New Syria's 1st week: Rebels try to bring normalcy while Syrians vow to speak up

In Love Actually, the popular festive rom-com by Richard Curtis, surprising facts about the film have emerged: Keira Knightley and Thomas Brodie-Sangster had only a four-year age gap, Keira wore a hat to cover a massive spot, and Richard Curtis regretted the level of nudity in a scene. The cast included Curtis' family members, Olivia Olsen turned down record deals after singing in the film, and Laura Linney was personally asked to star. Hugh Grant...

In Hampshire, a vicar apologized to upset children and angry parents for revealing that Santa Claus isn't real during a religious education class at Lee-on-the-Solent junior school. Reverend Dr Paul Chamberlain told sixth graders about the myth, causing many to cry and parents to complain of a "ruined Christmas". A formal complaint was filed against Rev Chamberlain, and the school attempted to restore the festive spirit by handing out "believe" badges. Full Article

Security agencies in Pakistan killed at least 341 terrorists in the first ten months of the year, with 1,566 terrorism incidents leading to 924 deaths. The Interior Ministry reported 2,801 intelligence-based operations, resulting in the elimination of terrorists and the proscription of four terrorist organizations. Additionally, 800 individuals were placed on the Fourth Schedule for suspected involvement in terrorist activities. Full Article

Mehmet Erturk, after being released from a Syrian prison following 20 years of torture, returns home to Turkey unable to eat due to missing teeth from beatings suffered while incarcerated. Despite enduring brutal conditions in a notorious Damascus prison, he expresses gratitude to President Erdogan for his release and reunification with his family, while remembering the suffering of fellow inmates, including a friend who perished in prison. Erturk's harrowing account sheds light on the horrors...

Two 18-year-old labourers from Bihar, Dashrat Kumar and Sunalal Kumar, were found dead with bullet injuries in Manipur’s Kakching district after being shot by unknown assailants while cycling back from work. The police, who are investigating the case, rushed the victims to a hospital where they were declared dead on arrival. The motive behind the attack is yet to be determined, and efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits. Full Article

In the field of medicine, transforming practice is a perpetual challenge due to the long study period for specialization, which can lead to entrenched habits. However, embracing new technologies like AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care. A tech company developed an AI platform to automate echocardiogram readings, improving clinical decision-making and inclusivity by considering diverse factors. This innovation highlights the potential for technology to enhance medical...