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Lionel Messi's 'GOAT' India tour was marred by chaos and violence at a stadium event in Kolkata, where fans threw chairs and bottles after he left the event early. Thousands had paid up to 12,000 rupees to see the football star, but were disappointed when he was obscured by officials and celebrities. West Bengal's chief minister apologized and announced an inquiry into the incident. A police official said the event's chief organizer had been arrested, and authorities will investigate refunding ticket money. The All India Football Federation said it was not involved in the private event. Messi's tour includes promotional events in four Indian cities.

Cambodia has shut its border crossings with Thailand due to ongoing fighting between the two countries despite a claimed ceasefire by US President Donald Trump. Thai officials reported four soldiers killed on Saturday, while Cambodia's defence ministry claimed Thai fighter jets bombed hotel buildings and a bridge. The conflict has resulted in at least 15 Thai military deaths and 270 injuries since Monday. Trump had earlier claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between the two nations after speaking to their prime ministers, but both sides continued to exchange accusations of ceasefire violations.

A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store, got drunk, and is now suspected of breaking into a nearby karate studio and raiding the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for snacks. The raccoon, nicknamed the 'trashed panda,' was released back into the wild after sobering up. The incident has gone viral, and the county has raised $207,000 from selling 'trashed panda' shirts to renovate the shelter. Officials believe the raccoon may strike again, as it's getting comfortable around humans.

Five men have been arrested in Germany for allegedly plotting to attack a Christmas market in the southern Bavarian state. The suspects, including three Moroccans, an Egyptian, and a Syrian, were detained on Friday over the plan to drive a vehicle into people at the market. Authorities suspect an Islamist motive behind the plot. The Egyptian suspect, a 56-year-old imam, allegedly called for a vehicle attack to kill or injure as many people as possible. The suspects appeared before a magistrate on Saturday and remain in custody. German authorities have been on high alert after previous attacks at Christmas markets, including one in Berlin in 2016 that killed 12 people and another in Magdeburg last December that killed six people. The planned attack was believed to target a market in the Dingolfing-Landau area, north east of Munich.

The US has brokered a deal with Belarus to release 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures and human rights activists, in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on a key Belarusian export, potash. The release was the result of complex negotiations led by the US, culminating in a visit to Minsk by Donald Trump's special envoy, John Coale. The prisoners were released to either Lithuania or Ukraine, with some expressing concerns about the deal and the potential for Lukashenko to take more prisoners. Prominent figures released include Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babaryka, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski. The deal has been seen as a win for Lukashenko, who has been a political pariah in the West, and has raised questions about the US's motivations and the potential impact on the situation in Belarus.

The US House Oversight Committee has released new photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, showing ties between the convicted paedophile and several high-profile figures, including Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, and Bill Clinton. The images, obtained via subpoena, do not imply wrongdoing but have sparked controversy and renewed scrutiny of Epstein's connections to the rich and powerful. Republicans have accused Democrats of 'cherry-picking' photos to create a false narrative, while Democrats have called for greater transparency and justice for Epstein's survivors.

Over a million households in Ukraine are without electricity after a series of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The attacks, which used hypersonic missiles, hit five regions and injured at least five people. The strikes come as the US is pushing for a peace deal to end the war by Christmas, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff in Berlin to discuss a proposed peace agreement. The agreement includes Ukraine's army pulling out of the Donbas region and turning it into a 'special economic zone', but Zelensky has reacted sceptically. Meanwhile, the EU has agreed to freeze Russian assets worth €210bn, which could be loaned back to Ukraine if a deal is reached.

China's economic growth slowed down in November, with retail sales rising only 1.3% year-over-year, missing expectations of 2.8% growth. Industrial production also missed expectations, growing 4.8% compared to the expected 5%. Investment in fixed assets contracted 2.6%, deepening from the 1.7% drop in the January to October period. The urban unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1%. Economists are calling for more supportive fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to boost consumption and investment. China's economy is facing challenges, including a property sector decline and reliance on exports.

