Over one million Indian immigrants in Canada face losing legal status as more than two million work permits expire in 2025-2026 under Prime Minister Mark Carney's tightened immigration policies. Approximately 1,053,000 permits expired by end-2025, with another 927,000 expiring in 2026. Immigration consultant Kanwar Seirah estimates Canada could have two million undocumented immigrants by mid-2026, with Indians comprising nearly half. The crisis stems from Carney's sharp immigration caps reducing permanent residency targets to 380,000 in 2026 and cutting temporary foreign workers and student visas. Tent encampments have appeared in Greater Toronto Area as housing pressures mount. Expired permit holders have 90 days for costly restoration applications, but approvals take months without work authorization. (PC: India Today)

Pathankot police arrested a 15-year-old boy for allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Authorities claim the minor shared sensitive information about India with ISI handlers for one year through communication channels now under investigation. Police expressed serious concerns that ISI is targeting and recruiting young children for espionage activities, posing significant security risks. Investigations suggest other minors in Punjab may have links with ISI operatives, prompting authorities to alert police stations statewide to remain vigilant. The investigation continues as officials work to identify the broader network involved. Police confirmed all legal procedures applicable to juveniles are being followed in this case, which highlights emerging security threats.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol in Paris to discuss global energy issues. The talks covered oil markets, nuclear power and critical minerals. Birol said the meeting was warm and productive. Jaishankar said he valued the IEA’s view of the world energy scene and its support for India’s growth. He also spoke about India’s aim to become a full member of the IEA. The minister is on a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg. In Paris, he also met members of the French-Indian Young Talents Program. He will later hold talks with French and Luxembourg leaders during the trip.

India has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice. The advisory was issued as protests spread across the country over rising prices and living costs. The external affairs ministry asked Indians and people of Indian origin in Iran to stay alert and avoid protest areas. Those living in Iran were told to register with the Indian embassy. Around 10,000 Indians, mostly students, are currently in Iran. The move comes after US President Donald Trump warned of action if protesters are harmed. Iranian leaders have rejected foreign pressure. Protests have been reported in many cities. (PC: AP)

A 52-year-old Indian tourist, Raj Jasuja, was violently assaulted by transgender women in Pattaya, Thailand, on December 27 after allegedly refusing to pay for sexual services. Viral video footage shows three transgender women confronting Jasuja, blocking his car door as he attempted to leave. With assistance from bystanders, they pulled him from his vehicle and repeatedly kicked and struck him. Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation arrived at 5:30 AM, finding Jasuja with facial and head injuries. He received first aid before hospitalization at Pattamakom Hospital. A 19-year-old witness, Phongphon, reported the argument escalated when the woman summoned friends. Police will request a formal complaint once Jasuja recovers.

US President Donald Trump warned India of increased tariffs if it continues importing Russian crude oil, stating PM Modi knows of Washington's displeasure. Indian exports already face 50% tariffs, with half linked to Russian oil purchases. Trump said tariffs could rise quickly, which "would be very bad for them." Despite pressure, Russia remained India's largest crude supplier (April-November 2025), providing 60 million of 178.1 million tonnes imported, though its share dropped to 33.7% from 37.9%. US imports surged 92% year-on-year to 7.6%. Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing legislation for harsh secondary tariffs. Experts warn India's strategic ambiguity is costly and recommend clearly stating its position on Russian oil.

India issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid widespread protests over inflation and living costs. The external affairs ministry advised approximately 10,000 Indian nationals, mostly students, and people of Indian origin in Iran to exercise caution, avoid protest areas, and register with the Indian embassy. Protests have erupted across 23 of Iran's 31 provinces, triggered by 36% inflation and the Iranian rial losing half its value. At least 15 people have died since protests began a week ago. US President Donald Trump threatened intervention if Iranian authorities crack down on protesters, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran won't yield, raising tensions amid Western sanctions over Iran's nuclear program. (PC: X)

Sharada Iyer, a 52-year-old Indian woman living in Muscat, died in a trekking accident in Oman's Jebel Shams region. The former Oman Air manager, originally from Thazhava, Kerala, was trekking with a group along marked paths in the rugged Wadi Ghul area of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate when the accident occurred on January 2. Authorities did not disclose the exact cause of death, but the location's steep cliffs and challenging terrain pose recognized risks. Iyer, daughter of late agricultural scientists RD Iyer and Rohini Iyer and sister of Malayalam playback singer Chitra Iyer, had returned to Oman on December 24 after attending her father's funeral. Her last rites will be performed on January 7 at the family's ancestral home in Thazhava. (PC: Instagram)

Arjun Sharma, accused of murdering Telugu woman Nikitha Godishala in the US, allegedly siphoned approximately $3,500 from her bank account before fleeing to India. The victim's sister, Saraswati, filed a complaint with the Indian Embassy detailing unauthorized financial transactions. Arjun had borrowed $4,500 from Saraswati, returning only $3,500, and requested an additional $1,000 on January 2, which was denied. That same day, the 26-year-old reported 27-year-old data analyst Nikitha missing to Howard County Police, claiming he last saw her on New Year's Eve, then immediately fled to India. His suspicious departure prompted coordination between US federal agencies and Indian authorities, leading to his Interpol-facilitated arrest in Tamil Nadu on Monday. (PC: X)

Venezuela leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have a little-known link with India through the late spiritual teacher Sathya Sai Baba. Maduro was raised Catholic but was introduced to Sai Baba by Flores before their marriage, reports say. In 2005, the couple visited the Prasanthi Nilayam ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, and met the guru. A photo from the visit shows them seated near him. After Sai Baba died in 2011, Maduro, then foreign minister, helped pass a condolence motion in Venezuela’s assembly. In 2025, he also marked Sai Baba’s centenary with a tribute. (PC: HT)