Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched The Sabarmati Report, focusing on the 2002 Godhra train tragedy, alongside Vikrant Massey and senior cabinet members at the Parliament Complex. The film, released on Nov 15 and directed by Dheeraj Sarna, explores events leading to the tragedy. PM Modi commended the filmmakers for “revealing the truth,” emphasizing its role in countering fake narratives. Massey, calling the screening a career high, thanked the PM for his support. Producer Ekta Kapoor expressed gratitude for the recognition. The film is now tax-free in multiple BJP-ruled states, amplifying its reach.

Russian actress Kamilla Belyatskaya, 24, tragically died after being swept away by a giant wave while practicing yoga on rocks at Thailand's Koh Samui. Witnesses saw her attempting to swim back to shore, screaming for help. Despite rescue efforts, her body was found nearly a mile away days later. The area had red flag warnings due to monsoon weather. Kamilla, who loved the Lad Ko Viewpoint, called it "the best place on Earth" in her last social media post. The actress had often visited the spot, expressing gratitude for its beauty.

Belgium has made history by granting sex workers employment rights, including maternity leave, pensions, and health insurance. The groundbreaking law, a world-first, treats sex work as formal employment, aiming to ensure safety and dignity. Advocates like Victoria, a former escort, believe the law empowers workers by providing legal protections and combating unsafe practices. However, critics argue it legitimizes exploitation and fails to address inherent risks. Employers must adhere to strict rules, with criminal offenders barred from operating. For many, including Mel, this change brings hope. "It’s about having a future," she says, reflecting the optimism of many beneficiaries.

Traffic resumed on the Noida-Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressways after protesting farmers paused their march toward Delhi following discussions with the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration. Heavy traffic jams were reported earlier as farmers from the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), supported by other farmer groups, protested for compensation under new agricultural laws. Protesters gathered at Noida's Dalit Prerna Sthal, temporarily blocking highways and breaking barricades. Police heightened security, deployed anti-riot gear, and used drones for surveillance. Farmers plan further protests on December 6 in Delhi, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu.

Lebanon reported two deaths from Israeli strikes on southern towns Marjayoun and Nabatieh, calling the attacks a "flagrant violation" of the truce brokered on November 27. The agreement required Israel to halt offensive operations and Lebanon to prevent armed groups from targeting Israel. Lebanese state security confirmed the deaths, including one of its members. Israel has not commented, but U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein reportedly warned Israel against breaching the ceasefire. The fragile truce follows over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides trading accusations of violations.

The Bangladesh government, led by Mohammad Yunus, has moved to revoke the court ruling declaring "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan. The slogan, coined by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, symbolized inspiration during Bangladesh's liberation war. The government filed an appeal in the High Court, aiming to invalidate the previous ruling. Critics believe the move may be linked to erasing memories of Mujib's legacy. This follows other controversial actions, including the cancellation of August 15th as a national mourning day. "Joy Bangla" had been widely used in official contexts since a 2008 High Court decision.

Belgium has enacted the world’s first law providing sex workers with maternity leave, pensions, and official employment contracts. Effective December 1, the legislation offers social coverage, health insurance, and workplace protections. Each workspace must feature alarm systems for safety, and workers can refuse clients or services without risking dismissal. This follows Belgium's 2022 decriminalization of sex work. Victoria, president of UTSOPI, highlighted its impact on safety and dignity, while critics warn it may not prevent exploitation. Human Rights Watch called it a "radical step." The law emerged from protests demanding better support during the Covid pandemic.    

A report by Bangladesh's interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus reveals that $16 billion was illicitly siphoned annually during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year tenure. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, heading the investigative committee, highlighted inflated project costs and crony capitalism fostering oligarchs. The findings were presented in a 400-page white paper detailing corruption in seven major projects, initially budgeted at 1.14 trillion taka but revised to 1.95 trillion. Yunus described the revelations as a "plunder of the economy," following Hasina's ousting in August by student protests against her authoritarian rule. Key party leaders remain jailed, in hiding, or exiled.

Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for gun crimes and tax violations, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned if the pardon would extend to those imprisoned over the January 6 Capitol Hill riots, referring to them as "J6 hostages." Biden signed the pardon, claiming Hunter’s case was politically motivated and unfairly prosecuted. Biden emphasized that individuals in similar situations typically face non-criminal resolutions, defending his son's pardon as a response to political pressure and a flawed legal process.

Indian-American Kashyap "Kash" Patel, nominated as FBI director by US President-elect Donald Trump, joined social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. Patel’s first post, “Hello X,” garnered over 7M views, while billionaire Elon Musk, Trump's efficiency chief, congratulated him. Patel, born to Gujarati immigrant parents, has a distinguished legal career, serving as a public defender, DOJ prosecutor, and advisor on international terrorism cases. He also played a key role during Trump’s first term. Patel’s nomination comes as Trump prepares for his second term, signaling continued Republican influence over U.S. federal institutions.