Bangladesh's English-language newspaper The Daily Star failed to publish its print edition for the first time in 35 years after violent protesters set fire to its Dhaka office alongside Bengali daily Prothom Alo. The attacks followed student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killing, leaving both newspaper buildings severely damaged. In a statement titled "A dark day for independent journalism," The Daily Star condemned the violence, declaring it "not merely an attack on two newspapers" but an assault on "independent journalism, freedom of speech, and the sanctity of private property." The BBC reported both outlets suffered extensive damage during the protests that erupted across Bangladesh, forcing the historic disruption of The Daily Star's publication for the first time since its founding.

Bangladesh's interim government condemned the brutal lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh's Bhaluka Upazila, accused of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad Yunus's administration stated "there is no place for such violence in New Bangladesh" and promised accountability for perpetrators. The killing occurred amid violent protests following student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death, during which media offices were torched and journalists attacked. The government expressed solidarity with Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age journalists, calling attacks on press "attacks on truth itself." Authorities warned against attempts to derail Bangladesh's democratic transformation and urged citizens to resist mob violence by "fringe elements" while honoring Hadi's sacrifice through restraint and rejecting hatred. (PC: X)

Indian-origin American diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui urged the US to pause its H-1B visa programme pending a full audit, alleging systematic fraud and bribery by unqualified Indian applicants. Writing for the Centre for Immigrant Studies, she claimed many applicants with computer science degrees lacked relevant skills and failed basic coding tests. Siddiqui, who served at the US Consulate in Chennai between 2005-2007, described the city as the "H-1B visa fraud capital," noting applications surged from 100,000 annually to over 4 million. She alleged corrupt HR officials enabled fake employment letters and cited industrialized fraud systems in Hyderabad's Ameerpet selling fake degrees. She recommended stricter verification, penalties for fraud, and prioritizing US STEM graduates. (PC: India Today)

Violence erupted across Bangladesh following student uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death in Singapore after being shot during his election campaign. Protesters attacked media offices, setting fire to Daily Star and Prothom Alo buildings, with 25 journalists rescued. Demonstrators hurled stones at Indian missions in Chattogram and Rajshahi, vandalized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's house, and blocked Shahbagh Square demanding justice. India shut visa centers while confirming diplomats remain safe. Bangladesh's interim government appealed for calm, condemning both the violence and a separate Hindu man's lynching in Mymensingh. Security tightened at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. Hadi's family demanded a memorial at Shahbagh. A Shashi Tharoor-led panel called this India's most serious strategic test since 1971.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of Bangladesh's 2024 student uprising, died in Singapore on December 18 after being shot in the head by masked assailants during his election campaign in Dhaka on December 12. The 32-year-old was a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha and was running as an independent candidate despite his party being barred from elections. Known for his anti-India stance and circulating maps of "Greater Bangladesh" including Indian territories, Hadi's death sparked massive protests across Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus's interim government declared a national day of mourning, offered rewards for information on attackers, and heightened border security while Dhaka sought India's assistance in the investigation. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed shared stunning footage of lightning striking the Burj Khalifa's spire as the UAE battles severe weather conditions. The video shows the world's tallest building silhouetted against storm clouds amid heavy rainfall and thunder. The National Centre of Meteorology confirmed the country entered the peak phase of the 'Al Bashayer' low-pressure system, causing rain, lightning, thunder, and potential hail. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone areas. Emirates and flydubai cancelled flights, while Dubai International Airport warned of delays. The Ministry of Human Resources allowed remote work for private sector employees. Streets across Dubai, Sharjah flooded as meteorologists predict continued unstable weather with thunderstorms and strong winds.

The Delhi government announced it will install 10,000 air purifiers in government school classrooms to protect children from severe air pollution, starting with the first phase of implementation. Education Minister Ashish Sood said tenders have been issued and that the initiative aims to improve indoor air quality amid persistent high AQI levels in the capital. The plan is part of a broader pollution control effort, including clearing the Bhalswa landfill by 2026, reflecting long-term administrative measures rather than short-term fixes. Officials emphasized student health and clean breathing environments as priorities. (PC: India Today)

India’s Parliament has approved the landmark SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), heralding a major shift by allowing private companies to enter the previously state-controlled nuclear power sector. The legislation repeals parts of the old Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, enabling private firms to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear plants under licence. It also rationalises liability rules and aims to attract investment to help achieve a target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. Supporters call it transformational for clean energy growth, while critics raise safety and accountability concerns. (PC: ANI)

At least 30 journalists were rescued after violent protesters set fire to The Daily Star’s office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, trapping media personnel inside. Protesters first vandalised the ground and first floors, smashing equipment and furniture, before igniting the building. Terrified journalists sent distress messages, with one crying, “You are killing me,” as smoke filled the premises. Firefighters, security forces and volunteers launched a rescue operation, evacuating those trapped after hours of chaos. The attack, linked to escalating protests over the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, has raised serious concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. (PC: NDTV)

A 23-year-old female shooter was allegedly raped at a hotel in Faridabad, Haryana, while staying in the city for a shooting competition, police said. The victim, who had come with a female friend for the event, accused three people — including her friend and two men identified as Satendra and Gaurav — of assaulting her during a party at the hotel on Wednesday evening. According to her complaint, the attack occurred when her friend and one man stepped out, leaving her with the main accused. She locked the trio in the room and alerted police, who arrested them and produced them in court, sending them to judicial custody.