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.

In his first statement since being ousted, Bashar al-Assad declared, "Asylum was never an option," rejecting claims of fleeing Syria during the fall of his regime. Assad stated he stayed in Damascus until December 8, when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces captured the city. He claimed Russia evacuated him due to drone attacks but insisted his departure was not pre-planned. Blaming "terrorism" for Syria's collapse, Assad said, "I have always considered myself a custodian of a national project." Despite losing power, he expressed hope for Syria's resilience, adding, "It is a belonging filled with hope that Syria will be free."

Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule has made history by crossing ₹1300 crore at the worldwide box office. The film, which released on December 5, has earned ₹1302.60 crore in just 11 days, surpassing the lifetime earnings of KGF Chapter 2, which collected ₹1215 crore. The movie also became the first Hindi film to earn ₹100 crore in its second weekend. With ₹902 crore collected in India alone, Pushpa 2 is now aiming to break the record set by RRR (₹1309 crore). The film continues to perform strongly despite Allu Arjun's recent legal issues.

D Gukesh made history by becoming the World Chess Champion at just 18. The Indian grandmaster defeated Diren Ling and earned ₹11 crore in prize money. However, Gukesh will have to pay a significant tax of ₹4.67 crore, as he falls under the 30% tax bracket in India. Fans jokingly congratulated the Income Tax Department and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the windfall. Gukesh’s net worth has risen to ₹21 crore after his victory. The grandmaster expressed his joy, saying, "I've been dreaming about this moment since I was six or seven."

Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2024, causing "apocalyptic scenes," according to locals. With winds over 225 km/h, many poor areas with sheet-metal roofs were flattened. "It feels like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war," said resident Mohamed Ishmael. At least 20 people are confirmed dead, but the toll could rise to thousands, officials warn. Infrastructure is severely damaged, leaving 85% of the territory without power. "The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster," said a nurse from Mamoudzou. Rescue workers are struggling due to impassable roads and downed power lines.

Matthew Hayden has given Rohit Sharma advice to regain his form in Test cricket. The Australian legend believes Rohit’s natural game is built on free-flowing, aggressive batting, but he has been struggling with form lately. Hayden emphasized the importance of playing with energy and intent, advising Rohit not to focus on defending the ball. "Energy and intent" were suggested as key "trigger words" to help Rohit rediscover his rhythm. Rohit has struggled in recent matches, scoring just 142 runs in his last 12 innings, with only one half-century.

Israel dropped a bomb on Syria so powerful it measured 3.0 on the Richter scale, causing a huge explosion near Tartus. The strike targeted air defence units and missile depots, marking the heaviest bombardment in Syria’s coastal region since 2012. The US embassy in Damascus warned Americans to leave Syria, citing ongoing armed conflict and terrorism. The embassy, closed since 2012, advised citizens to prepare emergency plans and seek help from other countries for evacuation. Tensions remain high as Israel continues military actions in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s recent downfall.

12 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia. Police found 11 foreigners and one Georgian national dead in a sleeping area above a restaurant. The victims were discovered on Saturday in a building that housed an Indian restaurant. Authorities believe the deaths were accidental, caused by an oil-powered generator turned on after the building lost electricity on Friday. Preliminary tests show no signs of violence. Gudauri, located in the Caucasus mountains, is a popular ski destination, about 120km north of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. An investigation is underway.

Isak Andic, the founder of fashion brand Mango, died after falling nearly 500ft during a family outing in Collbato, near Barcelona. The 71-year-old businessman slipped while visiting the Collbato Caves in the Montserrat mountains. His son, Jonathan, called emergency services, but Andic could not be saved. Mango CEO Tony Ruiz expressed deep sorrow, saying Andic’s death leaves a "huge void." Andic, a Turkish immigrant, founded Mango in 1984 with his brother. Forbes recently estimated his net worth at $4.5 billion. He is survived by his wife and three children.

India's batting collapsed once again in the third Test against Australia, with reckless shots sealing their fate. Jasprit Bumrah, after picking up six wickets, said, "Maybe you should start pointing fingers. Maybe that will spur them into showing greater discipline." Despite a strong bowling effort, India's batsmen struggled to respect the conditions, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli falling to careless strokes. Gill played a poor drive to Starc, while Kohli wafted at a wide Hazlewood delivery. "The plan should have been to be watchful," Bumrah added, as India ended the day at 51 for 4, trailing Australia’s 445.