Delhi is on high alert as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to visit India for two days. Over 5,000 police personnel, SWAT teams, snipers, and anti-terror units have been deployed across the capital. Anti-drone systems and secured VVIP routes are in place, with traffic advisories planned to reduce commuter inconvenience. During the visit, Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a private dinner and attend the 23rd India-Russia annual strategic summit. Discussions will include trade, defence, industrial cooperation, technology, healthcare, and space exploration. Security officials are closely monitoring every movement to ensure the safety of both leaders. (PC: HT)

A record 74,000 Indian students left the UK in 2025, raising concerns about stricter visa and dependant rules. New policies, including limits on postgraduate dependants and uncertainty around post-study work visas, are driving students away. Experts say this trend could hurt universities heavily dependent on international fee revenue, with potential budget shortfalls and course closures. Countries like Australia, Dubai, and Germany are attracting Indian students with clearer pathways and longer work options. Education specialists urge the UK to stabilize the Graduate Route, revisit dependant rules, and offer transparent immigration policies to restore student confidence and maintain its global competitiveness. (PC: India Today)

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delighted crowds at the 7th New Zealand Sikh Games in Auckland by making jalebis live. He joined local MP Rima Nakhle at the opening ceremony on November 30, meeting athletes, volunteers, and performers. Standing behind a steaming wok, Luxon piped the sweet batter into spirals as the crowd cheered. The video quickly went viral, with fans calling him the “coolest Prime Minister ever” and joking about trying his jalebis. The Sikh Games showcased sports like kabaddi, cricket, and Gatka martial arts, blending culture, competition, and community pride from participants across New Zealand and abroad. 

Delhi is battling toxic air, with AQI levels touching 400, but city officials are still cutting large tree branches in the name of pruning. Residents say the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is hacking trees instead of doing light and scientific trimming. Social media is filled with complaints from areas like Vasant Kunj, Defence Colony and Greater Kailash. Experts warn this will reduce green cover at a time when trees are the only natural defence against pollution. Despite rules that restrict pruning without permission, poor coordination and alleged corruption continue. Citizens say this careless approach is worsening Delhi’s pollution crisis. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to Delhi for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders will discuss new oil and defence deals as India faces pressure from the US to cut Russian crude imports. Washington has raised tariffs on Indian goods, pushing ties to a low point. Modi aims to protect India’s “strategic autonomy” by staying close to Moscow while keeping doors open to the West. India wants faster delivery of Russian weapons, including S-400 units, and more space for Indian products in Russia’s market. The visit will test India’s balance between security, trade and global politics. (PC: BBC)

India’s loss to South Africa in Raipur has again exposed the team’s weakness in the final overs. Despite centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India finished with 358, at least 20 to 30 runs short after a slow end. KL Rahul tried to lift the score with an unbeaten 66, but support from the lower order never came. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja struggled to accelerate, scoring only 25 runs between them. South Africa chased 359 with confidence, showing better power-hitting in the death overs. The defeat has renewed calls for India to find a reliable ODI finisher. (PC: India Today)

A 25-year-old Pakistani-origin student in the US has been arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the University of Delaware. The suspect, Luqmaan Khan, was caught on November 24 after police found him in a park after hours. A search of his truck revealed loaded guns, large magazines, body armour and a notebook with attack plans. The notes mentioned “kill all”, “martyrdom”, and the layout of a police station. The FBI later found more weapons, including an illegal machine gun, at his home. Khan has been charged with illegal gun possession and remains in custody as the investigation continues. (PC: NDTV)

Musician Anoushka Shankar has criticised Air India after her sitar was damaged during a recent flight. She said she was “devastated” as the airline had charged a handling fee but still failed to protect the instrument. In a video shared on Instagram, she showed cracks on her sitar and said this was the first such incident in more than 15 years of travel. Anoushka questioned how the airline could be so careless, especially with a traditional Indian instrument. Fans and artists, including Zakir Khan and Vishal Dadlani, expressed support. Anoushka recently received multiple Grammy nominations for her new album.

The Trump administration has ordered stricter checks for H-1B visa applicants. A new State Department cable asks US diplomats to review LinkedIn pages and resumes of applicants to see if they worked in areas like content moderation, fact-checking, misinformation tracking or online safety. Officers must check if any applicant took part in restricting speech protected under US law. If so, the visa can be denied. The rule covers all visa types but focuses on H-1B workers, many of whom come from India’s tech sector. Both new and repeat applicants will face this review. (PC: India Today)

India’s World Cup-winning cricketer Richa Ghosh has joined Bengal Police as an assistant commissioner. She reported for duty in her new uniform at Bhabani Bhavan on Wednesday and met state police chief Rajeev Kumar. Richa will serve in the Siliguri Police Commissionerate. She has been appointed as a deputy superintendent of police but given the post of assistant commissioner. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper played a key role in India’s title win, scoring 34 off 24 balls in the final. Bengal Police shared her joining picture on X, calling her a proud addition to the force. (PC: Instagram)