Australia strengthened their hold on the Ashes series after dominating the second day of the third Test in Adelaide. The hosts posted a total of 371 runs, led by Alex Carey’s century and solid contributions from Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc. England’s reply faltered badly, reaching only 213 for eight at stumps, still trailing by 158 runs with just two wickets in hand.

England’s batting woes continued as early wickets fell cheaply, leaving them struggling at 59 for three before lunch. Only Ben Stokes and Harry Brook offered resistance, while captain Pat Cummins returned to form with three wickets for 54 runs. Mitchell Starc, who earlier scored a half-century, went wicketless but maintained pressure with the ball.

With Australia already leading the five-Test series 2–0, another victory in Adelaide would secure the Ashes. England’s hopes now rest on Stokes and Jofra Archer, who remain unbeaten, but the deficit and lack of batting depth make a comeback highly unlikely.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced sweeping reforms to strengthen hate speech laws following the Bondi Beach massacre that killed 15 people. After a National Security Committee meeting, Albanese outlined new federal offenses targeting hate speech promoters and leaders, with increased penalties for incitement to violence. The reforms also classify hate motivation as an aggravating factor in online harassment and threats.

The proposed legislation comes amid a surge in hate crimes and extremist rhetoric across Australia. Authorities have reported a rise in both anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish incidents since the Bondi attack. In one case, a Muslim cemetery was desecrated with a pig’s head, highlighting growing communal tensions. The government has also begun listing organizations whose leaders advocate racial hatred or supremacy.

Analysts say the measures mark one of the most significant updates to Australia’s hate crime framework in decades. Lawmakers are expected to debate the bill early next year, with civil rights groups urging careful balance between security and free speech protections.

At least three people were killed early Thursday in a Ukrainian drone strike targeting Russia’s Rostov region, according to regional governor Yuri Slyusar. The attack hit a cargo ship docked at the regional capital’s port, igniting a fire that killed two sailors and injured three others. Another civilian was killed and six wounded in nearby Bataysk city. Authorities said damage assessments are underway.

The assault marks another escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to strike deep inside Russian territory, focusing on energy and logistics infrastructure that sustain Moscow’s war effort. Russian officials claim to intercept dozens of drones nightly, while Kyiv has recently acknowledged attacks on oil tankers and ports in the Black Sea, including Novorossiysk, a key oil terminal temporarily shut down after a previous strike.

Despite renewed U.S.-led diplomatic initiatives for a ceasefire, neither side has shown willingness to halt hostilities. Turkey has warned that continued attacks on Black Sea shipping could dangerously heighten regional tensions.

The United States has approved a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking the largest defense package ever offered to the island. The deal, authorized under President Donald Trump’s administration, includes rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius combat drones, and various equipment parts. Washington described the sale as essential for strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and maintaining regional stability.

The announcement comes as Beijing intensifies military and diplomatic pressure on Taipei, conducting frequent air and naval maneuvers near the island. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the new weapons will enhance its deterrence capacity. The Pentagon stated that the sale supports US national, economic, and security interests by modernizing Taiwan’s armed forces.

Analysts view the move as a signal of continued US commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. However, the sale is expected to draw sharp criticism from China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and opposes foreign military support.

The United States Southern Command confirmed that four suspected drug traffickers were killed during a military operation targeting a narcotics-laden vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The strike, carried out by US forces, was directed at a ship allegedly linked to a designated terrorist organization. The operation resulted in no American military casualties, according to an official statement released via social media platform X.

The Southern Command emphasized that the mission was part of ongoing efforts to curb transnational drug trafficking networks operating across the Pacific. While details about the vessel’s origin and destination remain undisclosed, officials described the action as a necessary step to disrupt criminal groups financing terrorism through narcotics trade. The announcement follows a series of maritime interdictions conducted by US forces in the region.

