South Korea faced intense political turmoil as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing alleged North Korean influence. Troops were deployed, opposition leaders rallied at the National Assembly, and protests erupted nationwide. Critics argue the move was prompted by Yoon's struggles, including his minority government, scandals involving his wife, and a deadlock over the 2025 budget bill. However, the National Assembly swiftly overturned the martial law, challenging Yoon’s authority. Observers describe the situation as a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic history. The coming days are expected to shape the nation's political landscape.

The bail hearing for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh was postponed to January 2, 2025, as no lawyer represented him in court. The Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote alleged that 70 Hindu lawyers were falsely implicated in a case to prevent their participation. ISKCON reported an attack on lawyer Ramen Roy, who remains in ICU. Chinmoy, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested for sedition after protests demanding minority rights. Tensions escalated following earlier clashes, which left Advocate Saiful Islam Alif dead. Accusations of political motives and intimidation continue to dominate the case.

South Korea has declared martial law nationwide for the first time since 1980, citing anti-state threats. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s sudden announcement enforces a ban on all political activities, protests, and rallies. Media across print, broadcast, and online platforms are under strict control. Misinformation and disinformation are now punishable offenses. Medical professionals, including retired staff, must return to work within 48 hours or face penalties. The Martial Law Command grants authorities power to arrest and search without warrants. While the government assures minimal disruption to daily life, citizens violating orders face harsh punishment under Article 14 of the Martial Law Act.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a late-night address, citing threats to the nation’s free constitutional order. He accused opposition forces of harming South Korea’s stability and blocking parliamentary processes. The shocking decision comes amid tensions over budget disputes and impeachment motions against top prosecutors. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung warned of economic collapse and urged citizens to rally. The parliament’s entrance was reportedly blocked, and the currency, won, fell sharply. Yoon justified the move as necessary to protect South Korea from internal and pro-North Korean threats. Details of the measures under martial law remain unclear.

The Lebanon-Israel ceasefire is shaky after Israeli airstrikes killed 10 people in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah fired mortars at an Israeli base earlier, claiming it was a warning against ceasefire violations. Israel hit Hezbollah positions, calling their actions a breach of the agreement. The ceasefire requires Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon and Israeli forces to leave the area. Both sides accuse each other of violations. Lebanese officials reported over 54 breaches. US and French officials urged calm, with the US saying the ceasefire is mostly holding. Tensions remain high as both sides defend their actions.

ISKCON Kolkata's vice-president, Radharamn Das, has advised monks and followers in Bangladesh to avoid wearing saffron robes and tilak publicly due to escalating violence against Hindus following Sheikh Hasina's government’s fall. He stressed this was a temporary measure to ensure safety, urging devotees to practice faith discreetly. This follows incidents of temple vandalism and threats to Hindu minorities. Bangladesh’s Hindu population, once 22% in 1971, has declined to 8%, attributed to socio-political marginalization and violence. Meanwhile, activist Chinmay Krishna was arrested in Dhaka for alleged anti-state activities, further intensifying concerns among the Hindu community in the country.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Muhammad Yunus, claimed Hindus in Bangladesh are better protected now than during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. He accused Indian media of spreading "industrial scale misinformation" about minority attacks. Alam acknowledged one temple attack in Chittagong and attempted assaults on three ISKCON centres, stressing increased security measures. He denied allegations of a crackdown on ISKCON, highlighting the deployment of troops to safeguard temples during Durga Puja. However, tensions persist, with recent arrests of Hindu priests and freezing of ISKCON-linked bank accounts fueling protests. Alam reiterated the government's commitment to protecting all citizens' rights.

Virat Kohli was seen with a bandaged knee during practice ahead of the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. Despite the apparent injury, Kohli participated in fielding drills and a net session without discomfort. The 36-year-old, known for his stellar Adelaide record (509 runs in 8 innings), is preparing to add another century to surpass England’s Jack Hobbs. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma returned in the warm-up match against Prime Ministers XI, with Gill hitting a stylish fifty. India won the match by six wickets. Kohli's fitness remains crucial for the second Test starting Friday.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed the Lok Sabha, stating that India-China relations are improving after a successful disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. He emphasized that the ties had been "abnormal since 2020" due to Chinese actions but highlighted the progress made with recent diplomatic efforts. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to a fair, mutually acceptable boundary settlement with China. The October border truce follows months of military tension, including the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, and aims to restore peace along the disputed border.

Sheikh Hasina, addressing Awami League workers virtually in New York, accused Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government in Bangladesh, of masterminding mass killings and targeting minorities. Hasina condemned recent attacks on Hindu temples, churches, and the Iskcon group. She claimed Yunus, along with student coordinators, planned the violence. Hasina also alleged a plot to assassinate her, similar to the 1975 assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She fled Bangladesh in August, citing violent protests and the threat of a massacre, opting to leave to avoid further bloodshed.