The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has announced that the current Bangla First Paper syllabus for classes XI and XII, used in the 2024–25 academic year, will remain in effect for the 2025–26 session. According to an official circular issued on Wednesday, November 26, the existing syllabus will continue to apply until new instructions are issued. The directive has been sent to the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, the Directorate of Madrasa Education, the Directorate of Technical Education, the Technical and Madrasa Education Division, the Dhaka Education Board, the Bangladesh Technical Education Board, and the Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board. The decision aims to ensure consistency and stability in the higher secondary curriculum while the NCTB continues its broader curriculum reform initiatives.

Researchers at France’s Institut Pasteur have warned that if the H5 strain of bird flu mutates to spread efficiently between humans, it could cause a pandemic more severe than COVID-19. The virus, currently widespread among wild birds, poultry, and some mammals, has disrupted food supplies and killed millions of birds, though human infections remain rare. Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, medical director at the Pasteur Institute’s Respiratory Infection Center, said the greatest concern is the virus adapting to human-to-human transmission. Since humans lack antibodies against H5, unlike seasonal flu strains H1 and H3, the population would be highly vulnerable. From 2003 to 2025, around 1,000 human infections were recorded, mostly in Egypt, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with a 48% fatality rate. Recent detections in U.S. cattle and the first human H5N5 case in Washington have raised alarms. Experts stress that the pandemic risk remains low but emphasize vigilance and preparedness, noting that vaccine candidates and antivirals are already available.

The five-day Jor Ijtema organized by the Shura-e-Nezam faction of the Tabligh Jamaat is set to begin at the Tongi World Ijtema ground in Gazipur on Friday after Fajr prayers. The event, which serves as a preparatory congregation held about 40 days before the annual World Ijtema, will conclude with the Akheri Munajat (final prayer) on Tuesday, December 2. According to media coordinator Habibullah Raihan, followers of Maulana Zubair Ahmad from home and abroad have already started gathering at the venue’s tin-shed mosque, where senior scholars will deliver guidance and sermons. Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Harun-or-Rashid confirmed that additional police forces will be deployed to ensure the safety of the attendees. Earlier, followers of Maulana Saad Ahmad Kandhalvi held a similar five-day Jor Ijtema in Atibazar, Keraniganj, from November 7 to 11.

Israeli Chief of Staff Ayal Zamir did not attend a crucial security meeting on November 9, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive to do so. The meeting, organized to discuss Turkey’s growing regional influence, included top political and security officials. Zamir’s office cited a 'personal event' as the reason for his absence, but Israeli media later revealed he attended the wedding of Major General Yaniv “Dado” Bar-Haliva’s daughter, alongside other senior military officers. Initially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson claimed Zamir’s absence was due to a pre-scheduled family matter, but later admitted the explanation was an 'unintentional error' caused by confusion over two wedding invitations. The incident has raised questions about the military chief’s decision to disregard the prime minister’s instruction and the IDF’s inconsistent communication. The IDF later clarified that Zamir’s absence had been pre-coordinated and properly communicated in advance.

The world’s first farm dedicated to producing lab-grown or cultured meat is being established in the village of Schipluijden, located in South Holland, the Netherlands. The project, led by cheese producer Kaaren van Leeuwen, will install its first production module this week on a former dairy farm. Cultured meat, first conceptualized by researcher Willem van Eelen and realized in 2013 by Maastricht University’s Mark Post with Google funding, uses stem cells from animal muscle tissue to grow meat without slaughter. The initiative aims to reduce animal suffering and environmental impact associated with intensive livestock farming. The pilot project will produce cultured beef directly on-site, and by spring 2026, an experience center will open to allow visitors to observe the entire process. The production involves cultivating animal cells in a bioreactor under controlled conditions with nutrients like amino acids, sugars, vitamins, and growth hormones, replicating the natural environment inside an animal’s body.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described the move as a 'strategic, bold, and historic decision' aimed at countering a major source of extremism. In an interview with CNN, Gargash argued that the Brotherhood uses Islam as a political tool and that the designation would limit its influence, particularly in controlling mosques and funding networks. He also alleged an 'organic link' between Sudan’s armed forces and the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming some factions sought to regain power during the country’s civil war. Addressing the Sudan conflict, Gargash reiterated the UAE’s stance in favor of an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire and a transition to civilian governance. He denied allegations that Abu Dhabi supports the Rapid Support Forces militarily or politically, emphasizing that the UAE’s goal is to preserve Sudan’s unity and stability.

A growing number of Israelis are leaving the country, citing security concerns, political instability, and economic pressures following the Gaza war. Abraham Binenfeld, an Israeli reservist, is among those reconsidering emigration after continued rocket threats and government policies he views as misguided. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, over 80,000 citizens left the country in 2024, with similar numbers expected this year. A recent Israel Democracy Institute survey found that 27% of Israelis are considering leaving, including 30% of Arab and 26% of Jewish respondents. Secular Jews, particularly young professionals in high-tech, medical, and finance sectors, show the strongest inclination to migrate. Many cite safety, cost of living, and political tensions as key reasons, though most admit lacking a concrete plan. Analysts warn that mass emigration could pose long-term risks to Israel’s social and economic stability.

