ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss expanding trade and cooperation in defence, maritime security, AI, fintech, and technology. They highlighted connectivity and green corridor projects for future growth. The leaders reviewed progress from the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and called for swift action in advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare and medicine, skills development and sustainability. PM Modi also announced the opening of India’s first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore. Regional and global issues of mutual interest, including India-ASEAN relations and Indo-Pacific strategy, were also discussed.

Both the leaders visited AEM, a leading Singaporean semiconductor firm, to discuss its global role and plans for India. Representatives of several other Singaporean companies from the semiconductor sector were also present. They received briefings on Singapore's semiconductor ecosystem and explored collaboration opportunities. PM Modi invited Singaporean companies to the upcoming SEMICON INDIA exhibition in Greater Noida. 

PM Modi also met with top Singaporean CEOs, discussing investment opportunities in India. Acknowledging their current contributions, Modi announced plans for an INVEST INDIA office in Singapore to facilitate further collaboration. The PM also encouraged Singaporean businesses to explore opportunities in skill development and emerging fields such as railways, aviation, and digital connectivity.

Today at 12:30 PM, PM Modi will address the launch of the 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' initiative in Surat, Gujarat, via video conference. This  programme aims to construct nearly 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures across the state through community partnerships. 

India and Singapore elevate bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Lawrence Wong have elevated India-Singapore relations to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.' Additionally, MoUs were exchanged for cooperation in semiconductors, digital technologies, skill development and healthcare.

PM Modi highlights India’s green energy milestones: Addressing the International Solar Festival, PM Modi noted that India has increased its solar capacity 32-fold over the past decade, putting the nation on track to achieve its target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. PM Modi stated that India was the first G20 country to fulfil its Paris Agreement commitments on renewable energy, underscoring India’s leadership in the global transition to sustainable power sources.

India and Saudi Arabia strengthen defence ties: India and Saudi Arabia held the sixth Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) meeting in Riyadh, where they explored new avenues to enhance their longstanding defence partnership. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in military, training, defence industry, and R&D. 

India on a sustainable growth path: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das affirmed that India's economy is gaining momentum and moving towards sustainable growth. Speaking at the Financial Institution Benchmarking and Calibration (FIBAC) 2024 conference, he highlighted the nation's progress towards becoming an advanced economy, driven by “a young and a dynamic population, a resilient and diverse economy, robust democracy, and a rich tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation.” Das emphasised the need for increased private sector investment, adding that banks have “robust balance sheets” and that fundamental growth drivers remain strong. While acknowledging inflation concerns, he said the balance between inflation and growth is well-managed.

Finance Minister dismisses claims of friction between the centre and states over GST: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed concerns about Centre-State tensions over Goods and Services Tax (GST), emphasising respect for the federal structure in this economic reform. She revealed that simplifying tax compliance, rather than revenue generation, was the top priority in Budget consultations. Sitharaman stated that while revenue is important, easing the burden on taxpayers consistently took precedence.

Swiss government submits India free trade deal for parliamentary approval: The Swiss government has presented its proposed free trade agreement with India to parliament. The agreement, negotiated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), will see India lift import tariffs on industrial goods in exchange for $100 billion in investment over 15 years. Signed in March, the deal awaits parliamentary approval in Switzerland, with debates set for the upcoming spring and winter sessions. It promises to reduce tariffs on nearly 95% of Swiss exports to India, following 16 years of negotiations.

Delhi Today: A thick cloud cover is expected, with light rain in the morning and afternoon showers.

Rajya Sabha: Not in session.

Lok Sabha: Not in session.