A newly mutated strain of the H3N2 influenza virus is spreading rapidly across continents, prompting global health experts to issue warnings about a potentially severe flu season. The variant, first linked to outbreaks in Japan and the United Kingdom, has now been detected worldwide. Scientists attribute the surge partly to reduced population immunity, as people have had limited exposure to flu viruses in recent years.

Researchers at Cambridge University and the Francis Crick Institute report that the H3N2 'subclade K' strain carries seven new mutations, making it antigenically distinct from previous forms. Although symptoms may not be more severe than typical flu, experts caution that lower immunity could lead to higher infection rates and hospitalizations, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable. Current flu vaccines may offer only partial protection, though health authorities stress that some immunity is better than none.

Public health agencies in the UK and Japan have urged vaccination, hygiene measures, and temporary school closures to curb transmission. Experts warn that this season’s mismatch between circulating strains and vaccines could test global preparedness for respiratory outbreaks.

Google co-founder Larry Page has climbed to the second spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s richest individuals, surpassing Oracle’s Larry Ellison. As of December 1, Page’s net worth reached $262 billion, marking a $30 billion increase in just one month. The rapid growth of Alphabet’s artificial intelligence ventures has been a key factor behind his wealth surge.

Despite market volatility, the dominance of technology leaders in global wealth rankings remains evident, with nine of the top ten billionaires coming from the tech sector. Page, 52, has largely withdrawn from public appearances and Alphabet’s daily operations, focusing instead on futuristic projects such as the flying taxi startup Kitty Hawk. In contrast, peers like Mark Zuckerberg maintain a more public profile.

Elon Musk continues to hold the top position with an estimated $483 billion, despite controversies over Tesla’s compensation package and valuation debates around xAI. The combined wealth of the top ten billionaires stands at $2.4 trillion, underscoring the enduring influence of technology in global capital markets.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under intense criticism after presenting a peace prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump during the World Cup draw ceremony on December 5. The move has sparked debate within the global football community, with many accusing Infantino of breaching FIFA’s strict political neutrality rules.

Human rights group FairSquare submitted a formal complaint, alleging that Infantino violated four specific neutrality provisions by honoring a sitting political figure. Critics argue that such recognition undermines FIFA’s commitment to impartiality and could damage the organization’s credibility. The FIFA Ethics Committee has been urged to investigate the matter.

Trump, upon receiving the award, described it as one of the greatest honors of his life, claiming his administration helped prevent conflicts in regions such as Congo and between India and Pakistan. The controversy now places Infantino under scrutiny, with potential implications for FIFA’s governance and its approach to political engagement in global sports.

OpenAI has dismissed recent speculation that advertisements are being introduced into ChatGPT, clarifying that no active ad testing or deployment is underway. The company’s ChatGPT head, Nick Turley, stated that users will instead gain more control over the app’s suggestion section, which had sparked confusion after screenshots resembling ads circulated online.

Turley emphasized that the screenshots shared by some users were either fake or misinterpreted, and reiterated that OpenAI has not conducted any live advertising experiments. He added that if the company ever decides to introduce ads, it will do so transparently and with user interests in mind. Meanwhile, Chief Research Officer Mark Chen confirmed that the suggestion feature has been temporarily disabled as the team explores ways to enhance user customization.

The clarification comes as OpenAI refocuses on improving ChatGPT’s user experience following Google’s release of its Gemini 3 model. CEO Sam Altman has reportedly instructed staff to pause new feature rollouts temporarily to strengthen the platform’s performance and reliability.

Football fans around the world are anticipating a potential clash between Brazil and Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking what could be their first World Cup encounter in 36 years. The two South American giants last met in the tournament in 1990, when Argentina edged out Brazil in the Round of 16. The possibility of a new showdown depends heavily on how both teams perform in the group stage of the expanded 2026 edition.

If both Brazil and Argentina top their respective groups, they would only meet in the semifinals or later. Even if both finish as runners-up, a semifinal meeting would remain the earliest possible stage. However, if one team qualifies as a third-placed side, the knockout bracket could create an earlier encounter, though the exact stage would depend on final group standings and FIFA’s knockout schedule.

The official knockout pathway is expected to be clarified once FIFA finalizes the 2026 World Cup bracket, fueling excitement among fans and analysts awaiting a possible renewal of one of football’s fiercest rivalries.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been awarded the FIFA Peace Award, recognizing his claimed contributions to global peace initiatives. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the honor, emphasizing football’s role as a symbol of unity and the importance of acknowledging individuals who bring people together in turbulent times.

According to FIFA, Trump was recognized for his involvement in peace efforts linked to the Abraham Accords and mediation attempts in conflicts involving Rwanda–DR Congo, Cambodia–Thailand, Kosovo–Serbia, India–Pakistan, Egypt–Ethiopia, Armenia–Azerbaijan, and Israel–Hamas, as well as his continued efforts regarding the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Infantino previously remarked that Trump’s mediation work after the Israel–Gaza ceasefire was comparable to Nobel Peace Prize–level efforts.

However, the decision has drawn criticism. Outlets like The New York Times noted that Trump’s claims of ending multiple wars remain disputed, and Human Rights Watch has questioned FIFA’s transparency in the nomination and selection process, saying the organization has not responded to its inquiries.

