Malaysia has approved a new search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 with 239 people aboard. The $70M deal with US-based Ocean Infinity operates on a "no find, no fee" basis. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that new credible data identified a 15,000 sq km search area in the southern Indian Ocean. Previous efforts in 2017 and 2018 yielded no results. Families of victims expressed mixed emotions, hoping for closure after nearly 11 years of uncertainty. Ocean Infinity plans to begin the search next year. Investigators believe deliberate actions caused the flight's disappearance.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement has sparked heartfelt tributes, including a touching message from Washington Sundar. Seen as Ashwin's protege, Sundar expressed gratitude to his Tamil Nadu and India teammate, calling him an inspiration and mentor. In response, Ashwin lauded Sundar's two-minute retirement speech as the "best," referencing a Tamil movie dialogue. Ashwin retires with 765 international wickets and six Test centuries, cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest. Sundar, 25, is poised to fill Ashwin's role, with support from the legend himself. India faces Australia in the Boxing Day Test, marking a new chapter for Sundar’s promising career.

US President-elect Donald Trump has urged the EU to buy more American oil and gas to reduce its trade deficit with the US. He warned of imposing tariffs on EU exports if demands are unmet. Trump’s statement on his social media platform reignited fears of a trade war. The EU relies heavily on US liquefied natural gas (LNG) after reducing Russian energy imports. However, a recent US study warns that increasing LNG exports could raise domestic gas prices by up to 30% and harm the environment. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, see US gas as a cheaper alternative.

Kim Jong Un is personally training North Korean soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine, South Korean intelligence reports claim. At least 100 North Korean soldiers have reportedly died, with nearly 1,000 injured. Ukraine and its allies estimate 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops are deployed, mainly in Russia’s Kursk region. The US and other nations condemned North Korea’s alleged arms supply to Russia, calling it a dangerous escalation. Pyongyang denies involvement in the war, stating its alliance with Moscow is “normal” and effective. Ukrainian President Zelensky claims North Korean soldiers are fighting and alleges attempts to hide their identities after casualties.

Luigi Mangione, 26, is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors allege Mangione stalked and shot Thompson outside a Hilton hotel in New York on December 4. Federal charges against him include murder, stalking, and firearms offenses, making him eligible for the death penalty. A notebook found with Mangione shows his anger toward the healthcare industry. He was extradited to New York from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested with untraceable weapons. Mangione remains in custody and faces both federal and state charges. His next court hearing is on January 18 in New York.

California ground squirrels, traditionally herbivores, have been observed hunting and consuming voles, marking a significant behavioral shift. A study published in the Journal of Ethology documents this adaptive response to a local vole population surge in Contra Costa County. Researchers recorded 74 squirrel-vole interactions, 42% involving active predation. This change highlights dietary plasticity, with squirrels classified as opportunistic omnivores. "This showcases resilience and adaptability in response to environmental changes," said lead author Jennifer Smith. The findings could inform future conservation efforts, demonstrating how species adjust to human-impacted ecosystems. Such behavior may also help control vole populations, often considered agricultural pests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia should have prepared better and invaded Ukraine earlier, emphasizing "systemic preparation" for the 2022 conflict. Speaking during his annual press conference, he hailed Russian troops' "heroic efforts" and addressed nuclear policy changes, warning of potential responses to significant threats. Putin also discussed economic resilience amid Western sanctions, relations with China, and Russia's role in Syria. Displaying a flag gifted by troops, he reiterated his focus on sovereignty and less dependence on international partners. The tightly controlled event highlighted Russia's strategy and Putin's narrative of national strength.

The winter session of Parliament concluded with intense protests by BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc outside the premises. The session, marked by heated debates, witnessed controversies over federalism, democracy, and Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar. The Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman was dismissed on procedural grounds. Simultaneous protests on Friday turned chaotic, with allegations of misbehavior and injuries among MPs. Key highlights included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Lok Sabha debut and discussions on the 'One Nation, One Poll' bill. Several critical bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, remain pending.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 30 Palestinians, including women and children, on Thursday. Civil defence reported strikes on two schools in eastern Gaza City, sheltering displaced individuals, leaving 13 dead and 30 injured. Israel claimed Hamas militants used the schools for operations. Another airstrike on Al-Shati refugee camp killed 13 civilians filling water, while four died in a separate attack on a house. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are mediating ceasefire talks. The conflict, ongoing for over 14 months, has seen 45,129 Palestinians and 1,208 Israelis killed since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

Hundreds of Syrians gathered in Damascus’s Ummayad Square to demand democracy, women's rights, and an end to religious rule following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad. Protesters, including men and women, chanted slogans like "No to religious rule" and "Equality for men and women." Demonstrators expressed fears over Islamist-led rebel group HTS’s transitional leadership potentially undermining secularism. Actress Raghda Khateb highlighted women's vital roles in Syria’s struggles. Protester Majida Mudarres criticized HTS’s statement dismissing women's political participation. "The time for silence is over," she declared, calling for women to lead in rebuilding Syria.