An Indian-origin woman was detained by US immigration officers during a routine green card appointment in California. Babblejit “Bubbly” Kaur, 60, was taken into custody by ICE on December 1 at a USCIS office. Her family said the visit was for biometrics linked to an approved green card case. Kaur has lived in the US since 1994 and has no criminal record. She ran a popular Indian restaurant in Long Beach for many years. She is now held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. No official reason for her detention has been shared. (PC: The Indian Express)

Philippines immigration authorities said Sajid Akram, one of the attackers in the Bondi Beach shooting, was an Indian national and Australian resident. He had travelled to the Philippines with his son, Naveed Akram, in November. Fifteen people were killed and 42 injured when the father and son opened fire at a Hanukkah event in Sydney. Sajid Akram was shot dead during an exchange of fire with police. Naveed Akram is in hospital under police guard. Australian officials said the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology. Investigations into their movements and links are ongoing. (PC: HT)

The Indian rupee fell to a fresh all-time low against the US dollar on Tuesday. It slipped to 90.82, marking its fourth straight session of decline. The fall came as India and the US are yet to finalise a trade deal. Market experts said strong demand for dollars and continued foreign investor outflows added pressure on the rupee. The currency has now weakened nearly 6% in 2025, making it Asia’s worst-performing currency this year. High US tariffs on Indian exports have also hurt sentiment. Traders said uncertainty over trade talks and global market pressures may keep the rupee weak in the near term. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian professional working in Paris criticized toxic workplace behavior among Indian colleagues abroad in a viral video. He claims Indians focus on minor mistakes like five-minute delays escalating them to managers while ignoring their own work. He described "gossip, backbiting and complaints" as daily occurrences, stating he feels fortunate being the only Indian on his project to avoid drama. He noted local workers don't engage in office politics, but Indians "pull each other down," creating uncomfortable workspaces. The video sparked debate, with commenters sharing similar experiences in the US and other countries, including allegations of wage theft by Indian managers and deliberate workplace sabotage.

An NRI professional who returned to India with a Rs 100 crore ($12 million) net worth shared his post-retirement reflections on Reddit, describing early financial freedom as "bliss and a curse." Starting from a middle-class background, he worked in tech services before moving to the US, where strategic investments grew his portfolio significantly. Now living in a gated community, his daily routine includes three hours of sports and gym, reading, family time, and occasional boredom. Despite comfortable access to cooks, maids, and coaches, he admits feeling empty at times but refuses to return to corporate grinding. His post sparked debate about early retirement's psychological impact.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended India's deepest condolences to Australia following the Bondi Beach terror attack, speaking with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to offer full support and assistance. One gunman, identified as 50-year-old Naveed Akram, called his mother hours before the attack, saying he'd been swimming at Jervis Bay with his 24-year-old son Sajid. The father was killed at the scene; his son remains hospitalized in critical condition. Jewish community members gathered at Bondi Beach, lighting candles at a large menorah among floral tributes, singing traditional songs and the Australian national anthem. Forty people remain hospitalized, with victims aged 10 to 87.

India and the European Union are finalizing their Free Trade Agreement, scheduled for signing on January 27 during an India-EU summit coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests on January 26. Of 23 negotiating chapters, 11 are closed, with ongoing discussions on car and steel market access, services, investment, and technical trade barriers. India's bilateral goods trade with the EU stands at $136 billion, making it Delhi's third-largest trading partner. Originally launched in 2007 and stalled in 2013, negotiations resumed in June 2022 with strong political commitment from both sides.(PC: Epthinktank)

Two Punjabi youths were shot dead in a targeted attack in southeast Edmonton, Canada, early Friday morning, according to police who confirmed the killings were not random. The victims were identified as Gurdeep Singh, 27, from Bareh village, and Ranveer Singh, 18, from Uddat Saidewala village near Budhlada in Punjab's Mansa district. Both were reportedly traveling to attend a friend's birthday party when they were fired upon. The incident has triggered grief in their home villages in Punjab and raised concerns among the Punjabi diaspora community in Canada. Families in Mansa district are mourning the loss as investigations continue.(PC: The Indian Express)

The US has prudentially revoked several H-1B and H-4 visas amid delays in visa interviews in India. Visa holders have received emails notifying them of the temporary revocation, even if past issues with law enforcement had been cleared. A prudential revocation is a precautionary action and does not affect lawful stay in the US. However, the visa cannot be used for travel until the issue is resolved. Experts say the matter will be reviewed during the next visa appointment. The move follows the US State Department’s plan to expand social media checks for work visa applicants.

Two young men from Punjab were shot dead in a targeted attack in southeast Edmonton, Canada. The victims were identified as Gurdeep Singh, 27, and Ranveer Singh, 18, both from Mansa district in Punjab. Police said the shooting happened early on December 12 when the two were travelling in a vehicle to attend a friend’s birthday party. Officers found them with gunshot wounds and both died at the spot. Police said the attack was not random and handed the case to the homicide unit. No arrests have been made yet and the probe is ongoing. (PC: X)