The UK economy slipped into a mild recession, contracting by 0.3% in Q4 2023, posing a setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's economic promises. Office for National Statistics data revealed a larger-than-expected decline, marking two consecutive quarters of contraction. Despite a 0.1% growth for the entire year, it's the slowest annual expansion since 2009, excluding the pandemic's first year. Bond yields fell as money markets priced in potential interest rate cuts. This development intensifies pressure on Sunak, facing by-election challenges and raising questions about his ability to fulfill key economic pledges.

In the 3rd Test between India and England at Rajkot, Rohit Sharma's impressive century and Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten ton steered India to a commanding total of 326/5 by Stumps on Day 1. Despite early wobbles with three quick dismissals, Rohit and Jadeja's resilient partnership of 204 runs anchored India's recovery. Debutant Sarfaraz Khan's brisk half-century further bolstered India's position. Facing England's strong bowling attack, Rohit's century and Jadeja's determined innings provided stability and momentum. With key milestones approaching for players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ben Stokes, the stage is set for an intriguing battle as the Test match unfolds in Rajkot.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge welcomes the Supreme Court's ruling, terming the Electoral Bonds a 'Black Money Conversion Scheme' by the Modi government. The party, critical of the opaque system since its inception, reiterated its promise in the 2019 manifesto to abolish it. Kharge notes the significant BJP funding under this scheme and urges the government to respect the court's decision for a more transparent democracy. The CPI(M) lauds the judgment, emphasizing the scrapping of a scheme designed for anonymous corporate donations to the ruling party. NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, also supports the decision, advocating transparency in political contributions.

London's Overground network is set for a makeover as Transport for London (TfL) reveals new names and colors for its six lines, aiming to simplify navigation for passengers. The Lioness, Mildmay, Windrush, Weaver, Suffragette, and Liberty lines will replace the current uniform orange marking. Each line honors different aspects of London's history and cultural diversity. While TfL sees the change as a step toward clarity, critics question the need for the rebranding amidst ongoing infrastructure challenges. The rollout, expected to cost £6.3 million, will begin immediately, with full implementation planned by the end of the year.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed concern as farmers, amid the ongoing protest, moved like an "army with tractors," making political comments. Khattar questioned the approach, suggesting farmers use public transport for their Delhi march. He referenced disruptions caused by previous protests and emphasized the need for dialogue. A video controversy arose over farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's statement on bringing down PM Modi's graph. Khattar labeled it a political statement, questioning public support for such protests. Haryana police engaged with protesters at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, deploying tear gas shells.

At least 12 Israeli air strikes targeted strategic areas close to the Lebanese border, focusing on valleys recognized as Hezbollah strongholds. This escalation follows weeks of intensified Israeli strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Litani River. Israel's objective is for Hezbollah forces to withdraw to the river, but Hezbollah refuses, vowing to continue fighting in southern Lebanon amid ongoing aggression in Gaza. The cycle of violence persists, with civilian casualties rising, including 10 deaths in a single day. Hezbollah pledges a swift and severe response, raising concerns of a widening conflict beyond military targets to civilian areas.

Debutant Sarfaraz Khan made an impressive start in Test cricket by slamming a brisk half-century during the first day of the 3rd Test against England in Rajkot. Khan, who replaced skipper Rohit Sharma, showcased his batting prowess by reaching his fifty in just 48 balls, adorned with 7 boundaries and 1 six. However, his innings was cut short at 62 due to a run-out confusion with Ravindra Jadeja. Earlier, Khan's emotional moment with his father, Naushad Khan, marked the occasion as he received his debut cap from former leg-spinner Anil Kumble. India's strong batting display, led by Rohit Sharma's century, propelled them to a commanding position in the match.

The Supreme Court has directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing Electoral Bonds, scrapping the scheme allowing anonymous political funding. In its verdict, the court mandated the return of unused Electoral Bonds within the 15-day validity period by political parties to purchasers, with the refunded amount credited to the buyer's account. The judgment highlighted concerns about a potential quid pro quo in political contributions and emphasized the violation of the right to information. The court ruled that the anonymous nature of the Electoral Bonds Scheme infringes on Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Sonia Gandhi's transition from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha prompts speculation about her Raebareli seat successor. The Congress faces a crucial decision on who will contest from the stronghold, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi as potential choices. Priyanka's electoral debut in Raebareli is likely, yet concerns linger following Rahul's Amethi loss. There's also speculation about Priyanka challenging PM Modi in Varanasi. The party grapples with the task of selecting candidates for both Raebareli and Amethi, aiming to rejuvenate its electoral performance in Uttar Pradesh.

Rohit Sharma showcased his return to form with a splendid century in the third Test against England in Rajkot. Despite early dismissals, Sharma's resilient knock of 157 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes, anchored India's innings. Teaming up with Ravindra Jadeja, the duo's partnership of over 150 runs thwarted England's bowlers. Sharma's feat not only propelled India but also propelled him past Sourav Ganguly in total runs for India in international cricket, reaching 18577 runs, and surpassed MS Dhoni in the number of sixes by an Indian batter in Test cricket.