The Economic Times

Europe takes center stage in Indian diplomacy this week. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Monday, seeking trade expansion before the EU free trade agreement. France's Emmanuel Bonne arrives Monday and Tuesday, preparing for President Macron's February trip. Poland's foreign minister Radosaw Sikorski follows. Prime Minister Modi meets Merz in Ahmedabad to boost cooperation.

As Assam gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, the air is heavy with the sorrow of losing beloved cultural figure Zubeen Garg. With the ruling BJP aiming for a hat-trick in governance, they are rolling out fresh faces to rally support. Meanwhile, opposition parties are banding together in a spirited effort to take on the BJP's dominance.

Businesses in India are urging the government to prioritize economic growth in the upcoming budget. They are calling for more reforms and increased government spending on infrastructure. Incentives for private investment and privatization are also key demands. Support for exporters facing challenges from US tariffs is crucial. The budget is expected to outline the path for future economic expansion.

As West Bengal gears up for the pivotal 2026 assembly elections, the air is thick with political tension. The electoral rolls are seeing a targeted revision, setting the stage for a fierce showdown. Major players like the Trinamool Congress and the BJP are hitting the ground running with their campaigns.

Adani Group will invest 1.5 lakh crore in Gujarat's Kutch region over the next five years. This investment will boost renewable energy projects and expand port capacity. The group is developing the world's largest renewable energy park in Khavda. Mundra port capacity will double in the next decade. Cargo volumes show strong growth.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani plans a massive 7 lakh crore investment in Gujarat. This will boost clean energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Jamnagar will become a global hub for green energy exports. Reliance will also build India's largest AI-ready data centre. The company will support India's Olympic ambitions and expand social infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges global investors to seize India's growth opportunities. He positions Saurashtra and Kutch as vital centers for manufacturing. India's economic reforms, policy certainty, and strong performance create a favorable investment climate. The nation is rapidly advancing, offering significant potential for international businesses. This region supports diverse manufacturing needs, from basic tools to advanced components.

A Supreme Court ruling impacts shareholders in company mergers. Those receiving new shares via share-swap may face taxes on gains, even without selling. This applies if their old shares were considered 'stock-in-trade'. The difference in value between old and new shares will be taxed as business income. This decision could lead to more tax disputes for investors and traders.

While Trump's actions have unnerved leaders around the globe, Canadians have particular reason to worry. After all, with Greenland, Trump and his advisers are seeking control - even raising the possibility of military action - of a territory that is democratic, strategically located in the Arctic, and part of Nato. Canada is all of those things, too.

Poddar is currently serving his gardening leave and is expected to formally exit the firm by the end of January.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's India visit is cancelled. Growing protests in Iran and threats of external intervention have led to this decision. India is monitoring the situation closely. The future of Chabahar Port was a key agenda item. India had secured a sanctions waiver for the port. The port is vital for Afghanistan and Central Asian states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a grand vision for India's next thousand years at Somnath. He highlighted the nation's cultural renaissance and the confidence of its citizens. Modi recalled historical attacks on the Somnath temple, emphasizing its reconstruction as a symbol of victory and resilience. He urged vigilance against divisive forces, stressing unity for India's future glory.

As the world overflows with obligate fellows, it is natural for the obligated to take a splash in the river of resolutions. It's a different issue that no one wants to become the river itself. Just a dip of ablution and it is done. If the major rivers could voice their struggles and share their grief, the wise men would probably understand the reason.

Sneakers have been the kings of footwear for twenty years running, but some market analysts are ringing alarm bells about a possible downturn, pointing to a dip in growth rates. However, there's a camp of optimists who believe that the demand for comfy kicks will never fade.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, alleged that the government was spending crores of rupees on the propaganda using party volunteers keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly polls.

ED is investigating if funds for the construction of the varsity were sourced from alleged proceeds of crime, the sources told PTI.

Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to bolster Arctic security against Russia and China, according to a government minister. These talks are described as routine, not a direct response to U.S. President Trump's desire to acquire Greenland. The UK agrees that Russia and China are increasingly competitive in the Arctic, emphasizing the need for an effective deterrent.

We have seen BJP mayor in Thiruvananthapuram and tomorrow we will see BJP CM in Kerala, said Shah. People have wiped out Communist parties all over the world, and Congress is on a slippery slope, the BJP leader added.

The strikes came days after the Lebanese military said it had completed disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, the first phase of a nationwide plan, though Israel has called those efforts insufficient.

EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius floated creating a powerful, standing 'European military force' of 100,000 troops as a possible option to better protect the continent.

In a recent address, Manipur MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized the crucial role of Meiteis in championing peace initiatives within the state. He underscored the importance of fostering reconciliation with Kukis to address the persistent conflict.

All the flying objects came from the Pakistan side, and returned after hovering over Indian territory for few minutes, they said. According to officials, security forces have launched a search operation on the ground after noticing the suspected drones activity in the forward areas.

