The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has raised alarms over his health and isolation, demanding immediate access to him. Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 on corruption charges, has been barred from meeting his family and lawyers for over three weeks, sparking widespread concern and protests. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari emphasized that Khan’s health is a significant worry, given his prolonged isolation and lack of medical support. Despite being a former head of state, Khan has been denied basic visitation rights, raising questions about the legality of his treatment. Protests have erupted outside the Rawalpindi jail, with Khan’s family and supporters demanding transparency and access. Social media has also amplified the issue, with the hashtag #WHEREISIMRANKHAN trending on X. While a jail official anonymously confirmed Khan’s good health and denied any plans to transfer him to a high-security facility, the PTI remains skeptical. Khan’s political journey has been tumultuous since his ousting in 2022 after a fallout with military leaders, who wield significant influence in Pakistan’s governance. His arrest in 2023 triggered nationwide protests and a crackdown on his party, which emerged as the largest in the 2024 elections but alleges electoral rigging prevented it from forming a government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his allies have denied these claims, further fueling political tensions.
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Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo sentenced for conspiracy
Peru’s Supreme Court has delivered a landmark verdict against former President Pedro Castillo, sentencing him to 11.5 years imprisonment for orchestrating a conspiracy to commit rebellion in December 2022. The court’s special panel found Castillo guilty of attempting to dissolve Congress illegally as legislators moved forward with impeachment proceedings against him.
The 56-year-old leader, who has remained in custody since his dramatic arrest in December 2022, received an additional two-year ban from holding public office. The ruling extends to two of Castillo’s former ministers, including ex-Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who received identical prison terms for their involvement in the same conspiracy.
Chávez’s case has triggered international diplomatic tensions, with Mexico granting her asylum and providing sanctuary within its embassy compound in Lima. The Peruvian government responded by severing diplomatic relations with Mexico, creating a significant regional diplomatic rift.
The verdict marks the second major conviction of a former Peruvian president within a single week. On Wednesday, a separate court sentenced ex-leader Martín Vizcarra to 14 years imprisonment after convicting him of accepting bribes during his tenure as governor of a southern state.
Castillo’s dramatic fall from power represents a stunning reversal for the political outsider who made history in 2021 by becoming Peru’s first president from an impoverished farming background. His administration, marked by political inexperience and escalating tensions with Congress, culminated in his attempted dissolution of the legislative body.
Vice President Dina Boluarte succeeded Castillo but faced her own political challenges, ultimately being removed from office in October following widespread public dissatisfaction with her government’s performance and mounting crime rates. Current President José Jerí, previously the Congress leader, now leads the nation amid ongoing political turbulence.
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Quebec expands secularism law and limits public prayer
The Quebec government has unveiled sweeping new secularism legislation that significantly expands restrictions on religious expression in public spaces. The Coalition Avenir Québec government introduced Bill 9 on Thursday, marking what officials term ‘secularism 2.0’ – a substantial enhancement of the controversial 2019 religious symbols law that has sparked national debate.
The comprehensive legislation extends religious symbol prohibitions to staff in subsidized daycares and bans unauthorized collective religious practices, including prayer, in public areas such as parks. It further mandates that students and staff from daycare through post-secondary education cannot wear face coverings, while also limiting exclusively religion-based menus like kosher and halal meals in public institutions.
Jean-François Roberge, Minister Responsible for Secularism, defended the measures as balancing individual and collective rights. The government cites recent protests where public spaces were used for prayer gatherings as partial motivation for the new restrictions. ‘It’s shocking to see people blocking traffic, taking possession of public space without permits, and turning our streets, parks, and squares into places of worship,’ Roberge stated.
The legislation builds upon Bill 21, which previously prohibited judges, police officers, teachers and public servants from wearing religious symbols including kippahs, turbans, and hijabs while working. That law invoked Canada’s notwithstanding clause to override certain constitutional freedoms, a move currently facing Supreme Court review scheduled for early next year.
Opposition parties and advocacy groups have strongly criticized the expanded measures. The Parti Québecois accuses the governing coalition of creating social division to bolster support ahead of provincial elections, while the National Council of Canadian Muslims condemned the legislation as ‘doubling down on identity politics and division.’
Secularism (laïcité) has remained a persistent issue in Quebec since the 1960s decline of Catholic Church influence. Recent polling indicates 68% of Quebec residents consider secularism an important value, aligning the province with similar legislation in several European Union nations including France, which implemented religious symbol bans in 2004 and face covering restrictions in 2010.
