Bangladesh is on high alert as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prepares to announce the verdict date in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, during the July 2024 uprising. The announcement, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has sparked widespread tension across the country. Security forces, including the army and police, have been deployed to key locations, including airports and major installations, to maintain order. Over the past two days, incidents of vehicle arson and crude bomb explosions have been reported in Dhaka and other regions, further escalating concerns. The Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, has called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown on Thursday, urging citizens to participate. However, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has banned the party’s activities, forcing leaders to organize through social media from undisclosed locations. Police have launched nationwide operations to arrest Awami League leaders and activists, while security checkpoints have been established on major roads. The July 2024 student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, prompting her to flee to India on August 5, 2024. The interim government has since initiated legal proceedings against her in the ICT, which was originally established by her administration to prosecute crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Testimonies in the case have concluded, and the tribunal is set to announce the verdict date on Thursday.
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US ends penny-making run after more than 230 years
The United States is bidding farewell to the penny, a one-cent coin that has been in circulation for over 230 years. The Philadelphia Mint will produce its final batch of pennies on Thursday, marking the end of an era. While the coins will remain in circulation, businesses are already adjusting prices as pennies become increasingly scarce. The decision to halt production is driven by economic considerations, with the government estimating annual savings of $56 million. President Donald Trump, who first announced the plans in February, framed the move as a step toward eliminating waste in the national budget. Pennies, which honor Civil War president Abraham Lincoln and are made of copper-plated zinc, now cost nearly four cents each to produce—more than twice the cost a decade ago. The rise of electronic transactions has further diminished the penny’s relevance, with the Treasury Department noting that approximately 300 billion pennies remain in circulation, far exceeding commercial needs. A 2022 government analysis revealed that about 60% of all coins in circulation, equivalent to $60-$90 per household, are stashed away at home, deemed not worth trading in. However, the phase-out may have unintended consequences for consumers. A study by the Richmond Federal Reserve estimates that businesses rounding up prices could cost shoppers $6 million annually. The US is not alone in this trend; countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have also phased out their lowest-value coins. Attention in the US has now shifted to the nickel, which costs nearly 14 cents to produce despite its five-cent face value. Retiring the nickel could have a more significant financial impact, potentially costing consumers $55 million annually.
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Woman found guilty of murdering two men in 2014
A 46-year-old woman, Ruth Lawrence, has been convicted of the 2014 murders of two men, Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan, in County Meath. The victims, aged 32 and 33 respectively, were discovered shot dead on Inchicup Island in Lough Sheelin, five weeks after they went missing. Lawrence, who resided in St Patricks Cottage, Mountnugent, denied the charges but was found guilty by a majority verdict after nearly 14 hours of jury deliberation. She faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 8. The victims’ families were present in court and were visibly emotional as the verdict was announced. The trial revealed that O’Connor, a Dublin drug dealer, had drugs stolen from him six days prior to his murder. He had sold drugs to Lawrence’s South African boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, who owed him €70,000. Prosecutors stated that Lawrence shot O’Connor in the stomach, which was not fatal, and van der Westhuizen then shot him in the head. Anthony Keegan, who arrived with O’Connor, was shot in the neck and head. The prosecution argued that the murders occurred in a field near Patrick’s Cottage, with the bodies later moved to the island. The last call between O’Connor and van der Westhuizen on April 22, 2014, suggested a specific meeting point. Garda Det Sgt Kevin O’Brien testified that the couple fled to South Africa after the murders. Lawrence was extradited to Ireland in May 2023, while van der Westhuizen is serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for unrelated crimes. His extradition to Ireland is pending the completion of his current sentence.
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Dharmendra discharged from hospital as family decides to take him home: Doctor
Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, aged 89, has been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning. According to an official statement from his son Sunny Deol’s team, the legendary actor will now continue his recovery at home under medical supervision. The family has requested privacy and urged the media and public to refrain from speculation regarding his health. Earlier, the family had to refute false reports of his death, clarifying that he was responding well to treatment during his hospital stay. Dharmendra was admitted to the hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated, sparking concern among fans and fellow celebrities. Prominent Bollywood figures, including Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel, visited the hospital to show their support. His family, including wife Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and grandchildren Karan and Rajveer Deol, were also present during this time. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and well-wishes from fans and well-wishers, emphasizing their hope for his continued recovery and long life.
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Talent plan launched in Shanghai to boost global green transition
Shanghai has taken a significant step toward fostering global green transition with the launch of the ‘Industrial Green-Collar Talents Initiative.’ This groundbreaking program, unveiled during the G20 Entrepreneurship Roundtable 2025 held from November 4 to 5, aims to cultivate talent and promote synergistic development in the green supply chain industry. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Tsinghua University’s Entrepreneurship Research Center on G20 Economies and Horen Group, a leading smart logistics packaging solutions provider based in Shanghai.
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Fifty-year mortgages and $2,000 cheques: What’s behind Trump’s affordability drive?
