High Commissioner of India to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi on Monday, with both sides agreeing to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in New Delhi as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.According to a post by the High Commission of India in Nairobi, the meeting focused on recent and upcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting what it described as the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership.The two leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas, including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties, rooted in the historic and enduring relationship between the two countries.“HC Adarsh Swaika called on Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi. Discussions focused on recent and forthcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership. They also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnership, and people-to-people ties, anchored in the historic and enduring relationship between India-Kenya,” the post read.Mudavadi, in a post on X, said Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests.He noted that his discussions with High Commissioner Swaika aimed to advance the long-term partnership between the two nations, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.He also said the two sides aligned on India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto. In addition, they discussed the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship forum shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics.Highlighting the decision to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, Mudavadi said the meeting would set a clear, results-driven agenda to deliver tangible outcomes for both countries.“Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. I met with H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, to drive forward our long-term partnership in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We aligned on India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President William Samoei Ruto, as well as the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship platform shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary said.“We also agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, setting a clear, results-driven agenda focused on delivering tangible outcomes for both countries,” he added.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Kenya are maritime neighbours, and their modern relationship has developed into a strong and wide-ranging partnership, characterised by frequent high-level engagements, growing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people connections.

Representative image (AI)

Asian share markets rose on Tuesday, led by a strong rally in Japanese stocks as investors bet on technology and AI-led growth. At the same time, uncertainty over the independence of the US Federal Reserve lifted gold prices and pressured the dollar.Japan’s Nikkei index surged after reopening from a holiday, jumping 3.4% to record highs as a weaker yen and expectations of fiscal stimulus lifted sentiment. Gains in Japan helped push regional markets higher, with South Korean and Taiwanese stocks also touching all-time peaks, while Chinese blue-chip shares climbed to a four-year high.MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.8% to a fresh record. In Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures gained 0.2%, Germany’s DAX futures added 0.1%, while FTSE futures were flat, according to Reuters. Analysts said that enthusiasm around artificial intelligence continued to support global equities. “We see global equities continuing to climb in 2026, targeting around 10% upside for the MSCI AC World by year-end,” Citi analysts said, while cautioning that high valuations leave little room for disappointment if earnings fall short.US stock futures edged lower ahead of key inflation data, with S&P 500 futures down 0.2% and Nasdaq futures off 0.3%. Markets are awaiting the December US consumer price index, with forecasts pointing to core inflation rising to 2.7%, though some expect a higher reading of 2.8%. The US earnings season also begins this week, with major banks including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America due to report.Bank executives are expected to face questions over President Donald Trump’s call for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting January 20. Banks have warned such a move could restrict access to credit for millions of households and small businesses.

Gold shines amid uncertainty

Investors were wondering how the US Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell could affect markets. Analysts fear the Fed may be pushed to keep interest rates too low for too long, increasing the risk of higher inflation later.The uncertainty weighed on the dollar, with the dollar index stuck near 98.88 after falling over 0.25% overnight. The euro edged up to $1.1665, while the dollar slipped against the Swiss franc.The dollar was steadier against the yen at 158.40, even as Japan’s currency hovered near multi-year lows. Japan’s finance minister Satsuki Katayama said she had raised concerns about the yen’s one-sided weakness with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.Gold rose as investors felt uncertain, climbing above $4,600 an ounce for the first time before falling slightly. “Gold serves as a catch-all, and a default hedge of last resort for fear and uncertainty given its reputation as a safe haven and store of value, the fact that it is non-debaseable, and is no one else’s liability,” said Christopher Louney, a gold strategist at RBC Capital Markets. Louney added that the prices could rise as high as $5,200 by the end of the year.Oil prices also climbed, reaching seven-week highs on concerns that unrest in Iran could disrupt supplies. Brent crude rose 0.5% to $64.19 a barrel, while US crude gained 0.5% to $59.81. Adding to tensions, Trump warned that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on its trade with the United States.

