Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has elected a new prime minister for the first time in 24 years, ending the long rule of Ralph Gonsalves. Godwin Friday, leader of the New Democratic Party, secured a landslide victory by winning 14 of 15 parliamentary seats, defeating Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party, which managed to retain only one seat. Friday, a 66-year-old historian, campaigned on promises to reduce living costs, provide financial aid to new mothers, create jobs for the unemployed, and support small businesses in the tourism-dependent island nation of about 100,000 people. He was sworn in on November 29. The election took place amid growing U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, officially aimed at combating drug trafficking but viewed by Venezuela as an attempt to undermine President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Gonsalves. Friday urged citizens to work together to build a more prosperous future for the nation.

Bangladeshi filmmaker and cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated on Friday that the prayers and well-wishes being expressed for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia are not confined to any particular political group. Writing on his verified Facebook page, Farooki described Khaleda Zia as a unifying symbol for the nation, noting that such widespread compassion is a rare achievement for any individual. Khaleda Zia remains in critical condition in the CCU of a Dhaka hospital, suffering from pneumonia, respiratory distress, and long-term complications involving her kidneys, liver, arthritis, and diabetes. Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has requested the nation to pray for her recovery and instructed officials to ensure proper medical care. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also described her condition as extremely grave, recalling her lifelong struggle for democracy and the hardships she endured during imprisonment and political persecution.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under intense political pressure after allegations that she exaggerated the country's fiscal deficit to justify a planned £30 billion tax increase. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released details of its discussions with Reeves, revealing that Treasury officials had overstated the deficit in recent weeks to build support for higher taxes. OBR chief Richard Hughes stated that the government never faced a deficit exceeding £2.5 billion and that Reeves had been informed of a £4.2 billion surplus before her public statements suggesting worsening finances. The Treasury accused Hughes of breaching confidentiality by disclosing internal discussions, while Reeves claimed the OBR had not provided accurate data. The dispute has sparked a political storm, with opposition figures calling for Reeves’ resignation, accusing her of misleading the public for political gain. Hughes is set to appear before the Treasury Select Committee next week to explain the controversy, which has drawn comparisons to past fiscal clashes under Liz Truss’s government.

Recent developments surrounding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s court verdict and the discovery of a large quantity of gold linked to her family have caused significant unease within Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League. Grassroots activists, already facing legal and political pressure, expressed frustration and demoralization over the controversies involving their leader. Analysts suggest that these incidents have exposed deep ethical and accountability issues within the party, undermining its moral authority. Transparency International Bangladesh’s executive director Iftekharuzzaman described the revelations as unsurprising but indicative of long-standing abuse of power and systemic corruption. The situation has reportedly intensified internal debates about leadership direction and the future of the party. Many leaders fear that the accumulation of scandals and lack of clear guidance from the top could further weaken the organization’s unity and credibility, especially as the opposition gains momentum in the political landscape.

The United Nations has called on the United States to maintain access to asylum and ensure due process for migrants after President Donald Trump announced plans to halt migration from so-called 'Third World' countries. The move follows a shooting near the White House that investigators say was carried out by an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. Speaking in Geneva, U.N. human rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence emphasized that asylum seekers are entitled to protection under international law. U.N. refugee agency spokesperson Eujin Byun reiterated that individuals seeking protection must be allowed entry and fair asylum procedures, noting that most refugees are law-abiding members of their host communities. The U.N. appeal underscores growing concern over the potential human rights implications of Washington’s proposed migration freeze and its impact on global refugee protection standards.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has indicated that the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election is expected to be announced in the second week of December this year. Speaking to reporters after inspecting a mock voting exercise at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls’ High School in Dhaka, he said preparations are underway for a joint campaign by the government and the Election Commission to raise public awareness about voting. The CEC noted that law and order has improved compared to previous years, with police, Ansar, BGB, RAB, and the army actively maintaining security. He explained that the mock voting aims to familiarize citizens with the voting process and assess the time required for different ballot types, as many people have not witnessed voting procedures closely in the past 15 years.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has described Begum Khaleda Zia as a unique inspiration in Bangladesh’s democratic movement. He highlighted her decades-long role in defending the nation’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic values despite continuous political persecution and false cases. Nahid Islam noted that Khaleda Zia’s unwavering courage and uncompromising stance have become a shining example in the country’s democratic history. Referring to her leadership during the 1990 mass uprising and anti-autocracy movements, he said her patriotism and determination have deeply influenced national life. Expressing concern over her current health condition, Nahid conveyed sympathy to her family and prayed for her full recovery. He emphasized that Khaleda Zia’s presence and political experience remain vital for Bangladesh during this critical phase of democratic transition.