Apple is expected to introduce a new budget-friendly model, the iPhone 17e, as part of its upcoming iPhone 17 series in early 2026, according to international media reports. The device will reportedly feature Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, promising improved gaming, image processing, and AI-driven performance. Analysts suggest that while CPU upgrades will be modest, GPU performance will see significant enhancement. The iPhone 17e is also expected to adopt the dynamic island design, replacing the older notch criticized in the iPhone 16e, giving it a more modern appearance and better notification handling. Camera improvements may include an 18-megapixel front camera with Center Stage support, automatically adjusting framing during video calls or selfies. Although Apple has not officially confirmed pricing or release dates, analysts predict a February 2026 launch, following the company’s usual schedule. In Bangladesh, the current iPhone 16e is priced around 75,000 taka.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held on Friday, December 5, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams instead of 32. Hosts United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically qualify, while six playoff winners will complete the lineup. The tournament is set to begin on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19. FIFA President Gianni Infantino will oversee the draw, which starts at 11 PM Bangladesh time, with the full match schedule to be released the following day. Teams are divided into four pots based on FIFA rankings, with 12 teams in each pot. Spain and Argentina, along with France and England, are placed in separate halves to avoid early clashes. Fans can watch the draw live on FIFA’s official website and YouTube channel, while updates will also be available on Transfermarkt and social media platforms.

FIFA is preparing to introduce enhanced technology measures for the 2026 World Cup, including expanded use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Currently, VAR is permitted only for direct red card decisions, but FIFA has applied to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for approval to use it in reviewing second yellow card incidents and disputed corner kick decisions. The final decision on these rule changes is expected after IFAB’s meeting in March. Meanwhile, host nations the United States and Mexico are intensifying their preparations by scheduling high-profile friendly matches against top European teams. The U.S. will face Belgium, Germany, and Portugal in world-class venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Bank of America Stadium, while Mexico will play Portugal and Belgium at the iconic Azteca Stadium, which is undergoing renovations to host World Cup matches for a record third time.

A new analysis by travel insurance company Compare the Market has identified Bangkok as the world's most dangerous city for tourists in terms of pickpocketing, scams, and theft. The study reviewed traveler reviews from over 75 major tourist destinations to rank cities based on reported incidents and perceived risks. Bangkok scored 83.45, topping the list, followed by Paris (68.81) and Prague (52.16). Shanghai ranked fourth due to its high rate of scams rather than thefts, while Agra, Rome, Pattaya, Phuket, Shenzhen, and Mumbai completed the top ten. The report highlights that both Asia and Europe dominate the risk rankings, with 24 Asian and 27 European cities appearing on the list. Analysts emphasize that while these cities remain popular for their culture and attractions, tourists should remain vigilant against petty crimes and fraudulent schemes to ensure safe travel experiences.

A supercomputer operated by football analytics firm Opta has predicted that Spain has the highest probability of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a 17% chance based on team performance, history, and statistical data. France follows with a 14.1% chance, while England ranks third at 11.8%. Defending champions Argentina are fourth with an 8.7% chance, facing the challenge of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups. Germany, Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, and Colombia complete the top ten. The tournament, featuring a record 48 teams, will hold its draw in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Italy remains the most notable absentee, having failed to qualify. At the other end, Jordan, Curaçao, and Haiti are given virtually no chance of lifting the trophy according to the simulation.

The United Nations is grappling with a severe financial crisis after four major member states—United States, China, Russia, and Mexico—failed to pay their dues, leaving the organization short of $1.59 trillion. To manage the shortfall, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a 15.1% reduction in the 2026 budget to $3.24 billion and an 18.8% cut in staff positions, eliminating 2,681 posts. Despite the austerity, funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and African development initiatives will remain unchanged. The UN also plans to reduce spending on special political missions by 21.6% and cancel two office leases in New York by 2027 to save $24.5 million annually from 2029. Guterres emphasized that the liquidity crisis has already left 18% of positions vacant, warning that continued non-payment by member states threatens the UN’s operational capacity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2024, bringing the global total to 40.8 million living with the virus. Around 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes during the same period. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that global HIV prevention efforts are facing a critical moment due to declining international funding and stagnating prevention programs. The organization noted that stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers continue to prevent vulnerable groups from accessing essential services. WHO also highlighted the approval of lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, as a major breakthrough for those unable to take daily medication. However, the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition warned that funding cuts could deprive 2.5 million people of PrEP access in 2024. WHO urged governments to integrate HIV services into primary healthcare, increase local investment, and protect the rights of at-risk populations to sustain progress toward ending AIDS.

Researchers are making significant progress in developing lab-grown versions of the world’s rarest blood type, known as Rh-null or 'Golden Blood', which occurs in only one out of every six million people. This blood type lacks all 50 Rh antigens, making it compatible with nearly all Rh blood types but extremely difficult to find for transfusions. Scientists from the University of Bristol, Laval University in Canada, and institutions in Barcelona are using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to remove key antigens from stem cells, creating universal or Rh-null-like red blood cells. The research aims to produce blood that can be safely transfused to patients regardless of blood group, potentially revolutionizing transfusion medicine. However, experts caution that large-scale production and clinical application remain years away due to strict regulations and the need for extensive trials. The work, led by Professor Toye and others, also includes non-gene-edited lab-grown blood trials under the RESTORE project, marking the world’s first human testing of lab-produced red blood cells.

Severe tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have killed more than 900 people across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka over the past week to ten days. Indonesia’s Sumatra Island was hardest hit by Cyclone Seniyar, with at least 435 deaths and more than 400 people missing. Sri Lanka, battered by Cyclone Ditwah, reported 334 deaths and extensive damage to over 25,000 homes, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. In southern Thailand, 162 people died and 3.5 million were affected, though floodwaters have begun to recede. Malaysia reported two deaths and the evacuation of 34,000 people from coastal areas. Rescue operations continue across all four nations, with military helicopters delivering aid to isolated regions. Communication and transport networks remain severely disrupted in many affected areas, while reports of looting have emerged in some Indonesian towns due to delayed relief supplies.