Tunisia hands prison terms to dozens of opposition figures

Severe flooding in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by Cyclone Ditwah, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with community kitchens and fishing boats mobilizing to deliver food and relief supplies to affected areas. The cyclone has resulted in significant loss of life, with the death toll nearing 200 and many individuals reported missing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted U.S. negotiators, including representatives from the Trump administration, at the Kremlin for five hours of discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin officials characterized the talks as 'constructive,' although they acknowledged that substantial work remains to be done to reach a resolution.

A politician in Wales has faced backlash after using a racist slur against the Chinese community, which has been described as 'very upsetting' by community members. The incident has sparked significant concern regarding the impact of such language on societal attitudes and inclusivity.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, delivered a heartfelt Christmas message emphasizing the significance of time, care, and compassion for others as she prepares for her annual carol concert. This message comes during a period marked by uncertainty and challenges for many individuals and families.

The UK government has expressed concerns regarding China's new mega-embassy in London, which some believe could serve as a center for espionage activities. The embassy's significant presence in the capital raises alarms about potential security risks associated with Chinese diplomatic operations.

Eleanor Hague, a 16-year-old sixth form student, tragically lost her life in a minibus crash when the vehicle she was traveling in collided with a car on Monday. The incident occurred near a school in North Yorkshire, prompting an immediate investigation by local police into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Ayachi Hammami, a prominent opposition politician in Tunisia, has been arrested as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, with authorities enforcing a five-year prison sentence against him. The opposition claims that the charges are fabricated and politically motivated, reflecting ongoing tensions in the country.

The UK government has announced plans to eliminate jury trials in England and Wales for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than three years. This decision is part of a broader reform aimed at addressing significant delays within the Crown Court system, which has been struggling with a backlog of cases.