Staying with news from West Asia, Syria's Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shabani, has arrived in Saudi Arabia. The visit comes as part of Damascus' effort to renew its relations with Riyadh, following the severance of ties between the two countries in 2012 during the Civil War.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shabani lands in Riyadh in a bid to renew ties

South Korean investigators have intensified their probe into Sunday's air crash that killed 179 people in the worst aviation disaster on its soil. South Korea has sent the two retrieved black boxes to the U.S. for analysis. 
The crash, the country's worst aviation disaster, has sparked grief, anger, and an urgent call for answers. Grief mingles with growing frustration as South Korea grapples with its deadliest aviation disaster in decades, with long queues at Muan Airport's memorial. Watch in for more details!

Jeju Air plane crash: What went wrong in South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster?

In Serbia, angry protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the arrest of President Aleksandar Vučić. The demonstrations, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with his government and policies, reflect growing frustration among citizens over issues such as corruption, economic challenges, and perceived authoritarianism.

Serbia: Thousands Turn New Year Celebration Into Anti-government Protests

Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated as China intensifies its military pressure on the island, coinciding with increased support from the United States for Taiwan’s defense. The situation raises concerns over regional stability and the potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

Xi Jinping Says No One Can Stop China's 'Reunification' With Taiwan

Throughout the year, voters will head to the polls in several significant elections, with familiar themes dominating the political landscape: the persistent effects of inflation, the growing influence of the populist right, and the ongoing repercussions of conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

Key Polls In 2025: What Does New Year Hold In Store For Democracy Around The World?

A right-wing Italian newspaper has sparked outrage on social media after naming Benito Mussolini as "Man of the Year," prompting widespread criticism and indignation online.

Italian Newspaper Sparks Outrage By Naming Mussolini ‘Man Of The Year’ To Annoy Left

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been escalating, with new reports suggesting that Pakistan’s defense circles are allegedly planning to seize control of the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of Afghan territory often referred to as the country's "chicken neck." Defense analyst Qamar Cheema has highlighted this claim, and various social media posts suggest that actions may already be underway to take over the strategically significant corridor.

Report Claims Pakistan Planning To Annex Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire after recent border clashes. This comes after Pakistan reportedly responded with retaliatory fire to firing by Taliban soldiers late on Saturday night. Watch in for more details!

Pakistani Army Allegedly Preparing To Take Control Of Wakhan Corridor

A widespread blackout struck nearly all of Puerto Rico early Tuesday, plunging over 1.3 million customers into darkness as the U.S. territory prepared for New Year’s celebrations. Authorities indicated that power restoration efforts could take up to two days, leaving residents without electricity during a critical time.

Massive Power Outage Hits Puerto Rico On New Year's Eve

Loneliness is a deeply personal experience characterized by a sense of isolation and disconnection from one's surroundings or personal aspirations. Extended periods of loneliness can significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical health, influencing thoughts, emotions, and even life expectancy. Recent research highlights that loneliness may also have a detrimental effect on cardiovascular health, suggesting a link between social isolation and heart-related conditions.

Shocking Risk Factors And Impact Of Unwanted Loneliness

Thousands have gathered in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, demanding the prosecution of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others linked to the deaths of hundreds during a mass uprising against her government in July. Protesters are calling for accountability and justice for the victims of the crackdown, emphasizing the need for reform and action against those responsible for the violence.

Bangladesh: Thousands March Calling For Prosecution Of Sheikh Hasina

Puerto Rico Experiences Power Outage On New Year's Eve

On December 31, 2024, tensions escalated in Karachi, Pakistan, as police clashed with protesters demonstrating against recent killings in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram District.

Pakistan: Violence Erupts As Police Uses Shelling To Disperse Protester

Can Loneliness Rupture Your Heart?

Representatives from Pakistan's PTI party have met with government leaders to demand the release of Imran Khan, as tensions escalate over his detention. The meeting reflects the ongoing political struggle in Pakistan, with PTI calling for immediate action to free their leader.

Pakistan Govt, PTI To Negotiate Amid Growing Political Tensions

Donald Trump achieved the truly incredible feat of becoming the second person in history to win non-consecutive terms as US president by defeating all odds. Let’s take a look at the biggest political comebacks of 2024. Watch in for more details!

How Donald Trump Marked Biggest Political Comeback Of The Year

Syria's new rulers have appointed Maysaa Sabrine, formerly a deputy governor of the Syrian central bank, to lead the institution as the first woman to do so in its more than 70-year history, a senior Syrian official said. Watch in for more details!

Syria's Central Bank Gets First Woman Governor

Belgium has become the first European Union country to ban disposable e-cigarettes, with the ban taking effect from the 1st of January. Part of a national anti-tobacco plan, the ban targets the health risks and environmental damage caused by single-use vapes, which are popular among teens. Disposable vapes, filled with high nicotine levels, contribute to pollution through plastic and lithium batteries. Watch in for more details!

