Malaysia has deported 111 foreign migrants, including 49 Bangladeshi nationals, after they completed their prison terms. The deportation took place in the third week of November from the Pineapple Town Immigration Depot in Johor state. According to a notice posted by the Johor Immigration Department on November 24, the deportees also included 24 Indonesians, 12 Nepalese, 9 Pakistanis, 4 Cambodians, 4 Indians, 3 Chinese, and 2 each from Laos, Vietnam, and Singapore. The repatriation was carried out through Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminals 1 and 2, Senai International Airport, the Sultan Iskandar Building Complex, and the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal. The cost of travel was covered by the detainees’ personal savings, family support, or assistance from their respective embassies. Malaysian authorities said such repatriation operations are conducted regularly to prevent overstaying by foreign nationals who have completed their sentences.

The United Kingdom intercepted two Russian naval vessels—the corvette RFN Stokiy and the tanker Yelna—in the English Channel, according to a BBC report on November 24. The British Ministry of Defence stated that Russian naval activity near UK waters has increased by 30% over the past two years. As part of NATO operations, the UK has also deployed three Poseidon surveillance aircraft to Iceland to monitor Russian ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The incident follows reports that a Russian spy ship allegedly targeted British aircraft pilots with lasers off Scotland’s coast. Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the actions as reckless and dangerous, warning Moscow that Britain is prepared to respond to any intrusion. Russia’s London embassy dismissed the claims as rumor-spreading. The event underscores growing UK defense concerns and supports calls for increased military spending amid threats from Russia, China, and Iran.

Malaysia plans to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 starting next year, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on Sunday. The move aims to protect minors from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation. The government is reviewing similar restrictions implemented in countries like Australia, which is preparing to deactivate accounts of users under 16. Fadzil expressed hope that social media companies will comply with the forthcoming regulations. The decision comes amid growing global concern over the impact of social media on child safety and mental health, with major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta facing lawsuits in the United States. In Malaysia, authorities have also tightened oversight of online gambling and content related to race, religion, and the royal family. The proposed ban reflects a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for young users.

Jakarta has overtaken Dhaka as the world's most populous capital city, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' latest 'World Urbanization Prospects 2025' report. The Indonesian capital now has an estimated population of around 42 million, while Dhaka follows closely with about 40 million residents. Tokyo ranks third with 33 million people. The report highlights that 45 percent of the global population of 8.2 billion currently lives in urban areas, compared to only 20 percent in 1950 when the world population was 2.5 billion. It also forecasts that by 2050, two-thirds of global population growth will occur in cities. The number of megacities—those with over 10 million residents—has risen sharply from eight in 1975 to a projected 33 by 2025, with 19 located in Asia. Indonesia’s total population now stands at 286 million, making it the world’s fourth most populous country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his country’s commitment to mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine, saying Turkey will make every effort to end the ongoing conflict. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Erdogan said he plans to discuss the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Corridor with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The grain deal, originally signed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations, allowed safe export of grain and food products from Ukrainian ports but was suspended by Russia in July 2023. Erdogan emphasized that reopening the corridor could facilitate peace efforts and reaffirmed Turkey’s ongoing involvement in international peace initiatives across conflict zones in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He also expressed hope to engage with European and U.S. leaders to find a lasting solution to the war, highlighting Turkey’s earlier mediation efforts in 2022 that led to the initial grain export agreement.

The United States announced significant progress in discussions over its proposed peace plan to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Talks held in Geneva between US, Ukrainian, and European officials reportedly narrowed differences on several complex issues within President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace proposal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the parties have advanced considerably and expressed optimism about moving forward soon, though he withheld specific details. Some matters, including NATO’s role and Ukraine’s security guarantees, remain unresolved. Ukrainian delegation head Andriy Yermak echoed the sentiment, calling the talks a step toward a fair and lasting peace. The development follows tensions after Trump criticized Ukraine for not showing gratitude toward US efforts, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to publicly thank both the United States and Trump for their support, which he said was saving Ukrainian lives.

A Hamas delegation met with Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashed in Cairo to discuss the progress of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ongoing Israeli violations, and the second phase of the truce. According to a Hamas statement, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire but accused Israel of undermining the deal through continued attacks in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Hamas urged mediators to take concrete steps to document violations and ensure immediate action to halt them. Gaza’s media office reported that since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed 342 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. Israel, meanwhile, stated it will not proceed with the second phase of talks until the bodies of all Israeli hostages are returned. Hamas responded that extensive destruction across Gaza has delayed recovery efforts. The meeting highlights Egypt’s ongoing role as a key mediator in the fragile truce process.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s three-day official visit to Bangladesh from November 22 to 24, at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has strengthened the longstanding friendship between the two nations. A joint statement highlighted discussions on enhancing trade, connectivity, and people-to-people relations. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the transit agreement and progress on establishing a Bhutanese special economic zone in Kurigram. Bangladesh offered to supply affordable medicines to Bhutan and proposed additional educational opportunities for Bhutanese students, including seats at BUET and BKSP. Dhaka also reaffirmed support for Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Tobgay expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality and the increased medical college seats for Bhutanese students. Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC frameworks, emphasizing shared values of peace and prosperity. Tobgay invited Yunus to visit Bhutan at a convenient time.

