Jay Shah, 35, has assumed the role of ICC chairman, succeeding Greg Barclay. As the youngest chair in ICC history, Shah's rise follows a transformative stint as BCCI secretary, during which he championed equal pay for women cricketers, hosted the first Women's Premier League, and strengthened India's global cricket dominance. His tenure also oversaw record-breaking media rights deals and pandemic-era IPL continuity. As ICC chief, Shah faces challenges such as resolving revenue-sharing concerns, fostering associate nations, and expanding women’s cricket. With a proven track record, Shah is expected to lead global cricket into a promising new era.

Seven Maoists, including top commander Bhadru, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Mulugu district, Telangana, on Sunday. The Greyhounds forces spotted the Maoists in the Chalpaka forest early in the morning and ordered them to surrender, but they fired at the forces, triggering the exchange. The deceased included six others: Egolapu Mallaiah, Mussaki Deval, Mussaki Jamuna, Jai Singh, Kishore, and Kamesh. The Maoists were armed with AK-47s, G3, and INSAS rifles. This is the first significant encounter in years as Maoists try to revive activities in the region.

Kolkata Police arrested former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Salim Matabbar from a hotel on November 29, 2024, for living in India on fake documents. Meanwhile, four Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Nadia for illegal entry. Amid rising tensions, J.N. Ray Hospital in Kolkata announced it would no longer treat Bangladeshi patients, citing historical grievances. The West Bengal Medical Council opposed this, emphasizing the need for non-discriminatory treatment. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to comment on the matter, saying it’s a national issue, while BJP leader Dilip Ghosh criticized her silence on Bangladesh-related issues.

  Munni Saha, a senior Bangladesh journalist, was mobbed in Dhaka's Kawran Bazar area on December 1, 2024. The mob accused her of "trying to make Bangladesh part of India" as she was surrounded and heckled. Police rescued her after she suffered a panic attack, later releasing her due to her health and status as a woman journalist. Saha, previously charged following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, faces growing criticism amid concerns over minority Hindu rights in Bangladesh.

Prominent Bangladeshi journalist Munni Saha was mobbed in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Saturday, accused of being an Indian agent and supporting ousted PM Sheikh Hasina. Her car was intercepted by a crowd, prompting police intervention. Taken to Tejgaon Police Station and later the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch office for safety, Saha was not arrested but suffered a panic attack. Police clarified she faces four cases and must seek bail. The incident highlights rising harassment of journalists under caretaker PM Muhammad Yunus. Protests against media outlets like Prothom Alo and Daily Star continue amidst intensified scrutiny.

Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have captured most of Aleppo, including its airport, in a swift offensive that began Wednesday. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad condemned the attack, pledging to defend Syria's stability and launch a counter-offensive. Insurgents also seized four towns in Hama province, raising concerns over the regime's military preparedness. Syria's armed forces acknowledged losses, redeploying troops to counter the rebels. The U.S. urged de-escalation and political solutions, stating its non-involvement in the offensive. The situation marks a significant blow to Assad's control in northern Syria, sparking fears of further escalation.

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel, 44, as the next FBI director. Patel, a former national security aide and son of Indian immigrants, is known for his strong criticism of the FBI and Department of Justice. If confirmed, he pledges to shut down the FBI headquarters "on day one" and decentralize its operations nationwide. Patel’s career includes roles as a public defender, terrorism prosecutor, and chief of staff to the acting defense secretary. His nomination underscores Trump’s agenda of reshaping government institutions and replacing current director Christopher Wray before his term concludes.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on BRICS nations, including India, China, and Russia, if they attempt to replace the U.S. dollar or create a BRICS currency. Trump stated on Truth Social that such moves would face severe repercussions, urging BRICS nations to abandon de-dollarisation plans. While Russia and China explore alternatives to the dollar, India has opposed the idea. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that India supports pragmatic economic strategies without targeting the dollar. Trump’s warning follows the 2023 BRICS summit, where the viability of a shared currency was discussed.

Rebels have taken control of most of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, marking their first return since 2016. The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allies, resulted in the temporary withdrawal of Syrian forces, who plan a counteroffensive. Russia responded with airstrikes, reportedly killing 300+ people, including 20 civilians. Aleppo's airport and major roads are closed, displacing many residents. The UN expressed alarm, citing heavy civilian casualties, including children. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights attributed the rebels' rapid advance to weakened government allies due to Israeli strikes. This marks a significant challenge to Syria's government and Russia.

Bangladesh authorities arrested Hindu priest and ISKCON member Shyam Das Prabhu in Chattogram without an official warrant on Saturday. He was detained while visiting spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, previously arrested on sedition charges and denied bail. Radharamn Das, ISKCON Kolkata’s vice-president, condemned the arrests and revealed that an ISKCON center in Bhairav was vandalized. “No respite in sight,” he posted on X. These incidents have intensified concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. ISKCON has called for justice and security for its members amid the escalating unrest.