Smital Dhake, a 26-year-old British-Indian data scientist from Maharashtra, has won the Newcomer of the Year award at the UK's prestigious RailStaff Awards 2023. Born in Jalgaon and educated in England, Dhake works at Alstom's office in Hatfield as their first and only data scientist. She was recognised for her stellar contributions to developing innovative technologies like Alstom’s Modular Advanced Route Setting system, which uses machine learning to enable efficient railway operations. Described as an inspiration for women in STEM fields, Dhake visits schools to promote engineering careers. Her award caps a meteoric rise at one of the world’s leading rail mobility companies. Dhake’s grandparents motivated her to work hard and apply her skills, a mindset that led to this triumph. (Image Courtesy: @AlstomUK on X)

FBI Director Christopher Wray assured the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of an "aggressive" investigation into attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. During high-level talks, NIA's Dinkar Gupta highlighted the expanding nexus of terrorists and gangsters reaching the US. The July 2 attack by pro-Khalistan supporters followed the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Wray emphasized common ground with NIA and discussed cyber threats, terror financing via cryptocurrency, and challenges posed by encrypted apps. Both agencies pledged to enhance cooperation against evolving terrorism threats. Wray's visit aims to strengthen collaboration between US and Indian security agencies.

US President Joe Biden is unlikely to visit India next month to be the Chief Guest at the 2024 Republic Day celebrations, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi having extended an invitation in September, according to sources. The invitation has not been officially confirmed by India yet. Separately, the proposed Quad summit dates in late 2024 were found not suitable for all partners, so new dates are being considered for the meeting to be hosted by India. Biden gracing the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guest was uncertain already, and the postponement of the Quad summit makes the January 26 date impossible. With no revised timeline yet for either event, Biden's India visit next month seems implausible now.

A 30-year-old man, Tyler Anderson, was arrested in Dover, New Hampshire, for threatening Indian-origin Republican US presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Anderson responded to a campaign text with disturbing messages, stating, "Great, another opportunity for me to blow [the candidate's] brains out!" and "I'm going to kill everyone who attends and then f**k their corpses." Mr. Ramaswamy's campaign promptly alerted law enforcement, leading to Anderson's swift arrest. Expressing gratitude, Ramaswamy commended the team for ensuring his safety. Anderson faces potential imprisonment up to five years, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old climate justice advocate from India, made a bold statement at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. Rushing onto the stage with a sign proclaiming "End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future," she was later escorted away as the audience applauded. Sharing the protest video on social media, Kangujam expressed being detained for over 30 minutes and subsequently ousted from COP28. In a powerful statement, she urged governments to phase out fossil fuels, emphasizing the impact on children. COP28 director-general applauded her enthusiasm, highlighting the limited public protests allowed at the UN talks.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refuted claims of a secret memo against Hardeep Singh Nijjar, denying its existence and labeling reports as "fake and completely fabricated." The ministry accused the outlet of disseminating the information of promoting "fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence." In a statement, MEA emphasized a "sustained disinformation campaign against India" and warned against amplifying such news, stating, "Those who amplify such fake news only do so at the cost of their own credibility." Several media reports claimed that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued a secret memo in April 2023 directing Indian consulates in North America to initiate a crackdown against Khalistan supporters in Western nations.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait on Monday issued an advisory for Indian drivers coming on work visas after rising cases of shady recruitments. It said more Indians are hired as "restaurant drivers" but later deployed by employers named "consumer orders" as illegal food delivery bike riders. Terming it a breach of job contract, the embassy asked emigrants to retain passports, not hand them over to agents, and ensure having an employment visa before leaving. The advisory also listed guidelines like checking if the employer is registered, reporting coercion, and informing the embassy about disputes. It urged vigilance against delivery driver traps forcing hazardous work violating Kuwaiti laws. READ THE FULL ADVISORY IN THE LINK BELOW.

India's ambassador to Qatar visited eight former naval officers sentenced to death in October, facing unspecified charges. The court order remains confidential, with speculation that they were "charged with spying for Israel." India, deeply shocked by the verdict, has appealed, as diplomatic tensions rise. The meeting occurred after Prime Minister Modi's talks on the Indian community's well-being with Qatar's Emir. The men, reported as ex-naval personnel, worked for Al Dahra. With 700,000 Indians in Qatar, this case tests India's diplomatic prowess, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the undisclosed charges and legal proceedings.    

In an effort to boost tourism and the economy, Indonesia's tourism ministry proposed issuing free entry visas to travelers from 20 top visitor countries including India on Thursday. Minister Sandiaga Uno said attracting more foreign tourists is expected to have a multiplier effect, increasing domestic spending, drawing investment, and supporting digital economic growth. He said the goal is to target high-quality tourists who stay longer and spend more money locally. The 20 countries also include Australia, China, South Korea, the U.S., U.K., France and Germany. Uno noted the free visas would apply to nations without existing visa exemptions. The move comes as part of Indonesia's push to increase international visitor numbers.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in a conversation with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, stating, "Spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh this evening. He expressed deep concern on the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank." Jaishankar reiterated India's 'long-standing position' on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing the commitment to a peaceful resolution. He added, "(We) Agreed to remain in touch," highlighting diplomatic continuity. This diplomatic exchange echoes Prime Minister Modi's reaffirmation on October 19 during talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. As tensions persist in the region, India underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing the complex Israel-Hamas conflict.