India is set to propose a fresh defence procurement engagement with Russia during Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit, according to a Bloomberg News report. The discussions are expected to centre on the acquisition of Russian Su‑57 stealth fighter jets and the advanced S‑500 missile defence system, under the framework of the nations’ Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The deal is still subject to verification and official confirmation. (PC: Reuters)

Elon Musk said Starlink is ready to launch in India and will help improve internet services in rural areas. Speaking on a podcast with Nikhil Kamath, he said Starlink uses thousands of low-orbit satellites to give fast and reliable internet. These satellites can connect with each other through laser links, even if ground cables are damaged. Musk said Starlink is useful during disasters because it keeps working when local networks fail. He added that the service is best for remote areas where fibre cables are hard to install. In big cities, Starlink will support only small pockets without good internet.

Elon Musk said that the United States has gained a lot from talented Indians, during his talk on Nikhil Kamath’s “WTF is” podcast. He explained that America needs skilled people and that good talent is always in short supply. Musk also spoke about border control and said that weak rules under the Biden government led to illegal immigration. He added that the H-1B visa programme has been misused by some companies but should not be shut down. Musk said US tech firms depend on skilled workers from countries like India and China, and limiting visas could hurt America. 

The UK and India concluded the eighth edition of the biennial army exercise, Ajeya Warrior, in Rajasthan on November 30. British A Company 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles and India’s 21st Sikh Regiment trained together from November 17, focusing on peace enforcement and counter-terrorism operations in urban and semi-urban areas. Soldiers shared tactics on IEDs, drones, urban drills, and weapons. The exercise ended with a battle group-level final exercise under integrated command. Both armies also took part in fitness, sports, and cultural activities. Officials said the exercise strengthened interoperability, mutual respect, and UK-India defence ties. (PC: X)

Indian student Vijay Kumar Sheoran from Haryana was stabbed in Worcester, UK, on November 25. Police said he was found on Barbourne Road with serious injuries and died in hospital the same day. Five men, aged 22 to 35, were arrested on suspicion of murder but have now been released on bail. A sixth man was arrested earlier but released with no further action. Vijay, from Jagrambas village in Charkhi Dadri, had gone to the UK for higher studies. His family has asked for urgent diplomatic help to bring his body home. MLA Sunil Sangwan has sought a fast and fair investigation. (PC: X)

Vijay Kumar, a student from Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, was stabbed to death in Worcester, UK. The attack happened on November 15 in the city centre. Vijay was found with serious injuries on Barbourne Road and later died. He had left a government job at the Central Board of Excise and Customs to study at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Charkhi Dadri MLA Sunil Satpal Sangwan urged the government to help repatriate Vijay’s body and ensure a fast and fair investigation. Police said a fight happened before the stabbing. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the world is now seeing politics dominate economics, and India must secure its needs by diversifying supply chains. Speaking at IIM-Calcutta, he said the US is now dealing with countries on a one-on-one basis, setting “radically new terms of engagement”. India and the US are holding two trade talks at the same time. Jaishankar also said China has long followed its own rules, creating uncertainty in global trade. He stressed that India is building strong infrastructure and pushing self-reliance to become a major manufacturing hub. He added that India aims to expand its global role. (PC: NDTV)

India has launched a major relief mission to help Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe floods and landslides, killing more than 130 people and leaving many missing. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India sent ships, aircraft, and NDRF teams with food, water, tents, blankets, and medical supplies. Warships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered fresh and dry rations, while a C-130J aircraft brought 12 tonnes of aid. An IL-76 aircraft also arrived with 80 NDRF personnel and rescue dogs. India is helping stranded travellers in Colombo as more aid ships, including INS Sukanya, continue to head towards Sri Lanka. (PC: News18)

India has dispatched approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian relief to Sri Lanka under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. A C-130J aircraft landed in Colombo carrying tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat food items. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 80 rescuers and four search dogs to assist in relief and rescue operations. 

Government of India has delivered a large consignment — 73 tonnes of essential medicines, vaccines and nutritional supplements — to Kabul, aiming to support urgent healthcare needs in Afghanistan. The shipment, dispatched under the humanitarian outreach of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is part of India’s ongoing aid efforts including earlier deliveries of food and anti‑disease medicine kits this year. India calls this move a reaffirmation of its commitment to the Afghan people’s welfare during challenging times. (PC: X)