In response to growing public dissatisfaction with his economic policies, US President Donald Trump has proposed a $2,000 payment to most Americans, funded by tariff revenues. This idea, which Trump describes as a ‘subsidy,’ aims to address consumer concerns following the Republican Party’s poor performance in recent state elections. However, economists argue that the tariff revenue is insufficient to cover the cost of such payments, potentially requiring deficit financing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has downplayed the likelihood of these payments, suggesting that tariff gains would instead lower tax rates under Trump’s 2025 spending package. Trump has also floated other ideas, including 50-year mortgages and redirecting expiring health insurance subsidies into direct cash payments. These proposals face significant challenges in Congress, where Republicans hold narrow majorities. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues to face criticism for its handling of rising costs in key sectors like beef and electricity. Despite these challenges, Trump’s political instincts remain sharp, as he seeks to recalibrate his policies to reflect public sentiment. His ability to connect with voters, however, is constrained by his position in the Oval Office, prompting discussions about potential nationwide speeches on the economy.
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Watch: Timelapse video shows rare northern lights display in Iowa
A breathtaking celestial phenomenon graced the skies of Iowa this week as a powerful geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to regions far beyond their typical Arctic confines. Captured in a stunning timelapse video, the aurora borealis painted the night sky with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink, captivating residents and stargazers alike. This rare occurrence was triggered by heightened solar activity, which propelled charged particles toward Earth, interacting with the planet’s magnetic field to create the dazzling light show. While the northern lights are typically confined to higher latitudes, this event allowed even midwestern states like Iowa to witness the spectacle. Experts suggest that such displays may become more frequent as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. The event has sparked widespread excitement and renewed interest in space weather phenomena.
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Dubai launches new film and gaming committees to develop media sectors
Dubai has taken a significant step toward solidifying its status as a global leader in media production with the establishment of two new specialized committees: the Dubai Film Development Committee and the Dubai Gaming Committee. These initiatives, formed under resolutions issued by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC), aim to drive innovation and growth in the film and gaming sectors. The committees are part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai’s media ecosystem, attract international talent, and create new opportunities for investors and content creators. The Dubai Film Development Committee, chaired by Issam Kazim, will focus on supporting local and international production studios, facilitating training programs for young filmmakers, and fostering emerging talent. Meanwhile, the Dubai Gaming Committee, led by Khalfan Belhoul, will prioritize partnerships, specialized training, and the expansion of startups to accelerate the digital economy and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in the gaming industry. Both committees will benefit from Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, agile regulatory frameworks, and strategic geographical location. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the DMC, emphasized that these initiatives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and position the creative economy at the heart of Dubai’s economic ecosystem. The resolutions mandate full cooperation from government entities and relevant organizations to ensure the committees’ success in achieving their objectives.
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Ramaphosa says ‘boycott politics doesn’t work’ over Trump’s decision to skip G20 summit
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, labeling it as a significant loss for the US. The decision, announced by US President Donald Trump, stems from unsubstantiated claims of white persecution in South Africa. Ramaphosa, speaking outside parliament, emphasized that the US’s absence would not hinder the summit’s proceedings, stating, ‘Boycott politics doesn’t work.’ He further highlighted that the US is relinquishing its crucial role as the world’s largest economy by opting out of the event. The G20 summit, scheduled for November 22-23, has been marred by controversy following Trump’s social media post calling South Africa’s hosting a ‘total disgrace.’ Trump initially planned to send Vice-President JD Vance in his stead but later retracted, reiterating his unfounded allegations of human rights abuses against Afrikaners. South Africa has firmly denied these claims, asserting that there is no evidence supporting the notion of white genocide or land confiscation without compensation. The government has labeled these accusations as baseless and lacking credible support. As the summit approaches, Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring its success, despite the US’s withdrawal.
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Regions across China offer financial incentives to boost marriage rates
In response to a significant decline in marriage rates, various regions across China have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging couples to marry and start families. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of first marriages in China dropped sharply to 9.17 million in 2024, a staggering 60 percent decrease from the peak of 23.86 million in 2013. Marriage registrations have also seen a dramatic fall, from 13.47 million couples in 2013 to just 6.11 million in 2023. To counteract this trend, local governments have launched a series of initiatives designed to create a more marriage and birth-friendly environment. In Zhejiang Province, for instance, newlyweds in Ningbo are offered 1,000 yuan ($140) in consumption vouchers for wedding-related expenses, such as banquets, photography, and travel. Similar programs are available in Hangzhou, Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, and Jinhua’s Pujiang county. In Guangzhou’s Baiyun district, Nanling village has taken a more generous approach, offering up to 80,000 yuan for first marriages and up to 120,000 yuan for childbirth, provided couples remain married for at least one year. Shanxi Province has adopted a more straightforward strategy, providing eligible newlyweds in Lyuliang with a 1,500 yuan cash bonus upon registration. Beyond these financial incentives, many regions are developing comprehensive support systems that cover marriage, childbirth, daycare, and education. Despite these efforts, experts warn that the structural decrease in the number of women of childbearing age poses a significant challenge. From 2010 to 2020, the number of women aged 15 to 49 decreased by 57.49 million, with those in their prime childbearing years (20 to 29) dropping by 34.63 million. This demographic shift is a key factor driving the decline in marriage registrations, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and systemic measures to address these challenges.