India faced heavy criticism after losing the Eden Gardens Test against South Africa, marking a rare home defeat. South Africa posted 489 runs in their first innings, with Senuran Muthusamy scoring 102 off 206 balls and Marco Jansen narrowly missing a century by seven runs. During South Africa’s innings, Indian captain Rishabh Pant grew visibly frustrated with spinner Kuldeep Yadav for delaying the start of overs. The umpires had already warned Pant twice for slow over rates. In a heated moment, Pant scolded Kuldeep, reminding him of the 30-second timer and urging him to bowl faster. His remark, accusing the team of turning Test cricket into a joke, reflected growing frustration within the Indian camp. The defeat has sparked debate over India’s discipline, focus, and approach to the longest format of the game.

India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Airshow has raised serious concerns over the country’s defense export ambitions. The incident, which killed pilot Wing Commander Namansh Sal, occurred on November 21 and has been seen as a major setback for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run manufacturer. Analysts say the crash on such a global stage could damage India’s credibility as a defense exporter, though some remain optimistic about Tejas’s recovery. HAL had been targeting markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, even opening an office in Malaysia in 2023. The Tejas project, initiated in the 1980s to replace aging MiG-21s, has faced delays due to engine supply issues from GE Aerospace. With India’s air force operating only 29 of its authorized 42 squadrons, the government is now considering alternatives such as Rafale, F-35, or Su-57 jets while continuing to expand its Tejas fleet. Experts note that beyond exports, Tejas remains vital for India’s future aerospace development.

Medical experts have raised alarm over the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance, warning that the world could soon enter a post-antibiotic era where even minor infections become deadly. According to data from India’s ICMR and NCDC, common bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics. Dr. Sunil Havannavar of Manipal Hospital explained that misuse and overuse of antibiotics, along with poor infection control, are accelerating the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten global health threats. If antibiotics lose effectiveness, surgeries like heart transplants, joint replacements, and cancer chemotherapy will become highly unsafe. Experts emphasize that responsible antibiotic use, public awareness, and systemic healthcare reforms are essential to prevent a catastrophic medical future where modern treatments could fail.

Oscar-winning Indian composer A R Rahman has spoken candidly for the first time about the personal toll of fame following his divorce from wife Saira Banu after 29 years of marriage. In a recent interview, Rahman reflected on how celebrity status has deeply affected his private life, saying that while fame brought him global recognition, it also took away his freedom and peace. Living in Chennai, he explained, has been both a blessing and a burden—his fans’ love often leaves him with little personal space. Rahman described how public attention follows him everywhere, from airports to weddings, making it difficult to enjoy simple moments. Despite these challenges, he emphasized his attachment to his homeland, saying he never considered moving abroad. Rahman also contrasted the respect for privacy he experiences overseas with the constant public scrutiny in India, acknowledging that fame has come at a heavy personal cost.

India’s Reliance Industries Limited, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has announced it has stopped importing Russian crude oil for its export-oriented refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The decision comes ahead of European Union sanctions on Russian oil set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and amid growing US pressure on India over its energy trade with Moscow. Reliance confirmed that from November 20, its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) refinery ceased using Russian crude, and from December 1, all exported products will be derived from non-Russian sources. The move aligns with upcoming trade restrictions and ongoing US sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, which supply much of India’s Russian oil. Washington recently imposed sanctions on both firms, accusing them of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The development coincides with discussions of a potential trade agreement between India and the United States, signaling a possible shift in India’s energy sourcing strategy.

A Tejas fighter jet, developed under India’s indigenous defense program, crashed during the Dubai Airshow, sparking renewed scrutiny over the safety and cost-effectiveness of the project. The aircraft, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency, is a flagship of the 'Make in India' initiative. India had earlier signed a $6.5 billion deal in 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, with each priced around $43 million. However, a new 2025 order for 97 additional jets is valued at $7.8 billion, raising the per-unit cost to nearly $80 million due to inflation, technical upgrades, and higher production costs. HAL has been aggressively marketing the Tejas for export, estimating a potential price of $43 million per unit internationally. Analysts warn that the Dubai crash could dampen foreign interest and force India to address both safety and financial concerns as it pursues defense modernization and export ambitions.

The United States has cleared a $93 million arms package for India, signalling a renewed push in defence cooperation despite earlier friction highlighted in “Exclusive: India pauses plans to buy US arms after Trump's tariffs.” The State Department approved the sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems worth $45.7 million and 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles valued at $47.1 million. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, India requested 100 Javelin missiles, a fly-to-buy missile, 25 command launch units, and the Excalibur rounds, which India already uses with its M-777 howitzers.

DSCA stated the sale will strengthen the India-US strategic relationship, enhance India’s ability to respond to current and emerging threats, and support stability across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. Analysts note that the deal not only boosts India’s defence capabilities but also aligns with Washington’s regional strategic objectives.

