Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first global leader to receive Ethiopia's highest civilian honor, the "Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," during his maiden bilateral visit to the African nation. Ethiopian PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed presented the award at Addis International Convention Centre on December 16, recognizing Modi's contribution to deepening bilateral relations and global statesmanship. Modi dedicated the honor to India's 1.4 billion citizens and Ethiopia's people, emphasizing education as the cornerstone of their century-old partnership. He highlighted how Indian educators have contributed to Ethiopia's institutional development for over 100 years. The award symbolizes Ethiopia's recognition of India as a trusted long-term partner in Africa with shared developmental values.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Jerusalem on Tuesday, condemning the recent Bondi Beach terror attack on Jews during Hanukkah celebrations in Australia. India conveyed deepest condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. The ministers held productive discussions on advancing the India-Israel Strategic Partnership across multiple domains, exchanging views on regional developments, the Gaza peace plan, and efforts toward lasting regional peace. Saar condemned the Red Fort blast, emphasizing terror as a mutual threat. Both nations will adopt a comprehensive bilateral relations working plan for 2026. The visit aims to strengthen ties amid heightened global security concerns following recent terror incidents. (PC: X)

Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, "The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," marking his 28th foreign state honour during his maiden bilateral visit to the African nation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received Modi at Addis Ababa airport and drove him to his hotel in a rare gesture. The leaders held talks at the National Palace, participating in a traditional coffee ceremony where Ahmed briefed Modi on Ethiopian coffee varieties. In an unscheduled gesture, Ahmed took Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park despite it not being on the official itinerary. The visit underscores strong Global South partnership, with Addis Ababa hosting African Union headquarters, which became a permanent G20 member during India's 2023 presidency.

Fifteen people died in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, treated as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack. Australian police identified suspects as father-son duo: Sajid Akram (50), shot dead at scene, and Naveed Akram (24), hospitalized under guard. Telangana police confirmed Sajid migrated from Hyderabad to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa after earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He lived in Australia for 27 years, married Venera Grosso, and had Australian-citizen children while retaining Indian passport. Investigators recovered improvised explosives and Islamic State flags from their vehicle. The pair visited Davao, Philippines, in November, raising scrutiny over potential military-style training connections before the December 14 attack.(PC: WAtoday)

Taliban health minister Noor Jalal Jalali arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, becoming the third Taliban leader to visit India in three months. He'll meet his Indian counterpart and pharmaceutical sector representatives to bolster healthcare cooperation. Foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited in October, and industry minister Nooruddin Azizi attended the India International Trade Fair in November. Following Muttaqi's visit, India upgraded its Kabul technical mission to a full-fledged embassy and agreed to allow Taliban diplomats in New Delhi. The visits occur amid escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, including border closures disrupting exports. The Taliban regime seeks Indian investments in mining, hydroelectric projects, and healthcare, wanting India to resume development projects after issuing thousands of medical visas annually before August 2021.

Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders and H-4 dependents are stranded in India after the US Embassy abruptly canceled appointments starting December 9, 2025. The disruption stems from a new US Department of State mandate requiring "online presence review" including social media and digital footprint screening effective December 15. This significantly reduced daily interview capacity, forcing consulates to slash available slots. India bears the brunt as over 70% of global H-1B visas go to Indian nationals. The rescheduling affects all visa categories including B1/B2, F-1, and L-1. Options for stranded workers include waiting for rescheduled appointments, requesting emergency slots with documentation, working remotely from India while maintaining US payroll, or exploring third-country stamping in Canada or Mexico.(PC: Daily Excelsior)

Babblejit "Bubbly" Kaur, a 60-year-old Indian-origin woman living in the US since 1994, was detained by federal immigration agents during her green card biometric scan appointment on December 1. Despite having an approved petition from her US citizen daughter and green-card-holding husband, Kaur was arrested and transferred to Adelanto ICE detention center. For over two decades, she operated Natraj Cuisine restaurant in Long Beach and worked 25 years at Rite Aid pharmacy. Her family includes three children: one with DACA status and two US citizens. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia has demanded her release. Kaur remains detained in dorm-style conditions with constant lights and noise, making sleep difficult while her family pursues legal options for bond release.

One of the Bondi Beach shooters in Sydney was originally from Hyderabad, Telangana Police said. Sajid Akram moved to Australia in 1998. He had limited contact with his family in India. Police said he visited India only six times in 27 years. Family members said they cut ties with him years ago after he married a Christian woman. Sajid and his son Naveed Akram carried out the attack that killed 15 people. The victims were Jews celebrating Hanukkah. Sajid was killed in police firing, while Naveed remains hospitalised. Police said there was no criminal record against Sajid during his time in India. (PC: X)