Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to death by a special tribunal for her role in a student protest crackdown in 2024 that resulted in up to 1,400 deaths. The trial occurred while she was living in exile in India, and she was not present in court.
Key Facts
Sheikh Hasina is a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
She received a death sentence by a special tribunal in Bangladesh.
The sentence is for crimes against humanity related to a student protest crackdown in 2024.
The United Nations reported that the crackdown resulted in up to 1,400 deaths.
Sheikh Hasina was living in exile in India during her trial.
The trial went ahead without her being physically present (in absentia).
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A referendum in Ecuador resulted in a majority of voters rejecting a proposal to allow foreign countries to run military bases in the country. This decision affects potential plans for U.S. troops to be stationed in Ecuador as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking. Ecuador is facing significant challenges from drug trafficking due to its location near major cocaine-producing countries.
Key Facts
Ecuadorian voters decided against allowing foreign military bases in a recent referendum.
About 60% of Ecuadorians voted "no" to the proposal.
The referendum intended to address cooperation in fighting drug trafficking.
Ecuador is located between two major cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru.
The U.S. had previously operated a military base in Ecuador to support drug countering efforts.
President Daniel Noboa supports international cooperation against drug trafficking but respects the referendum outcome.
U.S. military operations continue in the region, focusing on drug-related crime under "Operation Southern Spear."
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A homeowner in England found a large sum of money and some gold hidden behind a wardrobe while redecorating their house. They are now seeking legal advice to avoid trouble with the law over the discovered items. Under U.K. law, discovered cash or treasure must be reported to authorities to avoid charges of theft.
Key Facts
A homeowner in England found cash and gold behind a wardrobe after moving into a new house.
The items included about £40,000 in cash and some gold.
The cash may belong to the family who lived in the house before and sold it.
U.K. law requires reporting found treasure to local authorities.
If someone keeps found money without trying to find the owner, it might be considered theft.
Not reporting found treasure can result in fines or jail time in the U.K.
The homeowner is consulting a lawyer for advice on handling the situation.
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Three peregrine falcon chicks, part of a livestream event called "Nestflix," took their first flights in Melbourne. Two of the chicks flew with ease, while the third chick needed a second attempt after a bumpy first try. The falcons will stay near the city for a few more weeks, relying on their parents for food.
Key Facts
Three peregrine falcon chicks featured in a livestream named "Nestflix" took flight in Melbourne.
The event was watched by tens of thousands of people in Australia.
Two falcon chicks flew successfully on their first try.
One chick stumbled on its first flight attempt but succeeded on the second try.
BirdLife Australia says the chicks will remain near the city, relying on their parents for food.
"Nestflix" has become very popular across Australia.
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An explosion destroyed a railway track on the Warsaw to Lublin route in Poland, which the Polish Prime Minister called an act of sabotage. Authorities are investigating the incident, and although Poland has previously suspected Russia in similar cases, no official accusation has been made yet.
Key Facts
A bomb exploded and destroyed a railway track between Warsaw and Lublin in Poland.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk referred to the event as sabotage.
Emergency services and the prosecutor’s office are investigating the incident.
Additional damage was found on the same railway route, closer to Lublin.
Poland has previously accused Russia of similar sabotage acts, though no direct accusation has been made in this case.
Poland is a member of NATO, an international military alliance.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected as investigations continue.
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Ecuadoreans voted against allowing foreign military bases in the country. This decision affects President Daniel Noboa's plan to use foreign military presence to fight crime and drug trafficking. The referendum also rejected other changes to Ecuador's constitution.
Key Facts
Ecuadoreans voted to keep the ban on foreign military bases.
President Noboa wanted to change the constitution to allow foreign military bases to fight organised crime.
Ecuador is a major route for cocaine trafficking despite not producing cocaine itself.
The US hoped to establish a military base in Ecuador after 16 years.
President Noboa's security approach includes deploying armed soldiers in public.
Voters also rejected ending public funding for political parties and shrinking Congress.
The US is increasing its military presence in the Caribbean, partly due to regional drug trafficking issues.
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The U.S. sent a B-1B bomber to participate in military exercises with Japan's Air Self-Defense Force near Japan. This is part of efforts to strengthen military capabilities as China warns Japan against intervening in its disputes with Taiwan. The exercise shows the strong security partnership between the U.S. and Japan amid tension with China.
Key Facts
A U.S. B-1B bomber took part in a joint military exercise with Japanese fighter jets.
The exercise aimed to strengthen combat capabilities against possible threats from China.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has warned Japan about intervention.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi called China's potential military actions an existential threat.
The drill included two types of Japanese fighter jets: F-15s and F-2s.
The B-1B can carry up to 75,000 pounds of bombs and missiles.
The U.S. and Japan often conduct military exercises to strengthen regional security.
Japan and the U.S. have a mutual defense agreement, with 60,000 American troops in Japan.
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President Donald Trump indicated that his administration might begin talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This comes as the U.S. increases military presence in the Caribbean to combat drug cartels. President Trump mentioned that discussions with Maduro could occur, but no specific actions have been decided yet.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested possible talks with Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.
