Fifteen people died in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, treated as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack. Australian police identified suspects as father-son duo: Sajid Akram (50), shot dead at scene, and Naveed Akram (24), hospitalized under guard. Telangana police confirmed Sajid migrated from Hyderabad to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa after earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He lived in Australia for 27 years, married Venera Grosso, and had Australian-citizen children while retaining Indian passport. Investigators recovered improvised explosives and Islamic State flags from their vehicle. The pair visited Davao, Philippines, in November, raising scrutiny over potential military-style training connections before the December 14 attack.(PC: WAtoday)

Taliban health minister Noor Jalal Jalali arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, becoming the third Taliban leader to visit India in three months. He'll meet his Indian counterpart and pharmaceutical sector representatives to bolster healthcare cooperation. Foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited in October, and industry minister Nooruddin Azizi attended the India International Trade Fair in November. Following Muttaqi's visit, India upgraded its Kabul technical mission to a full-fledged embassy and agreed to allow Taliban diplomats in New Delhi. The visits occur amid escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, including border closures disrupting exports. The Taliban regime seeks Indian investments in mining, hydroelectric projects, and healthcare, wanting India to resume development projects after issuing thousands of medical visas annually before August 2021.

The Indian Army received three more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, completing a Rs 5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020. The helicopters arrived at Hindon Air Force Station via Antonov-124 aircraft, bringing Army's total Apache strength to six. They'll join the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, optimized for desert warfare near the Pakistan border. Two Apaches will debut at Republic Day Parade in January 2026. These advanced helicopters feature 30mm M230 chain guns, Hellfire missiles, and Longbow radar tracking 128 targets simultaneously. The induction complements indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopters for high-altitude terrain, while Indian Air Force operates 22 Apaches, creating comprehensive aerial strike capability along India's western front.

Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders and H-4 dependents are stranded in India after the US Embassy abruptly canceled appointments starting December 9, 2025. The disruption stems from a new US Department of State mandate requiring "online presence review" including social media and digital footprint screening effective December 15. This significantly reduced daily interview capacity, forcing consulates to slash available slots. India bears the brunt as over 70% of global H-1B visas go to Indian nationals. The rescheduling affects all visa categories including B1/B2, F-1, and L-1. Options for stranded workers include waiting for rescheduled appointments, requesting emergency slots with documentation, working remotely from India while maintaining US payroll, or exploring third-country stamping in Canada or Mexico.(PC: Daily Excelsior)

Babblejit "Bubbly" Kaur, a 60-year-old Indian-origin woman living in the US since 1994, was detained by federal immigration agents during her green card biometric scan appointment on December 1. Despite having an approved petition from her US citizen daughter and green-card-holding husband, Kaur was arrested and transferred to Adelanto ICE detention center. For over two decades, she operated Natraj Cuisine restaurant in Long Beach and worked 25 years at Rite Aid pharmacy. Her family includes three children: one with DACA status and two US citizens. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia has demanded her release. Kaur remains detained in dorm-style conditions with constant lights and noise, making sleep difficult while her family pursues legal options for bond release.

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned following alleged mismanagement during Lionel Messi's December 13 event at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted his resignation. The government initiated major administrative action based on a preliminary enquiry report. DGP Rajeev Kumar and Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar received show-cause notices demanding 24-hour clarifications. Deputy Commissioner Aneesh Sarkar faces suspension pending enquiry for negligence. Principal Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha was also show-caused, while VYBK CEO Deb Kumar Nandan's services were immediately withdrawn. A Special Investigation Team comprising four IPS officers will probe the incident. Large-scale disorder, vandalism, and security breaches occurred as spectators entered the playing area. BJP questioned why no arrests were made, criticizing the minister's selfie-taking behavior.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre's plan to replace MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill 2025, calling it a direct insult to Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Gandhi alleged PM Modi harbors deep dislike for Gandhi's ideas and poor people's rights. He described MGNREGA as the living embodiment of Gandhi's Gram Swaraj vision and a lifeline for millions during COVID-19. Gandhi criticized the proposed 60:40 Centre-State funding split, claiming it would centralize control and burden states with 40% costs. The new bill promises 125 days of employment versus the current 100 days. Gandhi vowed Opposition protests "from roads to Parliament" against this "anti-people bill" that threatens rural livelihoods.

One of the Bondi Beach shooters in Sydney was originally from Hyderabad, Telangana Police said. Sajid Akram moved to Australia in 1998. He had limited contact with his family in India. Police said he visited India only six times in 27 years. Family members said they cut ties with him years ago after he married a Christian woman. Sajid and his son Naveed Akram carried out the attack that killed 15 people. The victims were Jews celebrating Hanukkah. Sajid was killed in police firing, while Naveed remains hospitalised. Police said there was no criminal record against Sajid during his time in India. (PC: X)

Chennai Super Kings created history at the IPL 2026 auction with two big uncapped signings. CSK bought Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crore. He is now the costliest uncapped player in IPL history. Soon after, CSK matched the same amount to sign Kartik Sharma. The combined spend touched ₹28.40 crore. Both deals broke the earlier record of ₹10 crore. Veer is a young spin all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh. Kartik is a wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan. Strong bidding battles were seen for both players. CSK said the signings show trust in young Indian talent. (PC: HT)