Oscar-winning Indian composer A R Rahman has spoken candidly for the first time about the personal toll of fame following his divorce from wife Saira Banu after 29 years of marriage. In a recent interview, Rahman reflected on how celebrity status has deeply affected his private life, saying that while fame brought him global recognition, it also took away his freedom and peace. Living in Chennai, he explained, has been both a blessing and a burden—his fans’ love often leaves him with little personal space. Rahman described how public attention follows him everywhere, from airports to weddings, making it difficult to enjoy simple moments. Despite these challenges, he emphasized his attachment to his homeland, saying he never considered moving abroad. Rahman also contrasted the respect for privacy he experiences overseas with the constant public scrutiny in India, acknowledging that fame has come at a heavy personal cost.

Amid global economic instability, inflation, and geopolitical tensions, gold remains a key safe-haven asset for central banks worldwide. According to the latest data from the World Gold Council and international financial institutions, the United States holds the largest gold reserves at 8,133.46 tons, surpassing the combined reserves of the second and third-ranked countries. Germany follows with 3,355.14 tons, while Italy, France, Russia, and China complete the top six. Notably, China increased its reserves by 331 tons between 2019 and 2024. Other significant holders include India (876.2 tons), Japan (846 tons), Turkey (595.4 tons), and Saudi Arabia (323.1 tons). Bangladesh, by comparison, maintains 14.8 tons of gold in its central bank reserves. Although modest globally, this reserve plays an important role in supporting financial stability and international trade confidence. Central banks continue to rely on gold as a core reserve asset due to its enduring value amid global uncertainty.

At least 55 people have died and several remain missing following severe floods in southern and central Vietnam, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Continuous heavy rainfall since late October has inundated coastal cities such as Nha Trang and triggered deadly landslides in the highlands near Da Lat. The Ministry of Environment reported that six provinces have been affected, with Dak Lak suffering the highest death toll. Rescue teams continue searching for missing persons, while floodwaters have rendered multiple highways impassable and left around 300,000 people without electricity. State media noted that over one million residents were initially impacted by power outages. According to Vietnam’s national statistics office, natural disasters have killed or left missing 279 people and caused over $2 billion in damage from January to October this year. Scientists warn that human-induced climate change is intensifying extreme weather events across Southeast Asia, making such floods more frequent and destructive.

Bangladesh strengthened their position in the Mirpur Test against Ireland after spinner Hasan Murad claimed a wicket with his very first delivery. Chasing a massive target of 509 runs, Ireland lost their third wicket for just 77 runs. Murad’s delivery, a slower arm ball, struck debutant Cade Carmichael on the pads, prompting an immediate out decision from the umpire, which the batter did not review. With this breakthrough, Ireland now stands at 77 for 3, still needing 432 runs to win, while Bangladesh requires seven more wickets to secure victory. The dismissal mirrored Murad’s earlier success in the match, further tightening Bangladesh’s grip on the game and putting them on the brink of a commanding Test win at home.

Police in Mymensingh’s Trishal upazila have arrested four individuals, including a woman, for allegedly luring a government doctor into a honey trap, assaulting him, and extorting Tk 300,000. The victim, Dr. Shafiqul Islam, a health officer at Sripur Upazila Health Complex in Gazipur, was allegedly deceived through a fake Facebook profile named 'Jui Chowdhury' used by a woman identified as Tania Akter. After being invited to meet in Trishal, the doctor was taken to a rented flat where several people ambushed him, recorded compromising videos, and demanded Tk 1 million under threat of death. He was forced to pay Tk 22,500 in cash and Tk 280,000 via mobile transfer. Following his release, he filed a case with Trishal Police Station. Officers later arrested four suspects—Rabiul Molla, Sonali Akter, Rajna Akter, and Amirun—and recovered Tk 56,850 and six mobile phones used in the crime. Police are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Government employees in Bangladesh have called an urgent meeting to finalize their movement demanding the implementation of the ninth pay scale by December. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, at the Dhaka University Fourth Class Employees Association office. Representatives from around a dozen organizations, in addition to the 12 unions under the Bangladesh Government Employees Demand Realization Unity Council, are expected to attend. According to the council’s coordinator, Md. Mahmudul Hasan, the participating organizations will discuss and finalize a program of action to press for the pay scale’s implementation. The meeting aims to unify various employee groups under a single platform to strengthen their collective bargaining power. The decision on the next course of action, including possible demonstrations or negotiations, is expected to emerge from this gathering.

A large nurses’ rally in Dhaka on Saturday caused severe traffic disruptions as major roads near the National Press Club were closed from 10 a.m. onward. The demonstration, organized by thousands of nurses, led to the shutdown of Topkhana Road between Paltan intersection and Kadam Fountain, forcing vehicles to be diverted through Bijoynagar and Kakrail. The diversion resulted in heavy congestion and long delays, leaving commuters frustrated. Many passengers criticized the lack of prior notice and urged authorities to reconsider the practice of blocking roads for rallies. The nurses gathered to protest against the alleged attempt to dissolve the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery and demanded the formation of a National Nursing Commission. Police officials said the rally was expected to end by early afternoon, after which normal traffic flow would resume.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that food supplies to Gaza remain insufficient to meet the population’s needs, even though deliveries have increased since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10. WFP spokesperson Martin Penner said that while conditions have improved compared to wartime, sustainable support is still needed to rebuild families’ health, nutrition, and livelihoods. Heavy winter rains have worsened the situation, damaging stored food and supplies in many households, according to senior spokesperson Abeer Etefa. Despite sending around 40,000 tons of food aid, WFP managed to reach only about 530,000 of the 1.6 million people in need earlier this month due to logistical challenges. The agency emphasized that millions still require urgent food assistance, with some areas facing famine-like conditions.