The U.S. military is increasing its presence in the Caribbean to fight drug cartels.
The Trump administration links Maduro to a drug cartel to be named a terrorist organization.
A reporter asked if this means the U.S. could target Maduro's assets in Venezuela.
President Trump said the U.S. is allowed to target assets but hasn't decided to do so.
Trump stated that Venezuela is interested in talks, and his administration may consider it.
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The United States plans to label Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group, according to the U.S. State Department. This group is allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, although he denies the accusation. The designation will allow the U.S. to take stronger actions against the group and potentially increase pressure on Maduro.
Key Facts
The U.S. will designate the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization starting November 24.
The U.S. alleges that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads the Cartel de los Soles.
An FTO designation allows the U.S. to impose stricter measures and makes it illegal to support the group.
The U.S. Treasury has previously imposed sanctions on the Cartel de los Soles.
Speculation exists about potential U.S. military action inside Venezuela.
President Trump stated that discussions with President Maduro might happen, but no details were provided.
A $50 million reward is offered by the U.S. for information leading to Maduro's arrest.
The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean and conducted airstrikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.
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On November 17, Russia advanced in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhia region, reportedly controlling a large portion of the area. Ukraine attacked an oil refinery in Russia and made energy agreements for the upcoming winter. Environmental concerns arose with France's uranium dealings with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Russia claims it now controls 75% of Ukraine's Zaporizhia region after recent advances.
Ukraine targeted a Russian oil refinery, leading to explosions and a fire, although the damage is still being assessed.
In the past 24 hours, Russian attacks in Ukraine resulted in at least four civilian deaths and 17 injuries.
Ukrainian attacks allegedly injured two civilians in Russia's Belgorod region, according to Russian sources.
Russia reported intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones and missiles.
Russia's Novorossiysk port resumed oil loadings after a brief halt due to Ukrainian attacks.
Ukraine arranged to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Greece to secure its winter energy supply.
Greenpeace reported that France is sending reprocessed uranium to Russia for treatment despite the ongoing conflict.
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A referendum in Ecuador on allowing foreign military bases, including possibly a U.S. base, is seeing strong opposition, with 60% of voters against the proposal based on partial results. Another proposal to create an assembly to rewrite the constitution is also facing rejection, with 61% voting "No" with part of the votes counted. President Daniel Noboa supported both proposals but faces setbacks with these results.
Key Facts
Ecuador held a referendum about bringing back foreign military bases.
Over 60% of voters have so far rejected the idea of foreign military bases.
Another proposal to rewrite the constitution is also being rejected by 61% of voters.
Ecuador banned foreign military bases in 2008.
If approved, the U.S. would likely return to the Manta airbase in Ecuador.
President Daniel Noboa supported both the military base and constitution proposals.
Noboa argues that foreign bases would help tackle organized crime in Ecuador.
The current constitution was drafted under ex-President Rafael Correa.
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Key protections for the Amazon rainforest in Brazil could be at risk as some groups push to end a ban on selling soya grown on recently deforested land. This ban, known as the Amazon Soy Moratorium, has helped reduce deforestation but is now challenged by farming interests and politicians who argue it limits growth.
Key Facts
The Amazon Soy Moratorium is a ban that prevents selling soya from land cleared after 2008.
This ban helped reduce deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Farming interests in Brazil are trying to lift the ban, arguing it limits agricultural growth.
Environmental groups warn that lifting the ban could lead to more deforestation.
Brazil is the largest producer of soya beans, a key ingredient in animal feed.
Many UK food companies support the ban to ensure deforestation-free soy supply chains.
Public opinion in the UK largely supports protecting the Amazon rainforest.
The Brazilian government is divided over the ban, with some formal investigations being reopened.
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The UK government is planning significant changes to its asylum rules. These changes include possibly banning visas for certain countries that do not cooperate with returning illegal migrants. There is strong criticism and backlash from various groups and political figures about these proposed reforms.
Key Facts
The UK plans to announce changes to its asylum policy, described as the most significant in a generation.
The changes might include visa bans for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo if they do not help return illegal migrants.
Similar visa ban measures were introduced by President Trump in the US.
New rules could require asylum seekers in the UK to wait 20 years before applying for permanent settlement.
There are protests against housing asylum seekers at a former military site in East Sussex.
Some Labour MPs and charities have criticized the proposed asylum reforms.
The reforms are compared to Denmark's strict asylum laws.
The changes have sparked internal conflict in the Labour party.
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The presidential election in Chile is headed to a run-off in December between two candidates: Jeanette Jara from the Communist Party and José Antonio Kast from the far-right. The election focuses on issues like crime and immigration, with no candidate winning outright in the first round. The run-off will decide whether Chile leans more towards the political left or right.
Key Facts
The run-off election will be between the Communist Party’s Jeanette Jara and far-right José Antonio Kast.
No candidate won a clear majority in the first round of voting.
Crime and immigration have been major issues in this election.
