Israel persists in deadly Gaza strikes despite increasing global pleas for a ceasefire. The phase of the Gaza war, in its third month, has claimed 24 lives in Jabalia camp. Fighting began with Hamas attacks on October 7, causing widespread devastation. Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to fight until the end, aiming to eliminate Hamas and secure hostages' release. International figures, including France's foreign minister, call for an immediate and lasting truce, expressing concern over civilian casualties. The UN warns of a humanitarian breakdown in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed. Talks on a new truce, involving Qatar, resume amid escalating tensions in the region.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, dismisses the place of Islam in Europe, stating compatibility issues with Western values. She criticizes Islamic cultural centers in Italy, funded by Saudi Arabia, claiming a distant Islamization process from European civilization. Meloni's remarks follow a political festival hosted by her far-right party, attended by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who emphasized the need for global asylum system reforms. Elon Musk also made a rare appearance, advocating the preservation of cultural identity amid Italy's historic low birth rate.

Members of the Hindu American community in Washington organized a car rally to commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Gathering at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple, the event marked the beginning of month-long celebrations for the Ram Mandir. The rally included cultural performances, stories of Shri Ram, Hindu prayers, and devotional songs. Organizers, including Mahendra Sapa and Premkumar Swaminathan, highlighted the historic significance of the Ayodhya Mandir inauguration. The celebration will continue on January 20 in the U.S., involving American Hindu families, with a grand event featuring Ram Leela and various cultural performances.

Gulmarg, in Jammu & Kashmir, looks like a winter fairyland with the first snowfall. A beautiful video shared by ANI captures the snowy magic. Locals and visitors are enjoying the enchanting snow in the town. Higher areas got fresh snow, and the plains experienced gentle rains. Srinagar had a low of minus 1.3 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam recorded minus 5.1, and Gulmarg noted minus 2.8. A weak western disturbance brought light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches, around six inches in Gulmarg. The serene snowfall adds a delightful touch to the winter vibe, welcoming everyone to relish the snowy joy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concerns over Finland's NATO membership, citing the creation of a new military district in response. Finland, sharing a significant border with Russia, joined NATO in April amid Moscow's Ukraine offensive. Putin stated, "There were no problems there; now there will be." Tensions rise as Russia reacts to Helsinki's NATO accession, warning of counter-measures. This follows Finland closing its border with Russia, accusing Moscow of orchestrating a migrant crisis. Putin emphasized Russia's lack of interest in war with NATO countries, responding to recent remarks by US leader Joe Biden on Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

Following the shocking breach in Parliament security, the alleged mastermind, Lalit Jha, traveled to Rajasthan's Nagaur to meet Mahesh Kumawat and destroy crucial evidence. Near a hotel in Trishangaya village, they threw the phones of the four trespassers into a fire, erasing key evidence. Police later discovered burnt phone parts near the hotel. Jha, who reportedly shot videos of the incident, returned to Delhi but is yet to recover his phone. Six arrests have been made in the case, including Jha and Kumawat. The security breach involved intruders jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber and deploying colored smoke.

Ukraine announced thwarting two Russian missile and 20 drone attacks overnight, including an Iskander-K cruise missile strike. The Ukrainian air force successfully shot down the drones and the Kh-59 guided air missile, preventing damage from the Iskander-K. The missiles originated from Crimea and the occupied Kherson region. In response, Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones in border regions. While drone attacks near Russian borders are frequent, last week saw a major drone assault on southern Ukraine, accompanied by ballistic missiles hitting Kyiv, resulting in approximately 50 injuries. Russia continues daily bombardments on Ukrainian towns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts that India will rank among the world's top three economies during his third term at the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse. The world's largest diamond trading center, spanning 67 lakh square feet, symbolizes India's strength. Modi highlighted the Surat diamond industry's job creation and urged increased exports. He emphasized the government's support for the gems and jewellery sector, predicting double-digit growth. The Surat Diamond Bourse, part of the DREAM City, will facilitate global diamond and jewellery trade. Modi's guarantee aligns with India's economic targets, aiming to become a $5-10 trillion economy.

Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt, recently crowned the world's best whisky, is reshaping India's $33 billion spirits market. Priced at $37, it competes with global giants like Glenlivet and Talisker. With rising affluence, global brands are tapping into India's whisky boom. Pernod and Diageo have launched Indian single malts, responding to a 144% surge in Indian single malt consumption in 2021-22. The trend signals a shift from whisky in India to Indian whisky, with experts predicting sustained growth. Indri's success reflects the category's potential, prompting plans for market expansion and capacity increase.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock jointly called for a "sustainable cease-fire" in Gaza, expressing concern over civilian casualties saying "Too many civilians have been killed" during the Israeli Defense Forces' assault. In a Sunday Times letter, they emphasized the need for lasting peace while acknowledging the complexity of the situation. The appeal follows US President Joe Biden's criticism of Israel's recent bombings as "indiscriminate." Cameron and Baerbock condemned extremist settlers in the West Bank, accusing them of hindering a two-state solution. The call for a ceasefire coincides with the US urging Israel to shift focus toward targeting Hamas leaders.