Rahul Gandhi spoke with Nitish Kumar after concerns arose regarding Mallikarjun Kharge's proposed Prime Ministerial candidacy at the INDIA bloc meeting. Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal suggested Kharge as a potential Dalit PM. However, no decision was finalized. Leaders, including Vaiko, confirmed Kharge's focus on alliance strength before decisions. In a telephonic conversation, Rahul clarified Congress's stance to Nitish. They discussed alliance strength and Bihar cabinet expansion, with Nitish expressing readiness to increase Congress ministers. The delay in expansion was attributed to Lalu Yadav's lack of clarity. Congress aims to decide 2024 Lok Sabha candidates soon for an effective INDIA bloc against the ruling BJP.

French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking the sixth visit by a French head of state since 1976. This follows the United States' inability to accept India's invitation for President Joe Biden. Macron's expected attendance strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France, given their collaborations in defense, maritime security, and climate change. The announcement is awaited, highlighting France's significant role in fostering Indo-French ties. Macron's close rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France's bid to sell Rafale-Marine combat jets further underlines their robust alliance.            

Ukraine has announced it will ask men between 25-60 living abroad to return and join the armed forces. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov described it as an "invitation" but suggested sanctions for those who don't comply. However, his spokesperson later clarified no call-up was planned, only an appeal for volunteers. This comes as Ukraine seeks to boost troop numbers, with President Zelensky saying 450,000-500,000 new soldiers are needed. But Kyiv has no means to force citizens abroad to enlist. With the counteroffensive stalled and aid provisions blocked, Ukraine is hoping more recruits will strengthen forces at the frontline. But the feasibility of large-scale enlistment from overseas remains uncertain, reports BBC.

The first reviews for Prabhas' much-awaited action spectacle Salaar are in, with critics and fans praising the high-octane entertainer. Directed by KGF fame Prashanth Neel, Salaar sees Prabhas in top form as the character Deva, delivering his finest performance since Baahubali according to initial reactions. The action sequences choreographed by Neel are said to be a major highlight, providing an adrenaline rush for fans. Social media is abuzz with acclaim for Prabhas' intense performance and his on-screen charisma. While some feel the background music could have been better, the thrilling narrative and performances especially by Prithviraj Sukumaran make Salaar a must-watch massy theatrical experience as per first reviews. Releasing today, the film is likely to take a massive opening at the box office.

India confronts a concerning spike in Covid-19 cases, reporting 594 new infections and six deaths, notably in Kerala, Karnataka, and Punjab. Health officials reveal that fatalities primarily affect those with underlying serious illnesses, while emphasizing mild symptoms in the majority of cases. The surge is suspected to be linked to the JN.1 sub-variant, recently classified as a variant of interest by the WHO. With 21 reported cases in India, health secretary Sudhansh Pant assures ongoing scientific scrutiny of JN.1, noting its mild nature and recovery of all reported cases. Surveillance is intensified, no travel advisories issued as of yet.

Gaza faces an unprecedented hunger crisis, with the UN declaring the situation "catastrophic." A report reveals that four out of five households in north Gaza and half of the displaced in the south are experiencing days without food. Ceasefire hopes diminish as Hamas refuses talks until Israel halts its military offensive. The US supports an amended UN resolution for increased aid flows, contingent on the removal of a call for an "urgent suspension of hostilities." The UN's monitoring system warns that by February 7, the entire Gaza population, around 2.2 million people, may reach "crisis or worse" hunger levels, marking an unprecedented humanitarian challenge compounded by displacement, disease threats, and winter conditions.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh confirmed that Sonia Gandhi, CPP Chairperson, received an invitation for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22. Singh stated that Sonia Gandhi is positive about the matter, and either she or a party delegation will attend the event. Despite not expecting an invitation himself, Singh mentioned that BJP might not invite certain figures. The ceremony, organized by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has also invited political, religious leaders, Bollywood actors, and South Indian celebrities. Preparations, including Vedic rituals, are underway for the significant event in Ayodhya.

Leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are set to stage a nationwide protest today, denouncing the suspension of a historic 146 MPs during the Winter Session. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi will address the demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar at 11 am. The protest follows disruptions in the Winter Session, with Kharge urging the government to "behave democratically." Similar demonstrations are planned at district headquarters across the country. The suspensions, escalating to a record-breaking count, resulted from the recent breach of Parliament security.

In the harrowing incident, David Kozak, a 24-year-old student at Charles University, killed his father in a village near Prague before carrying out a mass shooting at the Faculty of Arts. The assailant's rampage claimed at least 15 lives and left dozens injured before being "eliminated" by the police. This tragedy unfolded near Prague's Old Town, a vibrant tourist destination. Despite initial fears of international terrorism, Czech authorities clarified that the shooting wasn't linked to such motives. Videos circulating on social media captured the panic and chaos as people sought safety during the attack. Prague's Mayor expressed the city's grief, acknowledging the unsettling reality of evolving global threats. The incident is now one of the deadliest shootings in Czech history, prompting condolences from leaders worldwide.

India swiftly responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 'tonal shift' remark, asserting a consistent stance on Canada's support for separatists and terrorists. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, "The core issue remains the space given to extremists, terrorists, and anti-India elements in that country." Trudeau's reference to a potential understanding and collaboration received a firm response, with Bagchi emphasizing India's hope for action against those misusing freedom of speech. The ongoing diplomatic discord, fueled by recent US accusations and Canada's unproven claims, underlines the complexities in India-Canada relations.