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A Sikh parade in New Zealand's South Auckland was disrupted and heckled on Saturday by a group of Christians linked to a local church. Linked to political leader Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church, a fundamentalist religious group, the parade disruptors performed 'Haka' as they confronted the Sikhs performing kirtan (holy songs).&nbsp;The protestors also chanted slogans and held up banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India”. They were, however, taken away from the spot by the police and allow the procession.&nbsp;In the video shared online, one can see the group - True Patriots of NZ - wearing blue shirts doing 'Haka' and confronting the Sikh group in South Auckland. slogans such as “Kiwis first,” “Keep NZ, NZ,” and “True Patriot" were written on their shirts. Police officials can also be seen in the middle of both the groups.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A group called True Patriots of NZ performs a haka to block a Sikh parade in Auckland and chants &quot;Jesus, lord of our nation&quot;. They also had a banner reading: &quot;This is New Zealand, not India&quot; Follow: <a href="https://twitter.com/NoticerNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NoticerNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/cP2TBw5Zqg">pic.twitter.com/cP2TBw5Zqg</a>&mdash; The Noticer (@NoticerNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoticerNews/status/2002339817968054723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brian Tamaki, whose church the group is linked to shared the video with the caption, &nbsp;"THIS IS OUR LAND. THIS IS OUR STAND."&nbsp;"Kiwis will not be silent while foreign religions flood in. We will stand…peacefully, proudly, unapologetically…for our land, for our faith and our Kiwi way of life," read the caption further.<h2>New Zealand Sikh Youth issues statement</h2>The New Zealand Sikh Youth issued a statement after the incident in which they said, "The local Manurewa Sikh community gathered together for a scheduled nagar kirtan with all necessary permits. A nagar kirtan is a parade in which Sikhs lead a cultural procession through the local area. In addition, free food is often distributed to onlookers, as sharing is a fundamental Sikh value,"&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the video shared online, one can see the group - True Patriots of NZ - wearing blue shirts doing Haka and confronting the Sikh group.

A Sikh parade in New Zealand's South Auckland was disrupted and heckled on Saturday by a group of Christians linked to a local church. Linked to political leader Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church, a fundamentalist religious group, the parade disruptors performed 'Haka' as they confronted the Sikhs performing kirtan (holy songs). The protestors also chanted slogans and held up banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India”. They were, however, taken away from the spot by the police and allow the procession. In the video shared online, one can see the group - True Patriots of NZ - wearing blue shirts doing 'Haka' and confronting the Sikh group in South Auckland. slogans such as “Kiwis first,” “Keep NZ, NZ,” and “True Patriot" were written on their shirts. Police officials can also be seen in the middle of both the groups.

In the video shared online, one can see the group - True Patriots of NZ - wearing blue shirts doing 'Haka' and confronting the Sikh group.

'This is our land': Sikh parade in New Zealand heckled by Christian Group

A Russian general was killed in a car blast in Moscow Monday morning. According to investigators, an explosive device detonated underneath his car causing the blast and killing the general. This is the third such killing of a senior military officer in a year. Investigators suspect Ukraine hand behind the incident.&nbsp;Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov was head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff. He succemebed to his injuries in the blast, said Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, as reported by Associated Press.&nbsp;“Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry regarding the murder. One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services,” Petrenko said.<h2>Recent high-profile attacks</h2>Last year in December, a similar incident had claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces. A bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building went off killing him and his assistant Ilya Polikarpov. An Uzbek man was arrested and charged with Kirillov's killing.&nbsp;&nbsp;General Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff, was also killed in a car blast near Moscow in April this year.&nbsp; &nbsp;

This is the third such killing of a senior military officer in a year. Investigators suspect Ukraine hand in the incident.

A Russian general was killed in a car blast in Moscow Monday morning. According to investigators, an explosive device detonated underneath his car causing the blast and killing the general. This is the third such killing of a senior military officer in a year. Investigators suspect Ukraine hand behind the incident. Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov was head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff. He succemebed to his injuries in the blast, said Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, as reported by Associated Press. “Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry regarding the murder. One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services,” Petrenko said. Recent high-profile attacks Last year in December, a similar incident had claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces. A bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building went off killing him and his assistant Ilya Polikarpov. An Uzbek man was arrested and charged with Kirillov's killing. General Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff, was also killed in a car blast near Moscow in April this year.

This is the third such killing of a senior military officer in a year. Investigators suspect Ukraine hand in the incident.

Russian general, head of Operational Training Directorate of armed forces, killed in car blast in Moscow

The prices of gold and silver have hit record highs, in a pattern seen throughout 2025. This reflects the risk-averse sentiment of investors, who have amassed gold and silver. Its been the pattern in past decades too, with the price of gold rising in anticipation of, and during, crises. The current high prices, particularly since the Ukraine–Russia war of 2022 onwards, could indicate that the gloom and doom is likely to continue in 2026, if one goes by historical precedents.<h2>The rise of gold and silver in 2025</h2>Gold, which was around $2,624 per ounce at the start of 2025, is at a record high of around $4,400 per ounce by late December, a rise of around 68 per cent on the year. Silver is up from $29 per ounce to $69 per ounce, an even higher spike of 133 per cent on the year. This is one of the biggest annual rises for both metals since 1979.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-bet-to-surge-to-5-000-ounce-in-2026-1766295259367/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-bet-to-surge-to-5-000-ounce-in-2026-1766295259367/embed</a><h2>Gold and silver: Safe-haven assets amid uncertainties</h2>Investors flock to these so-called safe-haven assets when geopolitical tensions continue, most of which have a direct impact on oil prices: the Ukraine–Russia war, US–Venezuela tensions, and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Gaza war.Silver is not only a safe haven, but also has strong industrial use in current technologies such as electric vehicles, solar energy and electronics.US tariffs under President Donald Trump, and trade wars have added to the uncertainties. There are also fears about inflation, both in the US and elsewhere. One of the longest US government shutdowns exacerbated the situation.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asia-largest-undersea-gold-deposit-jiaodong-1766215700701">China uncovers Asia’s largest offshore gold deposit in East China Sea</a><h2>Interest rate cuts by central banks make gold more attractive</h2>The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, made several interest rate cuts in 2025, with more such cuts likely in 2026. Such interest rate cuts are leading more investors to opt for gold. When central banks cut interest rates, assets like bonds and savings become less attractive because they stop giving good yields to investors. Therefore, rate cuts often increase the demand for gold - which is a non-yield asset - as an alternative investment, boosting its price.&nbsp;Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of India, are also adding to their gold reserves, which crossed 880 metric tonnes by late 2025, as against 820 MT in mid 2024.<h2>A pattern in history: How precious metals rise ahead of and during global shocks and tensions</h2>Historically, investment in gold has risen as a hedge against ongoing uncertainties and as a way to counter the lowering of currency values.&nbsp;There is a clear pattern in which the prices of gold, and often silver to a lesser extent, rise ahead of or during major shocks such as wars, oil crises or economic turmoil.Gold often behaves like an earthquake predictor, surging beforehand as investors price in risk. It stabilises or dips as the crisis resolves.<h2>Gold price spike patterns since 1973</h2>After the Yom Kippur War and the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, oil prices quadrupled, causing both stagflation and inflation in America and globally. Gold price doubled from around $100 per ounce to over $200 per ounce by 1974. This was in anticipation of the crisis amid the fall in value of the dollar, the world’s reserve currency.The next big rise in gold prices was during the 1979–1980 oil crisis that came after events such as the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That ‘oil shock’ led to high inflation, and gold peaked at around $850 per ounce. This remains the strongest bull run in gold connected to geopolitical shocks.The next big spike in the yellow metal took place during the Gulf War of 1990–1991, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Gold rose by around 20 per cent.The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was another growth point for gold, which got sustained gains by around 50 per cent during the conflict that followed.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-us-dollar-dying-slowly-this-economist-thinks-so-as-gold-silver-surge-countries-including-india-trim-us-treasury-holdings-1765964339109">Is US dollar dying slowly? This economist thinks so as gold, silver surge, countries including India trim US Treasury holdings</a>&nbsp;During the global financial crisis of 2008, which followed the collapse of subprime mortgage market in the US, gold saw a period of growth until around 2009. Amid the disruption of global banking and stock crashes across the world, gold surged by around 25 per cent, in a classic case of a safe-haven response.The next big spike for gold was during the Covid pandemic that started in 2020. Global lockdowns and the shutdown of entire national economies led to a then-record growth in gold prices of nearly 27 per cent, to about $2,000 per ounce.&nbsp;Uncertainty about the economic future of the world, combined with stimulus packages by various governments, drove demand for the precious metal.<h2>Gold prices are a predictor of impending global tremors</h2>The current rally in gold is mainly due to the Russia–Ukraine war and other conflicts, and talk of another world war, which is yet to materialise. Geopolitical crises add a premium to gold prices, which grow as a pre-emptive measure to absorb shocks. Investors usually sense rising anxiety and risk before it becomes fully visible.That explains why gold, which was at around $2,624 at the start of 2025, rose with each shock this year: from the initial tariff threats by Trump, to the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, to trade tensions with various countries and US sanctions on Venezuela. As mentioned, the US government shutdown, the Ukraine–Russia war amid a failing peace process, ongoing Middle East tensions and supply-chain disruptions are all adding to the rise.

Gold and silver prices are now at record highs,  reflecting rising global uncertainty. The precious metals usually surge ahead of wars, inflation and economic shocks, signalling crises before they unfold. Here is how

The prices of gold and silver have hit record highs, in a pattern seen throughout 2025. This reflects the risk-averse sentiment of investors, who have amassed gold and silver. Its been the pattern in past decades too, with the price of gold rising in anticipation of, and during, crises. The current high prices, particularly since the Ukraine–Russia war of 2022 onwards, could indicate that the gloom and doom is likely to continue in 2026, if one goes by historical precedents. The rise of gold and silver in 2025 Gold, which was around $2,624 per ounce at the start of 2025, is at a record high of around $4,400 per ounce by late December, a rise of around 68 per cent on the year. Silver is up from $29 per ounce to $69 per ounce, an even higher spike of 133 per cent on the year. This is one of the biggest annual rises for both metals since 1979. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-bet-to-surge-to-5-000-ounce-in-2026-1766295259367/embed Gold and silver: Safe-haven assets amid uncertainties Investors flock to these so-called safe-haven assets when geopolitical tensions continue, most of which have a direct impact on oil prices: the Ukraine–Russia war, US–Venezuela tensions, and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Gaza war. Silver is not only a safe haven, but also has strong industrial use in current technologies such as electric vehicles, solar energy and electronics. US tariffs under President Donald Trump, and trade wars have added to the uncertainties. There are also fears about inflation, both in the US and elsewhere. One of the longest US government shutdowns exacerbated the situation. Also read: China uncovers Asia’s largest offshore gold deposit in East China Sea Interest rate cuts by central banks make gold more attractive The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, made several interest rate cuts in 2025, with more such cuts likely in 2026. Such interest rate cuts are leading more investors to opt for gold. When central banks cut interest rates, assets like bonds and savings become less attractive because they stop giving good yields to investors. Therefore, rate cuts often increase the demand for gold - which is a non-yield asset - as an alternative investment, boosting its price. Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of India, are also adding to their gold reserves, which crossed 880 metric tonnes by late 2025, as against 820 MT in mid 2024. A pattern in history: How precious metals rise ahead of and during global shocks and tensions Historically, investment in gold has risen as a hedge against ongoing uncertainties and as a way to counter the lowering of currency values. There is a clear pattern in which the prices of gold, and often silver to a lesser extent, rise ahead of or during major shocks such as wars, oil crises or economic turmoil. Gold often behaves like an earthquake predictor, surging beforehand as investors price in risk. It stabilises or dips as the crisis resolves. Gold price spike patterns since 1973 After the Yom Kippur War and the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, oil prices quadrupled, causing both stagflation and inflation in America and globally. Gold price doubled from around $100 per ounce to over $200 per ounce by 1974. This was in anticipation of the crisis amid the fall in value of the dollar, the world’s reserve currency. The next big rise in gold prices was during the 1979–1980 oil crisis that came after events such as the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That ‘oil shock’ led to high inflation, and gold peaked at around $850 per ounce. This remains the strongest bull run in gold connected to geopolitical shocks. The next big spike in the yellow metal took place during the Gulf War of 1990–1991, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Gold rose by around 20 per cent. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was another growth point for gold, which got sustained gains by around 50 per cent during the conflict that followed. Also read: Is US dollar dying slowly? This economist thinks so as gold, silver surge, countries including India trim US Treasury holdings During the global financial crisis of 2008, which followed the collapse of subprime mortgage market in the US, gold saw a period of growth until around 2009. Amid the disruption of global banking and stock crashes across the world, gold surged by around 25 per cent, in a classic case of a safe-haven response. The next big spike for gold was during the Covid pandemic that started in 2020. Global lockdowns and the shutdown of entire national economies led to a then-record growth in gold prices of nearly 27 per cent, to about $2,000 per ounce. Uncertainty about the economic future of the world, combined with stimulus packages by various governments, drove demand for the precious metal. Gold prices are a predictor of impending global tremors The current rally in gold is mainly due to the Russia–Ukraine war and other conflicts, and talk of another world war, which is yet to materialise. Geopolitical crises add a premium to gold prices, which grow as a pre-emptive measure to absorb shocks. Investors usually sense rising anxiety and risk before it becomes fully visible. That explains why gold, which was at around $2,624 at the start of 2025, rose with each shock this year: from the initial tariff threats by Trump, to the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, to trade tensions with various countries and US sanctions on Venezuela. As mentioned, the US government shutdown, the Ukraine–Russia war amid a failing peace process, ongoing Middle East tensions and supply-chain disruptions are all adding to the rise.

