Hamas has warned of "neutralising" hostages if Israel conducts a rescue operation, citing the June 2024 Nuseirat raid, which freed 4 captives but left over 200 Palestinians dead. Hamas' internal directive instructed operatives to tighten captives' conditions and implement "neutralisation orders" immediately if Israel acts. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that pressure on Hamas is intensifying, hinting at progress in hostage negotiations. Since the October 2023 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, over 44,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, devastating Gaza.

Iran’s parliament has passed a controversial ‘chastity’ law, imposing stricter dress code rules, particularly targeting women’s attire. The legislation enforces harsher penalties for non-compliance, including significant fines and prison terms. President Ebrahim Raisi expressed disapproval, citing potential backlash and further unrest. The move has sparked criticism internationally and domestically, with activists condemning it as oppressive. Human rights groups warn it may escalate tensions following months of protests triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death in custody last year. Many Iranians view the law as a setback for gender equality and personal freedoms. Global reactions call for respect for women’s rights in Iran.

South Korea's opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed martial law declaration. Yoon claimed the order aimed to prevent a North Korean takeover, but it sparked mass protests and condemnation. Opposition leaders accused Yoon of "insurrectionary behavior" and demanded his resignation. Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and top aides have resigned amid the fallout. Parliament will vote on the impeachment by Saturday, needing support from at least 200 lawmakers. If passed, Yoon will face a Constitutional Court trial. Meanwhile, nationwide protests and labor strikes continue, pressuring the president to step down.

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.