The Biden administration deported over 270,000 illegal immigrants in FY2024, the highest in 10 years. Among them were 1,529 Indians, a sharp increase from 370 in FY2023. ICE detained 2,647 Indians, ranking them fourth after Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. Nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians are on ICE’s deportation list. Deportations surged under Biden despite criticism of Trump’s immigration policies. The US has about 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants. Illegal crossings involving Indians at US-Canada and Mexico borders also increased to 43,764 in 2024. The US warned Canada and Mexico to act against illegal immigration or face trade tariffs.

A gas tanker crash on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway early Friday caused a massive fire, killing 11 people and injuring over 35. Survivors described horrifying scenes. “Those who could jump out survived, but many were burned inside,” said an eyewitness. Flames and thick smoke were visible from a kilometre away. Over 30 vehicles were destroyed in the inferno. Another survivor recalled, “We heard a loud blast and broke the bus window to escape.” Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the injured and ensured proper medical aid. Police are working to identify victims, and traffic on the highway remains blocked.

Luigi Mangione, 26, is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors allege Mangione stalked and shot Thompson outside a Hilton hotel in New York on December 4. Federal charges against him include murder, stalking, and firearms offenses, making him eligible for the death penalty. A notebook found with Mangione shows his anger toward the healthcare industry. He was extradited to New York from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested with untraceable weapons. Mangione remains in custody and faces both federal and state charges. His next court hearing is on January 18 in New York.

Virat Kohli, his wife Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, are set to move to London soon, confirmed Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma. Kohli plans to settle in the UK after retiring from cricket. The family already owns property in London, where their son Akaay was born earlier this year. Although Kohli remains focused on cricket, he has spent much time in London recently. Rajkumar Sharma assured fans that Kohli is in great form and expects him to continue playing for at least five more years, including the 2027 World Cup. Kohli’s next big match is the Champions Trophy.

India has reopened its embassy in Pyongyang after a three-year pause due to COVID-19. This marks a key step in India’s Act East policy. A team of diplomats and technical staff has been sent to North Korea. The move aims to monitor regional developments and prevent the transfer of advanced weapons to Pakistan or other groups. North Korea has been strengthening ties with Russia, China, and Iran, creating challenges for India and the Quad alliance. India’s renewed presence in Pyongyang highlights its effort to stay engaged with the Korean Peninsula amid global focus on the Middle East and Europe.

A gas tanker crash on Jaipur-Ajmer highway caused a devastating explosion, killing 8 and injuring over 40 people early Friday. The tanker collided with vehicles near a petrol pump, sparking massive flames and black smoke visible for kilometers. At least 30 vehicles were gutted in the fire. Eyewitnesses described multiple explosions and narrow escapes, as some broke windows to flee burning buses. Rescue teams rushed to pull out charred bodies while injured victims were admitted to SMS Hospital. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma visited the injured, assuring medical care. Authorities suspended highway traffic during rescue operations.

California ground squirrels, traditionally herbivores, have been observed hunting and consuming voles, marking a significant behavioral shift. A study published in the Journal of Ethology documents this adaptive response to a local vole population surge in Contra Costa County. Researchers recorded 74 squirrel-vole interactions, 42% involving active predation. This change highlights dietary plasticity, with squirrels classified as opportunistic omnivores. "This showcases resilience and adaptability in response to environmental changes," said lead author Jennifer Smith. The findings could inform future conservation efforts, demonstrating how species adjust to human-impacted ecosystems. Such behavior may also help control vole populations, often considered agricultural pests.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced a 10% reduction in managerial roles, including directors and VPs, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency amid rising AI competition. The decision, revealed during an all-hands meeting, marks another step in Google's restructuring strategy that began in 2022. While some managerial roles transitioned to individual contributor positions, others were eliminated. Google faces mounting challenges from rivals like OpenAI threatening its search market dominance. Over the past two years, Google has streamlined operations, including a massive layoff in 2023 that impacted 12,000 employees globally.

Om Prakash Chautala, former Haryana Chief Minister and Indian National Lok Dal leader, passed away at 89 following a cardiac arrest at his Gurugram home. A seven-time MLA and four-time CM, Chautala's political career spanned decades, beginning in 1989. Born in January 1935, he was the son of Chaudhary Devi Lal, India's 6th Deputy Prime Minister. His tenure was marked by achievements and controversies, including a recruitment scam that led to a 10-year prison sentence. Released in 2021 after serving over 9 years, Chautala remained a prominent figure in Indian politics.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore face growing health risks as their ISS mission, initially set for 8 days, stretches to over 300 days due to repeated delays with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Experts highlight risks including bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular issues. Dr. John Jaquish predicts they may require stretchers upon return, warning of "extreme fragility fractures." Concerns mount for Williams, reportedly showing signs of malnourishment, though NASA denies these claims. The astronauts' return is now pushed to late 2025, pending the arrival of SpaceX Crew-10. NASA assures their health is closely monitored.