Malaysia's Parliament passed a tough anti-terrorism bill to deal with "extraordinary" threats posed by terror entities such as the Islamic State.
In this series, Rediff.com presents a selection of the year's most enduring moments year from around the world.
Hein Kiessling has the kind of access in Pakistan that journalists (and spies) would die for, says Kanika Datta.
Here are some of the best photos from around the world in the month gone by...
Here's your weekly digest of the craziest and funniest stories from around the world.