The government informed the Rajya Sabha that 72,218 foreign students from about 200 countries are currently studying in India. Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar highlighted India’s growing global academic presence, noting that 54 higher education institutions have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026, compared to just 11 in 2014–15. He added that ₹6,198.99 crore has been sanctioned for eight public institutions under the World Class Institutions scheme to grant Institution of Eminence status. So far, 12 institutions have been notified as IoEs. Majumdar credited the National Education Policy 2020 for boosting infrastructure, research, and innovation, helping Indian HEIs achieve their highest-ever global representation.(PC: NDTV & HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi on December 4 for his first India visit since the Ukraine conflict, marking the 25th year of the India–Russia strategic partnership. The two-day trip includes a ceremonial welcome, summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Agreements are expected in trade, agriculture, health, media, and cultural exchange, alongside a 2030 roadmap for economic cooperation. Defence discussions will focus on BrahMos upgrades, hypersonic projects, and S-400 procurement. Putin will be accompanied by seven senior ministers and the Central Bank Governor. Modi and Putin will also jointly address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. (PC: India Today & Times of India)

Russia's cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen India-Russia civil nuclear energy cooperation, set to be signed during President Vladimir Putin's December 4-5 New Delhi visit. The agreement authorizes Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, to formalize the pact with Indian authorities. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Rosatom CEO Alexei Ligachev will present comprehensive proposals, including a roadmap for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) collaboration emerging technology offering faster deployment and lower costs. Rosatom, currently constructing reactors at Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, has expressed willingness to localize advanced Russian-designed systems in India, signaling a shift from project-based collaboration to long-term technology co-development and manufacturing.(PC: Nuclear Business Platform)

India signed a $946 million sustainment deal with the United States for 24 MH-60R "Seahawk" naval helicopters, covering maintenance, spare parts, training, and technical support over five years. The agreement, formalized through Letters of Offer & Acceptance under US Foreign Military Sales, includes comprehensive support for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions, and search-and-rescue operations. The timing precedes Russian President Vladimir Putin's December 4-5 India visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. India originally procured the helicopters in February 2020, with deliveries beginning in 2021. The Navy's first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi. The package enhances Indian Navy maritime capabilities and US-India interoperability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for a state visit, his first since the Ukraine conflict. India and Russia are expected to sign agreements on trade, health, agriculture, media, and cultural exchange. The visit marks the 25th year of their strategic partnership and includes a ceremonial welcome, a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a business forum address, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Defence talks will also cover advanced BrahMos missile variants and S-400 air-defence systems. Trade deficit issues and energy cooperation are likely to be discussed. (PC: India Today)

India has deployed a five-layer security ring for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to Delhi. The plan includes Russian Presidential Security officers, NSG commandos, Delhi Police, snipers, drones, jammers and AI-based monitoring. Over 40 Russian security personnel arrived earlier to inspect and secure all routes. A control room will track Putin’s movement in real time, and facial recognition cameras will be active across key locations. Putin will attend the India-Russia Annual Summit, visit Raj Ghat, and dine with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His armoured Aurus Senat limousine has also been flown in for the visit. (PC: NDTV)

India plans to continue importing Russian crude despite new US sanctions, using "less transparent routes," analysts say. November saw imports surge to 1.9-2.0 million barrels per day a five-month high as refiners front-loaded before the November 21 sanctions deadline. December arrivals are expected to drop to 1.0-1.2 mbpd, potentially stabilizing around 800,000 barrels daily. Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia notes Indian leaders "will not want to be seen as bending down to US sanctions," as Russian barrels remain cost-competitive. Moscow has adapted through ship-to-ship transfers near Mumbai and mid-voyage diversions. Indian refiners argue Russian oil itself isn't sanctioned and will pivot to non-sanctioned entities and opaque trading channels while diversifying suppliers. (PC: The Economic Times)

Ravindra Nath Soni, the 44-year-old Indian-origin owner of Dubai-based BlueChip Group, was arrested by Kanpur Police in Dehradun after an 18-month international manhunt. Accused of masterminding one of UAE's largest investment frauds, Soni allegedly promised investors guaranteed 3% monthly returns on minimum $10,000 investments locked for 18 months. The scheme collapsed in 2024 when payments stopped, leaving estimated losses of Dh367 million ($100 million), primarily affecting Indian expats. He failed to repay Dh10.05 million to a cheque-holder, triggering an arrest warrant. Police announced a ₹10,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Soni has three prior fraud cases and was previously arrested in 2022 for a "double-your-money" scheme. (PC: X)

Delhi Police's arrest of Bandhuman Singh, an alleged Goldy Dhillon gang member, reveals a multi-country gang conflict behind the Kapil Sharma café firings in Canada's Surrey. Singh, who provided weapons and vehicles for the August shooting at Kap's Cafe, claims he was threatened afterward by Jash Behbal from Malaysia's Bambiha gang. Investigators say Goldy Dhillon, aligned with Lawrence Bishnoi and Sonu Khatri, allegedly masterminded the extortion-related firings. Rival gangs include Bambiha, Goldy Brar, Arsh Dalla, and Taran Gill, operating from Canada, the US, Malaysia, and Europe. Before fleeing to Canada in 2023, Singh visited Dubai thrice and Bali once. He was arrested in Ludhiana after returning from Canada. (PC: News18 & X)

The Ministry of External Affairs said it processed Pakistan’s over-flight request for a humanitarian aid flight to Sri Lanka within hours of receipt — the request arrived around 1 p.m. on December 1, 2025 and approval was granted by 5:30 p.m. the same day. India called Pakistan’s allegation of delay “ridiculous” and an attempt to spread misinformation. India affirmed its support for Sri Lanka during flooding and clarified that all transit requests are processed based on established diplomatic norms. (PC: India Today)