The Indian rupee touched an all-time low of ₹90.41 per U.S. dollar on December 4, 2025, continuing its downward trend this year. Analysts cite three primary reasons for the 4 % decline in 2025: persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, a widening trade deficit driven by high imports—especially gold—and limited intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Delays in a potential India–US trade deal have also contributed to reduced dollar inflows. The depreciation raises concerns about rising import costs, inflationary pressures, and economic uncertainty for businesses and consumers.

Ukraine has attacked the Druzhba pipeline in central Russia’s Tambov region, marking the fifth strike this year on the key route supplying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. The strike reportedly involved remote-controlled explosives, though operators in Hungary and Slovakia reported that oil flows remained normal as of Wednesday. Kyiv asserts that such attacks on energy infrastructure are intended to weaken Moscow’s war effort, in response to ongoing Russian strikes on Ukraine. The incident underscores escalating energy-security tensions in Europe amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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: AP)

The U.S. State Department has directed consular officers to review H-1B visa applicants’ employment histories and online activity, especially roles linked to content moderation or censorship of protected speech. A cable dated December 2 instructs officers to flag applicants — and accompanying family members — whose LinkedIn profiles or resumes suggest involvement in misinformation, fact-checking, or online safety operations that restricted free expression. The scrutiny applies to both new and returning applicants, reflecting broader moves under the Donald Trump administration to clamp down on visa access tied to speech-suppression concerns. (PC: India Today)

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)