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Syria faces significant challenges as it transitions to new leadership following the long reign of President Bashar al-Assad. The country is grappling with political instability, economic hardship, and the ongoing impacts of a brutal civil war. The new leadership must address these issues while navigating internal divisions, rebuilding infrastructure, and managing relations with both regional and global powers. With millions of displaced citizens and a shattered economy, the path forward for Syria remains uncertain as it seeks stability and recovery.

Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges

Oleksandr Usyk asked Tyson Fury to sign a photograph of the Briton being punched in the face from their first fight. Usyk and Fury will be facing off in a rematch in Riyadh on December 21.

Fury Vs Usyk: Usyk And Fury Set For Rematch In Riyadh

The Pakistani government has ordered a tribal group to surrender their weapons following escalating clashes in the region. This move comes as part of efforts to restore peace and reduce violence in the tribal areas, where tensions have been rising due to ongoing conflicts. Authorities are seeking to disarm factions involved in the clashes and ensure the safety and stability of the region, which has long faced challenges related to militancy and local disputes. The situation remains tense, with efforts underway to mediate a resolution.

Pakistan Tribe Ordered To Surrender Weapons Amid Clashes

The man who drove his car into a crowd in Germany is revealed to be a doctor, reportedly wanted by authorities in Saudi Arabia. The incident has raised international concerns, with investigations underway to determine his motivations and connections to the situation in both Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Germany Christmas Market Attack: Car Attack Suspect Taken into Custody

US President-elect Donald Trump has put all of his shares of the Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (Parent company of Truth Social) into a trust that is controlled by his eldest son, according to a regulatory filing on&nbsp;Thursday (Dec 19). The Republican had transferred around 115 million shares to the trust, the Securities and Exchange Commission said.&nbsp;

He did not sell the shares nor receive any financial consideration for the transfer of shares and the shares were described as a gift to the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust. Trump is the largest shareholder of the Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (53 per cent).&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Houthis Target Tel Aviv With Ballistic Missile 'Type Palestine 2'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-target-tel-aviv-with-ballistic-missile-type-palestine-2-785779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A regulatory filing said the trust is controlled by Donald Trump Jr, who serves as the sole trustee of the trust. He is on the Trump Media board of directors and “has sole voting and investment power over all securities owned". The filing said Trump now “indirectly” owns the shares and is the trust's beneficiary.&nbsp;

The motive behind the transfer of the shares is unclear as Trump has revealed during the presidential election campaigns that he had no plans to sell any of his shares.&nbsp;

In 2017, when Trump took office, he transferred some of his assets and business holdings to the same trust. At that time, some of the experts criticised Trump's move as the trust was apparently created for Trump's benefit.&nbsp;

<h2>What Experts Say?</h2>

Dennis Kelleher, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit that pushes for more transparency on Wall Street, told the New York Times that Trump's move would do little to address potential conflict of interest as the trust was controlled by Trump Jr.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gisele-pelicot-her-scarf-some-days-a-shield-other-days-a-hug-785795">Gisèle Pelicot &amp; her scarf: some days a shield, other days a hug</a>

“This is not a blind trust with an independent trustee, where people can have confidence that the conflicts of interest are removed,” he told NYT.&nbsp;

William LaPiana, dean of faculty at New York Law School and an expert on trusts and estates told NYT, "The person who created it (revocable trust) can end it at any time. What you do is you tell the trustee: ‘I want all the property back'".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

US President-elect Donald Trump has put all of his shares of the Trump Media & Technology Group (Parent company of Truth Social) into a trust that is controlled by his eldest son, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday (Dec 19).

US President-elect Donald Trump has put all of his shares of the Trump Media & Technology Group (Parent company of Truth Social) into a trust that is controlled by his eldest son, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday (Dec 19). The Republican had transferred around 115 million shares to the trust, the Securities and Exchange Commission said. He did not sell the shares nor receive any financial consideration for the transfer of shares and the shares were described as a gift to the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust. Trump is the largest shareholder of the Trump Media & Technology Group (53 per cent). Watch | Houthis Target Tel Aviv With Ballistic Missile 'Type Palestine 2' A regulatory filing said the trust is controlled by Donald Trump Jr, who serves as the sole trustee of the trust. He is on the Trump Media board of directors and “has sole voting and investment power over all securities owned". The filing said Trump now “indirectly” owns the shares and is the trust's beneficiary. The motive behind the transfer of the shares is unclear as Trump has revealed during the presidential election campaigns that he had no plans to sell any of his shares. In 2017, when Trump took office, he transferred some of his assets and business holdings to the same trust. At that time, some of the experts criticised Trump's move as the trust was apparently created for Trump's benefit. What Experts Say? Dennis Kelleher, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit that pushes for more transparency on Wall Street, told the New York Times that Trump's move would do little to address potential conflict of interest as the trust was controlled by Trump Jr. Also read | Gisèle Pelicot & her scarf: some days a shield, other days a hug “This is not a blind trust with an independent trustee, where people can have confidence that the conflicts of interest are removed,” he told NYT. William LaPiana, dean of faculty at New York Law School and an expert on trusts and estates told NYT, "The person who created it (revocable trust) can end it at any time. What you do is you tell the trustee: ‘I want all the property back'". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump transfers $4 billion in shares of Truth Social parent company to son's trust

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Over the course of two days, several Hindu temples in Bangladesh were attacked, resulting in the vandalization of eight idols. The incidents have sparked concerns over religious intolerance and the safety of minority communities in the country. The attacks have led to calls for increased security at religious sites and stronger measures to prevent such acts of violence. Authorities are investigating the matter, but the attacks highlight ongoing tensions and challenges related to religious harmony in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh: Hindu Temples Attacked, 8 Idols Vandalised Over 2 Days

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Kuwait for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between India and Kuwait. During his visit, PM Modi is expected to engage in discussions with Kuwaiti leaders, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, and regional cooperation. The visit also aims to enhance cultural ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. This marks a significant step in India's growing diplomatic engagement with the Gulf region.

PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Indian PM Modi Reaches Kuwait For A Two-day Visit

Nepal has announced a ban on helicopter rides from Mount Everest starting 1st January 2025. The decision is part of efforts to reduce environmental impact and manage increasing air traffic in the region, particularly in the Everest area, which has seen a rise in tourism and air-based services in recent years. The ban aims to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area while improving safety and reducing congestion.

