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)

Renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt (Ghulam, Raaz) and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt were remanded to judicial custody by a Udaipur court in a ₹30 crore fraud case after their plea for interim bail on medical grounds was rejected. The couple was arrested in Mumbai on December 7 and brought to Udaipur, where they were initially held in police custody. They are accused, along with others, of cheating Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira Group/Indira IVF, by promising a profitable biopic deal that never materialised. Bhatt has denied the allegations, calling the FIR misleading. 

After years of being overlooked in IPL auctions, Sarfaraz Khan finally found a buyer at the 2026 IPL mini-auction when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed him at his base price of ₹75 lakh. The domestic batting star had impressed with a blistering 22-ball 73 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just hours before the auction, highlighting his form. Sarfaraz took to Instagram to thank CSK for giving his career “a new life,” expressing gratitude and optimism after years of IPL exclusion. The move ends a long-standing snub and boosts his chances of making an impact on cricket’s biggest stage. (PC: NDTV)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah to express serious concerns over the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka following reported threats, underscoring the host country’s obligation to protect diplomatic missions under international norms. The move reflects New Delhi’s demand for stronger safety measures for its embassy and staff amid rising diplomatic sensitivities. Bangladesh, while addressing the security issue, continues to emphasise its commitment to bilateral ties and regional peace, even as both sides manage complex diplomatic interactions. 

Global football icon Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, founded by Anant Ambani, blending cultural immersion with nature care. Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, received a traditional Indian welcome with folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial aarti, participating in Hindu rituals for peace and unity. He toured Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem, observing rescued lions, tigers, elephants, reptiles and other animals under advanced care, and interacted with veterinary teams. A lion cub was named “Lionel” in his honour, highlighting appreciation for his visit and the centre’s mission. (PC: X)

Former Bollywood actress Zaira Wasim has demanded an unconditional apology from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a video went viral showing him pulling down the hijab of a newly appointed AYUSH doctor during a public event in Patna. Wasim, known for her roles in Dangal and Secret Superstar, called the act a violation of a woman’s dignity and modesty, saying power should not be used to “violate boundaries.” The incident has sparked widespread criticism online and from political parties, with many condemning the gesture as disrespectful and insensitive to personal and religious rights. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ethiopia resulted in elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major diplomatic milestone. The two nations signed several agreements, including cooperation on customs, establishing a data centre, and training in UN peacekeeping operations. A debt-restructuring MoU under the G20 Common Framework was also inked to support Ethiopia’s economic stability. India will double ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and offer specialised AI courses. Healthcare cooperation includes upgrading Addis Ababa’s Mahatma Gandhi Hospital’s maternal and neonatal care capacity. During the visit, Ethiopia conferred its highest honour on PM Modi. (PC: Mint)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where they discussed strengthening India-Israel bilateral ties, prioritising cooperation in technology, economy, connectivity and security. Jaishankar, who conveyed warm wishes from PM Narendra Modi, said the talks reflected both sides’ confidence that the strategic partnership will grow from strength to strength. He also held meetings with President Isaac Herzog and other senior Israeli leaders. The visit builds momentum ahead of a proposed future visit by Netanyahu to India, with both nations exploring closer engagement across multiple sectors. (PC: PTI)