Time Magazine has named Donald Trump its Person of the Year for the second time, crediting him for "marshalling a comeback of historic proportions." Trump, who previously won in 2016 after his presidential election victory, was honored for reshaping the American presidency and global influence. Time highlighted his 2024 electoral win, marking his first popular vote victory and his status as the oldest U.S. president-elect. Despite ongoing legal challenges, including a fraud conviction, Trump remains a significant political figure. The magazine also considered Vice President Kamala Harris and others for the honor.

Social services and schools failed to protect 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who suffered fatal abuse at her Woking, Surrey home. Her father, Urfan Sharif, admitted to beating her to death with a cricket bat and metal pole during his trial. WhatsApp messages from Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, revealed a history of relentless violence, including beatings, burns, and severe punishments. Batool once messaged, "Poor girl can’t walk… he made her do sit-ups all night." Neighbors and teachers ignored or overlooked signs of abuse. Sara was described as "spirited and bold," a quality silenced by brutality.

Travis Timmerman, a US citizen, was freed from a Syrian prison after rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime. Detained for seven months after entering Syria on foot, he described his release when men armed with a hammer broke his cell door. "I thought guards were still there," Timmerman said. He left the prison with others and tried to reach Jordan, relying on locals for food and shelter. Thousands of detainees have been freed since the regime’s fall. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani vowed to close Assad's prisons and seek justice for victims of torture and killings under the Assad regime.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has opened a new chapter for Syria. Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, now control cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs. Syrians celebrated in the streets, waving a new green, white, and black flag. Rebel leaders aim to form a transitional government and rebuild the war-torn country. Challenges include ensuring safety for minorities, restoring public services, and tackling issues like the Captagon drug trade. With millions displaced, hopes are high for a better future, but rebuilding Syria will take time and effort. The resilience of its people brings hope for peace.

Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old Bengaluru techie, died by suicide, leaving a 90-minute video and a 24-page note alleging harassment by his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. Following an FIR filed by Bengaluru police, Subhash's in-laws fled their Jaunpur residence late at night. A video of his mother-in-law, Nisha Singhania, leaving on a bike went viral. Subhash’s family demanded justice, calling for strict action against those responsible. Meanwhile, the accused family denied the allegations, expressing regret over his death and pledging to prove their innocence. Nationwide protests and candle marches are being held to demand justice for Subhash.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal announced the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, promising ₹2,100 monthly assistance for Delhi women aged 18+. The hike from the earlier ₹1,000 pledge comes ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls. While registrations begin tomorrow, disbursements will wait until after elections are announced. Kejriwal criticized BJP for delaying the scheme, citing his arrest in a liquor policy case. The former CM, released in September, resigned days later. Kejriwal emphasized the scheme’s impact, calling it a “blessing” for mothers and sisters, aimed at empowering women and addressing inflation challenges.

Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) pledged to shut down Assad-era prisons, including the infamous Saydnaya facility, following Bashar al-Assad's ousting. Jolani’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition toppled Assad’s 54-year rule in a swift offensive, forcing him to flee to Russia. Videos surfaced showing thousands of detainees freed from Saydnaya, infamous for torture and killings. Jolani vowed to pursue those involved in war crimes and dissolve Assad’s security forces. Concerns over chemical weapon stockpiles persist, with international groups aiding in securing sites. The U.S. welcomed Jolani’s statements, urging actions against potential misuse of chemical assets.

Russia has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to the United States, Canada, and European Union nations, citing safety risks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said worsening relations with the US pose serious dangers for Russians abroad. She warned of potential harassment or detention in these countries. The US has similarly cautioned its citizens against visiting Russia, citing risks of detention and arbitrary law enforcement. Tensions between the two countries have escalated due to the ongoing Ukraine war and increased military aid from the US to Ukraine. Both nations accuse each other of politically motivated detentions.

A £46m national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II will be constructed in St James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace. The memorial aims to reflect the Queen's extraordinary life and will provide a space for public reflection. Leading artists, architects, and engineers are invited to submit designs for the project. The memorial will include the Blue Bridge and surrounding areas. A two-stage competition will select the winning design, with submissions due by January 20, 2025. The final design will be revealed in the summer, and construction will begin soon after.

Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have burned the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the late president and father of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, in the family’s hometown of Qardaha. The attack is part of the rebels' efforts to overthrow the Assad dynasty after 54 years of rule. Meanwhile, in Damascus, daily life is slowly returning to normal, with shops reopening and people no longer fearing regime loyalists. The new rebel leadership has vowed to ensure Syria’s religious and cultural diversity and begin the process of rebuilding the country.