An analysis released at the Cop30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, suggests that adhering to three major climate commitments—tripling renewable energy capacity, doubling global energy efficiency, and significantly reducing methane emissions—could prevent nearly 1°C of additional global warming this century. The Climate Action Tracker coalition estimates that achieving these goals could lower projected warming from 2.6°C to about 1.7°C, aligning more closely with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. Among G20 nations alone, these measures could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 billion tonnes by 2035, cutting the rate of global heating by one-third in the next decade. However, experts warn that implementation remains uncertain, particularly regarding methane reductions, as many countries underreport emissions and face pressure from fossil fuel industries. The Cop30 summit is focusing on translating existing pledges into action and developing a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, though resistance from major petrostates remains a challenge.

Russia has enacted a series of sweeping new laws aimed at strengthening domestic defences against Ukrainian drone attacks and sabotage operations, signalling the Kremlin’s preparation for a prolonged conflict. President Vladimir Putin authorised the deployment of reservists to guard critical energy infrastructure, including refineries repeatedly hit by Ukrainian drones, without declaring a new mobilisation. The measures also include tighter penalties for sabotage, with life sentences for those involving minors and the lowering of the criminal responsibility age to 14. Additionally, new electronic restrictions such as a 24-hour mobile network blackout for returning travellers have been introduced to prevent drones from exploiting civilian networks. Analysts say these steps reflect Moscow’s growing anxiety over Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russian territory and its effort to condition the public for a semi-militarised existence. Despite official claims of openness to peace talks, Russia shows no sign of de-escalation, while domestic propaganda urges citizens to accept greater sacrifices amid economic stagnation and Western sanctions.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a new directive prohibiting cash-based dollar transactions in an effort to stabilize the rupee and prevent excessive dollar outflows. Under the new rules, banks and exchange companies must transfer foreign currency directly into customers’ accounts instead of providing cash. Individuals without foreign currency accounts will no longer be able to purchase cash dollars. The SBP stated that the move aims to promote a cashless economy and ensure transparency in foreign exchange dealings. Exchange companies clarified that the decision will not affect travelers or those buying dollars for legitimate purposes, though buyers must provide proof of need. Additionally, transactions between customers and exchange companies are now limited to USD 500 unless verified for higher amounts. The new policy is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to strengthen its financial system amid ongoing currency pressure and foreign exchange challenges.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-4) has arrested two suspects, Pata Sohel alias Monir Hossain and Sujon, for their alleged involvement in the murder of Golam Kibria, member secretary of the Pallabi Thana Jubo Dal. The arrests were made during overnight raids in Savar and Tongi areas of Dhaka on Tuesday, confirmed RAB-4 Commander Lt. Col. Md. Mahbub Alam. Kibria was shot dead on Monday evening inside a hardware store in Mirpur-12 by three masked gunmen. During their escape, the attackers also shot a battery-run rickshaw driver for not driving fast enough. The driver is currently hospitalized. Following the murder, Kibria’s wife filed a case naming five suspects, including Sohel, and several unidentified individuals. Police and RAB are continuing investigations, and further details are expected to be shared in a press briefing at the RAB Media Center in Karwan Bazar.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has made online submission of income tax returns mandatory for all individual taxpayers for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with the deadline set for November 30. Over one million taxpayers have already submitted their e-returns through the NBR’s digital system. Exceptions apply to senior citizens aged 65 or above, physically challenged or special-needs taxpayers, Bangladeshi citizens residing abroad, legal representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. Those facing registration issues can apply to submit paper returns with approval from tax authorities. The NBR has extended the application deadline for such cases to November 15. To facilitate the process, the NBR has launched training programs, a call center, and online support for resolving technical issues. Taxpayers can file returns, receive submission slips instantly, and print tax certificates directly from the e-return system, ensuring a faster and paperless filing experience.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology has denied any involvement of its special assistant to the chief adviser, Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb, in the late-night questioning of journalist Mizanur Rahman Sohel by the Detective Branch (DB). In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry described allegations linking Taiyeb to Sohel’s detention as baseless and politically motivated. The statement clarified that Sohel, an online editor of the newspaper Vorer Kagoj, was taken to the DB office for questioning and later released. Taiyeb said his work on implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) was being misrepresented by certain media outlets and that he had no personal or professional connection with Sohel. He emphasized that law enforcement acted independently and that spreading misinformation undermines freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Sohel claimed on social media that he was detained under the direction of a government adviser to favor certain mobile phone traders, though authorities have not confirmed this allegation.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on November 18. He emphasized that India will exercise its sovereign right to protect its citizens and urged the global community to demonstrate zero tolerance toward all forms of terrorism. Highlighting the SCO’s founding purpose of combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, Jaishankar called for strengthening the organization’s structure and actions to meet contemporary challenges. He also advocated for modernization and reforms within the SCO, including implementing India’s longstanding proposal to make English an official language alongside Russian and Chinese. Additionally, he outlined India’s initiatives to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among youth through the SCO Startup and Innovation Working Group and the SCO Startup Forum. Jaishankar assured that India would continue to extend full cooperation to achieve these shared goals.

