Iskcon India has condemned the brutal attack on Bangladeshi lawyer Advocate Ramen Roy, who was defending Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in a sedition case. Roy was reportedly attacked by Islamists at his home, leaving him critically injured and in the ICU. The incident highlights the growing risks for those defending the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, where tensions have risen following the arrest of the monk. Chinmoy Das, who faces charges for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag, has sparked widespread protests, leading to clashes between his supporters and security forces.
Aliya Fakhri, the 43-year-old sister of actress Nargis Fakhri, has been indicted on murder charges following a fatal fire at her ex-boyfriend's home in Queens, New York. Prosecutors claim Fakhri intentionally set the fire on November 23, 2024, which killed her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, and his friend, Anastasia Ettienne. Fakhri reportedly became enraged after Jacobs rejected her attempts to rekindle their relationship. The victims died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Fakhri faces multiple murder and arson charges, with a potential life sentence if convicted. She is currently being held at Rikers Island.
Australia has passed a pioneering law banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The law, which carries fines of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance, aims to protect minors from the harmful mental health effects of social media. Despite facing opposition from privacy advocates and child rights groups, the bill has strong public support, with 77% of Australians backing it. The move sets Australia as a global leader in regulating social media usage among young people, amid growing concerns over cyberbullying and online harm
Several of Donald Trump’s incoming cabinet members and political appointees were targeted with violent bomb threats, a spokeswoman for his transition team confirmed on November 27. The threats, which included bomb threats and “swatting” incidents, prompted swift action from law enforcement to ensure the safety of those involved. While specific individuals were not named, Trump’s team remains focused on uniting the nation, stating that such acts of intimidation would not deter their efforts. These threats follow previous assassination attempts on Trump himself, underscoring the ongoing violence surrounding his administration's transition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday recommended that his Cabinet approve a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, aiming to end nearly 14 months of conflict tied to the Gaza war. As Israel intensified its bombardment of southern Lebanon, Netanyahu warned that any violation by Hezbollah would lead to strong retaliation. The ceasefire proposal includes a two-month halt in fighting, with Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon, and U.N. peacekeepers monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for an immediate ceasefire, condemning Israeli airstrikes and urging the international community to intervene swiftly.
Britain's King Charles III is set to embark on an official visit to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh early next year, accompanied by Queen Camilla. The tour is part of a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Commonwealth nations in the post-Brexit era. This marks a significant step for the monarch, who is recovering from a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Despite health concerns, King Charles successfully completed a tour of Australia and Samoa in October, paving the way for a more extensive international travel program in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed eagerness to host the royal couple during their visit to India.
At least 37 people have been killed and over two dozen injured in tribal sectarian clashes in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, specifically in the Kurram district near the Afghanistan border. The violence erupted after a deadly attack on a passenger van convoy earlier this week, claiming 47 lives. The Alizai and Bagan tribes have engaged in intense fighting, with both sides using heavy weapons. Senior government officials have been sent to the area to address the escalating tensions, while residents have fled to safer zones. The violence has caused widespread damage, with homes and shops destroyed, and key roads remain blocked, exacerbating the crisis.
In response to a rising number of terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, China has enlisted three private security firms to bolster protection for its citizens working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. This decision follows the October 6 suicide bombing in Balochistan that killed two Chinese citizens. In addition to deploying private security, China is pressing for a joint security initiative with Pakistan and conducting an anti-terrorism exercise to enhance safety measures. The escalating threat to Chinese personnel, particularly in sensitive areas like Balochistan, has raised speculation about the potential deployment of Chinese troops to safeguard its investments and workers.
Over 40 people, including six women, were killed when gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles carrying Shiite Muslims in northwest Pakistan's Kurram district. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, targeted a convoy traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. At least 10 others were critically injured. Pakistani authorities condemned the assault, which is part of a broader pattern of sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite communities. Tensions have been escalating in the region, with recent clashes resulting in numerous fatalities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office issued an apology for a "mistake" in the organisation of its Diwali reception after criticism from parts of the British Hindu community over the inclusion of non-vegetarian food and alcohol. A spokesperson acknowledged the concerns and assured that such an oversight would not happen again in future celebrations. Conservative MP Shivani Raja, who raised the issue in a letter to Starmer, expressed disappointment over the lack of cultural awareness and offered to provide guidance for future events. Despite the controversy, the event featured Starmer lighting candles at 10 Downing Street and emphasising shared values of unity and inclusion.
Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman who switched parties to support Donald Trump, has been nominated as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI). If confirmed, Gabbard will oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, managing a budget of more than $70 billion. Her nomination has sparked controversy due to concerns over her lack of intelligence experience and past criticisms, including allegations of amplifying Russian propaganda. While President-elect Trump praised Gabbard for her "fearless" leadership, her appointment has been met with opposition from some, including Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, who described her as "ill-prepared and unqualified." Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, has become a vocal supporter of Trump, marking a significant shift in her political career.
President-elect Donald Trump returned to Washington on Wednesday for a brief meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House, signaling a smooth transition of power. The two men appeared for photos, with Biden stressing the importance of a peaceful handover, while Trump expressed gratitude for the transition process. This visit marked a stark contrast to the 2020 election, when Trump refused to concede and delayed Biden's inauguration. As Trump prepares for his upcoming administration, he has been rolling out key appointments and celebrating his party's electoral victories.
