Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest office building on earth, on Sunday. Spanning 67 lakh square feet with a capacity for 4,500 diamond trading offices, the $500 million structure will serve as an international hub for diamond and jewelry commerce. Built over 35 acres, the bourse features 9 towers, a customs facility, jewellery mall, and banking services. Businessman Vallabhbhai Lakhani has shifted his $2 billion diamond company to the bourse. The mega-structure solidifies Surat's status as the world's diamond processing hub.

At least 61 migrants are presumed dead after the boat they were traveling on sank off the coast of Libya on Saturday. The overcrowded vessel was carrying 86 people when it departed Zuwarah in northwest Libya, heading for Europe. It capsized amid high waves, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Twenty-five people were rescued by the Libyan coast guard and taken to a migrant detention center. The survivors reported that those on board were mostly from African countries including Nigeria, Gambia, and others. Libya remains a major transit point for migrants risking dangerous sea crossings to reach Europe, often facing perilous conditions. [Representative Image]

In the midst of escalating maritime unrest, Somali pirates have taken control of the Malta-flagged MV Ruen, en route to Mogadishu. With Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea and Iranian-backed disruptions, major shipping firms are avoiding the Bab El-Mandeb chokepoint, leading to increased costs. The Indian Navy's INS Kochi is in proximity to the hijacked ship, while attempts to safeguard shipping from Houthi assaults continue. The fate of Spanish Frigate Victoria, involved in the pursuit, remains unknown. The MV Ruen's owners may face ransom demands. The situation highlights the challenges in securing vital sea lanes.            

In a tragic incident, Maoists ambushed CRPF personnel in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, killing SI Sudhakar Reddy and injuring Constable C Ramu. Returning from an outpost, they were attacked by two villagers near Bedre village. Ramu sustained injuries and was rushed to camp, while Reddy went missing. A joint search party later found Reddy's lifeless body. The CRPF and CoBRA unit are coordinating efforts. The incident underscores the persistent Maoist threat in the region despite security measures. The CRPF had established a Forward Operating Base in Sukma earlier this year after 17 years. [Representative Image]

An Israeli military official said three Israeli hostages killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Friday had been holding up a white flag when they were shot. The hostages were emerging from a building near Israeli troops during intense fighting in the Shejaiya area. A soldier felt threatened and opened fire, killing two hostages immediately. The third retreated back inside, spoke Hebrew asking for help, but was also killed in further gunfire. The military said the shooting violated rules of engagement. Over 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza from a Hamas raid in October. The incident prompted protests from hostage families demanding the government secure their release.

Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential nomination, faces criticism for claiming undocumented immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country." During a New Hampshire rally, he reiterated this divisive language, previously rebuked as "racist, xenophobic, and despicable" by the Anti-Defamation League. Experts warn of parallels to Nazi rhetoric. Yale professor Jason Stanley expresses concern over the normalization of such dangerous speech, emphasizing its potential impact on immigrant safety in the US. Despite past criticism, Trump persists in using inflammatory immigration language, vowing to implement stricter policies if re-elected.

The Indian government announces a one-day state mourning on Sunday following the demise of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait at the age of 86. The Union home ministry instructs that on December 17, the national flag will fly at half-mast nationwide, and there will be no official entertainment. A communication to all states expresses condolences, stating, "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the government of India has decided that there will be one day’s state mourning." This gesture reflects India's diplomatic acknowledgment and tribute to the late Kuwaiti ruler.

GS Bhatia, an Indian student at Loughborough University, has gone missing in East London since December 15. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa seeks External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's help, urging Loughborough University and the Indian High Commission to join efforts. Sirsa shares Bhatia's details on social media, including residence permit and college ID, urging public assistance. This follows the recent tragic discovery of another missing Indian student, Mitkumar Patel, found dead in the river Thames in London. Authorities state Patel's death is not suspicious. Concerns grow for the safety of Indian students studying abroad.            

The Union Ministry of Health has activated preparedness measures following the identification of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID in Kerala during routine surveillance by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, confirmed the case, prompting a nationwide mock drill to assess public health readiness. While cases in Kerala remain mostly mild, health authorities stress the importance of ongoing vigilance. The JN.1 subvariant, initially detected in the United States in September 2023, exhibits upper respiratory symptoms. Medical experts advise vigilance without panic as the situation evolves.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaking at Giorgia Meloni's Atreju festival in Rome, emphasized the critical risk Italy faces due to a shrinking population. Musk, flanked by a festive atmosphere, stressed the importance of cultural identity, cautioning that immigration alone won't address demographic challenges. He criticized the "woke mind-virus" and highlighted X's resilience amidst controversy. Musk's rare political appearance aligns with shared concerns on Italy's future. While addressing Europe's cultural identity, his visit follows recent questions about Tesla's business health and the launch of a social media competitor to his platform in the EU.