India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), KKR, and Sembcorp are competing to acquire renewable energy supplier Sprng Energy from Shell Plc in one of India's biggest renewable M&A deals. Shell purchased Sprng from Actis for $1.5 billion three years ago and has since expanded the company's 5GW energy generation portfolio. The three contenders submitted non-binding offers in late December, with Macquarie also showing interest. Shell is reviewing strategic options to unlock long-term value, driven by shareholder pressure to focus on core exploration and production. Shell previously attempted partial divestments last year, but valuation mismatches stalled those efforts. The sale could become the largest renewable energy M&A deal this year. (PC: iStock)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated India is strengthening ties with Europe to bring greater stability to the global economy and politics during talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris. The remarks came amid frosty India-US relations following President Trump's 50% tariff on Indian imports. Jaishankar emphasized Europe's crucial role in international politics, noting substantive discussions on FTA, technology, semiconductors, railways, defense, and aviation. India will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU leaders in coming weeks. Jaishankar highlighted that India chairs BRICS this year while France helms G7 in 2026, emphasizing continuous consultation between strategic partners amid global uncertainty.

Haryana Police registered a case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old national-level shooter in Faridabad. The incident occurred on December 16, 2025, after the athlete competed at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi. The FIR alleges Bharadwaj asked the minor to meet him at his Surajkund hotel to review performance, then persuaded her to his room where the assault occurred. He allegedly threatened to harm her career and family if she disclosed the incident. The case was registered under POCSO Act Section 6 and BNS Section 351(2) following the victim's mother's complaint. The National Rifle Association of India suspended Bharadwaj pending inquiry. (PC:  Instagram/ankush597)

Pakistani PhD student Zorain Nizamani's op-ed "It Is Over" went viral after being removed from The Express Tribune hours after publication, allegedly under military pressure. The article argued Pakistan's ruling elites have lost influence over younger generations, stating forced patriotism through seminars and speeches no longer works. Nizamani claimed Gen Z and Gen Alpha see through propaganda thanks to internet access and education, despite state efforts. He noted frustrated youth are leaving Pakistan rather than challenging authorities. The censorship sparked massive backlash, with former PM Imran Khan's PTI and activists condemning the removal as proof of the article's truth. Nizamani, son of actors Fazila Qazi and Qaiser Khan Nizamani, became a national hero online. 

Noida-based content creator Neha Nagar sparked online discussion after comparing India's basic living standards with countries like Bali and Vietnam. In her X post, Nagar highlighted that everyday facilities often feel like luxuries in India, pointing to cleaner public spaces, better street food hygiene, stricter plastic control, cleaner air, and improved women's safety at night abroad. She emphasized India struggles providing basic amenities despite having rich history, spirituality, culture, and strong foundations. Nagar stated, "No country is perfect, but India is struggling to give the very basics to its citizens." X users largely agreed, sharing similar travel experiences and acknowledging cleanliness, hygiene, and women's safety require significant improvement in India.

Russia strongly condemned the US seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) in the North Atlantic, asserting no state has authority to use force against lawfully registered vessels on the high seas. Russia's Ministry of Transport stated the vessel received a temporary Russian flag permit on December 24, 2025, per international law, before US Naval forces boarded it outside territorial waters. Citing the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Moscow emphasized freedom of navigation rights. The US European Command confirmed seizing the sanctioned tanker after weeks of Coast Guard pursuit, executing a federal court warrant. The vessel had evaded a US blockade near Venezuela for over two weeks, escalating US-Russia maritime tensions. (PC: AP)

President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, including the India-France led International Solar Alliance. The White House announced the directive targets 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities deemed contrary to American interests. The withdrawals affect major environmental bodies like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The administration claims these organizations promote globalist agendas conflicting with US sovereignty and waste taxpayer money without meaningful results. The "America First" policy aims to redirect resources toward domestic priorities including infrastructure, national security, and economic strength. The decision follows a comprehensive review of international treaties and conventions receiving US support. (PC: Getty Images)

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced President Donald Trump has approved a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and uranium. The legislation, co-sponsored with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, could impose tariffs up to 500% on nations like India, China, and Brazil. Graham stated it gives Trump "tremendous leverage" to pressure countries financing Putin's war in Ukraine. A vote may occur next week. Trump previously imposed 50% combined tariffs on Indian goods for buying Russian oil. India-US relations have strained over New Delhi's continued Russian oil purchases, with Trump recently stating PM Modi "knew I was not happy." India remains firm on protecting its agricultural and dairy sectors amid stalled negotiations. (PC: X)

The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera, in the North Atlantic after tracking it for more than two weeks, officials said. The ship, earlier known as Bella 1, is accused of violating US sanctions linked to Venezuelan and Iranian oil. The US military said the action was led by Homeland Security with support from defence agencies. Russia’s foreign ministry called for “humane and dignified treatment” of Russian crew and said force against registered vessels was not allowed under maritime law. The UK Ministry of Defence said British forces gave “enabling support” to the operation. US officials also confirmed a second Venezuela-linked tanker was seized in the Caribbean.

Police in Faridabad have registered a case after a 17-year-old national-level shooter accused her coach of sexual assault and threats. The FIR was filed on a complaint from the girl’s mother. The incident is alleged to have taken place on December 16 after a shooting event in south Delhi. The coach had asked the athlete to meet him at a hotel in Surajkund to review her performance. Police said she was pressured to go to his room, where the assault allegedly occurred. The case has been filed under the POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Teams are collecting CCTV footage and recording witness statements. (PC: HT)