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.

The bail hearing for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested on sedition charges in Bangladesh, was delayed after no lawyer appeared for him in court. The ISKCON-affiliated monk’s defense attorney had been attacked by Islamists, leaving him in ICU. The Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote alleged that around 70 Hindu lawyers were falsely sued to block their participation in the case. The Chattogram court rescheduled the next hearing for January 2, 2025. Protests by Hindus in Rangpur and subsequent clashes led to the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam last month.

President Joe Biden has issued a full pardon for his son, Hunter, on gun and tax charges, despite previously ruling out clemency. In a White House statement, Biden defended his decision, arguing Hunter was "singled out" for prosecution due to his family ties, citing unfair treatment compared to others in similar circumstances. Hunter faced charges for lying on a gun purchase form and failing to pay taxes. Critics, including Donald Trump, decried the decision as politically motivated, while Hunter, in recovery from addiction, vowed to use his second chance to help others.

Ukrainian forces in Kursk face severe hardships, ordered to hold territory until January, awaiting potential policy changes under Donald Trump. Soldiers report exhaustion, continuous bombardment, and diminishing morale, with one describing the situation as worsening daily.   Despite losing 40% of gains since August, analysts say the operation diverts Russian resources from key fronts. Commanders maintain it’s strategically and politically crucial, citing significant Russian losses. "The longer we hold Kursk, the better," said Serhiy Kuzan, a military analyst. Veterans worry about parallels with failed past campaigns, as Ukrainian troops brace for worsening winter conditions.

Ramen Roy, a lawyer defending arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, was brutally attacked at his home in Bangladesh, ISKCON India claimed. Das, arrested on November 25 for sedition over alleged disrespect of the national flag, was expelled from ISKCON and served as a spokesperson for a Hindu rights body. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das condemned the attack, highlighting the dangers for defenders of religious minorities. The monk’s arrest sparked protests in Dhaka and Chittagong, with violent clashes and over 200 attacks reported on Hindus since the political unrest began. Roy remains in ICU.

ISKCON Kolkata has advised its followers in Bangladesh to avoid visible religious symbols following attacks on Hindus. Spokesperson Radharamn Das said, “In this hour of crisis, they must protect themselves. I’ve suggested they avoid wearing saffron clothes and vermilion on their foreheads.” He also urged monks to hide tulsi beads and cover their heads to avoid standing out. This guidance comes after advocate Ramen Roy, who defended Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, was attacked and critically injured. ISKCON called it a reflection of the growing dangers faced by those defending religious minorities in Bangladesh.

US President-elect Donald Trump has warned Hamas of severe consequences if hostages in Gaza are not released before he takes office on January 20, 2025. He declared that those responsible would face unprecedented retaliation from the United States. Trump made the statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasising his strong support for Israel. Hostages were taken during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,208 people in Israel. Israel’s retaliation has since caused over 44,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the UN. Efforts to negotiate a resolution by the Biden administration have not yet succeeded.