Nepal To Ban Helicopter Rides From Everest From 1st January 2025

A proposal to ban helicopter flights in Nepal’s Everest region has ignited a heated debate between&nbsp;environmentalists and tourism operators over its potential impact.&nbsp;

Sagarmatha National Park authorities recently announced plans to halt helicopter tours over the Khumbu Valley, including flights to Mount Everest, starting in 2025. The move aims to address concerns over the growing environmental and noise pollution caused by increasing helicopter traffic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-toppled-lander-flying-to-jovian-moon-and-more-notable-space-missions-of-2024-785789">A toppled lander, flying to Jovian moon and more: Notable space missions of 2024</a>

<h2>Environmental impact at the forefront</h2>

The proposed ban is driven by concerns over the disruption caused by helicopter flights. Local authorities argue that the noise from the helicopters disturbs both the local communities and the tourists who come to experience the serene landscape of the Everest region. Supporters of the ban believe it is essential to preserve the environment and protect the livelihoods of those who rely on eco-tourism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-embarks-on-two-day-visits-to-kuwait-to-meet-emir-crown-prince-and-the-pm-785734">Modi embarks on two-day visit to Kuwait; to meet emir, crown prince and the PM</a>

<h2>Helicopter industry resists</h2>

Despite the environmental concerns, the helicopter tourism industry has pushed back against the proposed ban. The Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has announced that its members will continue their services, particularly for flights already booked by tourists, some of which were scheduled a year in advance. The association argues that helicopter tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy and supports the livelihoods of guides, porters and businesses in the region.

Adding to the complexity, Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has stated that it has jurisdiction over aviation regulations, not the national park, meaning decisions about flight restrictions fall under its purview rather than local conservation authorities.

The proposed ban is set to take effect in 2025, but its future remains uncertain. With strong opposition from the helicopter industry and past challenges in enforcing similar measures, the outcome of this conflict will be crucial in determining how tourism is managed in the Everest region moving forward.

(With inputs from agencies)

A proposal to ban helicopter flights in Nepal’s Everest region has ignited a heated debate between environmentalists and tourism operators over its potential impact.

A proposal to ban helicopter flights in Nepal’s Everest region has ignited a heated debate between environmentalists and tourism operators over its potential impact. Sagarmatha National Park authorities recently announced plans to halt helicopter tours over the Khumbu Valley, including flights to Mount Everest, starting in 2025. The move aims to address concerns over the growing environmental and noise pollution caused by increasing helicopter traffic. Also read | A toppled lander, flying to Jovian moon and more: Notable space missions of 2024 Environmental impact at the forefront The proposed ban is driven by concerns over the disruption caused by helicopter flights. Local authorities argue that the noise from the helicopters disturbs both the local communities and the tourists who come to experience the serene landscape of the Everest region. Supporters of the ban believe it is essential to preserve the environment and protect the livelihoods of those who rely on eco-tourism. Also read | Modi embarks on two-day visit to Kuwait; to meet emir, crown prince and the PM Helicopter industry resists Despite the environmental concerns, the helicopter tourism industry has pushed back against the proposed ban. The Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has announced that its members will continue their services, particularly for flights already booked by tourists, some of which were scheduled a year in advance. The association argues that helicopter tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy and supports the livelihoods of guides, porters and businesses in the region. Adding to the complexity, Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has stated that it has jurisdiction over aviation regulations, not the national park, meaning decisions about flight restrictions fall under its purview rather than local conservation authorities. The proposed ban is set to take effect in 2025, but its future remains uncertain. With strong opposition from the helicopter industry and past challenges in enforcing similar measures, the outcome of this conflict will be crucial in determining how tourism is managed in the Everest region moving forward. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's Everest region may restrict helicopter flights amid growing environmental concerns

In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has claimed that its city of Kazan was struck by a drone attack. The Kremlin reported that several drones targeted the city, raising concerns about the escalation of drone warfare in the region as tensions between the two nations continue to rise. This attack marks another chapter in the broader conflict, highlighting the increasing use of drones as a key weapon in modern warfare.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Claims Drone Attack Hits City of Kazan

The quest to learn more about the universe is an unending one. Scientists have their eyes on asteroids, comets, the moon, planets,&nbsp;bodies that are not planets and more. Learning about these celestial objects requires missions to be sent out that can figure out what is going on. A lot of probes were launched in 2024, while a few others reached their destination. All of them aim to dive deep into the vast expanse of darkness that houses our tiny little home planet Earth. Here are the notable space missions of 2024.

<h2>1. Japan’s SLIM Mission</h2>

Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was a lunar mission by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It launched on September&nbsp;6, 2023, but landed only the next year, on January 19. Japan became the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. It faced initial troubles, with reports suggesting a problem with the lander’s solar panels. It landed on its sides and the solar panels faced opposite the Sun. However, it started working on January 29. The lander surprisingly managed to survive three lunar nights and woke up in April. If finally bid adieu on August 23.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-chinese-rocket-crashes-down-from-space-over-puerto-rico-785750">VIDEO: Chinese rocket crashes down from space over Puerto Rico</a>

<h2>2. Europa Clipper Mission</h2>

NASA launched the Europa Clipper probe to study Europa, a Galilean moon of the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter. The mission took off on October 14 and is scheduled to reach the Jovian moon in April 2030. The spacecraft would use the gravity assists from Mars and Earth to reach Jupiter with enough fuel still available. The &nbsp;Mars assist is scheduled for March 1, 2025, while the Earth assist will take place on December 3, 2026. The Galileo spacecraft, which orbited Jupiter from 1995 to 2003, found evidence that a subsurface ocean might be hiding underneath Europa's ice crust. Europa’s main aim is to explore this possibility.

