Rajasthan's CID Intelligence arrested Punjab resident Prakash Singh alias Badal for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The 34-year-old Ferozepur man was detained near Ganganagar's Sadulwali military station after surveillance revealed his contact with Pakistani intelligence through social media since May. Officials allege Badal collected classified information about Indian Army vehicles, military installations, border geography, railways, bridges, and construction projects across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat. He reportedly helped Pakistani handlers create Indian WhatsApp accounts by obtaining OTPs from Indian mobile numbers, receiving payment for espionage activities. Technical analysis confirmed allegations after interrogation at Jaipur's central facility. This marks another espionage arrest following similar cases in Rajasthan and Haryana. (PC: India Filings)

India's telecom ministry has privately ordered major smartphone manufacturers to preload the government's 'Sanchar Saathi' cybersecurity app on all new devices within 90 days, making it non-deletable for users. The November 28 directive affects Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi, requiring existing devices receive the app via software updates. The government justifies the mandate as essential for combating telecom cyber threats from duplicate IMEI numbers enabling scams. Since launching in January, the app has recovered over 700,000 lost phones and blocked 3.7 million stolen devices across India's 1.2 billion subscriber market. Apple, which historically refuses government app pre-installations, faces a significant policy conflict given its 4.5% Indian smartphone market share. (PC: Reuters)

Virat Kohli delivered a spectacular century against South Africa in Ranchi, scoring 135 off 120 balls with eleven fours and seven sixes in India's 17-run victory. The knock marked his record-extending 52nd ODI hundred and first home appearance since February. Social media buzzed over screengrabs showing head coach Gautam Gambhir congratulating Kohli, with their interaction drawing significant attention. Kohli confirmed his retirement from T20Is and Tests, committing exclusively to ODI cricket. The 37-year-old addressed form concerns, emphasizing that physical fitness and mental readiness matter more than constant match practice given his 15-year career spanning 306 ODIs and 14,390 runs. Rohit Sharma's dressing room reaction also went viral.

The UK and US reached a zero-tariff agreement on pharmaceutical imports after President Trump threatened tariffs up to 100%. Britain will increase NHS medicine spending from 0.3% to 0.6% of GDP over ten years and raise treatment cost thresholds by 25% in exchange for three-year tariff protection. Pharmaceuticals represent the UK's largest US export at £11.1 billion annually, comprising 17.4% of total goods exports. The deal addresses Trump's complaint that Americans subsidize global drug costs by paying premium prices. Major UK drugmakers GSK and AstraZeneca recently announced multi-billion-dollar US investments while pausing British projects. Drug company NHS rebate caps will be reduced from over 20% to 15%. (PC: Getty Images)

H-1B visa approvals for India's top seven IT companies plummeted to a 10-year low in fiscal year 2025, with only 4,573 petitions approved for initial employment, a 70% decline since 2015 and 37% drop from 2024. TCS remained the sole Indian firm among top five employers, securing 846 initial and 5,293 continuing employment approvals, though facing increased rejection rates. American tech giants Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google dominated initial approvals, hiring foreign talent for AI development projects after investing billions in artificial intelligence. The shift reflects Indian IT firms delivering services with fewer H-1B visas while US companies aggressively recruit foreign-born graduates to build domestic AI capabilities, fundamentally transforming skilled immigration patterns. (PC: Bloomberg & India Today)

A viral X post by lawyer Pranay Maheshwari urging Indians to leave the country and renounce citizenship has ignited intense online debate. Maheshwari advised citizens to relocate abroad for better lifestyle, respect, and quality of life, suggesting hundreds of nations offer superior opportunities. He encouraged obtaining permanent residency and new citizenships, claiming no moral issue exists in abandoning Indian nationality. However, the post faced significant backlash from users arguing that no country is perfect and every nation has challenges. Critics emphasized that India's diversity allows fulfilling lives domestically, while others accused Maheshwari of being preachy without leading by example. The controversy highlights divided opinions on emigration versus nation-building.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court Monday after requesting a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. The request, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, comes amid Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Opposition leaders say any pardon should require Netanyahu to admit guilt or leave politics. Demonstrators protested outside the Tel Aviv court, calling for him to face jail. Netanyahu’s lawyers said frequent court appearances hinder his work as prime minister. Pardons are usually granted only after conviction, and no Israeli precedent exists for a mid-trial pardon. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing. (PC: NDTV)

Imran Khan's sons have raised serious concerns about their father's wellbeing, demanding proof of life after weeks without verified contact. Kasim Khan described the situation as psychological torture, stating the family fears something irreversible may be hidden. The former Pakistan Prime Minister, imprisoned since August 2023, faces multiple convictions including the Toshakhana case and charges related to leaked diplomatic cables and the Al-Qadir Trust. Despite court orders permitting weekly visits, access remains blocked. While Pakistani authorities claim Khan remains in good health, his family and PTI party continue pressing for independently verified confirmation. Kasim last saw his father in November 2022 following an assassination attempt. (PC: The Hindu)

A Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro has killed four people and injured 40. The strike hit an office area, cars and shops, causing a large explosion. The attack happened as new diplomatic efforts continue to end the war. US envoy Steve Witkoff will meet President Putin in Moscow, after holding talks with Ukrainian leaders in Florida. Both sides say discussions were useful but hard issues remain. Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from parts of Donbas, which Kyiv refuses. President Zelensky is now in Europe seeking more support as worries grow over the slow peace process. (PC: BBC)

The government has directed all mobile phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices sold in India. Companies like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have 90 days to follow the order. The app will help users report fraud, block stolen phones, check mobile connections and verify if a device is genuine. A DoT official said the aim is to make fraud reporting faster and easier. The app will be visible at first use but can be deleted. India has lost nearly ₹35,000 crore to cyber fraud in recent years, pushing the need for stronger protection. (PC: HT)