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A year after Bashar Assad's fall, Syria grapples with healing from decades of repression and civil war. While former prisoner Mohammad Marwan finds life outside Saydnaya prison, the nation faces ongoing challenges with sectarian violence, stalled reconstruction, and economic hardship. Despite diplomatic overtures, rebuilding remains largely an individual effort, with many seeking better opportunities abroad.

The US stock market closed on the downside as Wall Street indices ended lower on Monday, December 8, 2025. Investors awaited the Federal Reserve's policy decision. Paramount's bid for Warner Bros Discovery captured attention, impacting stock movements. Technology stocks showed strength, while other sectors faced declines. Several NASDAQ stocks experienced sharp gains and losses.

Piers Morgan engaged in a fiery interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Fuentes made controversial statements about Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust. He also expressed racist views and denied women equal rights. Morgan challenged Fuentes' ideology throughout the intense on-air confrontation. The discussion highlighted Fuentes' extreme beliefs and Morgan's direct questioning.

President Donald Trump unveiled a 12 billion dollar farm aid package. This support aims to assist farmers facing increased costs and trade war challenges. The White House stated the money will provide one-time payments to row-crop farmers. An additional 1 billion dollars is allocated for specialty crops. This initiative seeks to alleviate financial pressures on the agricultural sector.

Jared Kushner's investment firm is financing Paramount's bid for Warner Bros Discovery. This move brings Trump family interests into a major media battle. Concerns are rising about potential presidential influence on the deal. Antitrust regulators will scrutinize any merger. This situation highlights potential conflicts of interest for the president.

Lifestyle icon Martha Stewart has revealed her unusual end-of-life wishes. The 84-year-old intends to be composted rather than buried in a traditional coffin. Stewart desires to be interred in the same field where her horses are buried. She expressed this plan during a podcast interview. Stewart also recalled being struck by lightning three times.

President Trump announced an agreement with China allowing Nvidia to export advanced H200 AI chips to approved customers, a reversal of Biden-era restrictions. Trump stated the deal will benefit American jobs and taxpayers, with a 25% payment to the US, while keeping the most advanced chips exclusive to the US.

President Trump indicated potential new tariffs on Indian rice, citing dumping concerns and aiming to support US farmers. This move, alongside possible tariffs on Canadian fertilizer, signals ongoing trade tensions with key partners as the US administration seeks to address agricultural sector complaints ahead of midterm elections.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been renewed through 2027, extending the host's contract with ABC. This comes after a period of criticism from Donald Trump and a brief suspension for offensive remarks. Despite past hints of retirement, Kimmel will continue his late-night run, with viewership reportedly surging after his return.

South Park Season 28 Finale Episode 5 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed for viewers who follow the weekly rollout of the series. The episode follows the fixed U.S. broadcast pattern and then moves to streaming. This introduction explains the release date, release time, schedule, platforms, and global timings so that viewers can plan how to watch the new episode.

Automakers like Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Kia are offering substantial year-end discounts on electric vehicles to counter declining demand. This follows a GST cut on petrol and diesel cars, which widened the price gap and reduced EV affordability. Manufacturers are using these incentives as a de-stocking strategy for unsold inventory.

IndiGo faces stern warnings from the Civil Aviation Minister. The airline cancelled over 5,000 flights recently. This disrupted travel for nearly 600,000 passengers. The government is taking action to fix the situation. IndiGo's COO could face severe penalties. This situation sets an example for the entire aviation industry.

The elite jury for the ET Awards, which has celebrated outstanding individuals and enterprises for more than a quarter of a century, is drawn from the most eminent leaders of India Inc.

The Mighty Nein Episode 6 release date, time, schedule and how to watch are confirmed for December 10. The episode will drop on Prime Video with fixed global timings. This explainer covers the full schedule, next episodes, where to watch, story details, and all key information for viewers.

