In response to criticism over unemployment, Haryana Kaushal Rojgar Nigam announces the recruitment of 10,000 skilled workers for construction jobs in Israel. Candidates with class X education, aged 25 to 54, and three years of relevant experience are eligible. The offered salary is 6100 NIS (Rs 1.34 lakh/month). Haryana addresses Israel's worker shortage amid the conflict with Hamas. This move follows reports of Palestinians losing work permits in Israel. Contrary to recent statements denying discussions, Haryana actively engages in international recruitment efforts, also advertising positions in Dubai and nursing roles.

Seven women sustained critical injuries in a mortar shell explosion in Habib Kot Adana, South Waziristan, Pakistan. The incident occurred while the women were gathering timber on a nearby mountain for domestic use in severe cold weather. The powerful blast resulted from a mortar shell fired from an undisclosed location. The victims were urgently transported to Razmak hospital in Wana. Authorities, including the police, are conducting an investigation into the incident. The explosion highlights the persistent danger in the restive northwest region.

Negotiations for the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA (European Free Trade Association) stall as Switzerland raises concerns on mobility and intellectual property rights. The 20th round of talks faces challenges despite recent progress. EFTA, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, seeks a resolution before India's 2024 general elections. The revised Indian proposal on market access and Switzerland's apprehensions complicate the process. While no set deadline exists, both sides aim for an early 2024 signing. Recent visits by Norway's trade minister and Switzerland's economic affairs state secretary aimed to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends a right-wing political festival organized by Italy's Brothers of Italy party, strengthening ties with its leader Giorgia Meloni. Their shared hardline stance on immigration and mutual cooperation on defense and Ukraine have deepened their rapport. The visit reciprocates Meloni's attendance at a UK summit, showcasing a growing alliance between right-wing politicians in Europe. Critics express concerns about the Conservative party's rightward shift, emphasizing the implications for immigration policies and cultural issues. The relationship between Sunak and Meloni unfolds against a backdrop of geopolitical cooperation and shared interests.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the Biden administration to designate India a "Country of Particular Concern" citing threats to religious freedom. USCIRF highlights India's alleged efforts to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad. The watchdog mentions India's systematic violations, urging the US State Department's action under the Religious Freedom Act. Commissioner Stephen Schneck expresses deep concern over India's alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and a plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. India responds, assuring examination of shared inputs. USCIRF emphasizes the dangerous extension of domestic repression targeting religious minorities abroad.

A British navy vessel intercepted and destroyed a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea following Yemeni rebel attacks. The UK's HMS Diamond fired a Sea Viper missile, successfully neutralizing the threat. Iran-backed Houthis, controlling parts of Yemen, allegedly target shipping to exert pressure amid the Gaza conflict. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, major shipping firms, suspended Red Sea passage. The UK Defense Secretary emphasized the threat to international commerce, pledging commitment to maritime security. Hapag-Lloyd halted container ship traffic, joined by Maersk, citing Houthi attacks. The incident raises concerns of geopolitical escalation and potential implications for the Gaza conflict.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla dismisses any connection between the suspension of 13 MPs and the recent Parliament security breach. In a letter to MPs, Birla deems linking the incidents as unwarranted, emphasizing the suspension's purpose to uphold the House's sanctity. He assures a high-level inquiry into the breach and a comprehensive security review. The security breach on December 13 involved two men throwing smoke canisters in the Lok Sabha, triggering panic on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. Six accused have been arrested, with a mastermind seeking to create anarchy.

An agent of Israel's Mossad intelligence service was executed in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province for allegedly collecting classified information and providing documents to Mossad. The accused aimed to propagate against the Islamic Republic. The execution followed a recent attack by Baluch militants on a police station, resulting in the death of 11 security personnel. The executed agent's identity remains undisclosed. The impoverished province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has a history of clashes between security forces and Sunni militants. The execution heightens geopolitical tensions, marking a response to alleged foreign interference.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi links the recent Parliament security breach to unemployment and inflation caused by Prime Minister Modi's policies. Gandhi states that citizens' unemployment is the root cause, emphasizing the current challenges faced by the Indian population. Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes Union Home Minister Amit Shah for not addressing the matter in the House. The BJP-led Centre and Opposition clash over the breach, with accusations directed at the BJP for issuing visitors' passes to the accused. The incident involved intruders leaping into the Lok Sabha chamber, unleashing chaos during the Parliament Winter Session.

Mumbai Indians' decision to make Hardik Pandya the captain for the upcoming IPL 2024 season is under scrutiny, with reports suggesting his return was contingent on the leadership role. Rohit Sharma, the longstanding captain, was allegedly informed during ICC World Cup 2023 and opted to play under Pandya. MI's Global Head of Performance, Mahela Jayawardene, defended the move, stating it aligns with the team's legacy-building philosophy. However, fans expressed discontent, burning jerseys and causing Mumbai Indians' Instagram to lose over 5 lakh followers since the announcement. Pandya's captaincy has sparked debates among IPL enthusiasts.