The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sued Elon Musk for failing to disclose his 5% stake in Twitter within the required 10-day period in 2022. Musk’s delay allowed him to purchase Twitter shares at artificially low prices, increasing his 9.2% stake by the time he revealed the purchases in April 2022. The SEC is seeking a civil fine and the return of profits. Musk, who later acquired Twitter for $44 billion, dismissed the lawsuit, calling it a “harassment” campaign. This follows previous legal battles with the SEC over his business practices.

Los Angeles police are probing a possible human cause for the devastating wildfires that have killed 24 and destroyed over 12,300 structures. Investigations are focused on fireworks or unauthorized camping, though arson and accidental ignition remain possible causes. The Palisades fire has consumed 24,000 acres and is just 14% contained. Santa Ana winds threaten to worsen the situation as firefighters deploy additional resources. Displaced residents report illegal rent hikes, prompting state authorities to issue warnings. Lawsuits allege utility equipment may have sparked other fires. Officials emphasize preparedness but warn high winds could hinder firefighting efforts.

President Joe Biden plans to remove Cuba from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a designation reinstated by Donald Trump in 2021. This move comes alongside Cuba's agreement to release 553 prisoners, potentially including those detained during 2021 anti-government protests. Biden's administration cited insufficient evidence to justify the terror designation. Cuba welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to alleviate economic hardships. The move signals a step toward normalizing US-Cuba relations, with potential dialogues on contentious issues and easing financial restrictions. Biden will notify Congress of his plans, which include reversing Trump-era sanctions on Cuba.

Delhi and NCR experienced intense fog on Wednesday, with zero visibility reported in Noida and Ghaziabad, disrupting travel. The fog delayed 26 trains, with Mahabodhi Express delayed by 328 minutes. Several flights at IGI Airport were affected, with non-CAT III-compliant flights impacted. Passengers were urged to check flight updates. IndiGo Airlines issued an advisory, promising support despite delays. The IMD predicted light rain and a minimum temperature of 9°C in Delhi, alongside continued fog in neighboring states. Visibility across major locations, including Dhaula Kuan and India Gate, remained critically low, causing traffic disruptions and safety concerns.

South Korea made history as its sitting President, Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on Wednesday for insurrection tied to his December 3 martial law declaration. Over 3,000 police officers and anti-corruption investigators converged on Yoon’s fortified residence, facing protests from ruling People Power Party supporters. The arrest, based on a court-issued warrant, marks the first for a South Korean president. Lawmakers had impeached Yoon on December 14, citing his actions as unconstitutional, while the Constitutional Court deliberates his permanent removal. The political crisis has sparked widespread protests, with minor clashes erupting near Yoon's residence during his detention.

Ukraine launched its biggest attack of the war, hitting deep into Russia. Strikes targeted ammunition depots, chemical plants, and industrial sites up to 1,100km from the border. Key regions like Bryansk, Saratov, and Tula were impacted, causing explosions, school closures, and damage to buildings. Russia claimed to have shot down US-supplied Atacms and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles. Meanwhile, Kyiv accused Russia of drone strikes across Ukraine, most of which were intercepted. Amid a frontline troop shortage, Ukraine faces US pressure to lower the conscription age. President Zelensky urged faster delivery of weapons as the war continues to escalate.

A French woman, Anne, was tricked out of 800,000 euros by a scammer posing as actor Brad Pitt. The scammer contacted her on Instagram, claiming to need financial help due to locked accounts during a divorce. Using AI-generated videos and photos, he convinced Anne of their relationship and proposed marriage. He also claimed to send luxury gifts and needed money for surgery. Anne, recently divorced and vulnerable, believed the story. The scam was exposed in 2024 when she saw reports of Pitt's real relationship. Similar scams have targeted others, with Spanish police arresting suspects in a related case.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for a detailed plan to rebuild and govern Gaza after the ongoing conflict. Speaking at the Atlantic Council, Blinken proposed an interim government for Gaza, involving international partners and Arab states to ensure stability. He emphasized that reforms in the Palestinian authority and contributions from Arab nations for security training are crucial. The plan prioritizes rebuilding Gaza, ensuring security, and removing Hamas from governance. Blinken’s efforts have gained support from Gulf Arab states and focus on maintaining strategic progress achieved during the Biden administration.

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, according to officials. Israel is hopeful that a deal will be reached soon. Qatar, acting as a mediator, said the negotiations are at their closest point to a resolution. The ceasefire deal includes the gradual release of 33 hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s population centers. Despite progress, key details are still being finalized, and the agreement must be approved by Israel’s Cabinet. The deal is expected to help end the 15-month-long conflict.

US Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report claims Donald Trump would have been convicted over his attempt to overturn the 2020 election had he not won re-election in 2024. Smith’s investigation revealed sufficient evidence to convict Trump, including pressure on state officials and spreading false claims. However, due to a legal policy prohibiting prosecution of a sitting president, charges were dropped after Trump’s victory. Trump has denied the charges, calling the investigation politically motivated. Smith emphasized that his team followed the law and facts, regardless of political influence.