Gold and silver prices are now at record highs, &nbsp;reflecting rising global uncertainty. The precious metals usually surge ahead of wars, inflation and economic shocks, signalling crises before they unfold. Here is how

Gold and silver at record highs mean the world is heading for bigger crises? Lessons from history

Amid the violence in Bangladesh following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, another leader of National Citizen Party (NCP) was shot by miscreants in Khulna on Monday (Dec 22). Gunmen opened fire at Motaleb Shikder, Khulna divisional chief of NCP and central organiser of NCP Sramik Shakti, targeting his head around 11:45 am. This comes after violence erupted in the country following the killing of Hadi, the founder of Inqilab Mancha, a radical student group of Dhaka University.&nbsp;According to Sonadanga Model Police Station Investigation Officer (OC) Animesh Mondol, Shikder was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition, The Daily Star reported.&nbsp;Mondol added that doctors have said Motaleb is out of danger. The bullet entered through one side of his ear, pierced the skin, and exited through the other side, the report added.&nbsp;Hadi, the leader of the country’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising, was a polarising figure known for his strong anti-India stance. He was shot by masked assailants while leaving a mosque in Dhaka. Hadi was airlifted to a hospital in Singapore for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday (Dec 18).&nbsp;Thousands of people took to the streets after his death, demanding his killers’ arrest. Angry protestors set fire to several buildings in the capital, including offices of two leading newspapers, with staff trapped inside.&nbsp;Protesters also blocked a major highway that connects Dhaka with other parts of the country and vandalised the home of a former minister in Chittagong in southeastern Bangladesh. The residence of Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina, was also vandalised and set on fire by violent protesters. Meanwhile, stones were hurled at the Assistant High Commission of India and the nearby residences of officials in the port city of Chittagong. A Hindu youth was also killed by a mob, sparking more outrage in the community.&nbsp;

This comes after violence erupted in the country following the killing of Hadi, the founder of Inqilab Mancha, a radical student group of Dhaka University.

Amid the violence in Bangladesh following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, another leader of National Citizen Party (NCP) was shot by miscreants in Khulna on Monday (Dec 22). Gunmen opened fire at Motaleb Shikder, Khulna divisional chief of NCP and central organiser of NCP Sramik Shakti, targeting his head around 11:45 am. This comes after violence erupted in the country following the killing of Hadi, the founder of Inqilab Mancha, a radical student group of Dhaka University. According to Sonadanga Model Police Station Investigation Officer (OC) Animesh Mondol, Shikder was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition, The Daily Star reported. Mondol added that doctors have said Motaleb is out of danger. The bullet entered through one side of his ear, pierced the skin, and exited through the other side, the report added. Hadi, the leader of the country’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising, was a polarising figure known for his strong anti-India stance. He was shot by masked assailants while leaving a mosque in Dhaka. Hadi was airlifted to a hospital in Singapore for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday (Dec 18). Thousands of people took to the streets after his death, demanding his killers’ arrest. Angry protestors set fire to several buildings in the capital, including offices of two leading newspapers, with staff trapped inside. Protesters also blocked a major highway that connects Dhaka with other parts of the country and vandalised the home of a former minister in Chittagong in southeastern Bangladesh. The residence of Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina, was also vandalised and set on fire by violent protesters. Meanwhile, stones were hurled at the Assistant High Commission of India and the nearby residences of officials in the port city of Chittagong. A Hindu youth was also killed by a mob, sparking more outrage in the community.

This comes after violence erupted in the country following the killing of Hadi, the founder of Inqilab Mancha, a radical student group of Dhaka University.

Bangladesh turmoil: Another student leader shot as unrest spreads after Hadi death

Warfare has never been static. Over centuries, the ways in which nations fight and the means they use to influence outcomes; have constantly adapted to technology, society and geopolitics. Today, as conflicts unfold across different parts of the world, we are witnessing another major shift. Battles are no longer confined to land, sea, air or even cyberspace. Increasingly, they are being fought in the cognitive domain; the realm of perception, beliefs, emotions and decision-making.To understand why cognitive operations have become so important, it is helpful to revisit how warfare itself has evolved.<h2>The Five Generations of Warfare: A Quick Journey</h2>1. First Generation Warfare (1GW): The Age of Lines and ColumnsThe earliest organised wars were dominated by mass formations of soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Order, discipline and direct confrontation defined battles. Influence was physical and visible.2. Second Generation Warfare (2GW): Industrial FirepowerThe advent of artillery, machine guns and mechanised forces changed the battlefield dramatically. Firepower became more decisive than manpower. The aim was to wear down the enemy through sustained strikes.3. Third Generation Warfare (3GW): Manoeuvre and SpeedLater, militaries learned to avoid direct attrition and instead rely on mobility, surprise and rapid penetration. Blitzkrieg-style tactics, decentralised execution and initiative became key elements.4. Fourth Generation Warfare (4GW): The Blurring of LinesBy the late 20th century, the clear divide between combatants and civilians began to erode. Non-state actors, insurgencies, media narratives and public sentiment became important factors. Legitimacy and perception started influencing outcomes as much as firepower.5. Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW): The Battle of InfluenceIn the last decade, strategists have observed a new shift towards wars without formal declarations, where influence becomes the primary weapon. Here, the focus is on shaping how societies think, react and decide. Actors aim to achieve strategic results without large-scale kinetic conflict.This is where cognitive operations take centre stage.<h2>Cognitive Operations: The Logic of the Next Generation</h2>Cognitive operations are deliberate actions by state or non-state actors to influence the mental landscape of individuals, groups and institutions. Unlike propaganda of the past, which was often one-directional and slow, today’s cognitive efforts are fast, targeted and often personalised.They take advantage of:<ul><li>digital and social media platforms</li><li>emotional storytelling through influencers</li><li>selective information release</li><li>misinformation and disinformation</li><li>data-driven targeting</li><li>AI-generated content</li><li>behavioural insights and psychological triggers</li></ul>The aim is not merely to deliver information, but to shape interpretation to influence how people understand events, evaluate options and choose actions. This is the essence of Fifth Generation Warfare: winning without fighting, through influence instead of destruction.<h2>What Today’s Conflicts Reveal</h2>Across multiple global conflicts, regardless of which actors are involved, a few trends are clear.1. Narrative Shape OutcomesThe earliest videos, images or explanations from a conflict often set the tone for global opinion. Even if later corrections emerge, the first impression tends to stick. This “first-frame effect” shows how crucial early narrative control has become.2. Information Velocity Is a Strategic FactorEarlier wars had time for verification. Today, information spreads faster than official statements. Actors who recognise this speed advantage can shape public understanding before facts can be confirmed.3. The Grey Zone Is Now CognitiveMany tensions across the world occur below the threshold of declared conflict. These “grey zone” activities, ambiguous military signalling, diplomatic messaging, cyber intrusions, and online narratives, seek psychological and political effects rather than territorial gains. They work by influencing risk perception, expectations and political discourse.4. AI Is a Game-ChangerArtificial intelligence now allows anyone to create convincing synthetic audio, video and imagery. This lowers the cost of influence and increases the scale of cognitive operations. Distinguishing truth from fabrication is becoming harder.5. Civilians Are Active ParticipantsFrontline journalists, local residents with smartphones, diaspora communities and online volunteers all shape global perceptions. Their posts often travel faster than official briefings, making the cognitive domain highly decentralised and complex.<h2>Why Cognitive Resilience Matters for Nations</h2>As warfare has evolved from physical destruction (1GW–3GW) to a contest of legitimacy and perception (4GW–5GW), national security now depends heavily on cognitive resilience; the ability of societies to absorb, interpret and respond to information without being misled or manipulated.Nations must therefore strengthen:<ul><li>public trust through transparent communication</li><li>digital literacy in schools and colleges</li><li>fact-checking networks</li><li>ethical and credible media ecosystems</li><li>AI tools for detecting manipulated content</li><li>whole-of-nation partnerships involving government, industry, academia and civil society</li></ul>Just as countries build air defence or cyber defence, they must now build cognitive defence.<h2>The Road Ahead: Preparing for 6th Generation Warfare?</h2>Some scholars argue that the next stage, perhaps a future Sixth Generation Warfare, will integrate physical, cyber, space and cognitive domains seamlessly. In such an environment, influence and perception may determine outcomes even before any physical confrontation occurs.In my opinion, this vision holds true. Cognitive operations will not just be a component of warfare; they will be the central operating logic.<h2>Conclusion: The Mind as the Final High Ground</h2>Looking back at the evolution of warfare, one pattern is clear: each generation expanded the battlespace. From linear formations to firepower, from manoeuvre to insurgency and media warfare, conflict has steadily moved closer to the human mind.Today, cognitive operations represent the next step in this progression. They challenge nations not just to defend territory, but to defend understanding. They show that security is no longer limited to borders; it now exists in beliefs, perceptions and the shared narratives that hold societies together.Modern conflicts remind us that while armies may win battles on the ground, it is the control of perception that often shapes the political and strategic outcomes.In the era of Fifth Generation Warfare, the mind has become the final high ground. And nations that recognise, prepare for and adapt to this reality will be best positioned to protect their interests and maintain stability in an increasingly complex world.&nbsp;

In the era of Fifth Generation Warfare, the mind has become the final high ground. And nations that recognise, prepare for and adapt to this reality will be best positioned to protect their interests and maintain stability in an increasingly complex world.

Warfare has never been static. Over centuries, the ways in which nations fight and the means they use to influence outcomes; have constantly adapted to technology, society and geopolitics. Today, as conflicts unfold across different parts of the world, we are witnessing another major shift. Battles are no longer confined to land, sea, air or even cyberspace. Increasingly, they are being fought in the cognitive domain; the realm of perception, beliefs, emotions and decision-making. To understand why cognitive operations have become so important, it is helpful to revisit how warfare itself has evolved. The Five Generations of Warfare: A Quick Journey 1. First Generation Warfare (1GW): The Age of Lines and Columns The earliest organised wars were dominated by mass formations of soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Order, discipline and direct confrontation defined battles. Influence was physical and visible. 2. Second Generation Warfare (2GW): Industrial Firepower The advent of artillery, machine guns and mechanised forces changed the battlefield dramatically. Firepower became more decisive than manpower. The aim was to wear down the enemy through sustained strikes. 3. Third Generation Warfare (3GW): Manoeuvre and Speed Later, militaries learned to avoid direct attrition and instead rely on mobility, surprise and rapid penetration. Blitzkrieg-style tactics, decentralised execution and initiative became key elements. 4. Fourth Generation Warfare (4GW): The Blurring of Lines By the late 20th century, the clear divide between combatants and civilians began to erode. Non-state actors, insurgencies, media narratives and public sentiment became important factors. Legitimacy and perception started influencing outcomes as much as firepower. 5. Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW): The Battle of Influence In the last decade, strategists have observed a new shift towards wars without formal declarations, where influence becomes the primary weapon. Here, the focus is on shaping how societies think, react and decide. Actors aim to achieve strategic results without large-scale kinetic conflict. This is where cognitive operations take centre stage. Cognitive Operations: The Logic of the Next Generation Cognitive operations are deliberate actions by state or non-state actors to influence the mental landscape of individuals, groups and institutions. Unlike propaganda of the past, which was often one-directional and slow, today’s cognitive efforts are fast, targeted and often personalised. They take advantage of: digital and social media platforms emotional storytelling through influencers selective information release misinformation and disinformation data-driven targeting AI-generated content behavioural insights and psychological triggers The aim is not merely to deliver information, but to shape interpretation to influence how people understand events, evaluate options and choose actions. This is the essence of Fifth Generation Warfare: winning without fighting, through influence instead of destruction. What Today’s Conflicts Reveal Across multiple global conflicts, regardless of which actors are involved, a few trends are clear. 1. Narrative Shape Outcomes The earliest videos, images or explanations from a conflict often set the tone for global opinion. Even if later corrections emerge, the first impression tends to stick. This “first-frame effect” shows how crucial early narrative control has become. 2. Information Velocity Is a Strategic Factor Earlier wars had time for verification. Today, information spreads faster than official statements. Actors who recognise this speed advantage can shape public understanding before facts can be confirmed. 3. The Grey Zone Is Now Cognitive Many tensions across the world occur below the threshold of declared conflict. These “grey zone” activities, ambiguous military signalling, diplomatic messaging, cyber intrusions, and online narratives, seek psychological and political effects rather than territorial gains. They work by influencing risk perception, expectations and political discourse. 4. AI Is a Game-Changer Artificial intelligence now allows anyone to create convincing synthetic audio, video and imagery. This lowers the cost of influence and increases the scale of cognitive operations. Distinguishing truth from fabrication is becoming harder. 5. Civilians Are Active Participants Frontline journalists, local residents with smartphones, diaspora communities and online volunteers all shape global perceptions. Their posts often travel faster than official briefings, making the cognitive domain highly decentralised and complex. Why Cognitive Resilience Matters for Nations As warfare has evolved from physical destruction (1GW–3GW) to a contest of legitimacy and perception (4GW–5GW), national security now depends heavily on cognitive resilience; the ability of societies to absorb, interpret and respond to information without being misled or manipulated. Nations must therefore strengthen: public trust through transparent communication digital literacy in schools and colleges fact-checking networks ethical and credible media ecosystems AI tools for detecting manipulated content whole-of-nation partnerships involving government, industry, academia and civil society Just as countries build air defence or cyber defence, they must now build cognitive defence. The Road Ahead: Preparing for 6th Generation Warfare? Some scholars argue that the next stage, perhaps a future Sixth Generation Warfare, will integrate physical, cyber, space and cognitive domains seamlessly. In such an environment, influence and perception may determine outcomes even before any physical confrontation occurs. In my opinion, this vision holds true. Cognitive operations will not just be a component of warfare; they will be the central operating logic. Conclusion: The Mind as the Final High Ground Looking back at the evolution of warfare, one pattern is clear: each generation expanded the battlespace. From linear formations to firepower, from manoeuvre to insurgency and media warfare, conflict has steadily moved closer to the human mind. Today, cognitive operations represent the next step in this progression. They challenge nations not just to defend territory, but to defend understanding. They show that security is no longer limited to borders; it now exists in beliefs, perceptions and the shared narratives that hold societies together. Modern conflicts remind us that while armies may win battles on the ground, it is the control of perception that often shapes the political and strategic outcomes. In the era of Fifth Generation Warfare, the mind has become the final high ground. And nations that recognise, prepare for and adapt to this reality will be best positioned to protect their interests and maintain stability in an increasingly complex world.

In the era of Fifth Generation Warfare, the mind has become the final high ground. And nations that recognise, prepare for and adapt to this reality will be best positioned to protect their interests and maintain stability in an increasingly complex world.