In Maharashtra’s Kalyan region, three Muslim students were humiliated by Hindu extremists after performing prayers inside a classroom at Ideal College. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal filmed the students praying and circulated the video online, accusing them of hurting Hindu sentiments. The extremists then forced the students to apologize and bow before a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while police officers reportedly stood by without intervening. Eyewitnesses said the students were surrounded and threatened with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram,' a slogan often used to intimidate Muslims. Local Muslim organizations condemned the incident as part of a growing pattern of anti-Muslim harassment across BJP-ruled states, citing police inaction and rising intolerance. Social activists in Mumbai warned that such incidents are deepening fear among Muslim families and students. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned rising Islamophobia in India and urged the international community to take notice.

US President Donald Trump has urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China amid rising tensions over Taiwan. The appeal came after Takaichi stated that Tokyo might intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked, sparking one of the most serious diplomatic disputes between Japan and China in recent years. Beijing strongly protested, demanding a retraction of her remarks, which Takaichi refused. During a phone call with Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the international order. Shortly afterward, Trump spoke with Takaichi, advising her to avoid actions or statements that could inflame Beijing but stopped short of pressuring her to withdraw her comments. The Japanese Prime Minister’s office declined to comment when approached by AFP. The situation underscores the delicate balance in US-Japan-China relations amid the ongoing Taiwan question.

Bangladesh is set to host the first-ever Global Sourcing Expo 2025 from December 1–3 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, Dhaka. Organized by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the event aims to expand Bangladesh’s global export footprint by connecting local exporters with leading importers, sourcing agents, and trade promotion organizations from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The expo will highlight eight promising sectors beyond garments, including leather goods, IT, processed agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, jute, electronics, and lifestyle items. Participating countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have confirmed official delegations. The event will feature B2B sessions and business forums to facilitate direct interaction between foreign buyers and local producers. Organizers and experts believe the expo will strengthen Bangladesh’s export diversification strategy, attract new investments, and enhance the country’s long-term economic growth by promoting emerging industries to international markets.

A controversy erupted after Chattogram North District Jubo Dal’s joint general secretary, Iftekhar Mahmud Zipson, made a statement involving the word 'arms' during a preparatory meeting for BNP’s candidate Nurul Amin in the Mirsharai constituency. The comment went viral on social media, prompting criticism within and outside the party. Following the backlash, the Jubo Dal central committee issued a show-cause notice instructing Zipson to appear in person within three days to explain his remarks before the party’s top leadership. The notice stated that his comments had embarrassed the organization and damaged its image. In response, Zipson clarified that his use of the word 'arms' referred metaphorically to courage, not weapons, and claimed his statement had been distorted. He expressed his commitment to the party and said he would personally explain the matter to the central committee in Dhaka.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has received the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Europe Award in recognition of Turkey’s humanitarian initiatives for Palestinians and its role in transferring patients from Gaza for medical treatment abroad. The award was presented in Ankara by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge. During the ceremony, Erdogan criticized the international community’s silence over the destruction of hospitals and the killing of patients, health workers, and children in Gaza over the past two years. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to global humanitarian values and highlighted the country’s progress in healthcare reform over the last 23 years, ensuring affordable and quality medical services for its 86 million citizens with the support of more than 1.47 million healthcare workers.

A new study by researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University has revealed alarming levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the country’s poultry sector. Published in the Asian-Australasian Journal of Food Safety and Security, the review analyzed two decades of research and found that over 75% of E. coli samples from poultry farms were multidrug-resistant, with the MCR-1 gene detected, rendering key antibiotics like colistin ineffective. Residues of fluoroquinolone and tetracycline were found in 22% and 18% of chicken meat samples respectively, exceeding safe limits. The study warns that unregulated antibiotic use for growth promotion and disease prevention in small and medium farms is driving the spread of resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain. In addition to health threats, untreated poultry waste is polluting soil and water. Researchers urge adopting a 'One Health' approach, stricter regulation of antibiotic sales, improved farm biosecurity, and promotion of probiotic and herbal alternatives to ensure safe and sustainable poultry production.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has summoned the European Union’s ambassador, Giuseppe Perrone, accusing him of violating diplomatic protocol. The president’s office issued a brief statement confirming the summons but did not provide details about the alleged breach. The move follows Perrone’s meeting with Noureddine Taboubi, head of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), a group that has been critical of Saied’s government. EU representatives in Tunis said Perrone had praised the UGTT’s role, while Taboubi called for stronger cooperation between Tunisia and the EU. The UGTT, part of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize-winning National Dialogue Quartet, remains a key political player and one of Saied’s main domestic critics. Since taking power in 2021, Saied has faced accusations of authoritarianism and has imprisoned several opponents. The diplomatic tension highlights growing friction between Tunisia and the EU amid concerns over governance and political freedoms.

At least 31 people have died and 14 others remain missing in Sri Lanka following severe floods and landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall this week, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The worst-hit area is the hilly Badulla district, where 16 people were killed after being buried by landslides, while four more deaths occurred in nearby Nuwara Eliya. More than 400 homes have been submerged, affecting over 4,000 people across 17 districts. Authorities have evacuated over 1,100 families to temporary shelters and issued red alerts for landslides in eight mountainous districts. The DMC warned that river levels are rising rapidly and urged residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground. The government has suspended national examinations for two days due to the extreme weather. Meteorologists attribute the intensified rainfall to a low-pressure system over the island’s east, with some regions recording over 300 millimeters of rain. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency of such disasters in the country.