A Canadian influencer’s viral video highlights India’s unique identity, urging an end to comparing its places to foreign counterparts. He argues such labels diminish India’s originality, from Bengaluru’s ‘Silicon Valley’ tag to regional film industries. The sentiment resonates deeply, sparking conversations about self-pride and valuing India’s inherent brilliance.

India is one of those places on the Earth that is cherished for its unity in diversity, as a vibrant mosaic of cultures, places, and a relentless driving force towards development that goes even beyond comparing two regions. For too long, people have labeled its gems with foreign tags, like “Switzerland of India” or “Silicon Valley of India“, as if they need a global benchmark to shine.This habit often dims the spotlight on what makes India truly special as a one-of-a-kind, effortless combination of history, diversity, and dynamic growth.A Canadian who’s called India home for eight years recently talked about this unfair perspective towards standout Indian places. His words remind us that validation doesn’t come from copying something; instead, India’s real magic lies in embracing its own identity.

Canadian influencer living in India slams ‘videshi’ tags for Indian cities (Photo: (Instagram/@caleb_friesen)

Canadian criticises people comparing India with foreign places

Caleb Friesen, a Canadian influencer who’s lived in India since around 2017, took to X with a video calling out the “illogical” trend of comparing Indian spots to foreign ones. He criticised travel vloggers for calling and comparing places as “Switzerland of India,” the “Scotland of the East,” or “Mini Europe,” arguing these tags make India seem like copies rather than originals. Friesen went as far beyond nicknames like Bollywood and Tollywood, saying they chase Hollywood’s shadow unnecessarily. “Bro, you need to stop at the woods,” he remarked, pointing to South Korea’s independent naming as a better example.He based his post around Bengaluru’s “Silicon Valley of India” label, saying that the city sits on the Deccan Plateau, “the opposite of a valley.” Friesen contrasted this with China’s Shenzhen, which stands on its own name. “I just think more people need to have this mindset. India is not the X of Y. India just is,” he urged, adding, “This country is spectacular. It is one of a kind.”

Why this video went widely shared on social media

Friesen’s message hit home because it talks about the push for self-pride. He referenced Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s reply to a fan wanting a “Bryan Johnson replica in India,” where Goyal stressed upon originality. This isn’t just about tourism; it’s a call to value India’s tech boom, varied regions, and cultural depth without foreign crutches.

Social media gets emotional

Users flooded Friesen’s post with support. One wrote, “Good one, India shouldn’t benchmark everything against one. India is great on its own with a massive population”. Another said, “A pity that this has to come from a Canadian, but that isn’t bad, because sadly some Indians pick up an idea only when non-Indians approve it.”A third wrote, “Finally someone said it. We need to own our identities and not cling to western validation.” A fan added, “Well put @caleb_friesen. India needs to UP their PR game. India is so so much better than what the sentiment is like in the outside. So much potential and talent everywhere.”One user noted a flip side, “India have many beautiful places. But because of bad infrastructure and lack of promotion of these places, we never get to see about such places that exist in India.” Others blamed colonial mindsets, “Indian was first colonised for 200 years by Brits and then a 100 more colonised us mentally.”

Stock market today (AI image)