From battlefields to minds: How the evolution of warfare has made cognitive operations central to modern conflict

For Bangladesh, the year 2025 could best be described as one of transition,tinged with continuing bloodshed between rival political factions, months after the ouster of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. The former prime minister, who fled to India, was sentenced to death in cases associated with her tenure and the crackdown of the violent uprising that led to her ouster and flight to India in August 2025. The elections announced by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus have already been rocked by the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi after being shot at. The South Asian nation was on edge for most of the year, and the violence escalated again with Hadi’s killing. Mobs went on attacking media houses, Awami League party offices and even Indian diplomatic missions. Here is a roundup of the main events from 2025:<h2>The year started with political and economic reforms</h2>The interim government led by Nobel laureate Yunus began with earnest democratic reforms, accountability for past abuses, and preparations for elections. However, instability, violence and challenges to the once-shining Bangladesh economy continued. The government sought to bring in institutional reforms through various commissions on the constitution, judiciary, elections and other sectors. Grievances from the violence during the 2024 uprising were addressed, including probes into the deaths of protesters.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-want-my-political-assassination-hasina-refuses-return-to-bangladesh-thanks-india-for-continued-hospitality-1766375949870">They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh, thanks India for continued hospitality</a><h2>Sheikh Hasina’s trials and asset freeze</h2>Bangladeshi courts tried Hasina in absentia, even as she gave occasional interviews while in exile in India, denying any wrongdoing and refusing to return to the country. In March, assets linked to her family were frozen amid corruption investigations.&nbsp; Violence continued unabated throughout the year, with sporadic attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as various acts of political retribution targeting Awami League activists and leaders.&nbsp; The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sought elections by late 2025, while the student groups at the centre of the 2024 uprising sought reforms first.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-extremists-emboldened-hasina-blames-yunus-govt-for-anti-india-hostility-in-bangladesh-1766380925403">'Extremists emboldened': Hasina blames Yunus govt for anti-India hostility in Bangladesh</a><h2>The July Charter</h2>Protests continued over delays in reforms and demands for justice. The interim government came out with the so-called July Charter, which was subsequently signed by major parties, but not the student-led National Citizen Party. The charter outlined reforms including a reductions of executive power, changes to the conduct of elections, and assertions of judicial independence. A plan was also announced for a referendum on the July national charter during the next general elections. Yunus announced that the elections would be held in February, possibly before Ramadan. Notably, Hasina’s Awami League was banned from politics under anti-terror laws.<h2>Hasina sentenced to death amid corruption trials and unrest</h2>Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November for crimes against humanity related to the crackdowns during the 2024 uprising. She and her associates faced other cases over alleged corruption. She also received a separate 21-year sentence for alleged land grabs. After much legal tussle, the Supreme Court restored the non-party caretaker government system of Bangladesh for future elections.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-leader-s-house-torched-in-lakshmipur-party-demands-justice-1766378056607/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-leader-s-house-torched-in-lakshmipur-party-demands-justice-1766378056607/embed</a><h2>Killing of Sharif Osman Hadi</h2>The killing of Hadi, one of the key faces of the 2024 uprising, led to another spike in violence. Hadi was shot by masked assailants on December 15 while returning from a mosque during his election campaign as an independent candidate. After being airlifted to Singapore for further treatment, Hadi died on December 18.Protests erupted, with mobs going on a rampage of arson and killings. Allegations against India led to heightened anti-India sentiment, even as calls for New Delhi to extradite Hasina intensified. India has so far not accepted the demand to send back Hasina.<h2>A turbulent year. Another in the making?</h2>Bangladesh is at an inflexion point in its revenge-laden politics of decades. A country that appeared to be doing well economically under Hasina is slowly plunging into chaos and uncertainty. The turbulence is likely to continue into 2026, as the country makes a slow transition from autocracy to reform and a return to democratic governance. The events since August 2024 have strained the economy, with high inflation and low GDP growth, even as ties with long-term ally India are under severe strain over New Delhi’s hosting of Hasina. It remains to be seen whether the election will be held as planned in February or rescheduled. &nbsp;

For Bangladesh, the year 2025 was one of fragile calm under an interim government, marred by political and communal violence. Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence was shocking, but the violence spiralled again after youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing ahead of elections.

For Bangladesh, the year 2025 could best be described as one of transition,tinged with continuing bloodshed between rival political factions, months after the ouster of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. The former prime minister, who fled to India, was sentenced to death in cases associated with her tenure and the crackdown of the violent uprising that led to her ouster and flight to India in August 2025. The elections announced by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus have already been rocked by the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi after being shot at. The South Asian nation was on edge for most of the year, and the violence escalated again with Hadi’s killing. Mobs went on attacking media houses, Awami League party offices and even Indian diplomatic missions. Here is a roundup of the main events from 2025: The year started with political and economic reforms The interim government led by Nobel laureate Yunus began with earnest democratic reforms, accountability for past abuses, and preparations for elections. However, instability, violence and challenges to the once-shining Bangladesh economy continued. The government sought to bring in institutional reforms through various commissions on the constitution, judiciary, elections and other sectors. Grievances from the violence during the 2024 uprising were addressed, including probes into the deaths of protesters. Also read: They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh, thanks India for continued hospitality Sheikh Hasina’s trials and asset freeze Bangladeshi courts tried Hasina in absentia, even as she gave occasional interviews while in exile in India, denying any wrongdoing and refusing to return to the country. In March, assets linked to her family were frozen amid corruption investigations. Violence continued unabated throughout the year, with sporadic attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as various acts of political retribution targeting Awami League activists and leaders. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sought elections by late 2025, while the student groups at the centre of the 2024 uprising sought reforms first. Also read: 'Extremists emboldened': Hasina blames Yunus govt for anti-India hostility in Bangladesh The July Charter Protests continued over delays in reforms and demands for justice. The interim government came out with the so-called July Charter, which was subsequently signed by major parties, but not the student-led National Citizen Party. The charter outlined reforms including a reductions of executive power, changes to the conduct of elections, and assertions of judicial independence. A plan was also announced for a referendum on the July national charter during the next general elections. Yunus announced that the elections would be held in February, possibly before Ramadan. Notably, Hasina’s Awami League was banned from politics under anti-terror laws. Hasina sentenced to death amid corruption trials and unrest Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November for crimes against humanity related to the crackdowns during the 2024 uprising. She and her associates faced other cases over alleged corruption. She also received a separate 21-year sentence for alleged land grabs. After much legal tussle, the Supreme Court restored the non-party caretaker government system of Bangladesh for future elections. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-leader-s-house-torched-in-lakshmipur-party-demands-justice-1766378056607/embed Killing of Sharif Osman Hadi The killing of Hadi, one of the key faces of the 2024 uprising, led to another spike in violence. Hadi was shot by masked assailants on December 15 while returning from a mosque during his election campaign as an independent candidate. After being airlifted to Singapore for further treatment, Hadi died on December 18. Protests erupted, with mobs going on a rampage of arson and killings. Allegations against India led to heightened anti-India sentiment, even as calls for New Delhi to extradite Hasina intensified. India has so far not accepted the demand to send back Hasina. A turbulent year. Another in the making? Bangladesh is at an inflexion point in its revenge-laden politics of decades. A country that appeared to be doing well economically under Hasina is slowly plunging into chaos and uncertainty. The turbulence is likely to continue into 2026, as the country makes a slow transition from autocracy to reform and a return to democratic governance. The events since August 2024 have strained the economy, with high inflation and low GDP growth, even as ties with long-term ally India are under severe strain over New Delhi’s hosting of Hasina. It remains to be seen whether the election will be held as planned in February or rescheduled.

For Bangladesh, the year 2025 was one of fragile calm under an interim government, marred by political and communal violence. Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence was shocking, but the violence spiralled again after youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing ahead of elections.

YEAR-ENDER 2025: Bangladesh’s uneasy calm after the storm disturbed by youth leader Hadi’s killing

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Dec 22) blamed the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus government for the rising hostility against Indians in the nation. Blaming the interim administration in Dhaka for worsening ties with India, she said that extremist groups have gotten emboldened under the Yunus administration. She also underscored India's status as Bangladesh's most dependable partner for decades, and said that the ties shared by New Delhi and Dhaka are deep-rooted. She insisted that the current tensions between the neighbours would subside once legitimate governance is restored.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-want-my-political-assassination-hasina-refuses-return-to-bangladesh-thanks-india-for-continued-hospitality-1766375949870">They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh</a><h2>Hasina on strained India-Bangladesh ties</h2>Placing recent developments in a regional context, Hasina addressed the strain in India-Bangladesh relations, including Dhaka's decision to summon the Indian envoy. She accused the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, of issuing hostile statements against India, failing to protect religious minorities and allowing extremist elements to shape foreign policy.India, she said, has been Bangladesh’s most dependable partner for decades, with ties rooted in history, geography and shared sacrifices.<h2>India justified in its concern</h2>India's concerns over the safety of its personnel are justified, she said, adding that any responsible government would protect diplomatic missions and prosecute those issuing threats instead of shielding what she described as "hooligans."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-rickshaw-puller-wearing-red-thread-branded-raw-agent-assaulted-by-mob-in-bangladesh-1766322679454">Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread assaulted by mob in Bangladesh</a>Hasina also raised alarm over growing anti-India sentiment and concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats in Bangladesh. She claimed extremists emboldened under the Yunus-led interim setup were driving hostility, alleging attacks on the Indian embassy, media organisations and minority communities. According to her, the interim administration had elevated radical elements to positions of authority while releasing convicted terrorists.On rhetoric around India's Siliguri Corridor, often called the "Chicken's Neck," Hasina described such statements as reckless and irresponsible. No serious leader, she said, would threaten a neighbour critical to Bangladesh’s trade and regional stability.<h2>Hasina breaks silence on Osman Hadi killing</h2>Referring to the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, Hasina said the incident symbolised a broader breakdown of law and order since her removal. Violence, she warned, has become routine under the interim government, destabilising Bangladesh internally and worrying neighbouring countries. "When you cannot maintain basic order within your borders, your credibility on the international stage collapses," she said, calling it "the reality of Yunus's Bangladesh."Hasina said Yunus lacks the mandate to reshape Bangladesh’s foreign policy. "Once Bangladeshis can vote freely again, our foreign policy will return to serving our national interests," she insisted. &nbsp;

Sheikh Hasina blames Muhammad Yunus's interim government for rising anti-India hostility in Bangladesh. Calling India Dhaka's most dependable partner, she says ties will stabilise once legitimate governance and law and order are restored.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Dec 22) blamed the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus government for the rising hostility against Indians in the nation. Blaming the interim administration in Dhaka for worsening ties with India, she said that extremist groups have gotten emboldened under the Yunus administration. She also underscored India's status as Bangladesh's most dependable partner for decades, and said that the ties shared by New Delhi and Dhaka are deep-rooted. She insisted that the current tensions between the neighbours would subside once legitimate governance is restored. Also read | They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh Hasina on strained India-Bangladesh ties Placing recent developments in a regional context, Hasina addressed the strain in India-Bangladesh relations, including Dhaka's decision to summon the Indian envoy. She accused the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, of issuing hostile statements against India, failing to protect religious minorities and allowing extremist elements to shape foreign policy. India, she said, has been Bangladesh’s most dependable partner for decades, with ties rooted in history, geography and shared sacrifices. India justified in its concern India's concerns over the safety of its personnel are justified, she said, adding that any responsible government would protect diplomatic missions and prosecute those issuing threats instead of shielding what she described as "hooligans." Also read | Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread assaulted by mob in Bangladesh Hasina also raised alarm over growing anti-India sentiment and concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats in Bangladesh. She claimed extremists emboldened under the Yunus-led interim setup were driving hostility, alleging attacks on the Indian embassy, media organisations and minority communities. According to her, the interim administration had elevated radical elements to positions of authority while releasing convicted terrorists. On rhetoric around India's Siliguri Corridor, often called the "Chicken's Neck," Hasina described such statements as reckless and irresponsible. No serious leader, she said, would threaten a neighbour critical to Bangladesh’s trade and regional stability. Hasina breaks silence on Osman Hadi killing Referring to the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, Hasina said the incident symbolised a broader breakdown of law and order since her removal. Violence, she warned, has become routine under the interim government, destabilising Bangladesh internally and worrying neighbouring countries. "When you cannot maintain basic order within your borders, your credibility on the international stage collapses," she said, calling it "the reality of Yunus's Bangladesh." Hasina said Yunus lacks the mandate to reshape Bangladesh’s foreign policy. "Once Bangladeshis can vote freely again, our foreign policy will return to serving our national interests," she insisted.

Sheikh Hasina blames Muhammad Yunus's interim government for rising anti-India hostility in Bangladesh. Calling India Dhaka's most dependable partner, she says ties will stabilise once legitimate governance and law and order are restored.

'Extremists emboldened': Hasina blames Yunus govt for anti-India hostility in Bangladesh

A 23-year-old man from the Morbi district of Gujarat, who is in ‘captivity’ in Ukraine for reportedly participating in the war for Russia, has appealed for help from the Indian government for his release. His appeal came in a latest video message sent to his family, who also cautioned Indians from scammers while going to Russia for studies or work.&nbsp;Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a resident of Morbi’s Kalika Plot area, came into the spotlight after Ukrainian authorities released a video earlier this month showing him surrendering to their forces.&nbsp;Majothi had travelled to St Petersburg on January 10, 2024, on a student visa to study Russian Language and Culture at ITMO University. He was later allegedly implicated in a police case, jailed, and reportedly compelled to join the battlefield to fight for Russia, where he was eventually captured by Ukrainian troops.<h3>Appeals to PM Modi for rescue</h3>In a video message that the family received on Sunday night, claiming it to have been shared by ‘Ukrainian authorities’, Sahil says, “Right now I am stuck in Ukraine as a war criminal. Now I am hopeless, I don’t know what will happen in future. But I want to send a message to my Indian citizens. Those Indians coming to Russia for higher studies or work, be careful because there are so many scammers here. You may be trapped in criminal cases, narcotics cases, or illegal cases, so take care of yourself. As far as possible, stay away from all this.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH | Gujarat student forced to join Russian army, sends SOS video from Ukraine. The student has been identified as Sahil Mohammad Hussain. <a href="https://t.co/QcDsjWONaz">pic.twitter.com/QcDsjWONaz</a>&mdash; The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/thetatvaindia/status/2002967630827975014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He also appealed to the Indian govt and said, “I appeal to the Indian government, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and S Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs), if possible, please help.”.&nbsp;While the video messages do not specify when they were recorded, one of them seems to be a recent one, as Sahil can be heard referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit on December 4 and 5.

Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a resident of Morbi’s Kalika Plot area, came into the spotlight after Ukrainian authorities released a video earlier this month showing him surrendering to their forces.

