The United Nations (UN) warns Myanmar is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with over 18 million people, or one-third of the population, requiring aid. The situation has worsened since the 2021 military coup, with displacement, healthcare interruptions, food insecurity, and child vulnerability. Mass displacement affects 2.6 million, escalating conflict adding 660,000 since late October. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs seeks $1 billion in donations for 2024, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent Myanmar from becoming a forgotten emergency after significant underfunding in 2023.

Paddington station will close for four days from Christmas Eve due to HS2 engineering work, affecting services until December 27. Victoria station will also close for Southeastern services from December 23 to January 2, and King’s Cross will shut on Christmas Eve. The closures impact Elizabeth line services between Paddington and Ealing Broadway on Christmas Eve. Network Rail assures 96% of the national rail network will operate as usual during the festive period, investing £127m in repairs and upgrades. Passengers are advised to check their journeys due to potential disruptions amid significant rail improvements.            

The volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula began Monday night, with lava and smoke soaring over 100 meters into the air. Experts, including Halldor Geirson from the University of Iceland, warn the eruption could persist for months. While most lava flows away from Grindavík, residents face uncertainty, and emergency protocols are in effect. The Blue Lagoon spa closed, and evacuations continue. Though Keflavik Airport remains operational, vigilance surrounds potential changes. Tourists witness the spectacular display, as 50 workers race to fortify defenses. Authorities monitor the situation, emphasizing safety and closely evaluating the evolving eruption.

NASA achieves a milestone by transmitting a 15-second cat video from a spaceship 31 million km away using a laser communication system on the Psyche probe. The high-definition "meow-vie" featuring the orange tabby named Taters demonstrates the potential for higher-data-rate communications needed for complex missions. The video, sent from beyond Mars and Jupiter's asteroid belt, takes 101 seconds to reach Earth, surpassing home broadband speeds. This innovation marks a giant leap for laser communication in deep space missions, showcasing the ability to transmit broadband video across millions of miles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a productive discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The leaders held talks on Tuesday, addressing shared concerns about maritime traffic safety and the safety of maritime traffic. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi highlighted the importance of stability in the region, expressing India's consistent stance for the early restoration of peace. The international community, including the US, has urged for a Gaza ceasefire, while Netanyahu remains resolute in eliminating Hamas. The conflict has drawn global criticism for civilian casualties and destruction.

Amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, HMS Diamond joins a US-led maritime task force. A one-way drone and missile hit oil tanker SWAN ATLANTIC, prompting US Central Command's deployment. BP halts Red Sea shipments, impacting global oil prices, with Brent crude rising 3% to $78.88 per barrel. Downing Street engages freight firms, while nations, including the UK, participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard shipping. Houthi attacks raise concerns, leading France to collaborate with allies against disruptions. Shipping firms pause activities, contributing to fears of supply chain disruptions and potential petrol price hikes. Security measures intensify as global tensions heighten.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the enhancement of Russia's nuclear arsenal, attributing the moves to perceived Western aggression. Strategic forces at the highest level of readiness as the West wages a “hybrid war” against Russia, Putin told the conference of senior defence officials on Tuesday. Putin, running for re-election in March 2024, asserted that attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia had failed. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu revealed the laying of 7,000 sq km of minefields along the 2,000km frontline. Putin claimed Russia's defense industry's agility in responding to the Ukraine conflict surpasses that of the West. Meanwhile, Russia summoned Finland's ambassador over concerns about a new defense agreement with the U.S., vowing measures against perceived NATO threats.

Singapore confronts a significant COVID-19 surge, with a record 56,043 cases in a week, prompting the Health Ministry to open a second treatment facility at Singapore Expo Hall 10. The surge led to an advisory urging mask-wearing in crowded places. Hospitalization rates spiked to 350 daily admissions from 225 the previous week. The ministry emphasizes contingency planning with hospitals to maximize bed capacity. Doctors stress vaccination urgency, urging the public, especially elders and vulnerable individuals, to get vaccinated. In contrast, Malaysia, recording 20,696 cases, assures no immediate lockdown, emphasizing precautionary measures and booster shots.

Flight Radar reports that flights from Keflavik Airport are proceeding on schedule despite the nearby volcanic eruption. They state on X, "Our data reveals minimal impact on operations at Keflavik Airport (KEF) following the volcanic eruption at Grindavik, likely due to no ash cloud." Only 13 flights, 5% of departures and 4% of arrivals, were canceled in the past 24 hours. “Seismic activity together with measurements from GPS devices indicate that the magma is moving to the southwest and the eruption may continue in the direction of Grindavik,” the Met Office said. The Icelandic Coast Guard undertook daring operations, including ferrying a fishing boat to safety and assisting scientists in evaluating the erupting volcano.

The Congress party announced a National Alliance Committee (NAC) with five senior leaders to negotiate seat sharing with INDIA allies for the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections. Chaired by Mukul Wasnik, the committee includes Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Prakash. The move comes ahead of the fourth meeting of the INDIA group in Delhi, aiming to expedite discussions delayed by Congress. The inclusion of experienced leaders indicates a strategic approach to navigate the complexities of seat adjustment. The INDIA alliance meeting is expected to set deadlines for finalizing seat arrangements in preparation for the upcoming general elections.