Gujarat ventures into groundbreaking submarine tourism, planning to unveil the mysteries of the submerged city of Dwarka. An MoU with Mazgaon Dockyard Limited sets the stage for a 35-tonne submarine, accommodating 30 passengers, offering unique underwater experiences. The project, announced at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, aims to boost tourism, generate employment, and attract investments to the region, while Dwarka remains a significant spiritual pilgrimage site. The initiative, awaiting the state government's final decision, holds promise for both historical exploration and economic development in Gujarat. [image courtesy: DD news/X]

In a historic achievement, Gujarat enters the Guinness Book with over 4,000 participants performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 locations and 51 categories. The monumental event took place at the renowned Modhera Sun Temple, showcasing a diverse participation of families, students, and senior citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commends the state's commitment to yoga and cultural heritage, urging citizens to include Surya Namaskar in their daily routines. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi grace the celebrations, with Guinness adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar officially announcing the successful record attempt.

In a bizarre incident in Bihar's Darbhanga district, land mafia allegedly stole an entire pond, replacing it with a hut. The disappearance of the water body, utilized for communal activities, raised concerns among locals. Despite complaints and zonal officials briefly halting the filling process, the mafia secretly continued their activities, completing the pond's vanishing act. Rising land prices in Darbhanga motivated this unconventional theft, leaving the community bewildered. Bihar has witnessed unusual thefts, including a stolen train engine and a whole bridge in recent years, reflecting an audacious trend in criminal activities in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, marking the completion of the country's longest sea bridge. The 21.8-km-long, six-lane bridge aims to significantly reduce travel time between Sewri in Mumbai and Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. Delayed by eight months due to the pandemic, the MTHL connects key areas with interchanges at Sewri, Shivaji Nagar, Jassi, and Chirle. With 16.5 km above the sea and 5.5 km on land, the bridge integrates with the Mumbai Pune Expressway, enhancing connectivity between the state's major cities.

Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, countered Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's claim of not receiving an invitation for the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration. Das clarified, "Invitations are only extended to those who are devotees of Lord Ram." He refuted the notion that BJP was exploiting the temple for political gains, emphasizing the Prime Minister's respectful leadership. The Chief Priest also criticized Sanjay Raut's comments, accusing him of insulting Lord Ram and asserting that Shiv Sena had played a significant role in the Ram Mandir movement. The consecration ceremony is set to span seven days, commencing on January 16.

Delhi and several parts of North India, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, woke up to a thick blanket of dense fog and cold weather on New Year's Day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for January 1, cautioning residents about the challenging visibility conditions. Delhi recorded a temperature of 10.8 degrees Celsius, 2.2 notches below normal. The dense fog disrupted transportation, causing 21 trains to run behind schedule. The IMD predicts 'Cold Day' conditions in Punjab (Jan 2-4) and Haryana (Jan 1-4). An orange alert is in place for Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh on January 1.            

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi celebrated New Year's Eve by making homemade orange marmalade together in their kitchen. They filmed the process in a 5-minute video posted on YouTube, showing them plucking oranges from their garden, cooking the marmalade, and packaging it in jars "with love." Rahul joked that BJP members were welcome to try their marmalade too. Sonia said the recipe belonged to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She also recalled adjusting to Indian flavors like chilies after moving to India. The lighthearted video aimed to present the Gandhis bonding as a family ahead of a challenging election year. It carried the logo of Congress's recent Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi.

Shimla, famed for its picturesque New Year celebrations, experienced an unexpected dip with a mere 50-60% occupancy, marking the lowest in four decades. Despite the Winter Carnival's vibrant display along the Mall Road and The Ridge, hotel bookings fell short of expectations. The anticipation of a 'white New Year' was met with disappointment as the likelihood of snowfall remained bleak. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's directive to welcome tourists with warmth and leniency towards revelers did not translate into increased occupancy. Stakeholders attribute the decline to unregistered tourism units, capturing tourists, and adverse social media publicity causing diversions to alternative destinations.

In a late-night raid near Mumbai, Thane police detained 80 individuals for illegally consuming drugs at a rave party. LSD, charas, ecstasy pills, and marijuana were confiscated during the operation. Two organizers, Tejas Kubal and Sujal Mahajan, have been arrested, with suspicions of involvement from individuals outside Maharashtra. The party, located near Vadavali Creek, attracted attendees primarily comprising students and corporate professionals. Police traced the event through Instagram invites. Detainees are undergoing medical examination. The raid reflects authorities' crackdown on illegal drug activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in curbing such events.

India resiliently faced global challenges in 2023, achieving a GDP growth of 7.6-7.8% in the last three quarters. Predicted to sustain growth in Q4, India is set to be the world's fastest-growing major economy in 2024. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, India's economic diversity and effective policies contribute to its success. Projections by OECD indicate a growth of 6.3% in 2023, surpassing China. For 2024, India is expected to grow at 6.1%, outperforming major economies. Positive indicators include trade relations, investment, and robust foreign exchange reserves, providing optimism for India's economic trajectory.