President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Gaza militants on Monday, declaring massive repercussions if hostages are not freed by January 20, 2025, the day he assumes office. His statement follows efforts by the outgoing Biden administration to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, including the release of hostages held since Hamas's October 2023 attack.

"If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025... there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He promised unprecedented action against those responsible, calling the hostage-taking an atrocity against humanity.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack remains the deadliest in Israeli history, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel estimates 97 hostages are still held in Gaza, with 35 believed dead. Despite international diplomatic efforts, a comprehensive resolution remains elusive.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has exacted a devastating toll on Gaza. The territory's health ministry, figures endorsed by the United Nations, reports over 44,000 fatalities since the conflict began.

Trump's comments underscore his commitment to Israel, contrasting Biden's occasionally critical stance. Yet, he has also hinted at ambitions to broker global agreements. Analysts are divided on how his aggressive rhetoric will influence negotiations or regional stability.

The crisis continues to strain international relations, with many looking to January as a potential turning point. For now, Gaza remains a flashpoint, and the world watches to see whether hostages will be freed and peace restored.

Days after the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, another Hindu priest, Shyam Das Prabhu, was detained in Chattogram, Bangladesh, sources revealed on Saturday. The arrest, reportedly without an official warrant, occurred during his visit to meet Chinmoy Krishna Das in jail. Radharamn Das, ISKCON Kolkata’s Vice-President, confirmed the incident, urging action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, was arrested earlier this week on sedition charges, sparking protests across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka and Chattogram. His bail was denied on Tuesday, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators. Tragically, Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam was killed during the unrest. Authorities have since arrested nine individuals linked to the lawyer's death, with a case filed against 46 people, mostly Hindu cleanliness workers.

The unrest intensified on Friday as mobs vandalized three Hindu temples in Chattogram's Harish Chandra Munsef Lane. The Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple suffered damage. Temple authorities reported that brickbats were hurled, and gates were damaged. Police confirmed the attacks, stating attempts were made to further harm the temples.

The escalating violence comes amid heightened tensions over minority rights in Bangladesh under the military-backed interim government led by Mohammed Yunus. Since replacing Sheikh Hasina, the administration has faced criticism for failing to protect minorities, including Hindus, who constitute about 8% of the population.

Indian political leaders, including TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, have urged the Indian government to address the crisis with Bangladesh diplomatically but firmly. "The Union government must take this up strongly," Banerjee said, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional values and minority rights.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday commended U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as an experienced and intelligent leader but expressed concerns about his safety following multiple assassination attempts. Speaking after a summit in Kazakhstan, Putin highlighted the dangerous challenges Trump had faced during the U.S. presidential campaign.

Trump was wounded in an attempted assassination in Pennsylvania in July, and in September, a man was charged with attempting to target him with a rifle at one of his Florida golf courses. Putin described the attacks and the broader election campaign as shocking, pointing to "uncivilized methods" used against Trump. "In my opinion, he is not safe now," Putin stated, referencing incidents in U.S. history where leaders had faced serious threats. He expressed hope that Trump, as an intelligent leader, would remain cautious and take necessary precautions.

The Russian leader also condemned the personal attacks on Trump’s family during the campaign, calling them "revolting" and a tactic even "bandits" in Russia would avoid. He emphasized that such behavior was beneath the dignity of political discourse and highlighted the stark difference in approach between Russian and U.S. political environments.

Turning to geopolitical issues, Putin speculated on the motivations behind the Biden administration's support for Ukraine, particularly its decision to allow Kyiv to use Western missiles to strike Russian targets. He suggested it could be a strategy either to challenge Trump or to create leverage for him to roll back the policy once in office. However, Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Trump, expressing optimism about finding solutions to ease tensions.

"We are ready for dialogue," Putin concluded, signaling hope for a potential reset in U.S.-Russia relations under Trump’s leadership.

Bangladesh’s interim government has described the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a “religious fundamentalist” group in an affidavit filed with the country’s High Court. The statement follows the controversial arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Monday, sparking nationwide protests.

Hindus, comprising around 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have voiced growing concerns about violence against their community. Protests erupted in Rangpur, 300 km north of Dhaka, with demonstrators demanding stricter laws to protect minorities and the creation of a minority affairs ministry.

Chinmoy Brahmachari’s arrest has fueled unrest, with reports of a Hindu temple being vandalized in Chattogram. ISKCON's Bangladesh chapter condemned the arrest and ongoing attacks on Hindu community members. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das highlighted the issue on X, sharing videos of the violence and questioning when it would stop.

The Attorney General of Bangladesh, Mohd. Asaduzzaman, referred to ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist organization” during a High Court proceeding, adding that the group was under government scrutiny. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus, has faced criticism for failing to protect minorities, with Hindu-owned properties frequently targeted in recent months.

New Delhi has expressed strong reservations over the arrest and rising violence against Hindus, urging Dhaka to ensure minority safety. However, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry dismissed India’s remarks as interference in its internal affairs.

In response, the Yunus-led government reiterated its commitment to protecting religious freedoms, asserting that every Bangladeshi has the right to practice and express their faith without hindrance. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as protests by Brahmachari’s supporters continue, adding to the growing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.

The UN General Assembly legal committee has approved a landmark resolution paving the way for negotiations on the first-ever treaty addressing crimes against humanity. The resolution was adopted late Friday by consensus after intense negotiations, marking a significant step toward holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable. Applause erupted as the resolution passed, setting the stage for a final General Assembly vote on December 4, where it is expected to gain formal adoption.

