Top News of the Day – Morning News Brief 5th Dec 2025 : India & World
Top News of the Day – Morning News Brief: India & World
Good morning, folks. Grab your coffee – it’s time for a quick rundown of the biggest stories buzzing right now. From high-level handshakes in Delhi to tensions flaring across borders, we’ve got the key bits from India and beyond. I’ll keep it straightforward, like chatting over breakfast.
INDIA NEWS
Warm Welcome in Delhi: Modi Greets Putin with a Hug at the Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin last evening at Delhi’s Palam airport. This marks Putin’s first trip to India since the Ukraine conflict kicked off almost four years ago. The two leaders shared a quick hug and handshake before hopping into the same SUV for a ride to Modi’s residence echoing a casual car share they did back in September at a summit in China. It’s a sign of the strong ties between the two nations, especially as they gear up for talks on defence, trade, and tech today. Expect deals that could boost both economies amid global shifts.
Putin Calls Modi a Rock: No Buckling Under US Tariff Heat
Vladimir Putin had kind words for Narendra Modi during his visit, saying the Indian PM stands firm against outside pressure like those US tariffs aimed at curbing India’s oil buys from Russia. “Modi doesn’t bend easily,” Putin noted, adding that India’s people have good reason to back their leader. He pointed out the irony: if the US can snag Russian uranium for its power plants, why can’t India grab discounted crude? It’s all about fair play in global energy deals. This chat highlights how India keeps its options open, balancing friendships without picking sides.
Road Trip Reunion: Modi and Putin Share a Ride, Just Like Old Times
After that airport hello, Modi and Putin didn’t waste time, they climbed into one car together and headed off for a private dinner at the PM’s home. It’s a repeat of their easygoing drive in Tianjin a few months back, where Putin offered Modi a lift on the spot. No big plans, just friends catching up on the way. This simple move shows the comfort level between them, away from formal events. Over dinner, they’ll likely touch on everything from energy ties to joint projects. It’s these personal touches that keep the India-Russia bond solid through tough times.
Chhattisgarh’s Bold Call: Maoist Threat Could End Early
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai thinks the state and maybe the country could wipe out Maoist violence well before the March 2026 target set by the central government. Speaking at a leadership event, he shared progress: over 2,300 rebels have laid down arms in the last two years, 1,850 got arrested, and about 490 were taken out in clashes. Sai credits tough ops by security forces, even in the rains, and rehab programs for those who surrender. It’s a big hurdle for growth in the region, but these steps show real momentum. Families in affected areas might finally breathe easier soon.
Court Steps In: Help for Celina Jaitly to Reach Her Brother in UAE
The Delhi High Court told the government to step up and make it easier for actor Celina Jaitly to talk with her brother, retired Army Major Vikrant Jaitly. He’s been stuck in a UAE jail for over 14 months now, and Celina hasn’t heard his voice in 15. She filed a plea for consular help, direct calls, and legal aid—despite pushback from Vikrant’s wife, who says he doesn’t want contact. The judge wants the foreign ministry to sort video chats via an app or whatever works. It’s a tough family spot, but the ruling brings a bit of hope for connection.
Judges’ Retirement: No Plans to Bump Up the Age Limit
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal set the record straight in Parliament: there’s zero talk of raising the retirement age for judges right now. A question came up about easing the load on courts with more experienced hands, but he said no such bill is in the works. High courts handle folks up to 62, Supreme Court to 65—that stays put. It’s a relief for some who worry about rushed picks, but others see it as a chance missed to tackle backlogs. Either way, the focus remains on filling vacancies fast to keep justice rolling.
Push for Action: Get the Anti-Graft Body Fully Up and Running
A parliamentary group is calling for quick moves to fire up the Lokpal’s investigation and prosecution teams – the national anti-corruption watchdog’s key arms. Set up years ago, it’s only now getting an inquiry wing staffed by officers on deputation. The panel wants rules framed fast for hiring, probes, and trials, plus tech upgrades to handle complaints smoothly. Without this, the body can’t bite into big graft cases effectively. Lawmakers stress it’s vital for trust in government, especially with public eyes on clean governance. Steps like these could make a real dent in wrongdoing.
Business Buzz: Goyal Urges Firms to Jump into Russian Markets
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Indian companies there’s plenty of room to grow in Russia, but it takes guts to go for it. At an event tied to Putin’s visit, he pushed for a “leap of faith” to mix up trade beyond oil and arms and think more farm goods, machines, and services. With ties warming, barriers are dropping, and deals could double flows soon. Goyal knows risks from sanctions linger, but he says smart plays now pay off later. Local firms eyeing exports might find this the nudge they need.
