1. In response to detractors, EAM Jaishankar calls India’s G20 Presidency “very big deal”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described India’s G20 Presidency as a “very big deal,” noting that the nation has accepted the responsibility to host the meetings of the influential grouping at a time when there is significant economic strain on global supply chains and significant political polarisation. On December 1, India formally took over as G20 President. On September 9 and 10, the next G20 Leaders’ Summit at the level of Heads of State/Government will take place in New Delhi.
On January 1, militants with automatic weapons stormed at least three homes close to Rajouri in the Pir Panjal Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, killing three civilians—names of whom were made public by authorities—and injuring at least seven others. However, according to sources, there were now four fatalities in the shooting incident in Rajouri’s Dangri neighbourhood. “Another individual dies from their wounds. Four people have passed away thus far. Two armed persons are allegedly engaged in this shooting, according to Mukesh Singh, ADGP for the Jammu zone. According to authorities, the Jammu and Kashmir Police announced that security personnel had begun an operation to neutralise two terrorists who had assaulted three homes in the Dangri neighbourhood.
3. Congress establishes its first office on Owaisi territory, Charminar, hoping their plan will work
The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) on Sunday opened an office in Hyderabad’s Charminar Assembly constituency for the first time, signalling its willingness to challenge the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, and the BJP’s expanding footprint in the lead-up to this year’s Assembly elections.
4. Mallikarjun Kharge believes Congress can realise his vision of a progressive, liberal, and secular India
Before the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY(ex-Congress )’s head Rahul Gandhi) onward march to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) through Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab continues on January 3, he issued a New Year’s greeting on Sunday that reflected on the yatra’s theme. “Hoping that by 2023, there will be a mohabbat ki dukaan in every lane, every town, and every metropolis” (a shop that sells love). Greetings for a very happy new year to everyone! Gandhi tweeted a video collage of his 108-day yatra, which was on the road for nine days at the end of the year.
5. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva begins serving a third term in office
On January 1, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was ignored by outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro as he assumed office for a third term as president of Brazil, underscoring the severe divisions the seasoned leftist inherits. After an acrimonious election in October, the 77-year-old former metalworker who presided over Brazil from 2003 to 2010 took the oath of office before Congress, promising to “keep, defend, and follow the constitution.” He is again in charge of Latin America’s largest economy.
6. Blast near Kabul military airstrip leaves several people dead and many others injured
Several persons were killed and injured on Sunday in an explosion near the gate to a military airfield in the Afghan capital, an official told AFP. According to Abdul Nafy Takor, a spokesman for the interior ministry, the reason of the explosion at the gate of the building near to Kabul’s international airport was not immediately known.
7. All you need to know about the Supreme Court’s two separate rulings on the demonetisation case
Today, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on a number of petitions that contested the government’s 2016 decision to implement demonetisation. The decision, known as the “note ban,” which was announced on November 8, 2016, demonetised currency notes with denominations of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500. A group of 58 petitions contesting the government’s decision to implement demonetisation have been heard by the Supreme Court. On January 4, Justice SA Nazeer, who presides over the five-judge Constitution bench, is set to retire. Two days before his retirement, the court will resume following a winter break. In addition to SA Nazeer, the five-member bench also consists of Justices BR Gavai, BV Nagarathna, AS Bopanna, and V Ramasubramanian.
8. 2023 will be a difficult year for the world economy due to slowdowns in the US, Europe, and China: IMF
According to the head of the International Monetary Fund, 2023 will be a challenging year for most of the global economy as the primary drivers of global growth, the United States, Europe, and China, all see diminishing activity. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva predicted that the coming year would be “tougher than the year we leave behind” on the CBS Sunday morning news show “Face the Nation.”
9. BCCI Shortlists 20 For 2023 World Cup, Telling Injury-Prone Players To Skip IPL
The BCCI has narrowed down a pool of 20 players in preparation for the ODI World Cup in India in 2023, sources told NDTV. The BCCI may also request that star players forgo the forthcoming IPL season in order for them to concentrate on ICC competitions and prevent injuries. The choice was made during a performance review meeting held by the BCCI in Mumbai at a seven-star hotel. Coach Rahul Dravid, Captain Rohit Sharma, NCA Chairman VVS Laxman, and former Chief Selector Chetan Sharma were all present. Roger Binny, the board’s president, joined via video conference.
10. Avatar The Way of Water is unstoppable and brings in more than $1 billion worldwide
For a third week running, Avatar: The Way of Water has dominated the box office and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Approximately the same as the previous week, James Cameron’s much anticipated Avatar sequel generated an estimated $63 million over the long weekend, bringing its total domestic and worldwide earnings to more than $400 million and $1.3 billion, respectively. Just behind the first Black Panther, The Way of Water has already achieved the 15th-highest global release ever.