<h2> 
3. Hera Mission</h2>

The European Space Agency (ESA) &nbsp;launched the Hera mission on October 7 to study the Didymos binary asteroid system. This is the same asteroid that was impacted by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft in 2022. As part of its space safety programme, ESA aims to know more about the crater made on the asteroid moonlet by the DART mission, and also how much of an impact an artificial projectile had on it. This would help scientists to prepare better for future asteroid missions. It would arrive at the asteroid Didymos in 2026.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-simulates-space-conditions-for-astronauts-in-habitat-1-heres-what-it-is-785041">ISRO simulates space conditions for astronauts in 'Habitat-1'</a>

<h2>&nbsp; 
4. Chang'e 6 lunar mission</h2>

China’s Chang'e 6 lunar exploration mission became the first to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon. It was launched on May 3 and its lander and rover touched down in June. The lander’s robotic scoop and drill picked samples worth a total of 1,935.3 grams. The ascender module carried them into lunar orbit where it docked with the orbiter module before transferring the samples to an atmospheric re-entry module. The capsule returned to Earth on June 25.

<h2>5. IM-1 lunar mission</h2>

IM-1 was a robotic Moon mission that landed on February 22. Named Odysseus, it was the first one by a private company to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. American space exploration company Intuitive Machines received funding from NASA for the mission. However, soon after touchdown, it tipped to a 30-degree angle. It lost power and shut down with the start of the lunar night on Febuary 29.

<h2>&nbsp;6. Polaris Dawn:</h2>

SpaceX sent a private crewed flight into space on September&nbsp;14 that took them to a point no one has ever reached since the Apollo programmes. It is only the first of three planned missions under Polaris. American entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and his crew - Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon - went 1,400 kilometres away from Earth, and later, at a lower altitude, carried out the first private spacewalk.

The quest to learn more about the universe is an unending one. Scientists have their eyes on asteroids, comets, the moon, planets, bodies that are not planets and more.

The quest to learn more about the universe is an unending one. Scientists have their eyes on asteroids, comets, the moon, planets, bodies that are not planets and more. Learning about these celestial objects requires missions to be sent out that can figure out what is going on. A lot of probes were launched in 2024, while a few others reached their destination. All of them aim to dive deep into the vast expanse of darkness that houses our tiny little home planet Earth. Here are the notable space missions of 2024. 1. Japan’s SLIM Mission Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was a lunar mission by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It launched on September 6, 2023, but landed only the next year, on January 19. Japan became the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. It faced initial troubles, with reports suggesting a problem with the lander’s solar panels. It landed on its sides and the solar panels faced opposite the Sun. However, it started working on January 29. The lander surprisingly managed to survive three lunar nights and woke up in April. If finally bid adieu on August 23. Also Read: VIDEO: Chinese rocket crashes down from space over Puerto Rico 2. Europa Clipper Mission NASA launched the Europa Clipper probe to study Europa, a Galilean moon of the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter. The mission took off on October 14 and is scheduled to reach the Jovian moon in April 2030. The spacecraft would use the gravity assists from Mars and Earth to reach Jupiter with enough fuel still available. The Mars assist is scheduled for March 1, 2025, while the Earth assist will take place on December 3, 2026. The Galileo spacecraft, which orbited Jupiter from 1995 to 2003, found evidence that a subsurface ocean might be hiding underneath Europa's ice crust. Europa’s main aim is to explore this possibility. 3. Hera Mission The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Hera mission on October 7 to study the Didymos binary asteroid system. This is the same asteroid that was impacted by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft in 2022. As part of its space safety programme, ESA aims to know more about the crater made on the asteroid moonlet by the DART mission, and also how much of an impact an artificial projectile had on it. This would help scientists to prepare better for future asteroid missions. It would arrive at the asteroid Didymos in 2026. Also Read: ISRO simulates space conditions for astronauts in 'Habitat-1' 4. Chang'e 6 lunar mission China’s Chang'e 6 lunar exploration mission became the first to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon. It was launched on May 3 and its lander and rover touched down in June. The lander’s robotic scoop and drill picked samples worth a total of 1,935.3 grams. The ascender module carried them into lunar orbit where it docked with the orbiter module before transferring the samples to an atmospheric re-entry module. The capsule returned to Earth on June 25. 5. IM-1 lunar mission IM-1 was a robotic Moon mission that landed on February 22. Named Odysseus, it was the first one by a private company to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. American space exploration company Intuitive Machines received funding from NASA for the mission. However, soon after touchdown, it tipped to a 30-degree angle. It lost power and shut down with the start of the lunar night on Febuary 29. 6. Polaris Dawn: SpaceX sent a private crewed flight into space on September 14 that took them to a point no one has ever reached since the Apollo programmes. It is only the first of three planned missions under Polaris. American entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and his crew - Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon - went 1,400 kilometres away from Earth, and later, at a lower altitude, carried out the first private spacewalk.

A toppled lander, flying to Jovian moon and more: Notable space missions of 2024

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters&nbsp;to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything.&nbsp;

Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024:&nbsp;

<h2>Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them"</h2>

<img alt="Gisele Pelicot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5c7a193-d968-44b0-9d4e-c3d9ec5acccf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T135410.812.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere. The 72-year-old French woman was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France. The horrific case had Gisele's ex-husband Dominique Pelicot as the perpetrator.

Waiving off her default right to anonymity, Gisele asked for the trial to be open to the public to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and drug-induced rape.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-youll-die-alone-like-a-dog-daughter-caroline-tells-convicted-rapist-dominique-pelicot-785505">France mass rape: 'You’ll die alone like a dog,' daughter Caroline tells convicted rapist Dominique Pélicot</a>

For almost a decade starting in 2011, Dominique drugged his wife and recruited dozens of men online to have sex with her while unconscious.

On December 19, 2024, Dominique was handed the maximum term of 20 years in jail. Alongside him, 50 other men accused of raping Gisele were also convicted and handed terms of between three and 15 years.

<h2>Donald Trump: "Fight, fight, fight"</h2>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6793d99f-a228-4f21-acf7-db509e8b0d38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T135400.543.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

2024 was the year Donald Trump made his comeback. The former president, on July 13, survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Escaping the attack relatively unscathed, he became the subject of an iconic image.

