News headlines for December 31 include increased security in Ayodhya due to a surge in devotees before the New Year. Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with BJP leaders and migrant workers in Kolkata to strategize for the 2026 West Bengal elections. Nikki Haley's son advocated for a complete ban on H-1B visas due to stamping delays. The UAE issued a statement regarding the situation in Yemen, rejecting certain claims and calling for de-escalation. Indian chess champion Gukesh faced a defeat at the FIDE World Blitz Championship.