Russia’s Putin seeks to boost energy, defence exports with India visit

India has mandated the installation of a tracking application on all smartphones, a move that reflects the government's increasing focus on digital surveillance and data collection. This decision was reported by The New York Times and is set to take effect in the coming months.

Oil prices have declined as traders closely monitor ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about the stability of oil supplies from Venezuela. The January WTI contract has seen a notable drop, reflecting market anxieties over geopolitical tensions and their potential impact on oil production.

European natural gas prices have dropped to an 18-month intraday low, influenced by unseasonably warm weather and ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. This decline reflects market reactions to the evolving geopolitical landscape and energy supply dynamics.

Apple has rejected India's directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-run 'Sanchar Saathi' cyber safety app on all new devices, which must remain enabled and cannot be disabled. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the tech giant and Indian regulatory authorities.

India has been importing discounted Russian oil, which has raised concerns as these purchases indirectly support Moscow's military actions in Ukraine, leading to increased scrutiny from Western nations, particularly the U.S. and Europe.

The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers has increased by over 20% since the end of August, indicating a surge in exports despite ongoing delivery challenges. This rise comes amid geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting the global oil market.

A fourth Russia-connected tanker was attacked in the Black Sea on Tuesday, marking a significant increase in assaults on vessels associated with Moscow as the conflict in Ukraine approaches its fifth year. This escalation reflects ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic importance of maritime routes for both Russia and Ukraine.

Indian food delivery service Swiggy Ltd. is set to raise up to 100 billion rupees ($1.1 billion) from institutional investors as early as next week, signaling a significant move in the Indian market. This share sale reflects the company's growth ambitions and the increasing interest in the food delivery sector.