A Canadian court has ordered mandatory detention for four Indians accused of the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 11, where pre-trial applications will be addressed. Officials denied reports claiming that the accused had been released on bail, clarifying that all remain in custody. The charges against them include first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The killing has triggered a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Canada alleging possible involvement of Indian agents, a claim India strongly denies.

Elon Musk reignited global concerns over population decline by highlighting projections of sharp demographic changes by 2100. India's population is expected to drop by 400 million, falling to 1.1 billion, while China faces an even steeper decline of 731 million, reducing its population to 731.9 million. Conversely, Nigeria is forecasted to surge to 790.1 million, surpassing China as the second-most populous country. Experts attribute these trends to declining fertility rates, aging populations, and emigration. Musk labeled population collapse as "humanity’s greatest threat." Nations like Indonesia and Pakistan may see declines, while African nations like Congo will experience growth.

Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India has been extended as part of a “long-term arrangement,” according to official sources, amid extradition demands from Bangladesh. Hasina, ousted from her position in August 2024 following a student-led protest, has been residing in New Delhi since then. The extension follows India’s tradition of hosting its guests, as stated by officials. This development comes after Bangladesh revoked Hasina’s passport and issued arrest warrants for her and several other officials for alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. The Bangladesh government has set a deadline for Hasina’s arrest by February 12.

Indian professionals and students aspiring to work in the US face renewed anxiety over H-1B visa policies as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term. Trump’s supporters criticize the visa program for undercutting American workers, despite its role in attracting global talent. Indian nationals account for 72% of H-1B visas, with median annual salaries of $118,000. Critics cite fraud concerns, but proponents argue it supports the US economy. Experts like Stephen Yale-Loehr note potential stricter measures, creating uncertainty for Indian dreamers. Despite these challenges, Indian interest in pursuing the American dream remains strong.

Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak, a Texas-based Indian-American Dhol band, has been invited to perform at the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade following Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th US President on January 20. The ensemble will march from Capitol Hill to the White House, showcasing India’s rich musical heritage to millions globally. This marks the first time a Texas-based Indian traditional drum ensemble will perform at such a prestigious event. "This is a defining moment for the Indian community in Texas, the US, and beyond," the group stated, highlighting the cultural significance of their performance on this grand stage.

Two Indian companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, face charges for conspiring to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US. Bhavesh Lathiya, a senior executive at Raxuter Chemicals, was arrested in New York and could face up to 53 years in prison if convicted. This marks the first instance of Indian firms being charged for such offenses, as fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat in the US, being 50x stronger than heroin. US officials vowed to combat illicit fentanyl production by targeting foreign precursor exporters. The charges include smuggling, conspiracy, and knowing distribution for fentanyl production.

Seattle police officer Kevin Dave, responsible for killing 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in January 2023, has been dismissed. Driving 74 mph to a drug overdose call, Dave struck Kandula, throwing her 100 feet. Interim Chief Sue Rahr said his reckless driving caused the tragic loss, despite no criminal charges being pursued. The firing follows public outrage over another officer's insensitive comments about the incident. India’s Consulate General in Seattle remains in touch with Kandula’s family, ensuring justice. The case highlights police accountability and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies.

Five Indian-origin men have been charged with the murder of Kuldeep Kumar, a 35-year-old Indian man whose decomposed, bullet-ridden body was found on December 14, 2024, in a New Jersey wildlife management area. Kuldeep, reported missing in October 2024, was fatally shot multiple times in the chest. The suspects, Sandeep Kumar (34), Sourav Kumar (23), Gaurav Singh (27), Nirmal Singh (30), and Gurdeep Singh (22), were arrested in Indiana and New York. Sandeep is held in New Jersey, while the others await extradition. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, FBI, and state police led the investigation into this homicide case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing India-US partnership during a meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in New Delhi. Modi praised advancements in defence, technology, space, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Sullivan’s visit, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, focused on reviewing progress in high-level dialogues. Key discussions included removing restrictions on Indian nuclear entities and enhancing space and missile technology cooperation. Sullivan credited NSA Ajit Doval for driving the India-US relationship forward. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the ongoing collaboration for regional and global priorities.

In 2025, highly-skilled workers in the US, mostly from India, will be able to renew their H-1B visas without leaving the country. This follows a successful pilot project by the US Department of State, which allowed 20,000 participants to renew visas within the US. The new process aims to make renewals faster and easier, eliminating the need for costly travel and long wait times. India has the highest number of H-1B visa holders, with most working in tech, medical, and research fields. The official start date of the new process is yet to be announced.