14 security personnel of Syria’s new government were killed in an ambush by suspected loyalists of former leader Bashar al-Assad in the Tartous countryside. The forces, mainly armed rebels, were on a mission to arrest a former official linked to executions at Saydnaya prison. The attack also left ten others wounded. The new interior minister condemned the attack, vowing to strengthen security. Meanwhile, protests broke out in Homs city, with demonstrators demanding the release of prisoners and protection for religious minorities. The new regime has vowed to safeguard these groups amid rising tensions.

Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, died on December 26, 2024, at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness. He served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was instrumental in India's 1991 economic reforms. Singh’s leadership brought significant economic growth and global recognition for India. He also led key social initiatives like MGNREGA and the Right to Information Act. Known for his calm demeanor, Singh faced challenges like corruption scandals during his tenure. His contributions to India's economy and politics will remain a lasting legacy.

Israel's military targeted Sana'a International Airport and Hodeidah seaport in Yemen on December 26, 2024, in retaliation for a week-long missile campaign by the Houthis. The strikes followed multiple missile attacks from the Houthis on Israel, including a recent hypersonic missile that hit Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Houthi military infrastructure, including power stations and ports used for smuggling Iranian weapons. The IDF stated these facilities supported the Houthis’ attacks on Israel. Israel is reportedly considering further military actions in Yemen with support from the U.S. amid escalating tensions.

An Azerbaijan Airlines plane, which crashed near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, 2024, may have been hit by a Russian missile, according to reports. The plane, traveling from Baku to Grozny, had requested an emergency landing before the crash. Thirty-eight people were killed, and 29 survived. Experts noted damage consistent with missile shrapnel. The plane was in an area with reported Ukrainian drone activity, and some survivors reported explosions on board. An investigation is ongoing, and the black box has been recovered. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning for the victims.

Recent changes in visa policies in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are making Indian students rethink their study destinations. Key factors such as work opportunities, ease of visa rules, and immigration pathways are now crucial. The US has seen a drop in applications due to stricter regulations, while the UK’s new dependent policies have caused concern. Canada faces a decline in enrollments, and Australia has capped student numbers for 2025. Germany is gaining popularity with relaxed requirements. Students now focus more on long-term work prospects after graduation when choosing their study destinations.

An investigation has been initiated into the luxury items found at Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, dubbed 'Sheeshmahal' by the opposition. The probe follows a complaint by Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta, who raised concerns over the cost of items like 16 4K TVs, 50 ACs, and expensive toilet seats. The Public Works Department’s inventory report triggered the investigation, and the Lieutenant Governor instructed the Vigilance Department to look into possible discrepancies. The AAP claims the upgrades were necessary due to the age of the building, built in 1942.

China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. The dam is expected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. While China claims the project will aid its carbon goals, India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns about its impact on water supplies and the environment downstream. India, especially, fears potential flash floods and water scarcity, with the river flowing into its northeastern states and Bangladesh.

Simran Singh, a 25-year-old Instagram influencer and popular radio jockey, was found dead in her apartment in Gurugram on December 26, 2024. Police suspect suicide, and her body has been handed to her family. Singh, known as "Jammu Ki Dhadkan" by her fans, had over 700,000 followers on Instagram. Her death has sparked condolences from Jammu and Kashmir leaders, including Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They praised her voice and charm, noting her impact on the region’s cultural scene. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of death.

Ukraine's military has claimed that its air force attacked a military facility in Russia’s Rostov region. The strike targeted a facility in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, which produced solid fuel for ballistic missiles used in Russian attacks on Ukraine. While the Ukrainian military did not specify the exact date of the strike or the extent of the damage, it confirmed the attack was part of ongoing military efforts. This comes amid continued tensions and military activity in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Squid Game season 2 is back with a gripping, politically-charged storyline that raises the stakes. The show follows Seong Gi-hun’s quest to end the deadly game, now with new characters and deeper politics. While the games take a backseat, the series explores the red soldiers' lives and the complex power dynamics within the game. Strong performances from Lee Jung-jae, T.O.P, Park Sung-hoon, and others make the season stand out. However, the emotional impact of the deaths is weaker this time. Overall, Squid Game season 2 impresses and deserves recognition.