A drone launched from Iran attacked the Japanese-owned chemical tanker, Chem Pluto, in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, en route to Mumbai from Saudi Arabia, continues its journey under US military communication. The Indian Navy will inspect and sanitize the ship upon arrival in Mumbai. The incident raises concerns amid regional security challenges, including Houthi militia actions and piracy. The Iranian-backed Houthis, expressing solidarity with Hamas, contribute to the complex security landscape. This follows a series of recent incidents, including a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean.

Home Secretary James Cleverly faces increasing demands to resign after making insensitive jokes about spiking his wife's drink with a date rape drug at a Downing Street reception. Despite apologizing, critics argue the comments undermine government efforts to combat spiking. Jemima Olchawski from the Fawcett Society calls the remarks "sickening," emphasizing the need for trust in addressing violence against women. Shadow Minister Alex Davies-Jones rejects the tired excuse of "It was a joke," urging cultural change. The comments overshadow government messages on spiking, sparking a call for a zero-tolerance approach to misogyny from its frontbench.

Fears rise for 185 Rohingya refugees stranded in the Indian Ocean as their boat's engine fails. UNHCR warns of a desperate situation, with one already dead and others in critical condition. The refugees, fleeing Bangladesh's overcrowded camps, sought safety near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thousands attempt risky sea journeys annually, seeking refuge in Malaysia or Indonesia. UNHCR calls for timely rescue efforts, emphasizing the preventable tragedy. The plight highlights the need for regional states to deploy search and rescue capacities to avert human disasters. Over 570 reported dead or missing at sea in the region since last year.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, V. Doraiswami, during his visit to Gibraltar engaged with Gibraltar's Indian community, commending their hard work and inviting them to tap into India's dynamism. The community welcomed the resumption of EVisas for UK overseas territories. During meetings with Governor Sir David Steel and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, discussions ranged from Gibraltar's future prospects to fostering ties in IT and financial services. Health and Business Minister Gemma Vasquez and Financial Services Minister Nigel Feetham explored cooperation in healthcare and business. The High Commissioner concluded by encouraging collaboration between the University of Gibraltar and Indian counterparts in niche areas. [picture courtesy: hcilondon/instagram]

Shah Rukh Khan, amidst 'Dunki' hitting the Rs 100 crore mark, brought Bandra traffic to a halt by greeting fans outside Mannat. Dressed in a blue sweater and jeans, SRK expressed gratitude with folded hands and blew kisses. 'Dunki,' his collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani, released on December 21, receiving mixed reviews but collecting over Rs 157.22 crores worldwide. SRK described it as his best film, focusing on immigration issues. With 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan,' SRK has three consecutive hits in 2023. The film symbolizes the challenges immigrants face on their journeys, also referred to as "donkey journeys."

Aakash Nambiar, a 34-year-old from Bengaluru, ran 104 km barefoot in Dubai, starting from Love Lake and finishing at Burj Khalifa. Completing the run in 17 hours and 20 minutes, Nambiar aimed to highlight climate change urgency, stating, "We are running out of time." Sharing his journey on Instagram, he emphasized promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainable living. Choosing Dubai post-COP28, he stressed the need to limit global warming, expressing, "We only have one Earth." Nambiar's run garnered praise for its impressive feat and environmental message.   [Image Courtesy: barefootmallu/Instagram]

After triumphant state polls, BJP eyes an extraordinary win in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi and Amit Shah lead discussions, urging a 10% boost in vote share. No specific seat target set, but emphasis on surpassing 2019's 303 seats. Focus on first-time voters, outreach to women, youth, farmers, and the poor. 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' key in connecting with people. Positive governance promoted over negative campaigning. Ram temple consecration highlighted as a poll advantage. Modi's leadership, welfare schemes, and strong organizational machinery cited for success. BJP gears up with various 'morchas' for upcoming elections.

Over the weekend, 14 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, bringing the total Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) casualties to 152 since the ground operation's commencement on October 20. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with US President Biden, emphasizing Israel's commitment to pursuing the war until all objectives are met. The US anticipates a shift to lower-intensity fighting, targeting Hamas leadership and infrastructure. Despite the UN's failure to call for a humanitarian ceasefire, a resolution for increased aid to Gaza was passed. The conflict's toll includes over 20,000 deaths in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel.

Yekaterina Duntsova, an independent politician aiming to end the war with Ukraine, has been barred from running in Russia's upcoming presidential election. The electoral commission, citing 100 "mistakes" on her application, unanimously rejected her candidacy three days after submission. The decision signals a lack of tolerance for dissent in the campaign, with critics viewing it as a swift rebuke to Putin opposition. Duntsova, vowing to appeal at the Supreme Court, had emphasized ending the Ukraine conflict and freeing political prisoners. Putin, amid limited opposition, remains the sole registered candidate for the March 2024 election.            

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concerns about providing dual citizenship to Indians abroad, stating, "There are economic and security challenges." Speaking in Chennai at the TAKEPRIDE 2023 summit, he acknowledged the ongoing debate despite the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) initiative addressing some demands. Dual citizenship allows individuals to hold two nationalities simultaneously, but India's Constitution prohibits it for its nationals. The OCI program caters to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), offering various benefits, though excluding voting rights and the ability to contest elections in India. Jaishankar's remarks shed light on complexities during the CII-organized event.