Pre-Christmas celebrations in parts of India saw multiple vandalism and disruption incidents, sparking political uproar. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob stormed Magneto Mall during a bandh tied to alleged religious conversion disputes and vandalised Christmas decorations, leading to an FIR against several individuals. In Assam’s Nalbari district, four people linked to VHP and Bajrang Dal were arrested for damaging and burning Christmas decorations at a school and nearby shops, shouting slogans against celebrations. Kerala and Madhya Pradesh also reported clashes and confrontations related to festive events, prompting condemnation from opposition leaders. 

Three mechanical engineering students from Bhagwan Mahavir University in Surat have developed Garuda, India’s first driverless AI-powered electric bike prototype, using nearly 50% scrap materials. Built at a cost of around ₹1.8 lakh, the bike is controlled by a Raspberry Pi system and operates through voice commands. It features smart sensors that enable automatic braking, obstacle detection, and speed control. The bike is also equipped with GPS navigation, cameras, a digital dashboard, and wireless charging. The innovation highlights sustainable engineering, cost-effective design, and the growing potential of artificial intelligence in India’s two-wheeler and mobility sector.

India’s aviation sector is set to expand with two new airlines, alHindAir and FlyExpress, receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Civil Aviation Ministry. alHindAir is being promoted by the Kerala-based alhind Group, a travel and tourism company established nearly three decades ago in Calicut (Kozhikode). The airline’s promoter is Mohammed Haris T, who is spearheading the group’s entry into the aviation sector. The clearance marks a key regulatory step, allowing both airlines to move closer to operational launch after obtaining further approvals, including the Air Operator Certificate. The development is expected to boost competition and regional connectivity in Indian aviation. (PC: DNA)

India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam, defence sources said. The missile, developed by DRDO, has an intermediate range of about 3,500 km, significantly enhancing India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent and second-strike capability. The K-4 SLBM strengthens India’s nuclear triad, joining land and air delivery systems. The test achieved all planned objectives, demonstrating progress in strategic weapons development and placing India among a limited group of nations with submarine-launched nuclear missile capability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a death wish for Russian President Vladimir Putin following devastating Christmas attacks on Ukraine. Invoking the Ukrainian myth that "the heavens open" on Christmas night, Zelenskyy stated, "May he perish," without naming Putin directly. Russia launched major missile strikes killing three people and causing widespread power outages on Christmas Eve, followed by 131 drone attacks on Christmas Day. Ukrainian defenses intercepted most drones, but 22 struck 15 regions. Zelenskyy condemned Russia's "godless" strikes during the festival, questioning their peace intentions. He urged citizens to remain resilient, honoring fallen heroes who defended Ukraine, declaring, "We will not lose our way in the darkness." 

Hollywood actor Kumail Nanjiani, who grew up in Pakistan, expressed nostalgia for India-Pakistan cricket matches, noting they've lost their former "brotherhood" vibe. Speaking on Hasan Minhaj's YouTube channel, Nanjiani observed that while both were once top cricket teams, "now Pakistan is not that great and India is the best in the world." He recalled how these matches once celebrated similarities between nations despite political differences, emphasizing shared culture and language. Nanjiani lamented that nationalism has increasingly seeped into Indian and Pakistani films, creating unhelpful animosity. He believes the matches previously highlighted unity over division, with people from both countries connecting despite governmental tensions, a sentiment largely lost today. (PC: X)

Another mob lynching occurred in Bangladesh as Amrit Mondal, alias Samrat, was beaten to death in Rajbari's Pangsha upazila over extortion allegations. The incident happened Wednesday night at Hosendanga village when Samrat and his gang allegedly went to collect extortion money from local resident Shahidul Islam. When occupants raised alarm shouting "robbers," locals rushed and beat Samrat fatally. Police rescued him critically injured around 11 pm, but he died at 2 am at Pangsha Upazila Health Complex. Police arrested his associate Mohammad Selim, seizing two firearms. Samrat had two criminal cases, including murder, filed against him. This follows Dipu Chandra Das's recent lynching in Mymensingh over blasphemy allegations. (PC: X)

Shreyas Iyer is nearing a comeback after suffering a broken rib and ruptured spleen during a match against Australia two months ago. The Indian ODI vice-captain has resumed batting at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, practicing for nearly an hour without discomfort. BCCI sources confirm Iyer is pain-free and has returned to regular gym training. He will spend four to six days at the Centre for assessment before finalizing his return timeline. Iyer is eyeing the Vijay Hazare Trophy for his comeback to competitive cricket. With India's ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, his inclusion cannot be ruled out, with squad announcement expected January 2-3. (PC: Times Now)

A 44-year-old Indian-origin accountant, Prashant Sreekumar, died at Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, after waiting over eight hours in the emergency room despite severe chest pain. The father of three, aged 3, 10, and 14, repeatedly complained of unbearable pain, with his blood pressure reaching 210. He was allegedly offered only Tylenol after triage and an ECG. His father recalled Prashant saying, "Papa, I cannot bear the pain." After waiting eight hours, he collapsed from apparent cardiac arrest seconds after being called into the treatment area. The family demands answers, while Covenant Health, which operates the hospital, has referred the case to the Chief Medical Examiner.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman appealed for national unity after landing in Dhaka following a 17-year absence. Addressing thousands of supporters directly from the airport, the 60-year-old son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia called on citizens across all political and religious backgrounds to work together for peace and stability. His return comes amid massive unrest following youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's murder, who led last year's protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina's government. Rahman, a top prime ministerial contender, pledged to create a safe Bangladesh for all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity. His unity call gains significance as Jamaat-e-Islami emerges as BNP's main rival after Awami League's electoral ban.