Union Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A 1990-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Malhotra will take over the role from Shaktikanta Das, whose tenure ends on Tuesday. Malhotra’s appointment comes at a time when the country is facing several economic challenges. He brings extensive experience in managing financial matters and is expected to steer the RBI through key decisions in the coming years. His appointment has garnered significant attention as the central bank plays a pivotal role in India’s economy.

South Korean authorities have imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is under investigation for attempting to declare martial law last week. Despite surviving a failed impeachment motion, Yoon faces widespread protests and criticism from opposition parties. Key figures involved in the declaration have resigned or been arrested, including former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) announced that Yoon would refrain from involvement in state affairs until his early resignation, but the opposition decried the move as unconstitutional, vowing to continue impeachment efforts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed provocative comments from a Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, who claimed that Bangladesh could occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. "You will occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and we’ll have lollipops?" Banerjee remarked, calling the statement baseless. She urged political leaders and the media to avoid stirring tensions, stressing the need for peace and unity in Bengal. Banerjee also highlighted the shared concerns of Hindus and Muslims in Bengal regarding the atrocities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of secularism and compassion in resolving such issues.

The Opposition INDIA bloc plans to move a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution. Backed by 70 MPs from Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress, the motion accuses Dhankhar of bias towards ruling members. Opposition leaders allege he frequently interrupts their speeches, limits debates on critical issues, and favours the ruling party. This marks a significant step by the opposition, highlighting tensions in the Upper House over Dhankhar’s conduct during parliamentary sessions.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain in Dhaka, addressing recent attacks on religious institutions and minority communities. Misri described these incidents as "regrettable" and emphasized India's desire for a "positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh's interim government. He stressed the importance of ensuring minority safety and welfare, calling the discussions "frank, candid, and constructive." This visit marks the first high-level dialogue since Bangladesh's political shift in August. Both sides agreed to evaluate their ties and focus on strengthening bilateral relations.

Russia confirmed granting political asylum to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country after rebels ousted him on Sunday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated President Vladimir Putin approved Assad’s asylum but did not disclose his location or plans for a meeting. Assad’s 13-year rule ended following a surprise offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, marking the collapse of his regime. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani hailed the victory at Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque, calling it a historic moment for the region. The development ends Syria's dormant civil war and signals a major regional power shift.

President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to pardon Capitol rioters and end birthright citizenship via executive orders after his January inauguration. In an NBC interview, Trump reiterated his commitment to immigration reforms, including deporting undocumented families and revisiting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He pledged to reconsider NATO membership and hinted at reducing U.S. aid to Ukraine. Trump also expressed interest in investigating the link between vaccines and autism, appointing vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. On political adversaries, Trump said retribution would come through success but called for jail time for January 6 investigators.

Israel confirmed striking suspected chemical weapon and missile sites in Syria to prevent them from falling into extremist hands, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The strikes come after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition forces and fled to Moscow, where Russia granted him asylum. Assad's government, weakened by years of civil war, rapidly lost territory following a surprise offensive from the northwest. Israeli officials emphasized the attacks were temporary, aimed solely at national security. Meanwhile, ongoing talks with Hamas for hostage releases remain unresolved. Syria’s civil war has claimed thousands of lives over 14 years.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced its second list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in January 2025. Manish Sisodia, who has represented Patparganj since 2013, has been moved to Jangpura. Newcomer Avadh Ojha, a renowned UPSC coach, will contest from Patparganj, reflecting a strategic focus on the Purvanchali community, which forms 42% of the constituency's electorate. The list features 18 fresh faces, including former BJP and Congress leaders, such as Jintender Singh Shunty and Surinder Pal Singh Bittu. The announcement follows the party's first list, which also prioritized new inductees from rival parties.

The Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines erupted on December 9, spewing a massive ash column 3,000 meters high. Located on Negros Island, the volcano emitted red-hot ashes and debris, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to call for evacuations within a 6-kilometer radius. Officials warned of a potential escalation in eruptions as magmatic activity intensifies. Videos on social media captured the dramatic cauliflower-shaped ash plume. Kanlaon is among the Philippines' 24 active volcanoes and has shown heightened activity, with an earlier gas release in September displacing hundreds of residents. Authorities remain on high alert.