Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia should have prepared better and invaded Ukraine earlier, emphasizing "systemic preparation" for the 2022 conflict. Speaking during his annual press conference, he hailed Russian troops' "heroic efforts" and addressed nuclear policy changes, warning of potential responses to significant threats. Putin also discussed economic resilience amid Western sanctions, relations with China, and Russia's role in Syria. Displaying a flag gifted by troops, he reiterated his focus on sovereignty and less dependence on international partners. The tightly controlled event highlighted Russia's strategy and Putin's narrative of national strength.

A survivor of the Mumbai boat tragedy that killed 14 people has disputed the Navy's claim of "engine failure," alleging the speedboat driver was "showing off." The Navy vessel, undergoing engine trials, collided with the Neel Kamal ferry near Karanja on Wednesday afternoon. Gaurav Gupta, who lost his aunt in the crash, described the speedboat's reckless zig-zagging before it rammed the ferry. The ferry, carrying passengers to Elephanta Island, began sinking shortly after impact, with many not wearing life jackets. Gupta added, "It felt like a display," and urged authorities to investigate the driver’s behavior. Rescue operations are ongoing.

A devastating fire erupted in Jaipur’s Ajmer Road early Friday when a truck collided with a parked CNG tanker near a petrol pump. The explosion killed 8 people and injured over 40, with 28 critically hurt. The blaze, visible for kilometers, engulfed several vehicles, including nearby trucks. Locals reported hearing explosions 10 km away. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma visited the injured at SMS Hospital, promising swift medical aid and rescue operations. Preliminary investigations reveal the truck carried chemicals, causing repeated explosions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern and assured assistance during a call with the CM.

The winter session of Parliament concluded with intense protests by BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc outside the premises. The session, marked by heated debates, witnessed controversies over federalism, democracy, and Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar. The Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman was dismissed on procedural grounds. Simultaneous protests on Friday turned chaotic, with allegations of misbehavior and injuries among MPs. Key highlights included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Lok Sabha debut and discussions on the 'One Nation, One Poll' bill. Several critical bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, remain pending.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 30 Palestinians, including women and children, on Thursday. Civil defence reported strikes on two schools in eastern Gaza City, sheltering displaced individuals, leaving 13 dead and 30 injured. Israel claimed Hamas militants used the schools for operations. Another airstrike on Al-Shati refugee camp killed 13 civilians filling water, while four died in a separate attack on a house. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are mediating ceasefire talks. The conflict, ongoing for over 14 months, has seen 45,129 Palestinians and 1,208 Israelis killed since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

A private school in Delhi's Dwarka received a bomb threat on Friday, prompting immediate action from emergency response teams. The Delhi Police confirmed that classes were shifted online for safety. Authorities are investigating the matter, with no further updates yet. This incident follows a series of recent bomb threat hoaxes targeting schools in Delhi. On December 13, 30 schools received similar emails traced to foreign sources. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed concerns about the psychological impact on students. The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to implement an SOP for handling such emergencies within eight weeks.

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule earned ₹600 crore in Hindi and ₹1,508 crore globally but faced removal from PVR INOX theatres in North India over a dispute. Trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan reported the disagreement but later confirmed its resolution. Theatres gradually resumed screening. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun was arrested after a stampede during a Hyderabad screening led to a woman's death. He was sent to 14-day custody but received 4-week interim bail on a ₹50,000 bond. Fans continue to celebrate the blockbuster despite controversies surrounding its release and promotional events.

Delhi Police filed an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after BJP MP Hemang Joshi alleged he incited violence and assaulted NDA MPs during a Parliament protest. The BJP claimed Gandhi endangered their safety, causing injuries to Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Sarangi. Union Minister Anurag Thakur demanded action, alleging misconduct toward a female BJP MP. Congress countered with accusations of BJP MPs manhandling Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Calling the FIR a “diversionary tactic,” Congress MP Manickam Tagore said defending Ambedkar’s legacy is an honor, not a crime. Both parties filed complaints demanding investigations into the clashes.

Hundreds of Syrians gathered in Damascus’s Ummayad Square to demand democracy, women's rights, and an end to religious rule following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad. Protesters, including men and women, chanted slogans like "No to religious rule" and "Equality for men and women." Demonstrators expressed fears over Islamist-led rebel group HTS’s transitional leadership potentially undermining secularism. Actress Raghda Khateb highlighted women's vital roles in Syria’s struggles. Protester Majida Mudarres criticized HTS’s statement dismissing women's political participation. "The time for silence is over," she declared, calling for women to lead in rebuilding Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced readiness for talks to end the Ukraine war, including discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking during a state TV Q&A, Putin rejected preconditions but emphasized compromises from Kyiv. He dismissed a temporary truce, favoring lasting peace based on prior Istanbul proposals, deemed controversial by Ukraine. Putin defended Russia’s 2022 invasion as a defensive move against NATO expansion and revealed regret for delayed military action. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Putin's hypersonic missile threats, questioning his sanity during a European Council meeting. The war continues to devastate lives and global relations.