Sports Personality of the Year shortlist announced

Hundreds of parents have shared their experiences with the BBC regarding the struggles faced by adopted children, highlighting issues related to addiction and mental health. A charity has reported that the current support system is under severe strain, prompting calls for lifelong support for these children.

The UK government has announced a new strategy aimed at addressing violence against women, with a focus on changing attitudes among boys and young men. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and promote healthier relationships from a young age.

Venezuelan opposition leader, who recently won a Nobel Prize, shared with the BBC the harrowing experience of escaping Venezuela after months of hiding. She emphasized that many people risked their lives to help her reach Oslo for the award ceremony.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, which was allegedly transporting oil from sanctioned nations, including Iran and Venezuela. This operation, confirmed by U.S. officials, highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding oil smuggling and sanctions enforcement in the region.

A coup attempt in Benin was thwarted on December 7, 2025, after Nigerian warplanes were deployed to dislodge mutineers from state television offices. The leader of the coup plot is reportedly hiding in Togo, prompting a military search for fugitive soldiers involved in the incident.

The Taliban issued warnings to Afghan individuals who donned outfits inspired by the British television series 'Peaky Blinders,' stating that such attire conflicts with Afghan and Islamic values. This warning was communicated by a Taliban spokesman to the BBC, highlighting the group's ongoing efforts to enforce their interpretation of cultural norms.

Gerry McCann, the father of missing girl Madeleine McCann, spoke to the BBC about the relentless media scrutiny his family faced since her disappearance in 2007, expressing concerns that politicians are intimidated by the press.

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law that prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking a significant shift in online safety regulations. This legislation, which takes effect on December 10, 2025, aims to protect minors from online risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. The move has garnered global attention, with various media outlets providing mixed reactions to its potential effectiveness.