Bangladesh is preparing for its first national election since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024. The country has been run by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Election Commission will announce the poll date on Thursday at 6 pm local time. Earlier, the poll body said elections would be held in the first week of February 2026. A national referendum on the “July Charter”, a major reform plan to limit executive power and strengthen institutions, is also expected on the same day. The BNP is seen as the frontrunner, while the Awami League remains barred. (PC: X)

The World Inequality Report 2026 shows that income and wealth gaps in India remain very high. The top 10% earn 58% of the country’s total income, while the bottom 50% get only 15%. Wealth inequality is even sharper, with the richest 10% holding 65% of all wealth. The top 1% alone owns 40%. The report says India’s average income is low and female labour participation remains just 15.7%. Globally too, wealth is highly unequal, with the richest 0.001% owning more than the bottom half of the world. The report warns that rising inequality threatens social and climate goals.

A 25-year-old Indian-origin man named Vaibhav has been arrested in Canada for exposing himself to female doctors and clinic staff in Mississauga. Police say he visited several clinics for months in 2025, pretending to have medical problems to force inappropriate contact. He also used a fake name, Akashdeep Singh, during some visits. Peel Regional Police charged him with indecent acts, identity fraud, possession of identity documents, and identity theft. He was arrested on December 4 and is still in custody. Investigators believe more victims may exist and have asked the public to share any information about similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, five days after a fire at their club killed 25 people. The brothers had flown to Thailand just hours after the blaze, which was caused by a suspected cylinder blast. Goa Police had issued a Look-Out Circular and an Interpol Blue Notice against them. A police team will now travel to Thailand to bring them back. The nightclub had major safety lapses, including no fire exits or alarms. Another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was detained earlier in Delhi for questioning. (PC: India Today)

US forces have seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said. The ship was accused of carrying sanctioned oil linked to Venezuela and Iran. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker had long been part of an illegal oil network supporting terrorist groups. A video showed US troops landing on the vessel from helicopters. Venezuela called the move “international piracy” and accused Washington of trying to steal its resources. Oil prices rose slightly after the news. The USS Gerald Ford and other US forces took part in the operation as tensions in the region grow.

The FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025 saw a thrilling turnaround as Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team overturned a 0–2 deficit to beat Argentina Junior Men’s Hockey Team 4–2 in the third‑place playoff in Chennai. Trailing until the fourth quarter, India scored four goals in just 11 minutes through Ankit Pal (49′), Manmeet Singh (52′), Shardanand Tiwari (57′) and Anmol Ekka (58′). This marks India’s first podium finish in the tournament in nine years. The win brings their total Junior World Cup medals to four — two golds, one silver, now bronze. (PC: PTI)

At Jhargram Jungle Mahal Zoo in West Bengal, a leopard cub belonging to mother Harshini has been missing for about a week — prompting alarm among zoo staff and visitors. According to some zoo employees, the cub may have been injured by its mother prior to disappearance, and a post-mortem is reportedly done. However, zoo authorities have remained unresponsive with an official explanation still pending. Local residents and wildlife-watchers are raising concerns over safety protocols at the zoo and demanding clarity on whether the cub died or was lost. 

As new round of trade talks began in Delhi, United States Trade Representative (USTR) said India has tabled its “strongest proposals yet” for a bilateral trade deal — calling them the “best-ever” received from any country. However, USTR also described India as a “tough nut to crack,” noting Delhi remains resistant to allowing U.S. imports of row crops, meat, and dairy. Still, American negotiators called India a “viable alternative market,” signaling willingness to advance talks. On India’s part, top officials reiterated that any deal will protect interests of farmers, dairying and small-scale producers. (PC: India Today)

Donald J. Trump has officially rolled out the “Trump Gold Card” programme, allowing foreigners to obtain U.S. permanent residency — and eventual citizenship — by paying US $1 million. Under the scheme, individuals pay $1 million plus a $15,000 processing fee; corporations can secure visas for foreign employees by paying $2 million per employee. The programme replaces the older investor-visa route previously known as EB-5 visa programme, and deviates from the job-creation requirement under EB-5. The administration frames the Gold Card as a “more powerful” green card — aimed at attracting global talent, foreign investment, and boosting U.S. revenue. Critics warn that it favours the wealthy and could undermine traditional immigration values. (PC: Reuters)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made her first public appearance after calling off her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal. Speaking at the Amazon Smbhav Summit 2025, she avoided personal details but stated that nothing matters more to her than cricket. Mandhana said she stays focused by avoiding overthinking and draws strength from wearing the India jersey. Reports earlier confirmed that the wedding was cancelled due to personal and family reasons. Her appearance and statements signal a clear prioritisation of her cricketing career as she prepares for upcoming national and international commitments. (PC: NDTV)