A new investigation by the Sudan Witness Project has found that at least 1,700 civilians were killed in airstrikes carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since the civil conflict began in April 2023. The report, based on analysis of 384 verified air attacks through July 2025, documents bombings in residential areas, markets, hospitals, and schools, with more than 1,120 others injured. The SAF denies deliberately targeting civilians, claiming its operations focus only on legitimate military objectives. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused by the United States of genocide in Darfur, lack air power but have increasingly used drones. Project director Mark Snoeck said evidence suggests SAF failed to take adequate measures to avoid civilian casualties. The British Foreign Office condemned the attacks as showing “unacceptable disregard for civilian safety.” Analysts warn that both sides face growing allegations of war crimes as air and drone strikes intensify. Despite heavy civilian losses, neither faction has achieved significant military gains, raising fears of a prolonged humanitarian disaster.

Turkey and Hungary on Monday signed 16 agreements covering aviation, security, technology, culture, and education, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations. The signing took place in Istanbul during the seventh Turkey-Hungary High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Erdoğan stated that the two nations are on track to reach their $6 billion trade target and are considering raising it to $10 billion. The leaders also agreed to form a joint planning group, led by their foreign ministries, to coordinate responses to bilateral and global challenges. Erdoğan highlighted ongoing defense industry cooperation and joint production projects amid Europe’s shifting security landscape. Both leaders discussed regional issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East tensions. Erdoğan expressed confidence that Hungary would continue supporting Turkey’s goal of full European Union membership. The agreements are expected to enhance economic and strategic collaboration between Ankara and Budapest in the coming years.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) southern region, alleged that the former Awami League government coerced the judiciary into validating unlawful decisions. He made the remarks while testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 in the case concerning the killing of Abu Sayeed, a Begum Rokeya University student and the first martyr of the July Movement. Abdullah claimed that during the Awami League’s tenure, intelligence officials dictated media narratives, and their statements were directly reflected in television news scrolls. His testimony was recorded before a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The tribunal proceedings are part of ongoing investigations into political violence and alleged abuses of power. The allegations add to a series of testimonies criticizing the previous administration’s handling of judicial independence. Legal analysts suggest the tribunal’s findings could influence future accountability measures and shape public discourse on the separation of powers in Bangladesh.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the final list of players eligible for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, featuring seven Bangladeshi cricketers but excluding Shakib Al Hasan, the country’s most successful IPL representative to date. The auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in the United Arab Emirates. Among the Bangladeshi players, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has the highest base price at INR 2 crore. Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam each carry a base price of INR 75 lakh, while spinner Rakibul Hasan is listed at INR 30 lakh. The announcement comes as franchises prepare to rebuild squads ahead of the next season, which will follow the T20 World Cup. Analysts note that Shakib’s omission may reflect his recent injury concerns and limited availability. The inclusion of several young Bangladeshi players, however, signals growing international recognition of the country’s emerging T20 talent pool.

Dhaka police are investigating the gruesome killing of Laila Afroz and her daughter Nafisa Lawal Binte Aziz, whose bodies were found with multiple stab wounds in their Mohammadpur residence on December 8. The authorities have filed a murder case naming domestic worker Ayesha as the prime suspect, though the motive remains unclear. Investigators described the attack as unusually brutal, with forensic reports showing over 30 injuries on the mother and several deep wounds on the daughter. Deputy Commissioner Ibn Mizan of the Tejgaon Division said the nature of the killings suggests the assailant was a trained killer. CCTV footage is being analyzed to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the incident. Police sources indicated that the killer may have changed clothes and left the scene calmly, adding to suspicions of premeditation. Investigators expect to identify the motive and apprehend the suspect soon, as the case has sparked public concern over household security and background checks for domestic workers.

Each winter, New Delhi is engulfed in a thick layer of toxic smog that severely impacts public health, sending thousands to hospitals with respiratory illnesses. Despite repeated government pledges to combat air pollution, the Indian capital continues to record some of the world’s highest pollution levels, prompting growing fears that the city may soon become unliveable. Experts attribute the recurring smog to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial output, and seasonal crop burning in neighboring states. Residents have expressed frustration over what they see as inadequate enforcement of pollution controls and insufficient investment in cleaner energy alternatives. Environmental activists argue that policy measures have been reactive rather than preventive, with temporary school closures and traffic restrictions offering little long-term relief. As public pressure mounts, authorities are under increasing scrutiny to deliver tangible improvements. Analysts warn that without systemic reforms and regional cooperation, New Delhi’s air quality crisis could deepen, threatening both economic productivity and the health of over 20 million residents.

