Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has suspended Indian-origin PhD scholar Prahlad Iyengar until January 2026 for his pro-Palestine essay in Written Revolution. The essay allegedly contained language interpreted as inciting violence and included imagery linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a US-designated terrorist organization. MIT also terminated Iyengar’s scholarship and banned the magazine. Iyengar, backed by the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid, called the suspension an attack on academic freedom. Protests have erupted, with demands to reverse the decision. Iyengar is appealing the suspension, arguing the charges are unjust and threaten free speech on campuses.

India is in advanced talks with Russia to acquire the Voronezh radar system, a long-range early warning radar capable of tracking missiles, jets, and stealth aircraft. The deal, worth $4 billion, aims to boost India's air defence and surveillance capabilities. The radar can detect threats up to 8,000 km away, covering China, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, 60% of the system may be manufactured locally. The radar is expected to be deployed in Karnataka's Chitradurga district. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is discussing this and other military projects with Russian officials during his visit.

US President-elect Donald Trump mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as "Governor of Canada" after threatening 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Trump, during a dinner meeting at Mar-a-Lago, suggested Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming the "51st state" of the US. Trudeau, who flew from Ottawa for the November 30 meeting, warned such tariffs would devastate Canada's economy. Trump joked Canada could become two states, with Trudeau as a Governor. Talks covered immigration, trade, and fentanyl issues. Both leaders called the meeting "productive," though Trudeau avoided addressing Trump's remarks publicly.

Hindu-American Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump to be the Director of National Intelligence, has sparked mixed reactions. Gabbard, 43, met with key Senators on Capitol Hill to support Trump’s stance on Syria. Critics have raised concerns over her 2017 visit to Syria, where she met President Bashar al-Assad. Gabbard, a former Hawaii Congresswoman and US Army veteran, would become the first Hindu American to lead the US intelligence community. While some Senators praised her leadership, others are skeptical of her foreign policy views. Gabbard, a former Democrat, left the party in 2022.

Bangladesh has asked India to inform former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stop making political speeches from Indian soil. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin raised the issue during talks with his Indian counterpart Vikram Misri. He stated that the government does not like her recent comments and has requested India’s attention on this matter. Hasina accused the interim government of targeting minorities and called it a "fascist regime." Dhaka is also considering her extradition. Both sides discussed minority rights, border killings, and misinformation campaigns. India assured that Hasina’s stay would not affect bilateral relations.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain in Dhaka to address attacks on religious institutions and Hindu minorities. Misri expressed concerns over rising violence and urged better protection for vulnerable communities. The discussions also focused on strengthening ties, which have been strained since Sheikh Hasina's ouster and Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus assuming leadership. Incidents of mob violence and prosecution of Hindu priests have worsened tensions. Misri called the talks "frank and constructive," emphasizing India’s commitment to mutual cooperation. Bangladesh attributed recent violence to political retaliation, not religious discrimination.                    

With Bashar al-Assad's regime overthrown, India-Syria relations face uncertainty. Syria has supported India on key issues, especially Kashmir, and backed India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in 2019. India, in turn, supported Syria’s claims to the Golan Heights and promoted a peaceful Syrian-led resolution during its civil war. The fall of Assad raises fears of extremist groups regaining strength, posing security risks for India. Despite the turmoil, India maintains its embassy in Damascus and prioritises Syria’s sovereignty. Economic ties, including trade and IT collaborations, remain vital as India monitors developments closely to safeguard mutual interests.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to address tensions in bilateral relations. Yunus raised concerns over former PM Sheikh Hasina’s statements from India, calling them a source of tension. Misri emphasised India’s commitment to protecting minorities in Bangladesh and urged cooperation to strengthen ties. Yunus assured that his government is committed to safeguarding all citizens. He also highlighted efforts to revive SAARC and improve flood management with India’s help. Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh and denied favouring any political party. Both leaders expressed optimism about building stronger ties for mutual prosperity.

A fire broke out at Jungle Jamboree restaurant near Rajouri Garden Metro Station in Delhi on Monday, prompting over 20 students to jump to a nearby terrace to escape. The blaze, reported at 2:01 PM, saw 10 fire tenders dispatched. No fatalities occurred, but one person sustained minor injuries. Thick smoke engulfed the area, causing panic among shopkeepers. Authorities confirmed the building housed a restaurant, shops, and an institute. Videos of the incident went viral, showing people leaping to safety. Police and fire officials are investigating the fire's cause while ensuring all individuals are accounted for.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed provocative comments from a Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, who claimed that Bangladesh could occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. "You will occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and we’ll have lollipops?" Banerjee remarked, calling the statement baseless. She urged political leaders and the media to avoid stirring tensions, stressing the need for peace and unity in Bengal. Banerjee also highlighted the shared concerns of Hindus and Muslims in Bengal regarding the atrocities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of secularism and compassion in resolving such issues.