West Bengal and Rajasthan have emerged as major migrant destinations in India, according to a working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Based on Indian Railways data, Uttar Pradesh remains the top origin state, followed by Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Telangana. The report indicates a nationwide decline in migration by 11.78% since 2011, possibly due to better economic opportunities in smaller cities. Key routes include Uttar Pradesh-Delhi and Gujarat-Maharashtra. District-level data show Mumbai as the top destination, while Murshidabad-Kolkata tops in local movements. Authored by late economist Bibek Debroy, the study highlights emerging migration trends.

India expressed deep sadness over the tragic plane crash in Muan, South Korea, which killed at least 176 people on December 29, 2024. The crash involved a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet returning from Bangkok. The plane lost control during landing when its landing gear failed to deploy, skidding off the runway and exploding on impact. India's Ambassador to Seoul, Amit Kumar, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the people of South Korea. The country's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, assured full government support to the victims' families.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat. Leaders across party lines, including PM Modi, paid tribute to the architect of India’s economic liberalisation. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, led Singh’s final journey from the party headquarters. Foreign dignitaries, including Bhutan’s King and Mauritius’ foreign minister, attended. The Centre allocated space for a memorial after a BJP-Congress spat. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared, with flags at half-mast nationwide. Singh, a two-time PM, was lauded as a visionary economist whose reforms reshaped India’s economic trajectory.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden condoled the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hailing him as a “true statesman” and a “kind and humble” leader. Biden emphasized Singh's pivotal role in the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the Quad partnership. Recalling interactions from 2008 and 2013, Biden highlighted Singh’s contributions to shaping one of the world’s most consequential bilateral relationships. The White House extended condolences to Singh’s family and the Indian people. Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away at 92. His final rites were performed with full state honors in New Delhi.

The US mission in India issued over 1 million nonimmigrant visas to Indians in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. Visitor visa applications surged, with a 26% increase in Indian travelers compared to 2023. Additionally, India became the top sender of international students, with over 331,000 students in the US. Washington plans to establish a US-based H-1B visa renewal program in 2025, benefiting skilled workers. The mission has also streamlined visa processing and reduced interview wait times, further strengthening India-US ties, which the embassy called “a testament to enduring bilateral relations.”

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, a key architect of India's 1991 economic reforms, passed away at 92. Global tributes poured in, with The New York Times calling him a “cerebral leader” behind India’s rise as an economic powerhouse. Reuters labeled him a “reluctant prime minister,” acknowledging his integrity and historic reforms. Al Jazeera highlighted his “mild-mannered technocrat” persona. Singh once said, “History will be kinder to me than contemporary media.” The US State Department praised him as a “champion of the US-India strategic partnership.” His 10-year leadership and economic vision remain pivotal in India’s modern history.

Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away due to age-related issues. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him "one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership." Afghan ex-President Hamid Karzai stated, "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons." Canadian ex-PM Stephen Harper praised Singh’s "exceptional intelligence and integrity," while Maldivian ex-President Mohamed Nasheed said, "He was a delight to work with, like a benevolent father figure." Known as the architect of India's economic reforms, Singh’s legacy profoundly shaped global relations and domestic growth.

Recent changes in visa policies in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are making Indian students rethink their study destinations. Key factors such as work opportunities, ease of visa rules, and immigration pathways are now crucial. The US has seen a drop in applications due to stricter regulations, while the UK’s new dependent policies have caused concern. Canada faces a decline in enrollments, and Australia has capped student numbers for 2025. Germany is gaining popularity with relaxed requirements. Students now focus more on long-term work prospects after graduation when choosing their study destinations.

China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. The dam is expected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. While China claims the project will aid its carbon goals, India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns about its impact on water supplies and the environment downstream. India, especially, fears potential flash floods and water scarcity, with the river flowing into its northeastern states and Bangladesh.

An NRI’s viral post on X criticizes an Indian family for loud behavior aboard a Finland train from Lapland to Helsinki. User Gokul described the family speaking loudly in Hindi with their cabin doors open, disrupting the "ultra-quiet" atmosphere. He lamented, "Indians lack civic sense." The post triggered mixed reactions. Some agreed, citing similar experiences, while others urged Gokul to address the issue directly. Critics highlighted that other nationalities can also be noisy, with one stating, "Noise isn’t exclusive to Indians; check the London Underground on weekends." The debate continues to trend online, sparking discussions on public etiquette abroad.