Scientists at University College London (UCL) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) have reported promising results from a world-first clinical trial using base-edited CAR T-cell therapy (BE-CAR7) to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The therapy, which uses genome-edited immune cells from healthy donors, achieved deep remission in most of the ten patients treated—eight children and two adults—who had previously exhausted standard treatment options. The BE-CAR7 therapy employs base editing, an advanced form of CRISPR technology that alters single DNA letters without cutting the genome, reducing chromosomal risks. The modified T-cells target and destroy leukemic cells before patients undergo bone marrow transplants to rebuild their immune systems. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting, was led by Professor Waseem Qasim and supported by the UK’s Medical Research Council and NIHR. Researchers say the results mark a major step toward “off-the-shelf” gene therapies for resistant cancers, though they caution that outcomes vary and further trials are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.

Bangladesh’s prison authorities are preparing to launch a video calling system that will allow inmates to communicate with their families using IP phones. Currently, prisoners can make a 10-minute voice call every seven days for 10 taka through a fingerprint-based system. The new initiative will expand this service to include video calls, enabling inmates to see their relatives for 10 minutes each week at a cost of 15 taka. Officials from the Department of Prisons said the move aims to reduce the financial and emotional burden on families who often travel long distances to visit inmates, spending an average of 3,000 taka per visit. The system will be centrally controlled through software, ensuring security and monitoring. Assistant Inspector General (Development) Md. Jannat-ul Farhad stated that the success of the fingerprint-based calling system encouraged the adoption of IP-based video communication. Authorities believe the video call service will modernize prison communication, reduce inmate isolation, and strengthen family ties. The installation of IP phones across all prisons is expected to begin soon.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has canceled around 2,000 flights nationwide, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. The cancellations, caused by pilot shortages and failure to comply with new duty-time regulations, have led to chaos at airports and significant delays. With a 65% share of India’s domestic market, IndiGo’s operational breakdown has had a cascading effect across the country’s aviation network. The crisis comes as rival Air India, holding 27% of the market, faces scrutiny over poor service and recent safety incidents. The government has temporarily eased pilot fatigue management rules to stabilize operations. Industry experts warn that IndiGo’s dominance—along with Air India’s presence—creates a near-duopoly, leaving the entire sector vulnerable to disruptions. Refund losses have already reached $68 million, and on-time performance has dropped to just 3.7%. Analysts say the episode highlights structural weaknesses in India’s civil aviation system, where overreliance on a single carrier poses systemic risks. The government may face pressure to diversify competition and strengthen regulatory oversight.

A renewed clash broke out between students of Dhaka College and Ideal College in Dhaka’s Science Lab area on Tuesday, just a month after both sides had reached a verbal ‘peace agreement’ to end previous hostilities. The altercation began around 11:30 a.m. when students from Ideal College allegedly threw stones at a Dhaka College bus near Labaid Hospital, prompting a violent response. Police from New Market and Kalabagan stations intervened to disperse the students and restore order. New Market Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Ayub confirmed that Dhaka College students were sent back to campus, while Kalabagan police worked to control the situation from the Ideal College side. Authorities are investigating whether any deeper causes triggered the renewed violence. Frequent clashes among students of Dhaka College, Ideal College, and Dhaka City College have long disrupted traffic and caused distress to commuters in the Science Lab area. The latest incident raises concerns about the sustainability of informal peace deals and the need for stronger institutional measures to prevent recurring unrest.