Supreme Court lawyer and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami representative Shishir Monir has raised several concerns over the Election Commission’s (EC) proposed code of conduct ahead of the upcoming national elections. During a dialogue with the EC on November 19, he pointed out inconsistencies regarding the use of posters, the authority to impose penalties for code violations, and the absence of a defined timeframe for resolving election-related complaints. Monir criticized what he termed the EC’s ‘dual policy’ on posters, noting contradictions between clauses banning and regulating their use. He also demanded that the reading of election manifestos by all candidates on a common platform be made mandatory rather than optional. Furthermore, he expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity on who has the jurisdiction to impose punishments for violations and urged the EC to set a specific time limit for resolving complaints to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Bangladesh achieved a historic 1-0 victory over India in the third-round return leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers held at Dhaka National Stadium on November 18. Sheikh Morsalin’s early goal in the 12th minute sealed the win, marking Bangladesh’s first home victory against India in 22 years. Indian media outlets reacted sharply, labeling the defeat as 'embarrassing,' 'humiliating,' and one of the biggest failures of the 21st century for Indian football. Publications such as India Today, The Indian Express, NDTV, Times Now, First Post, and Anandabazar criticized India’s poor performance and lack of finishing. The loss left India winless after five matches, placing them at the bottom of Group C, while Bangladesh celebrated a morale-boosting triumph. The victory has been hailed as a new chapter for Bangladesh’s emerging football generation, inspiring renewed hope among fans despite their elimination from the next round.

A group of unidentified arsonists set fire to a local train coach stationed at the Mymensingh Railway Station wash pit early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. and was quickly brought under control by three members of the Railway Security Force (RNB) — Habildar Masud Rana, Sipahi Asaduzzaman, and Nayek Ismail — who acted swiftly using wet jackets to extinguish the flames. Their prompt response prevented the fire from spreading to other coaches and the engine, averting a potential catastrophe. Authorities reported that several seats were partially burned, and traces of gunpowder-like substances and petrol-based liquids were found, suggesting an attempt to intensify the blaze. The suspects managed to flee in the darkness. Railway officials are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized approximately 45 million shares of Meghna Bank PLC owned by former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed, his brother Anisuzzaman Chowdhury Rony, and Rony’s wife Imrana Zaman Chowdhury. The shares, valued at nearly Tk 60 crore, were allegedly purchased using illicit funds. According to CID, the accused had long been involved in extortion, fraud, and organized crime, generating large sums of illegal money. A portion of these funds was laundered abroad and later repatriated to Bangladesh through associates before being invested in bank shares. The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court ordered the asset seizure on November 18 following CID’s request. The investigation, supervised by the Financial Crime Unit, is ongoing to identify other individuals involved and trace the full extent of the financial crimes.

A major controversy has emerged in Bangladesh’s academic community after a statement circulated online claiming that 1,001 public university teachers rejected the International Crimes Tribunal’s death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Investigations revealed that only 630 names were listed, with many teachers alleging their names were used without consent. The statement was reportedly issued by Dr. Mahbub Alam Pradip of Rajshahi University, who is currently on leave in Australia, raising questions about its authenticity. Several teachers, including from Dhaka and Chittagong universities, publicly denied involvement. Following the statement, students protested at Dhaka University demanding punishment for those responsible, while the university vice-chancellor confirmed that legal reviews were underway. Meanwhile, police arrested DU Deputy Registrar Muhammad Lavlu Molla Shishir under the Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly posting contemptuous remarks on Facebook after the verdict. Student unions have given a 10-day ultimatum to dismiss the teachers named in the disputed statement.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a $13 billion shortfall that could severely impact its ability to feed one-third of the 318 million people facing acute hunger by 2026. Due to declining humanitarian funding, WFP says it will have to prioritize food assistance for about 110 million people, leaving millions without support. The agency expects to receive only about half of its required funding based on current projections. The United States remains WFP’s largest donor, but reductions in foreign aid under previous administrations, along with budget cuts by several European nations, have worsened the crisis. Conflict, extreme weather, and economic instability have doubled the number of people facing severe hunger since 2019. WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently identified 16 global hunger hotspots, including Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and South Sudan, warning that funding shortages are already exacerbating conditions. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain called the situation “unacceptable in the 21st century.”

At least 30 people, including patients, were killed when Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels attacked a health center and several villages in the Lubero region of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Local officials reported that 23 bodies were recovered from the Baimbwe health center, among them 11 women. The attackers also burned down parts of the health facility and several nearby houses. Colonel Alain Kiwewa, the local administrator, condemned the assault as a crime against humanity and urged residents to support joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces aimed at eliminating the ADF. The group, which has links to ISIS, has been active in eastern Congo for years. A similar attack in October in the same region left around 20 people dead. Since 2021, Congo and Uganda have been conducting joint operations against the ADF, which continues to target civilians despite ongoing military efforts.

Scotland secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years by defeating Denmark 4-2 in a dramatic Group C qualifier. The Scots last appeared in the World Cup in 1998, making this qualification a landmark achievement for a new generation of players. Despite Denmark dominating possession with 63% and taking 20 shots, Scotland proved clinical, converting four of their five shots on target. Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick in the third minute, followed by goals from Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean. Denmark equalized twice through Rasmus Højlund and Patrick Dorgu but ultimately fell short. With four wins, one draw, and one loss, Scotland topped Group C with 13 points, while Denmark finished second with 11 points and will head to the playoffs. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Scotland as the team booked their long-awaited World Cup ticket.