Bangladesh's interim government law adviser Asif Nazrul criticized PM Narendra Modi's Victory Day post, stating, "India was an ally of this victory, nothing more." Nazrul made the remark on Facebook, protesting Modi’s message that honored Indian soldiers’ contributions in the 1971 war. Modi’s post commemorated the “historic victory” as a milestone for India, but Nazrul emphasized that Dec 16, 1971, is Bangladesh's Victory Day, marking their independent triumph. The statement highlights sensitivities over historical interpretations between the nations.

Twelve Indian nationals tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Gudauri, a ski resort in Georgia. The victims were found on the second floor of a building housing an Indian restaurant. Georgia's Interior Ministry reported that a power generator, placed indoors, was turned on during a power outage, leading to fatal suffocation. The Indian Embassy in Georgia expressed condolences and assured support for the bereaved families. Investigations under Georgia's Criminal Code for negligent manslaughter are ongoing. Gudauri, a popular tourist destination, is located in the Caucasus Mountains at 2,200 meters above sea level.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked India for its vital economic support during his country's financial crisis. He praised India's $5 billion aid, which included credit lines and grants. Dissanayake, in New Delhi for a state visit, acknowledged India’s help in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt. Prime Minister Modi announced new projects, including scholarships and civil servant training. He also assured continued cooperation in areas like agriculture, infrastructure, and defense. Dissanayake pledged Sri Lanka's support for India, stressing the importance of strong bilateral ties and regional security.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval may visit China on December 18 for Special Representative talks, according to sources. This follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's update in Parliament on improved India-China ties. Jaishankar said full disengagement in eastern Ladakh has been achieved, with further de-escalation as India’s next goal. He also reminded Parliament that China occupies 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin. India and China have been in a standoff since 2020, following clashes in the Galwan Valley. Doval’s visit is seen as another step towards easing tensions between the two countries.

Indian tourists may enjoy visa-free travel to Russia starting spring 2025, following discussions between the two nations. The proposed bilateral agreement aims to ease travel for group tourism. Since August 2023, Indian travelers have accessed e-visas, processed within four days, contributing to India being among the top five e-visa recipients. In 2023, over 60,000 Indians visited Moscow, a 26% increase from 2022. Currently, Russia offers visa-free entry to Chinese and Iranian citizens. Indian passport holders already have visa-free access to 62 countries. The initiative reflects growing ties between India and Russia in tourism and trade.

Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, founder of Perplexity AI, sparked a viral conversation on X by asking his followers if he should apply for a green card after waiting three years for US citizenship. Musk responded with a simple "Yes," offering support to Srinivas, who has expressed frustration with the US immigration system. Srinivas, an IIT Madras graduate and former OpenAI researcher, has built a successful AI company backed by investors like Jeff Bezos. His post prompted many reactions, with Musk previously criticizing the US system's difficulty for talented professionals to secure legal entry, contrasting it with easier access for criminals.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed the need for a fresh foreign policy to align with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Speaking at the launch of India’s World magazine in New Delhi, he explained that India must adapt its foreign policy to the evolving global landscape. He linked past policies to the "Nehru development model" and highlighted changes in international relations, technology, and globalisation. Jaishankar urged a practical and realistic approach to meet current challenges. He emphasised that foreign policy reforms are essential for India to achieve its goal of becoming a leading power and a developed nation.

An Indian student, 26-year-old Naga Sri Vandana Parimala, was killed in a car accident in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, early Friday morning. Parimala, who was pursuing a Master of Science (MS) at the University of Memphis, was traveling with two fellow students when their car collided with another vehicle. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Parimala, originally from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, moved to the US in 2022. The other students, Pavan and Nikith, were also hospitalized, with Pavan in critical condition. Authorities believe one vehicle failed to stop, causing the crash.

Suchir Balaji, an Indian-American former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. His death has been ruled a suicide, with no foul play suspected. Balaji, 26, had left OpenAI in August after criticizing the company’s data collection and use of copyrighted materials to train AI models like ChatGPT. He raised concerns about the ethical implications of generative AI, stating that such models could infringe on copyright laws. His death has intensified discussions about the legal and ethical challenges surrounding AI technologies.

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, stricter immigration policies are set to be enforced, with 18,000 undocumented Indians facing deportation. A list compiled by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that 1.45 million people are slated for deportation, including many from Punjab, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. Over 90,000 Indians have been apprehended crossing the border illegally in recent years. India, classified as "uncooperative" in deportation efforts, may face diplomatic challenges as Trump aims to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.