Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev for the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane this week. The crash, which killed at least 38 people and left 29 survivors, occurred near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after the plane tried to land at Grozny airport, which was under Ukrainian drone attacks. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin expressed condolences and explained that Russian air defences repelled the attacks. The crash has raised concerns, with some speculating that a Russian missile may have downed the plane. Several airlines have suspended flights to Russia in light of the incident.

Former PM Manmohan Singh was cremated in Delhi on Saturday, with Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuck and Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful attending. World leaders, including French President Macron and Russian President Putin, hailed Singh as an "outstanding statesman." US President Biden credited him for the India-US nuclear deal, calling him a "true statesman." Mauritius and Singapore flew national flags at half-mast as a mark of respect. Palestine described Singh as a "wise politician and economist." Known for fostering South Asian partnerships, Singh's legacy as a leader dedicated to India's growth remains unparalleled, shaping global ties and economic reforms.

Israel activated the US-deployed THAAD missile defense system to intercept a ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. This marked the system's first operational use in Israel since its deployment in October following a ballistic missile attack by Iran. The interception occurred amid escalating Houthi attacks, with five strikes targeting Israel in eight days. The Houthis claimed they aimed at Ben Gurion Airport, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni targets. The advanced THAAD system uses kinetic energy to neutralize threats, distinguishing it from conventional missile defenses. Over the past year, the Houthis launched 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel.

US President-elect Donald Trump has filed a request with the US Supreme Court to delay an impending TikTok ban, scheduled for January 19. Trump's legal team argues for a "political resolution" once he assumes office, emphasizing the clash between free-speech rights and national security concerns. The court will hear arguments on January 10 regarding the law demanding TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell the platform to an American company. Trump has opposed the ban, despite supporting it during his presidency, and recently met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago.

Amid debates over H1B visa policies, Vivek Ramaswamy, Indian-American leader of the upcoming Department of Government Efficiency, emphasized cultural reforms in the US. He argued that American culture often prioritizes "mediocrity over excellence," contributing to the dominance of immigrant talent in tech industries. Citing examples from popular culture, Ramaswamy urged parents to focus on fostering achievement, citing science competitions over TV reruns and math tutoring over leisure. Calling it a "Sputnik moment," he highlighted the need for a cultural shift to compete globally. Canadian musician Grimes also defended Indian immigrants, condemning anti-India rhetoric and praising Indian-American cultural integration.

Thick fog disrupted flights across the UK on Saturday, with visibility dropping to 100 metres in parts of Southeast and Central England. Heathrow reported 20 delayed departures, Gatwick saw 35 delays, and Manchester experienced 24 delays by 11 AM. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) imposed temporary air traffic restrictions to maintain safety. Travelers were urged to check flight statuses before departure. The Met Office forecasted continued fog throughout the weekend, with yellow rain warnings for Scotland on Monday. Civil Aviation Authority reminded passengers of airlines’ obligation to provide care during delays caused by weather conditions.

Israeli forces evacuated Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of northern Gaza’s last operational health facilities, citing a Hamas "terrorist stronghold" in the area. Medics reported the evacuation endangered ICU patients reliant on ventilators. Airstrikes in the vicinity reportedly killed 50 people, including 5 medical staff. Gaza's deputy health minister criticized the relocation of critical patients to the non-functional Indonesian hospital. The World Health Organization condemned the attack, stating vital departments were destroyed. Israeli officials denied responsibility for the fatalities and a fire at the hospital. Kamal Adwan has faced intensified blockades since October, with aid agencies struggling to deliver supplies.

Ukrainians are hopeful for a New Year prisoner exchange with Russia, as negotiations have become more difficult amidst Russian territorial gains. Ukrainian official Petro Yatsenko stated that while talks are ongoing, exchanges have dwindled in 2024, with only 10 swaps so far. Over 8,000 Ukrainians are believed to be held by Russia. Some families, like Andriy and Lena Turas, have been reunited after lengthy captivity, but many Ukrainians still wait for their loved ones' release. The UN reports widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners by Russian forces, claims denied by Russia.

Srinagar Airport canceled all flights on Saturday due to heavy snowfall, which caused poor visibility and runway issues. This disruption follows a series of cancellations on Friday evening as the region experienced its first snowfall of the season. The snowfall also affected road and rail traffic, leaving approximately 2,000 vehicles stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Train services were suspended on the Banihal-Baramulla section. Despite the challenges, locals and tourists expressed joy at the arrival of the snow, which is expected to benefit tourism, agriculture, and the region’s water supply.

Bodycam footage released by New York authorities reveals correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility beating handcuffed inmate Robert Brooks, 43, who died the next day. The footage, made public by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows officers striking Brooks in the face, groin, and stomach while he was seated on a medical table. Following an internal review, 13 officers and a nurse were fired. Preliminary findings suggest asphyxia due to neck compression as the cause of death. Brooks was transferred to Marcy just hours before the assault and had been serving a 12-year sentence.