The waiting period for Indians seeking green cards in the US employment-based EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories keeps increasing. According to USCIS, there is high demand from India for these visa types which require at least a bachelor's degree or advanced degree. With fewer unused family-based visa numbers to boost employment-based visas in fiscal 2024, the annual cap is expected to return to 140,000. Applicants from all countries should expect longer waits unless visa caps are raised. USCIS pledges to work with Congress for solutions but notes only Congress can lift immigration visa limits. The green card backlog for Indians in EB-2 and EB-3 continues rising absent legislative action.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams strongly denounced the rise in hate crimes against Sikhs, stating their turban represents faith not terrorism. At a Queens Sikh center, Adams called educating people about Sikhism key to ending the "stain" of attacks. He said Sikhs are protectors, not terrorists, and this must be taught citywide. Adams described Sikhs as an anchor in NYC, saying "Your turban does not mean terrorism. It means protecting, community, family, faith." His remarks follow an assault on a Sikh teen who was told "We don't wear that in this country." The mayor vowed to change the narrative and dialogue alongside the Sikh community against bigotry.

The controversial anti-India referendum in British Columbia, Canada has been deemed a failure due to extremely low voter turnout, reports CNN-News18. The event was held amid police presence in Surrey, following Canada's allegations linking India to a separatist's death. Turnout was reportedly only around 2,000, showing lack of new engagement versus previous referendums dominated by students. The last referendum in September claimed 135,000 votes but had 2,398 actual voters. After the poor response in Surrey, discussions are underway for referendums in other Canadian cities next year. India has pressed Canada to prevent these "politically motivated exercises" by extremist groups seeking Khalistan.

Canada has announced that, due to a recent reduction in on-the-ground staff, it can only process 20,000 out of 38,000 Indian visas by December's end. Immigration Minister Marc Miller disclosed that only five staff members are now handling visa work in India. This staff reduction resulted from a diplomatic dispute with India, causing a backlog of 17,500 Indian visa applications expected in early 2024. However, officials from Canada's Immigration Department anticipate returning to normal processing for Indian applications by early 2024 as staff returns to work in Canada and the Philippines. India has partially resumed visa services in Canada as diplomatic relations improve.  

Israel's envoy to India, Naor Gilon, expressed shock over former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's virtual participation in a pro-Palestine protest in Kerala. Gilon called for India to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, citing Mashal's calls for supporting Hamas financially and preparing for jihad against Israel. BJP leaders in Kerala criticized the event, condemning the glorification of Hamas in a secular India. Meanwhile India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN reiterated India's support for a negotiated two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, urging de-escalation and peace negotiations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a crucial phone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, addressing the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military operations. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to coordinating international efforts for a ceasefire, highlighting the dire consequences of a ground offensive. Emphasizing the urgent need for unified global action, both leaders discussed measures to ensure immediate peace restoration and facilitate unhindered humanitarian assistance in the region, underscoring their shared concerns about terrorism and civilian well-being.

Union Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh has urged airlines from Vietnam to start direct flights to north-eastern Indian cities. This would boost investment and tourism opportunities for both countries. Guwahati airport has direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore. The minister said all eight north-eastern states are well-connected and suitable for air linkages with Vietnam. Bilateral trade has crossed $15 billion in 2022. Initiatives like Make in India and Digital India have fostered innovation in India, providing opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare etc. The minister highlighted the economic progress made by Vietnam after reforms in 1986.

A gross misconduct hearing has concluded that Anish Sharma, a former Indian-origin Metropolitan Police Sergeant, breached professional standards with "inappropriate behavior" during his tenure. The hearing found Sharma guilty under categories of honesty, integrity, discreditable conduct, equality and diversity, and authority. He was accused of inappropriately touching a woman without consent and exposing himself during a party in 2021. Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson condemned Sharma's actions, stating he would never work in policing again. Following the hearing, Sharma will be added to the UK's College of Policing's Barred List, barring employment in relevant sectors.[ Representative Image ]

In September 2023, United States law enforcement agencies detained 3,059 individuals of Indian origin attempting illegal entry at the U.S.-Canada border, marking the highest monthly total between October 2022 and September 2023. The spike, primarily from Gujarat, reflects a growing trend of Indians seeking entry via Canada. The group included unaccompanied and accompanied children, along with single adults. Despite risks, attempts at illegal migration persist, with tragic incidents highlighting the dangers. Efforts to curb this influx remain a challenge for border authorities. [Representative Image]

Captain Navtej Singh Gill, a former Indian Navy officer hailing from Chandigarh, has been awarded the death penalty in Qatar on alleged espionage charges with 7 other Indian Navy personal. Commissioned in 1987, Gill was honored with the President’s Gold Medal during pre-commission training. He served as an instructor at Defence Services Staff College and had a commendable service record. Opting for premature retirement after 20-22 years of service, he worked in the private sector before being sentenced along with seven others while working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services in Qatar. Defense experts question the verdict, hinting at a possible conspiracy. [Representative Image]