Analysts note that the strike underscores Washington’s intensified focus on maritime security and counter-narcotics operations in the Pacific corridor. Further investigations are expected to determine the affiliations of the deceased traffickers and the broader network behind the shipment.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has claimed that nearly 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of 2025. Speaking at a Defense Ministry meeting attended by President Vladimir Putin, Belousov asserted that Ukraine’s military capability has fallen by about one-third compared to last year. He added that the scale of losses has made it difficult for Kyiv to reorganize its forces.

Belousov further stated that Ukraine has lost more than 103,000 pieces of military equipment this year, including 5,500 tanks and armored vehicles supplied by Western allies. He argued that the heavy casualties have discouraged civilians from joining the army, complicating Ukraine’s mobilization efforts.

The remarks come amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that began in 2022 after tensions over Crimea and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Western sources have not independently verified the Russian figures, and analysts caution that both sides often release conflicting casualty data for strategic reasons.

The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), one of the world’s foremost climate research institutions based in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1960 with federal funding, NCAR has been a cornerstone of atmospheric and climate science for decades. According to the Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vogt, only activities deemed 'essential' will be transferred to other agencies or locations.

Vogt described NCAR as a major source of 'climate alarmism,' while U.S. media reported that the closure process will begin immediately, including the shutdown of its Mesa Laboratory. Prominent climate scientist Kevin Trenberth warned that closing the lab would cause severe damage to global scientific research, noting NCAR’s crucial role in advancing modern climate science.

The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader rollback of clean energy and climate policies enacted under his predecessor Joe Biden. Trump, who has repeatedly questioned climate change, recently called it 'the greatest hoax in Earth’s history' during a United Nations address.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will achieve its objectives in Ukraine through either diplomatic or military means, reiterating plans to establish and expand a 'security buffer zone' along contested regions. Speaking on Wednesday, Putin said the goals of the 'special military operation' would be fulfilled and that Russia preferred diplomacy to address the root causes of the conflict. However, he warned that if Ukraine and its Western backers refuse genuine talks, Russia will proceed militarily.

Putin claimed that Russia continues to advance on all fronts, even as U.S. President Donald Trump presses for a rapid peace agreement. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov acknowledged Ukraine’s attempts to retake the northeastern city of Kupiansk but said they were unsuccessful, while Kyiv asserted control over 90% of the city. Putin also accused European leaders of spreading fear about war with Russia, insisting Moscow does not seek conflict but is prepared if Europe chooses confrontation.

The remarks come as the war reaches a critical juncture, with territorial control contested and diplomatic efforts intensifying.

The United States Senate has passed the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 by a 77–20 vote, following earlier approval by the House of Representatives. The bill, now awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature, outlines defense spending priorities and policy frameworks for the coming year. It includes provisions to maintain congressional oversight over military operations and restrict troop reductions in Europe and South Korea without prior consultation.

The legislation allocates $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $1 billion for Taiwan’s defense cooperation, and $600 million for Israel’s missile defense programs, including Iron Dome. It also repeals outdated authorizations for the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War to limit future unilateral military actions. Additionally, the bill cuts $1.6 billion from Pentagon climate programs and eliminates the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative to save $40 million.

Analysts view the bill as a reflection of Washington’s intent to balance global commitments with domestic oversight amid rising tensions with China and Russia.

Global oil markets saw renewed volatility after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade on all authorized oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move immediately pushed crude prices higher, with Brent futures rising 1.5% to $59.79 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbing to $56.12. The announcement came at a time of recovering demand, amplifying concerns about supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.

Traders in Asia described the price rebound as partly emotional, noting that Venezuela contributes a relatively small share to global oil supply. However, the timing of the U.S. action, coinciding with progress in Russia–Ukraine peace talks, added complexity to market sentiment. Analysts said that if sanctions on Moscow ease following a peace deal, global supply could stabilize despite the Venezuelan restrictions.

Market observers warned that while the short-term spike reflects risk sentiment, continued political maneuvering in Washington and Caracas could sustain volatility. Investors are now watching both the U.S. policy trajectory and the outcome of the Russia–Ukraine negotiations for cues on oil’s next direction.

