Govt clears setting up of International Big Cat Alliance

The theme for showcasing tableaux at the upcoming Republic Day Parade is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', with 15 states and UTs selected to present them on the Kartavya Path on January 26. Additionally, 11 ministries and departments of the Union government have also been chosen for the 2025 Republic Day celebrations. The tableaux are a significant component of the parade, with selection done by an Expert Committee due to time constraints. Full Article

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy held a meeting with Tollywood industry members at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, addressing the ongoing Sandhya Theatre stampede issue and warning against compromising law and order. Benefit shows were prohibited, with emphasis on actors controlling fans, campaigning against drugs, and strict action against bouncers. The delegation included prominent Tollywood figures like Dil Raju, Nagarjuna, Varun Tej, Allu Aravind, and others, discussing the tragic incident involving Allu Arjun at Sandhya Theatre, sparking...

Taiwan's Presidential Office conducted its first tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, amid renewed Chinese military threats. Dozens of government agencies and civil groups participated in the 3-hour exercise, led by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and National Security Council Secretary-general Joseph Wu. The simulation tested response readiness for scenarios including China's "high intensity" grey-zone warfare, emphasizing Taiwan's preparedness for potential conflict. Full Article

In an "inhuman" Christmas Day assault, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy system and cities with cruise and ballistic missiles plus drones, injuring at least six people in Kharkiv and killing one in Dnipropetrovsk. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack and pledged increased military aid to Kyiv. Over 70 missiles and more than a hundred attack drones were deployed, leaving half a million people without heating in Kharkiv and causing blackouts in Kyiv and other areas....

In the India vs Australia 4th Test, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne frustrate Indian bowlers, with only Ravindra Jadeja managing to claim a wicket. Rohit Sharma surprises by dropping Shubman Gill and adding Washington Sundar to the playing XI. Khawaja hits a fifty as Australia dominates with a strong partnership. Full Article

A "massive missile attack" struck Ukraine's Kharkiv, with Mayor Igor Terekhov reporting multiple explosions and incoming ballistic missiles. Russian forces shot down Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine launched Kalibr cruise missiles. The escalation comes as Russia advances in eastern Ukraine ahead of US president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Full Article