IndiGo’s Rough Patch: More Delays Ahead as They Fix Schedules
IndiGo’s owning up to slip-ups in crew planning after new flight rules hit, leading to 170-200 daily cancellations lately. They’ve asked regulators for until mid-February to sort it out, but expect hiccups for another couple days. The airline says they underestimated staff needs for longer rest periods, but fixes are in motion. Travellers, check apps often, reroutes and refunds are flowing, but it’s a pain amid holiday rushes. Aviation bosses are watching close to avoid wider snarls. Hang tight; smoother skies should return soon.
WORLD NEWS
Border Clashes Heat Up: Israel Hits Targets in Southern Lebanon
Israel’s army dropped strikes on spots in two southern Lebanese towns today, right after warning folks to clear out buildings linked to Hezbollah. It’s part of ongoing jabs at the group, even a year into a shaky truce. The military says these hits took out weapon sites from Hezbollah’s top unit. Lebanon reports damage to homes and shops nearby, with UN watchers calling it a risk to civilians. Tensions simmer as both sides finger-point over truce breaks, folks in the area just want the quiet to stick.
Standing Firm: South Africa Rejects US Push After G20 Slight
South Africa’s foreign minister made it clear: the country won’t tweak its race policies just because the US is twisting arms. This comes after Washington said Pretoria’s out of G20 talks during America’s lead year—a snub tied to gripes over affirmative action laws. Ronald Lamola fired back in a letter, saying the world sees through the double talk and South Africa charts its own course. He left the door open for chats, but no backing down. It’s a bold stand that could ripple through African ties with the West.
Fresh Sanctions: UK Targets Russia’s Spy Agency Over Poison Plot
The UK slapped new penalties on Russia’s GRU spy outfit today, blaming it for the 2018 Novichok attack that killed an innocent woman. A fresh probe pinned the order on Putin himself, calling it a reckless power play against a turned agent. London hit the whole agency plus eight officers with asset freezes and travel bans, then called in the Russian envoy for a stern talk. It’s part of a long line of clashes, from expulsions to cyber warnings. Moscow denies it all, but the UK says enough’s enough.
Grim Outlook: Ukraine Faces a Shrinking Population Crisis
Ukraine’s staring at a tough road ahead as its people count has dipped below 36 million from 42 million pre-war, hit hard by deaths, low births, and folks fleeing. Experts predict it’ll slide to 25 million by 2051, the worst drop rates globally. Hospitals echo with empty cribs, and leaders worry who’s left to rebuild once fighting stops. The war’s toll is clear: three deaths per birth now. Kyiv’s pushing aid and return programs, but it’s a steep climb. Every family feels this loss deeply.
Health Deal Signed: US and Kenya Team Up on ‘America First’ Aid Shift
The US inked a five-year health pact with Kenya today, pumping in over $1.6 billion to fight diseases like HIV and malaria. It’s the first under a new “America First” plan that nudges partners to chip in more, Kenya’s adding $850 million of its own. Secretary Rubio and President Ruto signed it, aiming for self-reliance over handouts. Focus hits basics: vaccines, clinics, training. Critics say it’s smart tough love; backers see mutual wins. Could set a model for other nations eyeing US support.
Money Moves: Europe Eyes Russia’s Frozen Funds for Ukraine Aid
EU leaders are hashing out ways to tap $105 billion in seized Russian assets for loans to Ukraine either straight use or market borrows. The commission’s pushing hard, but the central bank chief warns it’s legally tricky and could shake markets. Profits from these holdings already fund some Kyiv aid, but full unlock needs buy-in soon. Russia calls it theft and vows payback. Ukraine says it’s owed for damages; talks heat up for a December vote. A yes could mean big relief or big risks.
Diplomatic Heat: Turkey Calls In Envoys Over Black Sea Clashes
Turkey pulled in Ukraine’s ambassador and Russia’s stand-in charge today to chew them out over ship attacks in its Black Sea waters. Ankara’s fuming about strikes on Russia-tied vessels in its zone, saying it endangers trade routes key for grain exports. Both sides blame each other, but Turkey wants de-escalation fast, it wants no more hits near its turf. As a broker in past deals, it’s flexing to keep the sea calm. Sailors and farmers alike hope talks cool things before supplies snag.
That’s your morning wrap. Stay sharp out there. What caught your eye? Drop a comment below. See you tomorrow.
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