A 23-year-old man from the Morbi district of Gujarat, who is in ‘captivity’ in Ukraine for reportedly participating in the war for Russia, has appealed for help from the Indian government for his release. His appeal came in a latest video message sent to his family, who also cautioned Indians from scammers while going to Russia for studies or work. Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a resident of Morbi’s Kalika Plot area, came into the spotlight after Ukrainian authorities released a video earlier this month showing him surrendering to their forces. Majothi had travelled to St Petersburg on January 10, 2024, on a student visa to study Russian Language and Culture at ITMO University. He was later allegedly implicated in a police case, jailed, and reportedly compelled to join the battlefield to fight for Russia, where he was eventually captured by Ukrainian troops. Appeals to PM Modi for rescue In a video message that the family received on Sunday night, claiming it to have been shared by ‘Ukrainian authorities’, Sahil says, “Right now I am stuck in Ukraine as a war criminal. Now I am hopeless, I don’t know what will happen in future. But I want to send a message to my Indian citizens. Those Indians coming to Russia for higher studies or work, be careful because there are so many scammers here. You may be trapped in criminal cases, narcotics cases, or illegal cases, so take care of yourself. As far as possible, stay away from all this.”

Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a resident of Morbi’s Kalika Plot area, came into the spotlight after Ukrainian authorities released a video earlier this month showing him surrendering to their forces.

‘I am hopeless’: Gujarat youth captured in Ukraine while fighting for Russia appeals to PM Modi for rescue

A Bangladesh court has issued travel ban on Faisal Karim Masud the alleged killer of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was passed by Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain after the Detective Branch (DB) of police filed an application requesting the ban on the suspected murderer.&nbsp;However, the Bangladesh Police say they have no concrete information on whether Masud is still hiding in the country or has left the country.&nbsp;In a press conference Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that the state machinery is working hard to trace Faisal’s whereabouts. He also said that no evidence of involvement of any political party has come to the fore in relation to the murder.&nbsp;“We do not have specific information about Faisal's last location. Our forces and intelligence agencies are working to obtain it,” said Islam&nbsp;Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a key figure in last year's student-led uprising that toppled longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and spokesperson of the Anti-Sheikh Hasina Inqilab Mancha was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka last week while launching his campaign for the scheduled February general election.<h2>Who is Hadi's alleged shooter?</h2>So, who is Faisal Karim Masud the alleged shooter? Masud was a leader of the Chhatra League (currently banned), the student wing of the ousted Awami League, according to The Telegraph.&nbsp;Masud participated in Hadi’s election campaign along with another suspect, identified as motorcycle rider Alamgir, before carrying out the attack, reported the media house, citing a local journalist.&nbsp;The Pakistani police had arrested Masud about a year ago in connection with an armed robbery at a school. A &nbsp;foreign-made pistol was also recovered from him.&nbsp;Notably before carrying out the attack, Masud had told his girlfriend that something was going to happen that would "shake entire Bangladesh". Hours later, Faisal, along with two other people, shot Hadi in broad daylight in Dhaka.&nbsp;"It would be something that would shake the entire country," Faisal told Maria, reported Dhaka-based Jamuna Television. "Something will happen tomorrow (on Friday), that the whole country will tremble," newspaper Daily Jugantor quoted Faisal as saying.&nbsp;Faisal is married to a woman named Saheda Parvin Samia, who has been arrested along with other family members. &nbsp;

In a press conference Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that the state machinery is working hard to trace Faisal’s whereabouts.

A Bangladesh court has issued travel ban on Faisal Karim Masud the alleged killer of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was passed by Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain after the Detective Branch (DB) of police filed an application requesting the ban on the suspected murderer. However, the Bangladesh Police say they have no concrete information on whether Masud is still hiding in the country or has left the country. In a press conference Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that the state machinery is working hard to trace Faisal’s whereabouts. He also said that no evidence of involvement of any political party has come to the fore in relation to the murder. “We do not have specific information about Faisal's last location. Our forces and intelligence agencies are working to obtain it,” said Islam Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a key figure in last year's student-led uprising that toppled longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and spokesperson of the Anti-Sheikh Hasina Inqilab Mancha was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka last week while launching his campaign for the scheduled February general election. Who is Hadi's alleged shooter? So, who is Faisal Karim Masud the alleged shooter? Masud was a leader of the Chhatra League (currently banned), the student wing of the ousted Awami League, according to The Telegraph. Masud participated in Hadi’s election campaign along with another suspect, identified as motorcycle rider Alamgir, before carrying out the attack, reported the media house, citing a local journalist. The Pakistani police had arrested Masud about a year ago in connection with an armed robbery at a school. A foreign-made pistol was also recovered from him. Notably before carrying out the attack, Masud had told his girlfriend that something was going to happen that would "shake entire Bangladesh". Hours later, Faisal, along with two other people, shot Hadi in broad daylight in Dhaka. "It would be something that would shake the entire country," Faisal told Maria, reported Dhaka-based Jamuna Television. "Something will happen tomorrow (on Friday), that the whole country will tremble," newspaper Daily Jugantor quoted Faisal as saying. Faisal is married to a woman named Saheda Parvin Samia, who has been arrested along with other family members.

In a press conference Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that the state machinery is working hard to trace Faisal’s whereabouts.

Bangladesh student leader murder: Travel ban issued on Hadi's killer Faisal Karim Masud, hunt on to nab him

New details have emerged after last weekend’s terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach when two gunmen opened fire at the crowd gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, killing 15 and injuring over 40, including two police officers. Police have alleged that the accused trained for the attack in the Australian countryside, according to the court documents released on Monday (Dec 22). Meanwhile, the police said that the only surviving suspect in the shooting has been transferred from the hospital to jail.“The accused and his father are seen throughout the video firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner,” the document states. The police said that the two carried out “firearms training” in what was believed to be the New South Wales countryside before the shooting, which happened on December 14.Sajid and Naveed Akram, the father and son duo accused of carrying out the attack, also visited Bondi Beach days before the mass shooting for a “reconnaissance” trip, the police documents revealed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bondi-beach-shooter-transferred-from-hospital-to-jail-australian-police-1766376684856">Bondi Beach shooter transferred from hospital to jail: Australian police</a><h2>Attackers attempted to throw bombs at the crowd</h2>According to the documents, the pair also threw four improvised devices at the crowd moments before they started shooting at the crowd, though none of them detonated. Three pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb were used by them. A fifth suspected bomb was found in the trunk of the vehicle they used to drive to Bondi to carry out the attack.<h2>Extremist video emerges</h2>According to the police, the shooters also recorded an extremist video, in which they condemned the “Zionists”. In the video, which was recovered from one of the accused’s phone, the father and son were seen sitting in front of an Islamic State flag, reciting verses from the Quran. The two also made statements “regarding their motivation for the ‘Bondi attack’”.

According to the documents, the pair also threw four improvised devices at the crowd moments before they started shooting at the crowd, though none of them detonated. 

New details have emerged after last weekend’s terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach when two gunmen opened fire at the crowd gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, killing 15 and injuring over 40, including two police officers. Police have alleged that the accused trained for the attack in the Australian countryside, according to the court documents released on Monday (Dec 22). Meanwhile, the police said that the only surviving suspect in the shooting has been transferred from the hospital to jail. “The accused and his father are seen throughout the video firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner,” the document states. The police said that the two carried out “firearms training” in what was believed to be the New South Wales countryside before the shooting, which happened on December 14. Sajid and Naveed Akram, the father and son duo accused of carrying out the attack, also visited Bondi Beach days before the mass shooting for a “reconnaissance” trip, the police documents revealed. Also read | Bondi Beach shooter transferred from hospital to jail: Australian police Attackers attempted to throw bombs at the crowd According to the documents, the pair also threw four improvised devices at the crowd moments before they started shooting at the crowd, though none of them detonated. Three pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb were used by them. A fifth suspected bomb was found in the trunk of the vehicle they used to drive to Bondi to carry out the attack. Extremist video emerges According to the police, the shooters also recorded an extremist video, in which they condemned the “Zionists”. In the video, which was recovered from one of the accused’s phone, the father and son were seen sitting in front of an Islamic State flag, reciting verses from the Quran. The two also made statements “regarding their motivation for the ‘Bondi attack’”.

According to the documents, the pair also threw four improvised devices at the crowd moments before they started shooting at the crowd, though none of them detonated.&nbsp;

Bondi Beach shooters’ terror training, explosives, extremist video – SHOCKING details emerge

The US Justice Department said Sunday (Dec 22) that a photograph containing an image of President Donald Trump has been restored to its online Epstein files database after being temporarily removed for review. The image, released late Friday as part of a large dump of records related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, shows a desk drawer containing several photographs. People were quick to spot that one of the pictures appears to show Trump alongside Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and others. However, soon after the picture was removed, triggering widespread condemnation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-epstein-files-still-redacted-doj-denies-cover-up-meant-to-shield-trump-1766367317764">Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump</a><h2>Protecting victims or Trump?</h2>The photograph disappeared from the Justice Department's website on Saturday, prompting speculation and accusations of political interference. In a statement posted on X, the department said the image had been taken down temporarily to determine whether additional redactions were needed to protect victims."The Southern District of New York flagged an image of President Trump for potential further action to protect victims," the statement said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review."After that review, officials concluded that the photograph did not depict any of Epstein's victims. "It was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction," the department said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ZbpE6Uq6xh">pic.twitter.com/ZbpE6Uq6xh</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept/status/2002843217633632644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting underage girls for Epstein.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/house-democrats-drop-epstein-photos-from-disturbing-paedophilic-lolita-quotes-on-bosoms-to-price-tag-for-girls-shocking-pics-reveal-bill-gates-1766131614452">Epstein files: Disturbing paedophilic quotes on bosoms to price tags for girls, here's what shocking new pics reveal</a><h2>'Biggest coverups in American history'?</h2>The brief removal of the image quickly drew criticism from Democrats in Congress. House Oversight Committee Democrats publicly questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi, asking whether the takedown signaled a broader effort to conceal information. In a post on X, they asked, "is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public."Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in, warning on social media that the incident raised concerns about transparency. "If they're taking this down," he wrote, "they’re taking this down, just imagine how much more they’re trying to hide … This could be one of the biggest coverups in American history".

The DOJ has restored an Epstein file photo, which shows Trump. This was done after the photo was briefly removed, allegedly “for review,” to protect victims. The takedown sparked backlash and allegations of a cover-up.

The US Justice Department said Sunday (Dec 22) that a photograph containing an image of President Donald Trump has been restored to its online Epstein files database after being temporarily removed for review. The image, released late Friday as part of a large dump of records related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, shows a desk drawer containing several photographs. People were quick to spot that one of the pictures appears to show Trump alongside Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and others. However, soon after the picture was removed, triggering widespread condemnation. Also read | Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump Protecting victims or Trump? The photograph disappeared from the Justice Department's website on Saturday, prompting speculation and accusations of political interference. In a statement posted on X, the department said the image had been taken down temporarily to determine whether additional redactions were needed to protect victims. "The Southern District of New York flagged an image of President Trump for potential further action to protect victims," the statement said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review." After that review, officials concluded that the photograph did not depict any of Epstein's victims. "It was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction," the department said.

The DOJ has restored an Epstein file photo, which shows Trump. This was done after the photo was briefly removed, allegedly “for review,” to protect victims. The takedown sparked backlash and allegations of a cover-up.

Trump photo vanishes from Epstein files, then reappears. DOJ claims it was deleted 'out of an abundance of caution'

A passenger bus carrying 34 people crashed in Indonesia’s main island of Java just after midnight Monday, killing 16 passengers, said officials. The incident happened after the driver lost control on a toll road and struck a concrete barrier before rolling onto its side. The inter-province bus from the capital Jakarta was taking the passengers to the ancient royal city of Yogyakarta when it overturned at a bend at the Krapyak toll way in Central Java’s Semarang city.&nbsp;“The forceful impact threw several passengers and left them trapped against the bus body,” said Budiono, a search and rescue agency chief, according to Associated Press.&nbsp;After the accident was reported, police reached the spot and recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the scene. Another 10 people died while being taken to hospital or being treated.&nbsp;(This is a developing story, more details awaited)

After the accident was reported, police reached the spot and recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the scene.

A passenger bus carrying 34 people crashed in Indonesia’s main island of Java just after midnight Monday, killing 16 passengers, said officials. The incident happened after the driver lost control on a toll road and struck a concrete barrier before rolling onto its side. The inter-province bus from the capital Jakarta was taking the passengers to the ancient royal city of Yogyakarta when it overturned at a bend at the Krapyak toll way in Central Java’s Semarang city. “The forceful impact threw several passengers and left them trapped against the bus body,” said Budiono, a search and rescue agency chief, according to Associated Press. After the accident was reported, police reached the spot and recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the scene. Another 10 people died while being taken to hospital or being treated. (This is a developing story, more details awaited)

After the accident was reported, police reached the spot and recovered the bodies of six passengers who died at the scene.

