India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri departed for Kuwait on Sunday serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy. His mission is to pay respects and offer condolences on behalf of India's government and 1.4 billion citizens for the passing of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Puri will deliver personal letters from President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to new Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad. India has declared a national day of mourning, praising the late Emir's pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. As a key partner, India stands with Kuwait during this time of transition.

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.            

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.            

In response to criticism over unemployment, Haryana Kaushal Rojgar Nigam announces the recruitment of 10,000 skilled workers for construction jobs in Israel. Candidates with class X education, aged 25 to 54, and three years of relevant experience are eligible. The offered salary is 6100 NIS (Rs 1.34 lakh/month). Haryana addresses Israel's worker shortage amid the conflict with Hamas. This move follows reports of Palestinians losing work permits in Israel. Contrary to recent statements denying discussions, Haryana actively engages in international recruitment efforts, also advertising positions in Dubai and nursing roles.

Negotiations for the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA (European Free Trade Association) stall as Switzerland raises concerns on mobility and intellectual property rights. The 20th round of talks faces challenges despite recent progress. EFTA, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, seeks a resolution before India's 2024 general elections. The revised Indian proposal on market access and Switzerland's apprehensions complicate the process. While no set deadline exists, both sides aim for an early 2024 signing. Recent visits by Norway's trade minister and Switzerland's economic affairs state secretary aimed to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the Biden administration to designate India a "Country of Particular Concern" citing threats to religious freedom. USCIRF highlights India's alleged efforts to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad. The watchdog mentions India's systematic violations, urging the US State Department's action under the Religious Freedom Act. Commissioner Stephen Schneck expresses deep concern over India's alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and a plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. India responds, assuring examination of shared inputs. USCIRF emphasizes the dangerous extension of domestic repression targeting religious minorities abroad.

Indian-origin truck driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, responsible for a fatal 2018 crash in Canada, has lost his bid to remain in the country. Sentenced to eight years for the accident that killed 16 people, Sidhu's plea was dismissed, leading to potential deportation to India. The Federal Court rejected claims of unfair assessment, stating officials considered Sidhu's record and genuine remorse. Despite facing removal, Sidhu can still seek humanitarian grounds to stay. The tragic incident occurred when Sidhu's semi-trailer failed to stop, colliding with a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, resulting in 16 fatalities and 13 injuries.            

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, on a three-day state visit, received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu greeted him. Bilateral talks ensued, highlighting the longstanding India-Oman friendship rooted in history, culture, and defense cooperation. The visit is a significant diplomatic milestone, reinforcing ties and showcasing Oman's unique status as the sole Gulf partner where all Indian Armed Forces conduct regular bilateral exercises. The Sultanate also participated actively in India's G20 Presidency, fostering collaboration on various fronts.            

Five Indian-American members of the US Congress, including Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. They warned of potential damage to India-US relations if not appropriately addressed. The lawmakers emphasized the need for a thorough Indian investigation, accountability, and assurances to prevent such incidents. Nikhil Gupta, accused in the murder plot, faces charges in the US, where he was arrested in the Czech Republic. The Indian government's high-level committee announcement was welcomed by the Congress members.            

India's permanent UN representative, Ruchira Kamboj, passionately urged the international community, stating, "Having fought the scourge of terrorism for several decades, India is aware of the perils." Addressing the UNSC Open Debate on Small Arms, Kamboj stressed the link between illicit arms and conflicts, declaring, "The increase in volume and quality of arsenals reminds us that terrorists cannot exist without state sponsorship." She called for "zero tolerance" and coordinated global efforts against terror actors. Advocating international cooperation, Kamboj asserted, "It is important that this council exercise zero tolerance for terror actors and their sponsors, their possession and misuse of small arms."