Serious concerns have been raised about the death sentence given to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to senior legal experts, constitutional specialists, and people familiar with the tribunal process, the trial had major legal and procedural faults. They say judges were appointed improperly, defence rights were limited, and the case was rushed. The tribunal used an old law meant only for 1971 war crimes, and key changes to the law were made without proper authority. Hasina was denied lawyers of her choice, and the trial continued without her. Experts say the verdict is weak in law and cannot be enforced. (PC: NDTV)

President Trump says the United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He confirmed the deal just before meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. Trump called the country a "great ally."   This is the Prince’s first visit to Washington in seven years. The leaders plan to discuss defense and nuclear power. However, some officials worry about the sale. They fear Saudi Arabia might share the jet's secrets with China. Israel is also concerned that this deal could hurt its safety in the Middle East.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin called the UN Security Council's endorsement of Trump's Gaza peace plan a "necessary first step" toward lasting peace. Speaking in Manila, Shahin emphasized the ceasefire was essential before pursuing other objectives including Palestinian self-determination and eventual independence. The Monday resolution authorizes multinational security force deployment and establishes a Board of Peace overseeing Gaza's reconstruction. While Trump's plan delays Palestinian statehood until PA reforms occur, Shahin accepted addressing this later, stating "we're happy with this first step" if international law governs implementation. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the vote, contrasting with Israel's rejection of PA involvement and opposition to Palestinian independence. The October ceasefire continues despite mutual violation accusations. (PC: X)

China called Sheikh Hasina's death sentence Bangladesh's "internal affair," declining further comment on the tribunal verdict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized China's good neighborliness policy toward Bangladesh, expressing hopes for the country's "solidarity, stability, and development." The 78-year-old ousted Prime Minister was sentenced to death in absentia Monday for crimes against humanity during the 2024 student-led uprising crackdown that killed approximately 1,400 people between July-August. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received capital punishment, while former Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun got five years for cooperating with investigations. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5 following massive protests against her government. (PC: NDTV)

The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza. The plan includes an International Stabilisation Force to work with Israel, Egypt and a new Palestinian police force to secure borders and disarm armed groups. Thirteen countries voted in favour, while Russia and China abstained. Hamas rejected the plan, saying it harms Palestinian rights and brings foreign control to Gaza. The resolution also creates a Board of Peace to guide Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. The UN said the plan must lead to real action and progress toward a two-state solution. (PC: BBC)

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.