In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the Israeli military announced it conducted over 400 airstrikes on strategic military targets in Syria over the past 48 hours. This followed the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by Syrian rebels on Sunday, ending his 24-year rule.

The strikes focused on preventing advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of hostile groups. Key targets included missile stockpiles, anti-aircraft batteries, and naval vessels at ports in Latakia and Al-Bayda. Among the destroyed assets were dozens of sea-to-sea missiles, fighter jets, UAVs, and advanced radar systems, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported. The military emphasized the importance of neutralizing these threats to safeguard regional security.

Israeli forces also moved into a buffer zone on the eastern edge of the Golan Heights, solidifying control and reducing risks of cross-border escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the developments as a “historic day” for the Middle East, framing the fall of Assad as a significant blow to Iran’s regional influence. "This is a monumental shift, breaking the tyranny in Damascus and empowering the oppressed across the region," Netanyahu stated, reflecting on the broader implications of Assad's ouster.

The swift rebel offensive that began in late November not only toppled Assad but also dismantled decades of Assad family rule, signaling a major geopolitical transformation. Israel’s recent actions underline its strategic goal of weakening Iran’s allies, including Hezbollah and Hamas.

Netanyahu extended a message of peace to Syria’s diverse communities, such as the Druze and Kurds, pledging support for those seeking freedom from oppressive regimes. The collapse of the Assad regime offers both opportunities and challenges, reshaping alliances and the balance of power across the Middle East.

The United States launched extensive airstrikes targeting ISIS in Syria on Sunday, shortly after rebel forces seized Damascus, ousting President Bashar al-Assad after 13 years of civil war. The fall of Assad’s regime marked the end of over six decades of his family’s authoritarian rule.

US President Joe Biden, addressing the nation, stated that the Islamic State group, often called ISIS, is likely to exploit the situation to regain influence in the region. "We will not let that happen," he affirmed. The strikes involved more than 75 targets, utilizing advanced military assets like B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, and A-10 aircraft, focusing on ISIS operatives and camps in central Syria. The US Central Command confirmed the operations and emphasized the ongoing presence of 900 American troops in southeast Syria to counter ISIS threats.

President Biden described Assad's ousting as a "fundamental act of justice" and a turning point for the Syrian people. The Assad family, reportedly granted asylum in Russia, fled following an 11-day offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani declared this a "historic victory," addressing jubilant crowds in the Syrian capital.

The regime’s downfall comes amid broader regional shifts, including a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Syria's devastating civil war, which erupted in 2011, has resulted in over 500,000 deaths and displaced millions. With Assad's regime toppled, hopes are rising for a new chapter in Syria, though challenges remain.

The international community watches closely, as Syria's future hangs in the balance amidst ongoing efforts to prevent extremist groups from capitalizing on the power vacuum.

India on Track to Become $30 Trillion Economy by 2047: Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has predicted that India will transform into a $30 trillion economy by 2047, driven by its rapid growth and strong digital infrastructure. Addressing the platinum jubilee celebrations of XLRI-School of Management, he emphasized India's rising global stature and potential for wealth creation.

"Seventy-five years ago, India wasn’t even considered a significant player in the global economy. Today, we are the fastest-growing and fifth-largest economy, valued at $3 trillion. Within three years, we will achieve $5 trillion and secure the third spot globally," Pradhan remarked.

Highlighting India’s progress, he pointed to its leadership in digital transactions, which accounts for 46% of the world's total. He also credited the country’s robust service sector for advancing self-reliance.

"The world is looking at India as a hub for digital public infrastructure and job creation. We must seize this opportunity to become wealth creators and innovators. Millions of jobs can be generated through our collective efforts," Pradhan said, urging students to actively contribute to India's vision.

The Union Minister underscored the importance of the New Education Policy (NEP), describing it as a blueprint for fostering entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

"Education is the cornerstone of our economic aspirations. The NEP is designed to equip students with the skills and mindset to fuel India’s transformation into a global powerhouse," he explained.

Pradhan concluded by inspiring students to dream big and play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future. "By 2047, we aim to become a $30 trillion economy. Together, we can ensure India emerges as a leading force on the global stage," he said.

India's ambitious trajectory signals a bright future, firmly anchored in innovation, education, and self-reliance.

In a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa, the city where the country’s 2011 uprising began. Once the epicenter of peaceful protests, Daraa has now fallen almost entirely under opposition control, with rebels holding over 90% of the province, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The uprising in Daraa was sparked by the detention and alleged torture of boys for anti-regime graffiti, igniting a conflict that has killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions. Daraa’s fall comes on the heels of significant government losses, including Aleppo and Hama, further emboldening rebels to advance south toward Homs and closer to Damascus.

Leading the charge is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition with roots in Al-Qaeda. While designated a terrorist group, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani insists their primary goal is overthrowing Assad. Meanwhile, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the U.S., have seized Deir Ezzor in the east, prompting a rapid withdrawal of regime forces to Palmyra.

Airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces have so far failed to halt the rebel advance, with analysts noting Russia’s military focus is divided, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. Neighboring countries are taking defensive measures: Jordan has closed its borders, Lebanon has restricted crossings, and Israel has reinforced its positions on the Golan Heights.

The UN estimates over 280,000 people have been displaced since the offensive began, while Iran has reportedly begun evacuating personnel and civilians amid rising hostility. Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, braces for a rebel push, with thousands fleeing, including many from Assad’s Alawite community, fearing the intensifying conflict

President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Gaza militants on Monday, declaring massive repercussions if hostages are not freed by January 20, 2025, the day he assumes office. His statement follows efforts by the outgoing Biden administration to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, including the release of hostages held since Hamas's October 2023 attack.

"If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025... there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He promised unprecedented action against those responsible, calling the hostage-taking an atrocity against humanity.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack remains the deadliest in Israeli history, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel estimates 97 hostages are still held in Gaza, with 35 believed dead. Despite international diplomatic efforts, a comprehensive resolution remains elusive.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has exacted a devastating toll on Gaza. The territory's health ministry, figures endorsed by the United Nations, reports over 44,000 fatalities since the conflict began.

Trump's comments underscore his commitment to Israel, contrasting Biden's occasionally critical stance. Yet, he has also hinted at ambitions to broker global agreements. Analysts are divided on how his aggressive rhetoric will influence negotiations or regional stability.

The crisis continues to strain international relations, with many looking to January as a potential turning point. For now, Gaza remains a flashpoint, and the world watches to see whether hostages will be freed and peace restored.

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to BRICS nations, including India, China, and Russia, against attempts to sideline the US dollar in global trade. Following an October BRICS summit in Kazan that emphasized strengthening local currencies and reducing reliance on the dollar, Trump declared any such moves unacceptable and threatened 100% tariffs on nations supporting de-dollarisation.

In a recent online post, Trump criticized efforts by BRICS—which now includes Egypt, Iran, and the UAE—to explore alternatives to the dollar for cross-border payments. "The idea that BRICS is trying to move away from the Dollar is OVER," he wrote, warning that these countries should "wave goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy."

At the Kazan summit, BRICS leaders agreed to strengthen correspondent banking networks and enable local currency settlements, but Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified no robust alternative to the SWIFT messaging system had emerged.

India, too, has distanced itself from de-dollarisation. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that bypassing the dollar is not aligned with India's economic or strategic policies, though workarounds exist in specific trade scenarios.

Trump's remarks also revisited his grievances with global trade practices. A month before the elections, he criticized India as "the biggest tariff charger," even as he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strong US-India relations. Trump’s 2025 tariff agenda emphasizes reciprocity, targeting what he calls protectionist regimes in India, China, and Brazil.

As Trump prepares to assume office, his stance on de-dollarisation and tariffs signals a potential escalation in global trade tensions, particularly with economies exploring alternatives to US monetary dominance. His warning to BRICS underscores his commitment to preserving the dollar’s supremacy in global commerce.

Days after the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, another Hindu priest, Shyam Das Prabhu, was detained in Chattogram, Bangladesh, sources revealed on Saturday. The arrest, reportedly without an official warrant, occurred during his visit to meet Chinmoy Krishna Das in jail. Radharamn Das, ISKCON Kolkata’s Vice-President, confirmed the incident, urging action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, was arrested earlier this week on sedition charges, sparking protests across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka and Chattogram. His bail was denied on Tuesday, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators. Tragically, Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam was killed during the unrest. Authorities have since arrested nine individuals linked to the lawyer's death, with a case filed against 46 people, mostly Hindu cleanliness workers.

The unrest intensified on Friday as mobs vandalized three Hindu temples in Chattogram's Harish Chandra Munsef Lane. The Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple suffered damage. Temple authorities reported that brickbats were hurled, and gates were damaged. Police confirmed the attacks, stating attempts were made to further harm the temples.

The escalating violence comes amid heightened tensions over minority rights in Bangladesh under the military-backed interim government led by Mohammed Yunus. Since replacing Sheikh Hasina, the administration has faced criticism for failing to protect minorities, including Hindus, who constitute about 8% of the population.

Indian political leaders, including TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, have urged the Indian government to address the crisis with Bangladesh diplomatically but firmly. "The Union government must take this up strongly," Banerjee said, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional values and minority rights.

Bangladesh has frozen the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to ISKCON for 30 days following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, on sedition charges. This directive, issued by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) under the central bank, was sent to financial institutions, requiring them to halt all transactions and provide detailed account statements within three days.

The action follows violent clashes between Hindu community supporters and security forces in Chattogram, leading to the death of a lawyer. Das, a leader of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally. Arrested at Dhaka airport, he was denied bail and sent to jail, sparking protests.

