The US government pledged substantial military aid to Taiwan. The aid package includes defence articles and military equipment. This move aims to bolster Taiwan's defence capabilities. China has increased military activities near Taiwan. Taiwan recently responded to a large Chinese naval presence. The US action underscores its commitment to Taiwan's security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. He attended the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony as a special guest and engaged with the Indian diaspora. Modi held meetings with Kuwaiti leaders to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, investment, and energy.

Pakistani security forces eliminated 11 terrorists across three operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on December 17-18. Seven terrorists were killed in Tank district, two in North Waziristan, and two in Mohmand district. This follows a sharp rise in terrorism-related fatalities in the province, with a 90% surge in violence during the third quarter of 2024.

The Guardian's owner, the Scott Trust, has sold the Observer, the world's oldest Sunday newspaper, to Tortoise Media. The deal includes a five-year commercial agreement and a 5 million investment from the Scott Trust, which will also take a 9% stake in Tortoise. Lucy Rock becomes the Observer's first female print editor in a century.

Tajik migrant workers face increasing difficulties in Russia following a deadly attack in Moscow. Many are denied entry or deported, exacerbating economic hardship in Tajikistan and raising concerns about potential unrest and extremist recruitment. Russia's tightening migration policies, driven by wartime labor shortages and nationalist sentiment, strain the economic relationship between the two countries.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, alleging the tech giant uses conflict minerals in its products. Congo accuses Apple of complicity in war crimes, handling stolen goods, and deceptive commercial practices by sourcing minerals pillaged from Congolese mines controlled by armed groups.

Ukrainian intelligence reported that around 30 North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region were killed or wounded over the weekend. This marks the first reported North Korean casualties in the nearly three-year conflict. Ukraine claims to have engaged North Korean units earlier this month. Russia's Defense Ministry has not commented on the claims.

Taiwanese authorities reported that Chinese naval and coast guard vessels have concluded large-scale maritime exercises around Taiwan. The drills, which simulated attacks and blockades, were a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's US visit. Around 90 Chinese ships participated, exceeding the response to Pelosi's 2022 visit. Taiwan's military and coast guard have stood down from heightened alert.

Harvey Weinstein was hospitalized for urgent medical care after an alarming blood test. His attorney claims the New York jail's substandard medical care violates his constitutional rights. Weinstein, suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia and other conditions, was transferred to Bellevue Hospital. His legal team accuses the jail of neglect and inadequate sanitary conditions.

In Chattogram, Bangladesh, three Hindu temples were vandalised during a mob attack amidst ongoing protests sparked by the arrest of former ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das under sedition charges. Both groups clashed, leading to minimal damage. India's government has expressed concern over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, urging protection.

President Putin threatened to strike decision-making centers in Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic missile after Moscow attacked Ukraine's energy grid. The attack left a million people without power and was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. The conflict has seen new weapon deployments as both sides aim to gain the upper hand.

Taiwan held an air defense drill. This was to prepare for possible Chinese military action. Lai Ching-te's upcoming trip to the Pacific with US stopovers prompted this. China views Lai as a separatist. China opposes the US transits. China may conduct military drills near Taiwan. Taiwan says such drills would be provocative. The drill involved aircraft, ships, and missile systems.

ISKCON Bangladesh criticizes the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson advocating for minority rights. Das faces sedition charges after an incident involving the Bangladesh flag. The complainant reportedly withdrew the case. Minority groups demand Das's release. ISKCON Bangladesh calls for peace and protection of minority rights. The organization lists demands, including accountability for attacks against the Sanatani community.

Santa Claus is preparing for Christmas in Rovaniemi, but a lack of snow due to climate change is causing concern. The warmer Arctic weather is affecting reindeer, who struggle to find food. Despite this, tourists still flock to Rovaniemi, hoping for a snowy Christmas experience. Santa's Post Office receives thousands of letters daily, with many wishing for peace this year.

President-elect Donald Trump has selected former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to be the U.S. ambassador to NATO. Whitaker, a staunch Trump ally with limited foreign policy experience, will represent the U.S. to the alliance that Trump has frequently criticized.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Guyana during his visit, the first by an Indian head of state in over 50 years. Modi praised the community for their contributions across sectors and highlighted the strong bond between India and Guyana despite the distance.

Pakistan has decided to launch a comprehensive military operation in Balochistan province to counter terrorism and address security challenges. The operation aims to target terrorist organizations, including the BLA and BLF, responsible for attacks on civilians and disrupting economic progress.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit to discuss recent troop disengagement in Demchok and Depsang. They reviewed the progress made and explored future steps to enhance bilateral relations while also addressing global issues.

An Israeli airstrike on a residential area in Beirut killed at least five people, as the U.S. continues efforts to broker a ceasefire. This follows a weekend of escalated attacks and comes ahead of planned talks between U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein and Lebanese officials.