Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has defended India’s decision to allow former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to remain in the country following her ouster in the July revolution. Speaking to the Indian news agency ANI on Wednesday, Tharoor said India acted in the spirit of humanity by not forcing Hasina’s return, describing her as a long-time friend of India. He emphasized that India could not send back someone who had maintained a close friendship with the country for many years.

Tharoor noted that extradition matters involve complex legal provisions and treaties understood by only a few experts. He added that while the government should make the final decision, India should continue to provide Hasina with safety and hospitality until the legal and diplomatic issues are fully examined.

His remarks came amid renewed tensions between India and Bangladesh following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Dhaka’s Inquilab Mancha, an incident that has strained bilateral relations.

The Indian Army has introduced a new social media policy restricting its personnel from posting, liking, or commenting on Instagram. Soldiers will now be allowed to use the platform solely for viewing and monitoring content. According to Indian media reports, the directive has been circulated across all army units and departments to enhance awareness of online trends and identify misleading or harmful content.

Officials said the move aims to prevent security breaches and protect sensitive information after several past incidents where personnel were targeted through online 'honey traps' by foreign entities. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, emphasized the importance of smartphones for communication but urged caution in digital engagement. He distinguished between reacting impulsively and responding thoughtfully, underscoring that soldiers should avoid hasty online interactions.

The new policy reflects the Army’s ongoing efforts to balance operational security with the realities of modern communication, as it seeks to maintain discipline while adapting to the digital habits of younger recruits.

India has successfully test-fired a medium-range K-4 ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads from the INS Arighat submarine in the Bay of Bengal. The launch took place off the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday, according to NDTV. The K-4 missile can strike targets up to 3,500 kilometers away, marking a significant step in India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024, the K-4 missile makes India one of the few nations able to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. The missile, designed to carry a 2.5-ton nuclear payload, is India’s second-longest-range system after the land-based Agni-III. The test comes amid heightened diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh, drawing regional attention to India’s expanding naval strength.

Defense analysts suggest the test underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear triad. However, observers warn that such demonstrations could further strain relations with neighboring countries and intensify regional security concerns in South Asia.

A 19-year-old Muslim construction worker from West Bengal, Jewel Rana, was beaten to death in Odisha’s Sambalpur district on Wednesday night after being accused of being Bangladeshi. Two of his coworkers were also assaulted and hospitalized. Police have arrested six suspects and launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred in the Danipali area under Ainthapalli police station.

Witnesses said the attackers demanded identification before assaulting the workers, forcing them to chant religious slogans. Migrant worker organizations and human rights advocates have linked the killing to a broader pattern of mob violence targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, allegedly fueled by recent government directives to identify and deport undocumented Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.

The case has reignited debate over communal tensions and migrant safety in India. Activists have urged both state and central authorities to address the growing trend of vigilante attacks, warning that political rhetoric and administrative inaction are emboldening extremist groups. The Odisha government has promised a thorough investigation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sharply criticized India’s opposition parties, accusing them of practicing selective outrage and appeasement politics. Speaking at a public event, Adityanath alleged that opposition leaders protest Israeli actions in Gaza but remain silent when minorities, particularly Hindus or Dalits, face violence in neighboring countries such as Bangladesh or Pakistan. He urged opposition leaders to introduce a condemnation motion in the state assembly regarding a recent killing of a Dalit youth in Bangladesh.

Adityanath further accused opposition parties of supporting illegal immigration, claiming they defend Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees for electoral gains. He alleged that some have even helped illegal migrants obtain voter identification cards. His remarks, reported by NDTV, come amid heightened political rhetoric over religious and regional issues in India.

The comments are expected to intensify political polarization ahead of upcoming elections, as opposition parties may respond to the accusations while maintaining focus on domestic governance and communal harmony.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches the midpoint of his third term in 2026, discussions are intensifying over who might lead India after him. Modi, who has held power since 2014, remains highly popular with a 71% approval rating according to Morning Consult. Yet, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces declining parliamentary dominance and growing opposition, raising questions about succession and continuity.

Analysts suggest potential successors could emerge from within the BJP, such as Home Minister Amit Shah or Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Alternatively, regional allies like Andhra Pradesh’s N. Chandrababu Naidu or his son Nara Lokesh could gain prominence, especially amid large-scale investment projects. The opposition Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi or his sister Priyanka Gandhi, also remains a possible challenger.

Experts warn that any post-Modi leader may struggle to match his popularity or political control. A less popular administration could resort to populist spending to maintain support, potentially straining fiscal stability and increasing corruption risks in India’s governance landscape.

At least 20 people were killed when a passenger bus caught fire following a head-on collision with a truck in Chitradurga district of Karnataka, India, early Thursday morning. The accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on National Highway 48 as the bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga. Police said the truck crossed the divider and rammed into the bus, triggering an immediate blaze that trapped passengers inside.

Rescue teams from the police and fire department rushed to the scene, managing to save several injured passengers who were taken to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga. Officials fear the death toll may rise as some victims remain in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control and cross into oncoming traffic.

Traffic on the busy highway was temporarily halted but later resumed after the vehicles were removed and the fire was brought under control. Authorities have launched a detailed inquiry into the cause of the accident.

A new Pentagon report submitted to the U.S. Congress claims that China aims to incorporate India’s northeastern Arunachal Pradesh into its national map, identifying it as part of Beijing’s expanding list of ‘core interests.’ The report places Arunachal Pradesh alongside Taiwan and disputed maritime zones in the South and East China Seas as central to China’s long-term national strategy. It links these ambitions to Beijing’s goal of achieving the ‘great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation’ by 2049.

