India has deployed a five-layer security ring for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to Delhi. The plan includes Russian Presidential Security officers, NSG commandos, Delhi Police, snipers, drones, jammers and AI-based monitoring. Over 40 Russian security personnel arrived earlier to inspect and secure all routes. A control room will track Putin’s movement in real time, and facial recognition cameras will be active across key locations. Putin will attend the India-Russia Annual Summit, visit Raj Ghat, and dine with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His armoured Aurus Senat limousine has also been flown in for the visit. (PC: NDTV)

India plans to continue importing Russian crude despite new US sanctions, using "less transparent routes," analysts say. November saw imports surge to 1.9-2.0 million barrels per day a five-month high as refiners front-loaded before the November 21 sanctions deadline. December arrivals are expected to drop to 1.0-1.2 mbpd, potentially stabilizing around 800,000 barrels daily. Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia notes Indian leaders "will not want to be seen as bending down to US sanctions," as Russian barrels remain cost-competitive. Moscow has adapted through ship-to-ship transfers near Mumbai and mid-voyage diversions. Indian refiners argue Russian oil itself isn't sanctioned and will pivot to non-sanctioned entities and opaque trading channels while diversifying suppliers. (PC: The Economic Times)

Ravindra Nath Soni, the 44-year-old Indian-origin owner of Dubai-based BlueChip Group, was arrested by Kanpur Police in Dehradun after an 18-month international manhunt. Accused of masterminding one of UAE's largest investment frauds, Soni allegedly promised investors guaranteed 3% monthly returns on minimum $10,000 investments locked for 18 months. The scheme collapsed in 2024 when payments stopped, leaving estimated losses of Dh367 million ($100 million), primarily affecting Indian expats. He failed to repay Dh10.05 million to a cheque-holder, triggering an arrest warrant. Police announced a ₹10,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Soni has three prior fraud cases and was previously arrested in 2022 for a "double-your-money" scheme. (PC: X)

Delhi Police's arrest of Bandhuman Singh, an alleged Goldy Dhillon gang member, reveals a multi-country gang conflict behind the Kapil Sharma café firings in Canada's Surrey. Singh, who provided weapons and vehicles for the August shooting at Kap's Cafe, claims he was threatened afterward by Jash Behbal from Malaysia's Bambiha gang. Investigators say Goldy Dhillon, aligned with Lawrence Bishnoi and Sonu Khatri, allegedly masterminded the extortion-related firings. Rival gangs include Bambiha, Goldy Brar, Arsh Dalla, and Taran Gill, operating from Canada, the US, Malaysia, and Europe. Before fleeing to Canada in 2023, Singh visited Dubai thrice and Bali once. He was arrested in Ludhiana after returning from Canada. (PC: News18 & X)

The Ministry of External Affairs said it processed Pakistan’s over-flight request for a humanitarian aid flight to Sri Lanka within hours of receipt — the request arrived around 1 p.m. on December 1, 2025 and approval was granted by 5:30 p.m. the same day. India called Pakistan’s allegation of delay “ridiculous” and an attempt to spread misinformation. India affirmed its support for Sri Lanka during flooding and clarified that all transit requests are processed based on established diplomatic norms. (PC: India Today)

The State Duma has formally approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support Agreement (RELOS) with India—signed in February—allowing Indian and Russian military formations, warships and aircraft to access each other’s facilities for logistical support, including refuelling and maintenance. The move comes on the eve of Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India on December 4-5 and signals deeper defence cooperation within their longstanding strategic partnership. (PC: AFP)

India dismissed Pakistan's claims of delayed overflight clearance for a humanitarian aid flight to Sri Lanka as "ridiculous" misinformation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India received Pakistan's overflight request at 1 PM on December 1 and granted permission by 5:30 PM the same day processing it in just four hours despite Pakistan's ongoing ban on Indian airlines using its airspace. Indian officials called Pakistani media coverage "propaganda and fake news," emphasizing the approval was a purely humanitarian gesture following established international procedures. The clarification came amid criticism of Pakistan's relief efforts after expired aid supplies (marked October 2024) were discovered in shipments to cyclone-devastated Sri Lanka, where over 390 people have died. (PC: TOI & India Today)

Russia remains committed to expanding trade with India despite obstacles from third countries, aiming for $100 billion in bilateral trade over the next five years, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Speaking at a Sputnik press interaction, he stated that western sanctions creating hurdles for India-Russia trade are "illegal." Peskov noted the U.S. dollar's declining share in global trade while national currencies gain prominence. During President Vladimir Putin's upcoming India visit, Russia will propose setting up small modular reactors in the civil nuclear domain, alongside military cooperation initiatives. Putin will be accompanied by officials presenting new proposals across strategic sectors as both nations work to overcome external challenges hindering their bilateral relationship.(PC: The Hindu)

India has rejected Pakistan’s claim that it denied airspace for aid flights to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called Pakistan’s statement “ridiculous” and said it was another attempt to spread misinformation. India stated that the request for overflight permission was received at 1 pm on December 1. Because the aid was urgent, India processed the request the same day. The approval was given at 5:30 pm, following the plan shared by Pakistan. India said it remains committed to helping the people of Sri Lanka during this crisis. (PC: ANI Video Grab)

Vijay Kumar Sheoran, a 30-year-old Indian student from Haryana, was fatally stabbed on Barbourne Road, Worcester, on November 25. He was enrolled at the University of the West of England in Bristol after leaving his government job earlier this year to pursue higher studies. Five men were arrested on suspicion of murder but released on bail, while a sixth was released without action. Sheoran’s family has asked India’s External Affairs Ministry for help to repatriate his body and ensure a proper investigation. Haryana MLA Sunil Satpal Sangwan called for justice and support for the grieving family. (PC: X)