World

Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, Khulna Division head of Bangladesh’s NCP, was critically shot in the head by unidentified gunmen, days after the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. He was hospitalized as authorities continue investigating political violence

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence, during his official visit. The accolade recognizes his role in strengthening Pakistan-Saudi strategic and defence ties

Russian Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov was killed when an explosive device detonated under his car in southern Moscow. Investigators are exploring multiple leads, including the possibility that Ukrainian intelligence orchestrated the attack, according to the Russian Investigative Committee 

NATO intelligence warns Russia may be developing an anti-satellite “zone-effect” weapon targeting Starlink satellites with orbiting pellets. Experts say it could cause uncontrollable space debris, endanger other satellites, and serve more as a psychological deterrent than a deployable system

Human rights groups wrote to the Norwegian Nobel Committee accusing Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, of remaining silent amid escalating violence and rights abuses in the country, urging moral leadership and accountability to uphold the Nobel Peace Prize’s ethical authority

Australian police allege a 24-year-old accused of killing 15 people at Sydney’s Bondi Beach trained with firearms alongside his father and recorded a video justifying the attack. The father was shot dead, while the son faces multiple murder and terrorism charges

A 26-year-old Indian-origin Singaporean man was charged for staging a fake explosive threat at a church, leading to the cancellation of services. Police said the act was not terror-related. He was remanded for psychiatric evaluation and faces severe penalties if convicted.

Authorities say at least 15 passengers were killed when a bus on its way to Yogyakarta from Jakarta hit a concrete barrier and rolled onto its side

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thai forces have secured control over most targeted border areas and are pushing Cambodian troops back. While clashes have eased and civilians are returning home, sporadic shelling and landmine incidents continue to raise tensions.

The United States is pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela in international waters, accusing it of sanctions evasion. The move follows recent tanker seizures and a US-ordered blockade, escalating tensions as Venezuela condemns the actions as piracy.

Starbucks has appointed Indian-origin technology executive Anand Varadarajan as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. A former Amazon leader with nearly 19 years of experience, he will join the company’s leadership team in January to strengthen global digital and technology initiatives.

Joshna Chinappa and Veer Chotrani clinched the women’s and men’s singles titles at the 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament in Mumbai. Chinappa staged a comeback to beat Sanya Vats, while Chotrani dominated Suraj Chand in a one-sided final

Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s centuries powered New Zealand to a 462-run target against West Indies in the third Test at Mount Maunganui. Conway created history with a double-century and century in the same match as Windies chase 418 on Day 5

Australia defeated England by 82 runs in the Adelaide Test to retain the Ashes with a 3-0 lead. Starc, Cummins, and Lyon starred with the ball, while Travis Head’s 170 powered Australia’s dominance. England’s lower order resistance fell short

Sameer Minhas smashed 172 off 113 balls to power Pakistan to a 191-run win over India in the U19 Asia Cup final at Dubai. India, unbeaten until then, suffered its heaviest Youth ODI defeat as Pakistan lifted the trophy

Hou Yifan’s two wins with black pieces lifted Alpine SG Pipers to second spot in the Global Chess League. Defending champions Continental Kings sealed a final berth, while Mumba Masters and Ganges Grandmasters face uphill battles to stay in contention

India has suspended visa operations at its Chittagong centre in Bangladesh following heightened tensions after student leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, amid attacks on Indian missions and large-scale protests, with operations to resume only after a security review

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed praised India’s white-ball cricket success and emphasized improving Pakistan’s talent, infrastructure, and domestic competition. He expressed confidence in upcoming T20 World Cup performance, highlighted mental toughness, and underscored accountability and criticism as part of cricket development

At least nine people were killed after gunmen opened fire at a tavern and on nearby streets in South Africa’s West Rand region. Police have launched a full-scale investigation, with no arrests made and the motive still unknown.

Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded alcohol sales at its sole store, allowing non-Muslim foreigners with Premium Residency to purchase. The move reflects the kingdom’s cautious liberalisation, while general alcohol consumption remains banned and highly regulated under strict Sharia law

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in jail in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case. Khan urged nationwide protests, condemned the verdict as unfair, and called for legal and public action for justice

Several Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including an image showing Donald Trump, disappeared from a US Justice Department webpage shortly after release, fuelling transparency concerns. Lawmakers and survivors criticised gaps, delays and heavy redactions in the long-awaited document disclosures

India’s Dhakshineswar Suresh helped Aussie Mavericks Kites win their maiden World Tennis League title in Bengaluru. The 25-year-old defeated Sumit Nagal in the deciding singles as the Mavericks beat AOS Eagles 22-19 in front of a packed stadium

Mumbai’s 16-year-old Vir Gahrotra won India’s first-ever gold medal at the Pole and Aerial Sports World Championship in Budapest. Competing in the Junior B Amateur Men aerial silks category, his victory marks a historic debut for India in international aerial sports