Saudi Arabia has announced a ban on the personal and commercial use of religious and national symbols, a move expected to impact residents, including Indians. Commerce Minister Dr. Majid al-Qasabi stated that the decision aims to prevent the misuse of sacred and national emblems such as the national flag, Islamic Declaration of Faith, crosses, swords, and palm trees. The ban also extends to images and names of Saudi leaders. Businesses must comply within 90 days of the decision’s publication in the Official Gazette or face fines and prosecution. This reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting the sanctity of symbols.

Russia and the US have intensified actions in Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. Russia launched its largest missile strikes in months and eased nuclear weapon use conditions, aiming to maximize battlefield advantage. Meanwhile, the Biden administration approved Kyiv’s use of long-range Atacms missiles on Russian territory and pledged $300M in military aid, including anti-personnel mines. The moves follow Russia’s deployment of North Korean forces, seen as a “massive escalation.” Experts suggest both nations are positioning for negotiations under Trump, though skepticism remains about potential compromises.

Adani Group stocks fell sharply on Thursday after the US SEC charged Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Azure Power's Cyril Cabanes in a $250 million bribery case. Shares of Adani Green Energy dropped 17.44% to ₹1,165.50, while flagship Adani Enterprises nosedived 20.29% to ₹2,248. The SEC alleged Adani misled investors and secured Indian government commitments to purchase energy at above-market rates, raising $750 million globally. Other group companies, including Adani Power, Ports, and Total Gas, also saw significant losses. SEC Acting Director Sanjay Wadhwa pledged accountability for securities violations.

Congress renewed its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe after US authorities charged Gautam Adani with bribery and fraud. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleged Adani Green Energy Ltd. concealed a $265 million bribery scheme tied to a solar energy project, deceiving investors. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed the charges validate his party's concerns about an "intimate nexus" between Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Criticizing SEBI's investigations, Ramesh emphasized accountability for unanswered questions raised in Congress's “Hum Adani ke Hain” series. The alleged scheme reportedly promised $2 billion in profits over 20 years.          

India dismissed a The Globe and Mail report alleging government involvement in the assassination of pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June 2023. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the claims, based on an unnamed Canadian official, "ludicrous" and rejected them outright. He criticized Canada for pursuing smear campaigns, which further strain bilateral ties. Canada had earlier accused Indian diplomats of involvement, prompting retaliatory expulsions. India insists Canada has not provided evidence to support these allegations. The diplomatic fallout continues to deepen the crisis between the nations.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani face charges in New York for an alleged $265 million bribery and fraud scheme linked to India’s largest solar power project. U.S. prosecutors allege bribes were paid to Indian officials to secure contracts promising $2 billion in profits over 20 years. Additional charges include securities fraud and wire fraud conspiracy. The Adanis, alongside other executives, allegedly concealed corruption while raising $3 billion in loans and bonds. Arrest warrants for the Adanis have been issued. Adani Group denies the accusations. This follows earlier controversies, including allegations of offshore tax haven misuse.

The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK, with sub-zero temperatures reaching -7.5°C in Cumbria. Scotland, Wales, and northern England face up to 20 cm of snowfall in higher areas, while southwest England could see 10 cm on Dartmoor. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected over the weekend, raising flood concerns. Over 100 schools in Scotland remain closed. The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber cold weather alert, urging caution for vulnerable populations. The RAC and AA warn drivers of breakdown risks and advise checking forecasts before traveling.

Exit polls for Maharashtra’s 288 Assembly seats reveal a tight race between the ruling Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Predictions vary widely, with Mahayuti expected to secure 125-195 seats and MVA 69-150. Smaller parties might hold 2-25 seats, potentially influencing government formation. Key battles include Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur, Eknath Shinde in Thane, and Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Voter priorities, including inflation and unemployment, challenge traditional loyalties. While Mahayuti is favored, some pollsters foresee a hung house, adding uncertainty. Results will reveal the electorate’s verdict on this unpredictable political landscape.

Ukraine has reportedly fired British Storm Shadow cruise missiles at Russian military targets, marking the first use of these long-range weapons in the conflict. The move comes as the UK approved the missile use in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops. Debris from Storm Shadow missiles was found in Russia's Kursk region, with others intercepted over Krasnodar's Yeysk port. This follows Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles. President Zelensky continues urging Western nations to strengthen military aid. The UK’s decision highlights increasing tensions, with the issue dominating discussions at the G20 summit in Brazil.

As the second phase of Jharkhand’s 2024 Assembly elections concluded, exit polls suggest a tight contest between the JMM-led INDIA alliance and the BJP-led NDA. The ruling JMM, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, seeks to retain power, while the BJP aims to unseat the government. In 2019, JMM and allies secured a victory, winning 13 of the 38 seats. Exit poll results vary, with some predicting a BJP win, while others forecast a JMM-led victory. Key contests include CM Hemant Soren and BJP’s Gamaliel Hembrom in Barhait.