Amid escalating Houthi assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Royal Navy and Portuguese helicopters executed a successful joint operation to reclaim a seized vessel. In a three-week training initiative near Lisbon, Merlin helicopters deployed troops to rescue hostages and regain control. The collaboration enhances NATO allies' capabilities for vital maritime interdiction operations. This comes as Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have targeted over 100 attacks on 12 vessels. In response, a multinational force led by the US aims to secure the vital trade route, prompting shipping companies, including Maersk, to divert from the Suez Canal.

At least 14 people were killed, and 25 others sustained injuries in a mass shooting at the Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday. The shooter, David Kozak, 24, lived in a village almost 20 km outside Prague and was getting his Masters Degree in Polish History at Charles University. He was an "excellent student", Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek said. He legally owned several guns and was heavily armed during the incident. The Police Chief said what he did was a "well thought out and horrible act." Kozak is suspected to have also killed his father in the nearby town, Houston, before going on a killing spree in Prague. He talked about planning a school shooting on the messaging app Telegram, treating his channel like a "diary" of his life before the shooting. "I want to do school shooting and possibly suicide," he wrote in a post, as per The Telegraph, adding, "I always wanted to kill. I thought I would become a maniac in the future."

In the first week of the Gaza counter-offensive, Israel allegedly utilized its most destructive MK-84 bombs, weighing 2,000 pounds, according to US media reports. An investigation by The New York Times, utilizing AI to analyze satellite imagery, identified 208 bomb craters in south Gaza, suggesting usage in areas supposedly deemed "safe" for civilians and evacuation routes. The report, citing munitions experts, indicates the MK-84 bombs were used over 200 times, raising concerns about civilian safety even for those complying with evacuation orders. CNN corroborated these findings, comparing the bombing intensity to levels "not seen since Vietnam." CNN and Synthetaic's analysis suggests Israel dropped over 500 massive bombs, with impact craters consistent with 2,000-pound bombs. These bombs, four times heavier than the largest US bombs used in Iraq against ISIS, are blamed by experts for the high death toll in densely populated Gaza.

London Tube workers, represented by the RMT union, will stage strikes between 5 and 12 January due to a disagreement over a 5% pay offer. Employees from various sections of the Underground will walk out on different days during the first two weeks of 2024. The dispute arises as Transport for London insists the pay rise is "the most we can afford." RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch urges TfL to improve their offer, emphasizing the contribution of Tube workers to the London economy and expressing discontent with what he deems "modest below-inflation offers."

Satellite images, initially reported by The New York Times and subsequently obtained by NDTV, indicate potential reactivation of China's Lop Nur nuclear test facility in Xinjiang. The images raise concerns about China conducting full-fledged nuclear tests or subcritical experiments simulating nuclear explosions. Dr. Renny Babiarz, an international geospatial intelligence expert, analyzed the evidence, suggesting China's interest in testing new nuclear warhead designs on advanced missiles. The timing coincides with sensitive US-China relations, adding geopolitical significance to the developments at the historically significant Lop Nur facility.

Moscow has warned it is prepared to cut diplomatic ties with Washington if the US confiscates frozen Russian assets, Sky News reported on Friday. Kremlin's stern response comes in response to discussions in the West proposing the allocation of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Russia vowed not to peacefully coexist with any country seizing its assets, warning of potential retaliatory actions against Western assets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that such a move would significantly impact the international financial system. The Kremlin, on Friday, also accused the Wall Street Journal of publishing "pulp fiction" after it reported that the death of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash had been orchestrated by Russian security official Nikolai Patrushev. The paper reported that the mercenary group leader's private plane was downed by a small bomb placed under a wing. 

Human Rights Watch alleges Meta's "systemic and global" censorship of pro-Palestinian content since October amid the Israel-Gaza war. The 51-page report outlines six censorship patterns, including post removals and shadow banning. Meta responds, acknowledging errors but denying deliberate suppression. This follows Senator of Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren's inquiry into similar claims. Meta's oversight board recently criticized content removals, reinstating two videos. Users report bias favoring pro-Israel content. Instagram's translation inaccuracies and WhatsApp's AI generating armed Palestinian children images are highlighted. Meta asserts its unique transparency on Israel-Palestine issues, amid rising concerns over online censorship.

In a shocking incident, 24-year-old history student David Kozak unleashed a deadly attack at Charles University in Prague, claiming the lives of at least 14 people and injuring over 20. The gunman, who had no prior criminal record, reportedly started the shooting on the fourth floor of the philosophy department using legally-owned weapons. Kozak is also suspected of murdering his own father and, earlier in December, a man and his two-month-old daughter. Authorities are investigating potential links to Russian-language Telegram posts expressing inspiration from recent mass shootings in Russia. The nation mourns as Saturday is declared a national day of mourning.  

Revised data reveals a 0.1% shrinkage in the UK's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between July and September, intensifying fears of an impending recession. Initial estimates suggesting flat growth were disproven, with consecutive quarters of contraction now posing a significant economic challenge. The broader picture indicates a year of almost stagnant growth, prompting calls for strategic interventions to revitalize the economy. Despite Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's reassurances about the "medium-term outlook," the revised figures hint at the onset of a mild recession. The potential impact on unemployment and general economic well-being raises questions about the government's ability to navigate through these challenging times.

Ukraine has announced it will ask men between 25-60 living abroad to return and join the armed forces. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov described it as an "invitation" but suggested sanctions for those who don't comply. However, his spokesperson later clarified no call-up was planned, only an appeal for volunteers. This comes as Ukraine seeks to boost troop numbers, with President Zelensky saying 450,000-500,000 new soldiers are needed. But Kyiv has no means to force citizens abroad to enlist. With the counteroffensive stalled and aid provisions blocked, Ukraine is hoping more recruits will strengthen forces at the frontline. But the feasibility of large-scale enlistment from overseas remains uncertain, reports BBC.