Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar, a senior leader of Bangladesh's National Citizen Party, was shot in the head by unknown gunmen in Khulna district Monday morning. Sikdar, central organizer and Khulna divisional convener of NCP's labour wing Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was planning a divisional labour rally when attacked around 11:45 am in Sonadanga area. He received treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital before being transferred for CT scan. The shooting occurred amid escalating political violence following radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death. Bangladesh faces intensifying tensions ahead of February 2026 elections, with attacks on minorities and anti-India rhetoric from NCP leaders threatening to sever India's northeastern states.

The brother of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu youth lynched in Bangladesh over blasphemy allegations, expressed his family's desire to return to India. Apu Das told CNN News18 his family feels scared and wants to leave Bangladesh if proper assistance is provided. Dipu, a factory worker in Mymensingh, was beaten by a mob, hanged from a tree, and his body set ablaze. Authorities arrested 21 suspects linked to the killing. Minority groups protested Monday in Dhaka, criticizing the interim government's failure to prevent minority persecution. The incident sparked widespread protests from factory workers, students, and rights groups, with India expressing concerns.

India's Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will convene December 26 to discuss Emergency Procurement for the armed forces. The Navy seeks over 700 MR-SAM medium-range surface-to-air missiles, jointly developed by DRDO and an Israeli firm, with 70km range capabilities against aircraft, missiles, and drones. The Air Force plans acquiring over 600 Astra Mark-2 Beyond Visual Range missiles with approximately 200km range, enabling strikes from within Indian territory. Following Operation Sindoor, over 300 Israeli SPICE precision-guided munitions may be ordered. The Army requires additional low-level lightweight radars. Emergency Procurement enables quick weapon delivery in limited quantities, with individual system budgets around Rs 300 crore. (PC: Times Now)

New Zealand has liberalized mobility provisions under the newly concluded FTA with India, offering extended post-study work visas and opportunities for 5,000 Indian professionals. For the first time, New Zealand signed an annexure on student mobility with any country, providing no numerical caps and guaranteeing 20 hours weekly work rights for Indian students. Students will receive two to four-year work visas depending on their qualifications. The Skilled Employment Pathways allows 5,000 Indian professionals including yoga instructors, chefs, Ayush practitioners, IT specialists, teachers, and nurses with three-year work permits. Additionally, 1,000 young Indians annually receive 12-month Working Holiday Visas. The FTA awaits parliamentary approval and implementation within seven-eight months. (PC: PTI)

Saudi Arabia's northern regions experienced rare snowfall last Thursday, transforming desert sand dunes into white landscapes. Snow was reported in Tabuk and Hail's mountain areas, particularly around Jabal Al Lawz nearthe Jordanian border. Temperatures plummeted to 2°C in several cities, with cold conditions expected to persist. The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology had predicted the unusual weather, linked to a deep low-pressure system sweeping the Middle East. Local astronomer Mohammed bin Reddah Al Thaqafi noted that while snowfall occurs periodically each winter in northern Saudi Arabia, it doesn't follow a fixed cycle. Residents enjoyed the rare spectacle, with videos showing people celebrating in the snow.

Hundreds of H-1B visa holders who returned to India to renew work permits are stranded after appointments scheduled between December 15-26 were abruptly postponed to March. The delays stem from the US State Department's new social media vetting policy aimed at ensuring national security. The US Embassy warned applicants arriving on original dates would be denied entry. Tech giants Google and Apple advised employees against international travel, citing processing delays up to 12 months. India accounts for 71% of H-1B holders. Immigration attorneys call it "the biggest mess" they've witnessed. The Trump administration recently imposed enhanced screening and a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. (PC: X)

Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat defeated USA's Anthony Taylor by unanimous decision at Misfits Boxing in Dubai, but the victory was overshadowed by backstage chaos. Goyat dominated all six rounds, winning with scorecards of 59-55, 58-56, and 60-54. Pre-fight tensions escalated after Taylor disparaged India's boxing credentials. Post-fight, when Taylor attempted a handshake in the medical room, Goyat refused, triggering an explosive confrontation where Taylor threw a bottle and verbally abused the Indian fighter before security intervened. Goyat's camp questioned how Taylor accessed the room. The Indian boxer later declared, "Do not underestimate Indians. India is your father," responding to Taylor's pre-fight disrespect.

Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi following India's similar move in Chattogram. India had halted visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre in the southeastern port city amid escalating tensions after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year's uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. The suspension came after crowds gathered outside India's Assistant High Commission in Chattogram. Bangladesh's mission cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the temporary suspension, expressing regret for any inconvenience. The tit-for-tat diplomatic actions mark a significant deterioration in bilateral relations between the neighboring countries, with both nations now restricting consular operations. (PC: Reuters)

Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders who travelled to India for visa renewal are stranded after the US State Department postponed December interview appointments to March. The delay is linked to a new social media vetting policy. Many workers had planned short visits and are now stuck with expired appointments. Law firms say there is no clear timeline for resolution. The US embassy warned applicants not to visit consulates on old dates. Tech companies like Google and Apple advised staff to avoid travel. India makes up the largest share of H-1B visa holders. (PC: India Today)

Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said false claims are being spread about the Supreme Court of India ruling on the Aravalli range. He said the court ordered conservation through scientific study in Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. He added that the government has always supported a green Aravalli. The court formed a technical panel only to review mining issues. Yadav said no mining is allowed in the NCR region. The judgment allows new mining only in rare cases of need. The Aravalli range has wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves.