Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman reached Dhaka on Thursday, ending more than 17 years in exile in London. His Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight made a brief stop in Sylhet before landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport amid heavy security. The BNP said senior party leaders received him at the airport, followed by a public reception route through Purbachal. Rahman is also scheduled to visit Evercare Hospital to meet his mother and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Authorities issued traffic advisories ahead of the arrival as large crowds were expected in several parts of the capital. (PC: India Today)

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed he met Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh just hours before Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in July 2024 during Iran’s presidential swearing-in ceremony. Gadkari, representing India at the event on Prime Minister Modi’s request, said Haniyeh was present among global dignitaries and he saw him depart for the function. Shortly after, Iranian authorities informed him of Haniyeh’s killing at a heavily guarded military facility, with details of the attack still unclear. The incident underscores serious security lapses in Iran and raises geopolitical questions. (PC: PTI)

India has expressed serious concern over the demolition of a Hindu deity’s statue in the ongoing military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, calling the act “disrespectful” and hurtful to followers’ sentiments worldwide. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region as part of shared civilizational heritage, and such actions should be avoided irrespective of territorial claims. India has urged both nations to return to dialogue and diplomacy, resume peace, and prevent further loss of life, property and damage to cultural heritage. Videos of the statue’s demolition have circulated widely on social media. (PC: ANI)

A 21-year-old man was killed in a crude bomb attack in Dhaka on Wednesday evening, hours before exiled BNP leader Tarique Rahman is due to return to Bangladesh. Police said attackers threw an improvised bomb from the Moghbazar flyover at about 7.10 pm. The device hit Saiful Siam on the head as he stood on the road below. He died at the spot. The blast happened near the Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command area, where security has been tightened before Rahman’s visit ahead of national elections. Officers sealed the area and began an investigation to trace the attackers and motive. (PC: India Today)

Toronto Police have identified Abdul Ghafoori, 32, as the suspect in the first-degree murder of Himanshi Khurana, a 30-year-old Indian woman. Khurana was reported missing Friday, and her body was discovered Saturday in a residence near Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street W. Police have issued a warrant for Ghafoori, a Toronto resident, and are actively searching for him. The Indian High Commission in Toronto expressed shock and sorrow, calling the incident “tragic” and “disturbing,” while extending condolences to Khurana’s family. The Consulate confirmed it is closely monitoring the case and will continue supporting the bereaved family as investigations progress into the circumstances surrounding the murder. (PC: X)

Mumbai-born Oxford law student Viraansh Bhanushali went viral after a fiery speech at the Oxford Union debate on India-Pakistan relations. Countering claims by Pakistani Union president Moosa Harraj that India’s policies were populist, Bhanushali argued they stem from genuine security concerns. He cited India’s restrained response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and calibrated military actions after Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam, stressing these were not tied to election cycles. Calling Pakistan a “state that has no shame,” he contrasted India’s accountability with Pakistan’s populist war narratives. Sharing personal memories of terror tragedies, he underscored India’s resolve against cross-border terrorism. His remarks drew millions of views globally.

India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue at the Thailand-Cambodia border, stating "such disrespectful acts hurt sentiments of followers around the world." The 2014-built statue was toppled by Thai military engineers using a bulldozer on Monday amid two-week military clashes between the nations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized Hindu and Buddhist deities are "deeply revered and worshipped" across the region as "shared civilizational heritage." Cambodia's Kim Chanpanha confirmed "the statue was inside our territory in An Ses area." Border clashes erupted in July; despite a US-brokered ceasefire, fighting resumed this month. India urged both sides to "return to dialogue and diplomacy" and "avoid further loss of lives."

Indian travel vlogger Anant Mittal, known as "On Road Indian," was detained 15 hours at Guangzhou airport on December 15 after commenting on Arunachal Pradesh online. Chinese authorities questioned him extensively, confiscated his camcorders and phone, and denied him food for 29 hours. Mittal repeatedly stated "Humaari koi aukaat nahi" (we have no status), expressing helplessness. He clarified having no political affiliations, saying his content showcases travel experiences. However, sources told India Today his detention stemmed from controversial social media posts showing Chinese beggars accepting digital payments. Mittal wasn't deported but allowed to take his return flight. This followed an Arunachal Pradesh citizen named Prema's 18-hour Shanghai airport detention in November.

Indian travel vlogger Anant Mittal, known online as On Road Indian, said Chinese officials detained him for about 15 hours after his social media remarks on Arunachal Pradesh. The incident happened on November 16. Mittal said he was questioned for hours before being released. In a YouTube video, he said he has no political links and shares travel stories only. He added that he studied in India’s Northeast and feels close to the region. He believes his detention followed a video he made after learning about an Arunachal resident being stopped in China earlier. Chinese officials have not commented publicly. (PC: India Today)

Toronto police are investigating the homicide of 30-year-old Indian-origin woman Himanshi Khurana, whose body was found inside a downtown residence after she was reported missing on Dec 19, 2025. Officers classified her death as a homicide following the discovery early on Dec 20. Authorities have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, believed to have known the victim and suspected of first-degree murder. Police say the case appears linked to intimate partner violence and have released images of the suspect, urging the public to help locate him. The Indian Consulate in Toronto expressed deep sorrow and is assisting the family. (PC: X)