Another top Apple executive is departing. Cheng Chen, a senior director overseeing critical display technologies, is moving to OpenAI. This follows other high-profile exits, suggesting OpenAI is actively recruiting Apple talent. The AI company is reportedly building hardware expertise, with former Apple designers already on board. This trend highlights a significant talent shift from Apple.

Alina Habba, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has resigned as acting US attorney for New Jersey. This follows an appeals court ruling that found her appointment unlawful due to the Trump administration's use of maneuvers to bypass Senate confirmation. Habba stated her resignation is to protect the office's integrity, though she vowed not to surrender.

Bitcoin price reaction to Fed chair: President Trump's search for a new Federal Reserve chair is closely watched by Bitcoin markets, with an announcement potentially coming before Christmas. Trump's preference for lower interest rates and his stated support for cryptocurrencies are seen as positive indicators for Bitcoin's future performance, especially with Kevin Hassett emerging as a leading candidate.

What is US $5,000 Apprehension Fee and who needs to pay it? This explainer outlines the new US policy that imposes a $5,000 Apprehension Fee on illegal migrants. The story explains who must pay, how it works, nationwide use of the rule, penalties for non-payment, and related immigration measures.

Social Security benefits: A growing number of Americans are combining work with Social Security benefits, with two in five individuals doing so. This trend spans both lower earners supplementing income and higher earners transitioning careers, highlighting the financial realities many retirees face. Claiming early can reduce benefits, but working past full retirement age can increase them.

Great news for Apple fans. The latest AirPods Pro 3 are now at their lowest ever price. This is a rare opportunity to get Apple's top earbuds at a significant discount. Other AirPods models are also on sale, including AirPods 4 and AirPods Max. These deals are perfect for holiday shopping and offer substantial savings on current generation Apple products.

Most heart attacks happen because of four main risks: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and smoking. The good news is these risks are changeable. By eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, and quitting tobacco, anyone can protect their heart and lower chances of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease at any age.

What is Gracie Mansion and why is it special? The story explains the move of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to Gracie Mansion, its history, its structure, and why the residence holds a unique place in city administration.

Home-cooked thali costs dropped significantly in November. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a 13% year-on-year decrease. This was driven by falling prices for vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. Broiler prices also contributed to the decline in non-veg thali costs. Pulses became cheaper due to increased stocks and imports.

India Infrastructure Finance Co. Ltd. successfully raised $500 million through external commercial borrowing. The borrowing was oversubscribed five times, securing funds at the lowest cost for a 15-year term. This move strengthens IIFCL's capacity to finance crucial infrastructure projects across India.

Most Asia-Pacific nations will likely withstand US tariffs and China's economic slowdown. India faces higher tariffs as it lacks a trade deal with Washington. Strong external accounts and central bank actions will help manage weaker exports. Fiscal deficits are expected to remain high across the region, with slow improvement anticipated.

Prepare for the longest solar eclipse in a century on August 2, 2027. This rare event will darken skies for over six minutes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with Egypt experiencing the longest totality. Witness a breathtaking celestial spectacle, but always use certified eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with French, German, and British leaders in London to bolster Ukraine's position amid US-led peace efforts. European allies emphasized the decisive time for a just ceasefire, expressing skepticism about some US plan details. Discussions focused on security, air defense, and long-term funding, aiming to secure robust guarantees and reconstruction plans.

Indian Railways loco pilots are demanding duty hour limits to combat fatigue and prevent accidents. They point to the recent crisis at IndiGo concerning pilot rest hours. The loco pilots' association criticizes the government's approach, contrasting it with how private corporations are treated.

IndiGo Airlines has sought additional time from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to clarify the significant flight cancellations plaguing the summer schedule. The airline attributes the disruptions to intricate operational issues and the substantial scale of their services. As a result, they are trimming their flight timetable.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the unfair treatment of the national song 'Vande Mataram' by past governments. He stated that future generations must know about this biased approach. Singh emphasized that 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem are like two eyes of Bharat Mata.

