Israel’s government has approved a plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the expansion was necessary due to a new security threat along Israel’s Syrian border. The plan aims to double the population in the Golan Heights, which Israel seized during the 1967 Six-Day War. More than 30 Israeli settlements currently house around 20,000 Israelis, living alongside Syrian Druze Arabs. The announcement comes amid rising tensions, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites and criticism from Syria’s new leadership.

Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, founder of Perplexity AI, sparked a viral conversation on X by asking his followers if he should apply for a green card after waiting three years for US citizenship. Musk responded with a simple "Yes," offering support to Srinivas, who has expressed frustration with the US immigration system. Srinivas, an IIT Madras graduate and former OpenAI researcher, has built a successful AI company backed by investors like Jeff Bezos. His post prompted many reactions, with Musk previously criticizing the US system's difficulty for talented professionals to secure legal entry, contrasting it with easier access for criminals.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah dazzled against Australia at Brisbane’s Gabba, picking up 5 wickets for 72 runs in 25 overs during Day 2 of the 3rd Test. With his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, Bumrah surpassed Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who each have 11 fifers. Notably, Bumrah also became the first Indian bowler with 8 fifers in SENA countries, surpassing Kapil Dev's 7. His tally of 49 wickets in 10 matches in Australia equals Anil Kumble's. Just 3 more dismissals would crown Bumrah India's leading Test wicket-taker in Australia, breaking Kapil's record of 51.

Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, killing 14 and injuring 255 people. The strongest storm in 90+ years destroyed shantytowns, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure, leaving over 15,000 homes without power. Hospitals, schools, and airports sustained severe damage. Rescue efforts are underway, with 160 soldiers and firefighters reinforcing the response. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the devastation as "apocalyptic," noting it may take days to confirm the full toll. The cyclone later struck Mozambique, affecting communication and threatening 1.7M people across the region, as climate change continues to fuel extreme weather events.

Two Russian oil tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, were severely damaged during a storm in the Black Sea, causing an oil spill. One tanker broke in half and sank, while the other reportedly ran aground. The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, a key shipping route. There were 29 crew members on board; one person was confirmed dead. President Putin has ordered an investigation into potential negligence. Rescue teams, including helicopters and tugboats, are working on cleanup efforts. The tankers were transporting oil within Russian waters. The full impact of the spill remains unclear.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed the need for a fresh foreign policy to align with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Speaking at the launch of India’s World magazine in New Delhi, he explained that India must adapt its foreign policy to the evolving global landscape. He linked past policies to the "Nehru development model" and highlighted changes in international relations, technology, and globalisation. Jaishankar urged a practical and realistic approach to meet current challenges. He emphasised that foreign policy reforms are essential for India to achieve its goal of becoming a leading power and a developed nation.

Actor Allu Arjun said he is deeply concerned about 10-year-old Sri Tej, injured in a stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere on December 4. The incident at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad also claimed the life of a woman, Revathi. Arjun, unable to visit the boy due to legal advice, has pledged to cover his medical expenses. The actor was arrested on December 13 in connection with the case but was later granted bail. Three others, including the theatre owner, were also arrested. Arjun expressed hope for the boy’s recovery and vowed to meet him and his family soon.

Farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border announced a “rail roko” protest on December 18, 2024. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, urged people from Punjab’s 13,000 villages to block railway crossings from 12 to 3 PM. The protest follows failed attempts by farmers to march into Delhi on foot, which were stopped by police using tear gas, injuring 17 people. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has been invited to join the protest. Farmers aim to unite and demand justice for their cause. This marks another major protest after the historic year-long agitation against the now-repealed farm laws in 2020.

Zakir Hussain, the world-famous tabla maestro, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 73. He had been in a San Francisco hospital for two weeks due to heart problems. Zakir was the son of Ustad Allah Rakha and a global icon in Indian classical music. He won five Grammy Awards and many national honors, including the Padma Vibhushan. His 1973 collaboration with John McLaughlin and L Shankar blended Indian music with jazz, creating history. Hussain’s death is a huge loss to the world of music. Fans worldwide mourn the passing of this legend.

Former England cricketer Isa Guha sparked outrage during commentary on Day 2 of the India vs. Australia 3rd Test by referring to Jasprit Bumrah as the "Most Valuable Primate." The remark, following Brett Lee's praise of Bumrah’s bowling, drew sharp criticism and comparisons to the 2008 'Monkeygate' scandal involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds. Social media erupted, calling Guha's comment racially insensitive. Meanwhile, bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted Indian bowlers failed to execute their plans effectively, allowing Australia to score 405/7 at the close of play. He urged the team to improve performance with the old ball.