Bus accident in Indonesia kills 16 people, some in critical condition

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Dec 22) rejected calls for her return to the country amid ongoing legal proceedings, calling the action against her "politically motivated" and saying she will not return to Dhaka under the current circumstances. In an email interview with ANI, Hasina said the case against her amounted to a "political assassination," arguing that the legal process lacked independence and fairness. "You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination," she said, adding that she would only return once Bangladesh has a legitimate government and an independent judiciary.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-rickshaw-puller-wearing-red-thread-branded-raw-agent-assaulted-by-mob-in-bangladesh-1766322679454">Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread assaulted by mob in Bangladesh</a><h2>Hasina challenges the Yunus government</h2>Hasina directly challenged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to take the matter to The Hague, saying she was confident an independent international court would acquit her. She described the verdict delivered by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as a "political assassination in judicial robes."The former prime minister said she was denied basic legal rights, including the freedom to appoint lawyers of her choice. According to her, the tribunal was used to carry out a "witch hunt" against the Awami League.<h2>ICT ruling against Sheikh Hasina</h2>In November, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1, found former President Sheikh Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity" linked to the July–August 2024 uprising. Local media, including the Dhaka Tribune, reported that the tribunal convicted her on all five charges and imposed the death penalty. The judgement also named former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, accusing them of enabling atrocities during the unrest.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-student-leader-murder-who-is-faisal-karim-masud-the-alleged-shooter-and-man-behind-the-political-unrest-1766298522677">Bangladesh violence: Who is Faisal Karim Masud, the alleged killer of Hadi?</a>Hasina said the verdict had triggered demands for her extradition, which she dismissed as coming from what she called "an increasingly desperate and adrift Yunus administration". At the same time, she claimed that many observers viewed the proceedings as those of a "kangaroo tribunal."Despite her criticism, Hasina said she still believes in Bangladesh’s constitutional foundations. "Our constitutional tradition is strong," she said. "When legitimate governance is restored and our judiciary regains its independence, justice will prevail."<h2>Hasina thanks India</h2>Hasina also addressed her departure from Bangladesh, saying she left to prevent further bloodshed, not to evade accountability. She also thanked New Delhi for its continued hospitality and the support extended by political parties across India. &nbsp;

Exiled former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has refused to return to Dhaka, calling the case against her a “political assassination.” Rejecting the ICT verdict, she claimed that the death sentence was biased.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Dec 22) rejected calls for her return to the country amid ongoing legal proceedings, calling the action against her "politically motivated" and saying she will not return to Dhaka under the current circumstances. In an email interview with ANI, Hasina said the case against her amounted to a "political assassination," arguing that the legal process lacked independence and fairness. "You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination," she said, adding that she would only return once Bangladesh has a legitimate government and an independent judiciary. Also read | Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread assaulted by mob in Bangladesh Hasina challenges the Yunus government Hasina directly challenged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to take the matter to The Hague, saying she was confident an independent international court would acquit her. She described the verdict delivered by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as a "political assassination in judicial robes." The former prime minister said she was denied basic legal rights, including the freedom to appoint lawyers of her choice. According to her, the tribunal was used to carry out a "witch hunt" against the Awami League. ICT ruling against Sheikh Hasina In November, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1, found former President Sheikh Hasina guilty of "crimes against humanity" linked to the July–August 2024 uprising. Local media, including the Dhaka Tribune, reported that the tribunal convicted her on all five charges and imposed the death penalty. The judgement also named former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, accusing them of enabling atrocities during the unrest. Also read | Bangladesh violence: Who is Faisal Karim Masud, the alleged killer of Hadi? Hasina said the verdict had triggered demands for her extradition, which she dismissed as coming from what she called "an increasingly desperate and adrift Yunus administration". At the same time, she claimed that many observers viewed the proceedings as those of a "kangaroo tribunal." Despite her criticism, Hasina said she still believes in Bangladesh’s constitutional foundations. "Our constitutional tradition is strong," she said. "When legitimate governance is restored and our judiciary regains its independence, justice will prevail." Hasina thanks India Hasina also addressed her departure from Bangladesh, saying she left to prevent further bloodshed, not to evade accountability. She also thanked New Delhi for its continued hospitality and the support extended by political parties across India.

Exiled former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has refused to return to Dhaka, calling the case against her a “political assassination.” Rejecting the ICT verdict, she claimed that the death sentence was biased.

They want my 'political assassination': Hasina refuses return to Bangladesh, thanks India for continued hospitality

Australian police on Monday (Dec 22) said that the only surviving suspect in last weekend’s shooting has been transferred from the hospital to jail. The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, had been receiving treatment in a hospital under police guard. He is facing multiple charges, including terrorism and 15 murders. While his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, was killed by Australian officers at the scene.Meanwhile, court documents released on Monday have revealed new details about the shooting. The two gunmen opened fire at the crowd gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, killing 15 and injuring over 40, including two police officers. Police have alleged that the accused trained for the attack at an undisclosed location in the Australian countryside, according to the court documents released on Monday.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bondi-beach-shooters-terror-training-explosives-extremist-video-shocking-details-emerge-1766378143346">Bondi Beach shooters’ terror training, explosives, extremist video – SHOCKING details emerge</a>“The accused and his father are seen throughout the video firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner,” the document states.The father and son duo also visited Bondi Beach days before the mass shooting for a “reconnaissance” trip, the police documents revealed. The pair also threw four improvised devices at the crowd moments before they started shooting at the crowd, though none of them detonated. Three pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb were used by them. A fifth suspected bomb was found in the trunk of the vehicle they used to drive to Bondi to carry out the attack.<h2>Albanese apologises to Jewish community, vows tougher laws</h2>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday apologised to the country’s Jewish community over a mass shooting. “As Prime Minister, I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I’m Prime Minister, and I’m sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole has experienced,” he said. “The government will work every day to protect Jewish Australians, to protect the fundamental right as Australians that they have to be proud of who they are, to practice their faith, to educate their children and to engage in Australian society in the fullest way possible.”Albanese added that he would push for tougher laws against hate speech and extremism in the aftermath of the country’s deadliest mass shooting in decades.“We’re not going to let the ISIS inspired terrorists win. We won’t let them divide our society, and we’ll get through this together,” Albanese told reporters.“Urgency and unity is what we need,” he said. The Australian PM also called for bipartisan support for “creating an aggravated offence for hate preaching” and other new laws.

The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, had been receiving treatment in a hospital under police guard. He is facing multiple charges, including terrorism and 15 murders.

Australian police on Monday (Dec 22) said that the only surviving suspect in last weekend’s shooting has been transferred from the hospital to jail. The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, had been receiving treatment in a hospital under police guard. He is facing multiple charges, including terrorism and 15 murders. While his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, was killed by Australian officers at the scene. Meanwhile, court documents released on Monday have revealed new details about the shooting. The two gunmen opened fire at the crowd gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, killing 15 and injuring over 40, including two police officers. Police have alleged that the accused trained for the attack at an undisclosed location in the Australian countryside, according to the court documents released on Monday. Also read | Bondi Beach shooters’ terror training, explosives, extremist video – SHOCKING details emerge “The accused and his father are seen throughout the video firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner,” the document states. The father and son duo also visited Bondi Beach days before the mass shooting for a “reconnaissance” trip, the police documents revealed. The pair also threw four improvised devices at the crowd moments before they started shooting at the crowd, though none of them detonated. Three pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb were used by them. A fifth suspected bomb was found in the trunk of the vehicle they used to drive to Bondi to carry out the attack. Albanese apologises to Jewish community, vows tougher laws Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday apologised to the country’s Jewish community over a mass shooting. “As Prime Minister, I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I’m Prime Minister, and I’m sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole has experienced,” he said. “The government will work every day to protect Jewish Australians, to protect the fundamental right as Australians that they have to be proud of who they are, to practice their faith, to educate their children and to engage in Australian society in the fullest way possible.” Albanese added that he would push for tougher laws against hate speech and extremism in the aftermath of the country’s deadliest mass shooting in decades. “We’re not going to let the ISIS inspired terrorists win. We won’t let them divide our society, and we’ll get through this together,” Albanese told reporters. “Urgency and unity is what we need,” he said. The Australian PM also called for bipartisan support for “creating an aggravated offence for hate preaching” and other new laws.

The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, had been receiving treatment in a hospital under police guard. He is facing multiple charges, including terrorism and 15 murders.

Bondi Beach shooter transferred from hospital to jail; Albanese vows tougher laws

US and Ukrainian officials on Sunday (Dec 22) said that the talks in Miami were “productive and constructive” but did not announce any breakthrough in efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. This comes after top representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and Kyiv’s European allies held a series of discussions in southern Florida hosted by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

This comes after top representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and Kyiv’s European allies held a series of discussions in southern Florida hosted by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

US and Ukrainian officials on Sunday (Dec 22) said that the talks in Miami were “productive and constructive” but did not announce any breakthrough in efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. This comes after top representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and Kyiv’s European allies held a series of discussions in southern Florida hosted by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

This comes after top representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and Kyiv’s European allies held a series of discussions in southern Florida hosted by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

‘Productive and constructive’: US, Ukraine hail Miami talks but announce no breakthrough to end war with Russia

The US Justice Department on Sunday (Dec 21) rejected claims that it redacted newly released Jeffrey Epstein files to shield President Donald Trump, as backlash grew over what victims and lawmakers described as a heavily censored and incomplete disclosure. A tranche of Epstein-related records was released on Friday (Dec 19). The release contained many pages blacked out and several photographs obscured, which triggered anger among survivors of the late sex offender. Critics accused the administration of failing to comply with a law mandating the full release of all Epstein files.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/house-democrats-drop-epstein-photos-from-disturbing-paedophilic-lolita-quotes-on-bosoms-to-price-tag-for-girls-shocking-pics-reveal-bill-gates-1766131614452">Epstein files: Disturbing paedophilic quotes on bosoms to price tags for girls, here's what shocking new pics reveal</a><h2>Not protecting Trump</h2>Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday denied any political interference, telling NBC's Meet the Press that the department was "not redacting information around President Trump." When asked whether any material had been removed for political reasons, Blanche said, "Absolutely, positively not."One of the most controversial decisions involved censoring group photographs that included Trump. Blanche said the images were initially removed out of "concern" for the women pictured. The Justice Department later reposted the photos without alterations after determining "there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted."<h2>Democrats slam Trump admin redactions</h2>Democratic lawmakers, however, remain unconvinced. Representative Jamie Raskin accused Trump of blocking transparency, arguing that the redactions amounted to a cover-up. "It's all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn't want to go public, either about himself (or) other members of his family, friends," Raskin told CNN.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-rewrites-white-house-history-with-brutal-plaques-mocking-biden-and-obama-see-pics-here-1766025457861">Trump rewrites White House history with brutal plaques mocking Biden and Obama. See pics HERE</a>The released material included images of former president Bill Clinton and references to high-profile figures such as Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Officials said the redactions were meant to protect victims' privacy, but the scale of the blackouts has only intensified public suspicion.<h2>MAGA base miffed by the release?</h2>Criticism also came from within Trump's own party. Republican Representative Thomas Massie said the release violated both the spirit and letter of the law. Speaking on CBS's Face the Nation, Massie claimed a 60-count indictment implicating prominent individuals had not been made public, calling it a case of "selective concealment.""They're flouting the spirit and the letter of the law. It's very troubling the posture that they've taken. And I won't be satisfied until the survivors are satisfied," said Massie.Trump had initially opposed releasing the files tied to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Facing pressure from Congress, including Republicans, he ultimately signed legislation compelling their release.

The US Justice Department denied redacting Epstein files to protect Trump, saying edits were to shield victims. Lawmakers and survivors slammed the heavily blacked-out release as a cover-up, with criticism coming from Democrats and Trump allies alike over “selective concealment.”

The US Justice Department on Sunday (Dec 21) rejected claims that it redacted newly released Jeffrey Epstein files to shield President Donald Trump, as backlash grew over what victims and lawmakers described as a heavily censored and incomplete disclosure. A tranche of Epstein-related records was released on Friday (Dec 19). The release contained many pages blacked out and several photographs obscured, which triggered anger among survivors of the late sex offender. Critics accused the administration of failing to comply with a law mandating the full release of all Epstein files. Also read | Epstein files: Disturbing paedophilic quotes on bosoms to price tags for girls, here's what shocking new pics reveal Not protecting Trump Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday denied any political interference, telling NBC's Meet the Press that the department was "not redacting information around President Trump." When asked whether any material had been removed for political reasons, Blanche said, "Absolutely, positively not." One of the most controversial decisions involved censoring group photographs that included Trump. Blanche said the images were initially removed out of "concern" for the women pictured. The Justice Department later reposted the photos without alterations after determining "there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted." Democrats slam Trump admin redactions Democratic lawmakers, however, remain unconvinced. Representative Jamie Raskin accused Trump of blocking transparency, arguing that the redactions amounted to a cover-up. "It's all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn't want to go public, either about himself (or) other members of his family, friends," Raskin told CNN. Also read | Trump rewrites White House history with brutal plaques mocking Biden and Obama. See pics HERE The released material included images of former president Bill Clinton and references to high-profile figures such as Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Officials said the redactions were meant to protect victims' privacy, but the scale of the blackouts has only intensified public suspicion. MAGA base miffed by the release? Criticism also came from within Trump's own party. Republican Representative Thomas Massie said the release violated both the spirit and letter of the law. Speaking on CBS's Face the Nation, Massie claimed a 60-count indictment implicating prominent individuals had not been made public, calling it a case of "selective concealment." "They're flouting the spirit and the letter of the law. It's very troubling the posture that they've taken. And I won't be satisfied until the survivors are satisfied," said Massie. Trump had initially opposed releasing the files tied to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Facing pressure from Congress, including Republicans, he ultimately signed legislation compelling their release.

The US Justice Department denied redacting Epstein files to protect Trump, saying edits were to shield victims. Lawmakers and survivors slammed the heavily blacked-out release as a cover-up, with criticism coming from Democrats and Trump allies alike over “selective concealment.”

Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump

The US Coast Guard is pursuing another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, officials said on Sunday, revealing what would be the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week. One official said the tanker was subject to sanctions after President Donald Trump’s ‘blockade’ on sanctioned tankers in and out of Venezuela. The officials, who had sought anonymity, did not share the precise location of the Coast Guard operation.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump last week announced a "blockade" of all oil tankers under sanctions entering and leaving Venezuela.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-divine-intervention-helped-pakistan-during-may-conflict-with-india-asim-munir-1766337259952">‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir</a>&nbsp;Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has included a ramped-up military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near the South American nation. At least 100 people have been killed in the attacks.&nbsp;The White House's National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Sunday that the first two oil tankers seized were operating on the black market and providing oil to sanctioned countries."And so I don't think that people need to be worried here in the U.S. that the prices are going to go up because of these seizures of these ships," Hassett said. "There's just a couple of them, and they were black market ships."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-rickshaw-puller-wearing-red-thread-branded-raw-agent-assaulted-by-mob-in-bangladesh-1766322679454">Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread branded ‘RAW agent’, assaulted by mob in Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;Trump’s actions to increase pressure on authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have involved a strengthened American military presence in the region. The US military has conducted more than two dozen military strikes against vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in at least 100 deaths.&nbsp;US forces on Saturday apprehended a second merchant vessel carrying oil off the coast of Venezuela in international waters. Earlier, the US forces had seized one oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast on 10 December. Both vessels were headed to Asia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-after-all-shri-hanuman-finally-serves-replies-eam-when-asked-if-india-needs-more-than-one-jaishankar-1766243874365">‘After all, Shri Hanuman finally serves…,’ replies EAM when asked if India needs more than one Jaishankar? WATCH</a>

Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has included a ramped-up military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near the South American nation.

