A knife-wielding attacker, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, killed at least three people after throwing smoke bombs into Taipei's metro stations in Taiwan. Authorities said the suspect later died after falling from a building during a police chase. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai called the attacks at Taipei Main and Zhongshan stations a "deliberate act", though the motive remains unclear.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ruled out any compromise on his peace terms for ending Ukraine war and accused EU of attempting "daylight robbery" of Russian assets. Backing US President Donald Trump's peace plan, Putin said, "Ball is entirely in court of our Western opponents...primarily leaders of Kyiv regime, and in this case...their European sponsors. We're ready for both negotiations."

Farmers and fishermen worldwide are suing major polluters for climate-related damages, from failed crops to rising seas. While courts have yet to award compensation, experts say 'polluter pays' cases are gaining traction. Landmark rulings, like in Germany, suggest corporate responsibility for climate harm may eventually be recognised.

New Israeli regulations require NGOs to register by December 31, with dozens, including Save the Children, already rejected. Aid workers warn the rules could have a catastrophic impact on humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank, as deregistered NGOs must withdraw international staff and stop aid delivery.

Passengers of an Air Congo flight were forced to jump off the plane at Kindu airport after the airline failed to provide them stairs. After waiting for hours in the plane, several passengers jumped from the plane's main exit, a drop of several feet to the tarmac. A video of the incident was also posted on social media.

The US Embassy in Dhaka issued a security advisory warning American citizens of possible unrest and severe traffic disruption ahead of slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral. It urged people to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, citing ongoing protests in the capital following Hadi's killing earlier this month.

MIT plasma physics professor Nuno Loureiro, advancing clean fusion energy by tackling plasma turbulence in reactors, was shot dead at his Boston home on Dec 15. Suspect Claudio Neves Valente, a former Portuguese schoolmate, died by suicide after a Brown University shooting. His work bridged fusion power and astrophysics, vital for limitless clean energy.

Catherine Almonte Da Costa resigned as NYC director of appointments within 24 hours of Zohran Mamdani's announcement after ADL flagged her 2011-12 X posts calling subways the "Jew train" and "money-hungry Jews." She apologized, citing Jewish children, amid questions over vetting and resurfaced anti-police rhetoric as Mamdani's team faces early scrutiny.

US House Democrats introduced the RESTRICT Act to block advanced AI chip exports like Nvidia's H200 to China and embargoed nations, citing national security risks to military and surveillance tech. The bill codifies controls, criticizes Trump's sales approvals, and offers secure pathways for US firms abroad amid escalating US-China chip war reshaping global AI supply chains.

Rights group Baloch Voice for Justice has condemned the alleged enforced disappearance of Hajra Baloch by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan, calling it a grave human rights violation. The group says the case reflects a growing pattern of repression against Baloch women and has urged international bodies to intervene and ensure accountability.