The article discusses the recent sell-off in tech stocks, particularly AI-related names, despite Broadcom's strong earnings report. Major U.S. indexes fell on Friday, with the Nasdaq Composite declining 1.6% for the week. Broadcom's shares plummeted 11% due to concerns over lower margins and uncertain deals. Analysts from Bernstein and UBS remain optimistic about Broadcom's future prospects, citing its AI story and accelerating performance. Other news includes Oracle refuting a Bloomberg report on delayed data centers, Coinbase planning an in-house prediction market, and Berkshire Hathaway's leadership transition potentially drifting away from its decentralized 'Berkshire way'. Goldman Sachs suggests a strategy to play China's domestic agriculture sector.

Copper prices are expected to hit new highs as traders rush to import the metal into the US due to tariff concerns and supply disruptions. Industry experts predict that the rally will continue into 2026, driven by demand from the energy transition and artificial intelligence sectors. Citi analysts expect prices to reach $13,000 per ton in early 2026 and $15,000 by the second quarter of next year. The current rally is driven by anticipation of tariffs, supply disruptions, and physical hoarding in the US, which is eroding international availability. Copper prices have soared this year, hitting multiple record highs, and are seen as a leading indicator for the health of the global economy.

Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, has identified four European tech companies he is bullish on despite the region's tech sector facing challenges. The companies are SAP, ASML, Klarna, and Spotify. Ives believes that despite growing frustration among investors, these companies have significant upside potential. SAP's share price has fallen 11.4% in 2025, but analysts see a 35.9% upside. ASML has surged 38.6% this year, with a 2.6% upside predicted. Klarna's stock has fallen 19% since its NYSE debut, but analysts target a 41.1% upside. Spotify's stock has risen 33.9% in 2025, with a predicted 26.1% upside.

European stocks opened positively on December 15, 2025, ahead of a busy week for Europe's central banks. The Stoxx 600 index rose 0.38%, with most sectors and major bourses in the green. The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to keep interest rates at 2% on Thursday, and its President Christine Lagarde indicated that the bank may lift its growth forecasts again in December. Other central banks, including the Bank of England and Norges Bank, will also make their final monetary policy decisions for 2025 this week. European leaders will discuss funding for Ukraine at a summit in Brussels on Thursday.

The article provides live updates on the stock market, noting that stock futures were little changed on Sunday night following a mixed week on Wall Street. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite fell last week, while the Dow rose. Traders are bracing for a slew of U.S. economic data reports ahead, including nonfarm payrolls figures and the consumer price index. The article also highlights a rotation out of tech and into parts of the market trading at lower valuations, with Oracle and Broadcom leading the decline in the tech sector. Analysts predict that the S&P 500's Magnificent-7 may be less dominant in 2026 due to increased competition in the AI race.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to provoke North Korea into a military conflict to justify declaring martial law, according to prosecutors. Yoon and his military commanders allegedly tried to lure North Korea into an armed aggression, but it failed. The special counsel has indicted 24 people, including Yoon and five cabinet members, on insurrection charges. Yoon had declared martial law in December 2023, but it was overturned by lawmakers. He was later impeached and removed from office in April 2024. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors seeking a 15-year prison term for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

The Chinese government has imposed sanctions on Shigeru Iwasaki, the former chief of the Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces, for 'colluding with separatist forces' in Taiwan. The sanctions include freezing his assets in China, banning transactions with him, and prohibiting his entry into mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The move comes after Beijing lodged a protest with Tokyo in March over Iwasaki's appointment as an honorary adviser to Taiwan's Executive Yuan.

The article discusses the potential strengthening of China's currency, the yuan, against the US dollar, with some analysts predicting it could reach 6.8 yuan per dollar by 2026. This optimism is driven by expected US Federal Reserve rate cuts and improving China-US trade tensions. The yuan has already shown signs of strengthening, with the offshore yuan trading at 7.048 per US dollar. Analysts from Bank of America and Huatai Securities have made bullish predictions, citing factors such as a stable daily fixing rate, policy stimulus, and capital inflows.

