Two Indian-origin men, Jaskaran Singh Sidhu and Prabhjyot Bhatti, both 25, received life imprisonment in Canada for the 2019 revenge killing of Indian-origin drug dealers Jasdeep Singh (25) and Japneet Malhi (22). The attack, orchestrated by gang leader Amandeep Saggu, stemmed from a 2016 stabbing incident. The victims were ambushed outside a lounge in Calgary. Saggu, who pled guilty to manslaughter last year, is serving an 8-year term. Sidhu and Bhatti, who fired the fatal shots, plan to appeal the jury’s verdict, citing trial errors. The case underscores escalating gang violence among Indian-origin groups in Canada.

12-year-old girl appeared in court charged with manslaughter after the death of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli in Leicestershire. Mr Kohli suffered serious injuries while walking his dog in Franklin Park on 1 September and died the next day in hospital. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was granted bail and will appear at Leicester Crown Court on 3 February. A 15-year-old boy has already been charged with Mr Kohli’s murder. Following his death, Mr Kohli’s family described him as a “loving, caring person” who adored his grandchildren and treasured time with his family.

The US Visa Bulletin for January 2025 brings good news for Indian applicants waiting for green cards. Significant progress has been made in both family-sponsored and employment-based visa categories. The final action dates for many visa preferences have advanced, benefiting applicants from India. Over a million Indians are in the green card queue, with many waiting for years. The Visa Bulletin also shows small but notable changes in filing dates. This advancement provides hope for many seeking to settle in the US, as wait times remain a challenge for Indian applicants.

India has reopened its embassy in North Korea, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic approach. After closing the embassy in 2021 due to COVID-19, New Delhi quietly resumed operations earlier this month. The embassy, which had been shut for over three years, is undergoing a thorough check and debugging process. North Korea's growing military capabilities and its strengthening ties with countries like Russia, China, and Iran make it strategically important for India. Reopening the embassy is seen as a step to enhance communication and safeguard India’s interests in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French island near Madagascar. He offered India’s support to France during this crisis. The cyclone, with winds up to 200 km/h, killed 22 people and injured over 1,400. Many remain trapped under rubble, and roads are blocked. French authorities called the damage “devastating,” with 70% of residents affected. A nighttime curfew has been imposed to prevent looting. Cyclone Chido also hit Mozambique, leaving 34 dead and over 300 injured. Experts warn stronger cyclones may occur due to global warming.

A 12-year-old girl has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli in September. Kohli died after an assault while walking his dog in a park near Leicester, eastern England. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leicester Youth Court on Monday. A 15-year-old boy had previously been charged with murder and remains in custody. The incident, which involved several minors, has left Kohli's family devastated. A post-mortem revealed the cause of death as a neck injury, and investigations continue.

Bangladesh's interim government law adviser Asif Nazrul criticized PM Narendra Modi's Victory Day post, stating, "India was an ally of this victory, nothing more." Nazrul made the remark on Facebook, protesting Modi’s message that honored Indian soldiers’ contributions in the 1971 war. Modi’s post commemorated the “historic victory” as a milestone for India, but Nazrul emphasized that Dec 16, 1971, is Bangladesh's Victory Day, marking their independent triumph. The statement highlights sensitivities over historical interpretations between the nations.

Twelve Indian nationals tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning at Gudauri, a ski resort in Georgia. The victims were found on the second floor of a building housing an Indian restaurant. Georgia's Interior Ministry reported that a power generator, placed indoors, was turned on during a power outage, leading to fatal suffocation. The Indian Embassy in Georgia expressed condolences and assured support for the bereaved families. Investigations under Georgia's Criminal Code for negligent manslaughter are ongoing. Gudauri, a popular tourist destination, is located in the Caucasus Mountains at 2,200 meters above sea level.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked India for its vital economic support during his country's financial crisis. He praised India's $5 billion aid, which included credit lines and grants. Dissanayake, in New Delhi for a state visit, acknowledged India’s help in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt. Prime Minister Modi announced new projects, including scholarships and civil servant training. He also assured continued cooperation in areas like agriculture, infrastructure, and defense. Dissanayake pledged Sri Lanka's support for India, stressing the importance of strong bilateral ties and regional security.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval may visit China on December 18 for Special Representative talks, according to sources. This follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's update in Parliament on improved India-China ties. Jaishankar said full disengagement in eastern Ladakh has been achieved, with further de-escalation as India’s next goal. He also reminded Parliament that China occupies 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin. India and China have been in a standoff since 2020, following clashes in the Galwan Valley. Doval’s visit is seen as another step towards easing tensions between the two countries.