Author: News Desk

India and the European Union have finalized a historic free trade agreement, marking the largest tariff liberalisation India has ever offered to a trading partner. The deal covers economies with a combined population of nearly 2 billion, strengthening economic and political ties between the world’s second- and fourth-largest economies amid heightened global trade uncertainty. Major Boost to Trade and Exports The FTA is expected to significantly increase bilateral trade, with EU exports to India projected to double over time. Analysts forecast a potential rise in India’s trade surplus with the EU of over $50 billion by FY31, while domestic equity…

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and this year’s chief guest at India’s 77th Republic Day, drew attention on Monday in a maroon-and-gold brocade bandhgala jacket paired with off-white trousers—a striking blend of elegance and traditional Indian style that suited the grandeur of the occasion. Typically known for her tailored pantsuits at international events, von der Leyen’s choice of traditional Indian attire for the parade marked a notable departure, showcasing her respect for Indian culture and a thoughtful nod to the importance of the celebration. As she watched the parade featuring India’s armed forces, cultural tableaux, and…

India and the European Union (EU) are expected to announce a landmark free-trade agreement (FTA) today. The deal aims to create a comprehensive framework to navigate the uncertainties caused by US policies under President Donald Trump. Here’s a concise breakdown: Background and significance: Trade context:

Import duty reductions on labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and footwear, along with concessions on cars and wines, are expected to feature in the India–European Union free trade agreement (FTA), which is likely to be announced on 27 January, according to a PTI report citing people familiar with the matter. The agreement is also expected to ease regulatory norms across multiple service sectors. India has consistently pushed for zero-duty access for labour-intensive industries including textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts. This demand has been a core part of India’s FTA negotiations and has been secured in deals with…

India’s digital payments ecosystem continues to be dominated by two major platforms, Paytm and PhonePe, each charting distinct corporate paths. Paytm, operated by One97 Communications, recently reported profits, while PhonePe, backed by Walmart, is preparing for a public listing, having filed its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus in January 2026. Both platforms provide consumer payments, merchant payments, and financial services distribution built on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network. However, differences in transaction volumes, financial results, and monetisation strategies are increasingly visible as both companies report under different frameworks. For H1 FY26, PhonePe reported revenue from operations of ₹3,918.47 crore,…

At just 31, Daniel Tom has turned one of the least glamorous services into a booming business. As owner of Bay Area Sanitation, he now manages nearly 2,000 portable toilets across the San Francisco Bay Area, generating $4.3 million (around Rs 39 crore) in annual revenue in 2025, up from $3.1 million in 2024. Tom launched the company in 2023 with a single truck and 100 rentable units. The business turned profitable in its first year and has scaled rapidly, supported by the region’s growth in outdoor events and construction activity. With 12 vacuum pumper trucks and 19 employees, the…

India marked its 77th Republic Day in 2026 with a strong display of indigenous defence capabilities and advanced military technology at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations, with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attending as Chief Guests. This was the first Republic Day after Operation Sindoor, the recent military operation in which Indian forces carried out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The parade reflected India’s growing focus on joint operations, indigenous weapons and technological self-reliance. The ceremony began with Mi-17 helicopters flying in formation and…

India is set to significantly reduce import duties on cars from the European Union, cutting tariffs from as high as 110% to 40%, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move is part of the final stages of negotiations on a free trade pact between India and the EU, expected to be announced as soon as Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will initially lower taxes on a limited number of cars priced above 15,000 euros ($17,739). Over time, these duties could fall further to 10%, making it easier for European automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW to…

Marina Abramović, often called the grandmother of performance art, is entering her 80th year with a presence as intense and unflinching as ever. Known for using her body as both medium and method, she has spent decades testing human limits—physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Her work is featured in the sixth Kochi-Muziris Biennale, where she will also deliver a lecture in February, alongside a presentation by Saatchi Yates at the India Art Fair in New Delhi. Emerging in the 1970s, Abramović challenged audiences with confrontational works. In Rhythm 0 (1974), she stood motionless for six hours while the public could use 72 objects…

China’s President Xi Jinping has sent warm greetings to India on the occasion of its Republic Day, describing the two nations as “good neighbours, friends and partners,” according to the official Xinhua news agency. In his message to President Droupadi Murmu, Xi highlighted that China-India relations have improved over the past year, calling their partnership significant for promoting global peace and prosperity. He used the metaphor of “the dragon and the elephant dancing together” to symbolize the potential for cooperation and mutual growth. Xi emphasized the importance of expanding exchanges, deepening collaboration, and addressing each other’s concerns to maintain healthy…