Times of India

Astronaut Sunita Williams recently conducted a virtual session with students from her hometown's elementary school. She shared her experiences aboard the International Space Station, including a demonstration of how astronauts drink liquids in zero gravity using special pouches. Williams inspired the next generation by showcasing the ingenuity required for space travel and the exciting possibilities of space exploration.

Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of a "civilian army" of experts across various fields to safeguard national interests. Speaking at an international moot court competition, he highlighted the value of such events in developing essential skills like research, oration, and critical thinking for students pursuing law and other public service roles.

A new Monash University study reveals that daily nut consumption, especially among those with suboptimal diets, is linked to a healthier lifespan in adults 70 and older. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 participants, finding that nuts, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, can significantly reduce the risk of 17 cancers, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers.

Rebels seized Damascus, ending Assad's 24-year reign. He reportedly fled on a plane whose fate is unknown. His family's location is also unconfirmed. The swift rebel advance leaves Syria's future uncertain, with Assad's whereabouts a mystery. The rebel offensive, which began a week ago with the surprise capture of northern Aleppo, quickly snowballed. Cities fell one after another as Assad’s forces were unable to hold their ground.

Islamist-led rebels seized control of Damascus on Sunday, compelling President Bashar al-Assad to flee and ending over five decades of Baath Party rule. Celebrations erupted in the streets as the rebels declared the city liberated.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) removed Sanjeev Nasiar, head of AAP’s legal cell, from his Bar Council of Delhi vice chairman position over questions surrounding his 1988 law degree. The BCI ordered a CBI probe into the degree's authenticity after an internal inquiry revealed discrepancies, including the college's lack of authorization to offer the degree at that time.

Following India's disheartening loss to Australia in the second Test, cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar voiced his disappointment, criticising the team's approach. He urged the players to dedicate themselves to practice during the break, emphasising the honour of representing India and the ample time available for preparation during their 57-day tour.

Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj clashed during the second Border-Gavaskar Test, sparking accusations of dishonesty. Head's sarcastic "Well bowled, mate" after being hit for boundaries triggered Siraj's animated reaction. Post-match comments revealed conflicting accounts of the exchange, with Siraj accusing Head of lying about his words.

Tensions escalate within Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition as Shiv Sena (UBT) and Samajwadi Party clash over Hindutva ideology. A controversial social media post by a Sena (UBT) leader praising the Babri Masjid demolition sparked the dispute, with SP's Maharashtra unit threatening to withdraw from the alliance. However, the SP's national leadership distanced itself from the Maharashtra unit's stance.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a digital lost and found center at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh mela grounds. Ten AI-powered, digitally equipped camps, along with 328 AI cameras and social media platforms like Facebook and X, will be utilized to reunite missing devotees with their families during the 45-day event, anticipating nearly 40 crore attendees.

Police released new images of the masked suspect in the targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including one from inside a taxi. The suspect, who traveled from Atlanta, shot Thompson three times outside a Midtown hotel before fleeing to Central Park, discarding a backpack containing a jacket and Monopoly money.

Burkina Faso's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the new prime minister on Saturday. This follows the dismissal of Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, who led three governments under Traore. Ouedraogo, a former communications minister and close ally of Traore, takes the helm amid ongoing political instability following coups in 2022.

Kolkata Airport, established in the early 20th century, marks its centenary this year. Initially a grassy airfield, it became a vital stopover for international flights before declining in the mid-20th century. Post-liberalization, the airport saw renewed growth, culminating in a new integrated terminal in 2013 and ongoing expansion plans to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

President-elect Trump criticizes Putin for abandoning Assad amidst the Syrian rebel takeover of Homs. Rebels celebrate Assad's apparent flight as they advance on Damascus. Trump urges a ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasizes US non-intervention in Syria, viewing Russia's potential Syrian exit as advantageous.

A 20-year-old student and security guard, Harshandeep Singh, was shot and killed in an Edmonton apartment building on Friday. Two 30-year-old suspects, Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

India suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Adelaide Oval. A first-innings collapse, followed by an ineffective bowling performance, allowed Australia to take a commanding 157-run lead. Another batting failure in the second innings left Australia with a paltry target, sealing India's defeat in just over two days.

Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as opposition forces entered the capital, encountering minimal resistance. Citizens celebrated, storming the presidential palace and toppling Assad statues. Rebel groups, including some with al-Qaeda ties, seized state media and declared imminent victory after capturing Homs, a key city.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended India's purchase of Russian oil, stating it wasn't necessarily cheap and questioning the availability of better deals. He emphasized India's focus on dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, facilitating conversations without mediating a peace plan. Minister Puri previously highlighted India's role in stabilizing global oil prices by buying Russian oil amidst boycotts.

The tech world saw major shifts this week, with 150,000 job losses, Intel's CEO retiring, and India cracking down on online fraud. Vodafone-Idea launched an AI spam-detection tool, while US restrictions loomed over Chinese tech companies. Swiggy and Myntra expanded fast delivery services across India.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led a rebel offensive that claims to have ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Jolani, formerly linked to Al-Qaeda, has presented a more moderate image recently. The offensive swiftly captured key cities, culminating in rebels entering Damascus.