Eight drones struck high-rise buildings in Kazan, Russia, sparking massive fires and prompting emergency evacuations. Russian authorities accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, which disrupted operations at Kazan and Izhevsk airports. Rosaviatsia reported Russian air defenses downed one drone, but others penetrated. Residents were safely evacuated as authorities launched relief measures. This incident follows Russia's overnight assault on Ukraine, involving 60 drones and 5 missiles targeting Kyiv and other cities, leaving 1 dead and multiple injured. The attack underscores escalating tensions in the conflict. Kazan is located 800 km east of Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Kuwait, met 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa. The meeting followed a heartfelt request from Handa’s granddaughter on social media platform X, expressing her grandfather's admiration for the PM. Modi responded promptly, making the visit during an interaction with the Indian diaspora. Handa's family described the meeting as a “lifetime experience.” This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years, focusing on strengthening ties in trade, energy, and regional security. The Indian community constitutes 21% of Kuwait's population.

The Watumull family, originally from Sindh (now Pakistan), built a $4B empire in Hawaii, starting with a single store in 1915. Founded by Jhamandas Watumull and partner Dharamdas, the East India Store evolved into a retail giant, popularizing the iconic Aloha shirt. Overcoming challenges, including U.S. citizenship barriers, the family expanded into real estate and philanthropy, supporting Indian-Hawaiian exchange and independence movements. Gobindram Watumull's wife Ellen played a key role in U.S. law reforms. Today, the family’s focus is on real estate, with their last retail store closing in 2020, cementing their legacy in Hawaiian history.

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges corruption in the framing of Delhi's excise policy. This development comes weeks before the Delhi Assembly elections, where AAP seeks a fourth term. Kejriwal, who was granted interim bail in corruption cases, contested the charges, citing the absence of mandatory sanctions during court cognisance. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Priyanka Kakkar criticized the move, accusing the ED of diverting attention from other issues. The ED has not yet disclosed the sanction document.

A Saudi doctor, Taleb A, was arrested after driving his car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing two and injuring 68. The 50-year-old has lived in Germany since 2006, gaining asylum and permanent residency. Authorities believe it was a terror attack, and Taleb acted alone. He is known to be an ex-Muslim and a critic of Islam, supporting far-right politics. Taleb was also wanted in Saudi Arabia on charges of terrorism and human trafficking. The cause of the attack is still under investigation. German officials condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the victims.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), has announced that his party will vote to bring down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. In a statement, Singh said, "Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful." He added, "The Liberals don’t deserve another chance." This marks a major shift, as the NDP had previously supported Trudeau’s minority government. Without their backing, Trudeau’s government is increasingly vulnerable. Singh’s move comes amid growing calls for Trudeau's resignation due to economic and diplomatic issues.

Elon Musk has called for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign after a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. A car drove into a crowd, killing two people and injuring many others. Musk criticized Scholz, calling him an "incompetent fool" in a post on social media. The attack has raised concerns about safety, and Musk’s comments come amid Germany's political tensions. Musk has previously voiced support for far-right political parties in Europe, including Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), which opposes the current government’s policies.

3 Hindu temples in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts were attacked over two days, with eight idols vandalised. Police arrested a 27-year-old man in Mymensingh for damaging idols at Polashkanda Kali Temple. He confessed to the crime and was sent to jail. Five idols at Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple in Dinajpur were also vandalised, with investigations ongoing. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Over 88 incidents of communal violence have been reported since the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power, straining India-Bangladesh relations. Authorities continue to probe the recent temple attacks.

A Saudi doctor drove a car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing 2 people and injuring over 60. The attack happened on Friday evening as the market was crowded with visitors. Police arrested the 50-year-old man, who has lived in Germany since 2006. The car ploughed through 400 metres of the market, leaving behind a trail of injuries and destruction. Officials believe he acted alone and ruled out immediate further danger. Investigations are ongoing. German leaders and international figures expressed shock and sympathy for the victims. Authorities are examining whether an explosive device was in the car.

6 people, including a child, died in a Ukrainian attack on Rylsk, in Russia’s Kursk region. Homes, a school, and a cultural centre were damaged, officials said. Several people were taken to hospital. The strike followed a Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which damaged buildings housing embassies and killed one person. Nine others were injured. Kyiv’s St. Nicholas Cathedral and nearby homes were also hit. Ukraine’s military said Russia fired 65 drones and missiles overnight. Many were intercepted. Russia claims it targeted a Ukrainian Security Service building in Kyiv. Tensions remain high as both sides exchange attacks.