UK immigration has declined due to tighter student visa regulations, with non-EU nationals comprising 86% of migrants. Changes introduced in January 2024, including restrictions on dependent visas and work visa switches, have impacted Indian student numbers. Indian student visa issuance dropped 19% year-on-year, while dependent visas fell 69%. The University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) reported a 3% drop in enrolments and a 32.55% decrease in CAS issuance for Indian students. As a result, UK universities face a shift in international student trends, especially among students from India, a major source of student visa applicants.

South Korea’s National Assembly impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. "Today’s impeachment is the great victory of the people," stated opposition leader Park Chan-dae. The impeachment motion passed with 204 lawmakers in favor, suspending Yoon from office. The decision follows protests sparked by Yoon's December 3 decree, which saw thousands gather in Seoul. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president until the Constitutional Court issues a ruling on Yoon's future within 180 days.

Parastoo Ahmadi, an Iranian singer, faces prosecution after performing an online concert without a hijab, defying Iran's strict dress code. The judiciary has stated "appropriate action" has been taken, filing a legal case against Ahmadi and her production team. Streaming on YouTube, she appeared bare-shouldered in a black dress, with one song referencing protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in custody. Her message before the concert called for a "free and beautiful nation." The event occurred before a new law, with harsh penalties, including death, for hijab violations was enacted. Ahmadi’s actions have ignited debates over women's rights in Iran.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached after his martial law declaration triggered a constitutional crisis and mass outrage. The motion to impeach passed with 204 votes in the 300-member parliament. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will act as interim leader while the Constitutional Court decides Yoon's fate, a process that may take up to six months. Yoon's martial law, declared on December 3, involved deploying soldiers to block lawmakers from overturning the law. Opposition leader Park Chan-dae called the impeachment a victory for democracy. Yoon now faces criminal investigations over his controversial actions.

In response to escalating violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is attempting to engage with the Arakan Army. The group now controls over 80% of Rakhine, including key areas where Rohingya Muslims reside. Bangladesh fears a fresh influx of refugees as the ongoing conflict disrupts stability. Yunus’s representative, Khalilur Rahman, stated that while communication is being established, no immediate actions will be taken without careful consideration. Bangladesh has already suspended ferry services from Teknaf to Saint Martin Island, affecting many in the Chittagong Division.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside South Korea's National Assembly in Seoul on December 14, 2024, as lawmakers prepared for a second vote on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon narrowly survived a previous impeachment attempt last weekend, but calls for his ouster have intensified after he attempted to impose martial law. Opposition lawmakers have pledged to hold weekly impeachment votes until Yoon is removed. A key challenge for the motion is gaining support from eight ruling party members. Yoon and his allies are under investigation for insurrection, with travel bans imposed on several of them.

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.