Pope Francis criticized Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, calling the bombing of children cruelty and ot war. His remarks follow earlier comments suggesting the offensive could be considered genocide, drawing criticism from an Israeli minister. The pope also revealed that the Catholic bishop of Jerusalem was barred from entering Gaza on Friday.

The UAE and Kuwait will clash in the Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 13. The UAE previously defeated Kuwait in the tournament by 11 runs, with Tanish Suri's 77 and Junaid Siddique's 3/24 proving crucial. Oman won the inaugural championship in September 2023. The final will be live-streamed on FanCode.

Authorities led Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in a slow, lengthy perp walk during his transportation to a New York federal prison. What caught people's attention was Mangione being flanked by NYC mayor Eric Adams. The highly publicized escort has garnered mixed reactions on social media and rekindled the debate about staging so-called perp walks.

Ex-AAP MLA Sukhbir Singh Dalal and Sikh leader Balbir Singh joined the BJP. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva welcomed them. Dalal criticized AAP's inaction on the sports university project. He praised BJP's work in rural areas. Sachdeva highlighted the Modi government's project completion record. Union minister Harsh Malhotra slammed AAP's broken promises. Delhi elections are due in February.

A warm Christmas is predicted for most of the US in 2024, with rain instead of snow expected across many regions. A white Christmas is most likely in the Rocky Mountains and along the US-Canada border. Holiday travelers should anticipate hazardous conditions in the Upper Midwest and northern Rockies early in the week, shifting to the Northeast by Tuesday.

Sixteen security personnel were killed in northwest Pakistan in an attack by Islamist militants, the deputy superintendent of police told Reuters.

Allah Ghazanfar achieved a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe in an ODI match. He helped restrict Zimbabwe to a low score. Ghanzafar was bought by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction. He was a key player in the U-19 World Cup. He also helped Afghanistan win the Emerging Asia Cup.

ISRO and ESA have signed an agreement to collaborate on astronaut training, mission implementation, and research experiments. This partnership includes joint work on the Axiom-4 mission, with experiments on the ISS, and future cooperation on human spaceflight activities, including India's proposed space station, BAS.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship. The scholarship will fund overseas education for Dalit students. Kejriwal linked the initiative to a perceived BJP slight against Ambedkar. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and living expenses. Government employees' children are also eligible. This announcement comes before the upcoming Delhi elections.

Taiwan received the first US tanks in over two decades. The shipment included 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks. These tanks will boost Taiwan's defense capabilities. Taiwan expects 122 tanks over the next two years. China opposes this military cooperation with the US. China claims Taiwan as its territory. China vows to defend its sovereignty.

Sanjay Raut accused Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis of lying about the Bharat Jodo Yatra's link to urban Naxals. Violence erupted in Parbhani and Beed. Nana Patole defended the Yatra and demanded a list of the accused organizations. He highlighted the Congress party's national service and commitment to the Constitution. Patole sought transparency from Fadnavis.

Nothing has launched Nothing OS 3.0 based on Android 15 for its smartphones. The update brings a redesigned Gallery app, customizable lock screen with Shared Widgets, an AI-powered Smart Drawer, and performance enhancements. The rollout begins with Phone (2) and Phone (2a) this year, followed by Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1 in early 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait on a two-day visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. He will engage in discussions with Kuwaiti leaders, including the Emir, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

An arrest warrant has been issued for former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa over alleged unpaid employee provident fund dues totaling over 23 lakh. Uthappa, director of Centauries Lifestyle Brands, is accused of failing to remit the funds. Police, however, stated that Uthappa no longer resides at the address listed on the warrant.

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light has topped former US President Barack Obama's list of recommended films for the year 2024. The other movies that topped his list include The Piano Lesson and Dune: Part Two. Obama also shared a list of his recommended songs and books for 2024.

Party City, struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic, filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in two years. The retailer plans to wind down its 700 stores and wholesale operations with going-out-of-business sales. Senior lenders will provide financial support during the closure process. Amscan, a Party City Holdco-operated subsidiary, also filed for bankruptcy.

Tech mogul Elon Musk played a pivotal role in derailing a bipartisan funding bill, raising questions about his growing influence in Washington. However, the US House passed the urgent funding bill to avert a government shutdown. After the key bill was passed, Elon Musk challenged the government with a cryptic 'Vox Populi' post on X.

The Winter Solstice arrives on December 21, 2024. It marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. India will experience the solstice around 2:30 pm. The Northern Hemisphere will see longer nights and shorter days. The Southern Hemisphere will experience shorter nights and longer days.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut indicated a potential solo run for his party in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. While clarifying that this wouldn't necessitate leaving the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Raut emphasized the strong demand from party workers to contest independently, citing a surplus of aspirants.

A Pakistan military court sentenced 25 people to prison. They attacked the military in May 2023. Sentences range from two to 10 years. The military media wing called it a milestone in justice. They warned against political exploitation and violence. The military urged people to respect the law.

Novo Nordisk's reign as Europe's most valuable company is facing a challenge from US rival Eli Lilly. Lilly's weight-loss drug, Zepbound, is gaining market share, while Novo's experimental drug showed less impressive results. This competition mirrors the Nokia-Apple rivalry, raising concerns about Europe's ability to maintain its competitive edge.

