Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the Oval Office is influencing global politics. His unpredictable diplomacy is reshaping alliances, spurring NATO allies’ budget reevaluations, and prompting negotiations like the China-India border dispute resolution. Trudeau’s resignation in Canada, Danish talks concerning Greenland, and potential Israel-Hamas negotiations hint at the Trump Effect in various geopolitical scenarios.
India will not reduce troops along the LAC with China, citing a persisting standoff and the need to rebuild trust for de-escalation. Army chief Gen Dwivedi also criticized Pakistan for cross-border terrorism in J&K. The situation along the LAC is stable but sensitive, with strategic patience required to resolve the conflict.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed her government’s discussions with private companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX, regarding the telecom security system. She denied personal talks with Musk, emphasizing national interest and addressing the controversy over Musk’s political views. The potential deal worth 1.5 billion Euros has raised opposition concerns.
A video showing the before and after of Pacific Palisades, highlights the scale of the devastation caused by the wildfire. The wildfires, ongoing since Tuesday, have claimed 24 lives, burned 40,000 acres, and destroyed 12,300 structures, severely impacting neighborhoods like Malibu and Los Angeles.
An advocate named Aftab Ahmed orchestrated the murder of a girl’s father but due to mistaken identity, contract killers shot an auto driver, Mohammad Rizwan, in Lucknow. The police solved the case in 13 days, arresting both shooters and Aftab. Ahmed’s motive was to enable meetings with his girlfriend post her father’s death.
Delhi HC rebukes AAP-led government for its delayed response to CAG’s liquorgate report, pointing out significant regulatory lapses and substantial financial losses incurred between 2017 and 2021. The CAG report flagged licensing irregularities, pricing discrepancies, and compromised regulatory measures in the excise policy implementation.
A land scam in Sambhal’s Chandausi town involving fraudulent sales of 114 plots has been uncovered. Plots were sold using a fake will, primarily to minority community members. Investigations have begun into fraudulent sales, threats, and encroachments, including 50 bighas of Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple land.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26, is set to be the world’s largest gathering, with cultural and tourism ministries collaborating to enhance visitor experience. With expected attendance of 40 crore, preparations include enhanced connectivity, cultural showcases, and multilingual toll-free assistance for tourists.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra faces a significant test as the rupee is poised to breach 86 due to a stronger dollar. This complicates GDP growth efforts expected to slow to 6.4% in FY25. Forex intervention has tightened liquidity, impacting interest rates and contributing to capital outflows.
The Election Commission refutes the government’s justification for simultaneous polls citing the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness. The government argues for unified elections due to financial and operational burdens. The EC maintains the MCC is crucial for equitable elections and brief application correlates with electoral cycles, minimizing disruption.
