India has expressed grave concern over ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, condemning the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man lynched and set on fire over false blasphemy allegations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that "unremitting hostilities" by extremist elements against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists cannot be dismissed as political violence or media exaggeration. India reported approximately 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during Bangladesh's interim government tenure. Jaiswal rejected Bangladesh's "false narrative" on these incidents and urged authorities to ensure minority safety and hold perpetrators accountable. Regarding BNP leader Tarique Rahman's return after 17 years, India reiterated support for free and fair elections while closely monitoring the protection of minority rights.

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died at Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, after waiting eight hours for treatment despite complaining of severe chest pain. The father of three arrived at the hospital on December 22 after experiencing chest pain at work. Despite his blood pressure rising to 210 and constant pain complaints, staff conducted an ECG, gave him Tylenol, and told him chest pain wasn't considered acute. After more than eight hours in triage, he was finally called into the emergency room but collapsed and died within 10 seconds. His wife blames the hospital for not providing timely care. Canadian health authorities have referred the case to the Chief Medical Examiner for review.

China has strongly rebuffed a recent U.S. Pentagon report suggesting Beijing may be leveraging reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control with India to prevent deeper strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the assessment a distortion of China’s defence policy designed to sow discord and justify U.S. military dominance, insisting Beijing views its relationship with India from a “strategic height and long-term perspective” and opposes external interference. China stressed the border situation is stable with open communication channels and emphasised its commitment to strengthening mutual trust and cooperation with India. 

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died of a suspected cardiac arrest after waiting over eight hours for treatment in the emergency room of Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, Canada on December 22. He had been rushed to the hospital with severe chest pain and repeatedly told staff his pain was “15 out of 10,” but was given only Tylenol and an ECG, which reportedly showed no significant issue, before being asked to continue waiting. His blood pressure rose sharply during the wait, and when finally called in, he collapsed and died shortly after. He leaves behind his wife and three children, and the case has sparked questions about emergency care response times. (PC: X)

Hollywood actor Kumail Nanjiani, who grew up in Pakistan, expressed nostalgia for India-Pakistan cricket matches, noting they've lost their former "brotherhood" vibe. Speaking on Hasan Minhaj's YouTube channel, Nanjiani observed that while both were once top cricket teams, "now Pakistan is not that great and India is the best in the world." He recalled how these matches once celebrated similarities between nations despite political differences, emphasizing shared culture and language. Nanjiani lamented that nationalism has increasingly seeped into Indian and Pakistani films, creating unhelpful animosity. He believes the matches previously highlighted unity over division, with people from both countries connecting despite governmental tensions, a sentiment largely lost today. (PC: X)

A 44-year-old Indian-origin accountant, Prashant Sreekumar, died at Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, after waiting over eight hours in the emergency room despite severe chest pain. The father of three, aged 3, 10, and 14, repeatedly complained of unbearable pain, with his blood pressure reaching 210. He was allegedly offered only Tylenol after triage and an ECG. His father recalled Prashant saying, "Papa, I cannot bear the pain." After waiting eight hours, he collapsed from apparent cardiac arrest seconds after being called into the treatment area. The family demands answers, while Covenant Health, which operates the hospital, has referred the case to the Chief Medical Examiner.

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died in Edmonton after waiting about eight hours for treatment at Grey Nuns Hospital. He had complained of severe chest pain while at work on December 22 and was taken to the hospital by a client. Doctors performed an ECG and said nothing serious was found. He was given Tylenol and asked to wait. His father later joined him and said Prashant told staff his pain was “15 out of 10”. Nurses checked his blood pressure during the wait. When he was finally taken into the emergency room, he collapsed within seconds and died. The hospital expressed sympathy but declined to comment on care. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman reached Dhaka on Thursday, ending more than 17 years in exile in London. His Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight made a brief stop in Sylhet before landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport amid heavy security. The BNP said senior party leaders received him at the airport, followed by a public reception route through Purbachal. Rahman is also scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital to meet his mother and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Authorities issued traffic advisories ahead of the arrival as large crowds were expected in several parts of the capital. (PC: India Today)

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed he met Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh just hours before Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in July 2024 during Iran’s presidential swearing-in ceremony. Gadkari, representing India at the event on Prime Minister Modi’s request, said Haniyeh was present among global dignitaries and he saw him depart for the function. Shortly after, Iranian authorities informed him of Haniyeh’s killing at a heavily guarded military facility, with details of the attack still unclear. The incident underscores serious security lapses in Iran and raises geopolitical questions. (PC: PTI)

India has expressed serious concern over the demolition of a Hindu deity’s statue in the ongoing military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, calling the act “disrespectful” and hurtful to followers’ sentiments worldwide. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region as part of shared civilizational heritage, and such actions should be avoided irrespective of territorial claims. India has urged both nations to return to dialogue and diplomacy, resume peace, and prevent further loss of life, property and damage to cultural heritage. Videos of the statue’s demolition have circulated widely on social media. (PC: ANI)