The UK and US reached a zero-tariff agreement on pharmaceutical imports after President Trump threatened tariffs up to 100%. Britain will increase NHS medicine spending from 0.3% to 0.6% of GDP over ten years and raise treatment cost thresholds by 25% in exchange for three-year tariff protection. Pharmaceuticals represent the UK's largest US export at £11.1 billion annually, comprising 17.4% of total goods exports. The deal addresses Trump's complaint that Americans subsidize global drug costs by paying premium prices. Major UK drugmakers GSK and AstraZeneca recently announced multi-billion-dollar US investments while pausing British projects. Drug company NHS rebate caps will be reduced from over 20% to 15%. (PC: Getty Images)

H-1B visa approvals for India's top seven IT companies plummeted to a 10-year low in fiscal year 2025, with only 4,573 petitions approved for initial employment, a 70% decline since 2015 and 37% drop from 2024. TCS remained the sole Indian firm among top five employers, securing 846 initial and 5,293 continuing employment approvals, though facing increased rejection rates. American tech giants Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google dominated initial approvals, hiring foreign talent for AI development projects after investing billions in artificial intelligence. The shift reflects Indian IT firms delivering services with fewer H-1B visas while US companies aggressively recruit foreign-born graduates to build domestic AI capabilities, fundamentally transforming skilled immigration patterns. (PC: Bloomberg & India Today)

A viral X post by lawyer Pranay Maheshwari urging Indians to leave the country and renounce citizenship has ignited intense online debate. Maheshwari advised citizens to relocate abroad for better lifestyle, respect, and quality of life, suggesting hundreds of nations offer superior opportunities. He encouraged obtaining permanent residency and new citizenships, claiming no moral issue exists in abandoning Indian nationality. However, the post faced significant backlash from users arguing that no country is perfect and every nation has challenges. Critics emphasized that India's diversity allows fulfilling lives domestically, while others accused Maheshwari of being preachy without leading by example. The controversy highlights divided opinions on emigration versus nation-building.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court Monday after requesting a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. The request, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, comes amid Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Opposition leaders say any pardon should require Netanyahu to admit guilt or leave politics. Demonstrators protested outside the Tel Aviv court, calling for him to face jail. Netanyahu’s lawyers said frequent court appearances hinder his work as prime minister. Pardons are usually granted only after conviction, and no Israeli precedent exists for a mid-trial pardon. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing. (PC: NDTV)

Imran Khan's sons have raised serious concerns about their father's wellbeing, demanding proof of life after weeks without verified contact. Kasim Khan described the situation as psychological torture, stating the family fears something irreversible may be hidden. The former Pakistan Prime Minister, imprisoned since August 2023, faces multiple convictions including the Toshakhana case and charges related to leaked diplomatic cables and the Al-Qadir Trust. Despite court orders permitting weekly visits, access remains blocked. While Pakistani authorities claim Khan remains in good health, his family and PTI party continue pressing for independently verified confirmation. Kasim last saw his father in November 2022 following an assassination attempt. (PC: The Hindu)

A Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro has killed four people and injured 40. The strike hit an office area, cars and shops, causing a large explosion. The attack happened as new diplomatic efforts continue to end the war. US envoy Steve Witkoff will meet President Putin in Moscow, after holding talks with Ukrainian leaders in Florida. Both sides say discussions were useful but hard issues remain. Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from parts of Donbas, which Kyiv refuses. President Zelensky is now in Europe seeking more support as worries grow over the slow peace process. (PC: BBC)

The government has directed all mobile phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices sold in India. Companies like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have 90 days to follow the order. The app will help users report fraud, block stolen phones, check mobile connections and verify if a device is genuine. A DoT official said the aim is to make fraud reporting faster and easier. The app will be visible at first use but can be deleted. India has lost nearly ₹35,000 crore to cyber fraud in recent years, pushing the need for stronger protection. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission of India is under heavy criticism after posting a video of BLOs dancing during the SIR voter roll revision. The video came at a time when more than a dozen Booth-Level Officers across several states have reportedly died by suicide due to work pressure. Many people called the video tone-deaf and insensitive. The clip showed a “50-minute work, 10-minute fun” break in Kerala. Critics said the ECI should focus on reducing workload instead of sharing dance clips. Congress leaders also raised the issue in Parliament. The ECI has now extended the SIR deadline by one week. (PC: India Today)

India’s partnership with Russia played a major role in the success of Operation Sindoor. Key Russian systems like the BrahMos missile, S-400 air defence and Sukhoi fighter jets helped India stop enemy threats and carry out accurate strikes. Experts say these technologies gave India clear control in the air and on the ground. The BrahMos missile showed precise target-hitting power, while the S-400 stopped incoming drones and missiles. With President Putin visiting India on December 4–5, both nations are set to deepen their defence ties. The strong India-Russia bond continues to shape India’s security. (PC: NDTV)

Net migration to the UK has dropped sharply, falling 80% from the 2023 peak, according to new ONS data. In the year ending June 2025, 74,000 Indians left the UK, the highest among non-EU groups. Most were students and workers. Chinese nationals were the next largest group to leave. The fall comes as fewer people arrive for work or study and more decide to leave. Skilled worker visas also dropped due to higher salary rules. Experts warn the decline may affect the UK economy. At the same time, irregular migration by small boats has increased, adding pressure on services. (PC: Financial Express)