The UN Human Rights Office has condemned Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza, stating they have pushed the region’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse. A report highlighted 136 strikes on 27 hospitals between October 2023 and June 2024, causing significant casualties among medical staff and destroying vital infrastructure. The UN stressed that attacks on healthcare facilities may constitute war crimes, especially if hospitals are being used to shield military operations. The situation has worsened maternal and child health, with many women and newborns unable to access essential care. The UN called for independent investigations into these incidents.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized that the 'One Nation, One Election' policy is practical and won’t harm India’s federal structure or voter rights. Speaking ahead of the Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on January 8, Meghwal stated that the initiative aligns with Article 368 of the Constitution. He also highlighted the government's commitment to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), referencing its inclusion in BJP’s manifesto. "UCC has already been implemented in Goa and legislated in Uttarakhand," Meghwal said. Prime Minister Modi has stressed its importance for secular governance, citing support from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during constitutional debates.

The world began welcoming 2025, with Kiribati being the first country to celebrate. New Zealand followed, with Auckland lighting up its skyline with fireworks. In Sydney, Australia, the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House provided a dazzling backdrop for revelers. Tokyo celebrated with vibrant projections on buildings, while Hong Kong hosted a grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. In Seoul, South Koreans honored plane crash victims during New Year events. As time zones shift, more regions will join the celebrations, including Alaska and Hawaii, among the last to ring in 2025.

Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae stated that no safety issues were found during pre-flight checks before the Boeing 737-800 crash at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The crash, which occurred on Sunday, killed 179 people. Kim pledged to "repair trust" by enhancing safety measures and reducing winter air traffic by 10-15% for maintenance. The airline will provide emergency compensation and cover funeral costs for victims' families. Investigators are examining the plane’s black boxes, but data extraction from the flight recorder is delayed due to a missing connector. Families of victims await identification of loved ones, with some facing heartbreaking delays.

Sunil Gavaskar faced backlash after calling Yashasvi Jaiswal’s controversial dismissal in the fourth India-Australia Test an "optical illusion." Jaiswal, batting on 84, was dismissed by Pat Cummins after the third umpire overturned the on-field call, citing a deflection off the glove despite no Snicko spike. Speaking for Channel 7, Gavaskar questioned the reliability of technology, sparking criticism on social media, where fans termed his remarks "ridiculous" and "embarrassing." Warren Brennan, of Snicko's operator BBG Sports, clarified the absence of noise was due to a glance-shot. The dismissal proved pivotal as Australia clinched the match, taking a 2-1 series lead.

South Korea mourns the tragic loss of 5 female colleagues killed in the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed 179 lives. The victims, public education employees, were returning from a celebratory trip to Bangkok. "She is still lingering in my eyes. Whenever seeing flowers on that empty desk, ah, sadness rushes in," said Lee Dae-keun, a colleague. At their workplace, empty desks adorned with white chrysanthemums and a memorial altar stand as poignant reminders. Families and colleagues continue to grieve, with many recalling the victims’ kindness and dedication. This crash is South Korea's deadliest air disaster.

Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, continues to dominate the box office, earning ₹1760 crore within 25 days of release. Actor Aamir Khan's production house congratulated the team, calling the success a testament to Indian cinema's potential. "Huge congratulations... Wishing you continued success," AKP wrote on X. Allu Arjun responded warmly, thanking the team and extending regards. Mythri Movie Makers also acknowledged AKP's message, wishing them a Happy New Year. Directed by Sukumar and released on Dec 5, Pushpa 2 edges closer to the all-time record held by Aamir's 2016 blockbuster Dangal, which grossed ₹2070.3 crore worldwide.

As the world bids farewell to 2024, a year marked by climate disasters, political upheaval, and the return of Donald Trump to the White House, many hope for a brighter 2025. The year saw record heat and devastating events from the Middle East to Europe. The Paris Olympics briefly united nations, while elections in over 60 countries brought changes, including Trump’s comeback. In the Middle East, ongoing conflicts worsened the humanitarian crisis, and Ukraine continued to resist Russian aggression. Despite uncertainty, the world looks to 2025 with cautious optimism for climate action and global events like the Kumbh Mela festival.

India cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has openly criticized Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their poor performances in Australia, which has left India trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli’s footwork was specifically called out for repeated dismissals, while Gavaskar stressed the lack of contributions from senior players in the top order. Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar urged the BCCI selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, to reassess the future of the seniors, saying their failure has put India in a difficult position. He emphasized that the top-order's lack of runs has been the main issue.

A Chinese state-sponsored hacker breached the US Treasury Department’s systems in early December, accessing employee workstations and unclassified documents, US officials confirmed. The breach, described as a “major incident,” exploited a key from a third-party service provider, BeyondTrust, which has since been taken offline. The Treasury, FBI, and cybersecurity agencies are investigating the incident, believed to be the work of a China-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor. The Chinese embassy in Washington DC denied the allegations, calling them part of a smear campaign. A detailed report will be sent to lawmakers within 30 days.