President Trump's $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers hired from outside the US will significantly impact IT outsourcing firms, particularly Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Cognizant Technology Solutions. Bloomberg analysis reveals nearly 90% of these companies' new H-1B hires between May 2020-2024 were approved at US consulates and would face this fee. Infosys alone would have paid over $1 billion for 10,400+ workers (93% of new hires). Tata would owe fees for 6,500 workers (82%), while Cognizant faces charges for 5,600+ employees (89%). Industry experts predict the fee will drive jobs overseas, particularly to India, and could reduce lottery entries by 30-50% next year, despite legal challenges pending. (PC: Daily Excelsior)

Australian police have charged Naveed Akram over the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. He faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one terrorism charge. Fifteen people were killed in the attack during a Hanukkah event. Dozens were injured. Akram was hurt in the incident and appeared in court from his hospital bed. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed during a police shootout at the scene. Police say the attack was aimed at the Jewish community. Authorities have called it a terrorist incident. Investigations are ongoing. The next hearing is scheduled for April 2026. (PC: BBC)

A 28-year-old Indian-origin man, Abhijit Patel, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly beating his 67-year-old father, Anupam Patel, to death with a sledgehammer at their Schaumburg, Illinois home on November 29. Despite having an active protection order against him, Abhijit was living at home. His mother discovered Anupam unresponsive after noticing dropping glucose levels when he failed his usual 8 am check-in call. Abhijit told her he had "taken care of Dad." He surrendered to police, claiming a "religious obligation" to kill his father due to alleged childhood molestation. Medical professionals believe his claims are delusional, as he's under treatment for schizophrenia. (PC: X) 

India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah on Wednesday over deteriorating security threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and extremist activities. The MEA conveyed strong concerns about elements announcing plans to create security situations around India's mission, rejecting "false narratives" by extremist groups. The summons followed National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah's threat to isolate India's Seven Sisters (northeastern states) and shelter separatists if Bangladesh was destabilized. Rising anti-India rhetoric in poll-bound Bangladesh has strained bilateral ties since Sheikh Hasina's fall. Bangladesh previously summoned India's envoy demanding cooperation in investigating an assassination attempt, alleging Indian involvement, which New Delhi strongly rejected.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s official entry, has been shortlisted among the Top 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). The list includes acclaimed global contenders chosen from over 80 submissions, taking the film a step closer to potential nomination. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor and co‑produced by Karan Johar, the movie has received widespread praise and festival recognition. With final nominations to be announced in January 2026, Homebound represents a major moment for Indian cinema on the world stage. (PC: X)

A 60‑year‑old Indian‑origin woman, Babblejit “Bubbly” Kaur, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 1 during a routine biometric appointment linked to her pending green card application in Long Beach, California. Kaur, who has lived in the United States since 1994 and has no criminal record, had an approved family‑based green card petition filed by her US‑citizen daughter and green card‑holding husband. Her family was initially not informed of her whereabouts after detention; she was later tracked to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. The sudden arrest, occurring during what was expected to be a final immigration step, has shocked her family and community, raising concerns about immigration enforcement practices for long‑term residents. (PC: X)

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has refused to apologise for his contentious comments on Operation Sindoor, insisting he “didn’t say anything wrong” and will not retract his statements. Chavan sparked a political storm by claiming India was “completely defeated on Day 1” of the military operation, alleging Indian aircraft were shot down and the Air Force grounded — remarks that drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused him of insulting the armed forces. The episode has intensified debate over military operations and political rhetoric, with Chavan defending his right to question defence strategy amid backlash. (PC: HT)

The surviving shooter from the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney has woken from a coma and been arrested at his hospital bedside, as authorities continue the investigation into the terrorist attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens during a Hanukkah celebration. The 24‑year‑old suspect, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and captured by police during the incident and has now been formally charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act. The attack, described by law enforcement as Islamic State‑inspired, has prompted national grief, discussions on gun law reforms, and widespread condolences for victims and their families. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court of India has transferred the high‑profile rape and murder case of a trainee doctor from **R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, to the Calcutta High Court for continued judicial oversight and effective monitoring of related legal proceedings. The case, which involves the brutal rape and killing of the 31‑year‑old doctor on August 9, 2024, sparked nationwide outrage, doctors’ protests and a CBI probe after being moved from the Kolkata Police due to investigation concerns. The SC’s order aims to streamline judicial scrutiny closer to the ground, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure justice in this sensitive matter. (PC: PTI)

During his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed in Addis Ababa, where he described his experience and the hospitality as feeling “like home,” drawing comparisons to his home state of Gujarat and highlighting deep historical and cultural ties between India and Ethiopia. He addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, emphasising longstanding relations and shared development goals. Modi also witnessed the elevation of India‑Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership, including signing multiple cooperation agreements, and was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. (PC: Instagram)