The State Duma has formally approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support Agreement (RELOS) with India—signed in February—allowing Indian and Russian military formations, warships and aircraft to access each other’s facilities for logistical support, including refuelling and maintenance. The move comes on the eve of Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India on December 4-5 and signals deeper defence cooperation within their longstanding strategic partnership. (PC: AFP)

India dismissed Pakistan's claims of delayed overflight clearance for a humanitarian aid flight to Sri Lanka as "ridiculous" misinformation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India received Pakistan's overflight request at 1 PM on December 1 and granted permission by 5:30 PM the same day processing it in just four hours despite Pakistan's ongoing ban on Indian airlines using its airspace. Indian officials called Pakistani media coverage "propaganda and fake news," emphasizing the approval was a purely humanitarian gesture following established international procedures. The clarification came amid criticism of Pakistan's relief efforts after expired aid supplies (marked October 2024) were discovered in shipments to cyclone-devastated Sri Lanka, where over 390 people have died. (PC: TOI & India Today)

Russia remains committed to expanding trade with India despite obstacles from third countries, aiming for $100 billion in bilateral trade over the next five years, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Speaking at a Sputnik press interaction, he stated that western sanctions creating hurdles for India-Russia trade are "illegal." Peskov noted the U.S. dollar's declining share in global trade while national currencies gain prominence. During President Vladimir Putin's upcoming India visit, Russia will propose setting up small modular reactors in the civil nuclear domain, alongside military cooperation initiatives. Putin will be accompanied by officials presenting new proposals across strategic sectors as both nations work to overcome external challenges hindering their bilateral relationship.(PC: The Hindu)

India has rejected Pakistan’s claim that it denied airspace for aid flights to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called Pakistan’s statement “ridiculous” and said it was another attempt to spread misinformation. India stated that the request for overflight permission was received at 1 pm on December 1. Because the aid was urgent, India processed the request the same day. The approval was given at 5:30 pm, following the plan shared by Pakistan. India said it remains committed to helping the people of Sri Lanka during this crisis. (PC: ANI Video Grab)

Vijay Kumar Sheoran, a 30-year-old Indian student from Haryana, was fatally stabbed on Barbourne Road, Worcester, on November 25. He was enrolled at the University of the West of England in Bristol after leaving his government job earlier this year to pursue higher studies. Five men were arrested on suspicion of murder but released on bail, while a sixth was released without action. Sheoran’s family has asked India’s External Affairs Ministry for help to repatriate his body and ensure a proper investigation. Haryana MLA Sunil Satpal Sangwan called for justice and support for the grieving family. (PC: X)

Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India on Thursday, seeking to boost sales of Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets amid strained ties from U.S. pressure. Putin, accompanied by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and business leaders, aims to restore energy and defence partnerships with New Delhi. India's Russian crude imports are hitting a three-year low following tightened sanctions, though defence ties remain strong as India operates numerous Russian military systems. Putin's delegation includes CEOs from Sberbank, Rosoboronexport, Rosneft, and GazpromNeft. Discussions will cover advanced Su-57 fighters, additional S-400 systems, and civilian nuclear energy partnerships, despite concerns about potential reactions from U.S. President Donald Trump. (PC: Reuters)

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. The National Disaster Response Force and Indian Air Force are conducting extensive rescue and relief operations across multiple regions. NDRF teams performed rescues in Kochikade, Puttalam, and Badulla, while IAF Mi-17 helicopters evacuated 34 citizens, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo and distributed medical aid and food supplies. INS Sukanya arrived in Trincomalee carrying relief materials. An IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune, delivering 21 tonnes of relief material, over 80 NDRF personnel, and 8 tonnes of equipment. The cyclone has claimed 334 lives, with 370 people still missing, according to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre.

The CID Intelligence Wing of Rajasthan Police arrested Prakash Singh alias Badal, a 34-year-old Punjab resident, for espionage activities on behalf of Pakistan's ISI. He was detained near a military installation in Sri Ganganagar district while conducting surveillance. According to officials, Badal had been sharing photographs and videos of Indian Army movements across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat, including military bases, border infrastructure, and construction activities. He maintained contact with ISI handlers via WhatsApp using accounts created through stolen OTPs. In exchange for intelligence, he received substantial payments. Following his detention on November 27 and subsequent interrogation by multiple agencies, a case was registered under the Official Secrets Act on December 1. Investigations continue to uncover his network. (PC: India Today) 

Pakistan has rebuilt and reactivated 72 terror launch pads along the Jammu frontier seven months after India's Operation Sindoor extensively damaged terror infrastructure, the Border Security Force announced Saturday. BSF Deputy Inspector General Vikram Kunwar revealed that despite Pakistan's stated policy shift moving facilities to depth areas, twelve launch pads resurfaced near the International Border in Sialkot and Zafarwal, while sixty emerged across the Line of Control. Operation Sindoor, launched May 6-7 retaliating against April's Pahalgam attack killing 26, destroyed 118 Pakistani posts and surveillance systems across Hiranagar, Samba, Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch. Pakistani Rangers have returned to abandoned posts while BSF deploys counter-drone systems, ground surveillance radars, and modern technology to monitor border activity and evolving threats. (PC: NDTV & TOI)

Rajasthan's CID Intelligence arrested Punjab resident Prakash Singh alias Badal for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The 34-year-old Ferozepur man was detained near Ganganagar's Sadulwali military station after surveillance revealed his contact with Pakistani intelligence through social media since May. Officials allege Badal collected classified information about Indian Army vehicles, military installations, border geography, railways, bridges, and construction projects across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat. He reportedly helped Pakistani handlers create Indian WhatsApp accounts by obtaining OTPs from Indian mobile numbers, receiving payment for espionage activities. Technical analysis confirmed allegations after interrogation at Jaipur's central facility. This marks another espionage arrest following similar cases in Rajasthan and Haryana. (PC: India Filings)