The photo from the incident shows Trump with blood streaking across his face as he pumped his fist in the air, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!".&nbsp;

Come November, Trump created history by becoming the only convicted felon to be elected president of the United States. He also became the second President in US history to win non-consecutive terms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-trump-does-not-have-presidential-immunity-in-hush-money-case-rules-judge-784503">Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity in hush money case, rules judge</a>

<h2>Alexei Navalny</h2>

<img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bce767e-f906-49b7-9b10-4403475e8878" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T140720.698.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

A vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, 47-year-old Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He had been serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on charges he said were rigged to silence his criticism of the Russian president.

Opposition leader Navalny, known as Putin's most vocal critic as per Russia's federal penitentiary service, "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness."

They added that while medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called, resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."

However, his wife Yulia Navalnaya insists that Navalny was murdered.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjD24Dhu7iKAxU3SGwGHWXwAnUQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WB1kNq_RZTnFZVZWGa3Lt&amp;fexp=72801196,72801194,72801195" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970" target="_blank">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a>

<h2>Yulia Navalnaya</h2>

<img alt="Navalnaya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="043663a7-69b9-4eda-93ae-5edc65222530" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T140729.116.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

Following her husband Alexei Navalny's death, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a strong Kremlin critic. Now blacklisted as a "terrorist and extremist" in Russia, 48-year-old Navalnaya, a trained economist, has vowed to continue her late husband's work.

"My political opponent is Vladimir Putin...I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible," she said in October.&nbsp;

She has vowed to stand for the Russian president once Putin is gone and has even lobbied against him internationally.

<h2>Taylor Swift</h2>

<img alt="Swift" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ec791b8-fda4-4905-ad0c-4c585c72b582" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T140815.982.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

2024 was Taylor Swift's year. The popular American singer-songwriter made her mark this year with her record-breaking Eras Tour.

The music tour grossed over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time—this is almost double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history.

Swift also re-released her 1989 album, solidifying herself as a music industry powerhouse.&nbsp;

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything. Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024: Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them" (Image courtesy: AFP) In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere.

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything. Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024: Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them" (Image courtesy: AFP) In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere. The 72-year-old French woman was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France. The horrific case had Gisele's ex-husband Dominique Pelicot as the perpetrator. Waiving off her default right to anonymity, Gisele asked for the trial to be open to the public to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and drug-induced rape. Also read | France mass rape: 'You’ll die alone like a dog,' daughter Caroline tells convicted rapist Dominique Pélicot For almost a decade starting in 2011, Dominique drugged his wife and recruited dozens of men online to have sex with her while unconscious. On December 19, 2024, Dominique was handed the maximum term of 20 years in jail. Alongside him, 50 other men accused of raping Gisele were also convicted and handed terms of between three and 15 years. Donald Trump: "Fight, fight, fight" (Image courtesy: AFP) 2024 was the year Donald Trump made his comeback. The former president, on July 13, survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Escaping the attack relatively unscathed, he became the subject of an iconic image. The photo from the incident shows Trump with blood streaking across his face as he pumped his fist in the air, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!". Come November, Trump created history by becoming the only convicted felon to be elected president of the United States. He also became the second President in US history to win non-consecutive terms. Also read | Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity in hush money case, rules judge Alexei Navalny (Image courtesy: AFP) A vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, 47-year-old Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He had been serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on charges he said were rigged to silence his criticism of the Russian president. Opposition leader Navalny, known as Putin's most vocal critic as per Russia's federal penitentiary service, "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called, resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." However, his wife Yulia Navalnaya insists that Navalny was murdered. Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death Yulia Navalnaya (Image courtesy: AFP) Following her husband Alexei Navalny's death, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a strong Kremlin critic. Now blacklisted as a "terrorist and extremist" in Russia, 48-year-old Navalnaya, a trained economist, has vowed to continue her late husband's work. "My political opponent is Vladimir Putin...I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible," she said in October. She has vowed to stand for the Russian president once Putin is gone and has even lobbied against him internationally. Taylor Swift (Image courtesy: AFP) 2024 was Taylor Swift's year. The popular American singer-songwriter made her mark this year with her record-breaking Eras Tour. The music tour grossed over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time—this is almost double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history. Swift also re-released her 1989 album, solidifying herself as a music industry powerhouse.

From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024

A deadly prison riot broke out Thursday (&nbsp;Dec 19) in Villahermosa, the capital of the southern Mexican state of Tabasco, leaving seven inmates dead. The violence erupted as prison authorities attempted to transfer two prisoners to a federal penitentiary. Inmates who resisted the transfer clashed with police, using guns, knives and other weapons.

<h2>Violence and destruction inside the prison</h2>

State police chief Victor Hugo Chavez reported that officers were met with gunfire when they entered the facility early Thursday.

One inmate, armed with a gun, held out for several hours with the protection of 20 other prisoners. Fires also broke out inside the prison during the chaos. Four police officers and six inmates were injured during the riot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-columbian-lawmaker-caught-vaping-in-parliament-while-discussing-health-reforms-apologised-785777">Watch: Columbian lawmaker caught vaping in parliament while discussing health reforms, apologises</a>

<h2>Angry families demand information &nbsp;</h2>

As the situation escalated, relatives of prisoners gathered outside the facility, demanding updates on the safety of their loved ones.&nbsp;

<h2>Weapons seized after riot</h2>

After the authorities regained control of the prison several hours later, they discovered an arsenal of weapons, including an assault rifle, five pistols, a hand grenade, 23 machetes, 14 knives and 23 homemade shivs. The authorities did not explain how these weapons were smuggled into the prison, though Mexico’s prisons are often criticised for their lack of control and rampant corruption.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-hits-russian-residential-high-rises-in-kazan-dramatic-visuals-shows-911-like-attack-785770">Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals show '9/11 like attack'</a>

<h2>A history of deadly prison violence</h2>

The violence in Villahermosa follows a pattern of deadly incidents at Mexican prisons. Last year, an attack on a prison in Ciudad Juarez, near the US border, killed 17 people, including 10 guards. It was believed to be an attempt to free the leader of a local gang.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A deadly prison riot broke out Thursday ( Dec 19) in Villahermosa, the capital of the southern Mexican state of Tabasco, leaving seven inmates dead. The violence erupted as prison authorities attempted to transfer two prisoners to a federal penitentiary.