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Beijing unveils new steps to regulate the growing number of electric bicycles
In a significant move to address urban mobility challenges, Beijing has unveiled a series of new regulations targeting the burgeoning number of electric bicycles in the city. These measures, part of the 15th Five-Year Plan recommendations, mark the first explicit inclusion of electric bicycle management in the capital’s strategic planning framework. The initiative reflects a broader vision for urban and traffic governance, as highlighted by Cheng Shidong, director of the Urban Transport Center at the National Development and Reform Commission. Since 2008, the number of electric bicycles in Beijing has skyrocketed from approximately 800,000 to over 7 million by 2025, necessitating enhanced regulatory efforts. Authorities are now trialing advanced surveillance systems to curb traffic violations, including riding under the influence, and cracking down on illegal modifications that pose safety risks. Additionally, the city is upgrading parking and charging infrastructure, particularly around major transport hubs, to improve commuter convenience and safety. The plan also emphasizes the regulation of the food delivery and instant logistics sectors, which are frequently involved in traffic incidents, underscoring the need for targeted safety measures.
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Palestinian-US teen freed after nine months in Israeli jail
A 16-year-old Palestinian-American boy has been reunited with his family following nine months of incarceration in Israeli detention facilities without formal charges. Mohammed Ibrahim, who was arrested at age 15 during a family visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, returned to his family in a deteriorated physical condition requiring immediate hospitalization.
The teenager’s detention stemmed from allegations of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers—accusations he consistently denied throughout his imprisonment. His release follows mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and diplomatic engagement from the State Department, though Israeli authorities remained silent when contacted for commentary.
Medical examination revealed significant health deterioration including pallor, substantial weight loss, and various illnesses contracted during confinement. Family members described the ordeal as a ‘horrific and endless nightmare,’ expressing outrage over what they characterize as abusive treatment and inhumane detention conditions.
The case has drawn attention to broader concerns regarding Israel’s treatment of Palestinian minors in its justice system. According to Israeli Prison Service data, approximately 350 Palestinian children remain in Israeli detention as security prisoners, many without formal charges. Human rights organizations and UN reports have documented patterns of abuse and torture within this system.
While celebrating Mohammed’s release, the family has simultaneously highlighted the unsolved killing of another relative—20-year-old dual US citizen Sayfollah Musallet—who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in July. No charges have been filed in that case, prompting family demands for greater protection of US citizens abroad.
The State Department confirmed continued consular support while emphasizing the administration’s prioritization of citizen safety, though family members expressed frustration over perceived insufficient governmental intervention during the nine-month detention.
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Legoland Shanghai Resort sets a new world record in visitors
Legoland Shanghai Resort has made headlines by setting a new world record as the fastest Legoland park to attract one million visitors. This remarkable achievement coincides with the resort being honored with the prestigious 32nd Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Theme Park category. The Thea Awards, often likened to the Oscars of the themed entertainment industry, recognized the Shanghai resort as the only Chinese recipient in this category for 2025. The award underscores the park’s excellence in creative design, immersive storytelling, and interactive experiences. Paul Moreton, Chief Development Officer of Merlin Entertainments, expressed immense pride in the recognition, highlighting the resort’s innovative blend of the Lego brand’s creative DNA with unique Chinese cultural elements. The resort features eight themed lands, including the world’s first Lego Monkie Kid land inspired by the Chinese classic ‘Journey to the West,’ and boasts over 75 interactive rides, shows, and attractions. These attractions are built using an astounding 85 million Lego bricks, offering visitors a truly immersive experience. The resort’s success is further amplified by its seasonal events, which continue to enhance its appeal and solidify its position as a global entertainment destination.
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UAE Lottery to launch new games and prize structures as second year begins
The UAE Lottery marks its first anniversary with significant operational expansions and substantial prize distributions exceeding Dh147 million to more than 100,000 participants. Operator The Game LLC confirmed on Thursday the introduction of enhanced gaming experiences and revised reward mechanisms as the program enters its second year.
Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director at The UAE Lottery, emphasized the platform’s successful inaugural year: “Our first year demonstrated the extraordinary excitement and rewards The UAE Lottery generates, with remarkable winning stories emerging from players nationwide.”
From initial modest beginnings with a single draw, the lottery framework has expanded to incorporate 20 distinct gaming formats. The portfolio now features the flagship Lucky Day Draw alongside daily numerical games including Pick 3, Pick 4, and Color Prediction, supplemented by an extensive assortment of scratch cards and digital instant-win games. The operator highlighted that scratch card games alone have distributed five top-tier prizes of Dh1 million each.
