US President-elect Donald Trump called Ukraine’s use of US missiles on Russian territory “crazy” in an interview with Time. He criticised President Biden's approval of the move, saying it escalates the war. Despite his disapproval, Trump stated he would not abandon Ukraine and aims for a swift resolution. He claimed to have a “very good plan” but refused to share details. Trump highlighted the devastating loss of life on both sides and urged for peace. This criticism comes as Russia escalates its attacks, using missiles and drones, while Ukraine continues to call for stronger global action against Moscow.

Francois Bayrou, a centrist politician, has been named France's new prime minister following Michel Barnier's resignation. Barnier lost a vote of no confidence after budget disputes, leading to his resignation just 90 days into the role. Bayrou, 73, has been a key ally of President Macron for years and leads the Democratic Movement party. He faces a tough challenge in leading a divided parliament with no clear majority. Bayrou will work to navigate France's fractured political landscape and find common ground to pass important legislation, especially a critical budget.

Thousands of Syrians filled the streets of Damascus and other cities to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. In Umayyad Square, people sang, waved opposition flags, and chanted revolutionary slogans. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa called it a victory for the "blessed revolution." While many celebrated, families searched for missing loved ones at a Damascus mortuary. Bodies transferred from the infamous Saydnaya prison showed signs of torture and malnourishment. Key regime buildings, including torture cells and intelligence offices, revealed evidence of decades of oppression. Syrians now hope to rebuild their nation "hand-in-hand" in freedom.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticized the Congress party over actor Allu Arjun’s arrest following a stampede at a ‘Pushpa 2’ premiere in Hyderabad. Vaishnaw accused the Telangana government of engaging in "publicity stunts" to deflect blame from the poor arrangements at the venue. He said the arrest reflected a lack of respect for the creative industry. Meanwhile, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy denied government interference, asserting the law would take its course. Allu Arjun was granted interim bail, with further hearings scheduled for January 2025. BJP leaders also condemned the arrest.

The Indian government expressed concern over the murders of three Indian students in Canada last week, calling the incidents "unfortunate tragedies." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended condolences to the victims' families and assured assistance through Indian missions in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. The MEA issued an advisory for Indian nationals to remain cautious amid rising hate crimes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the safety of Indian nationals in Canada remains a top priority, while rejecting reports of visa delays as misinformation.

In 2023, 86 Indians were murdered or attacked abroad, including 12 in the US, and 10 each in Canada, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed in Parliament. The figure marks a sharp rise from 57 in 2022 and 29 in 2021. Singh emphasized that the safety of Indians abroad remains a priority, with missions taking prompt action and raising concerns at high levels. Additionally, 2,16,219 Indians renounced citizenship in 2023, down from 2,25,620 in 2022. A 24x7 helpline has been set up to aid Indians overseas.

The EU has approved Bulgaria and Romania's full membership in the Schengen zone, effective January 2025, ending a 13-year wait. Austria lifted its veto after signing a border protection package, addressing concerns over illegal immigration. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis called the move a “strategic objective,” promising reduced border wait times and economic growth. Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter hailed it as a “historic moment.” Schengen now has 29 members, enabling free travel for over 400M people. The agreement includes joint border guards at Bulgaria's Turkish border and temporary land controls, ensuring enhanced migration management.

Russia launched its 12th major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year, firing 93 missiles and deploying over 200 drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that 81 missiles were intercepted. Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Ternopil regions suffered severe energy facility damage, with rolling blackouts imposed nationwide. Ukrenergo has begun importing electricity from neighboring countries to address shortages. Moscow stated the strikes were retaliation for Ukraine's US-made missile attack on a Russian airbase. Amid escalating tensions, Donald Trump, in an interview, criticized US support for Ukraine’s strikes. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted Trump’s remarks aligned with Moscow's stance, impressing Russian officials.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a 4.6% fare increase for the London Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth line starting March 2025, exceeding the UK's 2.3% inflation rate. Meanwhile, London bus fares, including Superloop services, will remain frozen at £1.75 for the second consecutive year, aiming to boost passenger numbers amidst growing traffic congestion. The Hopper fare, allowing free bus or tram transfers within 60 minutes, will continue. This fare hike is expected to generate £211M for Transport for London. The Emirates cable car fare will rise 14.3%, reaching £7 for adults. These changes align with government-mandated national rail fare adjustments.

Syrians are celebrating the end of 50 years of Assad rule with mass rallies in Damascus and other cities. Islamist rebels seized power last Sunday, forcing former President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, where he has been granted asylum. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, promised justice for victims of torture and pledged to close Assad-era prisons. The G7 nations are meeting to discuss support for an inclusive government in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel plans to maintain forces in the buffer zone, concerned about chemical weapons falling into jihadist hands. Stability efforts are underway.