A deadly prison riot broke out Thursday ( Dec 19) in Villahermosa, the capital of the southern Mexican state of Tabasco, leaving seven inmates dead. The violence erupted as prison authorities attempted to transfer two prisoners to a federal penitentiary. Inmates who resisted the transfer clashed with police, using guns, knives and other weapons. Violence and destruction inside the prison State police chief Victor Hugo Chavez reported that officers were met with gunfire when they entered the facility early Thursday. One inmate, armed with a gun, held out for several hours with the protection of 20 other prisoners. Fires also broke out inside the prison during the chaos. Four police officers and six inmates were injured during the riot. Also read | Watch: Columbian lawmaker caught vaping in parliament while discussing health reforms, apologises Angry families demand information As the situation escalated, relatives of prisoners gathered outside the facility, demanding updates on the safety of their loved ones. Weapons seized after riot After the authorities regained control of the prison several hours later, they discovered an arsenal of weapons, including an assault rifle, five pistols, a hand grenade, 23 machetes, 14 knives and 23 homemade shivs. The authorities did not explain how these weapons were smuggled into the prison, though Mexico’s prisons are often criticised for their lack of control and rampant corruption. Also read | Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals show '9/11 like attack' A history of deadly prison violence The violence in Villahermosa follows a pattern of deadly incidents at Mexican prisons. Last year, an attack on a prison in Ciudad Juarez, near the US border, killed 17 people, including 10 guards. It was believed to be an attempt to free the leader of a local gang. (With inputs from agencies)

Deadly prison riot in Mexico leaves seven inmates dead as authorities attempt dangerous transfer

Columbian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao sparked discussions online after a video of her vaping in the parliament during a meeting on healthcare reforms went viral. Juvinao, a representative of Bogotá and a member of the Green Alliance Party received massive backlash over the video in which she was seen using a vape pen when suddenly the camera turned to her and she quickly hid the device.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Modi's Kuwait Visit Aims to Boost Trade Ties

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/modis-kuwait-visit-aims-to-boost-trade-ties-785748/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the video was circulated online and she started being criticised, the lawmaker took to X to issue an apology.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇨🇴 In Colombia, Congresswoman Cathy Juvinao was caught secretly vaping during a parliamentary session discussing healthcare reform. <a href="https://t.co/dqoba0iRyB">pic.twitter.com/dqoba0iRyB</a>
— David Lester Straight (@DavidLesterr_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidLesterr_/status/1870056320365134045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I will not join the bad example that is intoxicating the public discourse these days and which will not be repeated," Juvinao reportedly wrote in the apology post.&nbsp;

Columbia passed a law recently that restricted the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.&nbsp;

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in government buildings in Columbia, including the parliament.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-hits-russian-residential-high-rises-in-kazan-dramatic-visuals-shows-911-like-attack-785770">Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals shows '9/11-style attack'</a>

While many criticised the lawmaker on social media for the act, some also praised her for her quick apology and vow&nbsp;not to repeat the act.&nbsp;

The incident came just months after Comubian President &nbsp;Gustavo Petro signed legislation to regulate the use of electronic vaping devices.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Columbian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao sparked discussions online after a video of her vaping in the parliament during a meeting on healthcare reforms went viral. Juvinao, a representative of Bogotá and a member of the Green Alliance Party received massive backlash over the video in which she was seen using a vape pen when suddenly the camera turned to her and she quickly hid the device.

Columbian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao sparked discussions online after a video of her vaping in the parliament during a meeting on healthcare reforms went viral. Juvinao, a representative of Bogotá and a member of the Green Alliance Party received massive backlash over the video in which she was seen using a vape pen when suddenly the camera turned to her and she quickly hid the device. Watch | Modi's Kuwait Visit Aims to Boost Trade Ties After the video was circulated online and she started being criticised, the lawmaker took to X to issue an apology. 🇨🇴 In Colombia, Congresswoman Cathy Juvinao was caught secretly vaping during a parliamentary session discussing healthcare reform. pic.twitter.com/dqoba0iRyB — David Lester Straight (@DavidLesterr_) December 20, 2024 “I will not join the bad example that is intoxicating the public discourse these days and which will not be repeated," Juvinao reportedly wrote in the apology post. Columbia passed a law recently that restricted the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in government buildings in Columbia, including the parliament. Also read | Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals shows '9/11-style attack' While many criticised the lawmaker on social media for the act, some also praised her for her quick apology and vow not to repeat the act. The incident came just months after Comubian President Gustavo Petro signed legislation to regulate the use of electronic vaping devices. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Columbian lawmaker caught vaping in parliament while discussing health reforms, apologises

A man who was getting his hair cut at a barber's shop in UK jumped off the chair to help a police officer who was confronting a suspect and was being grounded in a headlock. The incident happened in Warrington, Cheshire, where Kyle Whiting was sitting in the chair at Heron Barbers when he happened to see the tussle through the window.

He spent no time leaving the chair to help the officer, with the barber's cape still on him. The 32-year-old, with the cape draped around his shoulders, dragged the suspect away to let the officer handcuff the man. Social media video of the incident led people to call Kyle "barbershop Batman", "haircut hero", and "caped crusader".

Whiting was at the shop for a trim after dropping his girlfriend to the A&amp;E unit at the Warrington Hospital. While he was in the chair, he noticed the barder getting distracted by a commotion on the road. He went up to the window and started recording.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-wwe-fight-among-4-men-at-chicago-airport-with-wet-floor-signs-785538">'WWE fight' among four men at Chicago airport with 'wet floor' sign boards</a>

"I then saw the guy outside swing for the police officer and throw him down onto the ground," Whiting said.

"I thought, 'I'm not sitting back and watching this'."

Whiting said that his sister was also a police officer and for him, it was all about "putting yourselves in other people's shoes".

"If that was my sister, I would hope somebody wouldn't hesitate to help her if she was on her own," he said.&nbsp;

"So before you know it, I've run out of the door."

Other people also entered the scene to help the officer and Whiting. Later, he returned to finish getting his hair cut. Whiting came across the police officer where he was sitting next to his girlfriend in the A&amp;E unit to get an X-ray on the broken finger.

Police, talking about the suspect said, "A 50-year-old man was subsequently arrested in relation to the matter and has since been passed to the care of health professionals."

