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India closes two more visa centres in Bangladesh amid worsening security concerns

India has temporarily closed visa application centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, citing security concerns following protests near Indian establishments in Bangladesh.

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India closes two more visa centres in Bangladesh amid worsening security concerns

India has shut two additional Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh — in Rajshahi and Khulna — citing the prevailing security situation in the country. The move comes a day after protests were held near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka by radical groups, raising concerns over safety around Indian establishments.

An official notification issued on the IVAC website said the centres in Rajshahi and Khulna were closed on December 18 due to security reasons. Applicants who had appointments scheduled for the day have been assured fresh slots at a later date.

The decision follows the temporary shutdown of the visa application centre in Dhaka earlier, even as New Delhi flagged a rise in open hostility towards India, particularly targeting the northeastern region, under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh rejects India’s security assessment

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain dismissed India’s concerns and denied any deterioration in law and order. He distanced the interim administration from recent inflammatory remarks made by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who had publicly threatened to cut off India’s “seven sisters” and also issued comments against the Indian High Commissioner.

Hossain said the individual was not part of the government and termed his statements irrelevant. He also claimed that security arrangements were in place and that the shutdown of the Dhaka visa centre coincided with a local programme, which raised security-related questions.

Political backdrop and India’s response

The NCP, which emerged from student-led protests that led to the fall of the previous Awami League government, has extended support to the Yunus-led interim setup. Though the party has limited political presence, radical elements associated with it have organised anti-India demonstrations in Dhaka.

India, in an earlier statement, urged the interim government to ensure internal law and order and hold peaceful elections so that Bangladesh can return to an elected administration. However, the interim government appeared dismissive of this advice, with Hossain stating that India need not advise Dhaka on conducting elections.

Observers in Bangladesh have pointed out that delays in elections could benefit the unelected interim government, while radical groups may attempt to create disruptions by projecting India as a hostile actor. New Delhi has so far maintained a measured stance, despite remarks that directly question India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the northeastern region.

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Priya Ghanghas, Sakshi Chaudhary script history as India win four boxing golds at Commonwealth Games 2026

Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary powered India to a record four boxing gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026, taking the country’s medal tally to 32.

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India continued its impressive campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Day 10, creating history in boxing as Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary added two more gold medals to the country’s tally. With four boxing gold medals already secured, India achieved its best-ever boxing performance in a single edition of the Commonwealth Games.

Priya Ghanghas defeated Canada’s Marie Al-Ahmadieh by a 4-1 split verdict in the women’s 60kg final. After conceding the opening round, the Indian boxer fought back strongly to win the next two rounds and seal the gold medal.

Earlier, Sakshi Chaudhary produced a commanding display to defeat England’s Ruby White by unanimous decision in the women’s 51kg final, earning India’s third boxing gold of the Games.

Four boxing champions script history

Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary joined Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria on the list of Indian boxing gold medallists at the Glasgow Games.

According to the live updates, India’s four boxing gold medals are the most the country has won in the sport at any edition of the Commonwealth Games.

The boxing campaign is still not over, with five more Indian boxers scheduled to compete in gold medal bouts later on Day 10.

India’s medal tally rises to 32

India’s medal tally climbed to 32 medals, comprising 10 gold, 15 silver and seven bronze.

Apart from boxing, India also celebrated a one-two finish in the men’s F57 shot put event. Soman Rana clinched the gold medal with a throw of 13.40 metres, while Shubham Juyal secured silver with 13.28 metres.

In athletics, Praveen Chithravel claimed silver in the men’s triple jump, while Selva Prabhu Thirumaran won bronze.

Judoka Unnati Sharma also added a bronze medal after defeating South Africa’s Skye Knoester by Ippon in the women’s -63kg event.

India eye more medals on Day 10

India’s medal tally could grow further as several athletes remain in contention later on Day 10.

Boxers Arundhati Choudhary, Lovlina Borgohain, Sachin Siwach, Ankush Panghal and Narender Berwal are all scheduled to compete in their respective finals. Harsh Tokas is also set to fight for bronze in the men’s -81kg judo event, while Indian athletes will feature in the men’s pole vault, men’s 5000m and mixed 4x400m relay finals.

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Spain’s Ceuta migrant crisis: 34 dead as 60,000 cross from Morocco in 24 hours

At least 34 migrants have died and around 60,000 crossed into Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours, prompting a major security response and diplomatic reactions across Europe.

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At least 34 migrants have died while attempting to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as Spain faces one of its biggest border challenges in recent years.

According to Ceuta regional president Juan Jesus Vivas, around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory from Morocco within the past 24 hours. The situation has escalated rapidly since Thursday, with security personnel confronting large groups attempting to enter the enclave.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez travelled to Ceuta on Friday, where he condemned the breach of the border and described the incident as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.

Sanchez blamed human smuggling networks for encouraging dangerous migration attempts, saying traffickers exploit vulnerable people and put their lives at risk.

Spain says many migrants have already returned

Spain’s Interior Ministry said nearly half of those who crossed into Ceuta have already returned to Morocco. The ministry also released footage showing people walking back through a border gate separating the two territories.

To strengthen border security, the Spanish government has deployed additional troops, police personnel, divers, drones and boats in and around Ceuta.

Videos circulating on Thursday showed thousands of migrants crossing into the Spanish enclave, highlighting the scale of the sudden influx.

Crisis sparks diplomatic tensions across Europe

The large-scale movement of migrants has triggered diplomatic reactions across Europe. Germany, Italy and Finland criticised the situation, while France tightened border checks with Spain.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes in Ceuta as unacceptable in a social media post, stressing that entry into the European Union must comply with established rules.

An EU official later said there was no evidence of migrants moving onward from Ceuta into mainland Europe.

Italy also called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen free-travel area, with Finland and Denmark expressing support for the proposal. France and the United Kingdom said they were ready to assist Spain in managing the crisis.

Donald Trump comments on Ceuta crisis

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the developments, using the situation to criticise the Democratic Party’s immigration policies.

According to Fox News, Trump said the United States could face a similar situation if Democrats return to power, using the events in Ceuta as a warning about border security.

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PM Modi, UK’s Andy Burnham agree to strengthen India-UK strategic partnership

PM Modi and new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to expand cooperation in trade, defence, technology, clean energy and investment during their first phone conversation.

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and said both leaders had agreed to take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to “new heights” by expanding cooperation across several key sectors.

The two leaders spoke over the phone and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, technology, defence, clean energy, education and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Modi highlights cooperation across key sectors

Sharing details of the conversation on social media, PM Modi said he extended his congratulations to Andy Burnham on assuming office and wished him success during his tenure.

He said both countries would work together in areas such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and stronger people-to-people connections to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Prime Minister also said India and the United Kingdom would work closely to maximise the trade and investment opportunities created by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), with the aim of promoting shared prosperity and improving the well-being of people in both countries.

UK outlines Vision 2035 goals

According to a statement issued by the British government, Andy Burnham highlighted the strong partnership between the two nations and its positive impact on communities across the United Kingdom.

The statement said the British Prime Minister expressed his ambition to further deepen bilateral ties through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework while strengthening people-to-people links.

Burnham also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to British society. During the conversation, PM Modi referred to the historical connection between Manchester and Ahmedabad, describing Ahmedabad as the “Manchester of India”.

Focus on trade and investment

The British readout said the leaders also discussed the recently introduced free trade agreement, with PM Modi underlining its potential to generate new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries through stronger trade and investment cooperation.

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