NEWS 31-12-2023. News For 1st-Jan (Monday) *INTERNATIONAL* • India and Russia have boosted Clean Energy Cooperation with New Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Deals. • In a groundbreaking move, India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, has paid for crude oil from the UAE in rupees. This landmark transaction signals a potential shift in the international trade landscape, with India aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar and establish the rupee as a viable settlement currency. • India is set to acquire five lithium-rich blocks in Argentina. This will pave the way for a secure supply of the critical mineral for its electric vehicle and green energy ambitions. *NATIONAL* • CM Yogi Adityanath flagged off UP's inaugural intra-district helicopter service in Bateshwar, aiming to boost tourism. • Death sentences for eight Indian Navy veterans in Qatar have been commuted by the Court of Appeal. • India aims to establish its own permanent space station called ‘Bharatiya Space Station’ over the next 25 years. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set a target to launch the first module of this station by 2028. *SPORTS* • Virat Kohli became the first batter to cross 2000 runs in seven different calendar years • Vita Dani, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to be appointed as a governing board member of the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Foundation. *Defence* • Fourth of the eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges, being built by MSME Shipyard SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam, has been inducted into the Indian Navy. • In a major boost to India's 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defense, the Indian Navy received the final installment of seven Ferry Crafts constructed by Kolkata-based Shalimar Works Ltd." < < Back