Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has acquired British citizenship, nearly 16 years after leaving India. He announced the development on November 14 while addressing the Oxford Union. Modi said he officially became a British citizen on September 15, 2026, at a ceremony attended by family and friends. Calling the UK his home for many years, he described his new citizenship as a proud personal milestone. Modi left India in 2010 after facing allegations of financial irregularities linked to the IPL. Indian authorities have pursued legal proceedings against him, including efforts related to his extradition. (PC: The Indian Express)

A Chinese military aircraft reportedly entered Indian airspace over Sikkim on November 12 and remained in the area for around 20–25 minutes despite repeated warnings from the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to a report by Outlook India, the aircraft was detected at around 8 am, flying at an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. The IAF reportedly issued several radio warnings asking it to return to Chinese territory, but the aircraft continued flying over the area. The incident is significant because Sikkim overlooks the strategically important Siliguri Corridor. However, Indian defence authorities have not officially confirmed the reported intrusion. (PC: DNA)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India and the United States have resolved most issues related to their proposed trade agreement, with the remaining concerns largely on the American side. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026, Jaishankar said negotiations had reached their final stage and expressed hope that the deal would be concluded soon. He stressed that India wants an agreement that is balanced, mutually beneficial and gives Indian businesses an advantage over competing economies. He also said the negotiations require careful discussions on individual tariff lines because the agreement affects jobs and livelihoods. (PC: HT)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India and the United States are close to finalising their proposed bilateral trade agreement, with most major issues already resolved. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026, he indicated that the remaining concerns largely involve the American side. Jaishankar stressed that India wants a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement offering competitive advantages over comparable economies. He said negotiations require careful discussions on individual tariff categories because jobs and livelihoods are involved. Although he expects the agreement to conclude soon, he avoided announcing a specific deadline. (PC: HT)

Britain’s Prince William and Princess Kate will visit Mumbai from November 16 to 18, 2026, to attend the sixth annual Earthshot Prize Summit and Awards Ceremony. The November 17 ceremony will recognise five winners, each receiving £1 million to expand innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Founded by Prince William in 2020, the initiative promotes sustainable development and climate action. During their visit, the royal couple will participate in events highlighting environmental innovation, sustainable transport, Indian cricket, fashion and cinema. The visit also marks Kate’s most prominent overseas engagement since her cancer treatment in 2024. (PC: Reuters)

A 27-year-old Indian student, Bilal Kazi, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison in the UK for grooming and abusing children online. Kazi posed as a teenage boy on social media and gaming platforms to target girls aged 10 to 15. He forced victims to send explicit photos and videos. He also blackmailed those who refused his demands. Police identified 70 victims aged between 11 and 17 across the UK. Investigators found that Kazi used fake identities on platforms such as Snapchat, Roblox and Wink. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport in July 2023.  

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has strongly criticised the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for describing jailed activist Sharjeel Imam as a person detained for religious freedom advocacy. In a post on X, Kwatra said the commission had no authority to judge the constitutional rights of Indian citizens and accused it of making biased and politically motivated assessments. Imam, a former JNU scholar, has been charged under UAPA in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. The diplomatic exchange has renewed tensions over India's religious freedom record. (PC: PTI)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India’s border with China has become “more alive”, highlighting significant improvements in military deployment and infrastructure. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi on November 14, he said India has strengthened its ability to sustain forces along the frontier, particularly following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Jaishankar acknowledged that border infrastructure was neglected for years. He also said India missed opportunities for industrialisation during the 1980s, while China rapidly modernised its economy. (PC: HT)

India is reportedly willing to facilitate former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return from exile, but wants Dhaka to provide security and guarantees of a fresh, fair trial. According to a BBC Bangla report cited by India Today, New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to oversee her return, potentially through a military aircraft. India also reportedly wants Hasina to have an opportunity to appeal her death sentence and face a fresh trial over the 2024 crackdown. Hasina has announced plans to return in December 2026. However, India’s Foreign Ministry has declined to comment, leaving the proposed arrangement uncertain. (PC: AP)

India has reiterated its commitment to maintaining positive, constructive and forward-looking relations with Bangladesh despite growing diplomatic tensions over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On November 13, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the India-Bangladesh consular dialogue, scheduled for November 17–18 in Dhaka, has been postponed. The discussions were expected to cover visa arrangements, border management, trade, detained citizens and other bilateral issues. Bangladesh has renewed its demand for Hasina's extradition, adding to diplomatic friction. India said it remains ready to address all bilateral concerns through existing diplomatic mechanisms and mutually agreed discussions. (PC: PTI)