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in green on Tuesday. While Nifty50 was above 25,850, BSE Sensex was up over 250 points. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 25,862.30, up 72 points or 0.28%. BSE Sensex was at 84,156.95, up 279 points or 0.33%.Analysts see a largely range-bound trend and stock-specific moves as the earnings season begins to unfold.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “Geopolitical developments and President Trump’s comments and actions will continue to influence markets. Trump’s weaponisation of tariffs has already impacted global trade and particularly countries which have been targeted with penal tariffs. Trump’s latest declaration that the US will impose 25% tariffs on countries doing trade with Iran clearly sends out the message that this policy of weaponisation of tariffs will continue.”“Apart from targeting other countries Trump is also targeting those who don’t toe his line at home. The charges leveled against the Fed chief Jerome Powell is an example of the fact that Trump will go against anyone who doesn’t fall in line. This unprecedented, unstable, unpredictable behaviour of the US president will continue to weigh on markets. From the Indian market perspective, the necessity of a US-India trade agreement was evident yesterday when the market bounced back sharply when the US ambassador Sergio Gor declared that the US is determined to have a trade agreement with India and the talks will resume as early as January 13th. In the near-term Q3 results will witness stock specific action.”US equities ended Monday on a strong note, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at record highs. Gains were led by technology stocks and retail major Walmart, as investors largely looked past concerns surrounding the US Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.Asian markets followed suit, with shares rising close to record levels, supported by optimism around corporate earnings and improving regional growth prospects. The positive momentum reflected a broader shift in investor focus beyond US-centric risks.In currency markets, the dollar remained under pressure on Tuesday after the Trump administration initiated a criminal probe into Powell, an action that has reignited worries over the Federal Reserve’s independence and raised fresh questions about confidence in US assets.Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers of Indian equities to the tune of Rs 3,638 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors provided support by purchasing shares worth Rs 5,839 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer will walk out to bat in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday with history firmly within touching distance, as the India vice-captain stands on the verge of a massive personal milestone that underlines his growing stature in the format.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Iyer needs just 34 runs to etch his name into the record books, a feat that would place him among the quickest Indians to reach 3000 runs in ODI cricket and further highlight his transformation into one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters. Presently, the record for the fastest Indian to the landmark is held by Shikhar Dhawan, who achieved it in 72 innings, followed by Virat Kohli, who took 75 innings. Iyer, who has 2966 runs to his name, will reach the milestone in just 69 innings if he scores the required runs on Wednesday.

The right-hander marked his return to international cricket in style in the series opener on Sunday, scoring a fluent 49 off 47 balls as India successfully chased down a target of 301. It was a reassuring comeback after a frustrating injury layoff that began during the third ODI against Australia on October 25, 2025, forcing him to miss the home series against South Africa.Iyer worked his way back through the BCCI Centre of Excellence and proved his readiness with strong performances for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before reclaiming his place in the national side. Since making his ODI debut in 2017, Iyer has steadily evolved from a promising talent into a mainstay of India’s XI and a key member of the leadership group. Should he achieve the milestone in the second ODI, Iyer will also join West Indies great Viv Richards as the joint-fourth fastest batter overall to the mark, with the all-time record belonging to South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who reached it in just 57 innings.

Representative image (AI-generated)

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that Washington could face severe financial repercussions if the Supreme Court rules his sweeping global tariffs illegal. The warning comes as the country’s top court prepares to hear the high-stakes case this week.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “If the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, we’re scre***!”The nation’s apex body is expected to issue rulings as early as January 14, though it does not announce in advance which cases will be decided. The challenge to Trump’s tariffs has emerged as a major test of presidential authority and could have wide-ranging implications for the US and global economy.Trump’s warning comes amid legal scrutiny of tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which he invoked by declaring a national emergency over the US trade deficit. During oral arguments in November, a majority of judges had expressed skepticism about whether the law allows a president to impose broad global tariffs without congressional approval.In his Truth Social post, Trump said the financial exposure would go far beyond tariff revenues already collected. He argued that if the court rules against the government, the US could be forced to repay “many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars” in tariff revenue, along with additional claims tied to private investments made to avoid the levies.“The actual numbers that we would have to pay back if, for any reason, the Supreme Court were to rule against the United States of America on Tariffs, would be many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars and that doesn’t include the amount of “payback” that Countries and Companies would require for the Investments they are making on building Plants, Factories, and Equipment, for the purpose of being able to avoid the payment of Tariffs. ” Trump wrote.“When these Investments are added, we are talking about Trillions of Dollars! It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay,” Trump further wrote. He rejected suggestions that refunds could be handled quickly, saying the process would be complex and drawn out. “Anybody who says that it can be quickly and easily done would be making a false, inaccurate, or totally misunderstood answer to this very large and complex question. It may not be possible but, if it were, it would be Dollars that would be so large that it would take many years to figure out what number we are talking about and even, who, when, and where, to pay,” his post read. According to government data, the federal government collected roughly $200 billion more in tariff revenue in 2025 as a result of Trump’s import duties. Tariffs are paid by companies when they bring goods into the US. More than half of that revenue has come from tariffs imposed under IEEPA.Trump has repeatedly argued that the tariffs strengthened US manufacturing and boosted investment. Lower courts have already ruled against the administration. A federal appeals court in August upheld a finding that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing global tariffs under emergency powers. The case now before the Supreme Court was brought by a group of businesses and 12 US states, most of them governed by Democrats, who argue that only Congress has the constitutional power to impose taxes and that IEEPA does not mention tariffs.Opponents also dispute whether trade deficits qualify as a national emergency. At the November hearing, Justice Amy Coney Barrett observed that any refund process could become a “complete mess,” a phrase Trump later echoed.Trump has said he is preparing a “Game 2 plan” to pursue his tariff agenda if the court rules against him, though he has acknowledged that alternative legal routes would be slower, according to USA Today. A ruling against the tariffs would deal a major blow to one of the centrepieces of his domestic and trade policy and could reshape US relations with key trading partners, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the UK and India.

