A New York judge rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s appeal to overturn his felony conviction in a hush money case. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that Supreme Court immunity for official acts doesn't cover Trump's unofficial conduct, such as paying a porn star to secure silence before the 2016 election. This decision, reported by CNN, raises the possibility of Trump assuming office with a felony conviction, pending appeal. Prosecutors argued Trump's attempt to dismiss the case was excessive and unnecessary to protect the presidency. Trump's sentencing remains indefinitely postponed since his November 5 election victory.

Bangladesh's interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, announced that the next parliamentary elections could take place between late 2025 and mid-2026. This statement comes amid growing pressure from Khaleda Zia’s BNP, which has been demanding an earlier election date. Yunus shared this timeline during a speech on Victory Day, citing the need for reforms. BNP leaders, including acting chairman Tarique Rahman, criticized the delay, accusing influential groups of conspiring to undermine their electoral prospects. Differing views within the interim government on election timing have further fueled debate, with the public demanding clarity on the election roadmap.

A severe cold wave is sweeping across India, with temperatures dipping to -10.6°C in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti. Delhi recorded 4.5°C, prompting GRAP Stage 4 restrictions as air quality plunged to the "severe" category. In Kashmir, Srinagar froze at -3.4°C, while Rajasthan's Sikar district hit -0.4°C. Odisha's Similipal was coldest at 1°C, and Hyderabad saw temperatures drop to single digits. Punjab and Haryana also shivered, with lows around 0.6°C. The MeT department forecasts dry weather till December 26, with light snowfall expected in Kashmir's higher reaches on December 21-22.    

The BJP government will table the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in the Lok Sabha on December 17. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present the bill, officially called The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024. The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs to ensure attendance. The bill aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, with local body polls planned later. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, have criticised the move, calling it "anti-democratic." The bill will likely be sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament for further discussion, with its members announced by the Speaker tomorrow.

Bashar al-Assad, in his first statement since losing power, said he planned to keep fighting rebels but left Syria at Russia’s request. He revealed he was evacuated from the Hmeimim base on December 8 after it came under attack. Assad stated he had stayed in Damascus until that morning, denying claims he fled in the conflict's final hours. He clarified he never considered stepping down or seeking refuge, calling his presidency meaningless after rebels took control. Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family. The rebel offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marked a major setback for Moscow.

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader, accused the BJP-led Centre of failing to ensure women's safety in Delhi. Speaking at a 'Mahila Adalat' event, he claimed the Centre's control over Delhi police has led to lawlessness. Kejriwal highlighted AAP’s efforts, like installing CCTV cameras and appointing bus marshals, to improve security. BJP responded, criticizing AAP over Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal’s harassment complaint against Kejriwal’s aide and questioned Kejriwal’s association with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who once defended comments about crimes against women made by his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The Congress accused the BJP government of erasing history after the iconic 1971 surrender painting was relocated from the Army Chief’s lounge. The artwork depicts Pakistan’s Lt Gen Niazi surrendering to India’s Lt Gen Aurora, marking Bangladesh’s birth. Congress MP Manickam Tagore called the decision a "direct affront" to the 1971 war's memory. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded the painting's reinstatement, alleging attempts to downplay Congress-era achievements. Military veterans condemned the move as an "insult." The Army clarified the painting was moved to the Manekshaw Centre to increase public accessibility, showcasing India’s military history to dignitaries.

Twelve Indian nationals tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Gudauri, a ski resort in Georgia. The victims were found on the second floor of a building housing an Indian restaurant. Georgia's Interior Ministry reported that a power generator, placed indoors, was turned on during a power outage, leading to fatal suffocation. The Indian Embassy in Georgia expressed condolences and assured support for the bereaved families. Investigations under Georgia's Criminal Code for negligent manslaughter are ongoing. Gudauri, a popular tourist destination, is located in the Caucasus Mountains at 2,200 meters above sea level.

Director James Gunn revealed the first motion poster of Superman, featuring David Corenswet as the iconic superhero, set to release on July 11, 2025. The poster showcases Corenswet in the classic Superman costume, accompanied by a stirring score. Gunn announced that the film's official trailer will debut on Thursday, sparking excitement among fans. Comments on the reveal expressed high anticipation, with many praising the visuals and musical score. The film stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Gunn celebrated completing the shoot earlier, describing the movie as a tribute to hope and goodness.

Russia is testing the Kalinka monitoring system, labeled the "Starlink killer," targeting drones connected to Elon Musk's Starlink network. Developed by the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST), Kalinka detects aerial and maritime drones within a 15 km range. CBST chairman Andrey Bezrukov revealed it disrupts Starlink and Starshield terminals, critical for Ukraine's military operations. The system’s effectiveness depends on terrain and enemy electronic countermeasures. Musk's Starlink, a satellite-based internet service, has been vital for Ukraine, enabling drone operations, battlefield communications, and artillery coordination. Kalinka poses a significant threat to Ukraine's reliance on Starlink's connectivity.