China has strongly rebuffed a recent U.S. Pentagon report suggesting Beijing may be leveraging reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control with India to prevent deeper strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the assessment a distortion of China’s defence policy designed to sow discord and justify U.S. military dominance, insisting Beijing views its relationship with India from a “strategic height and long-term perspective” and opposes external interference. China stressed the border situation is stable with open communication channels and emphasised its commitment to strengthening mutual trust and cooperation with India. 

Cambodia has accused Thailand of intensifying strikes along their disputed border even as defence officials from both nations continued multi-day peace negotiations aimed at ending deadly clashes. Phnom Penh claims Thai F-16 jets dropped bombs near Chok Chey village in Banteay Meanchey province, escalating violence that has reignited a long-running territorial dispute. Bangkok, meanwhile, says Cambodian forces launched heavy attacks into Thai territory, damaging homes and shelling border areas. The conflict has displaced around a million people and shattered a previous truce, prompting international calls for a ceasefire and fresh diplomatic efforts. (PC: The Guardian)

Aditya Dhar’s spy-action thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has crossed ₹1,000 crore worldwide within just 21 days of its December 5 release, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The global tally stands at around ₹1,006.7 crore, with ₹668.80 crore nett earned in India so far, boosted by strong third-week footfalls and Christmas ticket sales. Despite an “Adults Only” rating and limited Gulf release, the film performed exceptionally overseas, contributing significantly to its box office run and overtaking big 2025 hits like Kantara: Chapter 1. Dhurandhar has revitalized year-end Bollywood business and paves the way for its Part 2 in March 2026. 

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died of a suspected cardiac arrest after waiting over eight hours for treatment in the emergency room of Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, Canada on December 22. He had been rushed to the hospital with severe chest pain and repeatedly told staff his pain was “15 out of 10,” but was given only Tylenol and an ECG, which reportedly showed no significant issue, before being asked to continue waiting. His blood pressure rose sharply during the wait, and when finally called in, he collapsed and died shortly after. He leaves behind his wife and three children, and the case has sparked questions about emergency care response times. (PC: X)

A 25-year-old woman, identified as Kalpana, was shot inside a club on MG Road in Gurugram in the early hours of December 20 after she allegedly refused a marriage proposal, police said. Her husband from Najafgarh, Delhi filed a complaint stating the assailant, Tushar (25) of Sangam Vihar, had been pressing her for marriage despite her being married. An FIR was registered and police arrested Tushar and his friend Shubham (24) from Baraut (UP). Investigation revealed Tushar befriended her six months ago and shot her after her rejection; further probe continues. (PC: X)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman, back from 17 years in exile, addressed supporters in Dhaka as the country faces political tension before the February 2026 elections. Rahman urged peace and inclusivity, saying Bangladesh belongs equally to people of all faiths and regions — Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians and calling for collective nation-building and safety for all citizens. His speech is viewed as an attempt to reassure minorities after recent unrest and incidents targeting communities, while positioning the BNP as a unifying force in the upcoming polls. (PC: Reuters)

The United States conducted powerful airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) militants in northwest Nigeria on December 25, 2025, targeting fighters accused of killing Christians in the region, US President Donald Trump announced on social media. The strikes, which he described as “powerful and deadly,” were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and reportedly killed multiple ISIS militants, according to the US Africa Command. Trump framed the action as retaliation against extremist violence and warned of more military action if attacks continued. Nigeria’s government emphasized ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts amid its complex security challenges. 

A female manager of a private IT company in Udaipur has accused her CEO, a senior woman executive and the executive’s husband of gang-raping her inside a moving car after a birthday and year-end party on December 20. According to the police, the trio offered her a lift home, allegedly gave her alcohol or intoxicant causing unconsciousness, and then assaulted her during the journey. The victim later reviewed dashcam footage and filed a complaint. Police have detained all three accused and handed the case to the Women’s Crime Branch, with legal action and investigation ongoing. (PC: India Today)

At least five worshippers were killed and 35 others injured when a bomb exploded inside the Al‑Adum mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers, police said. The blast, which occurred around 6 p.m. local time, is believed to be a suicide attack, with fragments of a suspected suicide vest found at the scene. No group has yet claimed responsibility. The incident highlights ongoing insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, where Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction, have waged a long‑running insurgency. Authorities have condemned the attack and urged vigilance during the festive season.

The United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting fighters accused of attacking communities, especially Christians, according to US President Donald Trump. The strikes, described as “powerful and deadly,” were carried out on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025) and reportedly killed multiple militants in Sokoto State. The US Africa Command said the operation occurred in coordination with and at the request of Nigerian authorities, involving intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation. Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the action as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts. Trump framed the strikes as retaliation against extremist violence toward Christians, though Nigerian officials stress militants target all civilians. (PC: AP)