Nalin Haley, son of former US Ambassador Nikki Haley, accused India's government of raising H-1B visa delays with the Trump administration solely to protect remittance money, not professionals' welfare. The controversy follows India's complaint to US authorities about prolonged visa processing delays leaving thousands of Indian professionals stranded. Many H-1B holders who traveled home for mandatory visa stamping had appointments postponed from December 2025 to October 2026, preventing their return to US jobs. Expanded social media screening pushed stamping timelines to six months. Nalin, whose grandfather immigrated from Punjab in 1969, has consistently called for complete H-1B ban, arguing it disadvantages American graduates. India's Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns in New Delhi and Washington DC. (PC: News 18)

Jammu and Kashmir Police booked three Kashmiris based in the US and Germany for allegedly weaponizing social media platforms to incite violence and disrupt public order. Counter Intelligence Kashmir named Mubeen Ahmad Shah, Azizul Hassan Ashai (US-based), and Rifat Wani (Germany-based) in an FIR registered under IPC sections 153-A, 505 and UAPA section 13. The special NIA court in Srinagar issued a proclamation directing them to appear by January 31, 2026. Police claim they operated as fake journalists and news portals, using Facebook, X, and WhatsApp to circulate fabricated secessionist content at the behest of anti-national forces. Despite absconding after arrest warrants, the accused allegedly remain active on social media, promoting destabilizing content. (PC: The Indian Express)

A US think tank has warned of potential armed conflict between India and Pakistan in 2026 due to heightened terrorist activity. The Council on Foreign Relations report, surveying American foreign policy experts, noted the Trump administration's efforts to end ongoing conflicts including between New Delhi and Islamabad. The warning follows May 2025's three-day military face-off after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6, eliminating over 100 terrorists and nine camps. Pakistan attempted drone attacks on military and civilian targets between May 7-10, all neutralized by Indian forces. Pakistan's military sought de-escalation on May 10. The CFR report also flags moderate likelihood of Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict in 2026. (PC: NDTV)

India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy with USD 4.18 trillion GDP and is projected to surpass Germany by 2030 to claim third position. The country remains the fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP expanding 8.2% in Q2 of 2025-26, marking a six-quarter high. India aims to reach USD 7.3 trillion GDP by 2030. International agencies have revised growth forecasts upward: World Bank projects 6.5% growth in 2026, Moody's expects 6.4-6.5%, IMF raised projections to 6.6% for 2025 and 6.2% for 2026. The government highlighted strong fundamentals including controlled inflation, declining unemployment, improving exports, stable financial conditions, and strengthening urban consumption supporting sustained momentum. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. The visit is to convey India’s condolences. Zia died on Tuesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Dhaka. She was the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She became Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister in 1991. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her death. She had a long political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. (PC: Reuters)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the state funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on December 31, government sources said. The visit comes at a time of strained relations between India and Bangladesh after the removal of Sheikh Hasina last year. Zia, who led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, served two terms in office between 1991 and 2006. Her son and party leader Tarique Rahman recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. During her rule, Dhaka moved closer to China, including in defence ties, which often caused unease in New Delhi. (PC: India Today)

India on Tuesday said it was deeply concerned by reports that Ukraine tried to target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russia claimed 91 long-range drones were used in the incident, but said all were destroyed and no damage was caused. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the charge and called it a false claim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all sides should stay focused on talks and avoid steps that harm peace efforts. He repeated that dialogue is the only way to end the war. Ukraine later said Russia gave no proof and warned that reacting to unverified claims can hurt the peace process. (PC: India Today)

Assam Police busted a major terror module, arresting 11 individuals linked to Bangladesh-based extremist outfit Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The IMK, founded in 2018, propagates "Ghazwatul Hind" ideology advocating armed conquest of India. Following Bangladesh's August 2024 regime change, senior leaders of JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team, and Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent activated Indian modules, with Bangladeshi nationals Umar and Khalid coordinating operations in Assam. Investigations revealed recruitment through secure social media platform 'Purva Akash,' targeting individuals in Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura. The module systematically radicalizes members through extremist propaganda and literature. Cases registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

A US think tank has warned of potential armed conflicts involving Pakistan in 2026. The Council on Foreign Relations reports a "moderate likelihood" of renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan over terrorism in Kashmir, with moderate impact on American interests. This follows a four-day mini-war in May 2025 after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 22 civilians in Pahalgam, prompting India's Operation Sindoor. Despite a ceasefire, both nations are rapidly acquiring defense equipment. The report also flags a moderate likelihood of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, triggered by cross-border militant attacks. The second Trump administration has sought to mediate these tensions. Intelligence suggests over 30 Pakistani terrorists currently operate in Jammu region. (PC: India Today)

India overtook China as the world's largest rice producer this year, nearly doubling exports to over 20 million metric tons. However, farmers in Punjab and Haryana face a water crisis as rice cultivation depletes groundwater reserves. Borewells that reached water at 30 feet a decade ago now require drilling 80-200 feet deep, costing farmers tens of thousands of rupees annually. Government subsidies incentivizing rice production discourage switching to water-efficient crops like millets. India produces far more rice than needed domestically while extracting 35-57% more groundwater than aquifers naturally replenish. Experts question whether the world's most water-stressed country should prioritize rice exports over sustainable agriculture. (PC: The Tribune)