Buoyed by recent state victories, BJP eyes a robust presence in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The initial list, expected in Jan-Feb, includes PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah. Focused on 164 constituencies where they faced challenges in 2019, BJP strategizes to contest more seats. Categorized into 'C' and 'D' groups, ministers oversee weaker constituencies. With fewer allies, BJP aims broader state presence, even in past alliance strongholds. Notable focus on UP, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra. The party considers new faces and excludes MPs over 70. PM Modi sets an ambitious goal: secure over 50% of votes.          

Speaking at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India aims to become a developed nation in the next 25 years, which he dubbed the "Amrit Kaal". With over 100 countries represented, Modi highlighted the summit's significance in catalyzing India's developmental journey. He expressed delight at the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed as chief guest, citing new UAE investments worth billions in Indian ports. Modi asserted that India, currently the world's 5th largest economy compared to 11th in 2014, will break into the top three imminently based on assessments. He guaranteed India's rise as a economic powerhouse within 25 years.

Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani asserted that nothing can prevent India from becoming a $35 trillion economy by 2047. He expressed confidence that Gujarat alone will grow into a $3 trillion economy. Ambani outlined Reliance's past and future investments in the state across various sectors like energy and telecom. He also applauded Prime Minister Modi as the "most successful PM in India's history" and "greatest global leader of our times", whose leadership will elevate India to new heights of prosperity. The billionaire's bold predictions came as Modi reaffirmed his commitment to positioning India among the top three economies globally.

British and American naval forces working together successfully repelled what UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps described as "the largest attack" ever carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Shapps said a British warship destroyed multiple drones and missiles fired by the Houthis on Tuesday. The US military also reported intercepting 18 drones, 2 cruise missiles, and 1 ballistic missile through coordinated efforts across several ships. The rebel attack targeted commercial shipping lanes despite an imminent UN Security Council vote to condemn Houthi assaults aimed at disrupting Israeli military actions in Gaza. All vessels transiting the Red Sea were advised to proceed cautiously in light of the incident.

Chaos broke out at a synagogue in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood on Monday when police arrived to fill in illegal tunnels that had been dug beneath the building over the past six months. As protesters refused to leave the tunnels, officers made arrests and removed wooden panels from the synagogue to make way for a cement truck. Videos of Orthodox Jewish men clashing with police over the tunnels, which allegedly threatened the foundation of the prominent Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, went viral online. (Video courtesy: @rawsalerts on X)

Ecuador grapples with a surge in violence, including armed attacks and a live TV studio invasion. President Daniel Noboa declares 22 gangs as terrorist organizations amid a nationwide state of emergency. At least 10 casualties are reported, with escalating unrest linked to criminal gangs. A shocking TV studio takeover by gunmen is thwarted by police, leading to arrests. Kidnappings and explosions across the country add to the turmoil. Noboa acknowledges an "internal armed conflict" and labels gangs as terrorists. The crisis prompts international concern, impacting regional borders and causing financial market fluctuations in Ecuador. Once a haven, Ecuador now grapples with increasing drug-related crime and violence under Noboa's pledge to restore peace.

Prabhas-starrer "Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire" Soars Past ₹700 Crore Mark Globally on Day 19, Joining Telugu Blockbuster Baahubali 2 Prabhas achieves a remarkable milestone as Salaar joins the elite ₹700 crore club worldwide. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the action-packed film continues its triumphant run at the box office, adding another feather to Prabhas's cap. Salaar becomes the third film from the South Indian superstar to reach this milestone. The global success underscores the film's widespread appeal and reinforces Prabhas's stature as a global star.

Gautam Adani announced that the Adani Group will invest Rs 2 lakh crore in renewable energy and green sectors in Gujarat over the next 5 years. The investment aims to expand Adani's green supply chain and support India's transition to cleaner energy. Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, Adani said the massive investment is expected to create up to 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs in the state. He highlighted India's strong economic growth under PM Modi and said the conglomerate's green energy push will position India as a global leader in sustainability. The Rs 2 lakh crore investment underscores Adani Group's ambitions in renewable energy and its commitment to investing in Modi's home state Gujarat.

Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, openly admits the company's mistake after a 737 Max 9 door plug blew out midair during an Alaska Airlines flight. He vows complete transparency and collaboration with the NTSB investigation. The FAA temporarily grounded 171 planes for safety inspections. Calhoun commends Alaska Airlines for swiftly responding, preventing potential accidents. Inspections uncovered loose hardware on grounded planes, prompting questions about installation. A class-action lawsuit targets plug manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems. NTSB examines unaccounted-for bolts, questioning their existence. Calhoun expresses confidence in the NTSB's thorough investigation, ensuring aviation safety measures moving forward.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar flagged off Adani Defence's indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 'Starliner' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), marking a milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in ISR technology. The advanced UAV boasts 36-hour endurance, 450 kg payload capacity, STANAG 4671 certification, and all-weather capabilities. Admiral Kumar praised the Adani Group's commitment to unmanned systems, emphasizing the significance of Drishti 10's integration for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. The ceremony at Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad underscores the group's efforts in achieving self-reliance in defence and security.