A deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday killed 18 people, including 11 women and 5 children, with over a dozen injured. The tragedy occurred when crowds rushed to board trains headed for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The incident involved passengers from multiple delayed trains congregating on platforms 12-14. Prime Minister Modi expressed distress, and the Railway Ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.READ FULL
Author: Redoy K
World’s 1st Openly Gay South African Imam, Muhsin Hendricks, Shot Dead
South African police reported that Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, was fatally shot near Gqeberha on Saturday. Hendricks, who ran a mosque providing a safe space for LGBTQ and marginalized Muslims, was killed when masked assailants blocked his vehicle and opened fire. The ILGA World has called for a thorough investigation of what they fear may be a hate crime. The motive remains under investigation.READ FULL
R Praggnanandhaa Draws With D Gukesh In Tata Steel Chess Tournament
Indian Grandmasters Praggnanadhaa and Gukesh played to a draw in the eighth round of Tata Steel Masters in Netherlands. Playing with white pieces, Praggnanadhaa faced Gukesh’s Berlin defense. Despite a pawn sacrifice by Gukesh, the game ended in a draw after 33 moves. Both players likely maintain their joint lead with 5.5 points. Other Indian players Harikrishna, Arjun Erigaisi, and Leon Luke Mendonca also drew their respective games.READ FULL
New York Appeals Court Rejects Trump Bid To Delay Hush Money Sentencing
A New York appeals court judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case scheduled for Friday. Trump was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. Judge Merchan indicated he won’t impose jail time and is leaning towards an unconditional discharge. However, Trump would still enter the White House as a convicted felon.READ FULL
Police ask Allu Arjun to keep hospital visit to ‘Pushpa 2’ victim private
Police have directed Tollywood star Allu Arjun to keep his planned hospital visit to an injured eight-year-old stampede victim private to maintain public order. The incident, which occurred during a “Pushpa 2” promotional event on December 4, resulted in the death of the child’s mother. Meanwhile, “Pushpa 2: The Rule” has become India’s highest-grossing film, surpassing “Baahubali 2” with Rs 1,438 crore in domestic earnings.READ FULL
Qatar’s royal family’s A319 air ambulance to fly Khaleda to London tonight
A Qatar Royal Family Airbus A319 air ambulance has arrived in Dhaka to transport former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London tonight at 10:00 PM for advanced medical treatment. The aircraft, equipped as a flying ICU with state-of-the-art medical facilities, will be staffed by four Qatari medical professionals. The 79-year-old BNP Chairman, who suffers from multiple health complications, will be accompanied by six members of her medical board.READ FULL
Govt bans import of e-cigarettes
The government has implemented an immediate ban on e-cigarette imports by adding electronic nicotine delivery systems to the list of prohibited items under the Import Policy Order 2021-2024. This decision, announced through a commerce ministry gazette notification today, follows earlier restrictions imposed about a month ago. The move aims to safeguard public health and protect future generations from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes.READ FULL
3 to die for killing student in Dhaka
A Dhaka court has sentenced three individuals – Hasibul Hossain, Shrabon, and Abdullah Al Noman – to death for the 2019 murder of Ismail Hossain Jisan, a 24-year-old European University of Bangladesh student. The verdict was delivered by Judge Farzana Yeasmin in the presence of two convicts, while the third remains at large. A fourth accused, Sajni Akhter, was acquitted due to lack of evidence.READ FULL
Jared Leto to play Skeletor in ‘Masters of the Universe’ live-action film
Jared Leto has been cast as Skeletor in the upcoming “Masters of the Universe” film, joining Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. Directed by Travis Knight, the cast includes Alison Brie, Camila Mendes, and Idris Elba. Leto is also in final negotiations to join “Assassination,” a JFK thriller featuring Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain, where he’ll add to his portfolio of villain roles.READ FULL
Blake Lively accuses ‘It Ends With Us’ costar Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment
Blake Lively has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director of “It Ends with Us.” The lawsuit alleges inappropriate behavior during filming, including unwanted sexual content additions and personal comments. Following the allegations, WME agency dropped Baldoni. His lawyer denies all claims, calling them “categorically false” and accusing Lively of making demands that could have impacted the film’s release.READ FULL
Laundering $300m to US: ACC to probe allegations against Hasina, Joy
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated investigations into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members. The probe includes allegations of $300 million money laundering to the US by Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, as well as claims of embezzling Tk 80,000 crore from nine priority projects involving Hasina, Joy, her sister Rehana, and niece Tulip Siddiq.READ FULL
Dhaka invites UN secretary general to witness Bangladesh’s transformation
Bangladesh invited UN Secretary General António Guterres to visit in 2025, discussing the upcoming Rohingya conference and interim government reforms. Guterres expressed support for Bangladesh’s multilateral efforts, praised the country’s initiatives on global challenges, and commended Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith’s contributions to the UN. The invitation highlights Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement and international initiatives.READ FULL
