Rittika Rajput, a 22-year-old student from Punjab, died tragically when a tree crashed on her during a bonfire with friends at James Lake, British Columbia, Canada, on December 7. The hospitality management student succumbed to severe head injuries. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have deemed the incident non-suspicious but continue investigating. Rittika came from a low-income family; her mother worked tirelessly to send her to Canada. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to repatriate her body to India. Family friend Amarjit Lalli recounted the accident caused by a sudden gust of wind.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified India’s stance, stating that Sheikh Hasina’s statement criticizing the Yunus-led interim government was made through "private communication devices" and not endorsed by India. Addressing a parliamentary standing committee, Misri emphasized India's non-interference policy in the internal matters of other nations. He also highlighted India's commitment to fostering constructive ties with Bangladesh’s citizens, regardless of political affiliations. Misri's recent visit to Dhaka included discussions on protecting minority rights and addressing attacks on cultural and religious sites. His remarks are seen as a subtle shift in India’s diplomatic approach toward Bangladesh.  

A Bangladesh delegation is expected to attend the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata on December 16, 2024. The event commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and the formation of Bangladesh. The delegation might include muktijoddhas, Bangladesh’s freedom fighters from the 1971 struggle. This follows recent high-level talks between Indian and Bangladeshi officials. The celebrations at Eastern Command headquarters will feature a wreath-laying ceremony, military tattoo, and interactions with 1971 war veterans. Last year, a similar delegation participated in the event, marking a historic military collaboration between the two nations.

Chiranjeevi Panguluri, a 32-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh, died in a road accident in Leicestershire, UK, on Tuesday. The car, a grey Mazda 3 Tamura, veered off the A6 road and ended up in a ditch. Four others, including a woman and two men, sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized. A 27-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but later released on bail. Leicestershire Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses or dash cam footage of the incident. All involved reportedly hail from Andhra Pradesh, with Panguluri residing in Leicester.

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to end birthright citizenship upon taking office on January 20, arguing it encourages illegal immigration and "birth tourism." Indian immigrants in the US would face increased challenges under this policy, with broader anti-immigration measures, such as restrictions on student and H1-B visas. Legal experts warn that ending birthright citizenship would face significant constitutional challenges, but could create a more unpredictable immigration system. Advocates argue that it is essential for immigrant integration and that repealing it would worsen illegal immigration and create a permanent underclass of non-citizens.

Thailand will launch its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Indian travellers on January 1, 2025, streamlining visa processes. The 60-day visa exemption for Indian passport holders for tourism and short business purposes remains effective until further notice. Non-Thai nationals must apply via thaievisa.go.th, with applications processed in 14 working days. Offline payment methods are available, though fees are non-refundable. The ETA enables single-entry stays of up to 60 days, extendable by 30 days. Travellers can also access automated immigration gates for quicker processing using ETA QR codes, enhancing convenience and security.

Bangladesh's interim government head, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, urged European nations to relocate visa centers for Bangladeshi nationals from New Delhi to Dhaka or nearby countries. Yunus cited India's visa restrictions as causing uncertainties for Bangladeshi students and travelers. He highlighted Bulgaria's decision to move its visa center for Bangladeshis to Indonesia and Vietnam as a precedent. This appeal, made during a meeting with over 19 diplomats in Dhaka, comes amid escalating India-Bangladesh diplomatic tensions. Meanwhile, in Delhi, protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission over alleged targeting of minorities prompted heightened security, traffic disruptions, and rerouted vehicles.

India evacuated 75 nationals from Syria, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, after rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad, ending his 14-year rule. Coordinated by Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, the evacuees crossed into Lebanon and will return via commercial flights. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indians abroad and urged remaining citizens in Syria to contact the embassy. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s capture of Damascus marked the end of Assad's regime, with reports suggesting his asylum in Moscow. India continues to monitor the Syrian situation closely.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has suspended Indian-origin PhD scholar Prahlad Iyengar until January 2026 for his pro-Palestine essay in Written Revolution. The essay allegedly contained language interpreted as inciting violence and included imagery linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a US-designated terrorist organization. MIT also terminated Iyengar’s scholarship and banned the magazine. Iyengar, backed by the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid, called the suspension an attack on academic freedom. Protests have erupted, with demands to reverse the decision. Iyengar is appealing the suspension, arguing the charges are unjust and threaten free speech on campuses.

India is in advanced talks with Russia to acquire the Voronezh radar system, a long-range early warning radar capable of tracking missiles, jets, and stealth aircraft. The deal, worth $4 billion, aims to boost India's air defence and surveillance capabilities. The radar can detect threats up to 8,000 km away, covering China, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, 60% of the system may be manufactured locally. The radar is expected to be deployed in Karnataka's Chitradurga district. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is discussing this and other military projects with Russian officials during his visit.