In a significant diplomatic development, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, representing US President Joe Biden, engaged in talks with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi to address bilateral concerns, including the alleged assassination attempt on a Khalistani terrorist by a junior Indian official in the US. The visit focused on reviewing progress in the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a cornerstone of strategic security and technology cooperation. Acknowledging India's establishment of a committee to investigate the incident, Finer emphasized the importance of accountability. The US State Department welcomed India's proactive approach, highlighting the seriousness with which both nations are treating the matter.

Lakhbir Singh Rode, the Pakistan-based chief of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force, known for anti-India operations, passed away at 72. Nephew of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Rode was listed as an 'individual terrorist' by the Indian government. His brother, former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, confirmed his death in Pakistan, revealing he had already been cremated. Recently, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court ordered the confiscation of Rode's land in Punjab. Rode, associated with the International Sikh Youth Federation, had played a key role in disrupting peace in Punjab.            

Dave Sharma, who was Australia's first Indian-origin MP upon his 2019 election win, was sworn in as Senator on Monday to replace ex-Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Sharma lost his Sydney seat last year but defeated ex-NSW minister and frontrunner Andrew Constance and won back the New South Wales Liberal Senate race. Sussan Ley, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, said Sharma is a “welcome addition” to the federal Liberal team. Sharma, who served as Australia's Ambassador to Israel from 2013 to 2017, was backed by the moderates within the party. “Dave’s keen foreign policy intellect will be particularly welcome given we are in the most dangerous set of geopolitical circumstances since WWII,” Sussan Ley wrote on X after Dave's appointment. The 47-year-old's return comes after he scripted history as the first Indian-Australian federal lawmaker in 2019. 

Over 118 countries, led by the US, UAE, and EU, pledged at COP28 to triple global renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030. Notably, India refrained from signing the commitment, despite earlier support for clean energy at the G20 Summit. The pledge includes doubling energy efficiency rates but also emphasizes phasing out unabated coal power, a concern for coal-dependent nations. India defends its stance, stating dependencies and proposes extending the "phase-down of coal" to include oil and gas. Experts stress the need for additional funding for India's renewable endeavors and emphasize the country's substantial 2030 climate targets.

India and China, despite earlier endorsements, refrained from formally supporting the COP28 pledge to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. The ambitious initiative, backed by 118 countries, aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. India's decision, previously championed during its G20 presidency, disappoints experts who stress the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels for net-zero commitments. While India exhibits serious ambitions for renewable energy, concerns arise over the silence on coal phase-down. Analysts call for additional funding support to achieve India's renewable goals, emphasizing the transformative impact on various sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight over a selfie with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at COP28 in Dubai, stating, "Meeting friends is always a delight." The leaders, previously discussing trade and defense during Meloni's visits to India, showcased the warmth of their relationship. Modi, attending COP28, initiated a 'Green Credit Initiative' and proposed hosting COP33 in India in 2028. The summit featured interactions with global leaders, including Isaac Herzog and Antonio Guterres. Meloni had earlier visited India for the G20 Summit, fostering cooperation in various sectors for global prosperity.

A bipartisan group, spearheaded by Representative Pramila Jayapal, has introduced the HR6542 Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to eliminate per-country caps on employment-based green cards. The bill aims to ease the enduring backlog of green card applications, notably from India and China, where applicants face decades-long waits. Supported by groups like Immigration Voice, the legislation could bring relief to 1.2 million high-skilled immigrants stuck in the green card backlog. By phasing out per-country caps, the bill intends to enhance the immigrant visa system, aiding American businesses in retaining global talent. The move aligns with efforts to address a record-breaking 1.8 million employment-based green card backlog reported by USCIS this year.

A selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni has sparked buzz online. Shared by Meloni on Instagram and X from COP28 in Dubai, the photo was captioned "Good friends at COP28, #Melodi." The unique hashtag, referencing the leaders' surnames, instantly began trending. It highlights the camaraderie between them which drew attention earlier during Meloni's G20 Delhi visit. Their viral laughter-filled exchange and Meloni wishing Modi online spurred the moniker. This latest selfie has now become top trend material on multiple platforms. Users are applauding the friendly India-Italy bilateral relations. The two leaders also discussed their countries' shared commitment to sustainability during COP28.

After attending the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, PM Modi shared a social media post thanking Dubai for a "productive" meeting. He reiterated his commitment to continued collaboration for environmental action. Modi highlighted his interaction with King Charles III, praising the British monarch as a passionate and important voice in the fight against climate change. The post contained a video summarizing key moments and meetings with global leaders during COP28. Modi engaged world leaders bilaterally while emphasizing in his summit address the need for all countries to contribute to mitigating climate change. Overall, the post and video projected Modi’s active leadership and India’s constructive role at the pivotal climate conference.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captures a moment with Indian PM Narendra Modi at COP28 in Dubai, captioning it 'Good friends at COP28. #Melodi.' PM Modi engages with global leaders, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Addressing four sessions, Modi emphasizes the need for global emissions reduction and unveils India's 'green credit' initiative. Talks on clean and green growth dominate discussions with bilateral and regional interests. The COP28 summit marks a significant step post-COP26 commitments, with optimism around renewables and electric vehicles for achieving climate goals.