Lohri 2026 is approaching, marking a time of bonfires, shared warmth, and community connection. Rooted in harvest celebrations, the festival signifies gratitude for hard work and resilience, bringing people together for songs, stories, and comforting food. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace new beginnings with joy and togetherness.

Lohri 2026 is almost here, and you can already picture it, right? The bonfires popping, the smoky winter air, someone passing around peanuts in those crinkly paper cones, and the dhol going in the background like it has zero plans of calming down. You might dance, you might just watch everyone else – either way, you feel it. And sure, it’s a big deal in Punjab and North India, and yes, it means winter is easing up. But Lohri isn’t just a date circled on the calendar. It’s people showing up for each other. Family, friends, and that one neighbour who brings snacks for everyone and then complains about the smoke — all squeezed around one fire that somehow warms your chest as much as your hands.The festival is rooted in harvest – sugarcane, wheat, all that hard work finally paying off. Farmers say thank you in their own way. But you don’t need to be anywhere near a farm to get it. It’s that shared feeling of, “Okay, this year’s been rough in places, but we’re still here.” The bonfire becomes the centre of the night. Folks circle around it, toss rewri, popcorn, til, and gur, mumble a prayer, and then immediately drift into songs and silly chatter. Half the stories are exaggerated. Nobody minds.

And Lohri always carries its stories with it. Songs about Dulha Bhatti blast out, sometimes beautifully, sometimes completely off-key, and everyone still joins in. Kids go door to door and somehow manage to collect more sweets than they can carry. A new baby or a newly married couple in the house? The celebration just levels up on its own. New starts and Lohri get along really well.And honestly, the food has its own fan following. Sarson da saag, makki di roti, gajak, peanuts, gur, it’s the kind of comfort that makes winter feel friendly for a change. The rest of the year rushes past like a train, but Lohri slows everything down a little. You sit by the fire, say random things, laugh harder than you meant to, and forget to check your phone for a while.So Lohri 2026 isn’t just “arriving soon.” It’s that small pause in the middle of life where you shrug off some of the heaviness, warm up, and think – alright, we’ve got this.May your Lohri fire burn up the stress and leave you with nothing but warmth and loud laughter.Hope this Lohri is full of rewri-sweet moments and tiny surprises that pop up like popcorn.May the dhol beats sync with your heartbeat – loud, happy, a little wild.Here’s to bonfires, great food, and the kind of company you don’t want to leave.May your home glow tonight the way the Lohri flames do – bright and full of life.Sending you lots of warmth, lots of love, and yes, an extra fistful of peanuts for luck.May Lohri 2026 open up fresh beginnings that feel light and easy, not forced.Hope your worries melt by the fire the way jaggery softens in the heat.Wishing you a night full of songs, smiles, and absolutely zero tension.May your days feel as golden as fresh gajak on a winter evening.Lohri mood only: warmth, laughter, and people who feel like home when they walk in.May the bonfire show you the way to your next good chapter.Wishing you comfort, courage, and popcorn that’s perfectly crunchy.May this Lohri hug you with love the way a warm shawl does in January.Here’s to longer days, lighter hearts, and those bear-hug moments.May your dreams fly higher than the sparks that jump out of the fire.Hope this Lohri brings peace to your mind and sweetness to your days, both together.Wishing you tiny joys and those big “wow, life is good” moments too.May your home echo tonight with folk songs and loud laughter.Sending you warmth that doesn’t fade when the bonfire dies down.May your harvest – in work, love, life – feel rich and satisfying.Wishing you a Lohri that genuinely feels like pressing reset in the best way.May Dulha Bhatti stories bring grins, not just old memories.May every little flame tonight carry your prayers up and out.Wishing your family togetherness that feels easy, not forced.

