 "This Week in Explainers: The unrest in Bangladesh over arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das")
It’s been a tense week in India’s neighbourhood. Unrest gipped Bangladesh after Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu was arrested on November 25 (Monday). This led to protests by minority groups, which ended in clashes with the police. India too has condemned the arrest.
Pakistan also saw massive protests by supporters of Imran Khan. Its capital Islamabad was under lockdown as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party backers took to the streets. The demonstrations turned violent as protesters clashed with police, bringing life to a standstill. As security forces launched a ‘midnight raid’ on November 26 (Tuesday), the PTI supporters retreated.
This week gave West Asia some hope of peace. Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire, which went into effect on Wednesday (November 27). Is a similar deal with Hamas on the cards ? We tell you all about it.
With each passing day, we are getting more insights into what the Trump presidency will look like. He has pledged to impose tariffs on the three largest trading partners of the US — Canada, Mexico, and China. India has found no mention yet and that could just be a temporary relief.
Australia grabbed headlines, as it became the first in the world to ban social media for children below 16. And the UK debated a bill on assisted dying .
All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from around the world.
1. In Bangladesh, tensions are on the rise once again after the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Das in Dhaka. His supporters clashed with police as he was brought to court in Chittagong. Amid the violence, a lawyer died. As India has raised concerns over the arrest, there is growing scrutiny over the security of Hindus and other minorities in the country. But why was the monk arrested and what has been the fallout? We explain .
2. In Pakistan, supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) marched toward Islamabad on Monday (November 25) demanding his release. The capital remained under lockdown, the internet was shut down and security measures were heightened. But violence erupted as police and rangers cracked down on the protesters , leaving at least eight dead and dozens injured. In the end, PTI supporters retracted. But with the former prime minister in jail, how does he continue to wield influence over the country ?
3. After months of conflict in West Asia, there is a lingering hope for peace. Israel and Lebanon accepted a ceasefire deal which would bring an end to fighting with Hezbollah. It calls for a 60-day pause in the conflict. But what’s in the pact? And what does this mean for the militant group? We answer the questions in this explainer .
4. Since the Russia-Ukraine war passed its 1,000th day last week, there has been an escalation. There were unfounded murmurs about World War 3. On Thursday (November 28), Russia launched a “comprehensive” attack on Ukraine’s energy grid. President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that cluster munitions were used by Moscow. What are these controversial armaments ?
5. It’s official! Australia will ban children under 16 from using social after its parliament approved the first such law in the world. The ban will come into effect only after 12 months and could see tech companies fined up to AUD 50 million if they fail to comply. But how will this ban be implemented ?
6. Donald Trump’s America is likely to be starkly different from the country we have seen under Joe Biden. His infamous mass deportation programme has created fear among many. Universities are worried too. They are now asking foreign students to return to campus before Trump takes oath on January 20. Here’s why .
7. Trump continues to deliver surprises with his controversial choices of people who will help him lead the country. This week, he picked Indian-origin Dr Jay Bhattacharya as the director of the National Institute of Health, the country’s medical research agency.
The Standford University professor and health policy expert is a critic of pandemic-induced lockdowns; he has opposed mask mandates and booster shots. Here’s
everything you need to know about him .
That’s all from us this week. Hope our reading list keeps you up-to-date with the news. You can find more such explainers here .
PS: It’s World Aids Day today. Here’s an interesting story about how the red ribbon became synonymous with Aids activism
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
