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.

European allies of Ukraine have agreed to step up military and economic support for Kyiv, describing the war against Russia as being at a “critical moment,” according to a statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The announcement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to present a 20-point peace proposal, building on a 28-point plan introduced by US President Donald Trump last month. Zelenskyy met with leaders from France, Germany, and the UK in London before continuing to Brussels and Rome for further talks with EU, NATO, and Italian officials. The diplomatic push comes amid growing friction between Kyiv and Washington, with Trump publicly criticizing Zelenskyy for allegedly ignoring US-backed proposals. Meanwhile, the Kremlin welcomed aspects of the new US national security strategy, which it said aligns with Russia’s views on NATO and European politics. On the ground, Russian forces continued their offensive, claiming new territorial gains in Donetsk and Zaporizhia while Ukrainian officials reported civilian casualties in multiple regions. Analysts say the intensified diplomacy underscores both the urgency and complexity of ending the conflict, as Western nations balance pressure on Moscow with calls for a negotiated settlement.

Israel carried out a new series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting several areas including Mount Safi, Jbaa, and the Zefta Valley, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The Israeli military said the attacks struck Hezbollah-linked sites, including a training compound used by the group’s elite Radwan Force and a rocket-launching site. No casualties were immediately reported, but the strikes caused damage to multiple homes and reignited anger over repeated Israeli violations of the 2024 US-brokered ceasefire. The escalation comes just days after Israel and Lebanon agreed to send civilian envoys to a military committee overseeing the truce, a move encouraged by Washington. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his country’s commitment to negotiations, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for a stronger ceasefire monitoring mechanism, even suggesting openness to US and French participation. UN officials have warned that Israel’s ongoing strikes, which have killed at least 127 civilians since the ceasefire began, may constitute war crimes. The renewed hostilities follow Israel’s recent assassination of Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabtabai in Beirut. Analysts warn that continued air raids risk collapsing the fragile truce and could draw both nations into another prolonged conflict.

In northern Bangladesh’s Kurigram district, political tensions are rising ahead of the 13th National Election as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) struggles with internal divisions across three of its four constituencies. Despite officially announcing its candidates, local factions within BNP remain at odds over nominations, particularly in Kurigram-1, -3, and -4, where rival groups have openly clashed. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a coordinated and disciplined campaign, positioning itself as a strong contender in several constituencies. The fall of the Awami League-led government following the July uprising has reshaped the political landscape, leaving the once-dominant Jatiya Party weakened and unpopular. BNP’s internal disputes threaten to undermine its voter base, while Jamaat’s early organization and grassroots outreach have strengthened its prospects. Other smaller parties, including Islami Andolon, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and Gano Adhikar Parishad, are also active in the field. Analysts suggest that Kurigram’s voters—long affected by river erosion, unemployment, and poor infrastructure—are seeking credible leadership capable of addressing local hardships. The outcome may hinge on which party can unite its ranks and present a coherent development vision.

On International Anti-Corruption Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle with corruption and the party’s historical efforts to curb it. In a Facebook post, he described how corruption affects citizens—from job seekers and farmers to patients and entrepreneurs—and linked rising food prices, poor education quality, and road insecurity to systemic corruption. Rahman recalled that under President Ziaur Rahman and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP government introduced administrative reforms, strict financial laws, and transparent procurement systems. He cited the 2004 establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission as a milestone recognized by the World Bank and ADB, noting that surveys then showed declining public perception of corruption. Looking ahead, Rahman proposed a seven-point plan emphasizing institutional independence, digital transparency, whistleblower protection, and ethics education. He acknowledged the challenges of reversing entrenched mismanagement but asserted that honest leadership and public support could restore accountability if BNP returns to power.

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar late on Monday night, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS) as reported by ANI. The quake occurred at a depth of about 30 kilometers beneath the surface and was recorded at 2:21 a.m. local time. Earlier the same day, a smaller 3.5 magnitude tremor had been reported in the same region at a depth of 10 kilometers. The NCS confirmed the seismic activity through a post on social media platform X, noting that no immediate reports of casualties or damage had been received. Some social media users claimed that the tremors were also felt in parts of Bangladesh, including Chattogram and Rangamati, though these reports remain unverified. Seismologists noted that Myanmar lies in a seismically active zone where moderate quakes are relatively common. Authorities are monitoring the situation for any aftershocks or structural impacts, while regional disaster agencies have been placed on alert.

