Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.

Britain's armed forces chief, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, warned the nation's "sons and daughters" must prepare to fight, citing growing Russian threat risks. He described the current security environment as the most dangerous in his career, agreeing with French General Fabien Mandon's similar warning last month. Knighton noted it's been 65 years since UK national service call-ups and 80 years since World War II ended, with large populations lacking military experience after three decades of post-Cold War peace. While defence analysts estimate Russia launching significant UK attacks at five percent probability, Knighton stressed battle-hardened Russian troops after nearly four years in Ukraine shouldn't be underestimated. He emphasized society must rebuild national resilience alongside NATO allies as first-line defense. 'Get Ready To Fight': UK Armed Forces Chief Issues Stark Russian Threat Warning as Battle-Hardened Troops Advance in Ukraine.(PC: X) 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, "The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," marking his 28th foreign state honour during his maiden bilateral visit to the African nation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received Modi at Addis Ababa airport and drove him to his hotel in a rare gesture. The leaders held talks at the National Palace, participating in a traditional coffee ceremony where Ahmed briefed Modi on Ethiopian coffee varieties. In an unscheduled gesture, Ahmed took Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park despite it not being on the official itinerary. The visit underscores strong Global South partnership, with Addis Ababa hosting African Union headquarters, which became a permanent G20 member during India's 2023 presidency.

Sarfaraz Khan secured an IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings for Rs 75 lakh at the 2026 mini-auction, returning after missing two seasons. The Mumbai batter went unsold initially but was picked up hours after smashing 77 off 22 balls against Rajasthan in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite a solid Test debut last year, Sarfaraz was excluded from India's 2025 Test squads, prompting him to shed five kilograms and transform his fitness. He's scored 329 runs in seven SMAT matches at a 203.08 strike rate. Prithvi Shaw also found redemption as Delhi Capitals re-signed him for Rs 75 lakh after releasing him two years ago, despite disciplinary issues and inconsistent form with new team Maharashtra.(PC: PTI)

The IPL 2026 mini-auction concluded with 10 teams spending Rs 215.45 crore on 77 players. Cameron Green created history as the costliest overseas player ever in any franchise competition worldwide, purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 25.20 crore. Chennai Super Kings made record-breaking acquisitions of uncapped Indian players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore each. KKR also secured Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore. Other notable buys included Liam Livingstone to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 13 crore, Auqib Dar to Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore, and Josh Inglis to Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.60 crore. The upcoming IPL season runs from March 26 to May 31, 2026.(PC: ESPNCricinfo)

Fifteen people died in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, treated as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack. Australian police identified suspects as father-son duo: Sajid Akram (50), shot dead at scene, and Naveed Akram (24), hospitalized under guard. Telangana police confirmed Sajid migrated from Hyderabad to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa after earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He lived in Australia for 27 years, married Venera Grosso, and had Australian-citizen children while retaining Indian passport. Investigators recovered improvised explosives and Islamic State flags from their vehicle. The pair visited Davao, Philippines, in November, raising scrutiny over potential military-style training connections before the December 14 attack.(PC: WAtoday)

Taliban health minister Noor Jalal Jalali arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, becoming the third Taliban leader to visit India in three months. He'll meet his Indian counterpart and pharmaceutical sector representatives to bolster healthcare cooperation. Foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited in October, and industry minister Nooruddin Azizi attended the India International Trade Fair in November. Following Muttaqi's visit, India upgraded its Kabul technical mission to a full-fledged embassy and agreed to allow Taliban diplomats in New Delhi. The visits occur amid escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, including border closures disrupting exports. The Taliban regime seeks Indian investments in mining, hydroelectric projects, and healthcare, wanting India to resume development projects after issuing thousands of medical visas annually before August 2021.

The Indian Army received three more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, completing a Rs 5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020. The helicopters arrived at Hindon Air Force Station via Antonov-124 aircraft, bringing Army's total Apache strength to six. They'll join the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, optimized for desert warfare near the Pakistan border. Two Apaches will debut at Republic Day Parade in January 2026. These advanced helicopters feature 30mm M230 chain guns, Hellfire missiles, and Longbow radar tracking 128 targets simultaneously. The induction complements indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopters for high-altitude terrain, while Indian Air Force operates 22 Apaches, creating comprehensive aerial strike capability along India's western front.

Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders and H-4 dependents are stranded in India after the US Embassy abruptly canceled appointments starting December 9, 2025. The disruption stems from a new US Department of State mandate requiring "online presence review" including social media and digital footprint screening effective December 15. This significantly reduced daily interview capacity, forcing consulates to slash available slots. India bears the brunt as over 70% of global H-1B visas go to Indian nationals. The rescheduling affects all visa categories including B1/B2, F-1, and L-1. Options for stranded workers include waiting for rescheduled appointments, requesting emergency slots with documentation, working remotely from India while maintaining US payroll, or exploring third-country stamping in Canada or Mexico.(PC: Daily Excelsior)