Whiting's sister shared the video of the incident on social media which now has more than 400,000 views and 50,000 likes across Instagram and Facebook.

A man who was getting his hair cut at a barber's shop in UK jumped off the chair to help a police officer who was confronting a suspect and was being grounded in a headlock.

A man who was getting his hair cut at a barber's shop in UK jumped off the chair to help a police officer who was confronting a suspect and was being grounded in a headlock. The incident happened in Warrington, Cheshire, where Kyle Whiting was sitting in the chair at Heron Barbers when he happened to see the tussle through the window. He spent no time leaving the chair to help the officer, with the barber's cape still on him. The 32-year-old, with the cape draped around his shoulders, dragged the suspect away to let the officer handcuff the man. Social media video of the incident led people to call Kyle "barbershop Batman", "haircut hero", and "caped crusader". Whiting was at the shop for a trim after dropping his girlfriend to the A&E unit at the Warrington Hospital. While he was in the chair, he noticed the barder getting distracted by a commotion on the road. He went up to the window and started recording. Also Read: 'WWE fight' among four men at Chicago airport with 'wet floor' sign boards "I then saw the guy outside swing for the police officer and throw him down onto the ground," Whiting said. "I thought, 'I'm not sitting back and watching this'." Whiting said that his sister was also a police officer and for him, it was all about "putting yourselves in other people's shoes". "If that was my sister, I would hope somebody wouldn't hesitate to help her if she was on her own," he said. "So before you know it, I've run out of the door." Other people also entered the scene to help the officer and Whiting. Later, he returned to finish getting his hair cut. Whiting came across the police officer where he was sitting next to his girlfriend in the A&E unit to get an X-ray on the broken finger. Police, talking about the suspect said, "A 50-year-old man was subsequently arrested in relation to the matter and has since been passed to the care of health professionals." Whiting's sister shared the video of the incident on social media which now has more than 400,000 views and 50,000 likes across Instagram and Facebook.

'Caped crusader' saves the day, drags suspect who was grounding police officer in a headlock

A Pakistani military court has sentenced 25 civilians to two to 10 years of "rigorous imprisonment" for their involvement in attacks on military facilities during the nationwide unrest of 2023, according to an announcement by the military's media wing on Saturday.

Pakistan Military Court Sentences 25 Civilians Over 2023 Attacks

Israel’s military said a missile launched from Yemen has hit the Tel Aviv area after air defence systems were unable to intercept the incoming projectile. Medics in Gaza said Israeli air attacks killed at least 25 Palestinians on Friday after Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 77 people killed in Israeli attacks across the enclave over the previous 24 hours.

Houthis Hit Tel Aviv: Is Iron Dome Losing Missile Detection Ability?

Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics.

Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost.

Musk said in a post on his social media platform X, “Only the AfD [Alternative für Deutschland, the right wing party] can save Germany".

Via the post, Musk appeared to endorse the far-right and anti-immigrant party AfD, and is being accused of interfering in Germany's upcoming elections.&nbsp;

Musk also reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor.&nbsp;

The German health minister, Karl Lauterbach called Musk's act of commenting on Germany's political debate “undignified and highly problematic”.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage On Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions

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Scholz also responded to Musk's post in a press conference without naming him.

“We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you’re able to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice," Scholz said.&nbsp;

Later on the same day, two people were reported killed in a suspected terror attack in the German city of Magdeburg.

Musk again posted on X citing the incident and wrote, "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool".&nbsp;

Lauterbach further accused Musk of election interference and asked authorities to keep an eye on what was happening on X.&nbsp;

“It is very disturbing, how the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-bounty-on-syrias-new-leader-after-talks-in-syrian-capital-785759">US drops bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital</a>

Christian Lindner, former finance minister of Germany who was sacked by Scholz, also responded to Musk.

She wrote on X, “Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei. While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom and business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for. CL".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics. Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost.

Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics. Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost. Musk said in a post on his social media platform X, “Only the AfD [Alternative für Deutschland, the right wing party] can save Germany". Via the post, Musk appeared to endorse the far-right and anti-immigrant party AfD, and is being accused of interfering in Germany's upcoming elections. Musk also reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor. The German health minister, Karl Lauterbach called Musk's act of commenting on Germany's political debate “undignified and highly problematic”. Watch | Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage On Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions Scholz also responded to Musk's post in a press conference without naming him. “We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you’re able to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice," Scholz said. Later on the same day, two people were reported killed in a suspected terror attack in the German city of Magdeburg. Musk again posted on X citing the incident and wrote, "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool". Lauterbach further accused Musk of election interference and asked authorities to keep an eye on what was happening on X. “It is very disturbing, how the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk," he said. Also read | US drops bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital Christian Lindner, former finance minister of Germany who was sacked by Scholz, also responded to Musk. She wrote on X, “Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei. While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom and business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for. CL". (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's 'problematic' post on German politics sparks accusations of interference

Israel's Iron Dome Fails To Intercept Houthis' Missile Strike

Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.

Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war.

The lightning offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 was led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has sought to moderate its image in recent years.

Leaf's meeting with HTS chief Sharaa came despite Washington's six-year-old designation of his group as a terrorist organisation.

"Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer," Leaf told reporters.

After their talks, "it's a little incoherent, then, to have a bounty on the guy's head," she said, welcoming the messages from him.

"We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words," she said.&nbsp;

After the meeting, a statement from Syria's new leaders said they wanted to contribute to regional peace.

"The Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region... Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said.

Leaf said she told Sharaa of the "critical need to ensure terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside of Syria or externally, including to the US and our partners in the region."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-christmas-market-attack-two-killed-60-injured-in-magdeburg-car-attack-police-arrest-saudi-man-785693">Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man</a>

"Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this," she said.

The US delegation also included Roger Carstens, the US pointman on hostages. He said he worked on Friday with the new Syrian leadership to search a location where American journalist Austin Tice could have been held, and "we'll be working with the interim authorities" to examine other locations.

Tice was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.

<h2>US strikes IS&nbsp;</h2>

On a regional tour prior to the Aqaba talks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stressed the need to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State group (IS) jihadists.

The US military said on Friday its forces had killed an IS leader and another operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of escalated US military action against the group since Assad's overthrow.

