Morning news brief: S Korean prez defends martial law decree; Trump invites Xi to Jan 20 inauguration, & more

The embattled president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, struck a defiant tone over his martial law decree, saying he was ready to face the impeachment and fight to the end.President Yoon said that he took the decision to protect the democracy of the country and said that the attempt was a legal decision to "prevent the collapse" of democracyand counter the "parliamentary dictatorship" of the opposition. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited China's Xi to his Jan 20 inauguration. It was not clear whether Jinping has accepted the invitation. In major development from India, the country's top court has listed eight factors that must be taken into account while deciding alimony in divorce settlement cases.

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South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol, in a shocking televised address on Thursday (Dec 12), defended his decision to declare martial law in the country last week which left the people shocked.

US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping to his January 20 inauguration ceremony. CBS News reported that Trump extended the invitation in early November, days after his Nov 5 election. It was not clear whether Jinping has accepted the invitation.

Meta announced that they are “99 per cent of the way there” in solving a blackout they were facing because of which people were not able to accessInstagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.

The Supreme Court of India listed eight points that are required to be considered while deciding the permanent alimony amount during the hearing of a divorce settlement case.