Sarod maestro Shiraz Ali Khan, who traveled to Bangladesh for four concerts, was forced to flee by hiding his Indian identity. Arriving on December 16, he noticed sparse audiences and deteriorating conditions. At a Gulshan checkpoint, police stopped him for verification. Following advice from hotel staff and locals, he avoided carrying his passport, spoke in local Bangla instead of Kolkata Bangla, and emphasized his Muslim surname "Khan" for protection. After hearing about the Chhayanaut incident, he attempted contacting the closed Indian Embassy before managing to escape. His mother and tabla player remained behind. Khan warns no Indian is currently safe in Bangladesh due to overwhelming anti-India sentiment, advising against travel until conditions improve. (PC: X)

Unrest in Bangladesh has led to a diplomatic exchange with India and protests in Kolkata. Bangladesh suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi, Tripura, and Siliguri after demonstrations near diplomatic premises. India summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and raised concerns over attacks on minorities and diplomatic sites. In Kolkata, protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission over the killing of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Police in Bangladesh said the lynching followed unverified blasphemy claims and involved factory colleagues. At least 12 people have been arrested. Separately, protests intensified in Bangladesh after the killing of youth leader Osman Hadi, with media offices attacked and minority groups staging demonstrations.

A Sikh religious procession in New Zealand was halted after a far-right group blocked its route in Auckland. The Nagar Kirtan, organised by a local Sikh gurdwara, had official permission from authorities. Protesters linked to the group True Patriots of New Zealand stood in front of the procession and performed a haka. They held banners with anti-immigrant messages and chanted religious slogans. Police stayed at the scene and stopped the situation from turning violent. Sikh participants remained calm during the disruption. Community leaders in India and New Zealand condemned the incident and urged authorities to protect religious freedom. The episode has renewed concerns about racism and minority safety in the country.

The brother of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu youth lynched in Bangladesh over blasphemy allegations, expressed his family's desire to return to India. Apu Das told CNN News18 his family feels scared and wants to leave Bangladesh if proper assistance is provided. Dipu, a factory worker in Mymensingh, was beaten by a mob, hanged from a tree, and his body set ablaze. Authorities arrested 21 suspects linked to the killing. Minority groups protested Monday in Dhaka, criticizing the interim government's failure to prevent minority persecution. The incident sparked widespread protests from factory workers, students, and rights groups, with India expressing concerns.

New Zealand has liberalized mobility provisions under the newly concluded FTA with India, offering extended post-study work visas and opportunities for 5,000 Indian professionals. For the first time, New Zealand signed an annexure on student mobility with any country, providing no numerical caps and guaranteeing 20 hours weekly work rights for Indian students. Students will receive two to four-year work visas depending on their qualifications. The Skilled Employment Pathways allows 5,000 Indian professionals including yoga instructors, chefs, Ayush practitioners, IT specialists, teachers, and nurses with three-year work permits. Additionally, 1,000 young Indians annually receive 12-month Working Holiday Visas. The FTA awaits parliamentary approval and implementation within seven-eight months. (PC: PTI)

Hundreds of H-1B visa holders who returned to India to renew work permits are stranded after appointments scheduled between December 15-26 were abruptly postponed to March. The delays stem from the US State Department's new social media vetting policy aimed at ensuring national security. The US Embassy warned applicants arriving on original dates would be denied entry. Tech giants Google and Apple advised employees against international travel, citing processing delays up to 12 months. India accounts for 71% of H-1B holders. Immigration attorneys call it "the biggest mess" they've witnessed. The Trump administration recently imposed enhanced screening and a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. (PC: X)

Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi following India's similar move in Chattogram. India had halted visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre in the southeastern port city amid escalating tensions after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year's uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. The suspension came after crowds gathered outside India's Assistant High Commission in Chattogram. Bangladesh's mission cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the temporary suspension, expressing regret for any inconvenience. The tit-for-tat diplomatic actions mark a significant deterioration in bilateral relations between the neighboring countries, with both nations now restricting consular operations. (PC: Reuters)

Many Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after US consulates delayed or cancelled visa renewal appointments this month. Immigration lawyers called the situation the “biggest mess” they have seen. A report by Washington Post said hundreds are affected. Lawyers said appointments between December 15 and 26 were rescheduled without clarity. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Indians make up 71 per cent of H-1B holders. The US State Department said delays are due to expanded social media checks. New rules under Donald Trump have tightened visa scrutiny. (PC: Reuters)

A 26-year-old Indian-origin Singaporean man placed a fake bomb inside St Joseph's Church on Sunday, forcing the cancellation of all services. The accused, Kokulananthan Mohan, made the device using cardboard, pebbles, wires and tape. The Singapore Police Force said the object was meant to look like an explosive but posed no real danger. Mohan told police his actions were influenced by lack of sleep due to night shifts. Authorities said there was no terror or religious motive. He has been remanded for psychiatric checks and may face up to 10 years in jail. (PC: AFP)

Around 50 Indians are still trapped in the Russian army amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the government told Parliament. The Ministry of External Affairs said over 200 Indians were recruited, mostly through fake job offers. So far, 119 have been brought back. At least 26 Indians have died and seven are missing. Junior minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said India is working with Russian authorities for early release and safe return. Indian missions are helping with travel, DNA identification, and the return of bodies. (PC: AP)