Pakistan carried out midnight airstrikes in Afghanistan’s southeastern Khost province, killing at least 10 people, including nine children and one woman, according to Taliban authorities. The attack reportedly targeted the home of a local resident named Waliat Khan in the Gurbuz district. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strike, calling it an act of aggression by Pakistan’s forces. He also reported additional airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, which left at least four civilians injured. The Taliban government has not yet specified whether it plans to respond militarily or diplomatically. The incident has heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, two neighboring countries that have frequently accused each other of harboring militant groups operating across their shared border. Pakistan has not issued an immediate statement regarding the reported strikes.

US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they discussed key global issues including trade relations, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the fentanyl crisis, and tensions over Taiwan. Following the call, Trump announced he would visit Beijing in April next year and invited Xi to visit Washington. Both leaders agreed to maintain positive momentum in bilateral ties based on equality and mutual benefit. The White House confirmed the hour-long call focused mainly on trade, with both sides expressing satisfaction over recent progress. The discussion follows their meeting in Busan, South Korea, last October, where they reached a tariff truce. Since then, the US has reduced some tariffs on Chinese goods, while China delayed new export restrictions on rare earth metals. The conversation also touched on Taiwan’s sovereignty, which remains a sensitive issue amid China’s strained relations with Japan and the US.

A new study by Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research estimates that more than 100,000 people have died in Gaza during over two years of Israeli military operations. The research, reported by German weekly *Die Zeit* and Anadolu Agency, suggests actual fatalities far exceed official figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which previously reported around 67,000 deaths. Using data from multiple sources—including ministry records, independent household surveys, and social media death notices—the researchers estimate between 99,997 and 125,915 deaths, with an average of 112,069. Co-lead researcher Irina Chen noted that the exact number will likely never be known, but the goal was to produce a realistic estimate. The study also found that 27% of the dead were children under 15 and 24% were women. Life expectancy in Gaza has dropped sharply, from 77 to 46 years for women and from 74 to 36 years for men, reflecting the devastating humanitarian impact of the prolonged conflict.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are meeting in Geneva to finalize the framework of President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed cautious optimism on social media, suggesting that 'something good may be happening.' However, Moscow remains skeptical, fearing that the revised plan may not favor Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not received any official information about the Geneva talks and has no scheduled meetings with U.S. officials this week, though Moscow remains open to dialogue. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin had described Trump’s 28-point draft plan as potentially acceptable to Russia, but the Kremlin is now concerned that changes made during the Geneva discussions could undermine its interests. Russian media outlets have echoed these concerns, warning that Western and Ukrainian negotiators might reshape the plan into something unacceptable for Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the US-backed peace plan for Ukraine, calling the proposal to cede occupied territories to Russia its 'main problem.' Following discussions on the peace framework, Zelensky argued that legitimizing Russia’s control over lands seized by force would set a dangerous global precedent. The draft plan reportedly suggests freezing front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, effectively granting Moscow control over large areas. It also proposes that Kyiv hand over parts of the Donbas region still under Ukrainian control, a condition Zelensky described as deeply concerning. He warned that relinquishing Donbas could expose Ukraine to future Russian aggression. Earlier, both the United States and Ukraine described the 28-point peace plan talks in Geneva as 'highly productive,' though Kyiv’s leadership remains wary of any compromise that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has sharply criticized the latest US proposal aimed at ending the country’s prolonged conflict, describing it as the 'worst document so far.' The US plan calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire followed by a nine-month political process. Al-Burhan objected to provisions that would dissolve the Sudanese armed forces and security institutions while allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to remain in their current positions. He accused Washington of trying to impose conditions on Sudan. Meanwhile, the RSF has expressed its willingness to accept the ceasefire. The war, which began in April 2023, has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than 14 million, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Al-Burhan said the army would only agree to a truce once RSF fighters withdraw from civilian areas and displaced people can safely return home. He reiterated that the military seeks peace but will not accept external pressure.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Palestine in Dhaka, Mr. Ziad M. H. Hamad, paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan on Monday. During the meeting, they discussed opportunities for Palestinian students to study at Dhaka University, including admission procedures, scholarships, and tuition fee waivers. The diplomat requested the university’s cooperation in providing scholarships and fee exemptions for Palestinian students. In response, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khan assured full support and possible assistance from the university to facilitate educational opportunities for Palestinian nationals. The meeting was attended by Dhaka University Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Provost of Shamsunnahar Hall Professor Dr. Nasrin Sultana, and Director of the International Affairs Office Professor Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid. The information was confirmed by the university’s Public Relations Officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam.

A Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed four people and injured 17 others, local officials confirmed on Sunday. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the situation as dire, noting that despite ongoing peace discussions in Geneva involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European representatives, Russian forces continue to target civilian infrastructure and residential areas. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that among the injured were two children aged 11 and 12, and fires broke out in three residential buildings and one infrastructure site. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said significant progress was made in the Geneva talks. U.S. President Donald Trump has given Ukraine until November 27 to approve his proposed 28-point peace plan, which reportedly requires Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its military, and pledge not to join NATO. Ukraine, however, has requested revisions to the draft proposal.

Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has alleged that Hamas has established a covert operational network across Europe capable of carrying out 'on-command' attacks. According to a Mossad statement, cooperation with European security agencies has led to the seizure of weapons caches, arrests of suspects, and the prevention of several planned assaults. Joint operations in countries such as Germany and Austria reportedly disrupted plots targeting Israeli and Jewish communities. A major breakthrough came in September when Austrian authorities discovered a weapons depot in Vienna linked to Mohammed Naim, son of senior Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim. Mossad suggested that Hamas’s Qatar-based leadership may be quietly supporting these networks despite public denials. Investigators are also monitoring Hamas-linked individuals in Turkey, including one recently arrested in Germany. European intelligence agencies have intensified scrutiny of charities and religious organizations suspected of funding or spreading extremist ideology. Mossad claims Hamas has accelerated its foreign network expansion since the October 7 attacks, mirroring tactics used by Iran and its allies.

The United States and Ukraine have agreed to continue discussions on a revised peace framework aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. Following a meeting in Geneva on November 23, both nations issued a joint statement confirming that earlier concerns in the draft proposal had been addressed, though details remain undisclosed. The White House said the new framework aligns with Ukraine’s national interests, but Kyiv has yet to issue its own statement. Despite uncertainty over how Ukraine’s security will be ensured against continued Russian threats, both sides pledged to intensify negotiations before Thursday’s deadline. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the delegation and has returned to Washington. President Donald Trump has pressured Ukraine to reach a deal quickly, criticizing Kyiv’s lack of gratitude for US support. Meanwhile, European nations have presented a counterproposal offering NATO-style security assurances with fewer territorial concessions. The talks occur as Russia advances in some regions and Ukraine faces domestic corruption scandals and infrastructure attacks.

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has dismissed several senior officers and reprimanded others for their roles in the military’s failure to prevent and respond effectively to Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023. The internal investigation found major shortcomings in preparedness and operational response, particularly within the intelligence, operations, and southern command divisions. Some officers were released from reserve duties, one was told his career was over, and another resigned voluntarily. Halevi described the incident as a grave and systemic failure, emphasizing that the lessons learned would guide the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the future. Public pressure for accountability continues to mount, with thousands protesting in Tel Aviv demanding a national inquiry. The October 7 attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.

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.