, was accused of misappropriating nearly 2.3 billion Malaysian ringgit ($569 million) from the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). A judge found him guilty on four charges of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering. Rajak is already in jail after he was convicted years ago in another case related to 1MDB. Friday’s verdict comes after seven years of legal proceedings, which saw 76 witnesses called to the stand. The verdict, delivered in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, is the second blow in the same week to the former PM, who has been imprisoned since 2022, after the court rejected his application on Monday to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. On Friday, dozens of people gathered outside the court in support of Najib. Also Read: 5 killed, 21 injured in blast inside Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs city; toll may go up, says official The 1MDB scandal made headlines across the world when it came to light a decade ago, embroiling prominent figures from Malaysia to Goldman Sachs and Hollywood. At least $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB Investigators estimated that $4.5 billion was siphoned from the state-owned wealth fund into private pockets, including Najib’s. Najib’s lawyers claim that he had been misled by his advisers, in particular, the financier Jho Low, who has maintained his innocence but remains at large. In 2020, Najib was convicted of abuse of power, money laundering and breach of trust over 42 million ringgit ($10 million) transferred from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB, into his private accounts. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, but the jail term was halved last year. Also Read: Mothers have blind love for ‘raja betas’ who can be villainous, says HC, gives 30-year jail to man in rape, murder case The latest case concerns a bigger sum of money, also tied to 1MDB, credited to his personal bank account in 2013. Najib said he believed the money was a donation from the late Saudi King Abdullah, but the judge rejected the claim. What is 1MDB and the scandal about it? The 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund was set up in 2009 to turn Kuala Lumpur into a financial hub and boost the economy through strategic investments, but it started to attract negative attention in 2015 after it missed payments. The fund was then accused of money laundering and channelling hundreds of millions of dollars into private pockets to acquire assets globally, including yachts, paintings, jewellery and real estate. Also Read: Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters Malaysian and US investigators say at least $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, a state fund Najib co-founded in 2009 while in office. More than $1 billion allegedly made its way into accounts linked to Najib, who has denied wrongdoing. Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor, was also sentenced to 10 years in jail in 2022 for bribery, but is free on bail pending an appeal against her conviction. Also Read: Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide The scandal led to election loss for Najib’s Barisan Nasional coalition, which had governed the country since its independence in 1957. The recent verdicts have exposed fissures in the ruling coalition, which includes Najib’s party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for politicians on all sides to respect the court’s decisions.

The verdict, delivered in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, is the second blow in the same week to the former PM, who has been imprisoned since 2022, after the court rejected his application on Monday to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

Former PM Najib Razak found guilty in multibillion-dollar state funds scandal

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Former PM Najib Razak found guilty in multibillion-dollar state funds scandal