Defence ministers of India and Russia are set to discuss future defense acquisitions, including the S-500 missile system, during their annual summit. The meeting will also review progress on ongoing cooperation, with India seeking additional S-400 squadrons and addressing delayed deliveries of a previous order.

India prioritizes peace and dialogue but will not compromise on national sovereignty and security, stated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He highlighted India's growing role as a reliable partner, driven by economic strength, technological advancement, and a principled foreign policy. Reforms in defence procurement and modernization are crucial for future security and national destiny.

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea seeking a ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) practiced within the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community. The court issued a notice to the Centre and the Ministry of Law and Justice, acknowledging the NGO's argument that FGM is not an essential part of Islam and violates children's rights.

The Supreme Court has directed the Kerala Governor, acting as chancellor, to decide on a report by an SC-appointed committee regarding vice-chancellor appointments within a week. Justices Pardiwala and Viswanathan emphasized the governor cannot delay acting on the report, which was formed with mutual consent. The court expects a prompt decision following the committee's findings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India next week for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, a state visit expected to strengthen defense and trade ties. This visit, Putin's first to India since the Ukraine invasion, will be closely watched by Western nations as India navigates its strategic partnerships.

The Supreme Court has allowed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to proceed with elections for most local bodies, excluding those with over 50% reservation. Polls for 57 civic bodies exceeding this limit will be subject to the court's final decision on January 21, with results pending the outcome.

The Supreme Court is set to frame guidelines to protect women's health, dignity, and privacy concerning menstruation, prompted by an incident where sanitation workers were forced to prove they were menstruating. The court expressed concern over 'period-shaming' and issued notices to the Centre, acknowledging the SCBA's petition highlighting widespread such violations.

Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Jordan and Oman in mid-December, aiming to bolster trade and discuss regional stability, particularly the Gaza ceasefire. Discussions are expected to cover a potential free trade agreement with Oman and Jordan's role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Both nations have shown strong support for India and condemned terrorism.

Air travel faces significant disruption this weekend as over 350 IndiGo and Air India A320 family aircraft in India, and thousands globally, are grounded for a crucial software upgrade. This precautionary measure follows an incident where an A320 unexpectedly pitched downward, potentially due to solar radiation affecting flight control data. The upgrade aims to ensure fleet safety.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Left-wing extremism, North-East insurgency, and terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir will soon be resolved. He highlighted the government's focus on intelligence, clear objectives, and coordinated action to combat these issues and narcotics. Shah also stated that Naxalism will be eradicated before the next DGP/IGP conference.

Jammu and Kashmir's National Conference passed a resolution condemning the alleged selective targeting of Kashmiris following a Delhi terror module involving doctors from the region. The party urged state governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiris nationwide and called for the restoration of J&K's full statehood and special constitutional status.

A decade-long study reveals no major Indian city met safe air quality standards between 2015 and November 2025. Delhi consistently ranked as the most polluted, with other cities also experiencing unhealthy AQI levels. Vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning are identified as key contributors, exacerbated by geographical factors and weather patterns.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar for breakfast following a directive from the party high command to discuss the ongoing «power tussle» over the chief ministerial post. This meeting comes as the Congress government reaches its halfway mark, with reports of Shivakumar's faction pushing for a leadership transition.

Karnataka finds itself engulfed in a tumultuous political crisis as tensions rise between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. This escalating feud evokes memories of previous leadership battles in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where indecisive moves from the Congress high command contributed to electoral failures.

Veteran Congress leader M Veerappa Moily has criticized the party's high command for the ongoing leadership crisis in Karnataka. He emphasized the need for discipline within the party, stating that leadership representatives should have anticipated the current political turmoil. Moily refrained from commenting on specific leadership changes, focusing instead on the immediate requirement for party discipline.

Punjab Cabinet approved empanelment of 300 doctors across 12 specialties to boost healthcare. This move aims to enhance specialist availability and improve secondary healthcare quality in government facilities. Specialists will receive fees per patient, with incentives for night duties. A proposal for border area incentives for government doctors and teachers is also underway.

India's economy surged by 8.2% in the July-September quarter, marking a six-quarter high. Prime Minister Modi attributed this robust growth to the «hard work and enterprise» of Indians and the government's pro-growth policies. Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted sustained economic momentum driven by reforms and fiscal consolidation, reinforcing India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Amid Karnataka's leadership crisis, the BJP suggests the Congress might opt for a «dark horse» CM, bypassing Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar due to their «egoistic attitude.» Speculation also mounts over party chief Mallikarjun Kharge potentially being considered for the top post, a move supported by some state leaders.

India has achieved 'major power' status, ranking third in Asia according to the Lowy Institute's Power Index. This rise is attributed to its growing economic and military strengths, notably boosted by recent combat experience in Operation Sindoor. While India leads Japan and Russia, a significant gap remains with China and the US, the top two superpowers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram in Goa during the 550th-year celebrations of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math. Earlier, he visited Udupi, Karnataka, offering prayers at Sri Krishna Matha and participating in a mass recitation of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

The Supreme Court has directed the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to draft a mechanism for pre-screening user-generated content on social media. The court emphasized the need for a preventive measure to curb the rapid spread of potentially damaging or anti-national content before it goes viral, acknowledging the limitations of post-takedown actions.

CISF has approved an extended four-year tenure for its personnel securing the Parliament House complex, with a potential one-year extension. This aims to improve operational continuity and familiarity with MPs, while ensuring a steady infusion of new personnel through annual rotation. Stricter eligibility criteria and mandatory specialized training are also part of the updated guidelines for PHC security duties.

The Supreme Court suggested a law similar to the SC/ST Act to protect differently-abled individuals from ridicule. While the government acknowledged the concern, it raised potential issues for creative artists. The court also directed comedians to host shows featuring SMA achievers, contributing earnings to patient treatment.

Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar clarified his «word power» social media post was intended for the legal fraternity on Constitution Day, not a political jab at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.