A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings for parts of the Philippines and Japan's southwest coast. Philippine authorities warned of 1 meter high tsunami waves hitting Surigao and Davao provinces by midnight, advising immediate coastal evacuations. Japan issued a warning expecting 1 meter tsunami waves around 1:30am Sunday in southwestern areas. The quake, centered 39 miles underground, adds risk of significant damage and casualties from both shaking and potential tsunamis. Waves could continue for hours after the initial arrival times.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani envisions India's economic prowess, stating, "India will be a $40 trillion economy by 2047," during the Pandit Deendayal Energy University convocation. Emphasizing the need for sustainable growth, Ambani predicts India's energy needs to double by the end of the decade. Addressing the Energy Trilemma, he asks crucial questions and notes, "Energy transition is critical for India's global leadership in green, sustainable development." Ambani expresses confidence in the youth combating the climate crisis, urging them to contribute to India's greatness. He concludes, "The 21st Century is indeed going to be India's Century."  

India and China, despite earlier endorsements, refrained from formally supporting the COP28 pledge to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. The ambitious initiative, backed by 118 countries, aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. India's decision, previously championed during its G20 presidency, disappoints experts who stress the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels for net-zero commitments. While India exhibits serious ambitions for renewable energy, concerns arise over the silence on coal phase-down. Analysts call for additional funding support to achieve India's renewable goals, emphasizing the transformative impact on various sectors.

Israel's Mossad intelligence team engaged in high-stakes discussions with Qatari mediators in Doha, seeking to redefine the terms for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza. The focus of the Qatar-mediated talks revolved around the potential release of Israeli hostages, expanding beyond the previous criteria of women and children. The negotiations addressed the parameters of the truce, differing from the collapsed agreement on Friday. The truce, initiated on Nov. 24, saw a week-long exchange, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in return for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Efforts to extend the truce have faced obstacles, with accusations traded between Israel and Hamas.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the imminent completion of the first phase of Ayodhya's Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport by December 15. The airport, spanning 50,000 square feet, is poised to accommodate Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320 aircraft. With construction progressing swiftly, flight operations are anticipated to commence before the proposed consecration ceremony of Ram Lala on January 22. Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya's transformation into "an epitome of New India," aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. The airport's inauguration is expected to be officiated by PM Modi in two phases.

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck the Philippine island of Mindanao on Saturday. The severe tremors, which originated 63km below the Earth's surface, were reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The exact location of the epicenter and potential damage from the intense quake is still being assessed. The Philippines is situated on the seismically active Pacific 'Ring of Fire', which experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

In a major boost to India's air power, the Defence Ministry under Rajnath Singh has approved acquisition deals worth over Rs 1.8 lakh crore. The agreements include procuring 97 additional indigenous Tejas Mk-1A fighters equipped with modern systems to replace aging MiGs, 156 Light Combat Helicopters named 'Prachand', and mid-life upgrades for frontline Su-30MKI jets. For aerospace giant HAL, the approvals underscore India's commitment to enhancing strategic capabilities and self-reliance by scaling up production. The new Tejas and chopper fleets along with upgrading Russian-origin Su-30MKIs will significantly sharpen the Indian Air Force's operational edge. The mega deals mark a watershed moment for India's national security apparatus.

Indian refiners, including Reliance, have restarted purchasing Venezuelan oil through intermediaries, with Reliance planning talks with PDVSA executives for potential direct sales. Following the temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports, three Indian refiners secured 4 million barrels for February delivery at $7.50 to $8 below dated Brent. Venezuela aims for 1 million bpd production, but challenges persist. Reliance, once a major PDVSA customer, seeks discussions on crude sales to India and fuel imports for Venezuela. While no cargoes have reached India, vessels are expected to depart in December, according to tracking data. [ Representative Image ]

Seventeen Thai nationals, including Nuttawaree 'Yo' Munkan, touched down at Bangkok International Airport after two months in Hamas captivity. Emotions ran high as families welcomed them home. Yo, the only woman in the group, plans a homecoming ceremony and meditation following her ordeal. Despite the traumatic experience, she expressed nuanced views on Hamas, stating, "In Hamas - there are both good people and bad people. The good treated me well, gave me food, so I could survive. But there are also the bad people that put me in that situation." Yo, who went to Israel for work, remains grateful for the support but yearns to return, saying, "I want to go back. If there is a chance, I would."

Munich Airport grinds to a halt as a snowstorm blankets southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, disrupting travel across the region. All flights canceled for the day, extending until 6 a.m. Sunday. Train services from Munich affected, urging passengers to alter plans. Bayern Munich soccer match against Union Berlin called off. Weather-related incidents reported, with 350 incidents in Lower Bavaria alone. Avalanche warnings raised in Austria and Switzerland. The winter storm causes chaos and safety concerns, impacting transportation and public events across affected areas.