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Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited Washington, DC, to review the progress of India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions focused on defence and commercial ties, supply chain resilience, regional developments, and military engagements for Indo-Pacific stability. The visit highlighted joint efforts in co-production of fighter jet engines and armoured vehicles, emphasizing collaboration for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a special session of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that India has become a powerful nation and will not tolerate any aggression. He praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his efforts in economic development. Singh highlighted the importance of American investments in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India.

EaseMyTrip suspends Maldives flight bookings; promotes Ayodhya and Lakshadweep. Indian Chamber of Commerce appeals to boycott Maldives due to anti-India sentiments. Subhash Goyal urges promotion of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands as alternatives. Goyal asks Indian carriers to suspend flights to Maldives. STC Travels stops selling Maldives packages.

Trade ministers from around the world gathered in Abu Dhabi on Monday for a World Trade Organization meeting to discuss new global commerce rules. However, even the organization's chief, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, tried to manage expectations. The World Trade Organization, which plays a crucial role in 75% of global commerce, faces challenges in reaching consensus due to the increasing fragmentation of the global economy.

The Hollywood sign, a landmark symbol of the film industry, celebrated its 100th birthday by being illuminated for the first time in decades. The sign was originally constructed in 1923 as an advertisement for an upscale real estate development and initially read "HOLLYWOODLAND." It has since been featured in numerous films and has seen real-life tragedy, such as the suicide of actress Peg Entwistle. Over the years, the sign has undergone restoration and currently reads "HOLLYWOOD." The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce played a key role in preserving the sign and turning it into a trademark for the town.

Also, Anand Pai Ganapathi and Abdur Rahman Musba were elected as the vice-president and honorary treasurer of the trade body.

Dr. Geeta Bora, the founder of Spherule Foundation, has been recognized by the London Chambers of Commerce and UK Parliament for her contributions to social work. After a successful career in the IT industry, Dr. Bora left her corporate job to establish the foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, education, health, livelihood, and environmental sustainability.

The upcoming meeting of the India-US Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in January will address issues regarding visas and promoting agricultural trade. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will meet with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss ways to increase trade and investments between the two countries. The meeting will also focus on the resumption of benefits under the American generalized system of preferences (GSP). Additionally, the meeting may cover the restoration of India's beneficiary status under the US GSP program and the proposed social security totalization agreement.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal stated that India will address the issue of the European Union's plan to impose a carbon tax on certain imported goods. He mentioned the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or carbon tax and the need for domestic companies from seven carbon-intensive sectors to share data on carbon emissions with the EU. A Global Trade Research Initiative report highlighted the impact of CBAM on India's exports to the EU, while Goyal emphasized India's ability to find solutions and retaliate if necessary.

The Federation of Indian Industry (FII) signs an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kisan Chamber of Commerce (KCC) to promote a meaningful collaboration and to mutually support and advance their initiatives and to develop a roadmap for the farmer welfare. The industry body will also provide farmer advisory services along with gap analysis for existing government schemes.

In a letter addressed to the Retailers Association of India and five other major industry entities - CII, FICCI, CAIT, Assocham and PHD Chamber of Commerce - Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh has said insisting on mobile number during the sale of a product as a prerequisite mandatory condition, even when a consumer opts not to provide the same, is a violation of their rights and constitutes unfair trade practice under the Act.

Volatility in cotton prices is affecting Gujarat's thriving spinning industry. With the prices of Indian cotton yarn remaining higher than global levels for most of the season, many ginning and spinning units are facing losses for the second year running.