India criticized Pakistan after UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar publicly addressed a gathering in Bahawalpur, urging renewed jihadist operations against India and Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) labeled Pakistan’s denials of Azhar’s presence as “duplicity.” “Masood Azhar must face justice. He is involved in cross-border terror attacks in India,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Azhar’s Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), responsible for the 2019 Pulwama attack, has reportedly expanded facilities near Bahawalpur despite Pakistan’s claims of action. Azhar’s speech marks his first public address in over 20 years, igniting fresh demands for accountability from Pakistan.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s audacious reverse-scoop six against Scott Boland stole the spotlight in India’s first innings of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Tasked with steadying the tailenders after India’s top-order collapse, Reddy executed the bold shot, leaving Boland in shock and Jasprit Bumrah amused. Despite Reddy’s 42-run effort, India was bowled out for 180, with Mitchell Starc claiming 6/48. Earlier, a strong partnership between KL Rahul (42) and Shubman Gill (27) was undone by Australian pacers. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal and Virat Kohli’s low score added to India’s woes on Day 1.

New York police are intensifying their search for the masked assailant who shot UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, 50, on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk on December 4. Described as a targeted attack, the suspect, seen on surveillance cameras riding an electric bike into Central Park, remains unidentified. Shell casings found at the scene bore cryptic words, fueling speculation about motive. A $10,000 reward is offered for leads. Thompson, a father of two and a prominent health industry executive, was shot just before UnitedHealth’s annual investor conference. Authorities are utilizing New York’s advanced surveillance system to track the experienced gunman.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, canceled 778 firearms licenses, primarily held by former MPs and high-ranking officials from Sheikh Hasina's administration. The licenses were revoked after many failed to surrender weapons despite warnings. Reports claim these firearms were misused for intimidation. Authorities are working to retrieve the now-illegal weapons, focusing on Dhaka, Pabna, and Chittagong. Additionally, Yunus seeks solutions for minority rights concerns after unrest erupted over a Hindu monk’s arrest. Protests have spread to India’s Agartala and Kolkata, prompting diplomatic interventions. Yunus faces criticism as Sheikh Hasina accuses him of orchestrating “genocidal conspiracies.”

US President-elect Donald Trump claimed responsibility for Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000, celebrating the cryptocurrency’s rise since his election. On Truth Social, he wrote, "You're welcome!" after Bitcoin hit a record high of $103,800.45 on December 5, 2024. The digital asset has soared by around 140% since Trump’s victory, with optimism rising following his nomination of cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. Trump's change of stance, from previously calling cryptocurrencies a "scam" to supporting deregulation, has fueled the rally. Bitcoin’s ascent marks a transformative moment for digital assets.

South Korea’s ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hun has expressed support for suspending President Yoon Suk Yeol’s powers, escalating calls for his impeachment. Han cited Yoon's recent martial law declaration as a “significant risk” to national stability, describing it as potentially unconstitutional. The opposition parties are pushing for a parliamentary vote on impeachment, which requires support from some members of Yoon’s party. Protests have erupted in Seoul, and union workers are planning indefinite strikes. Yoon’s resignation and investigation are demanded by critics, while military officials have promised no further martial law enforcement.

Bangladesh has started removing the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father, from its currency notes. This decision follows the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. New notes, including Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000, will feature elements of the July uprising and Bengali traditions instead. The image of Rahman, often called "Bangabandhu," will be excluded from redesigned banknotes. The changes come after protests targeted his statues and murals, highlighting political tensions in the country.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc dismissed India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal for a platinum duck on the first ball of the day-night Test at Adelaide. Starc’s full, swinging delivery trapped Jaiswal LBW, avenging the opener’s "too slow" remark in Perth. KL Rahul advised Jaiswal against reviewing the decision. Rohit Sharma, returning after paternity leave, shifted to the middle order, while Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin replaced Devdutt Padikkal and Washington Sundar. Australia included Scott Boland for injured Josh Hazlewood. This is the second pink-ball Test between the two teams at Adelaide, where bowlers are expected to dominate.

Bangladesh’s central bank announced plans to remove the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, from banknotes. The new notes will not feature Rahman’s portrait on the 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 Taka bills. Instead, the redesigned notes will showcase religious landmarks, Bengali traditions, and graffiti from the July uprising. The changes are expected to be implemented within six months. The decision follows protests where statues and portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were vandalized. The redesign will be phased, starting with the four most common banknotes.

Syrian rebels have captured the major city of Hama after fierce fighting and a military withdrawal. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared victory, releasing prisoners from a local jail. The military pulled out to avoid urban combat and protect civilians. This follows the rebels' capture of Aleppo last week. Since the start of the offensive, over 720 people, including 111 civilians, have died. The UN warned of Syria's deepening crisis. Russian and Iranian forces have intensified their support for President Assad, while Turkey urges a political solution to end the conflict.