Russia says it detains suspect over the murder of top general in Moscow
Russia claims to have arrested an Uzbek citizen who confessed to bombing and killing Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow on Ukraine’s instructions. The suspect allegedly planted a bomb on an electric scooter, remotely detonating it to assassinate the high-ranking military officer. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service claimed responsibility, with the suspect saying he was offered $100,000 and European residency.READ FULL
DMP imposes ban on gatherings in areas around Biswa Ijtema ground
Dhaka Metropolitan Police have banned all gatherings in Uttara and surrounding areas following a violent clash near Biswa Ijtema ground that left two dead and 26 injured. The restriction, imposed under Section 29 of the DMP Ordinance, takes effect at 2:00 PM today and will remain in place until further notice. Border Guard Bangladesh has been deployed to maintain order.READ FULL
US Court Rejects Tiktok Request To Temporarily Halt Pending US Ban
A U.S. appeals court has denied TikTok and ByteDance’s emergency request to block a law requiring ByteDance to sell the app by January 19 or face a ban. The companies warned the law would disrupt service for over 170 million monthly U.S. users. TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing the legislation would effectively shut down the popular social media platform.READ FULL
India Must Impose More Tax On Its Super-Rich People: French Economist
French economist Thomas Piketty urged India to impose wealth and inheritance taxes, arguing that the country’s top 1% now control 22.6% of national income. He suggested a 2% wealth tax could raise 2.73% of GDP. However, India’s chief economic adviser opposed the idea, and the government has consistently rejected wealth and inheritance taxes, citing potential impact on middle-class families.READ FULL
Allu Arjun, Arrested After ‘Pushpa 2’ Screening Stampede, Released From Jail
Telugu actor Allu Arjun was released from jail on Saturday after being arrested in connection with a fatal theatre stampede during ‘Pushpa 2’ screening. His lawyer claimed the detention was illegal, arguing the jail didn’t comply with a Telangana High Court bail order. One woman died and her son was injured during the incident on December 4 when Arjun appeared at the Sandhya Theatre.READ FULL
Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina hold first bilateral consultations
Bangladesh and Bosnia & Herzegovina held their first bilateral consultations in Sarajevo on December 4, led by their respective Foreign Secretaries. The talks covered medical tourism, education, labor migration, defense cooperation, and economic collaboration. They also discussed the Rohingya crisis and climate change. The meeting coincided with the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations. Both countries expressed commitment to strengthening their partnership.READ FULL
Tripti Dimri becomes Most Popular Indian Star of 2024 ahead of SRK, Deepika
Bollywood actress Triptii Dimri has been named IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Star of 2024, surpassing established stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The ranking is based on page views from IMDb’s global monthly visitors. Known for her role in “Animal,” Dimri will appear in three films this year: “Bad Newz,” “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.” She expressed gratitude for her fans’ support.READ FULL
AI will soon match human capabilities: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts AI will soon match human capabilities but suggests its impact may be less dramatic than expected. Speaking at The New York Times DealBook Summit, he discussed plans to release more powerful AI systems, potentially reaching artificial general intelligence within years. Despite OpenAI’s $157 billion valuation and $6.6 billion recent funding, the company faces challenges including $5 billion in expected losses, competition from Elon Musk’s xAI, and evolving dynamics with Microsoft.READ FULL
Tourism businesses in Saint Martin’s grapple with lack of visitors
Saint Martin’s Island struggles with low tourist turnout despite allowing 2000 daily visitors. Only around 644 tourists arrived today, with cruise ship owners blaming unfamiliar government regulations. Environmental restrictions on plastics and beach activities further complicate tourism, leaving many hotels and resorts mostly empty.READ FULL
KEPZ decides to fast-track land registration
KEPZ governing body, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, fast-tracks land registration and eases bond licensing to boost foreign investment. The meeting decentralized authority, simplified procedures, and aims to create a more investor-friendly environment, potentially benefiting the 2,500-acre industrial park with 48 units and 34,000 employees.READ FULL
3 killed in Savar road accident
Three people died in a head-on collision between a bus and a private car on Dhaka-Aricha Highway near Savar. The deceased were Mujibur Rahman, Nazimuddin, and Ibrahim from Gandaria area. Two others were seriously injured. Police have been dispatched to the accident scene that occurred around 2:30 pm.READ FULL
Tourist ships resume service on Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin’s route
Tourist ships have resumed trips to Saint Martin’s Island in Cox’s Bazar after a nine-month halt, with the Bar Aulia ship departing with 700 passengers. Strict environmental regulations are in place, including a ban on polythene and plastic, and a limit of 2,000 overnight tourists during December and January. Ships are currently only permitted to depart from Cox’s Bazar town.READ FULL
Cate Blanchett expresses ‘deep concern’ over AI’s impact
In a recent BBC interview, actress Cate Blanchett expressed deep concerns about artificial intelligence, warning of its potential to harm humanity. While promoting her film “Rumours”, she highlighted AI’s ability to replicate voices and criticized technological advancements as potentially destructive, emphasizing the broader societal implications beyond her own profession.READ FULL
