A Karachi-based woman, Nikita Nagdev, has made a public plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing her husband, Vikram Nagdev, of abandoning her in Pakistan and quietly planning a second marriage in Delhi. Nikita says they married in Karachi in January 2020 under Hindu customs, and Vikram brought her to India soon after. She alleges he later left her at the Attari border under the pretext of visa issues, forcing her return to Pakistan. She filed a complaint in January 2025 after learning about his alleged engagement in Delhi. The Sindhi Panch Mediation Centre, under the MP High Court, reviewed the case and recommended his deportation, citing lack of Indian citizenship for both. (PC: NDTV)

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said US–India ties have weakened because of President Donald Trump’s “gross incompetence”. He claimed Trump was influenced by Pakistan’s “flattery” or even “bribery”. Rubin said Americans are shocked to see India moving closer to Russia as a result. He also called the US “hypocritical” for criticising India’s purchase of Russian oil while America also trades with Moscow. Rubin said India needs energy to grow and must protect its own interests. He added that instead of lecturing India, the US should offer cheaper fuel. Rubin made these remarks as President Putin ended his visit to India. (PC: AFP)

At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made pointed remarks about Pakistan’s army, saying that many of India’s challenges stem from there. He stated, “like there are good terrorists and bad terrorists, there are good military leaders and not-so-good ones,” in reference to Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Jaishankar added that while Pakistan poses a diplomatic challenge, India must not become “over-obsessed” or tie its identity too closely ("hyphenate") with Islamabad. (PC: HT)

Michael Rubin — former U.S. Pentagon official — has argued that Trump merits the Nobel Peace Prize for the recent diplomatic realignment between India and Russia, following the high‑profile visit of Vladimir Putin to New Delhi. Rubin claimed that from Russia’s viewpoint, the visit and the honours extended to Putin were unprecedented, and that Trump’s policies helped shape that outcome. He also criticized U.S. criticism of India’s continuing energy and strategic ties with Russia — calling Washington’s stance “hypocritical.” Rubin’s remarks have stirred debate, as many analysts question whether diplomatic proximity alone should merit a Peace Prize. (PC: X)

At their December 5 summit in New Delhi, Vladimir Putin assured Narendra Modi of “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel from Russia, reinforcing their energy cooperation despite mounting U.S. sanctions. The leaders also unveiled a broad economic cooperation programme through 2030, targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade. Modi emphasized that energy security remains a “strong and important pillar” of their partnership. While Modi reiterated India’s appeal for peace on Ukraine, he avoided directly condemning Moscow. (PC: AFP)

Hyderabad-born model Bhavitha Mandava, 25, created a global splash by opening Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show in New York, marking one of the biggest milestones of her modelling journey. Now pursuing a master’s degree in assistive technology at NYU, Bhavitha was discovered on a New York subway just two weeks before the show. She had earlier walked for Bottega Veneta under creative director Matthieu Blazy. A heartfelt video of her parents’ emotional reaction to her achievement has since gone viral, celebrating her rise from a student to a breakout star on the international fashion runway. 

Diwali is poised to be added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list during the 22nd session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, beginning December 8 in New Delhi. The decision, following the evaluation of India’s nomination, is expected on December 10. India already has 15 cultural elements on the list, including Durga Puja, Garba, Kumbh Mela and Yoga. India will host the committee session for the first time at the historic Red Fort, where over 1,000 delegates from 180+ countries will discuss safeguarding reports, best practices, international assistance, and innovative approaches to preserving living heritage. (PC: PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from Palam Technical Airport Friday after his two-day India visit, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeing him off. Putin praised India as "one of the fastest growing economies in the world," noting GDP has "almost doubled" over the past decade and purchasing power increased 2.5 times. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated India emphasized the need to reform the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities and discussed collaboration in mutual forums. Putin addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, underscoring growing economic partnership. The visit, at PM Modi's invitation, included the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held December 4-5, marking Putin's first trip since 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's 24-hour India visit delivered limited tangible outcomes despite high-profile optics. Major agreements included mobility pacts, health cooperation, maritime deals, and urea manufacturing, with a $100 billion trade target by 2030. However, no significant progress occurred on energy ties or defense cooperation the relationship's main pillars. India declined Russia's offers of Su-57E stealth fighters and S-500 systems, focusing instead on expediting remaining S-400 deliveries from the 2018 deal. India has reduced Russian oil purchases since October 2025, and days before Putin's visit, signed a $946 million deal for 24 US Seahawk helicopters. Modi called their friendship a "guiding star" but emphasized India stands firmly on the side of peace regarding Ukraine.

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit reaffirmed the resilience of their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with leaders Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin committing to a $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030. The Programme 2030 aims to boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture, and high-tech goods, while addressing trade imbalances from Russian oil imports. Both sides pledged to advance a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, enhance financial cooperation via national currencies and digital platforms, and expand energy collaboration in oil, LNG, fertilisers, and civil nuclear projects, including Kudankulam. Connectivity initiatives like INSTC and Arctic cooperation were also highlighted to strengthen long-term economic synergy.