Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed warned that Awami League supporters will block Bangladesh's February elections unless the party ban is lifted, predicting potential violence. Speaking ahead of a special tribunal verdict against the exiled former PM for alleged crimes against humanity during 2024's deadly student protest crackdown, Wazed believes she'll be convicted and possibly sentenced to death in the televised trial. Hasina, living in Delhi since August 2024 with full Indian security, calls the proceedings politically motivated. The interim government suspended Awami League's registration in May, citing security threats, and refuses dialogue until the party shows remorse. Dhaka remains tense with recent crude bomb explosions and bus torching incidents. Authorities deployed 400+ Border Guards. (PC: X & India Today)

An Indian man visiting Argentina for a conference faced racist comments after he posted a friendly message on X. He had written that he had arrived in the country and wanted to meet people before the event. Soon, a few online trolls targeted him with hateful remarks. However, many Argentinians quickly defended him. They called out the racist comments and welcomed him warmly. Several users offered help, support, and even office space. The incident showed how social media can spread hate but can also unite people when others choose kindness and stand up against racism. (Thiru.ethDevconnect/X)

American singer Mary Millben congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA on their Bihar election landslide, declaring women voters "the stars of this election." She praised singer Maithili Thakur's victory and called the result a mandate for development and women's empowerment. Millben stated PM Modi is "the only proven leader" who can deliver jobs, economic equality, and uplift migrant communities. She sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi and Congress supporters who had trolled her, posting "Dear Rahul Gandhi, Congress, and all the 'Gandhi Goons'" as NDA crossed 200 seats. The NDA secured 167 seats with BJP winning 78, JD(U) 66, while Mahagathbandhan managed only 25 seats.

Two foreign handlers have emerged in the Delhi blast investigation that killed 13 people on November 10, sources revealed. The handlers, code-named Dr Okasa and Dr Hashim alias Arif Nisar, were in contact with terrorist Dr Umar Mohammad, who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 near Red Fort, and his associates Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed. Agencies believe Nisar was the Pakistani handler while Okasa was the Turkish handler, though sources suggest they could be the same person. The suspects communicated using Session, Telegram, Signal, and other encrypted apps. The National Investigation Agency is leading the probe, while security forces demolished Dr Umar's Pulwama house in an overnight operation. (PC: NDTV)

Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, may shut down after nearly a century in London. The Crown Estate, which owns the Regent Street building, plans to convert the site into office space. Opened in 1926, the restaurant has hosted Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Charlie Chaplin, and Princess Anne. Top British chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Jr, have called the move “sacrilege” and urged the Crown to save the landmark. They warned that closing the restaurant would hurt London’s dining and tourism scene. Veeraswamy’s lease expires next June, with a court hearing set to decide its future. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa policy aims to bring skilled foreign workers to America for short stays to train US workers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the plan is about “knowledge transfer,” not long-term jobs for foreign workers. He explained that the goal is to rebuild industries like semiconductors and shipbuilding that were lost to outsourcing. “Workers will train Americans for three to seven years, then return home,” Bessent told Fox News. He added that this approach supports Trump’s push to reduce import dependence and boost manufacturing jobs in the US. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that his country is “ready for war on two fronts,” claiming Pakistan can face both India and Afghanistan. His statement came after a suicide blast in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 36. Linking the attack to Kabul, Asif said, “This is a message from the Afghan Taliban, and Pakistan is fully prepared to respond.” The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing. Asif also dismissed the Delhi Red Fort blast as a “gas cylinder explosion,” which Indian officials called a “desperate attempt to deflect attention.” (PC: India Today)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized India's crucial role in preventing Bangladesh from becoming a "Pakistan-style hybrid regime" under Muhammad Yunus's leadership. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Hasina called India Bangladesh's "steadfast friend" essential for preserving regional democratic stability. She urged India to support Bangladeshis' right to choose their government, warning against political instability. Hasina distinguished her India relationship from Yunus's, attributing his Delhi difficulties to "sponsorship of extremists, failure to protect religious minorities, and anti-India rhetoric." She accused Yunus of being a "cardboard-cutout leader" controlled by Hizb-ut Tahrir extremists. Hasina praised India's diplomatic backing, including calls for inclusive elections and highlighting minority persecution, stressing free elections are essential for restoring Bangladesh's democratic health.(PC: Wikimedia Commons)

Investigators probing the Red Fort blast have traced a foreign handler operating from Ankara, Turkey, who coordinated the terror module. The handler, codenamed "Ukasa" (meaning "spider" in Arabic), maintained direct contact with main accused Dr Umar Un Nabi and associates through Session app, an encrypted messaging platform ensuring high anonymity. Officials believe Ukasa coordinated the group's movements, finances, and radicalization efforts. Several individuals linked to the Faridabad terror module traveled to Ankara in March 2022, where they allegedly met their handler and were recruited. "The group was operating under foreign direction," a senior official confirmed. Agencies are examining chat histories and digital devices to establish the network's full scope and possible Pakistan-based terror links. (PC: India Today & BBC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised India's handling of the Delhi Red Fort blast investigation, stating, "The Indians need to be commended. They've been very measured, cautious and very professional." While offering American assistance, Rubio acknowledged India doesn't need help, calling their capabilities strong. He confirmed the explosion was a "terrorist attack" involving a car loaded with highly explosive materials that killed 12 people. Rubio discussed the incident with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during G7 meetings in Canada. Forensic teams collected over 40 samples, with preliminary analysis suggesting ammonium nitrate was used. Investigators revealed prime accused Dr Umar contacted a Turkey-based handler, possibly planning an attack similar to Mumbai's 26/11. (PC: NDTV)