Christmas Day is celebrated annually on December 25th and is one of the most joyous holidays for billions of people worldwide. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, though it has also become a cultural and secular holiday in many countries.

Traditions Around the World

1. Religious Observances:
   • Many attend church services, including midnight mass or special morning services.
   • Nativity scenes, carols, and Bible readings retell the story of Jesus’ birth.
2. Gift-Giving:
   • Inspired by the gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), exchanging presents is a major tradition.
   • Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St. Nicholas is a beloved figure who delivers gifts to children.
3. Family Gatherings:
   • Families come together to share meals, play games, and create cherished memories.
4. Decorations:
   • Christmas trees adorned with ornaments and lights.
   • Stockings hung by the fireplace.
   • Homes decorated with wreaths, candles, and twinkling lights.
5. Food and Feasting:
   • Traditional dishes vary by region:
     • USA/UK: Roast turkey or ham, stuffing, and mince pies.
     • Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes.
     • Germany: Stollen (fruit bread) and mulled wine.
     • Mexico: Tamales and ponche (fruit punch).
6. Music and Entertainment:
   • Christmas carols and songs.
   • Watching holiday classics like Home Alone or The Polar Express.
7. Acts of Kindness:
   • Charitable giving, volunteering, and helping those in need are emphasized during this time.

Why It’s Special

• Religious Significance: It marks the birth of Christ for Christians, symbolizing hope, love, and salvation.
• Cultural Importance: It’s a time to focus on family, gratitude, and goodwill.
• Seasonal Joy: Christmas brings festive cheer during the darkest days of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Merry Christmas! Let me know if you’d like ideas for Christmas activities, crafts, or traditions to celebrate. 🎄✨.

Appetizers

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

• Ingredients: Puff pastry, brie, cranberry sauce, rosemary (optional).
• Instructions:
  • Cut puff pastry into small squares and place in a mini muffin tin.
  • Add a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.

2. Holiday Veggie Platter

• Ingredients: Assorted veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes), hummus or ranch dressing.
• Instructions: Arrange veggies in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath for a fun presentation.

Mains

3. Honey Glazed Ham

• Ingredients: Pre-cooked ham, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves.
• Instructions:
  • Mix honey, brown sugar, and mustard to create a glaze.
  • Brush over ham and bake according to package directions, basting every 15 minutes.

4. Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken

• Ingredients: Whole chicken, butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon.
• Instructions:
  • Rub chicken with butter, garlic, and herbs.
  • Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 1-1.5 hours, until golden and cooked through.

Side Dishes

5. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

• Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, cream cheese, shredded cheddar.
• Instructions:
  • Boil and mash potatoes.
  • Mix in butter, cream cheese, and cheddar until creamy.

6. Maple Roasted Carrots

• Ingredients: Carrots, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  • Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, and seasonings.
  • Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Desserts

7. Peppermint Bark

• Ingredients: White and dark chocolate, crushed candy canes.
• Instructions:
  • Melt dark chocolate and spread on a lined baking sheet. Let set.
  • Melt white chocolate, spread over dark chocolate, and sprinkle candy canes on top.
  • Let set and break into pieces.

8. No-Bake Oreo Truffles

• Ingredients: Oreos, cream cheese, melted chocolate.
• Instructions:
  • Crush Oreos and mix with softened cream cheese.
  • Roll into balls, dip in melted chocolate, and chill.

Drinks

9. Christmas Punch

• Ingredients: Cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger ale, fresh cranberries, orange slices.
• Instructions:
  • Mix juices and ginger ale in a large pitcher. Add cranberries and orange slices for garnish.

10. Hot Chocolate Bar

• Ingredients: Hot cocoa mix, milk, whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, chocolate shavings.
• Instructions:
  • Set up a station where guests can customize their hot chocolate.

