India and Russia held discussions Thursday on expanding bilateral trade in fisheries, meat, and dairy products while addressing market access issues. Russia expressed willingness to import fishery and meat products from India and showed interest in veterinary vaccine development and animal health management. Ahead of PM Modi's meeting with President Putin, India's Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh met with Russian Agriculture Minister Oxana Lut in New Delhi. Both sides discussed expanding mutual trade, resolving market access issues, and fast-tracking establishment listings for exports. Discussions also focused on collaboration in research, education, emerging aquaculture technologies, deep-sea fishing vessels, and processing capabilities to strengthen agricultural cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized "independent foreign policies" and a "multipolar world order" during joint press briefing with PM Modi, stressing economic ties are "entirely natural" despite US pressure. Putin announced Russian participation in Make in India programs and highlighted cooperation at Russia's Kudankulam nuclear plant, where two of six units are operational. He reaffirmed Russia as a "reliable supplier" of oil, gas, and coal amid Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases. Modi thanked Putin for "unwavering commitment," calling energy security a "strong pillar" of partnership. Leaders agreed on economic cooperation program until 2030 ensuring "diversified, balanced, and sustainable" trade, with officials exchanging agreements on jobs, health, shipping, and chemicals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Friday morning before the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House. PM Modi told Putin that Ukraine war must end through peaceful means while both leaders firmed up a five-year economic roadmap to counter Washington's tariffs and sanctions. Modi expressed confidence India-Russia will achieve $100 billion bilateral trade target before 2030, inviting Russian businesses to "Make In India." Leaders signed comprehensive healthcare cooperation agreement covering medical education, research, disease control, and digital health technologies. Modi described the friendship as steadfast like a "pole star" despite geopolitical challenges, marking Putin's first India visit since Ukraine war began.

India and Russia issued a joint statement reaffirming strong commitment to counter-terrorism following the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Both nations condemned terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (April 22, 2025) and Moscow's Crocus City Hall (March 22, 2024), calling terrorism "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of religious or ideological motivations. The statement emphasized preventing cross-border terrorist movement, eliminating financing networks and safe havens. Leaders called for concerted action against UN-listed terrorist groups including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh and affiliates, focusing on rooting out safe havens, countering terrorist ideology, eliminating financing channels linked to transnational crime, and halting foreign terrorist fighter movement. 

IndiGo announced full refunds for all cancelled flights between December 5 and 15 as its nationwide meltdown continues. The airline said refunds will be processed automatically. IndiGo also waived all cancellation and rescheduling fees. To support stranded passengers, the carrier arranged hotel rooms, transport, and food at major airports. Senior citizens will get lounge access where possible. Over 750 flights were cancelled on Friday alone, with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad worst affected. IndiGo blamed a pilot shortage and winter pressures. The airline warned of more cancellations until December 8 and said services will be reduced after that. (PC: PTI)

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a life-size bronze statue of their DDLJ characters, Raj and Simran, at London’s Leicester Square. The statue marks 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Aditya Chopra’s iconic film. This is the first time an Indian movie has been honoured with a statue in the UK’s Scenes in the Square trail. SRK and Kajol flew to London for the event, where photos and videos went viral. Released in 1995, DDLJ remains one of India’s most loved films and continues to shape Bollywood’s idea of romance even after three decades.

India has announced a free 30-day e-visa for Russian tourists to boost travel and deepen ties with Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement after talks with President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi. The new facility will include e-tourist visas and group tourist visas, processed within 30 days and free of cost. Both leaders also launched the Vision 2030 document to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. Modi said the plan will open new business opportunities. Putin thanked India for the warm welcome and highlighted his strong working relationship with Modi.

The UK has introduced stricter student visa rules, leading at least nine universities to stop accepting applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The move follows rising visa refusals, which now exceed the Home Office’s new 5% limit. Universities like Chester, East London, Sunderland, Hertfordshire, and Oxford Brookes have paused admissions from these countries until 2026. Many institutions blame long visa processing times and tougher compliance checks. The Home Office said the rules aim to stop “visa abuse” and ensure only genuine students arrive. Pakistan and Bangladesh had refusal rates of 18% and 22%, far above the new threshold.

A new study by the Esya Centre shows most Indians feel safer because of street dogs in their neighbourhoods. The survey covered 1,063 people across 10 cities. It found that 73.5% see community dogs as friendly, and only 10.8% find them aggressive. The report also shows a sharp drop in rabies deaths, from 534 in 2004 to 54 in 2024. Many respondents said dogs help deter crime and keep women and children safe. The study urges better reporting of dog-bite cases, improved sterilisation, and stronger cooperation between municipalities and community feeders. (PC: The Print)

Simone Tata, step-mother of Ratan Tata and a major force in India’s beauty and retail sectors, passed away at 95 in Mumbai. She had been battling Parkinson’s symptoms and was airlifted from Dubai earlier this year for treatment. Born in Geneva, she moved to India after marrying Naval Tata in 1955. Simone helped build Lakmé into a leading Indian cosmetics brand and later founded Trent Ltd., which launched Westside. She led both companies for decades, shaping India’s consumer market. After retiring in 2006, she stayed away from public life and was last seen at Ratan Tata’s funeral in 2024.