Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri categorically rejected widespread speculation of significant fuel price reductions, dismissing them as both speculative and mischievous. Refuting any discussions with oil marketing companies, Puri highlighted the global turbulence and conflicts, emphasizing the stability achieved in India. Despite fuel price hikes in South Asian countries, he credited India's resilience to visionary leadership and previous excise duty reductions. Energy experts anticipate crude oil prices to stay low in early 2024, citing lower demand and increased oil output, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East being the potential catalyst for price fluctuations.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to strengthen India-UK defence cooperation during his upcoming visit early next week, marking a significant move. Scheduled to meet UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, discussions will focus on deepening strategic partnerships. This visit follows recent high-profile interactions between military leaders, emphasizing collaborative efforts. The trajectory of increased defence engagements includes notable joint exercises and naval cooperation. Singh's visit aims to build on these ties, exploring new areas for defence industrial cooperation, reflecting the evolving nature of modern defence collaboration. This marks Singh's first visit to the UK in his role as Defence Minister.

Two explosions near the grave of General Qasem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran, resulted in 73 fatalities and 170 injuries during a gathering marking the anniversary of his 2020 killing. Described as a "terrorist attack" by Kerman's deputy governor, the blasts intensified tensions in the Middle East. Tasnim news agency reported remote-controlled bombs, with the ISNA agency stating the explosions occurred ten minutes apart. Soleimani, a revered figure in Iran, led the Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike. The incident follows the recent Beirut drone strike killing Hamas's Saleh al-Aruri.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks to enhance bilateral cooperation and address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both ministers agreed to convene the first meeting of the India-Ukraine inter-governmental commission in nearly six years, aiming to bolster trade, economic, scientific, technical, industrial, and cultural ties. The conversation also touched on Ukraine's proposed "Peace Formula," endorsed by 80 countries, with discussions about a Global Peace Summit. The dialogue follows Jaishankar's recent visit to Russia, emphasizing India's commitment to diplomatic solutions amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.    

Turkey announces the detainment of 34 individuals, accusing them of planning abductions and spying on behalf of Israel's Mossad. Turkish officials state the suspects were targeting Palestinians in Turkey. The move follows President Erdogan's recent warning against potential Israeli actions on Hamas figures in Turkey. Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated since the Gaza war, with Erdogan criticizing Israeli leaders. The arrests aim to prevent foreign intelligence activities on Turkish soil without proper authorization. Periodic raids against suspected operatives contribute to the strained relations, impacting the once-thawing ties between the two nations.

Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat encounter community outrage as junior wrestlers stage protests at Jantar Mantar. Approximately 300 protesters from various regions express discontent, accusing the trio of jeopardizing their careers. The demonstrators, once supportive, now display banners reading 'UWW save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers.' Allegations include grabbing opportunities and disrupting the sport. The tumult, starting in January 2023, led to the suspension of national camps and competitions. Protesters demand the reinstatement of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and dissolution of the sports ministry-appointed ad-hoc panel.

Randhir Jaiswal has taken over the role of the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, succeeding Arindam Bagchi, who is now India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva. Bagchi, an IFS officer since 1995, handled significant global events during his term, while Jaiswal, a 1998-batch IFS officer, served as the consul general in New York. His initiatives included a Mobile App with a Chat Bot, aiding visa and OCI services. Jaiswal brings a wealth of diplomatic experience from postings in Portugal, Cuba, South Africa, and the UN. His appointment follows a distinguished career, culminating in this crucial diplomatic role.

In a first, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its advanced communication satellite GSAT-20 on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The 4,700 kg satellite offering high throughput capacity will lift off from Florida likely in Q2, 2023. This is ISRO's maiden deal with SpaceX to launch a satellite. ISRO chief S. Somanath said no other rocket was available on time to launch GSAT-20. The commercial arm New Space India Limited (NSIL) signed the contract as ISRO lacks capacity beyond 4-ton satellites. NSIL said choosing SpaceX made commercial sense despite France's Arianespace being India's trusted partner for heavy satellite launches traditionally. The renewed GSAT-20 or GSAT-N2 will provide broadband services across India.

South Africa was bowled out for just 55 runs in 23.2 overs in the first innings on day one of the second Test against India at Newlands, Cape Town. This is the lowest ever total by a team against India in Tests, lower than New Zealand's 62 all out in December 2021. Pacer Mohammed Siraj was wrecker-in-chief taking 6/15, his best Test innings figures, while Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar claimed two each. South Africa's paltry 55 is its eighth lowest total in Test history. The Proteas horror batting show has put India firmly in command of the second Test already. (Image Source: BCCI)

The longest doctors' strike in NHS history is starting as junior doctors across England stage a 6-day walkout. Thousands of junior doctors, nearly half of the NHS doctor workforce, are expected to participate beginning 07:00 GMT today. NHS leaders fear the strike will severely disrupt routine services in some areas. This action follows failed pay talks between the government and British Medical Association last month. The BMA says doctors need better remuneration and value. Ahead of the strike, NHS England's medical director warned this stoppage during an already challenging winter with high flu and COVID rates will be "very difficult" for the overburdened health service.