As Nottingham Crown Court hears details of the horrific attack on students Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, captured on CCTV, the mothers weep in anguish. Valdo Calocane, armed with knives, lay in wait for victims near Ilkeston Road. The graphic accounts describe the deliberate and merciless attacks on the 19-year-olds, who fought bravely for their lives. O'Malley-Kumar, demonstrating incredible bravery, tried to protect her friend before succumbing to severe injuries. The court reveals the post-mortem findings, detailing multiple stab wounds. Calocane continued his violent spree, ultimately leading to the death of Ian Coates and injuring others. The sentencing continues as families grapple with the devastating loss.

A Russian IL-76 military transport plane, carrying 65 Ukrainian Prisoners of War (POWs) for an exchange, crashed in the Belgorod region of Russia. The tragic incident, capturing global attention, resulted in no survivors. Conflicting reports suggest Russia claims it was downed, while Ukrainian forces assert they shot it down carrying missiles, not POWs. The IL-76, engulfed in flames, crashed near a residential area. The crash site, in the Korochansky district, is under investigation. The incident marks a somber development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron is set to return to the Middle East, advocating for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire. Downing Street reveals he will emphasize "the importance of a two-state solution." Cameron, currently serving as foreign secretary, plans visits to Qatar, Israel, the West Bank, and Turkey. Insisting on a comprehensive ceasefire, he asserts that Hamas must release all hostages for any lasting agreement. Cameron's efforts align with Qatar's mediation for a two-month ceasefire plan. His focus includes pressuring Israel to facilitate aid into Gaza, emphasizing the need for more open crossing points.

The Turkish parliament has finally endorsed Sweden's NATO membership bid with a decisive vote of 287-55. The process, delayed since Sweden's application in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saw a breakthrough as Turkey, previously withholding approval over alleged support to Kurdish separatists, gave its nod. The move leaves Hungary as the sole NATO member yet to ratify Sweden's accession. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed optimism, stating, "Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Turkey's decision, urging Hungary for swift ratification.

The UK Home Office has reversed its stance on a policy that denied certain modern slavery victims protection from traffickers. The change, welcomed by human rights groups, restores crucial safeguards for vulnerable individuals. The policy, known as public order disqualification, introduced by former home secretary Suella Braverman, excluded potential trafficking victims with criminal convictions from automatic assessment for support. Critics argued this could push victims back into the hands of traffickers. The amended policy now mandates caseworkers to assess all trafficking victims for re-trafficking risk before withdrawing support due to convictions.

In a retaliatory move, the US conducted "proportionate" strikes on three facilities in Iraq used by Iran-backed militia groups, including Kataib Hezbollah. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated the precision strikes were a direct response to recent attacks against US and coalition allies in Iraq and Syria. Last week's missile attack on the Al Asad airbase resulted in injuries to US military personnel. Austin praised the professionalism of the strikes and emphasized the commitment to defending American interests, urging the groups and their Iranian sponsors to cease attacks. Tensions persist in the region amid a series of incidents involving Iran and its proxies.      

A small plane, en route to Rio Tinto's Diavik diamond mine, crashed near Fort Smith in Canada, claiming six lives. The cause of the crash, which occurred after takeoff, remains unknown. The aircraft, registered to Northwestern Air Lease, lost contact near the Slave River. Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm expressed devastation and pledged cooperation with authorities in the investigation. Royal Canadian Air Force squads were deployed for search and rescue. Premier RJ Simpson offered condolences, and Chief Coroner Garth Eggenberger confirmed the deaths. The incident follows a recent helicopter crash in neighboring British Columbia that resulted in three fatalities.

Former President Donald Trump triumphs in New Hampshire's Republican primary, setting the stage for a possible 2024 rematch with current President Joe Biden, who secures the Democratic primary win despite not actively campaigning. Trump's consecutive victories in Iowa and New Hampshire indicate a strong Republican base. Nikki Haley, Trump's rival, finishes second. Despite Trump's legal challenges, exit polls reveal potential obstacles in his campaign. Meanwhile, Democrats defy party rules, holding their primary early. Biden, a write-in candidate, secures victory. The New Hampshire results shape the evolving landscape for the November 2024 presidential election.

The ominous Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of the world's vulnerability to catastrophe, remains unchanged at 90 seconds to midnight, signaling ongoing global risks. Experts from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists emphasize the urgent need for governments to address escalating dangers, citing persistent threats from war, the climate crisis, and the rapid advancement of AI. Despite a tumultuous year with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the clock's stability does not reflect a stable world, warns Rachel Bronson, the president of the bulletin. The call for immediate action echoes concerns about nuclear weapons, climate disasters, and insufficient control over life sciences and AI developments.            

The US and UK conducted joint airstrikes in Yemen, hitting eight Houthi targets, including an underground storage site. The strikes aimed to protect the Red Sea's vital trade route from Houthi attacks on vessels linked to Israel and the West. The Pentagon emphasized the goal of de-escalation, warning the Houthis against continued threats. This marks the eighth US strike against the Houthis in Yemen, with UK support. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stated the UK's commitment to degrading Houthi capabilities, addressing concerns over potential Middle East tensions. The strikes were also supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.