Virat Kohli has rejoined the squad in South Africa ahead of the first Test against the Proteas, starting on December 26. Kohli's absence from intra-squad practice matches was pre-planned, with the BCCI revealing that he had personal commitment that led to his trip to London instead of returning to India. Kohli had undergone multiple training sessions before departing and is expected to resume practice in Centurion. South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, expresses confidence in his pacers Rabada and Ngidi, who, despite lacking match time, are considered fresh and available for selection in the upcoming 'Boxing Day' Test.

Prabhas' latest film, "Salaar Part 1 - Ceasefire," directed by Prashanth Neel, has stormed the global box office, raking in over ₹295.7 crore in just two days. The movie, released in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi, is set to enter the ₹300 crore club soon. Salaar's plot unfolds in the fictional city of Khansaar, centering around friends-turned-rivals Deva and Vardha, portrayed by Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The action-packed spectacle also features Shruti Haasan, Eshwari Rao, Jagapathi Babu, and Sriya Reddy. Despite minor critiques, Prabhas earns accolades for a solid comeback, promising a blockbuster year-end.

Forecasters predict a potentially record-breaking warm Christmas Day in the UK, reaching highs of 13-14°C. The Met Office suggests a "small chance" of surpassing the 1920 record of 15.6°C. However, hopes for a white Christmas dwindle as snowfall is limited to Scotland's highlands. Meteorologist Liam Eslick anticipates damp conditions, with heavy rain in Wales and a milder Christmas compared to the average 7-8°C. Christmas Eve faces travel disruptions, with 70mph winds hitting northern Scotland and central England. Yellow warnings for rain are in place, urging caution on roads and highlighting flood risks in Wales and Scotland.

Sunil Gavaskar has made significant changes to India's batting order for the upcoming first Test against South Africa. Opting for a fresh approach, Gavaskar selected Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, placing Shubman Gill at No. 3 and Virat Kohli at No. 4. KL Rahul takes on the wicket-keeping role, supported by Shreyas Iyer in the middle order. Gavaskar emphasized the flexibility of Rahul and Shreyas in deciding their positions based on the match situation. In the bowling department, the XI includes spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, along with pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar.

Ukraine is set to celebrate Christmas on 25 December for the first time, breaking from the Orthodox tradition of 7 January aligned with the Julian calendar. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's July-signed law officially recognizes this shift to the Western, Gregorian calendar, a symbolic step distancing Ukraine from Russian influence amid the ongoing conflict. Embraced by the church and citizens, the change signifies Ukraine's alignment with its European aspirations. Kira Rudik of the Golos Zmin Party underscores its significance, stating it marks a cultural and festive synchronization with the democratic, progressive world.

In a pivotal move, the Sports Ministry has suspended the newly elected management of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Geeta Phogat, an Olympic wrestler, expressed hope, saying, "Even though it is late, there is a ray of hope that wrestlers will get justice." However, prominent boxer Vijender Singh emphasized the necessity of timelier action: "They made the woman quit wrestling, the man return the Padma Shri, and now they have suspended the wrestling federation. Action should have been taken earlier." As some athletes contemplate returning awards in protest, the sports community underlines the urgency of governance reforms to protect athletes' interests. The suspension follows WFI's rushed announcement of national championships, violating their constitution.

Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem have been cancelled this year as the town mourns the devastation in Gaza. Usually full of tourists, Manger Square now stands "grey and empty" said one shopkeeper. Pastor Munther Isaac created a nativity scene with baby Jesus lying in rubble, saying "If Jesus was born today, he'd be born under the rubble of Gaza." The mayor said Bethlehem's economy has "crashed" with tourism wiped out. Shop owner Nabil Giacaman lamented having "zero" visitors after reservations were cancelled due to the conflict. With festivities called off across the Holy Land, Christian leaders condemned the violence, with one priest in Bethlehem saying "We pray each day for Gaza and the victims on both sides."

BJP MP and ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distanced himself, stating, "I've taken sanyas from wrestling." After the sports ministry suspended WFI due to irregularities, Singh emphasized his focus on the 2024 Lok Sabha election, saying, "Now whatever has to be done will be done by the newly elected body." Regarding controversy around Sanjay Singh's election, Singh clarified, "Sanjay Singh is my close, not my relative." The suspension followed the announcement of U-15 and U-20 nationals. The move triggered wrestler Sakshi Malik's retirement and Bajrang Punia's Padma Shri return in protest against Singh's election.

Prabhas starrer "Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire" faced a surprising dip on its second day, earning Rs 55 crore in India amidst competition with Shah Rukh Khan's "Dunki." The film, initially breaking 2023 opening records, now totals Rs 145.70 crore. Despite Telugu and Kannada occupancy dominance, Malayalam lagged at 41.70%. The film's opening day success of Rs 95 crore witnessed a considerable decline. Critics cite a disjointed storyline in their review, noting Salaar might primarily appeal to Prabhas enthusiasts. With contrasting opinions, the movie navigates a mixed reception, raising questions about its lasting impact.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran stirred controversy by stating, "Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who come to Tamil Nadu end up doing construction work or cleaning roads and toilets." In a viral clip, Maran compared those who learn English, often ending up in IT companies, with those exclusively fluent in Hindi, implying they engage in menial jobs. BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the INDIA bloc's leaders for their perceived silence on Maran's comments, accusing them of attempting to "divide and rule" the country along caste, language, and religious lines. The statement has intensified discussions on regionalism and political rhetoric.