Morning Digest: Syrian rebels celebrate in captured Homs, set sights on Damascus; It’s clear Centre does not want to talk, we’ll resume ‘Dilli Chalo’, says farmer leader, and more

Sun Dec 08 02:09:34 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Rebels Seize Homs, March on Damascus

**NEW DELHI, December 8, 2024** – Syrian rebels have claimed complete control of the strategic city of Homs after a single day of intense fighting, significantly weakening President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power. Thousands of jubilant residents took to the streets to celebrate the apparent collapse of Assad’s 24-year rule, as rebel forces now reportedly advance on the capital, Damascus.

This stunning development follows other major news stories:

* **Farmers’ Protest Renewed:** Indian farmers, after temporarily suspending their “Dilli Chalo” march to New Delhi, announced a renewed push towards the capital, with a smaller group planning to begin a peaceful foot march on Sunday.

* **India-Russia Defense Ties Strengthen:** Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is embarking on a three-day visit to Russia, coinciding with the commissioning of the first of two stealth guided missile frigates built in Russia. The visit precedes a planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian leadership early next year.

* **Notre Dame Reopens:** Five years after a devastating fire, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened following extensive restoration work.

* **Uttar Pradesh Bans Strikes:** The Uttar Pradesh government imposed a six-month ban on strikes by government employees, invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

* **Indian Nuclear Submarine Program Update:** Officials revealed the design phase of India’s indigenous nuclear attack submarines will take four to five years, with an additional five years for construction.

* **The Hindu Wins Journalism Award:** The Hindu journalist Vijaita Singh received recognition for her reporting on the ongoing conflict in Manipur at the International Press Institute India Awards.

* **Manipur Victims’ Families Seek Justice:** Families of victims of a recent abduction and murder in Manipur’s Jiribam district appealed for swift justice and the harshest possible punishment for the perpetrators.

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