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)

Russia's cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen India-Russia civil nuclear energy cooperation, set to be signed during President Vladimir Putin's December 4-5 New Delhi visit. The agreement authorizes Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, to formalize the pact with Indian authorities. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Rosatom CEO Alexei Ligachev will present comprehensive proposals, including a roadmap for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) collaboration emerging technology offering faster deployment and lower costs. Rosatom, currently constructing reactors at Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, has expressed willingness to localize advanced Russian-designed systems in India, signaling a shift from project-based collaboration to long-term technology co-development and manufacturing.(PC: Nuclear Business Platform)

IndiGo issued a "sincere apology" Wednesday evening after over 150 flight cancellations and widespread delays across India due to multiple operational challenges. The airline announced "calibrated adjustments" to schedules for the next 48 hours to stabilize operations. Disruptions stemmed from technical glitches, winter schedule changes, adverse weather, aviation congestion, and new Flight Duty Time Limitation rules. Major airports saw significant cancellations: 67 from Delhi, 42 from Bengaluru, 32 from Mumbai, and 33 from Hyderabad. The Federation of Indian Pilots disputed IndiGo's FDTL explanation, attributing disruptions to the airline's "prolonged lean manpower strategy." Affected passengers were offered alternate arrangements or refunds. Other carriers also faced delays after Amadeus software outages Tuesday night.(PC: Indigo)

India signed a $946 million sustainment deal with the United States for 24 MH-60R "Seahawk" naval helicopters, covering maintenance, spare parts, training, and technical support over five years. The agreement, formalized through Letters of Offer & Acceptance under US Foreign Military Sales, includes comprehensive support for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions, and search-and-rescue operations. The timing precedes Russian President Vladimir Putin's December 4-5 India visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. India originally procured the helicopters in February 2020, with deliveries beginning in 2021. The Navy's first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi. The package enhances Indian Navy maritime capabilities and US-India interoperability.

Pakistan will sell a majority stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to meet IMF loan conditions. The bidding will take place on December 23 and will be shown live. Four bidders, including the military-linked Fauji Fertiliser, have qualified. The sale is part of the $7-billion IMF package that demands major reforms. PIA has struggled for years due to huge debts, weak management and major scandals, including pilots with fake licences. The airline also lost key routes after global bans in 2020. Pakistan hopes the privatisation will reduce losses as its economy remains under severe stress. (PC: India Today)

South Africa defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring second ODI in Raipur to level the three-match series 1-1. India scored 358 for five after Virat Kohli hit 102 and Ruturaj Gaikwad made his maiden ODI hundred with 105. South Africa chased the target with four balls left, finishing at 362 for six. Aiden Markram led the chase with a brilliant 110, while Matthew Breetzke scored 68 and Dewald Brevis added 54. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each for India. The series will now be decided in the final ODI. (PC: ICC)

A woman in Panipat, Haryana, was arrested for drowning her six-year-old niece during a family wedding. Police said the accused, Poonam, killed the child on December 1 by placing her in a water-filled tub and locking the door from outside. During questioning, Poonam confessed she was “irritated by beautiful girls” and admitted to killing three other children in the past, including her own three-year-old son. She also confessed to drowning a nine-year-old relative in 2023 and another six-year-old girl in August this year. Earlier deaths were believed to be accidents. Police have launched a full investigation. (PC: HT)