The US Coast Guard is pursuing another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, officials said on Sunday, revealing what would be the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week. One official said the tanker was subject to sanctions after President Donald Trump’s ‘blockade’ on sanctioned tankers in and out of Venezuela. The officials, who had sought anonymity, did not share the precise location of the Coast Guard operation. US President Donald Trump last week announced a "blockade" of all oil tankers under sanctions entering and leaving Venezuela. Also Read: ‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has included a ramped-up military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near the South American nation. At least 100 people have been killed in the attacks. The White House's National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Sunday that the first two oil tankers seized were operating on the black market and providing oil to sanctioned countries. "And so I don't think that people need to be worried here in the U.S. that the prices are going to go up because of these seizures of these ships," Hassett said. "There's just a couple of them, and they were black market ships." Also Read: Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread branded ‘RAW agent’, assaulted by mob in Bangladesh Trump’s actions to increase pressure on authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have involved a strengthened American military presence in the region. The US military has conducted more than two dozen military strikes against vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in at least 100 deaths. US forces on Saturday apprehended a second merchant vessel carrying oil off the coast of Venezuela in international waters. Earlier, the US forces had seized one oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast on 10 December. Both vessels were headed to Asia. Also Read: ‘After all, Shri Hanuman finally serves…,’ replies EAM when asked if India needs more than one Jaishankar? WATCH

Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has included a ramped-up military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near the South American nation.

US pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela; it's under sanctions, say officials

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir has said that ‘divine intervention’ had helped Pakistan during its May conflict with India, which launched precision strikes on terror targets deep inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Speaking about the four-day conflict with India in May after Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, Asim Munir said the armed forces received “divine help” during the confrontation in Pakistan’s retaliatory operation Bunyanum Marsoos.&nbsp;“We felt it,” the Pakistani army chief said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistan Field Marshal Munir says it was &#39;divine intervention&#39; that helped the country during May conflict with India. Says,&#39;we felt it&#39; PS: -Pakistan suffered an attack on a number of its Air Bases, Terror camps before reaching out for ceasefire -Speech was made on 10th Dec <a href="https://t.co/YLy9oZTNo0">https://t.co/YLy9oZTNo0</a> <a href="https://t.co/sv4SThlJxh">pic.twitter.com/sv4SThlJxh</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/2002759678841987466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-rickshaw-puller-wearing-red-thread-branded-raw-agent-assaulted-by-mob-in-bangladesh-1766322679454">Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread branded ‘RAW agent’, assaulted by mob in Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;India launched a series of strikes in the early hours of May 7 across Pakistan. Fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery were used during the four-day conflict, which stopped when Pakistan’s DGMO called his Indian counterpart and sought a ceasefire.&nbsp;Referring to TTP infiltration into Pakistan, Munir said formations of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) infiltrating into Pakistan mostly comprise Afghans.“In the TTP formations coming [into Pakistan], 70 per cent are Afghans,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-after-all-shri-hanuman-finally-serves-replies-eam-when-asked-if-india-needs-more-than-one-jaishankar-1766243874365">‘After all, Shri Hanuman finally serves…,’ replies EAM when asked if India needs more than one Jaishankar? WATCH</a>&nbsp;Munir made these statements at the National Ulema Conference held on December 10 in Islamabad. However, details of his address at the conference were not available yet, but video clips of his speech at the event were broadcast on television on Sunday, December 21.Islamabad accuses Kabul of allowing the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for carrying out attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegation.&nbsp;Munir then asked, “Is Afghanistan not spilling the blood of our Pakistani children?”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-shielding-illegal-immigrants-time-to-end-maha-jungle-raj-in-bengal-pm-modi-1766239038996">Trinamool shielding illegal immigrants, time to end ‘maha jungle raj’ in Bengal: PM Modi</a>&nbsp;He further said that there were 57 Islamic countries in the world, but among them, “God gave us the honour of being the protectors of Haramain Sharifain (a reference to Makkah and Madina)”.Munir also recited multiple verses from the Quran in his address.

Speaking about the four-day conflict with India in May, Kashmir, Asim Munir said the armed forces received “divine help” during the confrontation in Pakistan’s retaliatory operation Bunyanum Marsoos. “We felt it,” the Pakistani army chief said.

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir has said that ‘divine intervention’ had helped Pakistan during its May conflict with India, which launched precision strikes on terror targets deep inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Speaking about the four-day conflict with India in May after Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, Asim Munir said the armed forces received “divine help” during the confrontation in Pakistan’s retaliatory operation Bunyanum Marsoos. “We felt it,” the Pakistani army chief said.

Speaking about the four-day conflict with India in May, Kashmir, Asim Munir said the armed forces received “divine help” during the confrontation in Pakistan’s retaliatory operation Bunyanum Marsoos. “We felt it,” the Pakistani army chief said.

‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir

President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Dec 21) said that he had given the official approval for development and construction work on the French Navy's future aircraft carrier to bolster the country's maritime power. The future aircraft carrier is scheduled to enter service in 2038, will replace France's flagship, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Macron made the announcement while he was speaking to troops at a French military base in Abu Dhabi, located near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil flows.&nbsp;"In line with the last two military programming laws, and after a thorough and comprehensive review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier," Macron said during a visit to French troops in the United Arab Emirates, adding that the decision to move ahead with the project was made this week.&nbsp;The move is part of the Military Programming Law (LPM 2024-2030) adopted by the French Parliament, aimed at boosting defence spending and strengthening the capability of the French Armed Forces over seven years. The plan was taken up amid a changing global security environment and rising tensions with Moscow after the Russia-Ukraine war. The law allocates around $460 billion in defence spending between 2024 and 2030, marking a significant increase of around 40 per cent compared to the previous cycle.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-introduces-voluntary-military-service-amid-rising-russian-threat-1764255876844">France introduces voluntary military service amid rising Russian threat</a>&nbsp;On November 27, the French President announced the restoration of military service voluntarily to boost troop strength as part of the LPM. Almost three decades after France abolished conscription, Macron said young adults who wish to join the military can sign up for a 10-month service."A new national service will be introduced, gradually starting next summer," he said, addressing troops in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset in southeastern France. The French president clarified that volunteers, mostly aged 18 to 19, will only be deployed on national soil.&nbsp;Under the scheme, France plans to incorporate 3,000 volunteers from the summer next year, then increase gradually so as to include 10,000 young people in the army by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035.&nbsp;Currently, the French armed forces have approximately 200,000 active military personnel and 47,000 reservists, numbers expected to increase to 210,000 and 80,000, respectively, by 2030.

The new aircraft carrier is intended to replace France’s flagship nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, and is part of the country’s Military Programming Law (LPM 2024–2030) aimed at bolstering military capabilities.

President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Dec 21) said that he had given the official approval for development and construction work on the French Navy's future aircraft carrier to bolster the country's maritime power. The future aircraft carrier is scheduled to enter service in 2038, will replace France's flagship, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Macron made the announcement while he was speaking to troops at a French military base in Abu Dhabi, located near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil flows. "In line with the last two military programming laws, and after a thorough and comprehensive review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier," Macron said during a visit to French troops in the United Arab Emirates, adding that the decision to move ahead with the project was made this week. The move is part of the Military Programming Law (LPM 2024-2030) adopted by the French Parliament, aimed at boosting defence spending and strengthening the capability of the French Armed Forces over seven years. The plan was taken up amid a changing global security environment and rising tensions with Moscow after the Russia-Ukraine war. The law allocates around $460 billion in defence spending between 2024 and 2030, marking a significant increase of around 40 per cent compared to the previous cycle. Also Read: France introduces voluntary military service amid rising Russian threat On November 27, the French President announced the restoration of military service voluntarily to boost troop strength as part of the LPM. Almost three decades after France abolished conscription, Macron said young adults who wish to join the military can sign up for a 10-month service. "A new national service will be introduced, gradually starting next summer," he said, addressing troops in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset in southeastern France. The French president clarified that volunteers, mostly aged 18 to 19, will only be deployed on national soil. Under the scheme, France plans to incorporate 3,000 volunteers from the summer next year, then increase gradually so as to include 10,000 young people in the army by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035. Currently, the French armed forces have approximately 200,000 active military personnel and 47,000 reservists, numbers expected to increase to 210,000 and 80,000, respectively, by 2030.

The new aircraft carrier is intended to replace France’s flagship nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, and is part of the country’s Military Programming Law (LPM 2024–2030) aimed at bolstering military capabilities.

France to strengthen military as Macron announces new aircraft carrier after voluntary service rollout

Israel's security cabinet on Sunday (Dec 21) approved a proposal for 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The new settlement includes two that were previously evacuated during a 2005 disengagement plan, according to Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, who announced the plan and asserted that the move is aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.&nbsp;“On the ground, we are blocking the establishment of a Palestinian terror state,” he said in the statement.&nbsp;The approval brings the total number of settlements approved over the past three years to 69, Smotrich wrote on X, marking a sharp increase of nearly 50 per cent during the current government's tenure from 141 in 2022 to 210.&nbsp;Smotrich, who has been a vocal proponent of settlement expansion and a settler himself, said, "We will continue to develop, build, and settle the land of our ancestral heritage, with faith in the justice of our path."&nbsp;The latest decision comes days after the United Nations described the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-denies-zelensky-s-claim-of-possible-three-way-us-ukraine-russia-talks-in-ending-conflict-1766309962579">Kremlin denies Zelensky's claim of possible three-way US-Ukraine-Russia talks in ending conflict</a>&nbsp;Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has recently criticised Israel's relentless efforts to expand settlements in the occupied territory. It "continues to fuel tensions, impede access by Palestinians to their land and threaten the viability of a fully independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State", he said earlier this month.&nbsp;According to a UN report, the number of settlements reached its highest point since 2017, when the United Nations started tracking such data.The development came as deliberations are underway on US President Donald Trump's Gaza Peace plan, which seeks to halt the conflict and secure a long-term peace between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;The US president recently warned against annexing territories in the West Bank, saying "Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened," he said in a recent interview with Time magazine.

The United Nations condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, warning that it threatens the viability of a sovereign Palestinian state.


Israel's security cabinet on Sunday (Dec 21) approved a proposal for 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The new settlement includes two that were previously evacuated during a 2005 disengagement plan, according to Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, who announced the plan and asserted that the move is aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. “On the ground, we are blocking the establishment of a Palestinian terror state,” he said in the statement. The approval brings the total number of settlements approved over the past three years to 69, Smotrich wrote on X, marking a sharp increase of nearly 50 per cent during the current government's tenure from 141 in 2022 to 210. Smotrich, who has been a vocal proponent of settlement expansion and a settler himself, said, "We will continue to develop, build, and settle the land of our ancestral heritage, with faith in the justice of our path." The latest decision comes days after the United Nations described the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law. Also Read: Kremlin denies Zelensky's claim of possible three-way US-Ukraine-Russia talks in ending conflict Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has recently criticised Israel's relentless efforts to expand settlements in the occupied territory. It "continues to fuel tensions, impede access by Palestinians to their land and threaten the viability of a fully independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State", he said earlier this month. According to a UN report, the number of settlements reached its highest point since 2017, when the United Nations started tracking such data. The development came as deliberations are underway on US President Donald Trump's Gaza Peace plan, which seeks to halt the conflict and secure a long-term peace between Israel and Hamas. The US president recently warned against annexing territories in the West Bank, saying "Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened," he said in a recent interview with Time magazine.

The United Nations condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, warning that it threatens the viability of a sovereign Palestinian state. &nbsp;

Israeli cabinet approves 19 new Jewish settlements in West Bank

Days after the brutal killing of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh, another incident of a mob attack on a Hindu rickshaw puller has been reported from the country. The rickshaw puller was assaulted by a mob in the Jhenaidah district of the Khulna Division on Friday, according to local authorities. The victim, identified as Gobinda Biswas, was attacked after some people noticed a red sacred thread on his wrist, commonly worn by Hindus. A video of the incident has gone viral.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gobinda Biswas—a rickshaw puller. A red thread on his wrist was enough for extremists to brand him an “RAW agent.” He kept saying he was just a rickshaw puller, but no one listened. The young man from Jhenaidah was brutally assaulted and left critically injured—his survival… <a href="https://t.co/9qvDNgl7FA">pic.twitter.com/9qvDNgl7FA</a>&mdash; Sahidul Hasan Khokon (@SahidulKhokonbd) <a href="https://twitter.com/SahidulKhokonbd/status/2002333423017533495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eyewitness accounts indicate that some people spread rumours alleging that Biswas was linked to India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), after which a crowd gathered and assaulted him.Biswas was beaten near the gate of the Jhenaidah district municipality and sustained injuries to his throat and chest, officials said.&nbsp;Videos circulating on social media show Biswas pleading with police while being taken into custody, saying he was a rickshaw puller and should be released. He was later detained at the Jhenaidah Sadar police station.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-after-all-shri-hanuman-finally-serves-replies-eam-when-asked-if-india-needs-more-than-one-jaishankar-1766243874365">‘After all, Shri Hanuman finally serves…,’ replies EAM when asked if India needs more than one Jaishankar? WATCH</a><h2>Man in mob tries to snatch away Biswas from cops &nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In the video, a man in the mob is seen daringly trying to snatch away Biswas from the custody of policemen in full public view, revealing the state of lawlessness on the day of the incident.In another video filmed inside the police station, an unidentified voice claims that Biswas’s mobile phone showed multiple WhatsApp transactions linked to the Reserve Bank of India and that he had received a call from a person in India. Biswas reportedly told police that the caller, identified as Akash, was personally known to him.The officer-in-charge of Jhenaidah Sadar police station confirmed Biswas’s detention and said preliminary inquiries revealed that he had lived in India for several years.The official said police were examining the allegations regarding his possible links to Indian agencies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-shielding-illegal-immigrants-time-to-end-maha-jungle-raj-in-bengal-pm-modi-1766239038996">Trinamool shielding illegal immigrants, time to end ‘maha jungle raj’ in Bengal: PM Modi</a>&nbsp;The incident comes amid heightened concern over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh.&nbsp;<h2>India conveyed ‘strong concerns’ to Bangladesh over attacks on minorities</h2>&nbsp;Earlier, India conveyed “strong concerns” to Bangladeshi authorities over recent attacks on minorities.Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had urged Dhaka to ensure that those responsible for the killing of Dipu Chandra Das are brought to justice.&nbsp;Addressing protests held outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Saturday, Jaiswal said India remains committed to ensuring the safety of foreign diplomatic missions in accordance with the Vienna Convention.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-release-2019-grand-jury-testimony-outlines-abuse-by-je-in-new-york-florida-1766259298900">Epstein files release: 2019 grand jury testimony outlines abuse by ‘JE’ in New York, Florida</a>&nbsp;He also rejected reports in sections of the Bangladeshi media suggesting a security breach at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.According to the MEA, a small group of protesters gathered briefly outside the mission to condemn the killing of Deepu Chandra Das and called for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh before being dispersed by police.