Year-ender 2024: Skincare and beauty trends that ruled this year

Global Highlights:

1. Politics and Elections: Significant elections in multiple countries, including a major shift in the U.S. with President Joe Biden being unseated. Other key elections occurred in India, the UK, and France, reflecting political transitions worldwide​.Political parties and elections play an important role in the analysis of politics in developing countries, particularly in the analysis of democratization, and specifically the consolidation of democratic political regimes. Among political scientists, the existence of free and fair elections on a regular basis is considered the minimal condition for a democracy (democratic regime) (Dahl 1971; Diamond 1999). A political party is defined as a political group that is officially recognized as being part of the electoral process and who can support (put forth) candidates for elections (free or not) on a regular basis (Sartori 1976). In this way, political parties (party system) and elections are used as a measure of the consolidation of a society’s democracy. As an external standard, there is a “two-turnover” criterion (Huntington 1991). By this criterion, a democracy may be considered to be consolidated if a party that takes power in an election at the time of transition to a democracy loses a subsequent election (not necessarily immediately following the first election), and if the subsequent ruling party then loses a later election.”From a deeper perspective, it is when elections involve the true competition of political parties based on their proposed policies and platforms, and not the popularity of individual political candidates or voting based on special interests, that consolidation of democracy is advanced (Kitschelt 1995; Mainwaring 1999).
2. Conflict and Crises: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and a deteriorating situation in the Middle East were prominent. Syria saw a historic regime change with the fall of the Assad government​.Conflict and crisis includes moderating or solving conflicts and crises by being observant of the environment and noticing and delivering a remedy for disagreements. Conflicts and crises may include events and situations, character conflicts, stress levels and other potential dangers. The individual must handle these scenarios appropriately and stimulate a learning process for future conflicts and crises.
3. Climate and Disasters: Extreme weather events, including floods and wildfires, impacted communities globally. These events underscored the urgency of addressing climate change​.
4. Sports and Entertainment: The Paris Olympics highlighted exceptional performances, including record-breaking achievements in athletics and Paralympic games. Entertainment milestones included Pushpa 2 becoming the most-watched movie of the year.Coca‑Cola has been an Official NCAA Corporate Champion since 2002. Through this partnership we provide a direct, positive impact on the academic and developmental opportunities afforded to more than 460,000 NCAA student-athletes each year, while also helping fans everywhere share in the excitement of 90 different NCAA championships. In addition to emphasizing the role of athletics in higher education we also support NCAA youth clinics and interactive fan experiences.
5. Technology and Science: Advances in AI and breakthroughs in healthcare defined the year, alongside a focus on renewable energy and space exploration.

Regional Highlights:

• India: Achievements included historic wins in chess and Paralympic success. However, Indian boxing faced setbacks at the Paris Olympics. On the entertainment front, Indian women filmmakers made waves globally​.Science and Technology have always been an integral part of Indian culture. Natural philosophy, as it was termed in those ancient times, was pursued vigorously at institutions of higher learning. The Indian Renaissance, which coincided with our independence struggle, at the dawn of 1900s witnessed great strides made by Indian scientists. This innate ability to perform creatively in science came to be backed with an institutional setup and strong state support after the country’s independence in 1947. Since then, the Government of India has spared no effort to establish a modern S&T infrastructure in the country. The Department of Science and Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science and technology in the country.
• This section offers detailed information pertaining to scientific education and scientific research & development. Details of policies, schemes, documents and programmes for scientists, researchers, scholars, students, etc. are also available.
• Cultural Moments: The rise of new dating trends and digital lingo like “breadcrumbing” and “zombieing” captured the imagination of Gen .

2024 was a year of transformation, marked by challenges and triumphs across sectors, reflecting humanity’s resilience and adaptability.

//*****************************************//

स्पोर्ट्स न्यूज़ टुडे की 29 नवंबर, 2024 की मुख्य बातें: आईसीसी चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी 2025 की बैठक '15 मिनट तक चली'; आयोजन स्थल पर पीसीबी, बीसीसीआई के बीच मतभेद के बाद इसे शनिवार तक के लिए स्थगित कर दिया गया.

