North Korea Vows "Toughest Policies" Against U.S. Amid Rising Tensions with Allies
Fox News

North Korea Vows "Toughest Policies" Against U.S. Amid Rising Tensions with Allies

According to state media outlet KCNA, party leaders condemned the U.S., Japan, and South Korea’s alliance as a “nuclear military bloc,” accusing it of escalating regional tensions. North Korea has pledged its "toughest" policies against the U.S. following a Dec. 23-27 meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea, led by Kim Jong Un.

Taliban Bans Overlooking Windows in Homes to Protect Women's Privacy.
France24

Taliban Bans Overlooking Windows in Homes to Protect Women's Privacy.

A statement released on Saturday by a Taliban government spokesman mandated that new buildings avoid windows with views of courtyards, kitchens, or neighbors’ wells, citing privacy concerns. The Taliban's supreme leader has issued a directive prohibiting the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women.

Donald Trump Backs Elon Musk on H-1B Visa Debate, Calling It a "Great Program"
Independent UK

Donald Trump Backs Elon Musk on H-1B Visa Debate, Calling It a "Great Program"

Speaking to The New York Post on Saturday, Trump stated, “I’ve always liked the visas... I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for Elon Musk amid a growing debate within the American political right over H-1B skilled worker visas.

Air Canada Flight Skids Off Runway and Catches Fire During Halifax Landing.
Telegraph India

Air Canada Flight Skids Off Runway and Catches Fire During Halifax Landing.

The flight originated from St. John’s, Newfoundland. In a statement, the airport confirmed the incident and assured that emergency responders were deployed to manage the situation. Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines, experienced a rough landing at Halifax Airport in Goffs, Nova Scotia, skidding off the runway and partially catching fire.

UK to End Tax Exemption for Private Schools, Raising £1.5 Billion for Public Education.
Gulf News

UK to End Tax Exemption for Private Schools, Raising £1.5 Billion for Public Education.

The funds will be directed toward recruiting thousands of new teachers and improving standards in state schools, addressing years of growing educational inequalities. The UK’s centre-left Labour government announced on Wednesday that it will end the tax exemption for private schools, a move expected to generate over £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) annually.

Putin Offers Apology for Deadly Azerbaijan Airlines Crash; Denies Responsibility.
UPI

Putin Offers Apology for Deadly Azerbaijan Airlines Crash; Denies Responsibility.

While expressing regret for the tragedy, Putin stopped short of taking responsibility, stating that the ongoing investigation must be concluded before any attribution of fault is made. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev following the fatal crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 on Christmas, which claimed 35 passenger lives, along with two pilots and one crew member among the 67 onboard.

UAE Praises Türkiye’s Diplomatic Efforts to End Sudan Crisis.
Gulf News

UAE Praises Türkiye’s Diplomatic Efforts to End Sudan Crisis.

In a statement, the UAE highlighted the importance of Sudan’s stability as a top priority and underscored Türkiye’s steadfast commitment to fostering peace in the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has commended the Republic of Türkiye for its ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the Sudan crisis.

Trump Urges Supreme Court to Pause TikTok Ban.
CNN

Trump Urges Supreme Court to Pause TikTok Ban.

This stance clashes with the Biden administration’s legal brief, which warns of “grave” national security concerns tied to TikTok’s continued operation in the United States. President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to delay the implementation of a controversial TikTok ban scheduled for next month. He stated that a pause would allow his administration to pursue a “negotiated resolution.”

Mourners Mark 20 Years Since 2004 Tsunami Killed 220,000 Across Indian Ocean.
Gulf Today

Mourners Mark 20 Years Since 2004 Tsunami Killed 220,000 Across Indian Ocean.

The disaster followed a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia’s western coast on December 26, 2004, unleashing waves up to 30 meters high that battered 14 countries, from Indonesia to Somalia. Tearful mourners gathered on Thursday at remembrance ceremonies across Asia, lighting candles and offering prayers for the 220,000 victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Kremlin Cautions Against Speculation on Azerbaijan Airlines Crash That Killed 38
NBC

Kremlin Cautions Against Speculation on Azerbaijan Airlines Crash That Killed 38

An aviation expert suggested a Russian anti-missile battery may have brought down the passenger plane, but the Kremlin warned against jumping to conclusions. The Kremlin has urged restraint in attributing causes to Wednesday’s Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash, which killed 38 of the 67 people on board near the Kazakh city of Aktau.

US Universities Urge International Students to Return Early Over Potential Trump Travel Ban
AA

US Universities Urge International Students to Return Early Over Potential Trump Travel Ban

Administrators reportedly fear that Trump may reinstate travel restrictions on certain countries, prompting institutions to warn students of potential entry difficulties if they delay their return. According to a CNN report, several major American universities, including New York University (NYU), Cornell University, and the University of Southern California, are advising international students to return to the U.S. ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

US Allocates $20bn to Ukraine Using Seized Russian Assets.
BBC

US Allocates $20bn to Ukraine Using Seized Russian Assets.

This support forms a substantial part of the $50 billion aid package agreed upon by G7 nations in June. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized that using seized assets ensures Russia, not taxpayers, shoulders the financial burden of its "illegal war" against Ukraine. The United States has provided $20 billion in economic aid to Ukraine, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets.

PM Narendra Modi Embarks on Historic 5-Day Visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana.
DD News

PM Narendra Modi Embarks on Historic 5-Day Visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, described the tour as 'action-packed.' The visit includes Modi's participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil and high-level meetings with global leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a significant five-day trip to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and to Guyana in over 50 years.

President-Elect Donald Trump Appoints Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
USA Today

President-Elect Donald Trump Appoints Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

The newly appointed leaders are expected to streamline government operations, focusing on reducing inefficiencies and optimizing the use of taxpayer funds. President-elect Donald Trump announced the formation of a new "Department of Government Efficiency" to tackle federal spending, waste, and regulatory burdens.

Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon Kill at Least 40, Including Children.
Japan Times

Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon Kill at Least 40, Including Children.

While the Israeli military had previously ordered evacuations in parts of Tyre, no official directives were posted on social media platform X prior to the latest strikes. Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours have resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including several children.