Papaya seeds are packed with powerful compounds that may help prevent cancer. Rich in antioxidants and isothiocyanates, these seeds have shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing risks.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25. The date links to Roman and pagan winter solstice traditions. Early Christians adopted the date to celebrate Jesus' birth. Christmas traditions include nativity scenes, Santa Claus, and decorated trees. Feasts and family gatherings are common. Christmas is now a global holiday observed by many cultures and faiths.

Elon Musk, via a barrage of X posts containing misinformation, derailed a bipartisan funding bill, prompting a government shutdown threat. His false claims targeted congressional pay raises, stadium funding, and bioweapon labs. Congress ultimately approved a different spending deal, averting a shutdown.

Defence and space leaders will gather in India next month for the DefSat Conference and Expo to discuss the growing role of space technology in modern warfare. The conference will explore topics such as quantum key distribution, non-kinetic warfare, and AI-powered solutions, with a focus on homeland security applications.

Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett are set to star opposite Anne Hathaway in Amazon MGM Studios upcoming feature Verity. The film will fall under Semi-Formal Productions first-look film deal with the studio. The story follows, Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime.

As US President Joe Biden's term is coming to an end, he is reportedly considering commuting the sentences of federal row inmates, including men who slaughtered children and fellow inmates. This comes after Biden, a lifelong Catholic, met Pope Francis. Biden has always opposed capital punishment and has delivered a large number of controversial pardons and commutations this month.

The body of a seven-year-old boy was recovered Saturday, bringing the death toll to 15 in the December 18 ferry-Navy craft collision off Mumbai's coast. The overloaded ferry, carrying over 100 passengers to Elephanta Island, collided with a Navy craft during engine trials. A probe has been launched, and the ferry's license has been revoked.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warns that populist measures like free electricity and transport, while offering immediate relief, are straining state finances. These schemes hinder investment in crucial infrastructure, impacting long-term economic stability. High debt levels and growing subsidy burdens exacerbate the problem, with some states spending ten times more on operational costs than development, limiting future growth potential.

Tony Buzbee, a prominent Texas lawyer, is under intense scrutiny after being accused of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease to a woman, along with violent behaviour and legal manipulation. The lawsuit, filed in New York, also highlights claims of coercion and threats. These allegations come as Buzbee faces a range of high-profile legal battles, including one against Jay-Z's Roc Nation, adding to the growing controversy surrounding his career.

Japanese auto giants Honda and Nissan are exploring a major partnership. They may produce cars in each other's factories. Honda might supply hybrid vehicles to Nissan. The companies are even considering a merger. This could create the world's third-largest carmaker. The partnership aims to boost their competitiveness.

India's green cover expanded. Forest and tree cover grew by 1,445 sq km, now covering 25.17% of the nation. Forest cover increased by 156 sq km. Tree cover rose by 1,289 sq km. Madhya Pradesh has the most forest cover. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan saw significant gains.

The GST Council's 55th meeting in Jaisalmer faced a deadlock over proposed GST rate cuts for term and health insurance. Several states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, expressed concerns over potential revenue losses, leading to the deferral of the decision.

Baba Vanga, the blind mystic from Bulgaria, left behind unsettling prophecies that continue to captivate the world. Many of her predictions for 2024, including economic turmoil, severe climate changes, and medical breakthroughs, are beginning to unfold. Among the notable developments are advancements in cancer treatment and record-breaking global temperatures. However, more troubling predictions, including bioweapons tests and genetic manipulation, still hang over the future. This article explor

Star anise water offers multiple health benefits, including aiding digestion, promoting weight loss, boosting immunity, improving skin health, and reducing inflammation. Learn how to make it at home for winter wellness.

Indias forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. Forest cover alone rose by 156 sq km, reaching 21.76% of the countrys total geographical area. Tree cover also expanded by 1,289 sq km. The overall green cover now stands at 25.17% of Indias land.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has been receiving support from GOP lawmakers to become the US House Speaker. Elon Musk had urged Republicans to not to pass a government funding extension that would prevent a major shutdown. But the SpaceX CEO is born in South Africa. So, can he become the House Speaker? What does the Constitution says?

Four men were questioned by Mumbai police near Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's residence on suspicion of conducting reconnaissance. Investigation revealed they were telecom company employees testing the network. The incident occurred Saturday morning when two men on a motorcycle were observed outside Raut's bungalow, prompting concern and a police response.

NORADs Santa Tracker has evolved into a cherished global tradition, helping millions track Santas journey on Christmas Eve. Originating from a misdialled phone number in 1955, this annual programme, now powered by modern technology, continues to spread joy worldwide. Volunteers, satellites, and infrared sensors all work together to ensure that children and families can follow Santas route, keeping the magic of Christmas alive.

Maharashtra's Mahayuti government is expected to announce portfolio allocations on Saturday, concluding the state assembly's Winter Session. Leaders of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP met to finalize the distribution, following the swearing-in of ministers earlier this month. Shiv Sena leader Bharat Gogawale expressed confidence in securing the guardian minister post for his home district, Raigad.

Kashmir shivered through its coldest December night in five decades as Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of harshest winter, began. Srinagar plummeted to -8.5C, freezing Dal Lake and water lines. Pahalgam and Gulmarg also recorded sub-zero temperatures. While mainly dry weather is forecast, light snowfall is possible in higher reaches.