Belgium First EU Country To Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes

Imran Khan's PTI And Government To Meet And Break Political Deadlock | WION

New York's Times Square and Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach are preparing to host two of the world's most iconic New Year's Eve parties, with millions of tourists making a beeline to usher in 2025. Festivities at these locations are set to be unforgettable. Let's take a look at the preparations underway. Watch in for more details!

New Year 2025: Times Square Crystal Ball Sparkles In Test Run

The U.S. Treasury Department has claimed that a China state-sponsored actor was behind a cyber breach earlier this month. According to a letter to Congress, the breach resulted in the access of some of the U.S. Treasury Department's workstations. In this letter to the leadership of the Senate Banking Committee, the Treasury said that, based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored advanced persistent threat actor. Watch in for more details!

US Treasury Department Claims Chinese Hack; Beijing Rejects Allegations Of Sponsoring Cyber Attacks

As the year comes to an end, the United Nations has urged the world to pull back from the road to ruin, warning that climate change sparked a trail of extreme weather and record heat in 2024. The UN's weather and climate agency has said that the outgoing year is set to be the warmest ever recorded, capping a decade of unprecedented heat. Watch in for more details!

Top 10 Hottest Years On Record Have Happened In Last 10 Years: UN

Cleanup was underway after a strong storm system spread hail, rain, high winds, and tornadoes across the southern U.S. over the weekend, killing at least four people. As of Monday afternoon, over 30 tornadoes had been confirmed, as crews worked through about 50 reports of tornado damage spanning from Texas to South Carolina. Watch in for more details!

Deadly Tornadoes Devastate South; Over 30 Tornadoes Spun From Texas To South Carolina

China has introduced the world's first mobile 5G base station, designed for battlefield deployment after completing rigorous testing. Developed collaboratively by China Mobile Communications Group and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the station delivers high-speed, low-latency, and secure data exchange services. It can support up to 10,000 users within a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) radius, representing a significant technological advancement in military communication.

China: World’s First Military-Proof 5G That Can Connect 10,000 Robots

In 2024, a total of 270 terrorists were killed by security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This included some high-profile militants with bounties on their heads, according to a report from the Provincial Police Department. The security forces arrested 802 suspects during anti-terror operations. In cases related to terrorism, the conviction rate also increased significantly from 13.3% last year to 38% in 2024. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan Terror Crackdown: High Profile Terror Groups Targetted In Various Ops In 2024

Chilean police have recovered four watches, including a $9,000 Rolex Submariner, stolen from an actor's California home over a year ago. Authorities found the watches during a raid in eastern Santiago on Saturday. Among the recovered items was a special Rolex Submariner, gifted by the actor to the stunt team of *John Wick: Chapter 4*. The watch featured an inscription with the actor's name, "2021, JW4," and a message of thanks, making it a unique and sentimental piece. Watch to know more!

Chile: Keanu Reeves’ Stolen Rolex And More Watches Recovered By Police

A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million verdict that Jean Carroll won against Donald Trump, after a jury found the former U.S. president liable for sexually abusing and later defaming the former magazine columnist. Trump maintains he has never encountered Carroll. The case continues despite Trump having won a second four-year White House term. His inauguration as the 47th president of the United States is scheduled to take place on January 20th. The 119th Congress will convene on January 3rd, with new members being sworn in, and the House will vote on a speaker on January 5th. Trump has thrown his support behind Speaker Mike Johnson. Watch this report for more details!

Trump Endorses Mike Johnson Ahead Of Speaker Election: 'Good, Hard-Working, & Religious Man'

At least 31 combatants have been killed in Syria since Sunday in ongoing battles between Turkey-based groups and Kurdish-led forces. Watch in for more details!

Syria: New Authorities Launch Operation Against Pro-Assad Militias

A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for impeached and suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol as law enforcement officials seek to detain him over his declaration of martial law, which lasted just about six hours. Watch in for more details!

South Korea Political Turmoil: Law Enforcement Officials Seek To Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol

Protests have intensified in Kenya recently, driven by widespread concerns over a series of abductions targeting government critics. On Monday, demonstrators gathered in Nairobi to demand the release of individuals who are believed to have been detained or taken by authorities. Watch in for more details!

Kenya Protests: Several Arrested As Protesters Rally Against Abductions

A scathing report from the U.S. Helsinki Commission accuses Russia of launching hybrid attacks on NATO territory. It claims that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sabotage operations across North America and Europe have intensified. If true, how has Moscow managed to target NATO and the West singlehandedly, despite severe sanctions? Our next report reveals more. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Must Take Shadow War Seriously: Report

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