Indian police have confirmed that one of the two attackers killed in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney was an Indian citizen named Sajid Akram, aged 50. Akram, originally from Hyderabad, had moved to Australia in 1998 for work and participated in the attack alongside his son, Navid Akram. The incident, which left at least 16 people dead, is being described as Australia’s deadliest shooting in nearly three decades.

According to Telangana state police, Sajid Akram had no prior criminal record or known extremist affiliations. His family reported no signs of radicalization, and Indian authorities stated there was no evidence linking the attack to any Indian group or network. Australian police revealed that Sajid and his son had traveled to the Philippines last month, but the purpose of that trip remains under investigation.

Authorities in both countries are examining possible extremist motives and international connections, including whether the attackers targeted specific communities. The Bondi Beach tragedy has sparked widespread concern in Australia and abroad, prompting heightened security and a joint investigation into the attackers’ backgrounds and motives.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the end of the Ukraine war is nearer than at any previous point, following two days of discussions in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. Speaking later at the White House, Trump described the talks as highly positive and said the current situation offers the most promising opportunity yet for a ceasefire agreement.

According to a senior U.S. official, around 90 percent of issues between Russia and Ukraine have been agreed upon, though territorial concessions remain unresolved. Washington has reportedly offered Kyiv a NATO-style security guarantee under an Article 5-like framework, which Russia may not oppose. However, the guarantee would not be permanent, officials cautioned.

Zelensky welcomed the U.S. proposal but reiterated his refusal to cede territory to Russia. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial as Washington seeks to broker a compromise that could finally bring an end to the nearly three-year conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday expanded Washington’s travel ban to include citizens from seven additional countries, notably Syria, Laos, and several African states such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The order also blocks entry for holders of Palestinian Authority passports, marking a significant escalation in Trump’s long-standing campaign to restrict immigration on security grounds. The White House said the move targets individuals deemed potential threats to U.S. institutions or values.

The decision follows the killing of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian in Syria, an event that renewed scrutiny of regional security. Critics view the expansion as politically charged and discriminatory, particularly as Trump has recently intensified rhetoric against African and Muslim-majority nations. Several Western allies, including France and Britain, have expressed concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic fallout.

The new restrictions add to an already extensive list of countries facing full or partial bans. Analysts warn that the policy could strain U.S. relations with African and Middle Eastern partners and complicate refugee resettlement programs previously supported by Washington.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Ahmed Al Ahmed, a Muslim man injured while stopping a gunman during the Bondi Beach shooting, calling him a “national hero.” Visiting Al Ahmed at St. George Hospital in Sydney, the prime minister thanked the 43-year-old father of two for his bravery and self-sacrifice, saying his actions symbolized national unity in the face of terror.

Police said Al Ahmed tackled one of the attackers, disarmed him, and forced his surrender despite being shot multiple times. The assault, carried out by a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son, left 15 people dead and 42 injured. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack and are investigating possible motives and links.

Albanese urged Australians to reject fear and division, emphasizing solidarity against extremism. Vigils and candlelight gatherings were held across Sydney to honor the victims, as the nation mourns one of its deadliest public attacks in recent years.

Australian authorities are investigating conflicting reports about the nationality of the gunman involved in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. The attacker, identified as Sajid Akram, was killed at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Navid Akram, remains hospitalized. Initial social media claims described the suspect as Pakistani, but no official documentation has confirmed that nationality.

Philippine immigration officials revealed that Sajid and Navid Akram spent most of November 2025 in the Philippines, entering the country from Sydney on November 1. Sajid reportedly declared himself as an Indian citizen upon entry, while his son held Australian citizenship. They departed the Philippines on November 28 for Sydney, days before the attack.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the pair’s background, motives, and citizenship status. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation until the inquiry concludes, noting that no verified evidence yet supports claims of Pakistani citizenship.