Bangladesh has rejected India’s allegations of widespread persecution of Hindus, calling recent attacks “isolated criminal acts” and not indicative of systemic discrimination. The Foreign Ministry in Dhaka said India’s statements were inaccurate and exaggerated, arguing that some incidents were being selectively amplified to fuel anti-Bangladesh sentiment and harm bilateral ties. New Delhi had raised concerns over violence against minority communities, including the lynching of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das, urging justice and better protection. Bangladesh insisted it remained committed to communal harmony and urged restraint in spreading misleading narratives. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission (EC) has halted hearings for voters marked as “unmapped” in West Bengal after identifying a technical issue linked to the 2002 electoral rolls. Officials said problems arose during the digitisation of old PDF records, which led to mismatches in the Booth Level Officer (BLO) app and triggered erroneous notices to legitimate electors. The EC has directed officials not to proceed with such hearings and instead rely on physical verification of documents using hard copies of legacy rolls. Once verification is completed, affected voters will be correctly mapped and included in the updated electoral rolls, ensuring eligible electors are not wrongly excluded. (PC: PTI)

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano on Sicily’s east coast, erupted on 27 December 2025, casting dramatic plumes of lava, ash and smoke into the winter sky against a backdrop of snow-capped slopes. Scientists issued a red Volcano Observatory notice warning aviation authorities of potential air travel risks, though Catania-Fontanarossa Airport remained open with no immediate disruptions reported. Volcanic ash has been carried by winds over nearby towns and ski resorts, creating striking contrasts between fiery eruptions and snowy terrain while drawing attention from residents and visitors alike. 

Executions in Iran more than doubled in 2025 compared with last year, according to a Norwegian-based rights group. Iran Human Rights told the BBC it verified at least 1,500 executions by early December. In 2024, it recorded 975 cases. The true number may be higher because Iranian authorities do not publish full data. The group said most of those executed were convicted of murder or drug offences. The share has stayed near 99%. Activists say the state raises executions when it feels pressure. They point to the surge after protests in 2022 and another rise after Iran’s June conflict with Israel and setbacks to its allies. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh police say two prime suspects in the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi have fled to India via the Meghalaya border, following his fatal shooting in Dhaka earlier this month. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) identified the suspects and said they crossed into Indian territory, prompting Dhaka to seek cooperation for their arrest and extradition. The development has heightened tensions between Bangladesh and India, with authorities discussing cross-border law enforcement collaboration. Hadi, a founder of the Inqilab Moncho platform, died in Singapore after being shot, and investigation efforts are ongoing amid public outcry for justice. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian man has been awarded nearly £67,000 after a UK tribunal ruled he faced racial abuse and unfair dismissal at a KFC outlet in London. Madhesh Ravichandran, from Tamil Nadu, joined the West Wickham branch in January 2023. He said his manager denied him annual leave, made him work extra hours and referred to him as a “slave”. He resigned after raising the issue and said no proper inquiry followed. Judge Paul Abbott said the refusal of leave was influenced by race and that Ravichandran was humiliated. The tribunal found him to be a victim of racial harassment and wrongful dismissal. The firm was told to provide staff training on workplace discrimination.

Hundreds of Indian students at a university in Berlin are facing visa problems just months before graduation. The issue began after local authorities questioned whether the school’s hybrid courses meet study visa rules. Many students say the university had earlier assured them that the course format was valid. They are now stuck between the institution and immigration offices, with some told they could be asked to leave Germany. Students fear losing years of study and large fees already paid. Education groups say the case shows gaps in how Germany handles foreign students and course approvals. Officials have not given a clear timeline for resolving the matter, leaving students uncertain about their future.

Elon Musk criticised Canada’s public health system after a 44-year-old Indian-origin man died while waiting for treatment at a hospital in Edmonton. Prashant Sreekumar was taken to Grey Nuns Community Hospital on December 22 with chest pain, his family said. He remained in the waiting area for over eight hours and was given pain medicine despite rising blood pressure. When he was finally moved for treatment, he collapsed and could not be revived. His wife later shared a video describing the delay. Responding on X, Musk compared government run healthcare to the US motor vehicle department. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged Canada to take responsibility in the case. (PC: NDTV)

Indian technology professionals in the United States say they are facing growing hostility linked to tighter rules on the H-1B visa programme. Many report higher fees, closer vetting and public claims that foreign workers are taking jobs. Activists say the tone has hardened since Donald Trump returned to office, with online attacks now targeting Indian Americans beyond the tech sector. A report by a US research group said most high impact posts frame Indians as job thieves. Tech workers told India Today Digital that their future now feels tied to policy changes rather than work results. They added that uncertainty is creating stress and forcing families to rethink long term plans in the US. (PC: India Today)

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma answered doubts over their form with strong performances through 2025. Both struggled in Tests early in the year and later retired from the format. Their ODI future then came under review. They returned with key roles in India’s Champions Trophy win and later delivered match winning runs in Australia and at home. The duo also played the Vijay Hazare Trophy and scored centuries to show commitment. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have not given a clear view on whether the two seniors are part of plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The board is yet to confirm its roadmap. (PC: HT)