China's economic growth is slowing down, with retail sales growing only 1.3% in November, the slowest pace in six months, and investment falling 2.6% in the first 11 months of the year. The country's property slump persists, and the government faces mounting pressure to increase stimulus measures to revitalize the economy. Officials acknowledge the challenges and the need for more proactive macro policies to expand domestic demand and improve supply.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi clarified Tokyo's position on Taiwan during a parliamentary session, referencing the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique in an attempt to ease tensions with Beijing. Motegi stated that Japan's fundamental policy on Taiwan is in line with the communique, which established diplomatic ties with Beijing and severed ties with Taipei. However, he did not read out the portion of the communique that states Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, a phrase Beijing has urged Japan to restate. The move comes amid a diplomatic crisis sparked by comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan.

An Indonesian domestic helper, Darwati, died in a fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. Before her death, she sent a frantic video message to her husband, Eli Cahyono, describing her struggle to breathe and escape the blaze. Darwati refused to abandon the elderly woman she cared for, and both died in the fire. The article recounts the events leading up to their deaths and the emotional impact on Darwati's husband.

Malaysia is set to recover 12 pieces of fine art worth over US$30 million linked to the 1MDB scandal after discussions with US officials. The artworks, including pieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Miro, were purchased by Jasmine Loo, a former lawyer for the state investment fund, and are currently being held by Christie's and Sotheby's auction houses in the US. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) met with US officials to discuss repatriating assets tied to the scandal, including fugitive Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, who is believed to be hiding in China. Malaysia has been working to repatriate Low since he was first charged in absentia in 2018 with eight counts of money laundering.

Chinese scientists have developed a balm for testicles that they claim can boost sperm activity and improve sperm quality. The balm, developed by researchers from several domestic institutes, has shown promising results in animal trials and in vitro studies. The decline in sperm quality is a global issue, with factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, environmental pollution, and work-related stress contributing to the problem. The Chinese researchers used extracellular vesicles derived from milk as natural carriers and loaded them with a key protein known as SKAP2, which was then embedded within a hydrogel matrix for direct application to the scrotal skin.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York's JFK airport had a near-miss with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker on Friday. The JetBlue pilot reported that the military plane crossed their path without its transponder on, forcing them to halt their ascent. The incident is being reviewed by the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously warned U.S. aircraft to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace due to heightened military activity. JetBlue has reported the incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation.

The article is a transcript of an interview with Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Hassett discusses various economic topics including inflation, consumer price index, tariffs, and the Federal Reserve's role. He attributes the current inflation rate to 'macro effects' such as runaway spending and big deficits, and 'micro effects' like the avian flu affecting drug prices. Hassett also talks about the president's views on the Fed and its independence, and his own potential role as the next Fed chair. He emphasizes that the Fed should remain independent and that the current economic data shows positive signs such as a 4% growth rate and a decrease in the deficit.

Senator Bill Cassidy discusses his proposed healthcare bill on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan', stating that it provides Americans with up to $1,500 in tax-free accounts to spend on healthcare. The bill failed to pass with 51-48 votes, and Cassidy expresses willingness to negotiate with Democrats to find a compromise. He also addresses concerns about the FDA's review of the abortion drug Mifepristone, expressing disappointment at the slow progress.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned a drone strike on a U.N. facility in Sudan that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and wounded eight others. The strike occurred in the city of Kadugli, in the central region of Kordofan, where the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is deployed. The Sudanese military blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group at war with the army, for the attack. Guterres called for those responsible to be held accountable and urged an immediate ceasefire to allow for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, widespread atrocities, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss ending the Ukraine-Russia war. Zelenskyy expressed readiness to drop Ukraine's bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees but rejected U.S. proposals to cede territory to Russia. He emphasized the need for firm guarantees from the U.S. and European allies to prevent Russian aggression. Russian President Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, stated that Russian police and national guard would remain in parts of the Donetsk region even if it becomes a demilitarized zone. The talks come amid concerns over Russia's intentions and the need for a robust and lasting peace.

Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including key opposition figures and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, in exchange for US sanctions relief. The release is seen as a move by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to improve relations with the US, with the US special envoy hinting that around 1,000 more political prisoners could be released in the coming months. The pardoned prisoners include Maria Kolesnikova, a symbol of resistance against Lukashenko's regime, and Viktar Babaryka, a former banker who challenged Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election. While the release is a significant moment for the opposition movement, analysts believe Lukashenko's loyalty will remain with Russia, and the move may be aimed at economic recovery rather than democratic transition.