Recent analysis by Dr. Saurabh Shetty, a Harvard-trained physician, suggests that regular consumption of onion and garlic may help reduce cancer risk and strengthen the immune system. Both belong to the allium family and contain organosulfur compounds such as allicin, diallyl sulfide, and diallyl disulfide, which may inhibit tumor growth and support liver detoxification. Dr. Shetty emphasizes that allowing crushed or chopped garlic to rest for at least 10 minutes before cooking activates allicin, enhancing its health benefits. These foods also nourish beneficial gut bacteria, improve intestinal health, and provide antioxidants that protect cells from damage. The American Institute for Cancer Research has listed garlic as a ‘food that fights cancer,’ while the British Journal of Cancer reports that onions and garlic may lower the risk of prostate, stomach, colon, esophageal, and breast cancers.

Three senior leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday morning to check on her health condition. The delegation, comprising Dr. Tasnim Jara, Nasiruddin Patwari, and Hasnat Abdullah, spoke with doctors about Khaleda Zia’s ongoing treatment. The former prime minister has been under intensive care since Thursday after being admitted to the hospital on November 23 due to a deterioration in her health. Several BNP leaders have also been visiting her regularly to monitor her condition. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul and special assistant Monir Haidar visited the hospital earlier following instructions from the party’s chief adviser. Khaleda Zia, who has long been suffering from multiple health complications, remains under close medical supervision.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing nine Palestinian fighters inside a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to a statement released on Friday. The army further alleged that over 30 militants attempting to flee from underground structures in eastern Rafah have been killed so far. Hamas has not yet commented on the Israeli claims. Israeli media recently reported that around 200 Hamas fighters remain trapped in a tunnel in Rafah, though Tel Aviv has not responded to mediation efforts by Hamas and international intermediaries to allow their safe evacuation. Rafah remains under Israeli military control. The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, which includes prisoner exchanges and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction under a new administrative framework excluding Hamas. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have reportedly killed around 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 170,000 others.

A Chilean national, Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, has admitted to stealing a Gucci purse belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a Washington, D.C. restaurant. The stolen bag contained Noem’s ID, passport, badge, and $3,000 in cash. Leiva, who has prior convictions for theft in both Chile and the United Kingdom, also confessed to stealing from two other women in April—one from Spain and another from Massachusetts. According to his plea agreement, Leiva pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of first-degree theft. He has been in custody since his arrest in April and is scheduled for sentencing in March. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be subject to deportation from the United States. Authorities said Leiva used Noem’s stolen credit card at a Georgetown restaurant before being apprehended. His criminal record includes multiple theft convictions dating back to 1995.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh organized a mock voting exercise in Dhaka on Saturday to prepare for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum, both scheduled to be held on the same day. The mock voting took place at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., allowing 510 registered male and female voters to participate. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that the exercise aimed to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth management of the actual election process. The simulation replicated real election conditions, including polling officers, agents, and voters, though the ballot papers contained no party names, candidates, or symbols. Separate polling booths were arranged for men and women, and law enforcement personnel were deployed for security. Participants described the experience as useful but noted that more publicity about the referendum was needed to raise awareness among voters.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP), has expressed deep concern over the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Dr. Jara urged everyone, regardless of political affiliation or ideology, to pray for Khaleda Zia’s recovery. She recalled meeting the BNP leader a week earlier, when Khaleda Zia advised her to stay in the country and work for its people—a message Dr. Jara described as profoundly meaningful given Zia’s lifelong dedication to Bangladesh. Highlighting Khaleda Zia’s endurance through years of suffering, humiliation, and political adversity, Dr. Jara praised her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and the nation. She concluded her message with prayers for divine mercy, healing, and peace for the ailing former leader.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem has vowed to avenge the killing of the group’s top military commander, Haitham Ali Tabatabai, who died in an Israeli airstrike near Beirut on November 23. In a televised speech on November 27, Qassem described the attack as a 'clear act of aggression and a brutal crime,' asserting Hezbollah’s right to respond at a time of its choosing. He did not specify whether a new war with Israel was imminent but urged Lebanon to rely on its army and citizens for defense. Qassem also expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Pope Leo to Lebanon would help promote peace and curb Israeli aggression. He claimed Hezbollah has abided by the ceasefire agreement effective since November 2024, while accusing Israel of continued attacks. In response, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee criticized Lebanon’s army for failing to curb Hezbollah’s weapons buildup in the south.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the Gana Adhikar Parishad, has expressed his wishes for the recovery and long life of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post on Friday night, Khan prayed for her health, attributing her current physical condition to what he described as the 'inhumane and cruel behavior' of the previous 'fascist government.' He emphasized that Khaleda Zia remains essential for the future of Bangladesh, describing her as uncompromising in her fight for democracy, a model of political struggle, and a symbol of resistance against what he termed Indian dominance. Khan concluded by stating that Khaleda Zia’s longevity is crucial for the country’s democratic aspirations and national interests.