Russian President Vladimir Putin announces his candidacy as an independent for the March 2024 presidential election, bypassing the ruling United Russia party's endorsement. With over two decades in power, Putin's expected six-year term appears secure, enjoying state support and minimal public dissent. The election, seen by many as a formality, reflects Putin's dominance in Russian politics. Supporters credit him with restoring national pride and order, citing justification for the Ukraine conflict. Amid crackdowns on dissent, Putin's AI interaction and annual press conference reaffirm his influence. The election outcome appears certain in Putin's favor.

Indian-origin truck driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, responsible for a fatal 2018 crash in Canada, has lost his bid to remain in the country. Sentenced to eight years for the accident that killed 16 people, Sidhu's plea was dismissed, leading to potential deportation to India. The Federal Court rejected claims of unfair assessment, stating officials considered Sidhu's record and genuine remorse. Despite facing removal, Sidhu can still seek humanitarian grounds to stay. The tragic incident occurred when Sidhu's semi-trailer failed to stop, colliding with a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, resulting in 16 fatalities and 13 injuries.            

The 'Friends' cast expresses grief over Matthew Perry's untimely demise, delving into the details revealed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Perry, celebrated for his portrayal of Chandler Bing, succumbed to the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine influence contributing. Perry's ongoing battle with addiction was poignantly documented in his memoirs. Jennifer Aniston shares, "He was such a part of our DNA. We were always the 6 of us." As Hollywood mourns the loss, questions linger about the circumstances surrounding Perry's final days, adding a somber note to the legacy of the beloved actor.

The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, PTI sources said. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the Upper House. AAP MP Sanjay Singh is currently behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case. Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed that a letter had been received from the AAP regarding appointing Chadha as its floor leader. The AAP has the fourth largest strength in Rajya Sabha after the BJP, the Congress and the TMC.

A proposed review of the UK’s Graduate Route visa allowing two years of post-study work could impact Indian students, who make up 42% of visa holders. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) indicated it will examine if the route benefits Britain by retaining high-skilled graduates. Options include restricting eligible universities, courses, and jobs. Indian groups raised concerns about wholesale questioning of the visa's importance in attracting students. MAC's report comes before a formal commission from the Home Office. If received in early 2024, recommendations could come by late 2024. Any policy changes would significantly influence Indian student flows choosing UK higher education.

Delhi Police apprehended Mahesh Kumawat in connection with the Parliament security breach, becoming the sixth arrest in the case. Kumawat is accused of assisting 'mastermind' Lalit Jha in escaping from Delhi. Jha, previously sent to seven-day police custody, allegedly confessed to conspiring to breach Parliament security. Authorities may seek Parliament's permission to recreate the December 13 incident. The investigation delves into potential associations with enemy countries or terrorist organizations. The breach, occurring on the anniversary of the 2001 attack, remains under intense scrutiny.          

The Indian women's cricket team made history by defeating England in a one-off Test match by a mammoth 347 runs. This registered the largest-ever victory in women's Test cricket, surpassing Sri Lanka’s previous 309-run record win in 1998. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s bowlers dismissed England for just 131 runs to secure their first-ever Test triumph over England at home. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma starred with 4 wickets. The commanding win ended India’s 15-match winless streak in women’s Tests. It provides a confidence boost ahead of next week’s one-off Test against Australia. The Indian team displayed ruthless efficiency despite not playing Tests for two years, scripting numerous records in a perfect team performance.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's conglomerate has purchased a 50.5% share in news agency IANS India Pvt Ltd, marking the group's latest expansion into media. Adani Enterprises made the acquisition through its subsidiary AMG Media Networks Ltd, which operates the group's media properties including broadcaster NDTV. The deal's financial details remain undisclosed. IANS reported revenues of Rs 11.86 crore last fiscal year. AMNL will now appoint IANS's board and directors, taking operational and managerial control. The purchase grows Adani's growing media portfolio after last year's forays into digital outlet Quintillion and acquiring most NDTV shares.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) celebrates the successful capture of the first light by the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) aboard the Aditya-L1 satellite. This milestone marks the initiation of crucial scientific investigations into the sun's atmosphere. SUIT, a key instrument in the Aditya-L1 mission, aims to unravel the dynamics of the solar corona. MAHE's collaboration underscores its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. The captured light image signifies the operational readiness of SUIT, paving the way for profound insights into solar activity and its potential impact on space weather.            

UK MPs scrutinize Samir Shah as the government's pick for BBC chair, citing doubts about his ability to challenge BBC leadership robustly. The cross-party committee highlights Shah's failure to express views on crucial issues, urging the government to reconsider the appointment. Shah, 71, faces further questioning in January. If appointed, he succeeds Richard Sharp amid BBC funding challenges and cuts. The government defends Shah's appointment, emphasizing his 40-year TV career and commitment to BBC success. MPs press for Shah to address concerns in a follow-up appearance.