World

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.