In a major breakthrough for Indian security agencies, two of the country’s most wanted gangsters—Bhanu Rana and Venkatesh Garg—have been arrested abroad. While officials from multiple security agencies, including the Haryana Police, apprehended Garg in Georgia, Rana, who is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was arrested in the United States.

Garg involved in BSP leader’s murder case

According to officials, Venkatesh Garg, a resident of Narayangarh in Haryana, was wanted in over ten criminal cases across India. He had fled to Georgia after being accused of murdering a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader in Gurugram. Garg was allegedly recruiting youth from Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and nearby states to expand his criminal operations.
Investigations have revealed that Garg was operating an extortion syndicate along with gangster Kapil Sangwan, who is also believed to be abroad. In October, Delhi Police had arrested four shooters from Sangwan’s network for opening fire at a builder’s residence and farmhouse.

Bishnoi-linked Bhanu Rana arrested in US

Meanwhile, Bhanu Rana, originally from Karnal, has long been active in organized crime and was living in the US for several years. His name surfaced during the investigation into a grenade attack in Punjab.
Rana’s network allegedly extends across Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi. Earlier this year, the Special Task Force (STF) in Karnal had arrested two men carrying hand grenades and pistols, who were reportedly acting on Rana’s instructions.

Both Rana and Garg are expected to be deported to India soon. Officials have indicated that more than two dozen major gangsters from India continue to operate overseas, running criminal syndicates and hiring local recruits.

Former US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as “a great man” and “a friend”, while suggesting he may visit India next year to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a White House press briefing after unveiling a new plan to cut prices of weight loss drugs, Trump said his talks with PM Modi were “going great”. He added, “He (PM Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. He is a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out; I will go… Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will be going.” When asked if the visit could take place in 2026, Trump responded, “It could be, yes.”

Trade negotiations and India’s energy stance

Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing trade discussions between India and the US following Washington’s decision to impose additional tariffs, including a 25 per cent duty, over India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The move came months after reports suggested Trump had dropped plans to attend the Quad Summit following tariff tensions.

Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi, noting that he had spoken directly with PM Modi during Diwali celebrations at the Oval Office.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s comments, reiterating that New Delhi’s energy decisions are based on “national interests and consumer welfare.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India prioritises “stable prices and secured supplies through diversified sourcing” and noted ongoing efforts to deepen energy cooperation with the US.

In a landmark political moment, Democrat Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the new mayor of New York City, marking multiple historic firsts. At 34, Mamdani will become the city’s youngest mayor in over a century and the first Muslim and Indian-American of South Asian heritage to hold the office.

Historic victory for a new generation

Mamdani’s win, achieved against heavyweight contenders like former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, represents a generational shift in New York politics. His progressive platform—focusing on affordable housing, public transport, and social equity—struck a chord with voters.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, on October 18, 1991, to Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani and Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, Zohran Mamdani spent his early years in Uganda and South Africa before moving to New York. A graduate of Bowdoin College with a degree in Africana Studies, he co-founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter during his university years.

The campaign and vision ahead

Mamdani’s grassroots campaign called for a rent freeze on stabilised units, universal childcare, tuition-free education, and fare-free buses. He also proposed building two lakh public housing units and city-run grocery stores. His plan to raise the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, funded through higher taxes on millionaires and corporations, drew both praise and criticism.

Despite facing ideological opposition and being branded as “too radical” by his rivals, Mamdani’s authenticity and mass connect drove one of the highest voter turnouts in five decades, with over 2 million ballots cast.

Now, as he prepares to assume office on January 1, the young leader faces the challenge of transforming his ambitious promises into policy amid scrutiny from conservatives and the business community alike.