Sri Lanka's week-long anti-narcotics operation, "Yuktiya" or "Justice," results in nearly 15,000 arrests and the seizure of 440 kg of narcotics. The crackdown, aiming to curb drug trafficking, halts for Christmas but resumes next week. Rights activists criticize the raids, citing illegal searches without warrants and alleged bias towards poorer areas. Police focus on users and small dealers, prompting concerns about overlooking large-scale traffickers. Human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah calls the raids unlawful, urging victims to gather details for potential legal action.

British-Albanian pop sensation Dua Lipa delights fans by sharing holiday pictures from Rajasthan, India. The 28-year-old singer explored Jodhpur, expressing holiday wishes and spreading love. Fans welcomed her warmly, expressing excitement about her visit. This isn't Dua Lipa's first time in India; she previously performed in Mumbai in 2019. On the heels of her new single "Houdini," she anticipates her third studio album in 2024. The Grammy winner also earned a 2024 Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song. Dua Lipa's vibrant Indian vacation captures hearts and headlines.

Amit Chakravarty, HR head of NewsClick, seeks government witness status in the anti-terror case, claiming vital information. Arrested in October over pro-China funding allegations, Chakravarty filed for pardon, citing material knowledge. Delhi Police arrested NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and Chakravarty in October, investigating UAPA violations. The portal faces scrutiny for alleged funds from China. Delhi Police allege a larger conspiracy involving foreign funds from China. NewsClick denies all charges, asserting its independence. The case unfolds as Chakravarty's plea goes before a magisterial court, adding complexity to the ongoing probe.

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney plan to merge their Indian media operations in a deal that could form one of India's biggest entertainment giants. As per reports, Reliance will hold 51%, with Disney at 49%, giving Mukesh Ambani's group substantial control. The merger aims for completion by February, pending regulatory nods, with Reliance eyeing January's end. This move intensifies competition with TV giants Zee and Sony, plus streaming services like Netflix. Reliance's strategic streaming of IPL cricket matches challenges Disney's Hotstar. The $1-1.5 billion investment may reshape India's media landscape, with a shared board of directors.

Amid holiday festivities, concerns escalate in the US as Covid-19 hospitalisations spike by 10%. The spotlight is on the newly identified JN.1 variant, a subvariant of Omicron, now constituting 44% of the country's cases. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), express worry over JN.1's rapid transmission, doubling in just two weeks. Notably, this variant harbors over three dozen mutations in its spike protein, differing significantly from the dominant XBB.1.5 variant. Though evidence suggests vaccines still provide protection, the heightened mutations intensify vigilance. Experts emphasize the importance of cautious celebrations amid the evolving situation.

Pope Francis during his Christmas Day mass, passionately appealed for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning the tragic toll on innocent lives. Addressing the "abominable attack" of October 7 and the plight of hostages, he fervently called for their release. The pontiff implored a halt to military operations, emphasizing the devastating impact on civilians. He further urged a humanitarian solution, emphasizing the desperate need for aid. The Pope's plea, delivered during the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, resonates globally as a heartfelt call for peace and compassion in the midst of the dire situation in Gaza.

Palestinians faced a somber Christmas as Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza, with festivities canceled in Bethlehem and minimal celebrations in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip experienced numerous strikes, leaving many in despair. In Khan Yunis, Fadi Sayegh, unable to celebrate amid dialysis, expressed, "There is no joy." Christian community celebrations were canceled, with Sister Nabila Salah stating, "hearing the sound of tanks and bombardment" replaced festive sounds. The conflict, ongoing since Hamas attacked southern Israel in October, has claimed thousands of lives. Pope Francis called for peace, acknowledging Bethlehem's rejection of peace due to war's "futile logic."

India emerges as the preferred emerging market for sovereign wealth funds and public pension schemes, with 40% favoring it over China, according to a survey by OMFIF. Concerns over Beijing's interventions in companies drive this trend, with China receiving backing from less than a quarter of surveyed managers. Regulatory challenges and geopolitical factors deter around 75% from investing in China. The surveyed funds, wielding a combined financial strength of $25.9 trillion, cite diversification and benchmark exposure as primary reasons for maintaining any investment in China. India's resilient economy gains traction, while China grapples with a deepening property crisis and sluggish growth, leading to hesitancy among long-term investors.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy declared, "Evil will be defeated," as the nation marked Christmas on December 25, aligning with Europe. The government's symbolic shift from January 7 to December 25 for Orthodox Christmas signifies a break from the Russian Orthodox Church. Amid this, Ukraine reported downing 28 out of 31 Russian drones launched from Crimea. Russian attacks in southern Kherson killed five civilians, and Ukrainian shelling in Horlivka claimed one life. Russia alleged Western involvement in Serbian protests over elections. In another incident, a fire on Russia's nuclear-powered ship in Murmansk posed no reactor threat. Tensions persist in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides claiming downed aircraft.

Iran firmly denies allegations from the US regarding a drone attack on a tanker off the Indian coast, dismissing the claims as "completely rejected and worthless." The US Pentagon had accused Tehran of orchestrating the attack, which targeted a Japanese-owned chemical tanker amid a series of strikes by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, stated that such accusations aim to distract public attention and cover up the US government's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Additionally, Iran criticized recent remarks by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, dismissing them as "repetitive" and "threadbare."