“Let’s unite in condemning ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das’s detention by Bangladesh police,” said Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, calling for United Nations intervention. The Hindu monk, arrested on November 25 at Dhaka airport and denied bail, faces sedition charges. Massive protests erupted as India's Ministry of External Affairs urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of minorities. Kalyan reminded Bangladesh of India’s sacrifices during its liberation. Bangladesh dismissed India’s concerns, labeling the issue an internal matter. “Indian army blood was spilled for Bangladesh’s formation,” Kalyan added, urging unity among Hindus worldwide.

Donald Trump has appointed Jay Bhattacharya, a Kolkata-born economist and health policy professor at Stanford University, as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya, known for criticizing US COVID-19 policies and co-authoring the 2020 Great Barrington Declaration, will oversee NIH's $47.3B budget across 27 institutes. His research focuses on vulnerable populations, aging, and biomedical innovation. Bhattacharya previously sued the US government, alleging social media censorship of his views. Trump also named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, reflecting shifts in US health policy leadership.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is on a seven-day visit to the UK to showcase the state’s growth potential and attract investments. During an event in London, Yadav engaged with the Indian diaspora, encouraging them to invest in Madhya Pradesh. Manish Tiwari, founder of Friends of Madhya Pradesh, said, “The event let the diaspora hear the CM’s vision for the state.” Yadav highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s rapid industrial and economic development, positioning the state as a hub for growth. Rajesh Agarwal, former Deputy Mayor of London, called the visit essential, adding, “Madhya Pradesh is full of opportunities, and this trip strengthens ties between the UK and India.” The Chief Minister’s visit involves meetings with key stakeholders to explore business collaborations and boost industrial growth. Yadav’s efforts aim to create partnerships that benefit Madhya Pradesh and the UK, showcasing the state's commitment to development and global cooperation. The trip has been well-received by the diaspora and local leaders alike.

US president-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. He stated that on his first day in office, he would sign an executive order to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico. China will face a 10% tariff in addition to other levies. Trump did not mention India in his tariff announcement, raising questions about its future trade status. With India exporting $75 billion worth of goods to the US, the situation could change depending on future policies.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh and called for the safety of minorities. Prabhu, an ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka airport on sedition charges on 25 November. Known for peaceful protests against attacks on Hindus, he was denied bail by a court. The MEA urged Bangladesh to protect minorities and allow peaceful expression. Protests erupted in Dhaka and Chittagong, demanding his release. ISKCON Vice President Radharaman Das called the charges false, thanking India for its support. A review petition for Prabhu's bail is underway.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are planning an official visit to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in 2024. The royal tour, aimed at strengthening UK-Commonwealth ties post-Brexit, follows the King’s recovery from cancer. A senior palace official described the visit as a significant political and cultural event. The couple’s earlier visit was canceled after Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022. Last month, they visited Bengaluru privately, staying at a medical facility. British media highlight the tour’s importance in bolstering economic links outside Europe. Buckingham Palace confirmed plans for international travel, subject to medical advice. PM Modi welcomed the announcement.

Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian woman, was found dead in a car boot in east London on Nov 14. Her family accused her husband, Pankaj Lamba, of dowry harassment. Married since March, Harshita had faced physical abuse, filing a case in August. Despite providing substantial dowry, her family alleges Lamba demanded more, forcing them to sell property. Harshita’s body was discovered 145 km from her residence in Corby. Lamba is the prime suspect and allegedly fled to India. UK police are investigating while the family awaits the body’s repatriation. Sonia Brella, Harshita’s sister, urges authorities to track Lamba.

Jay Bhattacharya, a Kolkata-born physician and economist, is reportedly Donald Trump's top choice to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya, a Stanford University Professor of Health Policy, gained prominence for his critique of the US government’s COVID-19 response and his co-authorship of the Great Barrington Declaration. His vision includes overhauling NIH by emphasizing innovative research and limiting the influence of career officials. Bhattacharya’s appointment, if confirmed, could signal a shift in US health policy under Trump’s administration. The final decision rests with Trump, and Bhattacharya’s proposals have already sparked debate across scientific and political circles.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused his intelligence officials of criminal activity after leaks linking Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar, to violence in Canada. In a press statement, Trudeau criticized the leaks, calling them "criminal" and misleading. The Canadian government also denied the claims, with Trudeau's intelligence adviser, Nathalie Drouin, stating that there was no evidence connecting Indian leaders to criminal acts in Canada. This controversy stems from heightened tensions over India's alleged involvement in the 2023 murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

A Minnesota court convicted Indian national Harshkumar Patel, aka "Dirty Harry," and Florida resident Steve Shand of human smuggling after a Gujarati family froze to death during an illegal Canada-US border crossing in January 2022. Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, and their children, aged 11 and 3, were among 11 migrants smuggled by the duo. Prosecutors revealed the network's reliance on "hawala" systems and migrants paying up to $100,000. The verdict highlights the perilous reality of smuggling operations. US Attorney Andy Luger condemned the "unthinkable cruelty" of such schemes prioritizing profit over human lives.