Iranian lawmakers are seeking to amend a controversial bill tightening hijab regulations, stirring fresh debate. The proposed "Law on Supporting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab" imposes penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or $6,000 fines for promoting "nudity" or "indecency." Shahram Dabiri, vice president for parliamentary affairs, confirmed the parliament's request to hold off on finalizing the bill, citing needed amendments. Protests over mandatory hijab laws escalated after Mahsa Amini's 2022 death in custody, leading to months of unrest and global criticism of Iran's human rights policies.

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan must forfeit over £2M after failing to pay taxes on £21M earned through online ventures, including OnlyFans. A UK judge ruled the brothers evaded taxes between 2014 and 2022, describing their scheme as a "straightforward cheat of the revenue." Devon and Cornwall Police seized £2.8M from frozen accounts linked to the brothers and an associate known as "J." The Tates are also facing criminal charges in Romania for trafficking and exploitation. Both deny all allegations and remain barred from leaving Romania, awaiting extradition to the UK for further legal proceedings.

Russia detained a 29-year-old Uzbek man accused of assassinating Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces, and his assistant in Moscow. Kirillov, 54, was killed when an explosive device hidden in a scooter detonated near his residence. Russia's FSB claimed the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, allegedly promised $100,000 and EU relocation for the attack. Ukraine called Kirillov a "legitimate target," citing alleged war crimes and 4,800 chemical weapon uses under his leadership. Russian officials plan to address the assassination at the UN Security Council meeting on Friday.

Canada has announced a $1.3B plan to strengthen US border security after President-elect Donald Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc revealed measures targeting illegal drugs and irregular migration, including aerial surveillance, canine drug-detection teams, and a joint Canada-US strike force. The initiative aims to secure borders while maintaining trade and travel essential to North America’s economy. Trump had expressed concerns about fentanyl trafficking and undocumented migration. Meanwhile, LeBlanc begins his term amidst political turbulence following Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister, which has strained Prime Minister Trudeau’s minority government.

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs on nations levying high duties on American goods, naming India and Brazil. "If India charges us 100%, we’ll charge them the same," Trump declared, emphasizing fairness in trade. Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnick reinforced the stance, highlighting "reciprocity" as central to upcoming trade policies. Meanwhile, the outgoing Biden administration assured that US-India relations remain strong, citing recent high-level engagements like the QUAD summit. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed optimism about continued bilateral cooperation under Trump’s leadership, despite the new administration’s stricter trade approach.

Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have entered a "decisive and final phase," according to a senior Palestinian negotiator. The proposed plan includes a three-phase process: releasing hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals, and ultimately ending the war. Mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, talks aim to address the plight of 96 hostages, 62 of whom are presumed alive. Recent statements from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz indicate progress, although hardline cabinet ministers remain skeptical. The 14-month conflict has devastated Gaza, displacing millions and killing over 45,000 Palestinians. The international community continues to push for a resolution.

Sindeep Singh, 48, an Indian-origin man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the UK for murdering his 76-year-old mother, Bhajan Kaur, at their Leicester home. The murder stemmed from a property dispute over the family home. Singh attacked his mother, leaving her with fatal injuries, and attempted to bury her body in the garden. Relatives discovered the crime when they found Kaur’s body on May 13, prompting police to arrest Singh near the scene. CCTV evidence revealed his attempt to dispose of evidence. Singh must serve at least 31 years before being eligible for release, authorities confirmed.

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise received the US Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award at a ceremony in Surrey, UK. Presented by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the award recognized Cruise’s decades-long support for the Navy and Marine Corps. His 1986 film Top Gun significantly boosted pilot recruitment, a trend continued by the sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Del Toro praised Cruise's efforts in raising public awareness of the sacrifices made by service members. Cruise, overwhelmed with gratitude, stated, “To lead is to serve,” and vowed to continue contributing to society. The event was attended by top film professionals and Navy officials.

Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. Police confirmed his death as a suicide, with no signs of foul play. Balaji, 26, had recently spoken out against OpenAI, accusing the company of violating copyright laws in its use of data for developing ChatGPT. He left OpenAI in August after four years. Balaji had publicly raised concerns about the impact of AI on the internet. OpenAI expressed deep sadness over his passing and offered condolences to his family.

UK court sentenced Urfan Sharif, 43, and Beinash Batool, 30, to life imprisonment for murdering 10-year-old Sara Sharif. Sharif will serve at least 40 years, while Batool will serve 33 years. The judge described the killing as a "campaign of torture" and "acts of extreme cruelty." Sara, subjected to years of violence, had 71 injuries and broken bones when found dead in August 2023. The pair fled to Pakistan after her death but were later arrested. Sara’s mother called her daughter “an angel.” The case has raised concerns over child protection and social services' failures.