Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight over a selfie with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at COP28 in Dubai, stating, "Meeting friends is always a delight." The leaders, previously discussing trade and defense during Meloni's visits to India, showcased the warmth of their relationship. Modi, attending COP28, initiated a 'Green Credit Initiative' and proposed hosting COP33 in India in 2028. The summit featured interactions with global leaders, including Isaac Herzog and Antonio Guterres. Meloni had earlier visited India for the G20 Summit, fostering cooperation in various sectors for global prosperity.

A bipartisan group, spearheaded by Representative Pramila Jayapal, has introduced the HR6542 Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to eliminate per-country caps on employment-based green cards. The bill aims to ease the enduring backlog of green card applications, notably from India and China, where applicants face decades-long waits. Supported by groups like Immigration Voice, the legislation could bring relief to 1.2 million high-skilled immigrants stuck in the green card backlog. By phasing out per-country caps, the bill intends to enhance the immigrant visa system, aiding American businesses in retaining global talent. The move aligns with efforts to address a record-breaking 1.8 million employment-based green card backlog reported by USCIS this year.

A selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni has sparked buzz online. Shared by Meloni on Instagram and X from COP28 in Dubai, the photo was captioned "Good friends at COP28, #Melodi." The unique hashtag, referencing the leaders' surnames, instantly began trending. It highlights the camaraderie between them which drew attention earlier during Meloni's G20 Delhi visit. Their viral laughter-filled exchange and Meloni wishing Modi online spurred the moniker. This latest selfie has now become top trend material on multiple platforms. Users are applauding the friendly India-Italy bilateral relations. The two leaders also discussed their countries' shared commitment to sustainability during COP28.

After attending the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, PM Modi shared a social media post thanking Dubai for a "productive" meeting. He reiterated his commitment to continued collaboration for environmental action. Modi highlighted his interaction with King Charles III, praising the British monarch as a passionate and important voice in the fight against climate change. The post contained a video summarizing key moments and meetings with global leaders during COP28. Modi engaged world leaders bilaterally while emphasizing in his summit address the need for all countries to contribute to mitigating climate change. Overall, the post and video projected Modi’s active leadership and India’s constructive role at the pivotal climate conference.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captures a moment with Indian PM Narendra Modi at COP28 in Dubai, captioning it 'Good friends at COP28. #Melodi.' PM Modi engages with global leaders, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Addressing four sessions, Modi emphasizes the need for global emissions reduction and unveils India's 'green credit' initiative. Talks on clean and green growth dominate discussions with bilateral and regional interests. The COP28 summit marks a significant step post-COP26 commitments, with optimism around renewables and electric vehicles for achieving climate goals.

Tragic discovery as Mitkumar Patel, a 23-year-old Indian student studying in the UK, who went missing on November 17, was found dead in the Thames River near Canary Wharf. The Metropolitan Police state the death is not suspicious. His family, devastated by the news, launches a Go Fund Me campaign, raising over GBP 4,500 to assist with repatriation costs. Patel, scheduled to move to Sheffield for studies, was reported missing after not returning from a daily walk. The fundraiser aims to support his family and facilitate the return of his body to India. [Picture courtesy: gofundme.com ]

India advocates concerted action at Interpol's 91st General Assembly in Vienna, seeking real-time prevention of transnational crimes like terrorism and cyber fraud. The Indian delegation led by CBI Director Praveen Sood emphasizes the elimination of safe havens for criminals and coordinated strategies to curb transnational criminal organizations. The assembly marks Interpol's centenary year, celebrating increased collaboration that led to the return of 24 criminals wanted by India this year. Discussions focus on strengthening global cooperation, expediting mutual legal assistance, and extradition requests. India supports Interpol's 'Vision 2030' and the creation of the Interpol Future Council for evolving law enforcement needs.            

During the COP28 World Climate Action Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. PM Modi expressed condolences for lives lost in the Hamas attack on October 7 and welcomed recent hostage releases. Advocating a 'durable' resolution, he reaffirmed India's support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Herzog highlighted Hamas' ceasefire violations, emphasizing the need to prioritize international efforts for hostage release. PM Modi's engagements included meetings with global leaders and proposing India as the host for COP33 in 2028.

In a decisive win at the 2024-2025 International Maritime Organisation Council Elections in London, India dominates Category B, receiving 157 out of 167 votes. The other countries in this category (Category B) are: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. The High Commission of India in London expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, "Grateful to partners for reposing strong faith again in India IMOHQ Council in the Category of States with largest interest in international seaborne trade, for 2024-25, with the top tally of 157 votes 167." This victory marks a significant increase from the previous election, where India tied with the UAE at 133 votes. The win underscores India's growing influence and prominence in international seaborne trade, solidifying its position as a key player in the maritime domain.

President Joe Biden dispatched CIA Director William Burns to address an alleged plot targeting US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. US authorities revealed a conspiracy implicating an Indian national in hiring a hitman for the attempted murder. CIA Director Burns emphasized the need for an Indian investigation during high-level discussions, including Biden's personal mention to PM Narendra Modi at the G20 summit. Washington's diplomatic efforts, including visits by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, aim to navigate the situation, while India launches an inquiry, viewing the matter as a "concern."