In a gesture promoting interfaith harmony, Pakistan has issued 104 visas to Indian pilgrims for the 315th birth anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh province. The pilgrims are set to visit from December 12-23, adhering to the India-Pakistan Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines. Aizaz Khan, the charge d’affaires of the Pakistani mission, extended felicitations, emphasizing the government's effort to facilitate religious visits. The reciprocal issuance of visas supports cultural and religious exchanges between the two nations amid recent bilateral challenges.            

A viral video shows Russian President Vladimir Putin applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's robust leadership and firm stance on national security. Putin expressed genuine surprise, stating he cannot envision Modi succumbing to external pressure. The AI-generated clip, widely shared on social media, underscores the enduring ties between Russia and India. In his observations, Putin credited Modi's policies for the continuous development of relations. Social media users lauded Putin's commendation, with many expressing astonishment at his Hindi speech. The video's popularity highlights global interest in the strong rapport between the two leaders.

The Indian government discloses that 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various causes, with Canada accounting for the highest at 91 fatalities among 34 nations. Minister V Muraleedharan assures safety as a top priority, stating missions actively monitor student well-being. The data reveals notable numbers in the United Kingdom (48), Russia (40), and the United States (36). In response to the surge in Indian students in Canada, the External Affairs Ministry emphasizes consular support, while spokesperson Arindam Bagchi notes individual incidents are addressed, involving outreach to families and collaboration with local authorities.

The Indian ambassador in Qatar was recently granted access to meet the eight former Indian navy personnel who were sentenced to death by a Qatari court in October, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday. This was the first time the ambassador was able to meet the men since they were detained. Two hearings have already been held regarding India's appeal against the death sentences, and another is expected soon, the MEA said. The eight men, who worked for a private company in Qatar, were convicted on charges of espionage in August. India has been providing them legal and consular assistance and has attached the highest importance to the case.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, alongside counterparts from India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Bangladesh, convened at the 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave. Doval underscored the CSC's pivotal role in ensuring regional security, emphasizing ongoing collaboration across pillars. During the Mauritius event, members collectively devised a Roadmap of Activities for 2024. The forum, initiated by India to counter China, welcomed Mauritius as its fourth member. The focus remained on addressing regional security challenges, preventing smaller nations from succumbing to China's influence.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, addressed the recent threats made by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based terrorist who reportedly threatened to attack India's Parliament. Bagchi stated that both Canadian and US authorities have been informed. On the killing of Pakistan-based terrorists, he emphasized India's desire for the individuals wanted in the country to face its legal system. The MEA takes Pannun's threats seriously, highlighting ongoing communication with US and Canadian authorities. The statement comes amid reports that the US has informed India about a plot to kill Pannun, and follows the recent killing of LeT commander Adnan Ahmed in Karachi.

The Indian High Commission in the UK commemorated the 67th 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas' of Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar in London. The event, held at the Ambedkar Hall, India House, Aldwych, was organized in collaboration with the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisation UK. Acting High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh highlighted Dr Ambedkar's role as a visionary leader and the architect of India's Constitution. Ghosh emphasized Ambedkar's commitment to justice, liberty, and equality, shaping a democratic India. Ambedkar's advocacy for education as an equalizer and his efforts against social discrimination were acknowledged. Born on April 14, 1891, Ambedkar, known for his multifaceted contributions, passed away on December 6, 1956.

Business magazine Forbes named 4 Indian women among the World's Most Powerful for 2023 - recognizing their glass ceiling-shattering achievements despite systemic gender barriers. The Indians on the prestigious global list that tracks money, media impact, and influence spheres are: India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (ranked 32); HCL Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra (ranked 60) as India's first woman IT company head; Steel Authority Chairperson Soma Mondal (ranked 70) who made history in a male-dominated role; and Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (ranked 76) who also chaired IIM-Bangalore previously. These extraordinary Indians prominently lead governments and multi-billion dollar businesses while catalyzing change. Their presence signals the rise of influential Indian women thriving on the global stage through enterprise, philanthropy, and policymaking.

India's international air travel rebounds to pre-pandemic heights in H1 FY24, with 3.14 crore passengers, mirroring 2019 levels. Tata group airlines—Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara—command a collective 23.5% market share, surpassing industry giant IndiGo. Domestic carriers collectively secure a 44.3% market share, witnessing a significant 9% surge from 2019. IndiGo and Vistara emerge as key players, while Air India's international market share rises to 12.6%. SpiceJet experiences a decline, and Go First suspends operations. Contributing factors include expansive networks, increased capacity, and geopolitical shifts. The resurgence signifies a robust recovery for India's international aviation sector, marking a return to normalcy.              

In a heartening tale of perseverance and love, Karachi resident Javeria Khanum successfully crossed the Wagah-Attari International Border to reunite with her Kolkata-based fiancé, Sameer Khan. Overcoming two visa rejections and a five-year pandemic-induced delay, Khanum, now on a 45-day visa, expressed immense joy upon reaching India. She remarked, "I can't believe I have got the visa after five years. It is a happy ending and a happy beginning." Sameer Khan, expressing gratitude, said, "My mother is very happy now that we will be getting married in January next year." The couple, departing for Kolkata, eagerly anticipates the presence of friends from Sameer's international network at their upcoming wedding celebration. The couple is excited to finally be together in India.