India’s Reliance Industries Limited, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has announced it has stopped importing Russian crude oil for its export-oriented refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The decision comes ahead of European Union sanctions on Russian oil set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and amid growing US pressure on India over its energy trade with Moscow. Reliance confirmed that from November 20, its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) refinery ceased using Russian crude, and from December 1, all exported products will be derived from non-Russian sources. The move aligns with upcoming trade restrictions and ongoing US sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, which supply much of India’s Russian oil. Washington recently imposed sanctions on both firms, accusing them of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The development coincides with discussions of a potential trade agreement between India and the United States, signaling a possible shift in India’s energy sourcing strategy.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the party will transform the Islamic Foundation into a full-fledged state institution if it comes to power. Speaking at a discussion with mosque-based education caretakers in Dhaka, he criticized widespread corruption, moral decline, and politicization of public institutions under the Awami League government. Fakhrul questioned why moral values have weakened despite the presence of numerous mosques and madrasas in Bangladesh. Citing Indonesia as an example, he emphasized the need for institutional religious consultation in governance. He accused the current administration of undermining democracy, religious freedom, and merit-based appointments. Fakhrul also called for strengthening moral education in families, schools, and madrasas to curb crime and social decay. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to democratic values and institutional reform to restore accountability and ethical governance.

Colombian authorities have seized 14 tons of cocaine from a warehouse near the Pacific port of Buenaventura, marking the country’s largest drug bust in ten years. The operation, carried out without casualties, was announced by the Ministry of Defense on social media. President Gustavo Petro confirmed the seizure, which comes amid escalating tensions with Washington over Colombia’s anti-narcotics efforts. The United States recently criticized Bogotá for insufficient action against drug trafficking and warned of possible financial sanctions and removal from the list of allies in the US-led war on drugs. Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine. President Petro has been openly critical of former US President Donald Trump’s anti-drug policies and has condemned US naval operations in the Caribbean and Pacific as extrajudicial killings. The massive seizure is seen as a significant move by Colombia to demonstrate its commitment to combating the narcotics trade despite diplomatic strains with the United States.

A second earthquake was recorded in Gazipur’s Baipail area near Dhaka within 24 hours of a deadly tremor that struck the region. According to the Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation and Research Center, the quake occurred at 10:36 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, with a magnitude of 3.3 on the Richter scale. Officials described it as a minor earthquake with its epicenter located in Baipail. The previous day, a stronger 5.7-magnitude quake hit about 13 kilometers east of Dhaka, killing ten people, including two children, and injuring hundreds across several districts. Four deaths occurred in Dhaka, five in Narsingdi, and one in Narayanganj. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as residents remain anxious following the back-to-back tremors.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the United States’ proposed peace plan could serve as a foundation for ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting with his security cabinet, Putin said Moscow has received the 28-point proposal and is willing to show flexibility, but remains ready to continue fighting if Kyiv rejects it. He criticized Ukraine and its European allies for being under the illusion that Russia can be strategically defeated on the battlefield. The plan, described by Putin as an updated version of discussions held with US President Donald Trump before their planned Alaska summit in August, has reportedly been accepted by Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump has given Ukraine until Thursday to accept the US peace proposal, insisting that Kyiv must agree to it. The development highlights renewed diplomatic maneuvering amid ongoing hostilities and differing expectations between Moscow, Kyiv, and Western capitals.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, while Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder emerged as a major attraction, earning global praise and renewed export interest. Pakistan announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with a friendly nation for the sale of JF-17 aircraft, though details of the deal remain undisclosed. Officials confirmed that several other countries have shown strong interest in purchasing the aircraft, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s aerospace industry. The JF-17 Block-3 variant, featuring advanced avionics, enhanced radar, and electronic warfare systems, was showcased prominently. Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with UAE defense leaders to discuss training, aerospace cooperation, and joint operations. The UAE military leadership commended Pakistan’s professionalism and innovation, agreeing to strengthen long-term strategic collaboration. The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, continues to bolster Pakistan’s defense export potential and international reputation.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a mass rally in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon demanding that the Awami League be tried as a political party for alleged involvement in the July massacre. According to a press release signed by NCP Joint Member Secretary and Media Cell Editor Mushfiq Us Salehin, the rally will begin at 3:30 p.m. from Banglamotor intersection. NCP Dhaka Metropolitan Unit is organizing the event, with Convener Nahid Islam expected to attend. The party plans to call for the implementation of verdicts against those responsible for the July killings and to demand justice for the Awami League and its coalition partners. Nahid Islam first raised the demand for Awami League’s trial following the death sentence verdict against Sheikh Hasina on November 17. Previously, the NCP had led protests seeking to ban the Awami League, which was later followed by an interim government decision to suspend the party’s activities.