Iran has ended its one-way visa-free entry for Indian citizens starting November 22, 2025. From this date, all Indian travellers must obtain a visa to enter or even transit through Iran. The MEA issued a strong advisory after several Indians were lured to Iran with fake job offers and promises of travel to other countries. Many were kidnapped for ransom after arriving there. The government said the visa waiver was being misused by criminal groups. Airlines have been told to check visas before boarding passengers. The move marks a major shift from Iran’s earlier policy meant to boost tourism and ties. (PC: India Today)

Professor Ron Hira, an Indian-origin expert, argues that U.S. employers prefer H-1B visa holders over domestic workers for two key reasons: lower wages and greater control. He explains that H-1B workers’ legal status is tied to their employer, making them “indentured” and less likely to switch jobs or report abuses. While the program does attract some highly skilled talent, Hira stresses that many H-1B workers possess skills readily available in the American labor market. Citing Disney and University of California cases, he warns the program often displaces U.S. workers. He calls for stronger protections, clarifying H-1B is a labor not immigration policy.

Dr. Shaheen Shahid, prime suspect in the Delhi Red Fort blast linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, faces mounting revelations. Investigators discovered she held three passports with different addresses and guardians, including her father, husband, and brother. Records show at least three trips to Pakistan and six foreign visits, including Thailand. Authorities are probing seven bank accounts across Kanpur, Lucknow, and Delhi, which saw transactions worth ₹1.55 crore over seven years, with notable deposits between 2014–2017. GSVM Medical College has delisted her from its faculty board following her name surfacing in the terror probe. Meanwhile, NIA arrested Amir Rashid Ali, alleging conspiracy with bomber Umar Nabi, marking a breakthrough in the case. (PC: X)

Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum sparked international controversy after waving India's tricolour at his Nepal concert, accepting the flag from a fan and draping it while performing. The 30-year-old Karachi native, co-founder of rap duo Young Stunners with 3 million Instagram followers, defended his actions on X, stating "My art has no borders" and pledging to repeat the gesture. He emphasized his expression was rooted in humanity, not politics, declaring "Urdu rap will always be borderless." The incident intensified existing tensions with Indian rapper Naezy, who previously dismissed Anjum's popularity and made threatening remarks. While some applauded the gesture as South Asian unity, Pakistani critics accused him of crossing a line and disrespecting his homeland.

India formally acknowledged Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal verdict sentencing Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity during July's student protest crackdown. The Ministry of External Affairs stated India "remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability." Dhaka requested Hasina's immediate extradition, warning countries housing her commit "an extremely unfriendly act and disregard for justice." Bangladesh submitted formal extradition request in December 2024. However, the 2013 bilateral extradition treaty allows India to refuse if deemed "politically motivated", a phrase Hasina repeatedly uses. Article 8 permits rejection on political grounds. India has provided refuge since Hasina fled during 2024's unrest. (PC: The CSR Journal & X)

A Lucknow father, Manu Srivastava, has appealed to Indian and Russian authorities to include his 21-year-old son suffering from stage 4 cancer in trials for Russia's experimental Enteromix vaccine. Russia is considering the humane request, with the matter forwarded to their Ministry of Health. Enteromix is an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells based on individual tumor genetic profiles. In September, Russia announced the vaccine demonstrated 100% efficacy and safety in initial human trials, showing tumor shrinkage without serious side effects. Developed by Russia's National Medical Research Radiological Centre and Engelhardt Institute, it initially targets colorectal cancer, with future potential for glioblastoma and melanoma.

A devastating bus accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia claimed lives of at least 42-45 Indian Umrah pilgrims after their vehicle collided with a diesel tanker around 1:30 am IST and caught fire. Only one passenger survived from the bus carrying 46 people, mostly from Hyderabad including 20 women and 11 children. Tragically, 18 members of one Hyderabad family, including nine children, perished in the flames. The group had traveled on November 9 and was scheduled to return November 23. India's Consulate General in Jeddah established a 24×7 control room with helpline numbers. Telangana government is coordinating with Indian Embassy and Saudi authorities to repatriate bodies and facilitate family members' travel to Saudi Arabia. (PC: X) 

Bangladesh has asked India to hand over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina after a special tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia. The foreign ministry said India has an “obligatory responsibility” under the extradition treaty to send her back. It warned that giving refuge to those convicted of crimes against humanity would be an “unfriendly act”. The tribunal found Hasina guilty of ordering and failing to stop killings during student protests last July. Hasina, now in a safe house in Delhi, called the verdict “rigged” and politically driven. Bangladesh is set to hold elections in February 2026. (PC: HT)

India has signed a one-year deal to import about 2.2 million tonnes of LPG from the US Gulf Coast in 2026. This is the first structured contract for US LPG for India and will meet nearly 10% of India’s yearly LPG needs. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called it a “historic first,” saying it will help secure affordable fuel supplies. The deal was awarded to Chevron, Phillips 66 and TotalEnergies. India aims to reduce its dependence on West Asian suppliers and expand energy trade with the US as both nations work on a new trade pact. Most LPG in India is used as cooking fuel. (PC: The Indian Express)

Tom Cruise received his first Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards in Hollywood, where he was honoured with an Honorary Academy Award. Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also recognised at the event. A video from the after-party showed Cruise dancing with Allen and enjoying the celebration with other guests. Fans praised his joyful mood and said he looked “fully immersed.” Director Alejandro González Iñárritu presented the award to Cruise and praised his passion for cinema. In his speech, Cruise said films connect people across the world and that making movies is “who I am.” (PC: HT)