On Sunday, Bangladesh immigration officials stopped 54 Iskcon members from crossing into India at the Benapole border. The group, holding valid passports and visas, intended to join religious rituals in India. Authorities cited "suspicious travel" as the reason for denial but did not provide clear explanations. Some members expressed frustration over being turned back despite following all procedures. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Reports suggest increasing violence and discrimination against Hindus, including attacks on temples and arrests of Iskcon affiliates, raising fears for the community's future.

Two Indian-origin Canadians were arrested after Illinois State Police found over $40 million worth of cocaine in a semi-trailer truck near the Iowa state line on Friday. The suspects, Vanshpreet Singh (27) and Manpreet Singh (36), both from Ontario, Canada, face felony charges, including cocaine possession, trafficking, and intent to deliver. Police discovered 1,146 pounds of cocaine during an inspection in Henry County. The drugs have an estimated street value of over $40 million. Both men are being held at Henry County Jail and await a court appearance.

Indian passengers on a Gulf Air flight from Mumbai to Manchester were stranded at Kuwait airport for 13 hours after an emergency landing due to an engine fire. Passengers reported not receiving food, water, or assistance. They were allegedly told they were "not entitled" to hotel accommodation, while passengers from the EU, UK, and US were given priority. The Indian embassy in Kuwait intervened and accommodated passengers in airport lounges. The flight had been diverted 20 minutes before landing, leaving passengers frustrated and exhausted. Gulf Air has yet to comment on the situation.

ISKCON and several organisations in West Bengal held rallies and prayer meetings on Sunday to protest against the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. ISKCON members worldwide, in 150 countries, prayed for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The protests also demanded the immediate release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in a sedition case. Rallies took place in Kolkata, Burnpur, and Jadavpur. The ongoing violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh has sparked global concern, with more protests planned if Das is not released.

As Donald Trump threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, including India, over the proposed development of a new currency to challenge the US dollar, India remains cautious. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed skepticism about adopting a BRICS currency, citing concerns over alignment of fiscal and monetary policies among member nations. India’s strong trade relations with the US, which recently became its leading trading partner, further complicate the situation. While India supports reducing reliance on the dollar, it is wary of disrupting its economic and strategic interests in the global arena.

Manish Tiwari, the Managing Director and Founder of Here and Now 365, was honored as British Indian of the Year 2024 at the Viksit Bharat Investment Summit 2024. Celebrated for his work in multicultural advertising and championing the Indian diaspora, Tiwari stated, “Let us harness our expertise, resources, and networks to mentor talent, drive innovation, and explore new markets. Together, we can build ecosystems that are not only profitable but also deeply purposeful.” The summit, hosted by the Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF), was attended by prominent figures, including Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad and Baroness Sandip Verma. Discussions focused on strengthening Indo-European trade, innovation, and sustainability partnerships. Tiwari's organization, Here and Now 365, is the UK’s largest multicultural advertising consultancy, known for creating campaigns that resonate with diverse ethnic communities. Under his leadership, the firm has become a significant platform for bridging cultural divides and advancing the aspirations of Indian migrants in the UK. Other awards included Top Fund Manager of the Decade for Krishna N. Narnolia and Shailendra Kumar, and Fintech of the Year for Ashesh Jani. The event highlighted the immense contributions of Indian migrants, emphasizing their role in fostering global innovation and economic growth while strengthening Indo-European ties.

Raj Sidpara, a 50-year-old Indian-origin man from Leicester, UK, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Tarnjeet Riaz. Convicted at Leicester Crown Court, Sidpara must serve at least 21 years before parole eligibility. Tarnjeet, 44, suffered extensive injuries, including brain bleeding and 20 rib fractures, after being brutally beaten at Sidpara's home in May. Sidpara, with 24 prior convictions, denied intent to kill. Police emphasized the importance of support for domestic abuse victims, stating, "Tarnjeet should have been safe with someone who protected her, not feared him."

Kolkata’s JN Ray Hospital announced it would no longer treat Bangladeshi patients, citing anti-Hindu violence and insults to the Indian flag in Bangladesh. This decision follows attacks on three Hindu temples in Chattogram’s Harish Chandra Munsef Lane area, where a mob vandalized the structures after Friday prayers. The violence, linked to the arrest of ex-ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das, has heightened tensions between the two nations. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned the violence, urging Bangladesh to protect its minorities. Bangladesh, in turn, raised concerns over protests near its Kolkata diplomatic mission.            

Several US universities, including MIT and Yale, have issued travel advisories urging international students, especially Indians, to return before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Concerns stem from Trump’s pledge to implement strict immigration policies on his first day in office, recalling the travel bans of 2017. The University of Massachusetts cautioned students about potential delays in visa processing and advised being in the US by January 19. Indian students, forming the largest international student group in the US, are particularly impacted. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged nationals to stay updated on travel rules amid growing uncertainties.

Bangladesh accused India of "double standards" in protecting minorities, citing "industrial scale misinformation" from Indian media. Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul condemned India's concern for Bangladeshi minorities while neglecting its own. A Voice of America survey found 64.1% of Bangladeshis believe their interim government improved minority security. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam urged Bangladeshi journalists to counter India's narratives. Protests erupted at Dhaka University against India's alleged interference, border killings, and ISKCON activities. Protesters demanded Sheikh Hasina's extradition and a review of India-Bangladesh agreements. India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted extremist threats in Bangladesh, urging minority protection.