Chile's foreign population has grown, with over 1.9 million immigrants as of late 2023.
Kast wants to build border defenses and deport undocumented migrants to address immigration.
Jara aims to increase lithium production and enhance security by building new prisons.
This is the first time all voters in Chile were automatically registered and required to vote.
The run-off will take place on 14 December.
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At least 32 people died when a bridge collapsed at a copper and cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incident occurred at the Kalando mine due to overcrowding and led to a call for an investigation into the military's involvement.
Key Facts
A bridge collapsed at the Kalando mine in southeastern DRC, causing at least 32 deaths.
The mine was located in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Overcrowding on a makeshift bridge caused it to collapse after miners forced their way into a restricted area.
At least 40 deaths were reported by one official source, although another mentioned 32.
The mine was at the center of a dispute involving local miners, a cooperative, and companies with Chinese ties.
Authorities suspended mining operations on Sunday following the incident.
An organization called for an investigation into possible military involvement in the deaths.
The DRC is the world's leading producer of cobalt, crucial for making lithium-ion batteries.
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There is a disagreement in Canada about building a new oil pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia. Alberta wants the pipeline to export oil to Asia, but British Columbia does not support the plan. This issue is happening as Canada looks to increase exports outside the U.S. and position itself as a major energy exporter.
Key Facts
Alberta wants to build an oil pipeline to the Pacific Ocean to reach customers in Asia.
British Columbia opposes Alberta's pipeline plan, calling it unrealistic.
Alberta's Premier, Danielle Smith, accuses BC's Premier, David Eby, of being "un-Canadian."
Canada is trying to reduce its reliance on the U.S. economy amid trade tensions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced projects for growth but did not include a new pipeline.
Alberta hopes private companies will eventually take over the pipeline project.
Instead of the new pipeline, Canada is focusing on other energy projects, such as LNG exports.
The idea of reviving the Keystone XL pipeline to the U.S. has been discussed.
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Partial results from Chile's presidential election show Jeannette Jara and Jose Antonio Kast heading for a runoff vote. Jara leads with 26.58% of the votes, while Kast has 24.32%. The runoff is set for December 14.
Key Facts
Jeannette Jara and Jose Antonio Kast will face each other in a December runoff for Chile's presidency.
Jara received 26.58% of the vote; Kast got 24.32%.
Johannes Kaiser, another candidate, has conceded defeat.
Chile is experiencing concerns about increased crime, linked to foreign criminal groups and migration.
Jara wants to expand the police force and change banking rules to fight organized crime.
Kast plans to build barriers on the border with Bolivia to stop migration.
Chile's migrant population has doubled since 2017, now making up 8.8% of residents.
Polls suggest Kast might win if he runs head-to-head against Jara.
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Drones have been seen flying at night around airports and important places in Europe. These drone sightings have caused concern in several NATO countries. There are discussions about creating a protective "drone wall" in Europe to prevent such incidents.
Key Facts
Drones have been spotted at night near airports and other important sites in Europe.
These sightings include unarmed drones flying over places like Poland, Belgium, and Denmark.
Recently, 20 Russian drones flew into Poland, leading to the temporary closure of four airports.
NATO fighter jets were sent to intercept these drones; some were shot down while others crashed.
There is a discussion in Europe about building a "drone wall" for defense.
Russia has developed its own type of drone called Geran 2, which was involved in the Poland incident.
The prospect of large numbers of drones from Russia poses challenges for NATO's response strategies.
The use of fighter jets for each drone incident is considered costly and inefficient.
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Two US marines are implicated in a deadly incident during the Iraq war known as the Haditha massacre, where 24 Iraqi civilians were killed. Recent investigations reveal new evidence pointing to the involvement of these marines, raising questions about the initial American investigation and accountability for the actions of US armed forces.
Key Facts
The Haditha massacre occurred on November 19, 2005, when US marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians.
Safa Younes, aged 13 at the time, survived by pretending to be dead.
An investigation by BBC Eye found evidence implicating two marines who were not previously tried.
The incident led to the longest US war crimes investigation of the Iraq war.
Four marines were initially charged, but three had their charges dropped, leaving only Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich to face trial.
Lance Corporal Humberto Mendoza admitted in a pre-trial video to shooting Safa's unarmed father.
Forensic expert Michael Maloney examined evidence suggesting two marines entered the room where Safa's family was shot.
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The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, joined U.S. military forces in the Caribbean Sea. This deployment is part of a military buildup directed by President Trump aimed at addressing drug trafficking and tensions with Venezuela. U.S. Southern Command is actively carrying out operations under the newly launched Operation Southern Spear.
Key Facts
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Caribbean Sea.
U.S. officials announced a strike on an alleged drug boat.
President Trump mentioned possible discussions with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
U.S. Southern Command oversees operations related to this deployment.
Operation Southern Spear aims to combat narco-terrorism and protect U.S. borders.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the carrier strike group to assist in these operations.
The carrier group has over 4,000 sailors and numerous aircraft ready for operations.
No clear action has been decided regarding Venezuela yet.
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