US expects record number of Indian student visa applications in 2024
The US Embassy in India is expecting a record number of student visa applications from here this year, similar to or even exceeding the all-time-high 140,000 visas issued last year. To handle the surge, the Embassy has started interviewing students earlier than usual. Key Points
India TodayIsrael Embassy blast case: FIR yet to be lodged, Delhi Police question 11 people
Forensic teams have visited the spot of the blast and samples have been collected. CCTV footage of nearby areas being analysed. Key Points
ThePrintAhead of blast, Israel Embassy received 'threat messages', flagged security concerns in October
On 16 October, Embassy reached out to MHA regarding online threats. Sources say threats included 'abusive language' with slogans of ‘Free Palestine’. Key Points
ThePrintIsrael Embassy 'blast': 2 suspects caught on CCTV, counter-terror teams at spot | Top points
A loud blast occurred near the Israel Embassy in New Delhi on Monday. At the blast site, the police found a letter criticising Israel's actions in Gaza. Key Points
India TodayDelhi Police gather evidence in Israel Embassy ‘low intensity’ blast case, 'identify 2 suspects'
Police say experts have 'lifted exhibits that may have evidentiary relevance' & sent them for forensic examination. Sources add group called Sir Allah Resistance has claimed responsibility. Key Points
ThePrint
Israel's Security Council issues advisory, asks Israelis in India to avoid crowded places
The advisory comes after reports of a blast near the Israel Embassy in New Delhi Tuesday. No workers or diplomats were injured in the incident. Key Points
ThePrint‘Blast’ near Israel Embassy in Delhi, letter to envoy spark panic
A letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was recovered at the spot, mentioning Israel's actions in Palestine. The incident is being investigated. | Latest News Delhi Key Points
Hindustan TimesGranted consular access to those onboard flight grounded by French authorities: Indian embassy
A Nicaragua-bound plane carrying 303 Indian passengers from the UAE was grounded in France over suspected human trafficking. The Indian Embassy in France stated that it obtained consular access and is investigating the situation while ensuring the well-being of passengers. French authorities informed about the detention of the plane at Vatry airport, east of Paris. Key Points
Economic TimesBlackstone to exit Embassy Reit in $833mn block deal
The deal has a floor price of ₹310 per share, representing a discount of approximately 7.7% compared to Embassy Office Parks' Tuesday closing price. Key Points
mintAfghan consul generals announce they've 'assumed leadership' of embassy, hrs after ‘permanent closure’
Saga on control over Embassy of Afghanistan continues. After a statement from the Embassy announcing its closure, 2 remaining consul generals in India take up joint-leadership of embassy. Key Points
ThePrint
Afghan Embassy in Delhi announces permanent closure owing to persistent challenges from Indian govt
The Embassy acknowledged that some might interpret the decision to close its operations as an internal conflict involving diplomats who chose to side with the Taliban. But in reality, the move is a result of broader policy changes and interests, it said. Key Points
Economic TimesAfghanistan announces permanent closure of Indian embassy
Says that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests. The Afghanistan Embassy has announced its permanent closure in New Delhi. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaWushu team awaits visa from US Embassy to go for world championships
Their departure is scheduled for Thursday but the players are yet to be called for visa interviews. IOA and sports ministry have reached out to authorities. Key Points
Hindustan TimesNorth Korea blames US for 'terrorist' act against Cuban embassy: ‘Despicable’
An assailant attacked the Embassy on Sept. 24 with two Molotov cocktails. No one was hurt and there was no significant damage. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times'Lack of support from host govt' — Afghan embassy's 3 main reasons for shutting down operations
Afghan Embassy in New Delhi to close 1 October. Reasons it provided for doing so include 'failure to meet expectations of serving Afghanistan’s interests, reduction in personnel'. Key Points
ThePrint
Afghan Embassy in India announces shut down of operations from October 1
The Indian External Affairs Ministry is reviewing a letter from the Afghan Embassy stating its intention to halt all operations in New Delhi by Saturday. India has not recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan and does not have a diplomatic presence in the country. The Afghan Embassy in India has been staffed by individuals appointed by the previous Afghan government, but many diplomats have left for third countries, likely seeking asylum. Key Points
Economic TimesAfghan Embassy in Delhi to cease operations from Oct. 1
