The Trump administration announced a major expansion of its travel ban, adding 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority to US entry restrictions, significantly widening earlier measures introduced in June. The expanded list now includes full bans on citizens of several nations and new limits on 15 others, effectively doubling the number of affected countries. The policy targets visitors and potential immigrants, though exemptions apply to existing visa holders, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and certain travellers. Officials cited national security, vetting issues, and immigration concerns as reasons for the expansion, which takes effect January 1, 2026. Critics argue it unfairly targets nations based on nationality rather than credible threats. (PC: NDTV)

  Australian and Indian police have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the two suspects in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, was originally from Hyderabad, Telangana. Akram, 50, who died at the scene, had limited contact with India after migrating to Australia in 1998 and had no criminal record there. Authorities said his family was unaware of any radical beliefs. Sajid and his son Naveed are accused of killing 15 people at a Hanukkah event. Investigators are probing their recent travel to the Philippines, amid unverified reports of militant training. (PC: X)

Britain's armed forces chief, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, warned the nation's "sons and daughters" must prepare to fight, citing growing Russian threat risks. He described the current security environment as the most dangerous in his career, agreeing with French General Fabien Mandon's similar warning last month. Knighton noted it's been 65 years since UK national service call-ups and 80 years since World War II ended, with large populations lacking military experience after three decades of post-Cold War peace. While defence analysts estimate Russia launching significant UK attacks at five percent probability, Knighton stressed battle-hardened Russian troops after nearly four years in Ukraine shouldn't be underestimated. He emphasized society must rebuild national resilience alongside NATO allies as first-line defense. 'Get Ready To Fight': UK Armed Forces Chief Issues Stark Russian Threat Warning as Battle-Hardened Troops Advance in Ukraine.(PC: X) 

The US military said eight people were killed after strikes on three boats in the Pacific Ocean. The boats were accused of carrying illegal drugs. US Southern Command shared videos of the attacks online. It said the vessels were moving on known drug routes. The strikes are part of President Donald Trump’s campaign against drug gangs. At least 90 people have died in similar operations in recent months. Some legal experts said the strikes may break international law. They raised concern over civilian deaths. The White House said the actions were legal and meant to stop drugs from reaching the US. (PC: BBC)

European leaders have called for a multinational force to protect Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia. The proposal was discussed during talks in Berlin with US and Ukrainian officials. Leaders said progress was made after the US agreed to offer security guarantees to Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the move a major step forward. Former US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire may be closer than ever. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks remain difficult, especially on territory. Leaders also backed Ukraine’s path to the European Union and support for a strong national army. (PC: sky news)

Dashcam footage has revealed the final moments of a couple killed in the Bondi Beach shooting. Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, tried to stop one attacker by grabbing his gun. The video shows Boris wrestling the weapon and striking the gunman before being shot. Family members said the couple acted to protect others. They were the first victims killed in Sunday’s attack during a Hanukkah event. At least 15 people died and many were injured. Police said the attack targeted the Jewish community. Witnesses called the couple brave and selfless heroes after the tragic violence shocked Australia. 

US President Donald Trump has filed a $5 billion lawsuit against the BBC, accusing it of defamation. The case relates to an edited clip of his January 6, 2021 speech shown in a Panorama documentary. Trump said the edit wrongly suggested he called for violence before the Capitol riot. The BBC apologised for the edit but denied any defamation and rejected compensation demands. The broadcaster said there was no harm caused and no intent to mislead. The lawsuit was filed in Florida. The BBC has not yet responded to the legal action. (PC: BBC)

New details have emerged in the murder case of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner. Reports say the couple had a loud argument with their son, Nick Reiner, at a Christmas party a day before their deaths. Guests said the fight scared many people. Sources claimed Nick was struggling again with drug use and refused rehab. The bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, 70, were later found at their Los Angeles home. Police have charged their 32-year-old son with double murder. The case has shocked Hollywood and fans worldwide. (PC: NDTV)

At least 37 people have died after flash floods hit Morocco’s coastal Safi region. Heavy rain on Sunday caused severe flooding in the port city of Safi. Cars and piles of rubbish were swept through streets. Local officials said dozens of people were injured and taken to hospital. At least 70 homes in the old city were flooded. Several roads remain blocked due to debris and damage. Residents described the situation as devastating, with many losing all their belongings. Rescue teams are still searching for missing people. Experts said extreme weather linked to the climate crisis has worsened such events. Morocco has faced years of drought, followed by sudden heavy rainfall. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

Police have identified two students killed in a mass shooting at Brown University in the US state of Rhode Island. Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov were shot dead when a gunman opened fire in a lecture hall on Saturday. Nine other students were injured. Police are searching again after releasing an earlier person of interest due to lack of evidence. New videos show a suspect dressed in black walking near the campus before the attack. The FBI has announced a reward for tips leading to an arrest. Brown University has cancelled all in-person classes and exams for the semester. (PC: BBC)