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.

An Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza killed at least 33 people, including children, according to Hamas-run health authorities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it targeted a "senior terrorist," resulting in secondary explosions that damaged nearby structures. Over 80 individuals remain missing, with more than 40 injured, primarily children, receiving treatment at hospitals. This comes as U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan visits Israel, expressing hope for a ceasefire. Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 44,800 Palestinians killed since last year, the health ministry reports. Civilian casualties remain alarmingly high.

Donald Trump declared Syria "not our fight" while in Paris, even as Assad's regime collapsed and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control. The US, with 900 troops in Syria, counters Islamic State remnants and supports Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Trump's nominee for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, emphasized prioritizing Israel and Gulf allies. Critics doubt Trump's isolationist approach, citing past missile strikes and sanctions. Tensions with Turkey over Kurdish forces and regional stability remain pivotal as Trump signals potential troop withdrawals. Analysts predict gradual disengagement, warning of power vacuums and rising regional complexities.

The UK government announced £75 million compensation for LGBTQ veterans dismissed from the military before 2000 reforms allowed their service. Eligible veterans, previously subjected to harassment, dismissal, and loss of pensions, will receive £50,000 each, with additional sums of £1,000-£20,000 based on individual suffering. Defence Secretary John Healey called their treatment a "moral stain," pledging to right past wrongs. Victims can also request rank and medal reinstatement. Parliament will debate the measure, while veterans can start filing claims online. A 2023 report highlighted the "horrendous" treatment endured by LGBTQ veterans, prompting the reparations announcement.

US President Joe Biden granted clemency to 1,539 people, pardoning 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and reducing 1,500 prison sentences. The pardons include veterans and community leaders who showed rehabilitation, while the commuted sentences involved those under home confinement during the pandemic. Biden called it a step toward giving people "second chances" and promised more actions soon. This move follows his controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, sparking debates. Biden has previously issued pardons for marijuana offenses and crimes related to sexual orientation, focusing on fairness and justice reforms.