The Centre has ordered a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis and directed states to expand protected zones. This move aims to conserve the ancient mountain range, extending from Delhi to Gujarat, and halt unregulated mining. The government also intends to expand restricted areas based on ecological assessments.

A Pentagon report suggests China is using eased border tensions with India to stabilize ties and counter growing US-India partnership. While Beijing seeks normalcy through resumed flights and visas, New Delhi remains skeptical of China's motives amid ongoing distrust. This strategic move aligns with China's long-term national rejuvenation goals.

[UN News] With Central Africans set to vote in presidential, legislative, regional and long-delayed municipal elections this weekend, the United Nations has appealed for calm and restraint, warning that the credibility of the process will be critical to consolidating peace after years of conflict and instability.

As the final pages of the year turn, Tay Grin and Gemini Major are preparing to write what promises to be the most unforgettable finale—and opening—Malawi’s entertainment calendar has ever seen. Branded Roaring 25 with the King, the all-white exclusive party is more than a countdown event. It is being billed as a statement night, […] The post Tay Grin, Gemini Major Set to Deliver the Ultimate Year-Ending, Year-Opening Spectacle at Rivwa & Grill in Lilongwe appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has emerged first in the Financial Services – Bank category at the 2025 Superbrand Awards organised by the Institute of Marketers in Malawi (IMM), cementing its position as the country’s leading banking brand. In the category rankings, NBM plc was followed by Standard Bank Malawi plc, while FDH Bank […] The post NBM plc tops IMM Superbrand Awards in Banking Category appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has concluded its 2025 ‘12 Days of Christmas’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative with a K33 million donation of medical equipment to Chilomoni Health Centre in Blantyre. The donation forms part of the Bank’s broader K255 million CSR package, implemented between December 5 and 22, aimed at supporting health, […] The post NBM plc concludes ‘12 Days of Christmas’ with K33 million donation to Chilomoni Health Centre appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has destroyed 24 illegal gaming machines valued at K20 million following a court order issued against a Chinese operator who was conducting gaming activities in Lilongwe Game Complex without a license. The machines were seized after it was established that the operator had failed to follow the legal […] The post MAGLA destroys illegal gaming machines appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi closed 2025 bruised, battered and poorer—an economy trapped in high inflation, crushing debt and deepening hunger, with ordinary citizens paying the price for years of structural failure, weak growth and shrinking confidence. Throughout the year, economic reality stood in sharp contrast to official optimism. After limping through 2024 with growth of about 1.8 percent, […] The post 2025 Year in Review: The Year Malawi’s Economy Buckled Under Debt, Inflation and Hunger appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The family of ex-Zambian President Edgar Lungu is attempting to obtain permission to bring his body home from South Africa Read Full Article at RT.com

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has taken a swipe at French President Emmanuel Macron while revealing a logo for a sperm donation project Read Full Article at RT.com

China has accused Washington of using national security as pretext to go after its UAV makers Read Full Article at RT.com

Washington has reportedly moved additional forces to the Caribbean for possible military action against Venezuela Read Full Article at RT.com

Belarusian spy chief Ivan Tertel has refuted Ukraine’s claims that it knows where Russia’s Oreshnik missiles are deployed Read Full Article at RT.com

Today, Christmas Eve, could be one of the most nightmarish days to travel home on as the RAC estimate there will be 4.2million leisure trips planned.

The blast occurred close to the site where the army official was killed.

A man who admitted to having consumed drugs with former lawyer M Ravi in the hours before he died has been arrested by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Wednesday (Dec 24). In response to media queries, the police said on Wednesday evening that the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was called to attend to an urgent case at an apartment at about 5.40am that morning. SCDF paramedics conveyed M Ravi to Tan Tock Seng Hospital unconscious, where he was subsequently pronounced dead at 6.50am. The police said there was another person, identified only as «A», who had called for SCDF's assistance. «'A' said that he and M Ravi had taken drugs a few hours earlier, and M Ravi exhibited concerning symptoms after he took some drugs,» the police said in their statement. The man also admitted that the drugs belonged to him and that he had tried to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Ravi. Police had earlier said that preliminary investigations do not indicate any foul play. «A» has since been arrested by CNB for suspected drug-related offences. 

