US President-elect Donald Trump has warned Panama about charging high fees for the use of the Panama Canal. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question.” Trump accused Panama of mismanaging the canal and raised concerns about potential Chinese influence. He criticised the fees as excessive, saying they undermine US generosity. This rare threat targets a sovereign nation. Panama has not yet responded to Trump’s comments.

US President Joe Biden signed a crucial funding bill on December 21, 2024, preventing a government shutdown just before Christmas. After intense last-minute negotiations, the bill was fast-tracked through Congress with support from the Democratic-led Senate and Republican House members. The bill, which funds the government until March 14, 2025, includes disaster aid and relief for farmers but omits key provisions like pharmaceutical reforms. Influential figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, played pivotal roles in shaping the bill, sparking debate over Musk's influence on the Republican leadership.

Ravindra Jadeja expressed shock upon learning of Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement, revealing he was informed just five minutes before the announcement at a press conference. The duo, who formed India's most successful Test bowling partnership with 587 wickets, had spent the day together, and Ashwin gave no indication of his decision. Jadeja, who regards Ashwin as his "on-field mentor," emphasized the importance of the opportunity for young talents following Ashwin’s retirement. The pair's contributions both with the bat and ball have been crucial for India, especially in recent games like the Chennai Test against Bangladesh.

Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, UK, to celebrate the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year. Pagans, druids, and dancers greeted the sunrise at 8:09 am with drumming, chanting, and singing, though low clouds obscured the view. Stonehenge, built 5,000 years ago by a Neolithic sun-worshipping culture, is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. Visitors could access the iconic stones, a rare privilege during solstices. The event symbolizes spiritual and cultural unity, echoing ancient traditions. Similar celebrations occurred worldwide, including yuzu baths in Japan and sunrise gatherings in Spain's Palma cathedral.

Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone attack in Kazan, 800 km east of Moscow, temporarily halting operations at Kazan Airport. The attack targeted a residential complex in three waves between 7:40 am and 9:20 am, according to Russia's Defence Ministry. No casualties were reported, but Kazan’s mayor canceled all mass events over the weekend and arranged temporary accommodations for evacuees. Unverified footage showed an aerial object hitting a high-rise, creating a fireball. Russia’s aviation regulator imposed temporary restrictions at Kazan, Izhevsk, and Saratov airports, lifting them later in Saratov. Investigations are ongoing.

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell believes Virat Kohli is struggling with Elite Performance Decline Syndrome (EPDS), impacting his recent performances. Kohli, scoring only 21 runs in his last three innings, has been tentative at the crease, Chappell observed. He suggests Kohli needs a 20-30 run buffer to rediscover his flow, much like cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting did during challenging phases. Kohli’s weakness outside the off stump has been exploited by Australian bowlers, raising questions about his Test future. As India prepares for the fourth Test in Melbourne, Kohli faces immense pressure to deliver.

A 50-year-old Saudi doctor, Taleb A., was arrested after ramming his BMW into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing 5 and injuring 200. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed the suspect's "Islamophobic" motive. Taleb, a psychiatry specialist living in Germany for over 20 years, had posted extremist views against Islam on his X account. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the brutality, noting 40 victims are critically injured. German media described Taleb as an anti-Islam activist. Saudi authorities reportedly warned Germany about his online threats. Investigations continue into the motive behind this attack.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced a new mental health programme in collaboration with Norfolk and Waveney Mind. Focused on rural and farming communities in Northwest Norfolk, including the royal Sandringham Estate, the initiative addresses rural isolation and poor mental health. The two-year pilot, set to launch in 2025, will provide counselling, mental health training, and targeted sessions for various community groups. Kensington Palace stated the programme aims to create a blueprint for sustainable rural mental health funding. “This partnership will form a vital step in better protecting local wellbeing,” said Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s Interim CEO Sonja Chilvers.

A car attack at Magdeburg's Christmas market killed 5 people, including a child, and injured over 200, with 41 critically hurt. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi-born psychiatrist and critic of Islam, acted alone, officials said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack a "dreadful tragedy," pledging full investigative efforts. The suspect, Taleb A, was arrested at the scene, with unverified videos showing the vehicle plowing into the crowd. Emergency responders, including 100 firefighters, rushed to assist. A memorial service was held at Magdeburg Cathedral. This attack reignites concerns about public safety at festive events across Germany.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed SpaDeX satellites, set to launch aboard PSLV-C60, marking India’s debut in autonomous space docking technology. The mission involves two 220 kg spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), operating in a 470 km low-Earth orbit. SpaDeX aims to demonstrate key technologies like spacecraft rendezvous, docking, electric power transfer, and composite control. This innovation is crucial for future lunar missions, including Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Space Station (BAS). Joining the elite US, Russia, and China, India is poised to enhance its space infrastructure and solidify its position in global space exploration.