A year after a ceasefire, southern Lebanon remains under attack by Israel. Air strikes continue almost daily, targeting areas Israel says are linked to Hezbollah. Residents in villages like Froun and Yaroun live in fear, with homes destroyed and many displaced. Despite the truce, Israel has killed hundreds, while Hezbollah denies breaking the ceasefire south of the Litani River. Locals say they want peace and stability, tired of the conflict. Lebanese authorities have not fully disarmed Hezbollah, fearing a civil war. The situation leaves thousands uncertain about returning home, with life overshadowed by drones and air strikes. (PC: BBC)

In Bangladesh, 'baul' singers continue to face attacks by radical Islamist groups. On Wednesday, three baul artists were injured in an assault near Thakurgaon district court. A video shows the mob, linked to Tawhidi Janata, calling for their killing. The attacks come after baul singer Abul Sarkar was arrested for alleged blasphemy during a performance. The interim chief, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has not commented. BNP condemned the violence, calling it "heinous" and unacceptable. Bauls are known for their music, poetry, and dance, blending Hindu and Sufi traditions. Civil society protests the rising attacks. (PC: NDTV)

A massive fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartment complex has killed at least 55 people, with nearly 300 still missing. The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon and burned for more than 15 hours across several 32-storey towers in Tai Po. Firefighters worked through the night to reach people trapped on upper floors. Police arrested two company directors and an engineering consultant for suspected manslaughter. Officers said unsafe scaffolding and foam-sealed windows may have helped the fire spread. At least 45 people are in critical condition. This is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II. (PC: BBC)

Adiala Jail officials have denied rumours claiming former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan died in custody. The administration said Imran is “healthy” and still inside the jail, receiving full medical care. The rumours triggered violent protests outside the prison, led by Imran’s sisters and PTI workers, who said they were not allowed to meet him despite court orders. Thousands gathered, and some tried to storm the jail. Officials later assured his family that a meeting would be arranged. Imran’s relatives say he is held in harsh solitary confinement, while the government claims he has access to TV, exercise gear and special meals. (PC: India Today)

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically injured. Police say he came around a corner and began firing at the troops before being stopped by other Guard members nearby. Lakanwal was shot but is expected to survive. He entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme that brought thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces. Relatives say he served in the Afghan army and worked with US Special Forces. The motive for the attack remains unknown. (PC: HT)

The US has stopped processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals after a National Guard shooting near the White House. The immigration agency said it will review all security and vetting steps to protect the country. The suspect in the attack, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. President Donald Trump called the shooting an act of terror and said he will remove foreigners “who do not belong here”. Tens of thousands of Afghans arrived in the US after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. The move adds to earlier travel bans and the end of special protections for Afghan migrants. (PC: BBC)

Two West Virginia National Guard soldiers were critically injured after being shot near the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon. Police said the suspect, identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakamal, ambushed the soldiers at Farragut Square Metro Station before being subdued by nearby National Guard members. President Trump, speaking from Florida, called it "an act of terror" and vowed the suspect would "pay the steepest possible price." Trump criticized Biden-era Afghan immigration, prompting USCIS to halt all Afghan immigration processing. The suspect, shot four times, was not cooperating with authorities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced 500 additional National Guard troops for DC following Trump's orders.

At least 44 people died in a major fire engulfing public housing apartments in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, with 279 unaccounted for. Three construction company executives were arrested on manslaughter suspicion, linked to flammable materials like mesh and plastic sheets enabling rapid fire spread. Over 800 firefighters battled the level-five blaze at Wang Fuk Court for 18+ hours. Resident Kiko Ma revealed windows were sealed during renovations, fire alarms turned off, and workers used fire escapes. "This was preventable," she stated. Chief Executive John Lee suspended legislative campaigning ahead of December 7 polls. Around 900 residents evacuated to shelters. US, UK, and Taiwan sent condolences.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an immediate, indefinite halt to all immigration requests for Afghan nationals following a shooting near the White House. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, shot two National Guard troops before being detained. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed Lakanwal was mass-paroled under Operation Allies Welcome on September 8, 2021, during the Biden Administration. President Trump called Afghanistan a "hell hole on earth" and labeled the attack "monstrous" and an "act of terror." The USCIS stated the suspension aims to review security and vetting protocols, prioritizing homeland protection. Afghanistan hasn't responded to the immigration department's move.

After intense diplomacy, hope for peace in Ukraine is rising, but uncertainty remains. US President Donald Trump said a deal is "very close," while President Zelensky noted "many prospects" for peace after Geneva talks. European leaders revised the US 28-point plan, reducing territorial demands and emphasizing security guarantees. Russia has responded cautiously, saying many points need expert discussion. Key issues like security assurances, territorial control, and Ukraine’s NATO ties are still unresolved. Diplomats continue discussions, with US envoy Steve Witkoff heading to Moscow next week. Experts caution that while progress exists, the path to a final agreement remains long and complex. (PC: BBC)