On December 9, the Russia-Ukraine war entered its 1,384th day with renewed hostilities across multiple regions. Russian attacks killed four civilians in Donetsk and left 12 wounded in Sumy, where drone strikes caused widespread power outages. Ukrainian forces retaliated with drone operations in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, disrupting electricity for thousands. Both sides reported territorial gains, while Russian authorities temporarily closed several southern airports amid drone warnings. Diplomatic efforts continued as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in London to discuss a revised 20-point peace proposal. He later held talks in Brussels with EU and NATO leaders, emphasizing coordinated support for Ukraine’s security. European leaders reiterated that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be upheld and its defence strengthened as part of Europe’s long-term stability. Meanwhile, Kyiv faces a funding shortfall of about $800 million for planned U.S. weapons purchases. The Netherlands pledged an additional €700 million in military aid for early 2026, while the UK announced £17 million for green energy projects in Ukraine. The International Court of Justice ruled that Russia’s counterclaims in the genocide case are admissible, marking a new phase in the legal battle.

Latvia is witnessing a striking gender imbalance, with women outnumbering men by more than 15 percent—three times the European average. The shortage of men has led many Latvian women to seek temporary male companionship or assistance through 'husband-for-hire' services. These services provide men for household repairs, companionship, or even short-term social engagements, reflecting a growing social adaptation to demographic realities. Experts attribute the imbalance to lower male life expectancy, driven by high smoking rates and lifestyle-related health issues. Studies show that 31 percent of Latvian men smoke excessively, compared to just 10 percent of women, contributing to higher mortality and fewer men in the workforce. The imbalance is particularly pronounced among older populations, where women outnumber men nearly three to one. The rise of such services highlights both economic opportunity and social concern. While some see it as a pragmatic solution, demographers warn that Latvia’s gender gap could deepen labor shortages and reshape family structures in the coming decades.

The diamond polishing hub of Surat, India, is facing an unprecedented crisis as new US tariffs and global demand slumps cripple the industry. Once a symbol of upward mobility for rural migrants, the city’s diamond sector has seen massive layoffs, with nearly 400,000 workers affected by job losses, pay cuts, or reduced hours. Families like that of Alpesh Bhai, who once afforded private schooling for their children, are now struggling to cover basic needs after losing stable incomes. The crisis deepened after the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian diamond exports, compounding earlier disruptions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and weakened demand in China and the US. Government data show hundreds of children have dropped out or shifted from private to public schools, where education quality remains poor. The Gujarat government’s relief package, covering one year of school fees for unemployed diamond workers’ children, has reached only a fraction of applicants, leaving many excluded. Union leaders warn of growing mental health distress, with more than 70 suicides among diamond workers reported in 2024. The industry’s recovery remains uncertain, as families continue to bear the social and educational costs of a collapsing export market.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan late Monday, injuring at least 23 people and prompting tsunami warnings across several prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially warned of waves up to three meters high for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, but later downgraded the alerts to advisories after smaller waves of 20 to 70 centimeters were observed. The quake’s epicenter was located about 80 kilometers off Aomori at a depth of 50 kilometers. Authorities reported power outages affecting around 800 homes, with nearly 480 residents seeking shelter at a local airbase. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to evacuate to higher ground, while Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi deployed 18 helicopters for damage assessment. Train services were suspended, and about 200 passengers were stranded overnight at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no abnormalities at nearby nuclear plants, including Fukushima. Japan, situated along the seismically active Ring of Fire, experiences roughly 20 percent of the world’s major earthquakes. The latest tremor revived memories of the catastrophic 2011 quake and tsunami that devastated the Tohoku region.

Bangladesh Bank has released a new report estimating the total assets of the country’s financial sector at Tk 42.42 trillion as of June 2025. The figure includes banks, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), insurance companies, and capital market entities. About 96% of these assets are held by the banking sector, while insurance and capital market institutions account for less than 3%. However, economists warn that the reported figure represents gross assets and may not reflect the true financial health of the sector. Experts, including former Bangladesh Bank chief economist Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, have questioned the reliability of the data, citing massive loan defaults and corruption across financial institutions. Non-performing loans now exceed Tk 6.4 trillion, with over one-third of NBFI loans in default. Mujeri and others argue that only forensic audits can reveal the real asset value, but such efforts remain limited. The central bank says it plans to expand data coverage in future surveys to improve accuracy. The findings highlight deep structural weaknesses in Bangladesh’s financial governance. Analysts urge the interim government and regulators to strengthen oversight, enforce transparency, and restore public confidence before further instability spreads across the sector.