Syrian rebels have captured the major city of Hama after fierce fighting and a military withdrawal. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared victory, releasing prisoners from a local jail. The military pulled out to avoid urban combat and protect civilians. This follows the rebels' capture of Aleppo last week. Since the start of the offensive, over 720 people, including 111 civilians, have died. The UN warned of Syria's deepening crisis. Russian and Iranian forces have intensified their support for President Assad, while Turkey urges a political solution to end the conflict.

The world’s most expensive dinosaur fossil, a stegosaurus named “Apex,” will be showcased at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin purchased the fossil for $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in July, far exceeding its estimated price of $4-6 million due to intense bidding. The fossil is on a four-year loan to the museum from Griffin, founder of Citadel hedge fund. Visitors can view “Apex” starting Sunday, 8 December. The exhibit promises to draw crowds eager to see this rare and remarkable piece of history.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The attack happened outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel around 6:45 a.m. Police call it a targeted attack. The suspect was seen riding an electric bike into Central Park and later leaving at West 85th Street. Investigators found bullets with words “depose,” “deny,” and “defend” inscribed. Surveillance footage and a water bottle left behind may help identify the killer. Police searched a hostel where the suspect might have stayed. A $10,000 reward is offered for tips. Thompson’s wife revealed he had received threats recently.

Prince Harry revealed he has no plans to return to the UK with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet. Speaking at The New York Times DealBook Summit, he said their life in the US offers privacy and freedom, unlike what they had in Britain. He expressed concerns over security and cited the trauma of his mother, Princess Diana's death in 1997, as a factor in his decision. Harry also shared his focus on being a good husband and father while reflecting on the pressures of royal life and its impact on his mental health.

France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced his resignation after losing a historic no-confidence vote in parliament. The motion, supported by 331 MPs, was triggered by Barnier’s controversial use of special powers to pass a €60 billion deficit reduction budget. The far-right National Rally and left-wing New Popular Front united against the budget, calling it “toxic for the French.” President Emmanuel Macron, unaffected constitutionally, must now appoint a new PM while facing mounting calls for his own resignation. Macron plans to address the nation on Thursday. This marks the first French government collapse via no-confidence in over 60 years.

Hindu monks in West Bengal have escalated their protests against alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, threatening boycotts and larger demonstrations. Led by Kartik Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, the monks submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, demanding action. Maharaj called for Prime Minister Modi's intervention and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to join protests organized by Hindu groups. Additionally, posters calling for a boycott of Bangladeshi products were distributed, and a hotel association in Malda has banned rooms for Bangladeshi nationals. Protests are scheduled in Kolkata and along the India-Bangladesh border.

Eknath Shinde’s decision to accept the deputy chief minister role in Maharashtra came after a crucial 20-minute meeting with Devendra Fadnavis. Despite initial reservations, Shinde was assured of key portfolios like the home department, MSRDC, and energy. Shinde had resisted stepping down from the chief minister’s post but faced mounting pressure from Shiv Sena MLAs and party leaders. Fadnavis’s persistence and support from Shinde's allies ultimately convinced him to take on the role, marking a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The move ensures unity within the Mahayuti alliance and strengthens governance.

French lawmakers ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government through a no-confidence vote, the first in 62 years. Supported by the far right and hard left, the motion stems from disputes over austerity budgets and France's political deadlock. President Emmanuel Macron, facing rising calls for his resignation, must swiftly appoint a new premier as protests grow over cost-cutting measures. Macron’s term runs until 2027, but the crisis raises doubts about his leadership. Public-sector strikes are planned, and Macron is set to address the nation. Opposition parties, including Marine Le Pen's, demand accountability as unrest spreads.

Israeli settlers raided the Palestinian villages of Beit Furik and Huwara in the West Bank, injuring a Palestinian and setting buildings on fire. The attacks occurred after Israeli forces evicted a nearby settlement outpost. In Beit Furik, settlers burned vehicles and a grocery shop, while in Huwara, they torched homes and cars. One resident was injured in Huwara after his house was set alight. The Israeli army arrested eight suspects for the attacks. Tensions have risen in the region since the Gaza war, with ongoing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has directed all embassies and consulates globally to simplify visa issuance for Pakistani nationals and those of Pakistani descent. The new policy aims to make it easier for Pakistanis to visit Bangladesh, eliminating visa-related obstacles. The directive, sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applies to all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions abroad. The move comes after Bangladesh's embassy in Agartala halted visa services following protests, while discussions between Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Pakistani leadership led to the new policy.