May this Lohri sprinkle a little extra “good” into your good moments.Wishing you tiny miracles and celebrations that don’t need a reason.May the fire crackle as loudly as your happiness grows.May your heart stay warm, even if winter decides to hang around.Wishing your home light – the kind you can feel, not just see.May this Lohri remind you how far you’ve already made it.Wishing you sweet rewri and even sweeter memories.May every flying spark tonight turn into a quiet blessing for you.Sending you love wrapped in til and gur, sticky-sweet and real.May your celebrations be loud, loving, and totally unapologetic.Wishing you the strength to let go and the courage to start fresh.May this festival fill your life with songs you’ll hum months later.Here’s to new stories being born around old, familiar fires.May the warmth of Lohri stick with you long after winter leaves.Wishing you moments that feel like a warm hug from the inside.May this Lohri bring peace exactly where you’ve been needing it.Wishing you laughter so real it makes your eyes water.May this season bring more smiles than stress, simple as that.Wishing your family health, closeness, and those silly talks that go nowhere.May your life shine brighter than the flames jumping tonight.Sending love that crackles even louder than the bonfire.May your Lohri be full of food, joy, and zero guilt about either.Wishing you the courage to actually do what makes you happy.May this Lohri feel like coming back home to yourself.Wishing every small prayer you whisper by the fire finds its place.May the hard work you’ve been doing finally pay off in a way you can feel.Wishing you more music in your days and fewer reasons to worry.May your celebrations stay warm, even if the weather isn’t helping.Wishing you soft hearts, strong bonds, and music turned up a little too loud.May this Lohri sprinkle a little everyday magic into your routine.Wishing you memories tonight that make you smile weeks later.May your table be full, your fire bright, and your heart lighter.Wishing you happiness that feels calm instead of rushed.May Lohri bring answers to the wishes you haven’t even said out loud.Wishing your home blessings that multiply like popcorn popping.May you keep finding reasons to be grateful, again and again.Wishing you love that feels simple, honest, and easy to be in.May this festival bring sunshine into the corners of your life that feel heavy.Wishing your new beginnings show up right when you need them.May your year be as rich as til laddoos in peak winter.Wishing you the kind of joy you don’t have to explain to anyone.May old worries fall away like ash floating off the fire.Wishing your heart peace, your mind real rest, and your life more colour.May your relationships grow warmer, kinder, more real with time.Wishing you a Lohri full of singing, dancing, and absolutely no hesitation.May every flame tonight remind you how strong you already are.Wishing your dreams ripen like a good harvest – slow, steady, worth it.May your celebrations feel cosy, close, and completely you.Wishing this Lohri gives you what you truly need, not just what you ask for.May the Lohri bonfire light up new paths you’re no longer scared to walk.