Former USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie Moore stated, "No minority feels safe in Bangladesh," accusing interim leader Muhammad Yunus of failing to protect religious minorities. He condemned the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and the brutal murder of his lawyer, calling it an "existential threat" for minorities. Moore criticized the government’s diminishing commitment to secularism and urged Bangladesh to seek guidance from pluralistic nations like India and the U.S. ISKCON expressed solidarity with Das, arrested on sedition charges. Moore warned that continued neglect of minority rights could harm Bangladesh’s relationship with India, a vital economic and political partner.

Deborah Vanini, 38, from Como, Italy, tragically passed away after choosing to forego cancer treatment to save her unborn child. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer the same day she learned of her pregnancy, doctors warned the life-saving medication would harm her baby. Deborah gave birth prematurely to her daughter, Megan, at 35 weeks on September 18, calling her a "miracle." She spent two precious months with Megan and her partner, Massimo, before succumbing to the illness. Lombardy's regional president praised her "extraordinary courage and love," calling her sacrifice an act of profound devotion and humanity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened Kyiv with attacks on decision-making centres using the new Oreshnik ballistic missile, claiming it cannot be intercepted. This comes after Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine’s energy grid, leaving over 1M people without power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using cluster munitions against civilians and vowed a "tough response." Ukrainian cities, including Odesa and Kharkiv, were targeted, though Kyiv intercepted all incoming missiles. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko announced emergency power cuts amid fears of further winter attacks. Western allies, including the US, are supplying Ukraine with aid to restore power infrastructure.

Australia has introduced a groundbreaking law banning under-16s from social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, sparking global debate. The law, supported by 77% of Australians, mandates platforms to enforce age verification, with penalties of up to $32 million for violations. Critics, including Unicef and tech giants like Meta, argue it overlooks harmful content creation and risks pushing children into unregulated spaces. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “We want Australian children to have a childhood.” Exemptions for YouTube, WhatsApp, and Discord highlight the law’s complexities, with experts urging better algorithms and digital literacy over blanket restrictions.

ISKCON expressed solidarity with Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, arrested on sedition charges in Bangladesh. While reiterating that he no longer represents ISKCON, the organization defended his right to peaceful advocacy for Hindu rights and temple protection. ISKCON clarified that Chinmoy's removal stemmed from internal discipline breaches, not communal allegations. Massive protests erupted in Bangladesh following his arrest, with demands for his release intensifying. The Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition seeking to ban ISKCON, labeling it radical. Meanwhile, Indian leaders, including MPs, urged PM Modi to intervene against rising violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.

NASA’s Landsat 9 captured a dramatic satellite image of red-hot lava oozing from Iceland's Sundhunkur crater series on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption, the seventh in the region this year, caused lava to flow across roads and near the Blue Lagoon, a major tourist site. NASA’s infrared overlay highlighted the lava’s heat signature. Volcanologists warn Iceland has entered a new era of volcanic activity, with 33 active systems. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported steady activity and an expanding lava field near Fagradalsfjall. The region had been dormant for 800 years until volcanic activity resumed in 2021.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah of "intensive war" if it breaches a fragile ceasefire with Lebanon. The truce, brokered by the U.S. and France, seeks to end a devastating conflict that has killed thousands and displaced scores. Israeli strikes recently targeted a Hezbollah weapons facility in south Lebanon, citing "terrorist activity." The Lebanese army has begun deploying in the south, replacing armed Hezbollah presence. While many Lebanese celebrate the war's end, they face shattered homes and widespread destruction. Netanyahu emphasized the Israeli military's readiness to retaliate against any violations, raising concerns over the ceasefire’s durability amid ongoing tensions.

Israel conducted an airstrike on a Hezbollah rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon on November 28, just a day after a ceasefire began. The Israeli Defense Forces cited "terrorist activity" at the site. This comes as Lebanon deployed troops to the south under the ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. and France, aimed at ending weeks of conflict. Two civilians were injured earlier in the day in border skirmishes. While the truce is largely holding, Hezbollah proclaimed “victory” but maintained readiness against Israel, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. Recovery efforts in war-torn Lebanese villages have begun.

Former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina criticized the interim government for arresting Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and escalating religious violence. Das’s arrest in Dhaka, followed by denial of bail in a sedition case, led to violent protests where a lawyer was killed. Hasina condemned attacks on temples, mosques, and minority homes, urging unity against terror. She accused the Muhammad Yunus-led government of human rights violations, demanding Das's release and swift justice for recent murders. India expressed concern over the monk’s detention and minority attacks. The unrest highlights rising insecurity since the Awami League government fell on August 5.

Australia’s Senate passed a groundbreaking law on Thursday banning social media use for children below 16, with penalties of up to $33M for non-compliant platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The legislation, passed 34-19 in the Senate and 102-13 in the House of Representatives, has widespread public support, with 77% backing the measure. While exempting YouTube for educational purposes, the ban has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and child rights groups. Critics, including Elon Musk, claim it may restrict internet access broadly. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp supported the campaign titled "Let Them Be Kids."