China launched island-wide special customs operations in Hainan, creating the world's largest free-trade port with zero-tariff eligibility for 74% of goods up from 21%. The island, 50 times Singapore's size, operates as a separate jurisdiction with its own customs, tax, and regulatory systems. Companies registered in Hainan pay only 15% corporate tax versus 25% mainland rates, while skilled professionals face just 15% income tax compared to mainland's 45%. Products gaining 30% value through Hainan processing enter mainland China duty-free. Since 2020, over 8,000 foreign companies from 176 countries invested $14.6 billion. This bold move counters rising global trade barriers and aims to reverse China's 10% FDI drop. (PC: India Today)

The US Embassy announced expanded online presence reviews for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants globally, effective December 15, as part of standard screening procedures. This enhanced vetting targets program abuse while permitting companies to hire qualified foreign workers. Thousands of pre-scheduled visa interviews in India are being postponed by several months, with December 15 appointments rescheduled to March and December 19 slots moved to late May. Indian professionals, forming the largest H-1B holder group, face significant delays. Many applicants already in India cannot return to the US without valid visas. The Embassy urges early applications and warns of additional processing times, emphasizing that US visas are "a privilege, not a right." (PC: NDTV)

Sarod maestro Shiraz Ali Khan, who traveled to Bangladesh for four concerts, was forced to flee by hiding his Indian identity. Arriving on December 16, he noticed sparse audiences and deteriorating conditions. At a Gulshan checkpoint, police stopped him for verification. Following advice from hotel staff and locals, he avoided carrying his passport, spoke in local Bangla instead of Kolkata Bangla, and emphasized his Muslim surname "Khan" for protection. After hearing about the Chhayanaut incident, he attempted contacting the closed Indian Embassy before managing to escape. His mother and tabla player remained behind. Khan warns no Indian is currently safe in Bangladesh due to overwhelming anti-India sentiment, advising against travel until conditions improve. (PC: X)

Dense fog disrupted travel across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Tuesday, delaying over 200 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport, officials said. Visibility dropped to about 50 metres in the morning, with near-zero levels reported in parts of Ghaziabad and Noida. The India Meteorological Department said foggy conditions are likely to continue during morning hours over the next few days. Air quality remained poor, with the Air Quality Index at 414, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Temperatures showed only a slight rise, while traffic and flight operations continued to face delays.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of misusing India’s institutions and undermining the electoral system. Speaking at an event in Berlin, he alleged that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation were being used to target political opponents while sparing those linked to the ruling party. Gandhi also repeated claims that elections in Haryana and Maharashtra were unfair and said the Election Commission failed to address concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the remarks, accusing Gandhi of speaking against India while abroad.

Royal Christmas cards across Europe this year feature closer, more relaxed family images. The Prince and Princess of Wales shared an informal photo with their children outdoors, continuing a move away from formal portraits. King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared arm in arm in a picture taken during a state visit to Italy. Prince Harry and Meghan released a winter image from Canada. Other royal families, including those of Spain, Belgium, Monaco, and Luxembourg, also opted for softer poses, mixing tradition with a more personal style.

Unrest in Bangladesh has led to a diplomatic exchange with India and protests in Kolkata. Bangladesh suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi, Tripura, and Siliguri after demonstrations near diplomatic premises. India summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and raised concerns over attacks on minorities and diplomatic sites. In Kolkata, protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission over the killing of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Police in Bangladesh said the lynching followed unverified blasphemy claims and involved factory colleagues. At least 12 people have been arrested. Separately, protests intensified in Bangladesh after the killing of youth leader Osman Hadi, with media offices attacked and minority groups staging demonstrations.

US President Donald Trump said the release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files could unfairly damage reputations of people who met the financier years ago. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said many individuals photographed with Epstein had “nothing to do” with his crimes. He reacted after images in the first batch of files released by the US Justice Department showed former president Bill Clinton. Trump said he disliked the release of such photos and called it a “terrible thing”. He added that the controversy was being used to divert attention from Republican achievements. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

A 27-year-old Hindu factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched in Bangladesh after being forced to resign and handed to a mob, police said. The incident occurred at a garment factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Investigators said supervisors did not alert police in time, despite hours of unrest. Authorities found no clear evidence supporting blasphemy claims against Das. According to the Rapid Action Battalion, factory officials and workers were among those arrested. CCTV footage showed colleagues joining the assault. The mob later hung the body near the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway and set it on fire. Twelve people have been detained so far. (PC: India Today)

Russia has stepped up attacks on the southern Ukrainian region of Odesa, hitting power networks and port facilities in recent days. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said the strikes were “systematic” and focused on key infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attacks aimed to block Ukraine’s sea routes. Regional officials said a civilian vessel was damaged during a strike on port facilities. Earlier attacks cut electricity to about 120,000 people and caused fires at storage sites. Odesa has become vital for exports as other southern ports remain inaccessible due to Russian control. (PC: BBC)