The winter session of Parliament concluded with intense protests by BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc outside the premises. The session, marked by heated debates, witnessed controversies over federalism, democracy, and Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar. The Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman was dismissed on procedural grounds. Simultaneous protests on Friday turned chaotic, with allegations of misbehavior and injuries among MPs. Key highlights included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Lok Sabha debut and discussions on the 'One Nation, One Poll' bill. Several critical bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, remain pending.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 30 Palestinians, including women and children, on Thursday. Civil defence reported strikes on two schools in eastern Gaza City, sheltering displaced individuals, leaving 13 dead and 30 injured. Israel claimed Hamas militants used the schools for operations. Another airstrike on Al-Shati refugee camp killed 13 civilians filling water, while four died in a separate attack on a house. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are mediating ceasefire talks. The conflict, ongoing for over 14 months, has seen 45,129 Palestinians and 1,208 Israelis killed since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

Hundreds of Syrians gathered in Damascus’s Ummayad Square to demand democracy, women's rights, and an end to religious rule following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad. Protesters, including men and women, chanted slogans like "No to religious rule" and "Equality for men and women." Demonstrators expressed fears over Islamist-led rebel group HTS’s transitional leadership potentially undermining secularism. Actress Raghda Khateb highlighted women's vital roles in Syria’s struggles. Protester Majida Mudarres criticized HTS’s statement dismissing women's political participation. "The time for silence is over," she declared, calling for women to lead in rebuilding Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced readiness for talks to end the Ukraine war, including discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking during a state TV Q&A, Putin rejected preconditions but emphasized compromises from Kyiv. He dismissed a temporary truce, favoring lasting peace based on prior Istanbul proposals, deemed controversial by Ukraine. Putin defended Russia’s 2022 invasion as a defensive move against NATO expansion and revealed regret for delayed military action. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Putin's hypersonic missile threats, questioning his sanity during a European Council meeting. The war continues to devastate lives and global relations.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing "acts of genocide" in Gaza by restricting water access, damaging infrastructure, and obstructing repairs. The report claims thousands have died from dehydration and disease due to Israeli actions. HRW's executive director, Tirana Hassan, called it a "calculated policy of deprivation." Israel dismissed the report as "propaganda," asserting it facilitates water and aid despite ongoing Hamas attacks. The 179-page report includes interviews, satellite data, and documentation of alleged intent. The International Court of Justice is examining similar accusations. Israel maintains its focus is on Hamas, denying allegations of targeting civilians.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi military sites in Yemen, including Red Sea ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, after intercepting a missile over central Israel. The attack, which damaged a school and vehicles in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, followed Houthi aggression linked to solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Houthi-run media reported nine fatalities, including seven at Salif port and two at Ras Issa oil facility. Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. The ongoing conflict underscores escalating regional tensions amid Gaza-related hostilities.

A French court sentenced Dominique Pelicot, 72, to 20 years for drugging and raping his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot over nearly a decade. Fifty men, accused of assaulting her while she was unconscious, received jail terms ranging from 4 to 18 years. Gisèle waived her anonymity, demanding justice and exposing horrific crimes through videos recorded by Pelicot. The trial, marked by claims of consensual acts by defendants, highlighted the lack of explicit consent in France's rape laws. Protest rallies across France support Gisèle, who stated, “I’ve done nothing wrong; they must be ashamed.”

At least 100 North Korean troops have been killed and 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia, according to South Korean politician Lee Seong-kweun. The heavy casualties were attributed to inexperience in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with open terrain. Lee stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is overseeing training, suggesting further troop deployments. Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russia's war effort, with Pyongyang supplying significant military aid. The losses reflect the intensity of North Korean involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, now the de facto leader following Bashar al-Assad's ouster, urged the lifting of sanctions on Syria, asserting they target a bygone regime. Speaking to the BBC, Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), denied extremism claims and called for HTS's removal from global terror lists. He emphasized Syria's distinct identity, support for women’s education, and legal reform through a Syrian committee. Sharaa stressed HTS’s focus on opposing Assad's regime, not targeting civilians. Despite his assurances, skepticism persists among Syrians and international observers about HTS’s commitment to moderate governance.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended her friendship with billionaire Elon Musk, dismissing claims of influence over her policies. Addressing parliament before the EU summit, Meloni stated, “I don’t take orders from anyone.” A photo of Meloni and Musk at a September event had sparked dating rumors online. Meloni highlighted her government’s push to regulate private space activities and attract $7.3 billion in foreign investments, including from Musk's SpaceX, by 2026. She emphasized past leaders’ subservience to foreign powers and asserted her independence despite maintaining good relationships with influential figures. Musk has praised Meloni as "authentic" and "honest."