The document also notes that China and India agreed in October 2024 to withdraw troops from remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Following that, both nations initiated monthly high-level talks on border management, air connectivity, and academic exchanges. Pentagon analysts suggest China’s de-escalation efforts aim to stabilize ties with India and prevent closer U.S.-India alignment. The report further highlights deepening China-Pakistan military cooperation, including joint fighter production and drone supplies.

Analysts warn that despite dialogue, mutual distrust persists, keeping India cautious about Beijing’s strategic intentions in the region.

Indian teenage cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world by scoring a 36-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, setting multiple world records. Playing for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh, the 14-year-old left-handed opener reached 150 runs off just 59 balls and finished with 190 from 84 deliveries, including 16 fours and 15 sixes. His explosive innings made him the youngest player ever to score a century in List A cricket at 14 years and 272 days, surpassing Pakistan’s Zahoor Elahi, who held the record since 1986.

Suryavanshi’s century was India’s second-fastest in List A history and the fourth-fastest globally, behind Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 29-ball record. His 59-ball 150 also broke AB de Villiers’ 2015 record of reaching the milestone in 64 balls. The performance drew widespread attention, overshadowing the returns of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to domestic cricket after long absences. Analysts hailed Suryavanshi as a prodigious talent, with expectations rising for his future in Indian cricket.

Indian Customs officials in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district recovered Bangladeshi currency worth 120,000 taka during a raid near Raiganj on Tuesday morning. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted two men on a motorcycle without a license plate in the Hemtabad police area. When ordered to stop, the suspects fled, throwing bundles of 2-taka notes onto the road before escaping.

Authorities later collected 60,000 brand-new, unused 2-taka notes from the scene. The seizure has prompted an investigation into how such a large quantity of new Bangladeshi currency entered Indian territory. Officials suspect the notes may have been smuggled across the border for illegal trade or currency exchange purposes.

Customs sources said the incident highlights ongoing cross-border monetary smuggling challenges between India and Bangladesh. Security agencies are now coordinating with Bangladeshi counterparts to trace the origin of the notes and identify the individuals involved.

As Christmas approaches, reports from several Indian states indicate a rise in attacks against Christians by Hindu nationalist groups. Incidents have been recorded in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, where churches were vandalized and believers were harassed. In Jabalpur, a ruling BJP district vice-president was filmed assaulting a visually impaired woman at a church event, sparking outrage. The party defended her actions, alleging forced conversions, but church officials denied the claim, calling the event a charity gathering.

In Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, violence erupted over a Christian burial, leading to arson, property damage, and injuries to police officers. The United Christian Forum reported at least 23 attacks linked to funeral disputes in 2025, most in Chhattisgarh. Rights groups warn that such incidents reflect growing intolerance and inadequate law enforcement response.

As global Christians prepare for Christmas, India’s Christian community faces heightened fear and insecurity, with calls for stronger protection and accountability from authorities.

A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was injured after accidentally shooting himself with his service weapon while on duty in Dharmanagar, Tripura. The injured soldier, identified as Bipin Kumar, 35, from the 97th Battalion, was immediately taken to Dharmanagar District Hospital late Monday night and later transferred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced treatment.

According to police and BSF officials, the incident occurred in the Maheshpur area during a late-night patrol. Preliminary findings suggest the firearm discharged unintentionally while Kumar was handling it. Authorities have described the incident as accidental and confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

The BSF has ordered a detailed inquiry into the safety protocols followed during the incident. Officials emphasized the importance of strict adherence to weapon-handling procedures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern that the northeastern Indian state could ‘automatically become part of Bangladesh’ if the population of Bangladeshi-origin residents increases by another ten percent. Speaking at a government event on Tuesday, Sarma claimed that around 40 percent of Assam’s population is of Bangladeshi descent and reiterated that he has been warning about demographic changes for the past five years.

His remarks follow recent controversy surrounding a statement by Hasnat Abdullah, leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, who reportedly suggested that Dhaka should support separatist forces in India’s northeast if New Delhi attempts to destabilize Bangladesh. Indian media widely covered the comment, prompting strong reactions from Sarma, who said India would not tolerate such threats. He added that if Bangladeshi leaders continue issuing such warnings, Delhi would not remain silent for long.

The exchange underscores ongoing sensitivities over migration and border politics between India and Bangladesh, particularly in Assam, where citizenship and demographic issues have long fueled political tension.

A 35-year-old Border Security Force (BSF) soldier, Bipin Kumar of the 97th Battalion, was shot and injured while on duty along the Maheshpur border in North Tripura. The incident occurred during a nighttime patrol when gunfire was suddenly heard, prompting immediate rescue and hospitalization. After surgery at Agartala’s GB Pant Hospital, his condition is reported stable.

Initial media reports claimed that shots were fired from across the Bangladesh border, sparking tension amid the region’s existing diplomatic strain. However, preliminary investigations now indicate that the bullets came from Kumar’s own service rifle. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether it was an accident or a possible suicide attempt. No official statement has been issued by the BSF or the central government.

Following the incident, a high alert was declared along the Tripura frontier, a region already sensitive due to smuggling and infiltration risks. Analysts warn that misinformation could inflame cross-border tensions, emphasizing the need for verified communication between India and Bangladesh.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, on Tuesday, just hours after Dhaka called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. The move followed Bangladesh’s formal protest over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic premises in India.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry had expressed concern about violent demonstrations near its High Commission and the envoy’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at its visa center in Siliguri. Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of intimidation” and urged India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff. Indian officials, however, downplayed the incidents, saying the protests were limited and did not breach security barriers.

The reciprocal summons highlight rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbors. Analysts note that both sides are seeking to contain the dispute through official channels, but the episode underscores the fragility of bilateral sensitivities amid domestic political pressures in both countries.