Russia and India have made significant progress in discussions on jointly producing military equipment, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after talks with Indian EAM Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Lavrov emphasizes the strategic nature of this cooperation, enhancing security in the Eurasian continent. India's diversification of military suppliers is respected, with support for local manufacturing. President Putin is set to meet Jaishankar, with expectations for a Modi-Putin meeting next year. Discussions also covered Ukraine, Gaza conflicts, and bilateral trade. India, a key economic partner for Russia amid Western sanctions, anticipates trade exceeding $50 billion this year.

During his Rajouri-Poonch visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured justice to the families of three civilians who died after an army ambush. Singh pledged, "Whatever has happened...there will be justice." The civilians, picked up for questioning, alleged torture, leading to a court of inquiry and officer removals. Singh emphasized soldiers' duty, stating, "Not only to safeguard the nation's interests but also to win the hearts of the people." Families received ex-gratia payments, and Singh paid tribute to slain soldiers, underscoring the country's indebtedness to their sacrifice. The incident raises questions about military conduct.

Storm Gerrit hits the UK, bringing snow, rain, and strong winds. Warnings are issued for Wednesday and Thursday, with potential 70mph winds in some areas. The Met Office named the storm on Tuesday, predicting heavy rain and wintry conditions, especially in northern Scotland. People traveling post-Christmas are urged to be cautious on roads. Met Office's Simon Partridge notes wet and windy weather across the UK, significant snow in Scotland, and wind warnings for various regions, excluding the central UK. Rain and snow warnings cover Scotland, Northern Ireland, western Wales, and North West England. Wind warning areas may experience gusts of 50-60mph, reaching 70mph on high ground. Storm Gerrit also impacts Ireland with an orange rain warning for the southwest coast.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday during Jaishankar's five-day visit to Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced, "Tonight, the president plans to receive Mr. Jaishankar." Jaishankar, emphasizing the robust India-Russia relationship, stated, "Our relationship has been very strong, very steady." Earlier, he held a "comprehensive and productive" meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, signing crucial agreements for the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ties between India and Russia remain consistent, with India advocating diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

In a heartfelt ceremony, Shakira's hometown of Barranquilla in Colombia unveiled a striking 21ft bronze statue, crafted by artist Yino Márques, capturing her legendary dance pose. Attended by the singer's parents, the dedication highlighted Shakira's musical prowess and humanitarian efforts. The sculpture, featuring her barefoot with raised hip, stands in tribute to the global sensation known for hits like "Hips Don't Lie." Embracing the moment, Shakira expressed joy, especially on her mother's birthday. The city mayor joined the singer's family at the unveiling, while fans flooded social media with support for this enduring symbol of Colombian pride.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared photos wrestling with Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia at Virendra Akhara, Haryana. The visit follows the suspension of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by Sports Ministry. Rahul highlighted the struggle of athletes amid controversies over WFI elections, stating, "If these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their arena and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path?" Deepak Punia explained, "He came to see how the daily life of a wrestler goes." The suspension, prompted by allegations of past influence, led to protests by athletes, including Bajrang Punia returning Padma Shri.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted, "Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is no different from Adolf Hitler," condemning Israel's actions in Gaza. Erdogan extended support, stating, "Turkey is ready to welcome academics and scientists facing persecution for their views on the conflict." Earlier, he vehemently opposed plans for a post-war buffer zone in Gaza, emphasizing, "Gaza's future will be decided by Palestinians alone." Erdogan criticized the debate on the buffer zone as disrespectful to Palestinians, urging Israel to remove "terrorists marketed as settlers" and focus on building "a peaceful future with Palestinians." The intensified Israeli offensive resulted in casualties, adding to the toll of over 20,900 Palestinian lives lost.

Two suspects caught on CCTV near the site of blast that occurred close to the Israel Embassy in New Delhi on Monday. The embassy confirmed the incident, reporting no casualties. A letter criticizing Israel's Gaza actions, attributed to "Sir Allah Resistance," was found wrapped in an Israeli flag. Security has been heightened, and forensic teams are investigating. No burnt explosives were discovered, raising the possibility of a "chemical explosion." Israeli authorities are cooperating in the investigation. This incident follows heightened security alerts globally since Israel's conflict with Hamas. In 2021, a blast near the embassy damaged cars, and in 2012, a bomb targeted an embassy car, injuring a diplomat's wife.

During a virtual interaction in Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi expressed his goal to transform 2 crore women associated with self-help groups into 'lakhpati' individuals. Engaging with beneficiaries, he sought support for this initiative. A woman named Rubina Khan, part of an SHG under the Aajeevika mission, shared her success story of starting a clothing business, expanding, and contributing during the COVID-19 period. PM Modi praised her self-confidence, emphasizing women's role in making the country 'atmanirbhar' (self-dependent). Rubina's achievements showcased the impact of government welfare schemes on grassroots entrepreneurship.

India reported 529 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing active infections to 4,093. Three fatalities, including two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat, were recorded. The Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 saw an additional 40 cases, totaling 109 across the country. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Goa detected the majority of cases. Most patients are in home isolation. Daily cases, previously in double digits, surged due to the new variant and cold weather conditions. India has administered 220.67 crore vaccine doses, with a recovery rate of 98.81%. The case fatality rate stands at 1.19%.