US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized deepening ties with India and standing firm against China's concerning actions in his year-end press conference. Blinken stated that the US has elevated the Quad partnership between itself, India, Japan and Australia while strengthening coordination between NATO and Indo-Pacific allies. He framed these actions as part of a strategy to engage China from a position of strength on issues like coercive trade practices, Taiwan, regional territorial disputes, and human rights.

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have been invited to the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, but reports suggest they might not attend. Invitations extended to former PMs Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda. Notably, chief ministers and governors are excluded from the invitee list. LK Advani and MM Joshi, pivotal in the Ram Mandir movement, express intent to attend if health permits. PM Modi will participate in the installation of Ram Lalla's idol. Public darshan begins on January 23 post the consecration ceremony, set to span 48 days starting January 24.

As the highly transmissible JN.1 Covid variant spreads in India, the country witnessed an uptick in infections with 358 fresh cases recorded in the past 24 hours. The spike comes after months of low transmission and is primarily being driven by outbreaks in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Health authorities held an urgent meeting, urging preparation against emerging strains. Total active caseload in India now stands at 2,669, though hospitalizations remain low. Experts advise caution but say available treatments remain effective against JN.1. States are monitoring the situation to plan appropriate response if needed.

The volcano that erupted in southwest Iceland on Monday, is weakening, but the Icelandic Meteorological Office warns of potential new vents that can open up in "short notice". Aerial images show three vents still active, down from five, as the eruption weakens. While no injuries are reported, 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik last month due to lava threats. The Icelandic Meteorological Office warns of the potential for new vents along the original fracture, with brief warning times. Although pollution warnings for the capital, Reykjavik, exist, as of mid-morning Wednesday, the city, located 42km from Grindavik, remains unaffected. [Video: @RaviRRana on X]

More than 100 container ships have altered their routes away from the Suez Canal, circumventing the waters due to Houthi rebel attacks on vessels off Yemen's western coast. The shipping company, Kuehne and Nagel, identified 103 ships that changed course, adding approximately 6,000 nautical miles to the journey via South Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The rerouting may extend product delivery times by three to four weeks between Asia and Europe. Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, targeted ships in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. The disruption, affecting oil and gas tankers, has led to higher oil prices, prompting the US to consider a naval coalition for Suez canal protection.

Colin Armstrong, 78, a British millionaire and former diplomat, was rescued in Ecuador after being abducted by 15 armed men, believed to be linked to a cartel seeking protection fees. Reports suggest Armstrong's refusal to pay led to his abduction. His girlfriend, Katherine Paola Santos, endured a terrifying ordeal as a bomb disposal unit removed an explosives vest she claimed kidnappers forced her to wear, threatening to detonate it without a ransom. Police are investigating Santos' role in the incident. Ecuador's police chief, Cesar Augusto Zapata Correa, confirmed Armstrong's safety, revealing a picture of him with police. Nine suspects, potentially linked to Los Tiguerones cartel, have been arrested. Armstrong's family awaits his return for a joyous Christmas.            

Amid the mimicry controversy involving Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh points to a 2017 video where PM Modi allegedly "mocked" former VP Hamid Ansari's identity. Ramesh calls it a diversion from the suspension of 144 MPs and the recent Parliament security breach. The shared video suggests Modi reduced Ansari's identity to religion. Ramesh criticizes the PM and supporters, labeling them hypocrites. Dhankhar slams Banerjee's mimicry, calling it shameful. A police complaint has been filed against the TMC MP for the incident.

As the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration approaches on January 22, 2024, a colossal 108-foot incense stick is being readied in Vadodara, Gujarat, for transport to Ayodhya. The upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony, signifying the installation of an infant Lord Ram idol, will witness the participation of 4,000 saints, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending. Vedic rituals, led by renowned priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit, precede the ceremony from January 16. Additionally, 42 specially blessed bells from Namakkal are en route to Ayodhya, commissioned by devotee Rajendra Prasad, embodying meticulous craftsmanship for the auspicious occasion.            

The Met Office issues a weather warning for Storm Pia, bringing winds of up to 80mph to the northern half of the UK on Thursday. Travel plans face disruption in the run-up to Christmas, with potential power cuts and high waves affecting coastal routes. The yellow wind warning, initially set until midnight, now concludes at 9pm. Northern Scotland expects winds of 70-80mph, while other regions may experience speeds of 45-55mph. High-sided vehicles on exposed roads are cautioned, and the low-pressure system, though not officially named in the UK, prompts concerns for holiday disruptions.      

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discloses Mossad's active role, led by Director David Barnea, in securing the release of 129 captives held in Gaza since October 7. Positive meetings in Warsaw with CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signal progress. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's Egypt visit adds momentum to negotiations. President Isaac Herzog expresses readiness for a humanitarian pause. Amidst the deadliest phase of the Gaza war, Islamic Jihad intensifies pressure by releasing footage of two hostages. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council readies for a vote on a resolution urging a conflict pause, as regional tensions escalate.