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.

Police allege the Bondi Beach attack was planned for months. Court documents say the two gunmen trained with firearms and visited the site for checks days before. Explosives were thrown first but failed to explode. The attackers then opened fire at a Hanukkah event, killing fifteen people. Naveed Akram faces murder and terror charges. His father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene. CCTV and phone videos are cited as evidence. Leaders condemned rising antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised stronger laws. New South Wales is debating tougher gun rules. (PC: BBC)

A senior labour wing leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizens Party was shot in Khulna on Monday, days after activist Osman Hadi was killed. Police said Md Motaleb Shikdar was shot in the head by unidentified attackers inside a house in the Sonadanga area. He was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Party leaders said Shikdar was organising a labour rally. The attack has added to rising tension in Bangladesh, where protests and violence have increased after Hadi’s death. Police have launched an investigation. (PC: X)

A senior Russian military officer was killed after a car bomb exploded in southern Moscow on Monday. Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, a top official in the Russian armed forces, died from his injuries. Russia’s Investigative Committee said an explosive device was planted under his car. Investigators said Ukrainian intelligence could be involved. The blast comes amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine has not officially commented. A similar attack in 2024 killed another senior Russian officer. Tensions remain high as fighting continues. (PC: Reuters)

Many Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after US consulates delayed or cancelled visa renewal appointments this month. Immigration lawyers called the situation the “biggest mess” they have seen. A report by Washington Post said hundreds are affected. Lawyers said appointments between December 15 and 26 were rescheduled without clarity. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Indians make up 71 per cent of H-1B holders. The US State Department said delays are due to expanded social media checks. New rules under Donald Trump have tightened visa scrutiny. (PC: Reuters)

A 26-year-old Indian-origin Singaporean man placed a fake bomb inside St Joseph's Church on Sunday, forcing the cancellation of all services. The accused, Kokulananthan Mohan, made the device using cardboard, pebbles, wires and tape. The Singapore Police Force said the object was meant to look like an explosive but posed no real danger. Mohan told police his actions were influenced by lack of sleep due to night shifts. Authorities said there was no terror or religious motive. He has been remanded for psychiatric checks and may face up to 10 years in jail. (PC: AFP)

Around 50 Indians are still trapped in the Russian army amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the government told Parliament. The Ministry of External Affairs said over 200 Indians were recruited, mostly through fake job offers. So far, 119 have been brought back. At least 26 Indians have died and seven are missing. Junior minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said India is working with Russian authorities for early release and safe return. Indian missions are helping with travel, DNA identification, and the return of bodies. (PC: AP)