दक्षिण अफ्रीका बनाम श्रीलंका लाइव स्कोर: श्रीलंका के दक्षिण अफ्रीका दौरे का पहला टेस्ट (दिन 4), 2024 दोपहर 01:00 बजे शुरू होगा।

बांग्लादेश: चिन्मय कृष्ण दास और 16 अन्य के बैंक खाते फ्रीज कर दिए गए.
बांग्लादेश सरकार ने हिंदू पुजारी चिन्मय कृष्ण दास की गिरफ्तारी को लेकर तनाव के बीच इस्कॉन से जुड़े 17 व्यक्तियों के बैंक खाते फ्रीज कर दिए हैं, जिनके खाते भी प्रभावित होंगे।

चिन्मय कृष्ण दास की गिरफ़्तारी को लेकर हाल ही में पैदा हुए तनाव के बीच, बांग्लादेश सरकार ने इस्कॉन से जुड़े 17 लोगों से जुड़े बैंक खातों को फ्रीज करने का आदेश दिया है। प्रोथोम एलो के अनुसार, हिंदू पुजारी चिन्मय कृष्ण दास का खाता भी फ्रीज किया जाएगा। सभी ताज़ा घटनाक्रम यहाँ देखें:

बांग्लादेश वित्तीय खुफिया इकाई (BFIU) ने गुरुवार को बैंकों और वित्तीय संस्थानों को निर्देश जारी करते हुए इन खातों पर 30 दिनों के लिए लेन-देन को निलंबित कर दिया।

सेंट्रल बांग्लादेश बैंक का हिस्सा BFIU ने बैंकों को निर्देश दिया कि वे इन व्यक्तियों से जुड़े खातों, जिनमें उनके व्यवसाय से जुड़े खाते भी शामिल हैं, के लिए अगले तीन कार्य दिवसों के भीतर अद्यतन लेन-देन विवरण प्रदान करें।

बांग्लादेश के चटगाँव में शुक्रवार को नारे लगाने वाली भीड़ ने तीन हिंदू मंदिरों में तोड़फोड़ की, जहाँ इस्कॉन के एक पूर्व सदस्य पर देशद्रोह के आरोप में मामला दर्ज होने के बाद से विरोध और हिंसा देखी गई है।

यह भी पढ़ें | बांग्लादेश: चिन्मय कृष्ण दास की गिरफ्तारी के बीच विश्व नेताओं ने यूनुस सरकार की आलोचना की

यह हमला बंदरगाह शहर के हरीश चंद्र मुनसेफ लेन में दोपहर करीब 2:30 बजे हुआ, जहां शांतनेश्वरी मातृ मंदिर, पास के शोनी मंदिर और शांतनेश्वरी कालीबाड़ी मंदिर को निशाना बनाया गया, समाचार पोर्टल BDNews24.com ने रिपोर्ट किया।

मंदिर के अधिकारियों के हवाले से समाचार पोर्टल ने कहा, “नारेबाजी कर रहे सैकड़ों लोगों के एक समूह ने मंदिरों पर ईंट-पत्थर फेंके, जिससे शोनी मंदिर और अन्य दो मंदिरों के द्वार क्षतिग्रस्त हो गए।”

यह भी पढ़ें | ‘आंतरिक मामला’: चिन्मय दास की गिरफ्तारी पर भारत की टिप्पणी पर बांग्लादेश

इस बीच, विदेश मंत्री एस जयशंकर ने संसद को बताया कि भारत ने बांग्लादेश में अल्पसंख्यकों के खिलाफ हिंसा की घटनाओं को गंभीरता से लिया है और अल्पसंख्यकों सहित सभी नागरिकों के जीवन और स्वतंत्रता की रक्षा करना ढाका की प्राथमिक जिम्मेदारी है।

दूसरी ओर, बांग्लादेश ने शुक्रवार को कोलकाता स्थित उप उच्चायोग पर हुए हिंसक विरोध प्रदर्शन पर गहरी चिंता व्यक्त की और नई दिल्ली से भारत में अपने सभी राजनयिक मिशनों की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने का आग्रह किया.

date 30-nov-24.

*1. Indian Government’s Push for Digital Economy:

The Indian government continues to emphasize the importance of digital transformation in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and financial services. There have been announcements about new initiatives to increase the adoption of digital payment systems and boost the country’s tech infrastructure.

*2. Regional Elections in States:

30 states have local elections next year. Two of them, WI and PA have Supreme Court races and both VA and NJ have statewide races. Oklahoma primaries are Feb. 11th. This is the work to be done. @OnDemocracyPod pic.twitter.com/YsqRy3VbyX

— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) November 18, 2024

In 2024, several Indian states have either concluded or are in the process of holding elections. The outcome of these elections is crucial for both regional governance and for the broader political landscape in India, as parties gear up for the national elections in 2024. The focus remains on key states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.

*3. India’s Economic Growth Outlook:

All states of India have witnessed faster economic growth (real per capita) since year 2000, than in the first decade of liberalization 1990-‘99. Growth has picked up pace everywhere in India.

Except one. West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/MX2zM7yKJT

— Prof. Shamika Ravi (@ShamikaRavi) August 28, 2024

India’s economy is projected to grow at a healthy pace despite global uncertainties. The government is expected to announce new measures aimed at boosting industrial output and attracting foreign investments. The focus is also on addressing unemployment and inflation, which remain key challenges.

*4. Climate Change and Environmental Concerns:

Climate change worsens food, water, and air quality, harming health and disproportionately impacting low-income countries ill-equipped for recovery.

— Climate Impacts Tracker Asia (@climateITA) November 20, 2024

India has been facing significant environmental challenges, including air pollution in major cities and concerns over the impact of climate change on agriculture. The government is working on policies to combat pollution, promote renewable energy, and address water scarcity in various regions.

*5. India’s Space Program – Gaganyaan Mission Updates:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to make strides in its space program. The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, has been a major focus in 2024. There are updates regarding the final preparations for the mission and India’s growing presence in space exploration.

*6. Cricket – India’s Performance in International Tournaments:

India’s cricket team is actively participating in major international tournaments, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and other bilateral series. The performances of players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and emerging talents like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are receiving attention as the country is passionate about cricket.

*7.Healthcare: Focus on Mental Health and Public Health Initiatives

Mental health and public health initiatives are increasingly recognized as fundamental components of overall healthcare. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to address mental health issues alongside physical health to create a holistic, integrated healthcare system. The integration of mental health into public health initiatives helps improve individual well-being, reduce societal stigma, and create more effective healthcare delivery systems.

Here’s an overview of the key themes in mental health and public health initiatives:

1. Mental Health and Public Health Intersections

• Mental Health as Public Health Priority: Mental health is now seen as an essential part of public health. In many countries, mental health issues are among the leading causes of disability and morbidity, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. Public health systems are increasingly focusing on mental health as part of their broader health promotion efforts.
• Social Determinants of Mental Health: Public health initiatives often focus on the social determinants of mental health, which include factors like socioeconomic status, education, employment, social support, and environmental conditions. These factors can have a profound impact on mental health and are essential considerations for public health policies and interventions.

2. Global Mental Health

• Mental Health Disparities: Mental health disorders affect people across all demographics, but certain populations are at greater risk due to factors such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of access to care. Global public health initiatives increasingly aim to reduce these disparities by ensuring that vulnerable populations—such as those in low- and middle-income countries, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities—have access to appropriate mental health services.
• Mental Health and Development Goals: The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include mental health targets, particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Integrating mental health care into broader development frameworks is critical to achieving these global goals.

3. Integrated Mental Health Services

• Integration into Primary Care: One of the key initiatives in public health is the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare settings. This is seen as a way to reduce barriers to access, increase early identification and treatment of mental health issues, and reduce stigma. Models like the “task-shifting” approach—where non-specialized healthcare workers are trained to deliver basic mental health care—are being implemented globally to enhance accessibility.
• Collaborative Care Models: Public health systems are also moving toward collaborative care models, where mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, work alongside primary care providers to deliver comprehensive, holistic care to patients. This collaborative approach can improve outcomes and reduce the siloed nature of healthcare.

4. Prevention and Mental Health Promotion

• Early Intervention: Public health initiatives increasingly emphasize the importance of early intervention in mental health. Programs aimed at identifying and addressing mental health issues in children, adolescents, and young adults can prevent the development of more severe conditions later in life.
• School-based Mental Health Programs: Schools play a critical role in promoting mental health and well-being. Programs that teach coping skills, emotional regulation, and stress management, as well as provide early access to mental health resources, can have a significant impact on children and adolescents’ mental health.
• Workplace Mental Health: The workplace is another critical area where public health initiatives focus on mental health promotion. Creating supportive, stigma-free environments and offering mental health resources (e.g., employee assistance programs, mental health days) can improve employees’ well-being and productivity.

