IndiGo has cancelled over 150 flights and recorded just 35 % on-time performance amid implementation of the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms issued by DGCA. The rules, which came into effect in November, mandate 48 hours of weekly rest, limit night landings to two between midnight and 6 am, and restrict consecutive night duties. The airline blamed the disruptions on a crew shortage, tech glitches and weather, while the DGCA has sought a detailed report. (PC: PTI)

A Russian foreign-policy analyst says that for Vladimir Putin the foremost objective in his upcoming engagement with Narendra Modi is to protect the strategic partnership between India and Russia from external interference, notably from Donald Trump’s push on New Delhi to curb Russian energy and defence ties. The analyst argues Moscow views the relationship as a safety-net in a volatile international system—so maintaining it, even under Western sanctions regime, is critical. India’s balancing act between Russia and the West is therefore being framed by Russia as central to its geostrategic interests. (PC: PTI)

Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to India, with Narendra Modi hosting a private dinner followed by the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Key agenda items include defence procurement (notably additional S-400 air-defence systems and potential interest in Su-57 fighters) and energy security amid US sanctions on Russian crude. Bilateral talks will also cover trade, employment mobility and diplomatic coordination on the Ukraine conflict, reflecting India’s balancing act between major powers. (PC: AFP)

The Supreme Court of India held that in cases of divorce under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, a Muslim man must return gifts received from the bride’s parents at or around marriage to the bride. The bench noted that Section 3 grants the woman a right over properties given to her before, at, or after marriage. It quashed a previous order by the Calcutta High Court which had allowed the man to retain such gifts. The court emphasised equality, dignity and lived realities of women in smaller towns and rural areas. 

The Indian rupee crashed past the 90-mark against the US dollar for the first time, hitting 90.14 amid strong dollar strength, heavy foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows, and stalled India–US trade talks. Limited RBI intervention has allowed the currency to slide, with analysts warning it could touch 91 if support eases. The fall impacts everyday life: imported goods like crude oil and edible oils become costlier, raising inflation; foreign travel and overseas education expenses rise; and EMIs may increase with higher policy rates. The RBI’s upcoming Monetary Policy Committee decision on December 5 and the US Fed’s rate move on December 10 will be crucial for stability. (PC: Reuters)

Indian trucker Rajinder Kumar, living illegally in the US since 2022, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangering after his semi-truck blocked two lanes on Oregon’s Highway 20, causing a crash that killed newlyweds William Carter and Jennifer Lower on November 24. ICE has lodged an arrest detainer against Kumar, who entered illegally near Lukeville, Arizona, and later obtained a California commercial licence and work permit in 2023. This marks the fourth fatal crash involving Indian nationals driving trucks illegally in the US. Previous incidents include Jashanpreet Singh killing three in California, Partap Singh causing a pileup, and Harjinder Singh’s Florida crash that left three dead. (PC: India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sparked controversy by alleging that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to use public funds to build the Babri Masjid, but was opposed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Congress dismissed the claim as “lies” and accused Singh of “rewriting history.” Singh cited Inside Story of Sardar Patel: The Diary of Maniben Patel (1936–50), which records Patel telling Nehru that government money could not be used for a mosque, unlike the Somnath Temple reconstruction funded by a trust. Singh drew a parallel to the Ram Mandir, stressing no government funds were used. Congress leader Manickam Tagore insisted there is “zero archival evidence” supporting Singh’s assertion, calling it polarising rhetoric. (PC: NDTV & News18)

The government informed the Rajya Sabha that 72,218 foreign students from about 200 countries are currently studying in India. Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar highlighted India’s growing global academic presence, noting that 54 higher education institutions have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026, compared to just 11 in 2014–15. He added that ₹6,198.99 crore has been sanctioned for eight public institutions under the World Class Institutions scheme to grant Institution of Eminence status. So far, 12 institutions have been notified as IoEs. Majumdar credited the National Education Policy 2020 for boosting infrastructure, research, and innovation, helping Indian HEIs achieve their highest-ever global representation.(PC: NDTV & HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi on December 4 for his first India visit since the Ukraine conflict, marking the 25th year of the India–Russia strategic partnership. The two-day trip includes a ceremonial welcome, summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Agreements are expected in trade, agriculture, health, media, and cultural exchange, alongside a 2030 roadmap for economic cooperation. Defence discussions will focus on BrahMos upgrades, hypersonic projects, and S-400 procurement. Putin will be accompanied by seven senior ministers and the Central Bank Governor. Modi and Putin will also jointly address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. (PC: India Today & Times of India)

Virat Kohli struck his 53rd ODI century in Raipur against South Africa, his second ton in consecutive matches after scoring 135 in Ranchi. The 37-year-old reached the milestone in just 90 balls, extending his record tally in the format and registering his 84th international century. Kohli now edges closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100 international tons (51 Tests, 49 ODIs). This was also the 11th time Kohli has scored back-to-back ODI centuries, the most by any player. He climbed to fourth in ICC ODI batting rankings, just 32 points behind Rohit Sharma. Kuldeep Yadav also rose to sixth among ODI bowlers, boosting India’s overall standing.(PC: The Guardian)