Syrians are celebrating the end of 50 years of Assad rule with mass rallies in Damascus and other cities. Islamist rebels seized power last Sunday, forcing former President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, where he has been granted asylum. Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, promised justice for victims of torture and pledged to close Assad-era prisons. The G7 nations are meeting to discuss support for an inclusive government in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel plans to maintain forces in the buffer zone, concerned about chemical weapons falling into jihadist hands. Stability efforts are underway.

The Sealdah court granted bail to former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh and ex-police officer Abhijit Mondal in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor. The bail was given as the CBI failed to file a chargesheet within 90 days. Both are accused of tampering with evidence and delaying the FIR. They must appear before the CBI when called. Ghosh will stay in jail due to another case involving financial misconduct at the college. The CBI stated that investigations in the case are ongoing, and the trial of the main accused continues.

The Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University has agreed to return a stolen idol of saint poet Thirumangai Alwar to the Soundararaja Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu. The bronze idol, stolen over 60 years ago, was traced by Tamil Nadu’s idol wing CID. Oxford University verified its origins and promised to cover all costs for its return. Investigations revealed the temple uses replica idols for worship, while originals are in foreign museums. Efforts are ongoing to repatriate other stolen idols. Experts urge authorities to check for more fake idols in temples. The idol will return to India soon.

The husband of Revathi, who died in a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, has decided to withdraw his case against actor Allu Arjun. Bhaskar said the tragedy was not the actor’s fault and clarified he only filed the complaint in distress. The stampede occurred when fans rushed to see Allu Arjun at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad. The police arrested the actor earlier but did not inform the family. Allu Arjun has filed a plea to quash the FIR. The High Court is expected to hear the case soon.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday by the Hyderabad police in connection with the December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre, which resulted in a woman's death and her son's severe injuries. Arjun was sent to judicial custody for 14 days after his arrest. The incident occurred when a large crowd gathered at the theatre for the Pushpa 2: The Rule screening, leading to a stampede when the gates collapsed. Arjun, who was later taken to Osmania Hospital for a check-up, expressed regret over the incident and pledged financial support to the victim's family.

An Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza killed at least 33 people, including children, according to Hamas-run health authorities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it targeted a "senior terrorist," resulting in secondary explosions that damaged nearby structures. Over 80 individuals remain missing, with more than 40 injured, primarily children, receiving treatment at hospitals. This comes as U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan visits Israel, expressing hope for a ceasefire. Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 44,800 Palestinians killed since last year, the health ministry reports. Civilian casualties remain alarmingly high.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday in connection with a stampede at the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre, which led to a woman's death. During his arrest at his Hyderabad residence, Allu Arjun expressed dissatisfaction with the police, saying, “Wanted to change my clothes, but you didn’t allow.” The actor, who was detained without being allowed to change, was charged under sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing hurt. The stampede occurred after his arrival at the theatre.

In her first Lok Sabha speech, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticized the Modi government for allegedly favoring industrialists, curbing dissent, and stifling free speech. She defended her great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru’s contributions to India’s independence and nation-building, stating, “Nehru’s role cannot be erased.” Gandhi challenged BJP’s attacks on Nehru, urging them to focus on current responsibilities. Addressing past criticisms of the Emergency, she remarked, “Learn from mistakes; fight fair elections.” She accused PM Modi of ignoring cries for justice from regions like Manipur and Hathras, asserting that India’s Constitution belongs to all, not just the Sangh.

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, became the youngest world champion, defeating China's Ding Liren in Singapore’s FIDE World Chess Championship. Gukesh, who achieved grandmaster status at 12, said, “This title is just the beginning of my journey.” Supported by family and mentors like Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh capitalized on Ding’s critical 14th-game error to secure victory. Reflecting on his achievement, he added, “I didn’t think it would happen so soon.” With two Chess Olympiad gold medals and a drive to surpass Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh is now the face of India’s thriving chess scene.

Sanjay Shah, a 54-year-old Indian-origin British hedge fund trader, was sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Danish court for orchestrating a $1.2 billion tax fraud. Shah masterminded a "cum-ex" scheme, fraudulently claiming $1.27 billion in dividend tax refunds between 2012-2015. The court also seized $1 billion of his assets, including properties. Shah, who was arrested in Dubai in 2022 and extradited to Denmark, has appealed to the Danish High Court. He also faces a $1.83 billion civil tax fraud case in London, set to conclude in April 2025.