The United Nations called the verdict against ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina an "important moment" for victims while expressing regret over the death penalty imposed. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal found the 78-year-old guilty of crimes against humanity during July protests against her government. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia, having fled to India after her government's August 5 toppling. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated the chief "fully agrees" with UN High Commissioner Volker Turk's position opposing capital punishment "in all circumstances." The tribunal's Monday verdict marks a significant development in accountability for widespread protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal from power. (PC: X/@Resistance)

The UN Security Council passed a US-drafted resolution supporting Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan in a historic 13-0 vote, with Russia and China abstaining. Trump hailed it as "one of the biggest approvals" in UN history. The proposal establishes a Board of Peace transitional authority but provides no timeline for Palestinian statehood, only stating conditions "may finally be in place" after Gaza reconstruction and Palestinian Authority reforms. Hamas rejected the resolution, calling the international trusteeship mechanism unwelcome and accusing the force of favoring Israel. Netanyahu vowed to demilitarize Gaza and oppose Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution and pledged participation in implementation.

FBI Director Kash Patel faces mounting controversy after deploying specialized SWAT agents to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, sparking resource misuse allegations. The FBI confirmed Wilkins received hundreds of credible death threats due to their three-year relationship, justifying the Nashville-based security detail. Former officials question the unprecedented protection for a non-spouse, noting directors' partners historically received limited coverage only when cohabiting. This follows October accusations of Patel using the FBI's $60 million jet for Wilkins' Penn State national anthem performance. Patel denied allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Meanwhile, Wilkins filed multiple $5 million defamation lawsuits against MAGA influencers spreading conspiracy theories labeling her a Mossad honeypot agent. (PC: Facebook)

Aid agencies urgently appeal for Israel to allow more tents into Gaza as winter rains devastate displaced families living in makeshift shelters. Over 260,000 Palestinian families approximately 1.5 million people need emergency shelter assistance, with 80% of buildings destroyed across Gaza. Only 19,000 tents entered since the October ceasefire, while 44,000 pallets remain blocked in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel due to bureaucratic restrictions and dual-use item classifications. Heavy weekend rainfall caused widespread flooding, mixing rainwater with sewage and raising disease fears. Norwegian Refugee Council's Jan Egeland warns lives will perish this winter, emphasizing displaced families need immediate tents, not long-term reconstruction promises, as black market tent prices reach $900-$1,000. (PC: BBC)

Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy has captured a breathtaking image dubbed “The Fall of Icarus”, showing skydiver Gabriel C. Brown perfectly aligned with the blazing sun. Shot in hydrogen-alpha light to reveal the sun’s atmosphere, the surreal frame required immense planning and precision. McCarthy described the feat as “absolutely preposterous” and possibly the first of its kind. Brown, a YouTuber and musician, leapt from a small aircraft at 3,500 feet, while McCarthy positioned his camera 8,000 feet away to achieve the alignment. The rare shot, blending science, art, and adventure, has gone viral, with both McCarthy and Brown sharing behind-the-scenes celebrations online.

President Donald Trump said he plans to meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and added they will “work something out.” His comments mark a softer tone after months of attacking Mamdani, whom he had wrongly called a “communist” and even threatened to deport. Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, won the election by defeating Andrew Cuomo. He earlier said he would work with anyone, including the President, if it helps New Yorkers. The White House said no date has been set for the meeting. Trump also said he wants “everything to work out well for New York.” (PC: The Hindu)

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus welcomed the death sentence for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, declaring "no one is above the law." The International Crimes Tribunal convicted Hasina on three counts: incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities during July-August 2024 student protests. Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder pronounced the death penalty. Yunus stated the verdict offers "vital, if insufficient, justice" to thousands harmed and families grieving losses. Bangladesh's foreign ministry sought Hasina's extradition from India under bilateral agreements, warning refuge for convicted individuals would be "highly unfriendly" and disregard justice. India responded diplomatically, remaining "committed to best interests of Bangladesh's people, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability," promising constructive engagement with stakeholders.

New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd is in critical condition after being shot in the abdomen early Sunday in midtown Manhattan. Police said they received a 911 call around 2am and found the injured man outside the restaurant Sei Less. The Jets confirmed that Boyd, 29, was the victim. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Boyd joined the Jets this year after playing for the Texans, Cardinals and Vikings. He has been on injured reserve since August due to a shoulder injury. Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson and fans have posted messages online praying for his recovery. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity during the 2024 student protests. The court said Hasina ordered shootings, used helicopters and lethal force, and blocked medical help for victims. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness, received five years in jail. Families of victims called the lighter sentence “unacceptable,” saying it was not enough for his role in the violence. A victim’s brother said “even a thousand executions” would not be enough for Hasina. Dhaka remains under heavy security. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. The court said she ordered violent action against students during the 2024 protests that forced her from power. Hasina fled to India after her government fell. She was tried in absentia. The tribunal said the evidence proved she used “helicopters, drones, and lethal force” against protesters. Two former top officials were also found guilty. One of them, the former police chief, was present in court and asked for a lenient sentence. Hasina has denied all charges and called the case “politically motivated.” (PC: India Today)