Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at just 18. He defeated defending champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship. Gukesh, who had long dreamed of this achievement, was seen holding back tears after securing the title. In an emotional moment, he thanked Ding for the tough fight. Gukesh now holds the record for being the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s previous record. His victory capped off a grueling 13-game series, ending with Ding’s mistake in the final game.

Rashmika Mandanna, after the success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, praised Salman Khan in a recent interview, calling him "such a special person." She recalled how Salman took care of her when she fell ill on the set of Sikandar. “He asked me if I was okay and told the crew to get me healthy food, warm water, and everything," she said. Rashmika added, "He’s one of the biggest stars, but he’s so humble and down-to-earth." Sikandar, directed by Sajid Nadiadwala, will release on Eid 2025. Rashmika also has multiple upcoming projects, including The Girlfriend and Chhava.

The Congress and several opposition leaders opposed the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, calling it anti-democratic and harmful to federalism. Congress MPs Jairam Ramesh and K Suresh demanded the bill be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin called it “draconian” and said it would erase regional voices. However, BJP allies like the LJP supported the bill, saying it would save money and improve governance. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also backed the bill, citing the high cost of frequent elections.

Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in Singapore's 2024 World Chess Championship. Tied 6.5-6.5 before the final game, Gukesh, playing with black pieces, capitalized on Ding’s 53rd-move blunder in a tense endgame. Despite losing Game 1, Gukesh showcased resilience, winning Games 3 and 14 to claim the title. Reflecting on the victory, Gukesh said, "It's the best day of my life." He is the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve this milestone. Earlier this year, Gukesh led India to Chess Olympiad gold, solidifying his status as a global chess icon.

Travis Timmerman, a US citizen, was freed from a Syrian prison after rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime. Detained for seven months after entering Syria on foot, he described his release when men armed with a hammer broke his cell door. "I thought guards were still there," Timmerman said. He left the prison with others and tried to reach Jordan, relying on locals for food and shelter. Thousands of detainees have been freed since the regime’s fall. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani vowed to close Assad's prisons and seek justice for victims of torture and killings under the Assad regime.

The Congress criticised PM Modi for meeting the Kapoor family amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. The Kapoors invited the PM to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival celebrating 100 years of the legendary filmmaker. Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “We said Manipur, he thought Kareena Kapoor,” accusing Modi of ignoring the state’s crisis. Since May 2023, clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur have left over 200 dead and thousands homeless. Critics allege Modi’s focus is misplaced. Meanwhile, Kareena shared photos of the meeting, including one of the PM signing an autograph for her sons, Taimur and Jeh.

An electric BEST bus lost control on SG Barve Marg in Kurla, Mumbai, killing seven and injuring 42, including four policemen, on Monday night. The bus also damaged 22 vehicles. CCTV footage shows driver Sanjay More grabbing backpacks and jumping out of a window after the crash. He has been arrested for culpable homicide. Investigations revealed More had only 10 days of training to operate electric buses. BEST has now made breath analyser tests mandatory for drivers. Meetings with private operators supplying buses stressed better driver training. The tragic incident highlights the need for stricter safety measures and regulations.

INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine under Project 75, will join the Indian Navy in January 2025. Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, it is designed for stealth and precision attacks. Powered by a diesel-electric system, it can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and over 30 mines. Vagsheer will help India counter challenges in the Indian Ocean from China and Pakistan. With advanced anti-torpedo systems and intelligence capabilities, it is a key addition to India’s submarine fleet. As part of India’s growing naval power, the submarine strengthens the country’s role as a dominant force in the Indo-Pacific.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has opened a new chapter for Syria. Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, now control cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs. Syrians celebrated in the streets, waving a new green, white, and black flag. Rebel leaders aim to form a transitional government and rebuild the war-torn country. Challenges include ensuring safety for minorities, restoring public services, and tackling issues like the Captagon drug trade. With millions displaced, hopes are high for a better future, but rebuilding Syria will take time and effort. The resilience of its people brings hope for peace.

Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh have teamed up for a music video titled Don, set to release on Friday the 13th. The teaser, shared by Diljit on Instagram, shows stunning visuals of skies and seas. Fans are thrilled by SRK’s voiceover, delivering the iconic line, "Tumhara mujh tak pohochna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai." Many believe the project is linked to SRK’s upcoming film King, directed by Sujoy Ghosh and starring Suhana Khan. Whether it’s a standalone treat or a hint at King, the teaser has fans eagerly waiting for the release.