Maharashtra civic polls: The NCP, although a member of the ruling Mahayuti, and NCP (SP), a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, have joined hands for the January 15 elections to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies.

Astrologers describe the January new moon as a stabilising force rather than a dramatic one. Its influence lies in encouraging steady progress, emotional maturity and thoughtful planning.

A new study reveals mothers often pass math anxiety to daughters. This creates a confidence gap in numbers. Boys show more confidence in maths from a young age. This trend continues into adulthood. Women report more discomfort with numbers than men. The Richmond Project aims to make numbers less intimidating. It seeks to build confidence across generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Shaurya Yatra in Somnath, Gujarat. The procession honored warriors who defended the ancient temple. Traditional dances and a cavalcade of 108 horses marked the event. Modi offered prayers at the historic shrine and addressed a gathering.

Sweden is investing 15 billion Swedish crowns in air defence. This significant expenditure aims to shield citizens and vital infrastructure. The government highlighted the importance of robust air defence following events in Ukraine. Short-range systems will be acquired to safeguard cities and critical facilities. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also commented on US rhetoric concerning Greenland and Denmark.

The bulk of the trader's bids on the platform Polymarket were made mere hours before President Donald Trump announced the surprise nighttime raid that led to Maduro's capture, fuelling online suspicions of potential insider trading because of the timing of the wagers and the trader's narrow activity on the platform.

Donald Trump-Cuba: China may soon be under pressure elsewhere in Latin America. It has sought to increase its influence in Cuba, and the U.S. suspects Beijing runs an intelligence-gathering operation there, as per a report.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated his hard work brought him to his current position. He is confident about the Congress party's future decisions concerning him. This comes amid speculation about a change in the chief minister's post. Shivakumar also addressed criticism from within his community and challenged opposition leaders to a debate on MGNREGA.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also raised questions on the presence of the state police chief during the incident, alleging that the entire police infrastructure in West Bengal has become a weapon in the hands of Banerjee for all her shameful, unconstitutional and undemocratic activities.

Bridgerton Season 4: Although the new season centres on Benedict Bridgertons romance with Sophie Beckett, fans are especially eager to see whether Season 2 favourites Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton will return.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad metro, connecting Gandhinagar's Sector 10A to the Mahatma Mandir convention centre. This crucial transport link now fully connects Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, with Modi flagging off the inaugural service. The new route enhances connectivity to key Gandhinagar landmarks.

A viral video shows a Mahindra Thar driver boasting about breaking traffic rules, including wrong-side driving. Online reactions condemn the driver's reckless behaviour. This incident highlights a growing concern about the 'Thartard' mentality on Indian roads. The popular off-roader has previously been linked to hooliganism and road rage incidents.

Domino's has a unique offer for the National Pizza Week. The offer includes an item for $6.99 each, $19.99 for combo meal and wings for $7.99.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit India this year. Discussions will focus on joint projects between Ukraine and India. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference serves as a platform for exploring business and cooperation. Rwanda also highlighted strong ties and economic cooperation with India. The conference aims to boost investment and industrial growth in western Gujarat.

Tension grips Kumarghat subdivision in Tripura's Unakoti district after communal clashes erupted over fair subscription collection. Several individuals were injured and properties were damaged. Security forces have been deployed, and prohibitory orders are in effect. Internet services are suspended as a precautionary measure. Police have detained and arrested several people in connection with the violence.

Devendra Fadnavis was responding to Pawar, whose party is a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti, repeatedly targeting the BJP over local governance in the run-up to polls to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations.

Himachal Pradesh's government has expanded social security, benefiting over 8.42 lakh individuals with pensions and welfare. Reforms like removing income ceilings for certain groups and increasing monthly pensions to Rs 1,500 for women under 69 aim for inclusive growth and timely support to vulnerable sections.

The RSS has set a target of holding over one lakh such conferences nationwide, of which around 2,000 will be organised in the Braj region, covering about 3,000 urban settlements and rural areas, officials said.

Thought of the day: Sydney Sweeney made these remarks in a September 2023 interview with Womens Health, in which she spoke about her fitness routine, mental resilience and the challenges she has faced in her career.

The veteran BJP leader, seen by many as BJPs key election strategist, insisted that an NDA regime in Kerala was very much in the realm of possibility as he gave examples of the BJPs rise from low electoral numbers to emphatic prominence in other states including Uttar Pradesh and Assam as well as in the Lok Sabha.

A new Gauhati High Court complex has been proposed as part of a judicial township at Rangmahal and Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant laid the foundation stone of the project.

Delhi is upgrading its drainage system with a new Master Plan. Four major drains are being developed to tackle waterlogging. Projects in Kirari, Mundka, and along Rohtak Road are underway. The MB Road Storm Water Drain project will improve South Delhi's drainage.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in India to boost economic and security ties. This visit comes ahead of a planned EU-India free trade agreement. Discussions will cover trade, defense deals, and skilled labor recruitment. India seeks broader partnerships to reduce dependence on other nations. German companies see significant opportunities in India's growing market.