A woman named Eni Akter from Satkania, Chattogram, gave birth to five babies—three girls and two boys—on Monday night at People’s Hospital after ten years of infertility. The births followed an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure recommended by doctors. The rare event has drawn widespread attention for its emotional and medical significance. All five newborns are currently receiving treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit at Park View Hospital. Doctors reported that three of the babies weigh between 1.4 and 1.6 kilograms, while the other two, each weighing around 1 kilogram, are under special observation due to low birth weight. They will remain under observation for at least 72 hours. Dr. Farida Yasmin Sumi, an infertility specialist from Rangamati Medical College, said the couple struggled for years and faced financial hardship during treatment. Despite concerns about medical expenses, the family expressed joy and relief at the safe arrival of the quintuplets.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on rice imports from India and fertilizer from Canada, citing stalled trade negotiations with both countries. Speaking at a White House meeting on Monday, Trump said his administration could act soon if talks fail to progress. He also announced a $12 billion agricultural relief package aimed at supporting American farmers struggling with inflation and low commodity prices. According to Indian media reports, Trump criticized agricultural imports from Asia, arguing that foreign products were harming U.S. producers. He accused India of dumping rice in the American market and suggested tariffs would quickly resolve the issue. A Louisiana rice producer described Indian rice imports as “devastating” for southern farmers, while Trump emphasized tariffs as his main tool to protect domestic agriculture. The move comes amid growing U.S.–India agricultural trade, which includes rice, spices, and seafood exports from India and nut, cotton, and pulse imports from the U.S. Analysts warn that new tariffs could strain bilateral trade and complicate ongoing WTO disputes over subsidies and market access.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia will remain in Dhaka for continued treatment after her medical board deemed her unfit for a long flight to London. Despite earlier plans to fly her abroad for advanced care, the air ambulance scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled for the second time. Doctors at Evercare Hospital are providing advanced treatment as her condition remains stable but fragile. Medical sources report that while some of Zia’s health parameters have improved, new complications continue to arise. Her liver condition has stabilized, but kidney issues persist, with creatinine levels exceeding safe limits. She requires regular dialysis, and recovery is slow due to age-related factors. The medical board, including specialists from the UK, US, and China, meets daily to adjust her treatment. BNP leaders say any decision on foreign treatment will depend on medical advice. Family members, including her daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman, are closely coordinating her care. Supporters continue to hold prayers for her recovery across the country.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and stealth technologies into its missile development programs. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, head of the IRGC’s ground forces, said the initiative aims to enhance Iran’s ability to penetrate enemy defense systems. Speaking at Imam Hossein University in Tehran, he emphasized that modern technologies could significantly alter battlefield dynamics by improving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities. Pakpour referenced Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel earlier this year, claiming that despite facing opponents equipped with advanced military technology, Iran’s missile operations and internal unity forced adversaries to seek a ceasefire. He asserted that Iran’s military power is now more visible and formidable than ever before, warning that any future attack on the country would provoke a stronger and more destructive response. Analysts view the move as part of Iran’s broader strategy to modernize its defense capabilities amid regional tensions and international sanctions limiting access to foreign military technology.

Israel carried out a series of heavy airstrikes in southern Lebanon late on Monday, December 8, targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. According to the Israeli military, the strikes focused on the group’s training and qualification grounds, which were allegedly used to plan and execute attacks against Israel. The operation marks one of the most significant escalations since the recent ceasefire. Since the truce took effect on November 27, 2024, Israel has conducted multiple air raids across Lebanon, particularly in the southern and eastern border regions. Local reports suggest near-daily bombardments, raising fears of renewed large-scale conflict. Israel has justified the strikes as a defensive measure to neutralize Hezbollah threats and continues to maintain troop deployments at five key positions along the border. Analysts warn that the ongoing hostilities risk undermining the fragile ceasefire and could draw regional actors, including Iran, deeper into confrontation. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate remain limited, with both sides signaling readiness for further military action.