Videos circulating on social media show Hindu rickshaw puller Gobinda Biswas pleading with police while being taken into custody, saying he was a rickshaw puller and should be released. He was later detained at the Jhenaidah Sadar police station.

Days after the brutal killing of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh, another incident of a mob attack on a Hindu rickshaw puller has been reported from the country. The rickshaw puller was assaulted by a mob in the Jhenaidah district of the Khulna Division on Friday, according to local authorities. The victim, identified as Gobinda Biswas, was attacked after some people noticed a red sacred thread on his wrist, commonly worn by Hindus. A video of the incident has gone viral.

Videos circulating on social media show Hindu rickshaw puller Gobinda Biswas pleading with police while being taken into custody, saying he was a rickshaw puller and should be released. He was later detained at the Jhenaidah Sadar police station.

Hindu rickshaw puller wearing red thread branded ‘RAW agent’, assaulted by mob in Bangladesh

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India’s long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a “vital humanitarian channel” during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Jalali noted, “Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time.”&nbsp;India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.Jalali welcomed India’s contributions to Afghan health infrastructure, describing the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as “one of the major paediatric hospitals in Afghanistan.” He said Afghanistan had “previously requested [the] honourable Indian Chargé d'affaires... regarding strengthening the infrastructure,” and received promises of a CT scan machine and further support.&nbsp;Around 75 prosthetic limbs (Jaipur foot) have been fitted for Afghan nationals, with India continuing to provide medical assistance and treatment. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, India gifted 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. Full interview:&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>India Ties</h2> Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India ties Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: I would like to convey my regards to viewers and listeners of WION. I've travelled to India for health issues and discussions. Afghanistan values its long standing and constructive relationship with India. Our engagement with India has traditionally been people centric, particularly in health, education and humanitarian assistance. We see India as an important regional partner and our current interaction reflects a mutual interest in pragmatic cooperation based on respect, humanitarian consideration and shared responsibility.&nbsp;<h2>Meeting with Indian Health Minister &nbsp;</h2>Sidhant Sibal: Following your recent visit to India and meetings with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, what specific new areas of cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical supplies have been agreed upon between Afghanistan and India?Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: First of all, I would like to state that this was my first visit to India since the establishment of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, I was the first health minister to travel to India. The discussions with His Excellency, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, were focused on strengthening cooperation and health infrastructure, medical equipment support, regulatory coordination and capacity building.&nbsp;Both sides explored collaboration in hospital development,&nbsp;medical supply, pharmaceutical regulation and training of health professionals in India. Additionally, I've received promises on supply of oncological and cancer treatment medicines, which will be supplied on the immediate basis.&nbsp;<h2>Medical visas</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: India continues to facilitate medical visas for Afghan patients in Indian hospitals. What are your views on expanding this program, and how many Afghan patients have benefited from it in 2025?&nbsp;Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghans have been&nbsp;regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel. We have recently seen many visas issued for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment in India. While exact figures vary, thousands of&nbsp;Afghan patients have benefited from this channel in recent years.<h2> India's support to Afghan healthcare infra</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, thalassemia centers, and diagnostic facilities have been supported by India. What further infrastructure projects would Afghanistan prioritize in collaboration with India?Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Indira Gandhi hospital is one of the major pediatric hospitals in Afghanistan. We have previously requested honorable Indian Chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan regarding strengthening the infrastructure. We have received a promise&nbsp;of CT scan machine and infrastructure strengthening support to Indira Gandhi pediatric hospital. When it comes to overall infrastructure cooperation with India, Afghanistan would prioritize tertiary health projects, including specialized hospital diagnostic centers, cancer treatment facilities and mother and child health care services with India.&nbsp;<h2>Capacity building</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Capacity-building initiatives, such as training Afghan doctors and organizing medical camps like the Jaipur Foot Camp, have been discussed. What plans are in place to send Indian medical teams to Afghanistan or train more Afghan health professionals in India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been suffering in war and instability for 45 years. We have previously received medical support from India. The capacity building remains a top priority for Afghanistan, including training of conductors in India and travel of the Indian doctor delegation to Afghanistan to establish medical support camps and joint working groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Ayurveda</h2> Sidhant Sibal: India and Afghanistan have explored cooperation in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. How do you envision integrating these with Afghanistan's health system? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: India has been engaged in multiple projects in Afghanistan. Some of these projects were incomplete projects from the past that India vowed to complete. When it comes to our cooperation with India in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, the cooperation with India can support research, regulation, safe integration of traditional medicine into our modern healthcare system. The meeting with India's counterpart, the Minister of Ayush, was very fruitful. We have received a lot of commitments from them. Some of them were establishing a Traditional Medicine Institute and Research Center in Afghanistan, also providing us technical support and the Indian curriculum to be replicated in our curriculum under the Minister of Public Health.<h2> Diversification</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan has historically relied on multiple routes for medical imports. With recent disruptions in supplies from Pakistan, how has India stepped in to ensure uninterrupted access to essential pharmaceuticals? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: As you might be aware, Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Our market was controlled by six or seven countries, where Pakistan had a major market share. Due to the recent deterioration of our relationship, we were struggling with pharmaceutical supply to our market. India has helped to ensure continuity of essential supplies, alternatives routes, and solutions, and it has helped us to reduce dependency on a single corridor. During our visit to India, we have managed to meet several pharmaceutical production companies to work with them, filling the gap of pharmaceuticals and the Afghanistan market.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan</h2> Sidhant Sibal: How is Afghanistan delinking itself from Pakistan on health care.Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been through lots of hardship. However, we still do have good infrastructure in Afghanistan, we do have good doctors. But when it comes to the capacity building of our doctors and the supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment, we are trying to diversify our partnership with several countries. As we speak, my deputy minister for Food and Drug has traveled to another country. I have traveled here to India. So we are relying on India and other partners to fill in the gap that's there in our market.&nbsp;<h2>Fake Drug Issue</h2> Sidhant Sibal: Fake or low-quality pharmaceutical products entering Afghanistan, how big it is a worry Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: It is a serious concern, indeed, trying to strengthen regulation, inspection and laboratory testing to tackle this problem. Additionally, my deputy minister has had a trip to India previously, where we have spoken about mutual cooperation and tackling the fake and low quality medicine supply to our market. Since I've taken over the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health, we have given this issue serious attention, and we have established a comprehensive structure within our food and drug authority to tackle this problem.<h2> Women's health care</h2> Sidhant Sibal: What is your take on women's access to health services? Reports say restrictions are present on women health care workers? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: When it comes to&nbsp;women's reach to the health services, I want to state that the Afghan nation is made of both women and men. Women also fall sick and they need health service. In&nbsp;Afghanistan's health sector, we have recruited a huge number of female health workers, starting right from midwives to specialist doctors. We are working on expanding the health coverage or outreach to both women and children in remote areas of Afghanistan. We are also trying to adjust health services according to our necessity, Afghan culture and Islamic principles&nbsp;<h2>India-Afghanistan ties</h2>&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Lets hope, India, Afghanistan have strong ties in future, and firm it upMawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: My&nbsp;visit to India, as I mentioned earlier, was the first visit of the Health Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. I'm here to resolve the problems of my nation, and our relationship with India has resulted in outcomes beyond our expectations. I'm looking forward to expanding this partnership, because the relationship between India and Afghanistan is deep-rooted and people-centric, and it's based on humanitarian factors. I'm looking forward to expanding on this cooperation when it comes to pharmaceutical supplies to capacity building, and hospital infrastructure.

India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, has praised India’s long standing support for Afghan healthcare, highlighting medical visas as a “vital humanitarian channel” during a visit to New Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Jalali noted, “Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time.” India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre and replaced the heating system at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics. Jalali welcomed India’s contributions to Afghan health infrastructure, describing the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as “one of the major paediatric hospitals in Afghanistan.” He said Afghanistan had “previously requested [the] honourable Indian Chargé d'affaires... regarding strengthening the infrastructure,” and received promises of a CT scan machine and further support. Around 75 prosthetic limbs (Jaipur foot) have been fitted for Afghan nationals, with India continuing to provide medical assistance and treatment. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, India gifted 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. Full interview: India Ties Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India ties Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: I would like to convey my regards to viewers and listeners of WION. I've travelled to India for health issues and discussions. Afghanistan values its long standing and constructive relationship with India. Our engagement with India has traditionally been people centric, particularly in health, education and humanitarian assistance. We see India as an important regional partner and our current interaction reflects a mutual interest in pragmatic cooperation based on respect, humanitarian consideration and shared responsibility. Meeting with Indian Health Minister Sidhant Sibal: Following your recent visit to India and meetings with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, what specific new areas of cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical supplies have been agreed upon between Afghanistan and India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: First of all, I would like to state that this was my first visit to India since the establishment of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, I was the first health minister to travel to India. The discussions with His Excellency, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, were focused on strengthening cooperation and health infrastructure, medical equipment support, regulatory coordination and capacity building. Both sides explored collaboration in hospital development, medical supply, pharmaceutical regulation and training of health professionals in India. Additionally, I've received promises on supply of oncological and cancer treatment medicines, which will be supplied on the immediate basis. Medical visas Sidhant Sibal: India continues to facilitate medical visas for Afghan patients in Indian hospitals. What are your views on expanding this program, and how many Afghan patients have benefited from it in 2025? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghans have been regularly traveling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel. We have recently seen many visas issued for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment in India. While exact figures vary, thousands of Afghan patients have benefited from this channel in recent years. India's support to Afghan healthcare infra Sidhant Sibal: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, thalassemia centers, and diagnostic facilities have been supported by India. What further infrastructure projects would Afghanistan prioritize in collaboration with India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Indira Gandhi hospital is one of the major pediatric hospitals in Afghanistan. We have previously requested honorable Indian Chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan regarding strengthening the infrastructure. We have received a promise of CT scan machine and infrastructure strengthening support to Indira Gandhi pediatric hospital. When it comes to overall infrastructure cooperation with India, Afghanistan would prioritize tertiary health projects, including specialized hospital diagnostic centers, cancer treatment facilities and mother and child health care services with India. Capacity building Sidhant Sibal: Capacity-building initiatives, such as training Afghan doctors and organizing medical camps like the Jaipur Foot Camp, have been discussed. What plans are in place to send Indian medical teams to Afghanistan or train more Afghan health professionals in India? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been suffering in war and instability for 45 years. We have previously received medical support from India. The capacity building remains a top priority for Afghanistan, including training of conductors in India and travel of the Indian doctor delegation to Afghanistan to establish medical support camps and joint working groups. Ayurveda Sidhant Sibal: India and Afghanistan have explored cooperation in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. How do you envision integrating these with Afghanistan's health system? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: India has been engaged in multiple projects in Afghanistan. Some of these projects were incomplete projects from the past that India vowed to complete. When it comes to our cooperation with India in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, the cooperation with India can support research, regulation, safe integration of traditional medicine into our modern healthcare system. The meeting with India's counterpart, the Minister of Ayush, was very fruitful. We have received a lot of commitments from them. Some of them were establishing a Traditional Medicine Institute and Research Center in Afghanistan, also providing us technical support and the Indian curriculum to be replicated in our curriculum under the Minister of Public Health. Diversification Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan has historically relied on multiple routes for medical imports. With recent disruptions in supplies from Pakistan, how has India stepped in to ensure uninterrupted access to essential pharmaceuticals? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: As you might be aware, Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Our market was controlled by six or seven countries, where Pakistan had a major market share. Due to the recent deterioration of our relationship, we were struggling with pharmaceutical supply to our market. India has helped to ensure continuity of essential supplies, alternatives routes, and solutions, and it has helped us to reduce dependency on a single corridor. During our visit to India, we have managed to meet several pharmaceutical production companies to work with them, filling the gap of pharmaceuticals and the Afghanistan market. Pakistan Sidhant Sibal: How is Afghanistan delinking itself from Pakistan on health care. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: Afghanistan has been through lots of hardship. However, we still do have good infrastructure in Afghanistan, we do have good doctors. But when it comes to the capacity building of our doctors and the supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment, we are trying to diversify our partnership with several countries. As we speak, my deputy minister for Food and Drug has traveled to another country. I have traveled here to India. So we are relying on India and other partners to fill in the gap that's there in our market. Fake Drug Issue Sidhant Sibal: Fake or low-quality pharmaceutical products entering Afghanistan, how big it is a worry Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: It is a serious concern, indeed, trying to strengthen regulation, inspection and laboratory testing to tackle this problem. Additionally, my deputy minister has had a trip to India previously, where we have spoken about mutual cooperation and tackling the fake and low quality medicine supply to our market. Since I've taken over the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health, we have given this issue serious attention, and we have established a comprehensive structure within our food and drug authority to tackle this problem. Women's health care Sidhant Sibal: What is your take on women's access to health services? Reports say restrictions are present on women health care workers? Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: When it comes to women's reach to the health services, I want to state that the Afghan nation is made of both women and men. Women also fall sick and they need health service. In Afghanistan's health sector, we have recruited a huge number of female health workers, starting right from midwives to specialist doctors. We are working on expanding the health coverage or outreach to both women and children in remote areas of Afghanistan. We are also trying to adjust health services according to our necessity, Afghan culture and Islamic principles India-Afghanistan ties Sidhant Sibal: Lets hope, India, Afghanistan have strong ties in future, and firm it up Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali: My visit to India, as I mentioned earlier, was the first visit of the Health Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. I'm here to resolve the problems of my nation, and our relationship with India has resulted in outcomes beyond our expectations. I'm looking forward to expanding this partnership, because the relationship between India and Afghanistan is deep-rooted and people-centric, and it's based on humanitarian factors. I'm looking forward to expanding on this cooperation when it comes to pharmaceutical supplies to capacity building, and hospital infrastructure.

India has established a thalassaemia centre and a modern diagnostic centre at Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. It will also construct a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, including an oncology centre, a trauma centre, and five maternity health clinics.