Four Singaporeans, including a part-time actor, were charged in a Malaysian court on Wednesday (Dec 24) following two separate altercations — one of which took place inside a police station. Businessman Chua Chin Heng, 56, his wife Loe Sou Peng, 55, and their son Axl Chua Kai Jun, 27, claimed trial, while P Suresh, 46, pleaded guilty after the charges were read out to them, reported news agency Bernama. Suresh and Chua were jointly charged with disorderly conduct at a police station at about 6.15pm on Dec 21. Suresh, a part-time actor, was fined RM400 ($127) for this offence. The offence of disorderly conduct carries a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to RM500 (S$158), or both upon conviction. The four Singaporeans were also charged with causing hurt. Chua, his wife and their son pleaded not guilty to the charges. Suresh pleaded guilty and was fined RM1,500 for this offence. If found guilty, the three face up to 12 months' jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. They are out on bail and will return to court on Jan 27, 2026. 

Army troops have been deployed to West Karbi Anglong to restore order. Violent protests have erupted over alleged illegal settlements by non-tribals. Two people have died and dozens are injured. Curfew-like restrictions and internet suspension are in place. The chief minister stated immediate eviction is not possible due to a court stay. Tensions over land rights escalated into clashes.

Former Maldives VP Faisal Naseem lauded Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman who championed peace through restraint and institutional respect. Naseem highlighted Vajpayee's enduring relevance for South Asia's turbulent democratic landscape, emphasizing his ability to be firm yet civil, decisive without being divisive. The lecture underscored Vajpayee's belief in parliamentary democracy and its role in fostering peace and stability.

The exciting video, posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales' joint X account this morning, pans across a festively decorated room to show two hands, one with a large ring, resting on a piano.

LIVEBLOG: Follow Father Christmas and his reindeers as they leave the North Pole to deliver presents to all corners of the globe in the annual NORAD Santa Tracker.

Nigerian police have said efforts are underway to rescue dozens of Muslims abducted in Plateau state Read Full Article at RT.com

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has declined to disclose details of US-Russian talks on the Ukraine conflict Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia plans to build a power station on the Moon by 2036 to support its lunar program and a China-led research base, Roscosmos has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Washington is demanding that “Venezuelans vacate our country and hand it over,” Caracas’ UN envoy has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Washington doesn’t seek to take over Greenland but wants to engage in conversation with residents, the US envoy to the island has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a stark warning during a Christmas address, urging her office staff to “rest properly”  Read Full Article at RT.com

What began as a peaceful sunset photo session for two teenage girls at East Coast Park ended in shock when a man's body washed ashore on Sunday (Dec 21). The body of the 28-year-old man was recovered from the water that evening after the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received a call for assistance at about 12pm. He was was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Police said the man is believed to have drowned and no foul play is suspected. Speaking to Shin Min Daily News on Dec 21, one of the teenagers, Liang Baoyin (transliteration), said she was taking sunset photos with her friends when she noticed what appeared to be a pair of black shorts behind one of them. Upon closer inspection, she realised it was a man's body and was frightened.

A fire broke out in the kitchen of a restaurant on Desker Road on Wednesday afternoon (Dec 24) after staff left cooking unattended. At least five firefighting vehicles, five police cars and several ambulances were dispatched to the incident and a large crowd was gathered when AsiaOne arrived at the scene. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to a fire at 119 Desker Road, which is the location of Madya Cuisine and Bar, at about 3.15pm. The fire involved contents of a kitchen exhaust ducting in a unit on the first floor, said SCDF. Firefighters extinguished the flames using a water jet. Three persons self-evacuated before rescuers arrived and there were no reported injuries. 

Singaporean content creator Fauzi Azzhar has issued an apology on social media after facing backlash for posting his travel announcement in an obituary-style image on Monday (Dec 22). In a video uploaded to his Instagram, Fauzi acknowledged that while he had intended the post to be funny, it was inappropriate due to sensitive issues such as mental health, which he discusses on his channel. «I apologise to all of you who were scared for a split second. Yes, you laughed about it but after reflecting a little more, I think it’s not funny,» said Fauzi. «This was a stupid post because I talk about mental health on my social media platform, which makes it ironic that I (went ahead) and posted this thinking it was funny.» Fauzi, who has over 40,000 followers on Instagram, also shared that he was concerned by a negative comment made by a follower in response to his post. «It scares me because this person has been following me for quite a bit, (which suggests) they have certain feelings towards me. I wonder why,» he said. 

“The main reason is simply that I’ve reached a point where I’m getting older. I might end up going to bed at four or five on Christmas Eve morning, then have to wake up three hours later to gather everything together to go to Litla-Hraun.”