Report: Hasina’s inner circle linked to £400m UK property empire
A joint investigation by The Observer and Transparency International reveals that politicians and businesspeople close to Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina own over 350 UK properties valued at £400 million. The properties, allegedly acquired through money laundering and offshore companies, are linked to prominent figures like Salman F Rahman and Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, with several bank accounts frozen and investigations ongoing.READ FULL
Australia’s social media ban for under-16s sparks mixed reactions
Australia has passed a law banning children under 16 from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with potential fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Set to fully implement by November 2025, the law aims to protect children from harmful online content. Prime Minister Albanese defends the measure as crucial for child safety, despite mixed reactions from the public, tech companies, and young Australians who are already planning ways to circumvent the ban.READ FULL
Video: Hamas Releases Footage Of Crying Israeli Hostage, His Mother Reacts
Hamas released a video featuring American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, pleading for intervention from US President-elect Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The video highlights the ongoing hostage crisis following the October 7 attack. Edan’s mother urged Netanyahu to secure the hostages’ release, while the Prime Minister condemned the video as psychological warfare. Of the original 251 hostages, 97 remain in Gaza, with negotiations stalled since the brief November truce.READ FULL
Gas supply to remain off for 10 hrs in parts of Dhaka tomorrow
Titas Gas has announced a 10-hour gas supply suspension in several areas of Dhaka on Sunday, November 30, from 10:00am to 8:00pm. The affected areas include Uttarkhan, Dakkhin Kan, Ashkona, and Faidabad. The temporary shutdown is necessary for emergency pipeline work, and neighboring areas may experience low pressure during this period. The company has apologized for any inconvenience to consumers.READ FULL
Classic Bon Jovi track climbs the charts again
Bon Jovi’s classic hit “It’s My Life” has reentered the UK charts, debuting at No. 33 on the Official Singles Sales Chart. The resurgence comes after Pitbull sampled the song in his new single “(It’s) Now or Never.” This follows Bon Jovi’s earlier 2024 success with two singles from their album “Forever” – “Legendary” and “Living Proof” – which reached No. 7 and No. 34 respectively on the UK charts.READ FULL
Ctg lawyer killing: 8 more arrested, murder case yet to be filed
Eight more people were arrested in Chattogram, Bangladesh, bringing the total to 36 arrests following Tuesday’s violent clash near the court building that resulted in lawyer Saiful Islam Alif’s death. Among those arrested was Rajib Bhattacharaya, suspected of the murder. While three cases have been filed involving 79 named and 1,400 unnamed accused, no murder case has been filed yet. Lawyers continued their strike for the second day, demanding justice.READ FULL
TikTok parent ByteDance sues former intern for $1.1 million
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is suing former intern Tian Keyu for 8 million yuan ($1.1 million), alleging he deliberately disrupted its AI training systems by altering code during his internship. Tian, a Peking University postgraduate student, was dismissed in August. While ByteDance claims operational damage, they say reports of millions in damages and thousands of affected processors are “seriously exaggerated.” The rare lawsuit highlights growing concerns in AI development security.READ FULL
Israel says ceasefire with Hezbollah violated, fires on south Lebanon
Israel fired on six areas in southern Lebanon on Thursday, claiming the ceasefire with Hezbollah was breached after suspects were spotted in several areas. The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, began Wednesday to allow people to return to border areas after 14 months of conflict. Israeli tank fire hit areas within two kilometers of the border, including Markaba, where two people were wounded. Israel has instructed residents not to return to border villages yet.READ FULL
Both houses of Indian parliament adjourn again after ruckus over Adani
The Indian parliament was disrupted for the second consecutive day as opposition lawmakers protested over the Adani controversy and other issues, leading to adjournment of both Houses. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after brief proceedings, while the Rajya Sabha was suspended amid protests. Speaker Om Birla’s attempts to conduct Question Hour were unsuccessful as opposition members rushed to the Well, shouting slogans despite his appeals.READ FULL
Intel to receive $7.86 billion subsidy from US government
The US Commerce Department has finalized a $7.86 billion subsidy for Intel, reduced from the previously announced $8.5 billion after Intel secured a separate $3 billion Pentagon contract. The funding will support nearly $90 billion in manufacturing investments across Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon. Intel is expected to receive at least $1 billion by December 2024. This represents the largest award under the 2022 CHIPS Act’s $52.7 billion semiconductor initiative.READ FULL
Ayub Bachchu’s long-lost track ‘Inbox’ to release six years after his death
Six years after legendary Bangladeshi rock musician Ayub Bachchu’s death, his unreleased track “Inbox” is set to release on December 1, 2024. The song, written by Niaz Ahmed Anshu and composed by Bachchu, will be the first of several posthumous releases planned by the Ayub Bachchu Foundation. The track will be available on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify. LRB’s guitarist Abdullah Al Masud revealed that more unreleased songs will follow.READ FULL