The U.S. Congress is preparing to approve a bipartisan agreement that will officially end the longest government shutdown in American history, which began on October 1. The deal ensures the restoration of funding for all federal agencies, enabling the government to fully resume operations. Under the terms of this agreement, funding will continue through January 30, providing lawmakers with additional time to negotiate and finalise the country’s annual budget allocations. The move is expected to ease economic uncertainty, bring relief to thousands of furloughed federal employees, and mark a temporary resolution to the prolonged political deadlock in Washington.
UN GRILLS ISRAEL OVER “SYSTEMATIC TORTURE” CLAIMS
Israel came under intense scrutiny at the United Nations on Tuesday (Nov 12) as UN experts questioned the country over allegations of torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. The review took place during Israel’s scheduled appearance before the UN Committee Against Torture, where independent experts warned that reports since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks indicate “systematic and widespread” abuse in Israeli detention facilities.
The panel pressed Israel to address claims of physical abuse, sensory deprivation, prolonged restraints, and denial of medical care — allegations Israel denies. The review forms part of the UN’s regular process to monitor compliance with the Convention Against Torture.
VENEZUELA MOBILISES MASSIVE MILITARY FORCE AS US WARSHIPS MOVE IN
Venezuela has announced a “massive mobilisation” of troops, weapons, and military equipment in direct response to the growing presence of US warships and personnel in the Caribbean. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said land, air, naval and reserve forces will conduct exercises through Wednesday, calling the US buildup an “imperialist threat.”
The operation will also include the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force created by Hugo Chávez and named after independence hero Simón Bolívar.
TWIN BLASTS IN DELHI & ISLAMABAD JOLT THE REGION
In a busy Delhi neighbourhood, forensic teams sifted through the charred shell of a car. Less than 24 hours later, chaos erupted outside Islamabad’s judicial complex after a suicide bombing.
Though no evidence links the two attacks, the political shockwaves are unmistakable. For India and Pakistan, the near-simultaneous blasts in their heavily fortified capitals have revived deep anxieties about regional security. Officials across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are now on high alert, fearing the flare-up could reignite suspicion and blame in an already tense year for all three nations.
BBC TOP BOSSES QUIT AFTER “MISLEADING EDIT” ON TRUMP
Two senior BBC leaders resigned on Sunday, plunging Britain’s public broadcaster into one of its most serious crises in years. Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness stepped down after a leaked memo revealed that the network had misleadingly edited a speech by US President Donald Trump, making it appear he had directly called for violence on January 6, 2021. In a message to staff, Davie said the decision was his alone, adding that he bore “ultimate responsibility” for the BBC’s errors. The fallout has triggered intense scrutiny over bias, editorial standards, and political influence at the broadcaster.
