Former Pakistan spy chief Faiz Hameed received a 14-year prison sentence for violating state secrets and abusing authority. The military court convicted him of engaging in political activities and causing wrongful loss to persons. Hameed served as ISI chief from 2019-2021 under former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government and remained a staunch Khan supporter who openly challenged the military. After Khan's ouster, Hameed took early retirement but was detained in August 2024 following allegations of raiding a real estate developer's businesses. He was stripped of all rank for multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed Hameed interfered in politics by advising Khan post-retirement, spreading chaos. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh announced its 13th National Parliamentary Election for February 12, 2026, marking the first general polls since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Chief Election Commissioner Naseeruddin declared the country ready to conduct "free and democratic voting," urging citizens against fake news and rumors. The election will coincide with the July Charter referendum, with 300 parliamentary seats contested. Non-resident Bangladeshis can apply online from December 12-25. The nomination filing deadline is December 29, 2025, with scrutiny from December 30-January 4, 2026. Appeals against returning officers' decisions must be filed by January 11, with the Election Commission disposing them by January 18. Candidates can withdraw nominations until January 20, 2026. (PC: India Today & HT)

Sanskrit teaching has returned to Pakistan for the first time since the 1947 Partition, with the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) introducing a Sanskrit course after strong interest from students and researchers. What began as a three-month weekend workshop evolved into a full university credit course. Pakistan’s Punjab University houses a rich but long-undervalued Sanskrit manuscript collection that local scholars now aim to engage with. LUMS plans to offer courses on the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita to cultivate homegrown expertise. Professors hope this initiative fosters cultural bridges and may grow into year-long language programmes by 2027. (PC: The Tribune)

The U.S. seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, President Donald Trump confirmed, marking the first such action since heightened military deployments in the region. The vessel, believed to be the VLCC Skipper carrying about 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude, was intercepted under U.S. sanctions for illicit oil trading involving Venezuela and Iran. Trump said the oil would be kept by the U.S. Caracas condemned the move as “blatant theft” and “international piracy”, threatening to appeal to global bodies. The action intensified tensions with Venezuela and briefly lifted global crude prices. 

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado appeared in Oslo to collect her Nobel Peace Prize after months in hiding. She travelled secretly despite a travel ban and threats from the Maduro government, which warned she would be treated as a fugitive. Machado greeted cheering supporters from a hotel balcony before meeting her family for the first time in nearly two years. She said she understands the risks but believes her work for democracy must continue. Her escape from Venezuela reportedly involved disguises and passing several military checkpoints. Machado said many people helped her make the dangerous journey to Norway. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has launched the “Trump Gold Card,” a new visa scheme for wealthy foreigners who pay at least $1 million. The card promises fast-tracked residency and a direct path to citizenship for qualified applicants. A $5 million “platinum” version with tax breaks will also be offered. Trump said the plan will help the US attract high-level talent. Critics say the scheme favours the rich, especially as the administration tightens other immigration rules and raises visa fees. The Gold Card requires a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee, and businesses sponsoring employees must pay $2 million. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh is preparing for its first national election since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024. The country has been run by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Election Commission will announce the poll date on Thursday at 6 pm local time. Earlier, the poll body said elections would be held in the first week of February 2026. A national referendum on the “July Charter”, a major reform plan to limit executive power and strengthen institutions, is also expected on the same day. The BNP is seen as the frontrunner, while the Awami League remains barred. (PC: X)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, five days after a fire at their club killed 25 people. The brothers had flown to Thailand just hours after the blaze, which was caused by a suspected cylinder blast. Goa Police had issued a Look-Out Circular and an Interpol Blue Notice against them. A police team will now travel to Thailand to bring them back. The nightclub had major safety lapses, including no fire exits or alarms. Another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was detained earlier in Delhi for questioning. (PC: India Today)

US forces have seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said. The ship was accused of carrying sanctioned oil linked to Venezuela and Iran. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker had long been part of an illegal oil network supporting terrorist groups. A video showed US troops landing on the vessel from helicopters. Venezuela called the move “international piracy” and accused Washington of trying to steal its resources. Oil prices rose slightly after the news. The USS Gerald Ford and other US forces took part in the operation as tensions in the region grow.

Donald J. Trump has officially rolled out the “Trump Gold Card” programme, allowing foreigners to obtain U.S. permanent residency — and eventual citizenship — by paying US $1 million. Under the scheme, individuals pay $1 million plus a $15,000 processing fee; corporations can secure visas for foreign employees by paying $2 million per employee. The programme replaces the older investor-visa route previously known as EB-5 visa programme, and deviates from the job-creation requirement under EB-5. The administration frames the Gold Card as a “more powerful” green card — aimed at attracting global talent, foreign investment, and boosting U.S. revenue. Critics warn that it favours the wealthy and could undermine traditional immigration values. (PC: Reuters)