The US embassy said Leaf also met with Syria's White Helmet rescuers, civil society leaders, activists and others "to hear directly from them about their vision for the future of their country".

Below a photograph of Leaf and others with a memorial wreath, the embassy said she had also commemorated the tens of thousands of people murdered, tortured, disappeared or detained under Assad.

"The US commitment to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities is unwavering," the embassy said on X.

<h2>Turkish pressure&nbsp;</h2>

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backed Assad's opponents, has stressed reconciliation and restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and unity.

Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, and Erdogan said Friday it was time to destroy "terrorist" groups operating in the country, specifically IS and Kurdish fighters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-stopgap-funding-bill-minus-trumps-debt-ceiling-president-elect-says-let-shutdown-begin-now-785691">US House&nbsp;passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now'</a>

"Daesh, the PKK and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated," he told journalists following a summit in Cairo, referring to IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party, respectively.

The autonomous administration in northeastern Syria is protected by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly made up of the People's Protection Units (YPG).

Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group.

Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters.

Leaf said Washington was urging a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab.

On a visit to Ankara on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the dangers of any "escalation" of the fighting, saying: "Security, especially for Kurds, is essential for a free and secure future for Syria."

Iran and Russia had long helped to prop up Assad, but on Friday Leaf said she expected Syria would completely end any role for Iran.

Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, on Friday urged "the caretaker government to continue to empower and enable women, because they are going to be absolutely critical to the rebuilding of the country".

Pope also called for the raft of international sanctions on Syria to be reassessed to help the country regain its footing.

Syria's civil war killed more than 500,000 people and sparked an exodus of millions of refugees.

On Friday, almost two weeks after Assad's fall and flight to Moscow, Syrians continued to celebrate. Fireworks exploded over Umayyad Square in Damascus, where flag-waving crowds gathered.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.

Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism. Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war. The lightning offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 was led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has sought to moderate its image in recent years. Leaf's meeting with HTS chief Sharaa came despite Washington's six-year-old designation of his group as a terrorist organisation. "Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer," Leaf told reporters. After their talks, "it's a little incoherent, then, to have a bounty on the guy's head," she said, welcoming the messages from him. "We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words," she said. After the meeting, a statement from Syria's new leaders said they wanted to contribute to regional peace. "The Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region... Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said. Leaf said she told Sharaa of the "critical need to ensure terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside of Syria or externally, including to the US and our partners in the region." Also Read | Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man "Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this," she said. The US delegation also included Roger Carstens, the US pointman on hostages. He said he worked on Friday with the new Syrian leadership to search a location where American journalist Austin Tice could have been held, and "we'll be working with the interim authorities" to examine other locations. Tice was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. US strikes IS On a regional tour prior to the Aqaba talks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stressed the need to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State group (IS) jihadists. The US military said on Friday its forces had killed an IS leader and another operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of escalated US military action against the group since Assad's overthrow. The US embassy said Leaf also met with Syria's White Helmet rescuers, civil society leaders, activists and others "to hear directly from them about their vision for the future of their country". Below a photograph of Leaf and others with a memorial wreath, the embassy said she had also commemorated the tens of thousands of people murdered, tortured, disappeared or detained under Assad. "The US commitment to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities is unwavering," the embassy said on X. Turkish pressure Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backed Assad's opponents, has stressed reconciliation and restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and unity. Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, and Erdogan said Friday it was time to destroy "terrorist" groups operating in the country, specifically IS and Kurdish fighters. Also Read | US House passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' "Daesh, the PKK and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated," he told journalists following a summit in Cairo, referring to IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party, respectively. The autonomous administration in northeastern Syria is protected by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly made up of the People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group. Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters. Leaf said Washington was urging a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab. On a visit to Ankara on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the dangers of any "escalation" of the fighting, saying: "Security, especially for Kurds, is essential for a free and secure future for Syria." Iran and Russia had long helped to prop up Assad, but on Friday Leaf said she expected Syria would completely end any role for Iran. Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, on Friday urged "the caretaker government to continue to empower and enable women, because they are going to be absolutely critical to the rebuilding of the country". Pope also called for the raft of international sanctions on Syria to be reassessed to help the country regain its footing. Syria's civil war killed more than 500,000 people and sparked an exodus of millions of refugees. On Friday, almost two weeks after Assad's fall and flight to Moscow, Syrians continued to celebrate. Fireworks exploded over Umayyad Square in Damascus, where flag-waving crowds gathered. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US scraps $10mn bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital

A Chinese rocket disintegrated over Puerto Rico at around 11:24 pm AST on December 19, 2024 (8:54 am IST Dec 20). The event was caught by meteor cameras operated by the Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe (Astronomical Society of the Caribbean). The rocket that came apart was launched in August this year, EarthSky reported.

Experts working to understand more about the debris created by the disintegration said it was a CZ-4B rocket launched from Xichang Space Center, China, on August 16.&nbsp;

The 145-foot-long and 11-foot-wide rocket body delivered the Yaogan-43 satellites to space and had been orbiting Earth for four months.

It had lost height during this time and on Dec 19, it was dragged down due to an atmospheric phenomenon which led it to disintegrate at an altitude of around 113 km over Puerto Rico.

The video captured over the Caribbean from multiple angles shows a streak of light in the sky which at first glance might appear to be a meteor.

However, there are a few ways a space debris falling down to Earth is different from a meteor or an asteroid.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-moon-may-be-much-older-than-we-thought-new-study-suggests-785263">The Moon may be much older than we thought, new study suggests</a>

<h2>Space debris or meteor strike? How to know?</h2>

A natural space rock falls quickly, while the rocket debris makes an extremely slow reentry. The trail of light is quite stark as well and lasts for much longer.

It can extend for up to two minutes while a meteor or an asteroid strike is just a few seconds long.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

As space debris falls down, the main body starts breaking apart, creating noticeable fragmentation.

Smaller objects start separating from the main object and can be seen drifting either to the front or on the sides. Several pieces also fall behind the main body.

A rocket body or a satellite crashing back onto Earth is not a rare occurrence.

It happens regularly but mostly over places where people don't reside, or lack cameras to capture them.&nbsp;

Most of the space debris is either a spent rocket or a defunct satellite.

