Russia has vowed to continue its war in Ukraine until its objectives are achieved, either through military operations or negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that no talks are currently underway. Russia's spy chief, Sergei Naryshkin, claimed that Ukraine is close to collapse and that Russia holds the upper hand. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested a ceasefire if unoccupied territories gain NATO membership. Incoming US President Donald Trump called for an "immediate ceasefire" and urged both sides to negotiate peace. The war has caused devastating losses, with heavy casualties reported on both sides. The conflict remains unresolved.

Syrian rebels have appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as interim prime minister following President Bashar al-Assad's fall. Al-Bashir previously governed rebel-held areas during Assad's rule. Meanwhile, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt accused Israel of exploiting Syria's turmoil. The Israeli military admitted its troops are operating beyond the buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Rebels in Damascus claimed they discovered over 40 bodies showing signs of torture. The US plans to discuss Syria's crisis in an upcoming G7 meeting, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledging support for a transparent government. Turkey also opened a new border crossing for returning refugees.

Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York. Police found him at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania with a ghost gun, ammunition, and fake IDs. Mangione, from Maryland, was a valedictorian and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. His arrest revealed handwritten notes expressing anger towards corporate America. A former data engineer, Mangione had no prior arrests but had reportedly lost contact with family and friends recently. His family expressed shock, offering prayers for all involved. Police described the arrest as peaceful, though Mangione has since stopped cooperating.

Israel has conducted over 300 airstrikes across Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Targets include military facilities, weapon depots, and airports in cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Hama. Israel says the strikes aim to prevent weapons from reaching extremists during Syria's transitional period. The IDF denied entering Syrian territory, asserting its actions remain within the buffer zone. Syrian facilities have reportedly faced significant destruction, with observers calling it a blow to the Syrian army’s capabilities. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the country’s commitment to defending its borders.

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Police arrested Mangione in Pennsylvania after a McDonald's employee spotted him with a gun, mask, and writings linking him to the shooting. Mangione is set to be extradited to New York. Police found a document with anti-corporate sentiments. Thompson, 50, was killed outside a hotel last week in a premeditated attack. His death occurred just before UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference. Mangione’s family expressed shock, offering prayers to Thompson’s family.

Israel carried out over 100 air strikes across Syria, targeting military sites, including a suspected chemical weapons centre. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the attacks in Damascus and other areas. Israel said the strikes were to prevent weapons from reaching extremists after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.   The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons urged Syria to secure chemical stockpiles. Israeli PM Netanyahu called the regime’s collapse a "historic day" and promised peace with Syrians seeking good relations. The strikes come amid regional tensions following the Gaza war and cross-border attacks on Israel.

Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has vowed to hold former officials accountable for crimes under Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “We will not hesitate to bring criminals and torturers to justice,” Jolani said after meeting outgoing PM Mohammed al-Jalali to coordinate a peaceful transition of power. Assad fled Syria as rebel forces entered Damascus, ending his five-decade rule. Thousands gathered at Saydnaya prison, infamous for atrocities, searching for missing relatives. The UN called for accountability, while the US and Europe urged Syria’s new leadership to protect human rights. “This is a rebirth for Syria,” said Damascus resident Rim Ramadan.

A Bengali literary festival at Visva-Bharati University’s Bangladesh Bhavan saw no participation from Bangladeshi poets and writers due to visa denials and rising political tensions. Organisers revealed that around 20 Bangladeshi participants refrained from applying for visas after initial refusals. The two-day festival, aimed at promoting Bengali culture, had participants from India and abroad. Political instability in Bangladesh, including reports of minority persecution, heightened concerns. Manabendra Mukherjee of Bangladesh Bhavan expressed regret, emphasizing the festival's reliance on cross-border participation for cultural dialogue.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls to halt the Gaza war, stating, “Ending it now allows Hamas to recover and attack again.” The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack killing 1,208 Israelis, has resulted in 44,758 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to UN-verified data from the Hamas-run health ministry. Renewed negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, show potential progress. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s goal: the “annihilation of Hamas.” Families of hostages held in Gaza continue protests, demanding a resolution. The international community urges Israel to prioritize negotiations.

US President-elect Donald Trump appointed Indian-American Harmeet K Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Born in Chandigarh, Dhillon specializes in election law, employment rights, and First Amendment cases. Trump praised her for fighting tech censorship and defending religious freedoms. Dhillon, who founded Dhillon Law Group in 2006, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, dedicating it to her late father and husband. She joins other Indian-Americans in Trump’s Cabinet, including Jay Bhattacharya, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Kash Patel. Dhillon emphasized her commitment to enforcing civil rights laws fairly.