Russian President Vladimir Putin sent New Year greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring that despite global challenges, the special strategic partnership between Russia and India continues to advance dynamically. Putin noted exceptionally high growth in bilateral trade and successful implementation of joint projects in 2022. He praised India's leadership of SCO and G20, conveying conviction that Moscow and New Delhi will further develop multifaceted ties and coordinate efforts to enhance regional and global security. The message emphasizes Russia's ongoing prioritization of strengthening relations with India amidst the difficult geopolitical situation. It signals commitment from both sides to boost collaboration in the coming year across domains.

Ahead of the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22nd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the public not to visit the city on that day to avoid overcrowding. Appealing to devotees, he said the temple will be open for darshan from January 23rd onwards eternally. Instead, PM Modi requested all Indians light a diya at home as the temple is dedicated. He made the remarks while addressing a public meeting in Ayodhya after inaugurating renovated rail and air infrastructure. Modi stated the convergence of development and cultural heritage will propel India forward. The inauguration is set to be a landmark event with devotees eagerly waiting to witness the temple construction.

In a comprehensive investigation, the New York Times reveals troubling security lapses during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that left dozens dead. Israel's military was caught off guard and slow to respond to the large-scale Hamas assault. Soldiers were underprepared and coordination was poor, with improvised communication methods used. There was no plan to counter such an attack. Hamas strategically targeted key roads and bases, disrupting Israel's response. Standards and training of civilian guards and reservists were inadequate. The report shows Israeli forces relying on bravery over strategy, indicating a concerning lack of readiness. The investigation exposes severe lapses that enabled Hamas to inflict higher casualties during the deadly October attacks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Dong Jun, former Navy chief, as the new defense minister, replacing Li Shangfu. Dong's elevation signifies China's focus on challenging the US and reinforcing its stance on Taiwan and the South China Sea. The appointment follows unexplained dismissals within the military and political leadership, highlighting Xi's efforts to enhance China's global dominance. Dong's strategic experience in the East Sea Fleet and the Southern Theatre Command aligns with China's assertiveness in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Analysts suggest it reflects China's geopolitical priorities, emphasizing a departure from tradition by appointing a non-Army general to lead military diplomacy.

In Moreh, Manipur, a police convoy faced an ambush by unidentified gunmen around 3:30 pm on Saturday as they headed towards Key Location Point. The attackers utilized IEDs and explosives, resulting in injuries to a police personnel. Security forces swiftly retaliated, and an ongoing gunfight ensued. The injured officer is undergoing treatment at the 5 Assam Rifles camp. This incident follows a recent ambush in Kangpokpi district, where an India Reserve Battalion jawan and a civilian lost their lives. Since May 3, Manipur has witnessed ethnic tensions related to demands for Scheduled Tribe status, leading to heightened security concerns.

Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat protests against the treatment of female wrestlers, returning her Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Stopped from reaching the Prime Minister's Office, Phogat expresses disappointment over the Wrestling Federation's handling of the situation: "I was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, but they hold no meaning in my life anymore." Her actions follow Bajrang Punia returning his Padma Shri earlier this month. Wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, oppose the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide of the accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Sports Ministry intervenes, suspending the newly-elected panel, highlighting ongoing discontent within Indian wrestling.

Pakistan's election body rejects Imran Khan's bid to contest the 2024 national elections, citing his disqualification due to a corruption conviction. The 71-year-old former Prime Minister, ousted in April 2022, faces legal battles and has been out of the public eye since his three-year imprisonment in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office. Despite the disqualification, Khan filed nomination papers for the February 8 elections, which were rejected based on non-registration as a voter and his court-convicted disqualification. Khan alleges military targeting, claiming they aim to exclude him from the polls, a charge the military denies.

Congress faces a setback in the Opposition INDIA bloc as AAP, TMC, and Shiv Sena disrupt seat-sharing talks for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In Punjab, AAP declares intent to go solo, echoing sentiments from TMC's Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal. Shiv Sena's demand for 23 seats in Maharashtra adds further strain to the discussions. Mamata Banerjee emphasizes TMC's independent fight against BJP in West Bengal. Congress grapples with the challenge, recalling past solo contests in Bengal, where it won 2 of 42 seats. The seat-sharing hurdle extends to Maharashtra, echoing complexities in states like Delhi, UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath questions the absence of Virat Kohli as India's Test captain, citing his impressive record and leadership skills, stating"Kohli has a great record as a Test leader." Expressing concerns over Rohit Sharma's role as an opener in non-subcontinent conditions, Badrinath emphasizes Kohli's prowess as a Test batter. Despite Kohli's strong performances in the recent Test against South Africa, questions arise about the captaincy shift two years ago. Badrinath calls for a reevaluation of Kohli's leadership role, highlighting his significant contributions and unmatched record in Test cricket.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a tea break at the house of Meera Manjhi, the 10 croreth beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, during his Ayodhya visit. Modi signed an autograph on a Ram temple painting and interacted with locals. The visit coincided with the unveiling of the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham railway station and the inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, boosting tourism ahead of the Ram temple inauguration on January 22, 2024. Modi also met children, took selfies, and appreciated a painting created by students. The Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel to rural households.