As 2025 arrived, millions across the globe, including in India, Australia, Japan, and China, ushered in the new year with grand celebrations. In India, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata were adorned with decorations, and people took to the streets to celebrate. Iconic landmarks in Sydney, Tokyo, and Auckland also hosted spectacular fireworks displays. While countries like Israel and South Korea scaled back festivities due to ongoing conflicts, global hotspots such as Dubai and Paris were filled with exuberant celebrations, marking a hopeful beginning to the year.

Indian nationals Ahmed Maqbul Syed (57) and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi (27) have been indicted in Tucson, Arizona, for a nationwide fraud scheme targeting elderly individuals. The duo allegedly used fake computer pop-ups to create urgency, tricking victims into transferring money or purchasing gold and gift cards. Some victims were instructed to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs. Charges include conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. The scam defrauded elderly victims across the US, including Arizona, and Syed and Chintakindi may face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Poornima Ramarao, mother of Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer found dead in San Francisco on Nov 26, claims her son had crucial evidence that could have exposed the AI industry's flaws. Balaji, 26, was named as a potential witness in a lawsuit by The New York Times against OpenAI before his death, ruled a suicide. Poornima alleges foul play, stating Suchir had documents revealing unethical AI practices. While denying he was an OpenAI whistleblower, she emphasized his intent to expose the harmful impacts of AI's large language models. Balaji left OpenAI in August, citing ethical concerns.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has pledged full support to the family of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 killing of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi. Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi confirmed the death penalty on December 31, 2024. Priya’s execution is scheduled within a month, unless the victim's family grants forgiveness or accepts blood money. Efforts to negotiate the release were stalled due to delayed payments to her lawyer. Priya's mother has been in Yemen since April 2024 seeking her daughter's release.

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, 36, faces execution in Yemen after President Rashad al-Alimi approved her death sentence. Convicted for murdering Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, her execution is scheduled within a month unless the victim’s family pardons her. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated, "We are extending all possible help" to explore options to save Priya. Her mother, Prema Kumari, is negotiating with the victim’s family in Sana’a, assisted by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council. India is focusing on diplomatic and legal efforts to secure her life.

A report by The Washington Post alleges Maldivian opposition leaders sought $6M from India to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu. The plan, detailed in the "Democratic Renewal Initiative," involved bribing 40 MPs, paying military officials, and enlisting criminal gangs. Discussions reportedly began with India's intelligence agency, RAW, but the plan failed to gain sufficient support. Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed denied involvement, stating India would never back such a move. Relations between India and Maldives recently improved after Muizzu's October visit to India, following strained ties over his earlier "India Out" agenda and pro-China stance.

The body of Santra Saju, a 22-year-old Indian student from Kerala, was found in a river near Newbridge, Scotland, on December 27. Saju, a student at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, had been missing since December 6, when she was last seen at a supermarket in Livingston. Police Scotland stated formal identification is pending, but her family has been informed. Authorities confirmed no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal. Her disappearance, described as out of character, prompted an extensive search. Family and friends expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death.

INS Tushil, India's newest stealth missile frigate, commissioned at Yantar Shipyard in Russia on December 9, will reach India’s western coast by mid-February 2025. The warship is set to join the Mumbai-based Western Fleet. After visiting Casablanca to strengthen bilateral naval ties with Morocco, INS Tushil will conduct anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Guinea. The upgraded Krivak III class frigate includes 26% indigenous content and advanced weaponry such as BrahMos missiles. It is part of a $2.5 billion deal with Russia for more advanced frigates, with the second, Tamal, expected by mid-2025.

West Bengal and Rajasthan have emerged as major migrant destinations in India, according to a working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Based on Indian Railways data, Uttar Pradesh remains the top origin state, followed by Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Telangana. The report indicates a nationwide decline in migration by 11.78% since 2011, possibly due to better economic opportunities in smaller cities. Key routes include Uttar Pradesh-Delhi and Gujarat-Maharashtra. District-level data show Mumbai as the top destination, while Murshidabad-Kolkata tops in local movements. Authored by late economist Bibek Debroy, the study highlights emerging migration trends.

India expressed deep sadness over the tragic plane crash in Muan, South Korea, which killed at least 176 people on December 29, 2024. The crash involved a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet returning from Bangkok. The plane lost control during landing when its landing gear failed to deploy, skidding off the runway and exploding on impact. India's Ambassador to Seoul, Amit Kumar, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the people of South Korea. The country's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, assured full government support to the victims' families.