Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of "genocide" in her first public address since fleeing to New Delhi. Speaking virtually, she alleged Yunus failed to protect minorities, highlighting attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. She cited the destruction of 11 churches and arrests of Hindu leaders like ISKCON’s Chinmoy Krishna Das. Hasina claimed there was a plot to assassinate her and her sister, mirroring her father’s 1975 assassination. India expressed serious concerns over rising extremist rhetoric and minority violence in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to ensure minority safety and justice. Relations between the nations remain tense.

Employees may soon be able to withdraw up to 50% of their provident fund (PF) directly through ATMs, according to reports on EPFO’s planned upgrade to version 3.0. The Labour Ministry is reportedly developing a specialized card to facilitate these transactions, expected to roll out between May and June 2025. Currently, PF withdrawals require physical or online applications. This new feature aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for employees, enabling quicker access to funds. However, the withdrawal limit is capped at 50% of the total deposit to ensure financial stability within the system.

Kashyap "Kash" Patel, Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, was reportedly targeted by hackers linked to Iran, CNN reported. Anonymous sources claimed the hackers accessed some of Patel's communications, though the timeline and response remain unclear. An official spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the incident but acknowledged Patel's future role in Trump's administration. This is not the first report of Iranian hackers targeting Trump or his allies. Earlier, the FBI stated Iran tried to use stolen Trump campaign data to approach Joe Biden’s team. Microsoft has also warned of foreign threats to the 2024 U.S. election.

The Bombay High Court has issued notices to HDFC Bank and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after an employee allegedly embezzled ₹3 crore from a customer’s fixed deposits. Relationship manager Payal Kothari (27) reportedly transferred the funds into fake accounts before routing them to her own. The victim, Meenakshi Kapuria, accused Kothari of gaining her trust with false investment promises and using signed blank cheques. Kapuria also stated she did not receive transaction alerts. The court criticized the bank's security lapses and police inaction, highlighting the erosion of public trust in the banking system.

Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, has filed a motion to dismiss his hush money conviction. In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump's lawyers argue the case creates "unconstitutional impediments" to his presidency, set to begin on January 20. Prosecutors have until December 9 to respond. The motion also referenced President Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, claiming political bias in the justice system. If dismissed, Trump could avoid sentencing, criminal records, and potential prison time.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have intensified following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. Protests erupted in India, with activists storming Bangladesh's consulate in Agartala, Tripura, vandalizing property and desecrating the flag. India condemned the attack, arresting seven individuals, and bolstered security for Bangladeshi missions. Bangladesh termed the incident "heinous," demanding a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, protests against alleged minority persecution in Bangladesh continue in India, fueled by controversial media coverage. The monk's arrest on sedition charges and recent clashes have heightened fears among minorities in Bangladesh, further straining diplomatic ties between the neighboring nations.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment after his attempt to impose martial law on December 3, 2024. Citing North Korea, Yoon's decision was viewed as a response to domestic issues, triggering protests and an opposition push for impeachment. MPs blocked the move in the National Assembly, leading Yoon to reverse his decision. Nationwide rallies, including daily protests in Busan and candlelight vigils in Gwangju, have called for Yoon’s resignation. The country's main labor union has also launched an indefinite strike. MPs will vote on impeachment proceedings in the coming days, potentially bringing Yoon to trial.

The UK government has issued a travel advisory for Bangladesh, warning that terrorist attacks are likely, particularly in places visited by foreigners. The advisory cites risks in crowded areas, religious buildings, and political rallies, and highlights the recent violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. The advisory also notes threats such as armed robbery, violent crime, and IED attacks in major cities. The UK government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the protection of religious freedom in Bangladesh. The advisory follows ongoing unrest after the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were stopped at the Ghazipur border while en route to violence-hit Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leaders left Delhi at 10:15 AM, but their convoy faced heavy traffic and police barricades at the border, leading to a massive jam. Sambhal authorities had requested nearby districts to halt their journey, citing restrictions due to ongoing violence. The Gandhis were aiming to meet victims’ families, but the authorities invoked Section 163 to prevent their entry. Congress leaders criticized the move, calling it an infringement on their democratic rights.

Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, expresses growing fear for her daughter’s life after over 400 days in captivity. Emily, 28, was taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Mandy described her daughter’s suffering, citing gunshot wounds and inadequate care. She criticized the British government for not ensuring more humanitarian aid for the hostages and urged for stronger action to secure their release. Mandy also welcomed US President-elect Trump’s statement threatening consequences for hostage takers. The Damari family hopes for a sign of life, as negotiations for release remain stalled.