Rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al Sham, launched a surprise attack and seized most of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The offensive, which began on Wednesday, has caused widespread destruction, with at least 327 people killed. Syrian and Russian jets have carried out airstrikes on rebel positions, but civilians have been caught in the crossfire, with 12 killed at a hospital. President Bashar al Assad vowed to defeat the rebels, claiming Syria will protect its stability. Thousands have been displaced, and the situation remains tense, raising concerns over the war’s intensifying violence.

Indian passengers on a Gulf Air flight from Mumbai to Manchester were stranded at Kuwait airport for 13 hours after an emergency landing due to an engine fire. Passengers reported not receiving food, water, or assistance. They were allegedly told they were "not entitled" to hotel accommodation, while passengers from the EU, UK, and US were given priority. The Indian embassy in Kuwait intervened and accommodated passengers in airport lounges. The flight had been diverted 20 minutes before landing, leaving passengers frustrated and exhausted. Gulf Air has yet to comment on the situation.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of attempting to divide society by conducting surveys at mosques to find temples beneath them. He claimed the party is ignoring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's advice to focus on building the Ram temple without provoking further division. Speaking at a rally in Delhi, Kharge questioned whether BJP leaders would demolish historical landmarks like the Taj Mahal, built by Muslims. He urged Dalits, minorities, and OBCs to unite and protect their rights. Kharge also criticized PM Modi for fostering division, despite Bhagwat’s calls for unity.

ISKCON and several organisations in West Bengal held rallies and prayer meetings on Sunday to protest against the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. ISKCON members worldwide, in 150 countries, prayed for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The protests also demanded the immediate release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in a sedition case. Rallies took place in Kolkata, Burnpur, and Jadavpur. The ongoing violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh has sparked global concern, with more protests planned if Das is not released.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the police to be more strategic, meticulous, adaptable, and transparent. Speaking at the 59th All India Conference of Police Chiefs, he emphasized the need to use technology to reduce workloads and improve policing. Modi expressed concern about rising digital frauds, cybercrimes, and deepfakes. He urged officers to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to transform challenges into opportunities. Modi also highlighted the importance of SMART policing, a concept he introduced in 2014, which focuses on systemic changes to modernize and improve the police force across India.

US President-Elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel, an Indian-origin loyalist, as the new FBI director. Patel, a key figure in the Russia investigation, is known for his strong support of Trump and controversial views. He has vowed to pursue Trump’s enemies in the "Deep State" and the media. Patel has also called for cleaning out federal officials who opposed Trump. If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would replace Chris Wray, whom Trump criticized. His nomination has raised concerns among Trump’s critics, fearing further political interference within the FBI.

At least 54 people have died after a boat sank in Nigeria's River Niger on Friday. The boat, carrying over 200 passengers, was traveling from Kogi state to Niger state. Divers are still searching for survivors, but hopes are fading. Twenty-four people were rescued, but many others are missing. The cause of the accident is unclear, and there are reports that many passengers weren’t wearing life jackets. Local officials say it is difficult to confirm the exact number of people on board due to a lack of records. This is the third boat disaster in Nigeria in the last two months.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal ruled out any alliance with Congress or INDIA bloc for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, stating, “There will be no alliance in Delhi.” Speaking after an attack at his Malviya Nagar rally, he criticised the Centre, saying, “Liquid was thrown at me. It was harmless but could have been dangerous. If you can, arrest the gangsters; why target us instead?” AAP alleged it was an attempt to burn him alive, but Delhi Police claimed it was only water. Kejriwal also defended MLA Naresh Balyan’s arrest in an extortion case, calling it a gangster's conspiracy.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stirred a political storm by stating, “If atrocities are committed against minorities in India, how are we different from Bangladesh?” Speaking in Jammu, she criticised the government for actions like mosque surveys and unemployment. “We have such a great country, known worldwide for its secular character,” she added, lamenting its current state. BJP leaders called her remarks "anti-national" and demanded action, accusing her of trying to revive her party. Mufti also criticised the handling of Electronic Voting Machines and claimed, “We are being taken in the direction of 1947.”

The Indian Army rescued over 200 residents in flood-hit Puducherry as Cyclone Fengal unleashed torrential rainfall, with the city receiving 50 cm of rain—the highest in 30 years. Major Ajay Sangwan led operations in Krishna Nagar, where water levels reached 5 feet, evacuating over 100 individuals within 2 hours. Flooding also impacted Kuber Nagar and Jiva Nagar. Puducherry CM N Rangasamy inspected affected areas, emphasizing relentless rescue efforts. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin requested central aid for relief, with Chennai clearing 21 of 23 flooded subways. Cyclone Fengal remains stationary 30 km north of Cuddalore, per the IMD.