The approval follows the US decision to expand supply of GE fighter jet engines for India’s Tejas programme, further deepening military-industrial cooperation. The prime contractors will be RTX Corporation for Excalibur rounds and a Lockheed Martin joint venture for the Javelin system.

Indian cricket team captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a throat injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Gill was forced to leave the field in the first innings and did not bat in the second. Despite traveling with the team to Guwahati, medical advice suggested that playing could worsen his condition. In his absence, 24-year-old Sai Sudharsan, who has played five Tests and scored 273 runs at an average of 30.33, will join the squad. Gill, who was briefly hospitalized in Kolkata, is expected to need at least ten more days to recover fully and may also miss the upcoming ODI series starting November 30. His absence is a major setback for India, who trail 0–1 in the series and must win the second Test to level it. The team’s leadership in Gill’s absence remains under discussion.

Russia has proposed granting India unrestricted access to its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet technology ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that Russia will initially supply Su-57 jets built domestically, with plans to gradually shift production to India. Moscow may also offer India its single-engine Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter. This unprecedented offer includes full technology transfer covering engines, sensors, stealth materials, and artificial intelligence systems. Russian officials emphasized that India would gain the capability to independently develop advanced stealth fighters, a privilege previously denied by Western nations. The proposal also includes licensing for local production and integration of Indian weapon systems. Russia reaffirmed its long-standing defense partnership with India, highlighting continued cooperation despite international sanctions. The move is seen as a major step in strengthening bilateral defense ties and enhancing India’s self-reliance in advanced military aviation technology.

Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the tenth time on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several BJP-led state leaders, and NDA allies including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Kumar was unanimously chosen as the leader of the NDA legislative party in Bihar after a meeting of alliance legislators on Wednesday. Following his selection, he submitted his resignation from the outgoing government and staked claim to form a new one. Critics attribute his political longevity to his adaptability and strategic alliance-building. Currently, Kumar ranks as India’s eighth longest-serving Chief Minister, and if he completes this term, he could surpass Sikkim’s former leader Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 24 years in office.

Seven Maoist insurgents were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district, police confirmed on Wednesday. Among the dead were four men and three women, including senior Maoist leader Metturi Joga Rao, also known as Tech Shankar, who was a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) and oversaw technical operations in the Andhra-Odisha border region. This marks the second such encounter in the state within 24 hours, following another clash near Maredumilli that resulted in the death of top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. Authorities said intensified operations are underway in Maoist-affected areas. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma urged Maoists to surrender and opt for government rehabilitation programs, emphasizing that the administration is ready to provide dignified reintegration opportunities for those willing to abandon armed rebellion.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on November 18. He emphasized that India will exercise its sovereign right to protect its citizens and urged the global community to demonstrate zero tolerance toward all forms of terrorism. Highlighting the SCO’s founding purpose of combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, Jaishankar called for strengthening the organization’s structure and actions to meet contemporary challenges. He also advocated for modernization and reforms within the SCO, including implementing India’s longstanding proposal to make English an official language alongside Russian and Chinese. Additionally, he outlined India’s initiatives to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among youth through the SCO Startup and Innovation Working Group and the SCO Startup Forum. Jaishankar assured that India would continue to extend full cooperation to achieve these shared goals.

A bizarre accident occurred in Jodhpur, India, when a camel collided with a private car and crashed through its roof, leaving both the animal and the driver seriously injured. Eyewitnesses reported that the camel suddenly appeared on the road, giving the driver no time to brake. The impact destroyed the car’s front section, including the bumper, bonnet, and windshield, and caused the camel’s upper body to become trapped inside the vehicle for nearly two hours. Locals rushed to rescue the injured driver, identified as Ramsingh, who was taken to a hospital in Jodhpur after receiving first aid. The camel was later freed using mechanical equipment in a joint effort by local residents and authorities. Images and videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, showing the distressed animal struggling to escape from the wrecked car.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia that killed 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, most of whom were from Hyderabad. In a Facebook post on Monday, Modi offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance and maintaining close contact with Saudi authorities. According to The Indian Express, the accident occurred between Medina and Badr when a bus collided with a tanker truck, causing a fire that led to heavy casualties. Among the deceased were 20 women and 11 children. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed condolences and confirmed that a 24-hour control room has been set up at the Jeddah Consulate to assist families. Indian officials and volunteers are coordinating with Saudi authorities and hospitals to support victims.

India has signed a significant energy agreement with the United States to import 2.2 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) annually, accounting for about 10% of Delhi’s total LPG consumption. The deal comes amid ongoing pressure from Washington over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and recent trade frictions, including US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Despite these tensions, both nations continue dialogue on energy and trade cooperation. Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the deal as the first LPG supply agreement between the two countries, emphasizing India’s goal of diversifying energy sources to ensure affordable and secure fuel for its population. The agreement also opens the rapidly growing Indian LPG market to US suppliers. Analysts note that while India’s economy has recently shown strong growth, high US tariffs remain a concern that could slow GDP expansion if not reduced soon.