5. Addressing Mental Health Stigma

• Reducing Stigma and Discrimination: Mental health stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to seeking help. Public health campaigns, media advocacy, and education programs are important tools in reducing stigma. By normalizing mental health care and promoting the message that mental health is just as important as physical health, these initiatives can encourage more people to seek help early.
• Advocacy and Policy Change: National and international mental health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and national mental health associations, are working to influence policy and raise awareness about the need for mental health services. Public health campaigns often focus on both reducing stigma and advocating for greater funding for mental health services.

6. Digital Mental Health Solutions

• Telehealth and Online Resources: In response to rising mental health needs and the barriers to traditional in-person care, digital mental health solutions have gained momentum. Teletherapy, online counseling services, and mental health apps are increasingly used to provide access to care for individuals in remote areas or those unable to attend traditional therapy.
• Innovative Technologies: Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are being explored to enhance mental health interventions. AI can be used for predictive analytics in identifying at-risk individuals, while VR is being used in treatments for anxiety disorders, PTSD, and phobias.

7. Policy and Legal Frameworks

• Mental Health Policy Development: Effective mental health care requires robust policy frameworks that provide the foundation for accessible, affordable, and quality services. Many countries are updating or creating national mental health policies that focus on integrating mental health into public health systems, improving service delivery, and protecting the rights of people with mental health disorders.
• Mental Health Legislation: Mental health legislation is also a key aspect of public health initiatives. Laws that ensure access to mental health care, protect individuals from discrimination, and outline the rights of people with mental health conditions are critical to building a more equitable healthcare system.

8. Research and Data Collection

• Improving Mental Health Data: Public health initiatives rely on accurate data to track trends, identify needs, and inform policies. Research into the causes and consequences of mental health disorders, as well as the effectiveness of different treatment models, is essential for improving mental health care. Additionally, collecting data on the economic impact of mental health conditions can help policymakers justify increased investment in mental health services.
• Evidence-Based Interventions: The implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and family-based therapies, is central to public health strategies. These interventions are increasingly being integrated into community-level initiatives.

9. Crisis Mental Health Response

• Suicide Prevention Programs: Suicide remains a significant public health issue globally. Public health initiatives that focus on suicide prevention, such as crisis hotlines, mental health education, and training for first responders, have shown promise in reducing suicide rates. Public health campaigns, such as those promoting the “Talk Saves Lives” message, aim to raise awareness and encourage individuals to reach out for help.
• Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT): Some public health systems have developed specialized crisis intervention teams made up of police officers and mental health professionals to respond to individuals in mental health crises. This model aims to reduce the criminalization of mental health issues and provide immediate, appropriate care in crisis situations.

Conclusion

Integrating mental health into public health initiatives is critical to addressing the mental health crisis that affects individuals and communities worldwide. By promoting prevention, early intervention, integrated care, and reducing stigma, public health strategies can improve mental well-being and reduce the burden of mental health disorders on individuals, families, and society as a whole. As mental health continues to be prioritized within global and national public health agendas, there is hope for more accessible, effective, and compassionate care for people struggling with mental health challenges.

The Indian government is increasingly focusing on mental health awareness and initiatives to improve public health. The rise in mental health issues, particularly among the youth, has led to a series of new government programs and private sector collaborations aimed at improving mental healthcare access.

*8. Technology and Startups:

These companies deliver new technology products or services or deliver existing technology products or services in new ways.

India’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, with new unicorns emerging, particularly in the fields of fintech, edtech, and artificial intelligence. India is positioning itself as a global tech hub, attracting investments and fostering innovation through various startup initiatives and government support.

*9. India-China Border Dispute:

Tensions between India and China continue to simmer over border issues, particularly in the region of Ladakh. Diplomatic discussions and military talks have been ongoing, but incidents along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have been a point of concern for both nations.

*10. Social Movements and Public Protests:

* a loosely organized but sustained campaign in support of a social goal,

India is witnessing various social movements, including those advocating for women’s rights, caste-based affirmative action, and environmental justice. Protests have taken place in response to government policies or local issues, but they have also become platforms for wider social change.

These are just a few of the major themes making headlines in India as of late November 2024. Please feel free to ask for more detailed coverage of any specific topic!.

Fresh News 2025-26.