Future developments will focus on new game introductions, upgraded digital functionalities, and reimagined prize architectures. These enhancements will reinforce the organization’s dedication to equitable gaming practices, participant security, and technological innovation.
A notable transition occurs this Saturday (November 29) with the final opportunity to win the current Dh100 million jackpot before revised prize tiers become effective. The Lucky Day draw operates bi-weekly with entry priced at Dh50, requiring participants to select seven numbers for prizes ranging from Dh100 to the maximum jackpot. Eligibility remains restricted to UAE residents aged 18 years and above.
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National Guard shooting suspect worked with CIA in Afghanistan
A former Afghan security contractor with documented ties to U.S. intelligence agencies stands accused of executing a targeted shooting against two National Guard members in Washington D.C. this week. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly traveled cross-country from Washington state to carry out what authorities describe as an ‘ambush-style’ attack just blocks from the White House.
The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both remain hospitalized in critical condition after being shot at close range Wednesday afternoon. Lakanwal was subsequently shot and detained by other Guard members present at the scene.
According to official statements and background investigations, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a special immigration program established following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His admission was based on previous service with Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force (locally known as Scorpion Forces), which initially operated under CIA direction before transitioning to Afghan intelligence control.
A former military commander who served with Lakanwal described him to BBC Afghan Service as a GPS tracking specialist and ‘sporty, jolly character’ who helped secure Kabul airport during the chaotic evacuation. His entire unit was airlifted to the U.S. days after the Taliban entered Kabul.
The incident has triggered significant policy repercussions. President Donald Trump, who characterized the shooting as an ‘act of terror,’ immediately suspended all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of all special immigration programs. USCIS Chief Joseph Edlow confirmed the administration would conduct ‘a full scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.’
Additionally, the president announced deployment of 500 additional National Guard members to Washington D.C., augmenting the existing force of 2,000 troops deployed since August to address urban crime concerns.
Lakanwal currently faces multiple felony charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, potentially carrying more than a decade imprisonment if convicted. He remains under guard while receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during his apprehension.
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Earthquake of magnitude 5.3 strikes Indian Ocean at depth of 10km
A sequence of earthquakes has rattled the Indian Ocean, with the most recent being a magnitude 5.3 tremor recorded on November 27, 2025. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, making it particularly concerning due to the increased risk of stronger ground shaking and potential structural damage. Earlier that same day, a more intense earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck the same region, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. Additionally, a magnitude 4.8 quake was reported on November 26, further highlighting the seismic activity in the area. Shallow earthquakes, like these, are known to be more hazardous as the seismic waves have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, amplifying their impact. This recent activity has drawn comparisons to the devastating 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, a magnitude 9.2-9.3 event that triggered a catastrophic tsunami, claiming over 227,000 lives across 14 countries. While there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties from the recent quakes, the shallow depth and proximity to populated coastal areas have raised alarms among seismologists and disaster preparedness experts.
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Bird flu poses pandemic risk worse than Covid-19, says France research centre
Leading French researchers at Institut Pasteur have issued a stark warning that avian influenza could potentially trigger a global health crisis surpassing the devastation caused by COVID-19. Dr. Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, Medical Director of the institute’s respiratory infections center, emphasized that while current human infections remain rare, the virus’s adaptation for human-to-human transmission would create pandemic conditions of unprecedented severity.
The highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza strain has already necessitated the culling of hundreds of millions of birds worldwide, creating significant disruptions to food supplies and driving price increases across global markets. Unlike seasonal influenza strains H1 and H3, against which humans maintain some antibody protection, the H5 variant presents a completely novel threat to human immune systems.
According to World Health Organization data spanning 2003-2025, nearly 1,000 human cases have been documented primarily in Egypt, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with a startling 48% mortality rate. Recent developments include the first documented human case of H5N5 in Washington state, where an immunocompromised individual succumbed to the infection.
Despite these concerning developments, international health authorities maintain that the immediate risk of human pandemic remains relatively low. Gregorio Torres of the World Organisation for Animal Health advises continued vigilance while reassuring the public about current safety measures for food consumption and outdoor activities.
The scientific community highlights several advantages in pandemic preparedness compared to the initial COVID-19 response. Multiple vaccine candidates stand ready for rapid deployment, manufacturing protocols have been established for swift vaccine production, and strategic stockpiles of effective antiviral medications have been maintained specifically for influenza threats.