China has ceded its title as the most populous nation to India due to a falling birthrate, intensifying aging population issues. Despite incentives like cash and housing assistance, reversing this trend has proven difficult, mirroring challenges seen in Italy and South Korea.

NATO has launched 'Baltic Sentry' to safeguard undersea cables amid rising tensions and suspected Russian sabotage in the Baltic Sea. The initiative follows incidents like the damage to EstLink 2 and aggressive Russian behavior, including radar targeting a French aircraft.

2024 has been declared the hottest year on record, with global temperatures surpassing the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target and triggering widespread extreme weather. Wildfires, fueled by El Niño, spiked CO2 levels to an unprecedented 427 ppm, challenging global climate goals.

Dr. Derrick Todd, an ex-rheumatologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, faces multiple charges of sexual assault involving over 200 patients. After a grand jury indictment, he turned himself in, with arraignment pending.

Homero Zamorano Jr. pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025, to charges linked to the deaths of 53 migrants in a 2022 smuggling incident, the deadliest on the U.S.-Mexico border. Sentencing is set for April, with life imprisonment possible, as investigations continue to shed light on the tragic journey from Laredo to San Antonio.

The Election Commission of India mandates political parties to label AI-generated content in campaigns, ensuring transparency ahead of Delhi elections on February 5, 2025. This follows complaints against the Aam Aadmi Party for using misleading AI-altered images and videos, spotlighting the need for electoral integrity and voter awareness initiatives.

Maharashtra is launching an AI policy to cement its leadership in artificial intelligence, backed by a Rs 100-crore fund for startups in smaller cities. Chief Minister Fadnavis aims to surpass Bengaluru as India's top startup hub, while easing business regulations and enhancing cybersecurity.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 crashed on December 29, 2024, killing 179 people in South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster. A bird strike, reported by the pilot minutes before, is suspected to have played a key role in the crash.

On January 16, 2025, the U.S. sanctioned Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan over his role in the civil conflict exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This move follows actions against his rival, amid famine and soaring civilian casualties.

EU's Hadja Lahbib visits Syria, marking the first official EU presence since Assad's fall, to announce a €235 million aid package. Her visit emphasizes humanitarian needs and calls for a peaceful transition.