A migratory seagull fitted with a GPS tracker was spotted near the INS Kadamba naval base in Karwar, Karnataka. Local residents noticed the bird resting near a garden close to the coastline. Forest Department officials were alerted and later captured the bird for inspection. Officials found that the GPS device was linked to an international research project. The tracker is believed to be used to study bird movement and migration patterns. Authorities said there is no immediate security concern. Efforts are underway to contact the research group linked to the tracker. The matter is still under review. (PC: Republic)

India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah over security concerns in Dhaka. The Ministry of External Affairs raised strong concerns about the safety of the Indian mission. This followed reports of planned protests by extremist groups near the embassy. India asked the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure full security for all diplomatic missions. The MEA said the security situation in Bangladesh has worsened in recent days. It also rejected false claims made by some leaders against India. Relations between the two countries have remained tense since political changes in Bangladesh last year. (PC: HT)

India's rupee has declined 6% against the US dollar in 2025, becoming one of the worst-performing global currencies amid widening trade deficits, punitive 50% US tariffs, and record $18 billion foreign equity outflows. Trading at a record low of 91.075 per dollar, the rupee's real effective exchange rate of 96 is the lowest in over a decade. Despite looking cheap, investors remain wary without a US trade deal. India's Chief Economic Advisor expects an agreement by March 2026, but analysts warn further weakness may be needed to offset tariffs. The rupee's depreciation has eroded dollar returns, with India's equity index rising just 2% compared to China's 30% gain this year. (PC: Reuters)

A 28-year-old Indian-origin man, Abhijit Patel, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly beating his 67-year-old father, Anupam Patel, to death with a sledgehammer at their Schaumburg, Illinois home on November 29. Despite having an active protection order against him, Abhijit was living at home. His mother discovered Anupam unresponsive after noticing dropping glucose levels when he failed his usual 8 am check-in call. Abhijit told her he had "taken care of Dad." He surrendered to police, claiming a "religious obligation" to kill his father due to alleged childhood molestation. Medical professionals believe his claims are delusional, as he's under treatment for schizophrenia. (PC: X) 

India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah on Wednesday over deteriorating security threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and extremist activities. The MEA conveyed strong concerns about elements announcing plans to create security situations around India's mission, rejecting "false narratives" by extremist groups. The summons followed National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah's threat to isolate India's Seven Sisters (northeastern states) and shelter separatists if Bangladesh was destabilized. Rising anti-India rhetoric in poll-bound Bangladesh has strained bilateral ties since Sheikh Hasina's fall. Bangladesh previously summoned India's envoy demanding cooperation in investigating an assassination attempt, alleging Indian involvement, which New Delhi strongly rejected.

A 60‑year‑old Indian‑origin woman, Babblejit “Bubbly” Kaur, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 1 during a routine biometric appointment linked to her pending green card application in Long Beach, California. Kaur, who has lived in the United States since 1994 and has no criminal record, had an approved family‑based green card petition filed by her US‑citizen daughter and green card‑holding husband. Her family was initially not informed of her whereabouts after detention; she was later tracked to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. The sudden arrest, occurring during what was expected to be a final immigration step, has shocked her family and community, raising concerns about immigration enforcement practices for long‑term residents. (PC: X)

During his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed in Addis Ababa, where he described his experience and the hospitality as feeling “like home,” drawing comparisons to his home state of Gujarat and highlighting deep historical and cultural ties between India and Ethiopia. He addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, emphasising longstanding relations and shared development goals. Modi also witnessed the elevation of India‑Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership, including signing multiple cooperation agreements, and was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. (PC: Instagram)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah to express serious concerns over the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka following reported threats, underscoring the host country’s obligation to protect diplomatic missions under international norms. The move reflects New Delhi’s demand for stronger safety measures for its embassy and staff amid rising diplomatic sensitivities. Bangladesh, while addressing the security issue, continues to emphasise its commitment to bilateral ties and regional peace, even as both sides manage complex diplomatic interactions. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ethiopia resulted in elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major diplomatic milestone. The two nations signed several agreements, including cooperation on customs, establishing a data centre, and training in UN peacekeeping operations. A debt-restructuring MoU under the G20 Common Framework was also inked to support Ethiopia’s economic stability. India will double ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and offer specialised AI courses. Healthcare cooperation includes upgrading Addis Ababa’s Mahatma Gandhi Hospital’s maternal and neonatal care capacity. During the visit, Ethiopia conferred its highest honour on PM Modi. (PC: Mint)

Babblejit Kaur, a 60-year-old Indian-origin woman, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a green card interview on December 1 in the US. Living in America since 1994, Kaur settled in California with her husband, running Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal restaurant for over 20 years until COVID-19 closure in 2020. She also worked 25 years at Rite Aid pharmacy. Kaur has no criminal record and had an approved green card petition from her US citizen daughter and son-in-law. Her family claims they haven't been allowed to meet her since detention. She was transferred to Adelanto ICE detention center, with hands and feet shackled. (PC: NDTV)