Iran has announced the creation of a "hijab removal treatment clinic" aimed at women defying strict hijab laws. According to Mehri Talebi Darestani, head of the Tehran Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice’s Women and Family Department, the clinic offers "scientific and psychological" support. The move has provoked outrage from activists and rights groups, who view it as a method of coercion. Sima Sabet, a UK-based Iranian journalist, criticized the clinic as “chilling.” Iran has intensified its crackdown on women’s dress code violations, with reports of arrests and alleged forced disappearances.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently commanding the International Space Station (ISS), addressed recent health rumors, assuring she maintains the same weight despite physical changes. After spending nearly 150 days in space, Williams’ "sunken" appearance led to speculation about rapid weight loss. She explained that fluid shifts in microgravity often alter astronauts' appearances, making heads seem larger. Williams described her workout routine, including treadmill, bike, and weightlifting exercises designed to support bone density. Williams, along with astronaut Barry Willmore, will return to Earth in February after NASA deemed their original Starliner capsule unsafe for reentry due to technical issues.

New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, made headlines after passionately protesting the Treaty Principles Bill in Parliament. During a parliamentary session, the Te Pati Maori MP performed the traditional Maori haka and tore up a copy of the bill, which seeks to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi’s terms. The Treaty, established in 1840, guaranteed Maori tribes rights over their lands and resources in exchange for British governance. Critics argue that the bill, introduced by ACT New Zealand party, could increase racial tension. Although the bill passed its first vote, it faces limited support and strong public opposition.

The US Capitol celebrated Diwali in its first major event since the recent election, with over two dozen lawmakers and Indian American leaders attending. Organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and other groups, the event highlighted Indian Americans' contributions to the US. Senator Rand Paul praised America as a land of immigrants, while Congressman Shri Thanedar discussed his efforts to support Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. India’s Ambassador, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, acknowledged the strong US-India ties. Attendees expressed hopes for unity under the new administration, with a focus on prosperity, peace, and respect for cultural diversity.

Mohammed Shami may join Jasprit Bumrah in Australia soon after a successful comeback in the Ranji Trophy. Shami, who hadn’t played since the ODI World Cup final, took four wickets for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh. He bowled four tight spells, with three of his wickets clean bowled and one caught by the keeper. The BCCI is pleased with Shami’s consistency and rhythm, shown in a video they posted on X. However, they have set two conditions before he joins the team: he must maintain his fitness level and avoid injuries. Shami’s addition could strengthen India’s pace lineup in Australia.

US President-elect Donald Trump now has full control of the US government, with Republicans holding both the House and Senate. This "trifecta" gives Trump the power to push key promises, like deporting migrants, raising tariffs, and removing environmental laws. However, the Senate's rules still require 60 votes for many bills, meaning Trump will need some Democratic support. Not all Republicans align fully with him, as shown when the Senate chose John Thune over Trump’s preferred leader, Rick Scott. With two years to act before the next election, Trump is expected to push his agenda hard to make lasting changes.

Tulsi Gabbard, former Democrat and military veteran, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as the Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, endorsed Trump earlier this year. In her new role, she will oversee 18 intelligence agencies. Known for her past opposition to US support for Ukraine, Gabbard expressed gratitude to Trump and readiness for the job. She is set to replace Avril Haines and bring her military background and experience from Congress to this key intelligence role. Gabbard was the first Hindu elected to the US Congress.

Delhi’s AQI hit a severe level of 428, raising concerns about air quality and potential restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3. While stricter measures were considered, Environment Minister Gopal Rai noted that GRAP-3 restrictions, which include halting construction and limiting certain vehicles, have not yet been enforced due to predicted short-term improvements. GRAP-3 enforces severe pollution controls, including suspension of demolition activities, additional water sprinkling, and potential online classes for primary schools. Officials emphasize cooperation with nearby regions, as 34% of Delhi’s pollution originates from outside the capital.

Australian media has anointed Yashasvi Jaiswal as the successor to India's "King," Virat Kohli, ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli, who earned admiration and controversy during his career, may be on his final Australia tour, with many tipping the 22-year-old Jaiswal as India's next cricket icon. Jaiswal has impressed with 1,407 Test runs, including multiple double centuries, establishing himself as a potential long-term opener. With support from Australian outlets like Fox Sports and the Herald Sun, Jaiswal joins other young stars, including Shubman Gill, in leading India's cricket future. The series holds high stakes, with a World Test Championship spot in contention.

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has completed 100 days of her stay in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5. Currently residing in a high-security safehouse in Delhi’s Lutyens' Bungalow Zone, Hasina is under tight protection by National Security Guard commandos. Her departure follows mounting opposition and unrest in Bangladesh, where protests escalated against her leadership. The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal issued an arrest warrant for Hasina, intensifying the political climate. Reports indicate she is accompanied by her daughter, Saima Wazed. The situation remains tense as Bangladesh's interim government seeks her extradition through Interpol.