German authorities confirmed they received warnings in 2023 about the suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market car attack that killed five and injured 200. The attacker, a Saudi doctor critical of Islam, arrived in Germany in 2006 and had permanent residency. Authorities said he posted extremist views online, supported far-right groups, and made threats but had no prior violent record. He is now in custody, charged with murder and attempted murder. The attack has reignited debates on migration in Germany ahead of February elections. Critics argue security failures allowed the tragedy to occur, prompting calls for stricter border policies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed further destruction on Ukraine after a drone attack hit a luxury apartment block in Kazan, Russia, on Saturday. The attack, blamed on Ukraine, caused explosions but no casualties. Putin warned that Ukraine would face "many times more destruction" in retaliation. The strike on Kazan is part of a series of aerial assaults in the ongoing conflict. Russia also reported military gains in eastern Ukraine, claiming to have liberated several villages. Ukraine has not commented on the Kazan attack. The violence continues as tensions rise in the nearly three-year-long war.

Russia has executed at least 147 Ukrainian prisoners of war since its full-scale invasion began, with 127 killed in 2024, according to Ukrainian prosecutors. Disturbing reports include beheadings, shootings, and torture, some filmed by Russian forces. Videos often show executions in isolated areas, making investigations difficult. The Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office says these killings appear systematic, especially since late 2023. International law forbids such actions, but Russia denies the claims and has not launched investigations. Ukrainian forces have faced similar allegations, though on a smaller scale. Families of missing soldiers continue to hope for their return, despite the grim realities.

An ambulance helicopter crashed into the Mugla Training and Research Hospital in southwest Turkey on Sunday, killing all four people onboard. The victims included two pilots, a doctor, and a medical worker. The helicopter hit the hospital's fourth floor before crashing to the ground. Fortunately, no one inside the building or on the ground was injured. The crash occurred during heavy fog, and the cause is under investigation. Footage showed debris scattered around the hospital, with emergency teams working at the site. The regional governor confirmed the details, and authorities are examining the incident.

A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was shot down over the Red Sea in a "friendly fire" incident involving the USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group. Both crew ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries. This comes as the US launched airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, targeting missile storage, drones, and command facilities to curb attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. Houthi missile strikes recently hit Tel Aviv, injuring 16, while Israeli retaliatory strikes killed nine in Yemen. The US reaffirmed its commitment to defending allies amid escalating regional tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait's highest honour, 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,' during his state visit to the Gulf nation. This prestigious knighthood is conferred on foreign Heads of State and royals. It marks Modi's 20th international award, highlighting his global diplomatic stature. Earlier, he received Guyana's 'Order of Excellence' and Dominica’s 'Award of Honour.' Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Bayan Palace and engaged in talks with Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabah. The honour underscores the strengthening ties between India and Kuwait.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government for amending election rules to restrict public access to certain poll documents. He accused the government of eroding the Election Commission’s independence, calling it a systematic attack on democracy. The amendments limit access to electronic records like CCTV footage and candidate videos during elections, citing concerns over misuse. Kharge highlighted earlier moves, such as removing the Chief Justice from the selection panel for Election Commissioners, as part of this trend. Congress vowed legal action against the changes, with leaders like Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal denouncing the poll panel's lack of transparency.

A memorial service was held in Magdeburg, Germany, for the victims of Friday's Christmas market attack. A car, driven by a 50-year-old Saudi man, ploughed into the crowd, killing five people, including four women and a nine-year-old child, and injuring over 200 others. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other officials attended the service, expressing solidarity with the city. The suspect, Taleb A, faces charges of murder and attempted murder. Residents are in shock, with many saying they need time to process the tragedy. The attack has left the community deeply affected and traumatized.

Talks for a ceasefire in Gaza are 90% complete, a Palestinian official told the BBC. Key issues remain, like Israel’s military role in southern Gaza. A proposed deal would include releasing hostages and Palestinian prisoners in stages. Aid trucks would bring supplies to Gaza, and civilians could return north under international oversight. A new committee would manage Gaza, with no ties to political groups. US, Qatar, and Egypt are helping mediate the deal. Hamas and other groups say progress depends on Israel stopping new demands. The talks aim to end the 14-month war.

A Saudi-born doctor drove a car into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five people and injuring hundreds. The attack happened on Friday evening. Authorities revealed Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about the man three times before. He was arrested at the scene and is suspected of murder. Investigators are unsure of his motive but believe frustration over refugee policies may be involved. Witnesses said the car sped 400 metres through the market, leaving destruction and chaos. Germany’s Chancellor Scholz and local leaders called the event a tragic loss. The investigation is ongoing.