Syrian rebel forces have taken control of Damascus, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year regime. Facing no resistance, rebels declared the city free, as Assad reportedly fled to an undisclosed location. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham faction proclaimed the fall of the "dark era," liberating key areas, including the notorious Saydnaya prison. The rapid advance followed a week-long offensive, with cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Homs falling swiftly. Panic gripped the capital, with gunfire and mass exodus of loyalists reported. Assad's departure signals a dramatic turn in Syria’s 13-year civil war, reshaping the nation’s political landscape.

President-elect Donald Trump declared the U.S. should avoid involvement in Syria, describing the nation as “not our friend.” In a post on Truth Social, he emphasized, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.” Trump cited Russia's preoccupation with the Ukraine conflict, suggesting Moscow’s diminishing role in Syria might benefit it. He also highlighted his long-standing opposition to the deployment of U.S. troops in Syria, advocating for withdrawal to prevent regional power vacuums. Trump's comments reflect his skepticism of prolonged U.S. military presence, which he criticized during his first term as detrimental to American interests.

Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced they are closing in on Damascus, claiming to be in the final phase of encircling the capital. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani stated forces are within 20 kilometers of the city, while government officials denied any retreat, affirming control over the Damascus countryside. Despite the government's claims, significant losses in Daraa and Quneitra were reported. Airstrikes by government forces continue as casualties rise. Rebel forces have pledged to protect Syria's minorities, while Hezbollah deploys fighters to support the regime near the Lebanese border.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided impeachment after his martial law declaration, as his People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. Opposition protests drew up to 1 million demonstrators demanding Yoon’s removal. Yoon had briefly suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, sparking global concern. Despite his apology for the turmoil, the impeachment motion failed to gain the required two-thirds majority. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung vowed to reintroduce the motion. Analysts predict a prolonged crisis with weekly protests as Yoon's approval rating plummets to 13%. Critics call Yoon "politically dead," urging his resignation.

Syrian forces have lost control of Daraa city, a key area in the 2011 uprising. Daraa’s fall marks another major defeat for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now control most of Daraa province. The rebels are advancing toward Homs and Damascus, pushing closer to Assad’s power base. In the east, government forces retreated from Deir Ezzor, losing territory to Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces have failed to halt the rebels. Over 280,000 people have been displaced amid the ongoing conflict.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for causing “anxiety” with his attempt to impose martial law. In a TV address on Saturday, he stopped short of resigning, leaving his political future to his party. Later today, he will face an impeachment vote in parliament, with opposition parties needing support from at least eight members of his ruling party to achieve the required two-thirds majority. The crisis began when Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday, which was swiftly lifted by Cabinet the next morning after MPs opposed it in a tense vote.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has spent at least $270 million to help Donald Trump win the US presidency, according to federal filings. This makes Musk the largest political donor in the country. Musk supported Trump’s campaign by funding door-knocking operations and speaking at rallies. He donated $238 million to the America PAC, a group he founded, and an additional $20 million to RBG PAC. His financial backing has earned him a role in Trump’s incoming government, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to his business dealings with governments.

Rebel forces have captured most of the Deraa region in southern Syria, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. Reports say rebels gained control of military sites after intense battles, forcing Syrian troops to retreat. A deal reportedly allows military officials safe passage to Damascus. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), also claimed victories in Hama and are advancing toward Homs. Over 370,000 people have been displaced by the fighting. Syrian forces are struggling with low morale and limited support from allies Russia and Iran. The UN has urged an end to the violence.

The BJP has accused the US State Department and a "deep state" nexus of destabilizing India and targeting PM Narendra Modi. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged collusion between US entities, billionaire George Soros, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing unverified reports linking the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to US funding. In Parliament, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey echoed these claims, demanding Rahul Gandhi’s investigation over alleged meetings with anti-India figures. Congress, led by Shashi Tharoor, condemned these remarks as defamatory and demanded an apology. The US State Department has yet to comment on these allegations.

In Dhaka, multiple opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and Amaar Bangla Party, recommended the formation of a public relations cell to counter India’s influence. During a political summit, leaders also proposed establishing a special committee for Bangladesh's minority communities, aiming to address ongoing concerns about representation and rights. These suggestions come amid growing debates on improving domestic and international policies. A Jamaat representative stated, "This move is vital to ensure justice and counter external narratives." Analysts note these developments reflect political strategies to consolidate support across diverse demographics.