New Delhi expressed concerns over Das’s arrest, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the lawyer's death and called for Das’s release.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition to ban ISKCON activities, ruling that the current circumstances did not justify judicial intervention. The court, however, urged the government to safeguard public safety and property amid rising communal tensions.

ISKCON Bangladesh has denied involvement in the lawyer's death, calling the accusations a smear campaign. The Hindu population, which once made up 22% of Bangladesh’s populace in 1971, has dwindled to around 8%, frequently reporting violence and discrimination.

The rise of extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami has further strained the situation. Critics warn that ongoing persecution risks destabilizing communal harmony, urging authorities to address these issues proactively.

This incident underscores the fragile balance of minority rights and governance in Bangladesh, drawing international attention to its treatment of religious minorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are revitalizing India’s cooperative movement by integrating it into the national development agenda. Modi emphasizes "Sahkar se Samriddhi" (prosperity through cooperation), launching initiatives like the Ministry of Cooperation to streamline policy and governance. Shah, as its head, focuses on modernizing cooperatives with technology and expanding their role in agriculture, finance, and rural development. Landmark schemes include setting up 2 lakh multipurpose PACS and promoting startups in the cooperative sector. Their vision aims to empower rural economies, reduce inequality, and make India a global leader in the cooperative ecosystem.

Today, the World Cooperation Economic Forum (WCoopEF) hosted a landmark side event during the Global Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in India. Chaired by Shri Dileepbhai Sanghani, President of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), and co-chaired by Shri Satish Marathe, Member of the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Board & Prashant Tewari, India's prominent public policy expert, the event brought together over 100 participants from 16 nationalities, including policymakers, cooperative leaders, and economic experts.

Moderated by Binod Anand, Executive President of the World Co-op Forum, the session focused on the cooperative movement's role in fostering international collaboration, achieving sustainable development, and addressing critical global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and financial inclusion.

The event highlighted the significance of the United Nations’ upcoming International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, a recognition of the vital role cooperatives play in promoting inclusive development and reducing inequalities globally. Speakers underscored that this designation offers a unique opportunity to amplify cooperative efforts in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Binod Anand emphasized the pivotal role of WCoopEF in advancing the Indian model of cooperative economic frameworks, which blend inclusivity and innovation. This model has proven to be a powerful tool in reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities, showcasing a blueprint for global adoption. Anand further reiterated WCoopEF's commitment to creating a sustainable financial system rooted in "G-local" principles—balancing global insights with localized solutions.

Key Highlights and Contributions

Shri Dileep Sanghani stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation among cooperatives to build a resilient and equitable global economy, while Shri Satish Marathe outlined the transformative impact of financial cooperatives in reducing economic disparities.

A presentation by Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board, focused on the role of bioenergy in meeting Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Net Zero Emission pledge, aligning environmental sustainability with cooperative growth.

Prominent speakers, including Dr. Rakesh Arrawatia (Professor, IRMA, and founder member of WCoopEF), R.G. Agrawal of Dhanuka Group, Shri Prashant Tewari ( Editor-in-Chief Opinion Express & The Pioneer), Dr. Hema Yadav (Director, VAMNICOM), and Dr. K.K. Tripathy (Indian Economic Service), contributed rich insights into advancing the cooperative agenda. The forum also featured inputs from the President of the World Cooperation Economic Forum Youth Wing, K. Rao of NAFSCOB, and cooperative stalwarts like Bheema Subramanyam, and Dr. Mallika Kumar. Representatives from the All India Agricultural Students Association, alongside ministers and diplomats from various countries, added global perspectives to the discussions.

The forum also featured inputs from the President of the World Cooperation Economic Forum Youth Wing, K. Rao of NAFSCOB, and cooperative stalwarts like Bheema Subramanyam and Dr. Mallika Kumar. Representatives from the All India Agricultural Students Association, alongside ministers and diplomats from various countries, added global perspectives to the discussions.

Moving Forward

The event concluded with a shared commitment to leveraging the International Year of Cooperatives to strengthen cooperative networks, enhance capacity-building initiatives, and foster innovation to address evolving global challenges. The forum underscored that India's cooperative model could serve as a global template for reducing inequalities, empowering communities, and promoting peace through economic inclusivity.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to utilizing the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025 as a platform to:

1. Strengthen Cooperative Networks: Foster deeper collaboration among international cooperatives.
2. Enhance Capacity Building: Implement training and education programs for cooperative leaders and members.
3. Foster Innovation: Encourage the adoption of advanced technologies in key sectors like agriculture, energy, and finance.

The event underscored the Indian cooperative model as a potential global template for addressing inequality, promoting community empowerment, and achieving sustainable development. Participants reiterated their belief in the transformative power of cooperatives to unite nations and communities in creating a more inclusive and prosperous future.

As the forum concluded, the resolve to advance cooperative ideals on a global scale remained stronger than ever, signaling a bright path ahead for the movement.