Mexico approved tariffs up to 50% on hundreds of goods from countries without trade agreements, including India and China, effective next year. President Claudia Sheinbaum's government justified the move to protect local employment and manufacturing. Indian automakers face the heaviest impact, as Mexico is India's third-largest car export market after South Africa and Saudi Arabia. The tariffs threaten $1.8 billion worth of shipments from Volkswagen and Hyundai. India exported $5.63 billion to Mexico in 2025, with vehicles comprising $1.86 billion, followed by electrical equipment ($612 million), machinery ($561 million), organic chemicals ($388 million), and aluminum ($386 million). Indian industry groups are lobbying to prevent implementation. (PC: AFP) 

Immigration attorneys urgently warn H-1B visa holders against traveling to India following mass postponement of visa interviews from December to March-April 2026. The US Embassy's last-minute rescheduling has stranded hundreds who traveled for December appointments. Experts caution that traveling risks job loss, as employers cannot maintain vacant positions for months, and many companies prohibit extended remote work from outside the US due to export-control, payroll, and tax restrictions. Those already in India awaiting visa stamping must wait indefinitely. The postponements follow the State Department's new social media screening requirements for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Attorneys advise staying in the US unless holding valid visa stamps, warning delayed returns could mean unemployment and family separation. (PC: News18 & Business Standard)

Mexico has approved a new tariff plan that increases import duties on more than 1,400 products from countries without trade deals, including India. Some goods will face tariffs as high as 50%, while most will fall under the 35% range. The new rates will start next year and expand through 2026. India exports items like textiles, auto parts, steel and engineering goods to Mexico, and these will now become costlier. Experts say the move may be linked to pressure from the US before the USMCA review. Indian exporters may face higher costs and reduced access to the Mexican market. (PC: HT)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, wanted in the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, have been detained in Thailand. The first photos show the brothers in custody with their hands tied and passports in hand. They fled to Phuket hours after the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora. They face charges of culpable homicide and negligence. Officials say the process to send them back to India has begun. The fire started during a musical event and spread fast due to flammable decor and lack of safety gear. Police have already arrested four staff members and a business partner. (PC: HT)

A car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was displayed in the US Congress during a foreign policy hearing. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove used the image to warn that US actions are pushing India closer to Russia. She said the Trump administration’s pressure tactics are hurting long-term trust between Washington and New Delhi. The Congresswoman urged lawmakers to act fast to repair the relationship. The selfie was taken during Putin’s recent visit to Delhi, where he rode with Modi shortly after landing. Putin said the gesture was his idea and a symbol of friendship.

A 25-year-old Indian-origin man named Vaibhav has been arrested in Canada for exposing himself to female doctors and clinic staff in Mississauga. Police say he visited several clinics for months in 2025, pretending to have medical problems to force inappropriate contact. He also used a fake name, Akashdeep Singh, during some visits. Peel Regional Police charged him with indecent acts, identity fraud, possession of identity documents, and identity theft. He was arrested on December 4 and is still in custody. Investigators believe more victims may exist and have asked the public to share any information about similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)

As new round of trade talks began in Delhi, United States Trade Representative (USTR) said India has tabled its “strongest proposals yet” for a bilateral trade deal — calling them the “best-ever” received from any country. However, USTR also described India as a “tough nut to crack,” noting Delhi remains resistant to allowing U.S. imports of row crops, meat, and dairy. Still, American negotiators called India a “viable alternative market,” signaling willingness to advance talks. On India’s part, top officials reiterated that any deal will protect interests of farmers, dairying and small-scale producers. (PC: India Today)

Starting December 15, the US Department of State will expand its online presence review to all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, previously limited to student and exchange visitor visas. The review will scrutinize applicants’ social media, resumes, and online activity to ensure eligibility and security compliance. Many Indian applicants face rescheduled or delayed interviews, with some pushed into 2026. Inconsistencies between online profiles and visa applications may trigger additional scrutiny. The Embassy warns that arriving on old appointment dates will result in denial of entry. Experts caution delays could impact jobs, relocations, family reunifications, and school admissions for Indian professionals and dependents.

Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar has become a viral sensation, with his line "Rehman dakait ki di hui maut badi kasainuma hoti hai" dominating social media. However, the late SP Chaudhry Aslam's wife, Noreen, disputes the film's portrayal, saying Rehman "was nothing in front of Aslam" and only controlled a specific area. The real Rehman Dakait, born 1975, murdered his mother at 19 and ordered opponents' severed heads used as footballs. He was killed at 34 in a 2009 police shootout. Noreen criticized the film's use of terms like "son of the devil" for her husband, calling them disrespectful to Muslims and his honest mother.(PC: India Today)

Goa nightclub fire owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra booked Thailand flight tickets at 1:17 AM on December 7 while rescue operations were underway at their burning club that killed 25 people. They boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket from Delhi at 5:30 AM. Co-owner Ajay Gupta was detained in Delhi after being declared missing, while British national Surinder Kumar Khosla remains under Look Out Circular. Investigators discovered the brothers' SIM card was registered under their former driver Ram Hari Singh's name without his knowledge. Four luxury vehicles owned by the family have vanished. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice remains active. Their newly-built crore-rupee Goa house stands deserted.(PC: Moneycontrol & The Economic Times)