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, has killed five people, including Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haitham Ali al-Tabatabai. The Israeli military confirmed the strike on Sunday, describing al-Tabatabai as a key operational leader within the group. Arab News identified him as Hezbollah’s second most important figure. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 28 others were injured in the attack, which targeted the densely populated Dahiyeh district. Hezbollah confirmed the death of its senior commander, accusing Israel of crossing a 'serious red line.' The strike occurred despite an existing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France in November last year. Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah has been rebuilding its military capacity, smuggling weapons into Lebanon, and increasing the production of explosive drones, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.

Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israel has reportedly carried out nearly 500 attacks in Gaza over the past 44 days, according to Gaza’s media office. The strikes have killed at least 342 Palestinians, including women, children, and the elderly. The Gaza administration condemned Israel’s actions as deliberate violations of international humanitarian law. On Saturday alone, 27 ceasefire breaches were recorded, leaving 24 dead and 87 injured. Israel maintains strict restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, further worsening the crisis. Israeli authorities claim the latest airstrikes were in response to an attack by a Hamas member near the 'Yellow Line.' Hamas leaders have urged mediating countries and the United States to pressure Israel to comply with the ceasefire terms, accusing Israel of seeking excuses to reignite large-scale conflict.

Canada’s Global Affairs department has launched an investigation into allegations that Canadian-made military components reached Israel through U.S. arms factories despite an official export suspension. The probe follows reports by Middle East Monitor claiming hundreds of shipments from Canadian manufacturers were routed to U.S. facilities and later used in Israeli fighter jets, bombs, and artillery. The report also alleged that Canada served as a transit corridor for European-made TNT sent to Israel. Global Affairs spokesperson Samantha Lafleur stated that no new export permits for Israel have been approved since January 8, 2024, and that the department is reviewing the published information. Human rights groups, including World BEYOND War, have long warned about such indirect arms transfers, while opposition MP Jenny Kwan criticized the government’s denial of knowledge, calling it unacceptable. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Western arms flows to Israel during the Gaza conflict.

India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Airshow has raised serious concerns over the country’s defense export ambitions. The incident, which killed pilot Wing Commander Namansh Sal, occurred on November 21 and has been seen as a major setback for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run manufacturer. Analysts say the crash on such a global stage could damage India’s credibility as a defense exporter, though some remain optimistic about Tejas’s recovery. HAL had been targeting markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, even opening an office in Malaysia in 2023. The Tejas project, initiated in the 1980s to replace aging MiG-21s, has faced delays due to engine supply issues from GE Aerospace. With India’s air force operating only 29 of its authorized 42 squadrons, the government is now considering alternatives such as Rafale, F-35, or Su-57 jets while continuing to expand its Tejas fleet. Experts note that beyond exports, Tejas remains vital for India’s future aerospace development.

The G20 summit in Johannesburg, hosted by South Africa, concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration addressing global challenges such as climate change, despite a boycott and strong objections from the United States. The White House accused South Africa of 'weaponizing' its G20 presidency after proceeding without US participation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson stated that the declaration, developed over the past year, would not be reopened for negotiation. The US criticized the inclusion of climate change commitments, which the Trump administration rejects, and objected to the leadership handover process. Argentina, led by right-wing President Javier Milei, also abstained from endorsing the document, citing geopolitical concerns about references to the Middle East conflict. The declaration emphasizes renewable energy goals, debt relief for poor nations, and global cooperation. South Africa defended its approach, saying the majority of members supported the text and that the summit reflected Africa’s growing role in global governance.

Iranian news agency Tasnim has alleged that its Palestinian correspondent, Farah Abu Ayyash, has been subjected to torture and harassment while detained in an Israeli prison. Abu Ayyash, who represents Tasnim in the West Bank city of Hebron, was arrested on August 6 from her home in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. She was later transferred to the Moscovia Detention Center in northern Jerusalem, where she reportedly faced abuse by prison guards. Tasnim initially refrained from publicizing her case due to legal consultations and concerns for her safety. However, after further discussions with her lawyer and the disclosure of her prison experiences, the agency has now made the case public. The incident has drawn attention to the treatment of journalists detained in conflict zones and raised concerns about press freedom and human rights in Israeli detention facilities.

The United States is reportedly preparing new operations in Venezuela, according to four US officials cited by Reuters. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Details about the timing or scope of the planned operation remain unclear, and it is not confirmed whether President Donald Trump has made a final decision. Two officials indicated that the first phase could involve a covert mission targeting Maduro. The Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, while the CIA declined to comment. A senior Trump administration official did not rule out potential actions, saying the president is ready to use all means to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela and ensure accountability. Reports of US military activity in the Caribbean have increased in recent weeks, fueling speculation about possible intervention. The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications has not yet commented on the matter.