The resolution initiates a time-bound process to finalize the treaty, with preparatory sessions scheduled for 2026 and 2027 and three-week negotiations planned for 2028 and 2029. Richard Dicker of Human Rights Watch called the decision a “historic achievement,” emphasizing its importance in addressing atrocities in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Ethiopia, and Myanmar.

While Russia initially proposed amendments that could have delayed the treaty’s progress, its deputy UN ambassador Maria Zabolotskaya announced their withdrawal “in a spirit of compromise.” However, Russia dissociated itself from the resolution’s consensus, signaling its reservations while maintaining a willingness to engage in future negotiations.

Crimes against humanity, which include acts like murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, are currently addressed under the International Criminal Court (ICC) but lack a dedicated treaty. With nearly 70 countries outside the ICC’s jurisdiction, the new treaty aims to fill this critical gap in international law.

Kelly Adams of the Global Justice Centre hailed the resolution as a “historic breakthrough” and expressed hope for a progressive and survivor-centric treaty. Despite concerns over the extended timeline, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnes Callamard noted the treaty’s importance in reinforcing international justice.

Gambia’s Counselor Amadou Jaiteh described the resolution’s adoption as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to amplify the voices of victims and strive for a world free of such heinous crimes.

Amid worsening diplomatic ties, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed claims made by The Globe and Mail that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of a plot to kill Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a "smear campaign." The Canadian newspaper, citing unnamed officials, alleged that Mr. Modi, along with India’s national security advisor and external affairs minister, were privy to the purported scheme.

“These ludicrous claims, supposedly originating from a Canadian government source, deserve nothing but contempt,” said Mr. Jaiswal. “Such smear campaigns only further damage our already strained relations.”

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was fatally shot in Vancouver in June 2023. He had been listed among India’s most-wanted terrorists, accused of masterminding several crimes, including the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab. India's National Investigation Agency had placed a ?10 lakh bounty on his capture.

Nijjar's assassination escalated tensions when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement, claiming “credible information” was shared with allies, including the United States. Following this, Canada expelled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats, prompting a reciprocal response from New Delhi, which expelled Canadian diplomats, including Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler.

Mr. Trudeau further criticized India, stating, “The Indian government made a fundamental error in thinking they could support criminal activities—murders, extortion, and violence—on Canadian soil. This is unacceptable.”

The allegations have exacerbated the diplomatic crisis between the two nations, already strained over issues of Sikh separatism and mutual accusations of interference. India continues to deny any involvement in Nijjar’s death, labeling him a terrorist and his activities a threat to national security.

Entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy, alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has been appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Speaking at an event in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Ramaswamy announced plans for a dramatic overhaul of federal bureaucracy, emphasizing significant job cuts.

"Elon Musk and I are set to begin the mass deportation of unelected federal bureaucrats from the DC bureaucracy. That’s how we’re going to save this country," he declared. Praising Musk’s approach, Ramaswamy added, "He doesn’t bring a chisel—he brings a chainsaw. It’s going to be a lot of fun."

Ramaswamy, an Indian-American, dismissed notions of America’s decline, likening the initiative to a “new dawn” for the nation. “Our best days are ahead. We’re building a country where hard work and merit will determine success, where free speech flourishes, and where the best person gets the job, regardless of race or color,” he said.

Musk and Ramaswamy plan to host weekly livestreams, dubbed “Dogecasts,” to keep the public informed about DOGE’s progress. “Our goal is to shrink government while maintaining transparency. We’re creating a system our Founders would be proud of,” Ramaswamy noted.

He criticized the inefficiency of federal agencies like the FDA and the NRC, arguing that excessive regulation stifles innovation and burdens businesses. "This is a modern Manhattan Project," he said, emphasizing that reducing bureaucratic overreach would restore self-governance and spark economic growth.

Under their leadership, DOGE aims to slash government costs while fostering a culture of innovation. "We’re assembling the brightest minds to tackle the core problem: a bloated federal bureaucracy. Cut the waste, save money, and reignite America’s potential," Ramaswamy concluded.

In a bold and controversial move, Israel targeted Iran’s Parchin military complex in late October, striking the Taleghan 2 facility, a key hub for covert nuclear weapons research. Once part of Iran’s Amad program, which was allegedly discontinued in 2003, recent intelligence from Israeli and U.S. sources revealed renewed activity at the site. The precision strike destroyed advanced equipment essential for designing plastic explosives, a critical component for nuclear detonation.

While Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly denies pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting, “Iran is not after nuclear weapons, period,” satellite images and intelligence reports tell a different story. These suggest Iran was secretly reviving its nuclear program, directly contradicting its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The attack followed U.S. warnings to Iran regarding suspicious activities, which Tehran reportedly ignored. This has reignited concerns in Washington and Tel Aviv about Iran's intentions, leading the U.S. Director of National Intelligence to reassess Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The strike has exacerbated tensions in an already volatile West Asia. Iran is expected to respond politically and diplomatically, with potential reductions in its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Meanwhile, the IAEA’s board of governors is preparing to vote on a censure resolution against Tehran for its lack of transparency.

The international community faces a delicate balancing act. European powers are likely to push for negotiations, urging Iran to uphold its peaceful nuclear commitments. However, the incoming U.S. administration’s hawkish approach, coupled with Israel’s proactive stance, could lead to heightened sanctions and regional instability.

As the world watches, Iran’s next steps will be pivotal. Whether it chooses diplomacy or defiance will shape the trajectory of its nuclear program and its relations with the global community.