&nbsp;

On February 7, 2022, a group of 40 Starlink satellites re-entered the atmosphere after a failed launch.

All of them had just been launched but faced the wrath of a major solar storm and could not reach the intended orbit.

Geomagnetic storms have quite a pull on satellites.

As the atmosphere warms up, atmospheric density is affected, resulting&nbsp;in increased drag on satellites.

Satellites in low altitudes re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in this scenario.

A Chinese rocket disintegrated over Puerto Rico at around 11:24 pm AST on December 19, 2024 (8:54 am IST Dec 20). The event was caught by meteor cameras operated by the Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe (Astronomical Society of the Caribbean).

A Chinese rocket disintegrated over Puerto Rico at around 11:24 pm AST on December 19, 2024 (8:54 am IST Dec 20). The event was caught by meteor cameras operated by the Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe (Astronomical Society of the Caribbean). The rocket that came apart was launched in August this year, EarthSky reported. Experts working to understand more about the debris created by the disintegration said it was a CZ-4B rocket launched from Xichang Space Center, China, on August 16. The 145-foot-long and 11-foot-wide rocket body delivered the Yaogan-43 satellites to space and had been orbiting Earth for four months. It had lost height during this time and on Dec 19, it was dragged down due to an atmospheric phenomenon which led it to disintegrate at an altitude of around 113 km over Puerto Rico. The video captured over the Caribbean from multiple angles shows a streak of light in the sky which at first glance might appear to be a meteor. However, there are a few ways a space debris falling down to Earth is different from a meteor or an asteroid. Also Read: The Moon may be much older than we thought, new study suggests Space debris or meteor strike? How to know? A natural space rock falls quickly, while the rocket debris makes an extremely slow reentry. The trail of light is quite stark as well and lasts for much longer. It can extend for up to two minutes while a meteor or an asteroid strike is just a few seconds long. × As space debris falls down, the main body starts breaking apart, creating noticeable fragmentation. Smaller objects start separating from the main object and can be seen drifting either to the front or on the sides. Several pieces also fall behind the main body. A rocket body or a satellite crashing back onto Earth is not a rare occurrence. It happens regularly but mostly over places where people don't reside, or lack cameras to capture them. Most of the space debris is either a spent rocket or a defunct satellite. On February 7, 2022, a group of 40 Starlink satellites re-entered the atmosphere after a failed launch. All of them had just been launched but faced the wrath of a major solar storm and could not reach the intended orbit. Geomagnetic storms have quite a pull on satellites. As the atmosphere warms up, atmospheric density is affected, resulting in increased drag on satellites. Satellites in low altitudes re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in this scenario.

VIDEO: Chinese rocket crashes down from space over Puerto Rico

Yemen's Houthis Launch Ballistic Missile On Israel's Tel Aviv |

A photograph of US President-elect Donald Trump sharing a kiss with his wife, Melania, at a baseball game has gone viral, prompting multiple reactions on social media.

A photograph of US President-elect Donald Trump sharing a kiss with his wife, Melania, at a baseball game has gone viral, prompting multiple reactions on social media. In the image, Trump, dressed in a suit, is seen leaning in to kiss Melania, who is wearing a black dress. Watch: 'This is his problem,' Trump says let the US govt shutdown happen under Biden admin In the picture, the couple is seen seated in the stadium, surrounded by spectators. Some are smiling at the affectionate display, while others appear focused on the game. The candid moment has garnered attention online, with users sharing various opinions. 🥰🥰🥰 pic.twitter.com/nOEUHyEyNI — FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) December 19, 2024 × Social media users reacted to the image, with many speculating about the state of the couple’s relationship, considering how Melina has largely stayed out of the spotlight during Trump's successful presidential campaign. “Now THAT is how to handle the kiss cam kiss,” one person commented. Another wrote, “32 days until these two are back in the White House!” Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Some reactions were more light-hearted, with one user calling them “adorable” and another saying, “Let the woman breathe.” This is not the first time the couple has gone viral. Earlier this year, during the Republican National Convention (RNC), Trump leaned in to kiss Melania after securing the Republican nomination. Her subtle avoidance of the kiss at the time led to a flood of memes and online reactions. (With inputs from agencies)

'THAT is how to handle the kiss cam kiss,' Donald and Melania Trump’s stadium kiss goes viral

In 2024, the biggest fear I had while travelling in Delhi Metro was not my belongings being stolen but being caught in someone's bizarre dance performance for Instagram or some "Public reaction" videos.

In 2024, the biggest fear I had while travelling in Delhi Metro was not my belongings being stolen but being caught in someone's bizarre dance performance for Instagram or some "Public reaction" videos. Every coach of Delhi Metro, especially in the Pink line (if we analyse the incidents that occurred), was the stage for some dance performances and strange stunts no one asked for. All we saw this year was some new viral video in which everyone is sitting quietly except a few "influencers". Because who needs peace when you can have a free seat to "Delhi's Got Talent" on your way to work? Take a look at some incidents that topped every other on the internet. Bizarre Holi Celebration Also read | Be mindful of your comments: India slams Bangladesh over Yunus aide's social media post One video that must have gone on everyone's social media feed was two women in a coach on the metro sitting on the floor and doing some sensual act of playing Holi (Indian festival of colours) with each other. The video showed a woman wearing a white saree while another wearing a suit and putting colours on each other's cheeks with a romantic Bollywood song in the background. The incident caused more embarrassment for people sitting on the back than the views on the internet. Man Beating Physics No, not just romance, we also witnessed live physics classes. A video shared on Instagram showed a man sitting on the floor of the metro's coach and rising on a pole in the coach in the sitting position beating gravity. However, it was visible that the video was playing in reverse. Also read | Delhi better than Bengaluru? Cars24 CEO's post sparks debate online Romance In Delhi Metro And one thing that broke all the records was the couples of Delhi. Every day, we wake up with a fresh viral video of some random couple having a not-so-public-friendly romance in the Delhi Metro. This raised questions about the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) and its command on the safety and security of the public transport. And it's not that the DMRC did not act on the issue. It did issue multiple warnings, but the "influencers" continued dancing like no one was watching (except millions of people on the internet).

Wion Rewind: 2024 and Delhi Metro saga no one asked for

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