Tensions are running high in Australia as the far-right movement has become increasingly emboldened, with neo-Nazis attending anti-migration rallies and promoting white supremacist ideology. The protests, which have drawn thousands of people, are primarily focused on the issue of migration, with many Australians feeling that the numbers are too high and the government is not doing enough to address the strain on infrastructure. The presence of neo-Nazis at these rallies has been condemned by many, including the Australian Greens and the government, which is now strengthening laws against public displays of neo-Nazi ideology. The controversy has also been fueled by the actions of far-right politician Pauline Hanson, who wore a burqa in parliament and is calling for it to be banned in public places.

Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in renewed fighting over a disputed border region, despite a claimed ceasefire by US President Donald Trump. The conflict has resulted in around two dozen deaths and tens of thousands fleeing the area. Thailand has imposed a curfew in affected areas and destroyed a bridge used by Cambodia to deliver heavy weapons. The conflict stems from decades-old tensions over competing territorial claims, with roots in a 1907 map created during French colonial rule and a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling.

British astronaut Tim Peake has urged the US and China to collaborate on new trips to the moon, rather than competing in a new space race. Peake, who spent six months on the International Space Station, said it would be 'foolish' to explore the moon without contingency plans for rescuing astronauts from other countries in an emergency. He cited the successful collaboration between astronauts from different countries on the ISS as a model for future lunar missions. NASA is set to launch four astronauts on a mission to fly around the moon for the first time since the final Apollo landing in 1972.

Venezuelan oil exports have come to a near standstill following the US seizure of a tanker carrying sanctioned oil. The seizure, which was carried out by US special forces and coastguard, has led to fears that more ships could be seized, resulting in around 11 million barrels of oil and fuel being stuck in Venezuelan waters. The US has imposed new sanctions on six supertankers and shipping firms dealing with Venezuela, as well as three of President Nicolas Maduro's nephews. The move is seen as part of the US's efforts to pressure Maduro's regime, which is regarded by most Western governments as a dictatorship.

Australia is considering tightening its already strict gun laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which has reignited the debate on gun control. The country's gun laws were significantly tightened in 1996 after a mass shooting at Port Arthur, and since then, Australia has seen a significant reduction in gun-related homicides. However, the number of guns held legally has risen steadily over the past two decades, and the recent Bondi shooting has prompted the government to re-examine the current laws. The proposed changes include limiting gun licenses to Australian citizens, restricting the number and type of guns owned, and introducing more frequent checks on gun owners. The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced that state and territory leaders have agreed to pursue tougher controls, and work will begin on a national firearms register.

Britain's new MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli, warns that the UK faces growing threats from Russia and other hostile actors in her first public speech. She emphasizes the need for the UK to master technology and highlights the importance of human agency in tackling security threats. Metreweli also addresses the 'hybrid war' Europe is facing, citing incidents such as Russian-backed operatives setting fire to Ukrainian-linked factories in the UK and disruptions to underwater cables in the Baltic Sea.

Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a renowned Nepali ophthalmologist, has spent over four decades restoring sight to over 100,000 people. He established the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal, which has produced nearly 7 million intraocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract patients in over 40 countries. Ruit plans to expand the institute's reach by building a new manufacturing facility in Hetauda, Nepal, to meet the growing global demand for IOLs. He hopes to make Nepal a leader in eye care innovation and share his model of sustainable, affordable eye care with other developing countries. Ruit has trained many doctors and founded several organizations, including the Cure Blindness Project, which has screened and operated on 19 million patients worldwide.

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York City's JFK Airport had a close call with a US Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela, with the pilot claiming the military plane crossed their path without its transponder on. The incident has been reported to federal authorities, and JetBlue will cooperate with any investigation. The US military has increased its presence in the Caribbean as part of an anti-drug-trafficking campaign and to pressure Venezuela's government.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was rescued in a dramatic operation led by Bryan Stern, a U.S. special forces veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. Machado, considered a fugitive by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was extracted from Venezuela and transported to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Golden Dynamite,' involved disguises, deception, and navigating choppy seas. Stern's team faced numerous challenges, including mechanical issues with their boat and the risk of detection by Venezuelan forces. They successfully delivered Machado to safety, and she eventually flew to Norway on a private jet arranged by her personal network.