India's general insurance sector experienced robust growth in November. Gross direct premium income surged by 24 percent year-on-year. This expansion was fueled by increased motor sales and a rebound in retail health insurance demand. Standalone health insurers and private multi-line insurers showed significant gains, outpacing public sector competitors.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrespecting national icons from Bengal. She criticized the party for opposing figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Banerjee also raised concerns about flight cancellations and the hurried implementation of the SIR process.

A proxy advisory firm has raised concerns about InterGlobe Aviation's board. The firm criticizes the company's approach to customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance. It suggests the board failed in risk and stakeholder management. The firm believes leadership should have acted sooner. The regulator may need to step in if the board does not.

In a booming trend, Indian city gas companies are swiftly increasing the number of CNG stations, surpassing their initial targets. Yet, there remains a gap in household piped-gas connections, largely due to the straightforward nature of establishing CNG outlets compared to the intricate, labor-intensive process needed for household pipeline installations.

Novo Nordisk has slashed Wegovy prices in India by nearly 40 percent. This move has dramatically increased sales volume by 70 percent in November. The drug's market share also rose to 14 percent. This price reduction aims to compete with rival Mounjaro. Another Novo Nordisk drug, Ozempic, is expected to launch soon, potentially further impacting prices.

Political leaders express concern that Parliament is debating Vande Mataram instead of addressing critical issues. They argue that focusing on symbolism distracts from job creation, price control, and urgent problems. Leaders question the relevance of the Vande Mataram discussion when no one has challenged it.

India's air quality decline is boosting medicines for breathing problems. The respiratory drug market grew 8% last month, a rise from previous years. This trend highlights a strong link between pollution and illness. States like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand saw significant sales increases for asthma and COPD treatments. Antihistamine use also climbed.

A Meitei MLA visited Kuki villages in Manipur, marking a significant step towards peace. Yumnam Khemchand Singh interacted with villagers and those in relief camps. He emphasized the need for harmony and prioritizing children's future. This visit offers a glimmer of hope for reconciliation in the state. It is a remarkable gesture amid ongoing tensions.

Scooters and bikes account for three-fourths of all vehicles sold in the country. Last month, a decline in sales in the segment pulled the overall industry's growth down to 2% despite robust performances by cars (20%), commercial vehicles (20%) and tractors (57%).

Early Monday, Starlink displayed residential plans in India at 8,600 per month (about $95) - roughly 20% cheaper than its US offering but almost double the price in markets like Brazil and Indonesia. The hardware terminal was listed at 34,000 ($377). By evening, both figures had disappeared from the site.

Next week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will touch down in Oman, a move set to fortify India's longstanding strategic alliance in West Asia. The focus of this visit includes enhancing trade ties and investment opportunities, particularly through an anticipated economic partnership agreement.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that a new health and security cess on pan masala will not disrupt GST collections, instead creating a dedicated revenue for health and national security. Meanwhile, Public Sector Banks have written off Rs 6.15 lakh crore in bad loans over five years, though borrower liabilities remain.

The Supreme Court is considering guidelines to prevent victims of sexual offenses from facing prejudice due to insensitive court remarks. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated such comments can have a chilling effect and pressure victims to withdraw complaints. The court will set aside a controversial Allahabad High Court ruling and ensure trials proceed without hindrance.

Landman Season 2 Episode 5 release date, time, schedule, Episode 4 ending and recap explained explores the full release details, global timings, streaming schedule, subscription plans, Episode 4 recap and all major story updates. The article explains every development and prepares viewers for the midpoint chapter of the season.

Industry executives attributed the rebound to greater imports of high-value parts and a weaker rupee, even as the government's Make in India campaign has so far failed to reduce imports by value for most of the companies since 2018-19, the filings revealed. The sole exception was in FY24 with a 6% decline in the consolidated import bill of these companies.