South Korea made history as its sitting President, Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on Wednesday for insurrection tied to his December 3 martial law declaration. Over 3,000 police officers and anti-corruption investigators converged on Yoon’s fortified residence, facing protests from ruling People Power Party supporters. The arrest, based on a court-issued warrant, marks the first for a South Korean president. Lawmakers had impeached Yoon on December 14, citing his actions as unconstitutional, while the Constitutional Court deliberates his permanent removal. The political crisis has sparked widespread protests, with minor clashes erupting near Yoon's residence during his detention.

Ukraine launched its biggest attack of the war, hitting deep into Russia. Strikes targeted ammunition depots, chemical plants, and industrial sites up to 1,100km from the border. Key regions like Bryansk, Saratov, and Tula were impacted, causing explosions, school closures, and damage to buildings. Russia claimed to have shot down US-supplied Atacms and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles. Meanwhile, Kyiv accused Russia of drone strikes across Ukraine, most of which were intercepted. Amid a frontline troop shortage, Ukraine faces US pressure to lower the conscription age. President Zelensky urged faster delivery of weapons as the war continues to escalate.

A French woman, Anne, was tricked out of 800,000 euros by a scammer posing as actor Brad Pitt. The scammer contacted her on Instagram, claiming to need financial help due to locked accounts during a divorce. Using AI-generated videos and photos, he convinced Anne of their relationship and proposed marriage. He also claimed to send luxury gifts and needed money for surgery. Anne, recently divorced and vulnerable, believed the story. The scam was exposed in 2024 when she saw reports of Pitt's real relationship. Similar scams have targeted others, with Spanish police arresting suspects in a related case.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for a detailed plan to rebuild and govern Gaza after the ongoing conflict. Speaking at the Atlantic Council, Blinken proposed an interim government for Gaza, involving international partners and Arab states to ensure stability. He emphasized that reforms in the Palestinian authority and contributions from Arab nations for security training are crucial. The plan prioritizes rebuilding Gaza, ensuring security, and removing Hamas from governance. Blinken’s efforts have gained support from Gulf Arab states and focus on maintaining strategic progress achieved during the Biden administration.

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, according to officials. Israel is hopeful that a deal will be reached soon. Qatar, acting as a mediator, said the negotiations are at their closest point to a resolution. The ceasefire deal includes the gradual release of 33 hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s population centers. Despite progress, key details are still being finalized, and the agreement must be approved by Israel’s Cabinet. The deal is expected to help end the 15-month-long conflict.

US Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report claims Donald Trump would have been convicted over his attempt to overturn the 2020 election had he not won re-election in 2024. Smith’s investigation revealed sufficient evidence to convict Trump, including pressure on state officials and spreading false claims. However, due to a legal policy prohibiting prosecution of a sitting president, charges were dropped after Trump’s victory. Trump has denied the charges, calling the investigation politically motivated. Smith emphasized that his team followed the law and facts, regardless of political influence.

Reports say China is discussing the possibility of Elon Musk buying TikTok’s U.S. operations. This comes as the app faces a potential ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns linked to its Chinese ownership. The Chinese government prefers ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to keep control but is considering Musk’s purchase. If the deal happens, Musk would own X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok's U.S. operations. Critics warn this could lead to a social media monopoly. ByteDance denied the reports, calling them "pure fiction." TikTok is currently challenging the U.S. ban in court.

Stars like Paris Hilton, Beyonce, and Jamie Lee Curtis are helping families affected by the LA fires. The fires destroyed thousands of homes, killing at least 24 people. Paris Hilton lost her Malibu home and donated $100,000 to support displaced families and animal charities. Beyonce gave $2.5 million through her foundation for fire relief in Pasadena and Altadena. Eva Longoria, Jamie Lee Curtis, and others pledged $1 million each. Prince Harry and Meghan donated supplies and helped distribute food. Celebrities like Mel Gibson and Jeff Bridges also lost their homes. The Oscars and Grammys remain scheduled despite the devastation.

Rescuers in South Africa pulled 6 more bodies from a disused gold mine in Stilfontein. The miners have been trapped since a police crackdown on illegal mining began last year. Eight men were rescued on Tuesday, adding to 26 saved on Monday. Nine bodies were recovered earlier. Some videos show emaciated miners and bodies underground. Authorities have been criticised for delaying rescue efforts. A court ordered the rescue last week. Hundreds are still believed to be underground, with more than 1,000 surfacing in recent months. The rescue involves lowering a cage to bring people up from the 2km-deep shaft.

A tiger from Jharkhand has entered West Bengal’s Jhargram district, prompting Bengal Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda to declare it will not be returned if captured. The big cat’s arrival follows the recent episode of tigress Zeenat, who wandered through five Bengal districts, sparking tensions between West Bengal and Odisha. Without a radio collar, experts find it challenging to trace the tiger's origin. Forest officials have identified its pugmarks in Jhargram and Purulia districts and deployed teams, including those from Sunderban Tiger Reserve, to capture it. Hansda emphasized Bengal's forests' suitability for tigers, citing ample prey and habitat availability.