The US and Ukraine are targeting a 'dark fleet' of around 1,000 rogue oil tankers that are evading sanctions and posing significant geopolitical risks and environmental threats. These tankers, often elderly and poorly maintained, are used to transport sanctioned oil from countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia, funding wars and illicit regimes. The US has seized tankers, such as the 'Skipper', while Ukraine has used naval drone strikes to disable vessels in the Black Sea, like the 'Dashan'. Maritime analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann highlights the dangers of these vessels, including the risk of billion-dollar oil spills and their role in gray-zone aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the frontline city of Kupiansk, weeks after Russia claimed to have taken control. Zelenskyy's visit comes ahead of security talks in Berlin with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. The talks aim to secure long-term safety for Ukraine and plans for postwar recovery. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that peace cannot be reached at the expense of the EU or NATO and urged allies to boost defense spending.

A DoorDash driver, Kourtney Stevenson, was caught on camera spraying a mysterious substance on a delivery order of Arby's food. The recipients, Mandy and Mark Cardin, later fell ill after consuming the food, experiencing vomiting and a burning sensation in their throats and mouths. Stevenson claimed she was trying to scare away a spider, but authorities charged her with battery and consumer package tampering. The incident has left the Cardins questioning their trust in food delivery services.

Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and conspiracy theorist Candace Owens have announced a private meeting to discuss their online feud. The feud escalated after Owens spread baseless conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk's assassination, which Erika Kirk publicly condemned. Owens claimed that Israeli officials were responsible for the assassination, a theory that Erika Kirk strongly refuted. The meeting aims to resolve their differences, with both parties agreeing to refrain from public discussions until after the meeting.

The article criticizes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to reduce the number of vaccines for children, citing his role as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. Kennedy's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) changed the recommendation for hepatitis B vaccines, advising them only for babies whose mothers tested positive for the disease. The article argues that this decision, along with other actions by the CDC and FDA under Kennedy's influence, is part of an anti-vax campaign that is dangerous and misinformed. The author contends that vaccines are safe and effective, and that reducing their use will lead to more sick and dead kids.

The article discusses the impact of Chinese investment in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR), on the country's economy, tourism, and local businesses. The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, businesses, and money, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. However, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many local businesses struggling to compete with Chinese-owned enterprises. The article highlights concerns about the country's growing dependence on Chinese capital and the potential risks associated with it.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to displacement and migration. The story of Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant worker in Singapore, is highlighted. Emran left his village in Gabura Union of the Satkhira district due to the devastating impact of climate change on his family's livelihood. The article explains how recurring disasters such as storms and floods have crippled the local economy, pushing people to migrate to cities or abroad in search of work. Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with a projected 30cm of sea-level rise by 2050 potentially displacing millions more people. The article also provides statistics on the number of people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh and the increasing trend of migration abroad.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they eventually increased, forcing Bergman to raise prices or lose money. The tariffs disproportionately affected small businesses, which make up 96% of the toy industry, while big-box retailers like Walmart and Target were able to absorb the costs. The trade war led to a 'Christmas economy split' where small businesses suffered while large retailers remained relatively unaffected. Bergman was eventually forced to close her store.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to announce that the state has hired two former CDC officials, Susan Monarez and Dr. Debra Houry, who were critical of the Trump administration's handling of public health issues. The hires are part of Newsom's efforts to position California as a Democratic bulwark and to elevate his national profile ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. The two officials will serve as consultants for the California Department of Public Health and will help develop a new public health initiative.

The article discusses the strained transatlantic ties between the US and Europe, particularly due to former President Donald Trump's criticism of the European Union (EU). Trump officials and allies have attacked the EU, citing its handling of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a fine imposed on Elon Musk's company X for non-compliance with EU digital regulations. Meanwhile, other leaders are expressing interest in joining the EU. The article highlights the perceived hostility towards Europe and Trump's support for far-right movements, sparking concern among commenters.