The Embassy of Afghanistan in India's capital New Delhi will cease operations from Oct. 1, due to a lack of support from India and a reduction in personnel and resources, the Embassy said in a statement on social media platform X. Key Points
ReutersAfghan Embassy in Delhi to close down in next 2 days? 'Letter sent to MEA' days after staff sacked
Diplomats wrote to ministry on Ambassador Farid Mamundzay's instruction, it is learnt. This comes months after power tussle emerged between previous Afghan democratic govt & Taliban regime. Key Points
ThePrintAfghan Embassy denies leadership change after claims of CDA appointment by Taliban
The Afghan Embassy in India has denied reports of a change in its leadership. Earlier, reports had claimed the Taliban have appointed a charge d'affaires to head the mission, replacing incumbent Farid Mamundzay. Key Points
India TodayBlackstone exits Embassy REIT; sells 23.5 pc stake for Rs 7,100 crore
New Delhi, Dec 20 (PTI) Global investment firm Blackstone on Wednesday sold its entire 23.5 per cent stake in Embassy Office Parks REIT for around Rs 7,100 crore to various foreign and domestic investors, including Capital Group, ICICI Prudential MF and SBI Mutual Fund, sources said. Embassy Office Parks REIT is India’s first Real Estate […] Key Points
ThePrint
Blackstone likely to exit Embassy Office Parks REIT via block deal on Wednesday: Report
The floor price for the sale has been set at Rs 310 a share, and Kotak Mahindra Capital and IIFL Capital are the advisors to the mega deal. The floor price is at a discount of nearly 8% to the current market price. The units of Embassy Parks REIT ended 3.4% higher on the BSE at Rs 335.54. Key Points
Economic TimesUS Embassy in Baghdad attacked with 7 mortars, no casualties
Explosions were heard near the embassy, in the centre of the capital, at about 4 am (0100 GMT) on Friday. Sirens calling on people to take cover were activated. Key Points
India TodayAfghan Embassy announces permanent closure in Delhi
Statement released by Embassy claims it was closing down owing to 'persistent challenges' from the Indian govt. The Embassy had previously announced 'cessation of operations' in Delhi from Oct. Key Points
ThePrintWho is Aaron Bushnell, US Air Force member set himself on fire outside Israeli Embassy in Washington
An active-duty member of the US Air Force, identified as Aaron Bushnell, set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, stating, I will no longer be complicit in genocide. The man has reportedly died from his injuries, after being treated at a nearby hospital for his critical injuries. The incident has sparked an investigation by local police and Secret Service. This act comes amid ongoing protests against the war in Gaza, which has led to pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations in the US. Key Points
Economic TimesRoad outside Russian Embassy in London painted in Ukraine flag colours
Four people, three males and one female, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing the highway. They remain in custody," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Thursday. Key Points
India Today
MEA says Afghan embassy’s closure ‘internal matter’, rejects claim of no diplomatic support from India
Embassy had cited 'notable absence of crucial support from host government' as one of reasons for closing. MEA will continue to assist Afghans, says its spokesperson. Key Points
ThePrintIndian Embassy in Israel urges Indians in border areas to move to safer zones
The Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory for Indians in Israeli border areas to relocate due to security concerns. They also provided emergency contact numbers and expressed condolences for the victims of the Hezbollah missile attack. The Embassy remains in touch with Israeli authorities for the safety of Indian nationals. Key Points
Economic TimesAfghan ambassador says India accommodating Taliban diplomatic representation under ‘guise’ of republic
According to Farid Mamundzay, dual purpose of this is to 'appease domestic stakeholders and meet Taliban's demands for reciprocal cooperation'. MEA says Embassy functional 'as usual'. Key Points
ThePrintUS Embassy warns of imminent attack in Moscow, urges citizens to leave Russia
U.S. Embassy has warned of an imminent attack in Moscow by 'extremists', asked its citizens to leave Russia Key Points
Hindustan TimesGrounded flight with over 300 Indians in France sparks human trafficking probe: Key details
The Indian Embassy in France swiftly responded, confirming consular access and an ongoing investigation. The embassy, through social media, stated, French authorities informed us of a plane w/ 303 people, mostly Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. Embassy team has reached & obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers. Key Points
Economic Times
‘Crude bomb, shrapnel, smoke’ — Israel Embassy blast investigation points to 'chemical explosion'
'Shrapnel, ball bearings' found, and a wall also showed signs of impact, it is learnt. Delhi Police trying to trace a 'prime suspect' who took auto from Jamia Nagar to Prithviraj Road. Key Points
ThePrint