Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian-origin woman, was found strangled in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November. Northamptonshire Police suspect her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, who is believed to have fled the UK. Brella, under a domestic abuse protection order, was reported missing on 13 November. Authorities allege Lamba transported her body from their Corby home to Ilford before abandoning the vehicle. New CCTV images of Lamba have been released as police, with the National Crime Agency, launch an international manhunt. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.

UK-India free trade negotiations will restart in early 2024, Downing Street announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during the G20 Summit in Brazil. Talks aim to unlock markets for British cars, Scottish whisky, and financial services, while addressing challenges like visa rules and fees for Indian students and professionals. Trade between the nations was valued at £42 billion in the year to June 2024. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called India a “vital trading partner,” with the deal expected to support economic growth and over 600,000 jobs across both countries.

Harshita Brella, 24, was found dead in a car boot in Ilford, east London, after reportedly being murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who has fled the UK. Brella, a domestic violence victim, had a protection order in place before her death. Her family in Delhi described her as a dedicated teacher and revealed she faced restrictions and abuse in her arranged marriage. “We want her body brought home for peace,” said her father. Northamptonshire Police launched a murder investigation and shared Lamba's photo, urging cooperation. Harshita’s family demands justice and accountability for her tragic death.

India has reclaimed its position as the leading source of international students to the US after 15 years, sending 3.3 lakh students for the 2023-24 academic year, a 23% rise, according to the Open Doors report. Meanwhile, China saw a 4% decline. Indian students primarily pursue STEM courses, contributing significantly to the US economy, with international students collectively adding $50 billion in 2023. This marks a record 1.12 million international students in the US. Graduate programs and practical training courses saw the highest growth. The trend highlights India's expanding global educational footprint.

A Hong Kong court sentenced key pro-democracy leaders, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, to prison under China’s controversial National Security Law. Tai received a 10-year term, while Wong was sentenced to over 4 years. The court ruled their unofficial primary elections in 2020 aimed to subvert the government, marking the largest trial under the NSL. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the sentencing as politically motivated, eroding Hong Kong’s freedoms and judicial independence. Beijing defended the law as essential for stability. Observers warn this trial signals China's tightening grip over Hong Kong’s autonomy and democracy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil, aiming to revive stalled India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. Starmer emphasized the importance of a trade deal to support UK jobs and economic growth. Modi highlighted India's commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, prioritizing technology, green energy, and security. Negotiations, stalled since May, face challenges in goods, services, and investment. The UK’s trade with India reached £42B in June 2024. Both leaders expressed optimism about concluding a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement to strengthen bilateral ties.

China has affirmed its commitment to implementing agreements reached between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The leaders discussed patrolling and troop disengagement along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, aiming to end a 4-year military standoff. China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized enhancing strategic trust, communication, and cooperation with India. Both sides agreed to revive bilateral dialogue mechanisms and instructed Special Representatives, NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, to meet soon. Xi stressed mutual respect and finding harmonious solutions as neighbors with 1.4 billion citizens. This marks a significant thaw post the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

Anmol Bishnoi, fugitive brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was detained in California, U.S., following Mumbai Police's extradition efforts. Anmol, implicated in high-profile cases, including Sidhu Moosewala’s 2022 murder and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique's killing, fled India last year using a fake passport. Wanted in 20+ criminal cases, Anmol also faces a ₹10 lakh reward for information on his arrest. Authorities suspect his involvement in a shooting outside Salman Khan’s residence. U.S. officials may hand him over to Canada for Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder case before extraditing him to India.

Russia has reacted angrily to President Joe Biden's approval of long-range missiles for Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory. Russian officials, including MP Leonid Slutsky and Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov, warned this could lead to serious escalation and even World War Three. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the US of "adding fuel to the fire." President Vladimir Putin, while not commenting directly, has previously stated such moves would signify NATO's direct participation in the war. Russia has vowed to improve air defenses and hinted at retaliating by supplying weapons to other adversaries.

Renowned author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty praised son-in-law Rishi Sunak’s “good Indian cultural values” at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s annual Diwali gala in London. Joined by her daughter Akshata Murty and Sunak’s parents, Murty highlighted the importance of education and cultural roots. She credited Sunak’s upbringing for his deep connection to Indian culture. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami underscored Diwali’s pan-Indian significance, emphasizing its unity across traditions. The event showcased Indian classical dance and music, with appeals for donations to support Bhavan UK’s cultural programs. Sunak and Akshata Murty presented mementoes to honor the center’s contributions since the 1970s.