Tue Dec 10 01:37:35 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Rebels Oust Assad, Sparking Hope and Uncertainty in Damascus

**New Delhi, December 10, 2024** – A hopeful yet uncertain new era dawned in Damascus on Monday following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces after 13 years of civil war. Assad fled to Russia, ending his family’s 50-year rule. While traffic returned to the streets and some ventured out, a sense of unease remained with most shops remaining closed and militants patrolling the city center.

This major geopolitical shift comes amidst a series of other significant events:

* **Deadly Mumbai Bus Accident:** Three people died and at least 20 were injured when a BEST bus crashed into pedestrians and vehicles in Kurla, Mumbai. Brake failure is suspected, and the driver is in custody.

* **All India Lawyers Union Seeks Action Against Judge:** The Union wrote to the President and Chief Justice of India demanding action against Allahabad High Court Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav for a speech deemed hate speech against the Muslim minority at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event.

* **BJP Accusations of “Fake News”:** Following BJP accusations that the US State Department was fomenting disaffection against the Indian government, French news outlet Mediapart, cited by the BJP, has countered that the BJP was spreading misinformation using its reports.

* **Simultaneous Elections Bills:** The Union government plans to introduce bills for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies, possibly during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Wider consultations are planned.

* **Shahi Jama Masjid Survey:** The commissioner appointed to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal is expected to file a report within 15 days, though the Muslim side has objected and requested an extension.

* **Starlink Investigation:** Police in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have requested information from Elon Musk’s Starlink regarding the purchase and usage of an internet device that aided smugglers in transporting $4.2 billion worth of meth, the largest such seizure in India.

* **Ongoing Gaza War:** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he will not halt the war in Gaza, despite ongoing ceasefire efforts, fearing Hamas resurgence.

* **UN Condemns Israeli Golan Heights Movement:** The UN stated that the movement of Israeli troops into the Golan Heights buffer zone violates the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.

* **India Raises Concerns About Bangladesh Minorities:** Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s concerns regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh to the interim government, urging a constructive approach and engaging with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on regional cooperation initiatives.

The developments in Syria, along with these diverse national and international events, have dominated headlines in India on December 10th, 2024.

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