Afghan Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali praises India’s ‘long-standing’ healthcare support

&nbsp;Türkiye has handed over the second of four advanced MILGEM-class corvettes (warships) to Pakistan, deepening a military partnership. At a ceremony in Istanbul on 20 December 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally oversaw the commissioning of PNS Khaibar, describing the Türkiye-Pakistan bond as a "timeless brotherhood" rooted in shared history and destiny that would, "will, continue until the end of time."&nbsp;The vessel, equipped with sophisticated air defence systems, electronic warfare suites, and anti-ship missiles, boosts Pakistan's naval firepower. The first corvette, PNS Babur, entered service in 2024, while the remaining two, &nbsp;built in Pakistan with full technology transfer, are due in 2026 and 2027. "I wish these state-of-the-art vessels to be beneficial for the brotherly Pakistan Navy", the Turkish President was quoted as saying by Turkish outlet TRT.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-voices-strong-concern-over-killing-of-minority-hindu-man-in-bangladesh-muhammad-yunus-sheikh-hasina-khaleda-zia-1766313930978">India voices ‘strong concern’ over killing of minority Hindu man in Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;This collaboration extends beyond hardware. It grants Pakistan intellectual property rights and design independence, paving the way for indigenous frigates like the emerging Jinnah-class. For Türkiye, the deal showcases its growing defence export prowess and aligns with the expansive "Blue Homeland" &nbsp;(Mavi Vatan) doctrine, which envisions influence stretching to the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;The emerging Türkiye-Pakistan naval axis could complicate maritime security for India in a strategically vital Indian Ocean region. Türkiye extended significant diplomatic and military support to Pakistan during and after India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists. Jointly developed YIHA kamikaze drones were used to attack India, which was thwarted successfully by the Indian side. Türkiye stood out as one of the few nations openly aligning with Pakistan's narrative, drawing sharp criticism from India.

The vessel, equipped with sophisticated air defence systems, electronic warfare suites, and anti-ship missiles, boosts Pakistan's naval firepower.

Türkiye has handed over the second of four advanced MILGEM-class corvettes (warships) to Pakistan, deepening a military partnership. At a ceremony in Istanbul on 20 December 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally oversaw the commissioning of PNS Khaibar, describing the Türkiye-Pakistan bond as a "timeless brotherhood" rooted in shared history and destiny that would, "will, continue until the end of time." The vessel, equipped with sophisticated air defence systems, electronic warfare suites, and anti-ship missiles, boosts Pakistan's naval firepower. The first corvette, PNS Babur, entered service in 2024, while the remaining two, built in Pakistan with full technology transfer, are due in 2026 and 2027. "I wish these state-of-the-art vessels to be beneficial for the brotherly Pakistan Navy", the Turkish President was quoted as saying by Turkish outlet TRT. Also Read: India voices ‘strong concern’ over killing of minority Hindu man in Bangladesh This collaboration extends beyond hardware. It grants Pakistan intellectual property rights and design independence, paving the way for indigenous frigates like the emerging Jinnah-class. For Türkiye, the deal showcases its growing defence export prowess and aligns with the expansive "Blue Homeland" (Mavi Vatan) doctrine, which envisions influence stretching to the Arabian Sea. The emerging Türkiye-Pakistan naval axis could complicate maritime security for India in a strategically vital Indian Ocean region. Türkiye extended significant diplomatic and military support to Pakistan during and after India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists. Jointly developed YIHA kamikaze drones were used to attack India, which was thwarted successfully by the Indian side. Türkiye stood out as one of the few nations openly aligning with Pakistan's narrative, drawing sharp criticism from India.

The vessel, equipped with sophisticated air defence systems, electronic warfare suites, and anti-ship missiles, boosts Pakistan's naval firepower.

Erdogan oversees handover of second Turkish-built warship to Pakistan

In groundbreaking research, Australian scientists found that venom from honeybees is able to destroy aggressive breast cancer cells in a laboratory experiment. Describing the discovery as 'exciting', scientists cautioned that further studies are needed before it is used in the medical treatment of the most common cancer affecting women around the world.&nbsp;The bee venom, along with a compound in it called melittin, was used against two cancer types, which are the most difficult to treat: triple-negative and HER2-enriched.&nbsp;The combination was found potent in reducing viability of these cells “We found both honeybee venom and melittin significantly, selectively and rapidly reduced the viability of triple-negative breast cancer and HER2-enriched breast cancer cells,” Ciara Duffy, a 25-year-old PhD researcher who led the study.&nbsp;The study, conducted by the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia, was published in Nature Precision Oncology, a peer-reviewed journal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-longer-need-cement-for-building-dirt-water-and-waste-based-material-could-be-future-of-construction-1766249070294">No longer need cement for building: Dirt, water and waste-based material could be the future of construction</a>&nbsp;<h2>Major findings of the study</h2>Dr Ciara Duffy studied the effects of venom taken from 312 honeybees and bumblebees in Western Australia, Ireland, and England on different types of breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer, which has few treatment options.&nbsp;The study found that one specific concentration of the venom was able to kill cancer cells within an hour while causing minimal damage to healthy cells. However, higher doses were found to be more toxic.&nbsp;Researchers also discovered that melittin, a compound found in honeybee venom, was effective on its own in stopping or disrupting the growth of cancer cells. Although melittin occurs naturally in honeybee venom, it can also be produced synthetically.&nbsp;“We tested a very small, positively charged peptide in honeybee venom called melittin, which we could reproduce synthetically, and found that the synthetic product explained the majority of the anti-cancer effects of honeybee venom", Dr Ciara said&nbsp;Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease and is usually treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. It accounts for about 10–15% of all breast cancer cases.&nbsp;

A team of scientists in Australia has found that honeybee venom and a compound in it called melittin are extremely effective in destroying breast cancer cells, the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.

In groundbreaking research, Australian scientists found that venom from honeybees is able to destroy aggressive breast cancer cells in a laboratory experiment. Describing the discovery as 'exciting', scientists cautioned that further studies are needed before it is used in the medical treatment of the most common cancer affecting women around the world. The bee venom, along with a compound in it called melittin, was used against two cancer types, which are the most difficult to treat: triple-negative and HER2-enriched. The combination was found potent in reducing viability of these cells “We found both honeybee venom and melittin significantly, selectively and rapidly reduced the viability of triple-negative breast cancer and HER2-enriched breast cancer cells,” Ciara Duffy, a 25-year-old PhD researcher who led the study. The study, conducted by the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia, was published in Nature Precision Oncology, a peer-reviewed journal. Also Read: No longer need cement for building: Dirt, water and waste-based material could be the future of construction Major findings of the study Dr Ciara Duffy studied the effects of venom taken from 312 honeybees and bumblebees in Western Australia, Ireland, and England on different types of breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer, which has few treatment options. The study found that one specific concentration of the venom was able to kill cancer cells within an hour while causing minimal damage to healthy cells. However, higher doses were found to be more toxic. Researchers also discovered that melittin, a compound found in honeybee venom, was effective on its own in stopping or disrupting the growth of cancer cells. Although melittin occurs naturally in honeybee venom, it can also be produced synthetically. “We tested a very small, positively charged peptide in honeybee venom called melittin, which we could reproduce synthetically, and found that the synthetic product explained the majority of the anti-cancer effects of honeybee venom", Dr Ciara said Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease and is usually treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. It accounts for about 10–15% of all breast cancer cases.

A team of scientists in Australia has found that honeybee venom and a compound in it called melittin are extremely effective in destroying breast cancer cells, the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.

Australian study finds honeybee venom fights aggressive breast cancer, promising future therapies

India has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting a brutal mob lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, during last week's unrest in the South Asian country. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged stronger action. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh", pointing out "our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice." The victim, Das, a 25-27-year-old garment factory worker and sole breadwinner for his family, was beaten to death on the night of 18 December in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district. Accused of blasphemy following a workplace dispute, Das was attacked by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire. The incident occurred amid nationwide unrest triggered by the death of prominent anti-India politician Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to gunshot wounds in Singapore. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the killing and announced arrests, initially seven, later rising to ten, by the Rapid Action Battalion. The lynching has renewed fears over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, particularly since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-visa-centre-in-bangladesh-suspends-operations-in-chittagong-amid-unrest-bangladesh-indian-visa-centre-yunus-1766313094594">Indian Visa centre in Bangladesh suspends operations in Chittagong amid unrest</a>&nbsp; On 20 December, a small group of 20-25 protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, raising slogans against Das's killing and calling for minority protection. India's foreign ministry spokesperson assured no attack on the Bangladesh mission took place during the protests, dismissing reports in some Bangladeshi media as "misleading propaganda". He clarified, "There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see." Unrest in Bangladesh last week saw attacks on Indian diplomatic premises, including stone-pelting at the Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. India responded by suspending visa operations at its centre in the port city until further notice. Notably, the Yunus government has issued no public statement on protests near Indian missions or the Chittagong incident, while India swiftly reassured Dhaka over the brief New Delhi demonstration, citing obligations under the Vienna Convention.

The victim, Das, a 25-27-year-old garment factory worker and sole breadwinner for his family, was beaten to death on the night of 18 Dec in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district. Accused of blasphemy following a workplace dispute, Das was attacked by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire.

India has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting a brutal mob lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, during last week's unrest in the South Asian country. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged stronger action. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh", pointing out "our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice." The victim, Das, a 25-27-year-old garment factory worker and sole breadwinner for his family, was beaten to death on the night of 18 December in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district. Accused of blasphemy following a workplace dispute, Das was attacked by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire. The incident occurred amid nationwide unrest triggered by the death of prominent anti-India politician Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to gunshot wounds in Singapore. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the killing and announced arrests, initially seven, later rising to ten, by the Rapid Action Battalion. The lynching has renewed fears over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, particularly since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Also Read: Indian Visa centre in Bangladesh suspends operations in Chittagong amid unrest On 20 December, a small group of 20-25 protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, raising slogans against Das's killing and calling for minority protection. India's foreign ministry spokesperson assured no attack on the Bangladesh mission took place during the protests, dismissing reports in some Bangladeshi media as "misleading propaganda". He clarified, "There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see." Unrest in Bangladesh last week saw attacks on Indian diplomatic premises, including stone-pelting at the Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. India responded by suspending visa operations at its centre in the port city until further notice. Notably, the Yunus government has issued no public statement on protests near Indian missions or the Chittagong incident, while India swiftly reassured Dhaka over the brief New Delhi demonstration, citing obligations under the Vienna Convention.

&nbsp;India's foreign ministry spokesperson assured no attack on the Bangladesh mission took place during the protests, dismissing reports in some Bangladeshi media as “misleading propaganda”.

India voices ‘strong concern’ over killing of minority Hindu man in Bangladesh

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh's Chittagong has suspended its operation on Sunday (Dec 21), citing security concerns amid ongoing unrest in the country after student leader Osman Hadi's death. The IVAC announced on its website, saying that, due to the recent security situation at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong, the visa operations will remain suspended until further notice. “Due to the recent security incident at AHCI Chattogram, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chattogram will remain suspended until further notice,” the statement said, adding, “The announcement for reopening the visa centre will be made after reviewing the situation.” The announcement follows overnight protests near the Assistant High Commission office in Upashahar area and the visa application centre in Shobhanight in Bangladesh. At least four people, including a member of the police, were injured after officers dispersed students and local residents protesting outside the mission on Friday against the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yunus-govt-condemns-lynching-of-hindu-man-says-violence-has-no-place-1766143705105">Yunus government condemns lynching of Hindu man, says violence has no place in New Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;Bangladesh is up in flames after the death of Political activist Sharif Osman Hadi on Thursday, after he was shot at by unidentified men last Friday (Dec 12), triggering a wave of violent protests across Bangladesh by Inqilab Moncho supporters.&nbsp;Protesters went on a rampage during the unrest, ransacking the offices of leading newspapers such as The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, setting parts of the buildings on fire and disrupting printing operations. Demonstrators also torched or damaged other sites, including the historic cultural centre Chhayanaut and remnants of key political buildings, while in Rajshahi, crowds used heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, to demolish an Awami League party office.&nbsp;Amid the violence, a Hindu garment worker was beaten to death after being accused of blasphemy, deepening concerns over communal tensions.This wave of violence follows prolonged political instability since 2024, including major nationwide protests over governance issues that led to the collapse of the Awami League government and ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. &nbsp;

Bangladesh is witnessing violent protests across several cities, particularly in Dhaka, following the death of student leader Osman Hadi. Indian diplomatic missions in the country have also become targets of protesters, who held demonstrations outside consulates.

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh's Chittagong has suspended its operation on Sunday (Dec 21), citing security concerns amid ongoing unrest in the country after student leader Osman Hadi's death. The IVAC announced on its website, saying that, due to the recent security situation at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong, the visa operations will remain suspended until further notice. “Due to the recent security incident at AHCI Chattogram, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chattogram will remain suspended until further notice,” the statement said, adding, “The announcement for reopening the visa centre will be made after reviewing the situation.” The announcement follows overnight protests near the Assistant High Commission office in Upashahar area and the visa application centre in Shobhanight in Bangladesh. At least four people, including a member of the police, were injured after officers dispersed students and local residents protesting outside the mission on Friday against the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Also Read: Yunus government condemns lynching of Hindu man, says violence has no place in New Bangladesh Bangladesh is up in flames after the death of Political activist Sharif Osman Hadi on Thursday, after he was shot at by unidentified men last Friday (Dec 12), triggering a wave of violent protests across Bangladesh by Inqilab Moncho supporters. Protesters went on a rampage during the unrest, ransacking the offices of leading newspapers such as The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, setting parts of the buildings on fire and disrupting printing operations. Demonstrators also torched or damaged other sites, including the historic cultural centre Chhayanaut and remnants of key political buildings, while in Rajshahi, crowds used heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, to demolish an Awami League party office. Amid the violence, a Hindu garment worker was beaten to death after being accused of blasphemy, deepening concerns over communal tensions. This wave of violence follows prolonged political instability since 2024, including major nationwide protests over governance issues that led to the collapse of the Awami League government and ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh is witnessing violent protests across several cities, particularly in Dhaka, following the death of student leader Osman Hadi. Indian diplomatic missions in the country have also become targets of protesters, who held demonstrations outside consulates.

Indian visa centre in Bangladesh's Chittagong suspends operations amid unrest

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