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Kolkata, India — Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a seasoned legislator and senior leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), stands out as one of West Bengal’s most prominent women politicians with a multi-faceted career that bridges medicine and activism. Born on 23 November 1959 in Kolkata, she transitioned from a successful medical career into mainstream politics, representing the Barasat constituency in the Lok Sabha for multiple terms. 🎓 From Medicine to Public LifeBefore entering politics, Dr. Ghosh Dastidar earned her medical degree from R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and completed postgraduate training in obstetric ultrasound at King’s College London. Her professional background as a physician has often informed her approach to public service, particularly in community health outreach and grassroots engagement. 🗳️ Political Rise and Parliamentary RoleDr. Ghosh Dastidar first won her seat from Barasat, West Bengal, in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections — a stronghold she has retained through successive electoral battles. Her long tenure in Parliament reflects strong voter support and deep engagement with local and national issues. Over the years, she has served on important parliamentary committees, including the Panel of Chairpersons in the Lok Sabha, where she presides over sessions and assists in conducting legislative business. 📈 Strategic Leadership in the Lok SabhaIn a significant party reshuffle in August 2025, the TMC appointed Dr. Ghosh Dastidar as its Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, entrusting her with the crucial task of maintaining party discipline and coordinating the performance of TMC MPs in the lower house of Parliament. This appointment came after her predecessor’s resignation and reflects growing trust in her leadership among senior party ranks. As TMC’s chief whip, she works closely with the party leadership to navigate legislative priorities and ensure cohesion during key debates and votes. �Outlook India🧩 Voice on Democratic ProcessesDr. Ghosh Dastidar has also emerged as a vocal figure on electoral issues. In late 2025, she raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, alleging procedural harassment by the Election Commission that included summoning her elderly family members for hearings — a claim that added tension to ongoing debates over electoral reforms and voter list updates. �The Economic Times🏛️ Legacy & OutlookCombining her medical background with legislative experience, Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar represents a unique blend of public service — rooted in community health, parliamentary strategy, and grassroots politics. As she continues to shape TMC’s parliamentary agenda and amplify voices from her constituency, her role remains pivotal in West Bengal’s evolving political landscape.

Tamil Nadu continues to balance rapid growth with efforts to improve urban living standards. Based on quality-of-life scores, cleanliness surveys, environmental rankings and ease-of-living assessments, several cities are making headlines for their progress — while others face challenges that shape their livability narratives. Below is a city-wise roundup of major livability developments in 2025–26. 🌆 Chennai — Metro Growth & Urban UpgradesAs Tamil Nadu’s capital and largest metropolis, Chennai remains a key urban hub in southern India. It recently ranked among India’s top most livable cities in national indexes like the Ease of Living Index, scoring well above many peers. News highlights show investments in public spaces and amenities — for example, the major renovation of the Tholkappia Park in Adyar, funded at over ₹42 crore to offer modern recreational facilities to residents. What this means: Chennai combines metropolitan opportunity with urban upgrades — though like most major cities, it faces ongoing demands for infrastructure and improved day-to-day services.🟢 Coimbatore — Cleanliness, Green Space & Quality of LifeCoimbatore continues to shine as one of Tamil Nadu’s most livable smaller metro cities. It tops the state in green space per person and consistently ranks highest among Tamil Nadu cities in cleanliness surveys. In the Swachh Survekshan 2025, Coimbatore climbed to 28th place nationally among large cities, maintaining its lead in Tamil Nadu for cleanliness. The city also boasts high per-capita green space, well above national averages — an important factor in livability. What this means: A strong focus on environment, sanitation and public spaces is helping Coimbatore attract families and professionals seeking a balanced urban life.🏙️ Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) — Safety, Clean Air & Urban ImprovementsTrichy is emerging as a livability success story in Tamil Nadu. According to national surveys:Trichy ranked within India’s top tier for liveable cities, often leading the state in ease of living assessments. It achieved a remarkable drop in road accidents in 2025, with district safety measures cutting incidents and fatalities. In the National Clean Air rankings, Trichy secured 9th place among India’s cities with more than 10 lakh people, highlighting successful air quality efforts. What this means: Trichy’s focus on public safety and environmental quality is boosting its profile as a livable urban center with strong civic governance.🏘️ Vellore — Affordable & GrowingVellore is frequently listed as one of the best mid-sized cities in Tamil Nadu for livability thanks to its relatively low cost of living and emerging infrastructure. What this means: While smaller than state metropolises, Vellore appeals to residents looking for affordable urban spaces with access to key amenities and services.🔎 Other Emerging Livable CitiesSeveral other cities in Tamil Nadu are gaining attention for their livability, each with unique strengths: 🔹 MaduraiCombines cultural heritage with moderate livability scores — attractive for families and retirees. 🔹 SalemBalanced affordability and growing job opportunities. 🔹 ErodeStrong affordability and steady development as a trade centre. 🔹 TiruppurFast-developing industrial city with expanding residential appeal. 🔹 Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, ThoothukudiSmaller cities where quieter lifestyles and lower costs attract families and remote workers. 🧭 What’s Driving Livability in 2025–26?Across Tamil Nadu, several trends are shaping livability:📈 Cleaner cities: Improvements in sanitation and cleanliness drive better quality of life rankings. 🌳 Environmental focus: Green spaces and air quality gains contribute to healthier urban living. 🚧 Safety initiatives: Road safety and infrastructure upgrades are becoming priorities. Despite progress, challenges like infrastructure strain and inequality in urban development remain part of ongoing discussions across communities.🏁 In SummaryHere’s how Tamil Nadu’s cities stack up for livability in 2025–26:CityKey StrengthsChennaiMetro facilities & urban improvementsCoimbatoreCleanliness + green spaceTrichySafety & air quality gainsVelloreAffordable & growingMaduraiCultural appealSalem & ErodeBalanced living & affordabilityTiruppurIndustrial opportunitySmaller townsQuiet, low-cost lifestyles

Amaravati | Special CorrespondentAs Andhra Pradesh continues its rapid urban transformation, several cities across the state have emerged as highly livable destinations in 2025–26, offering better infrastructure, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Recent assessments based on urban development indicators, cleanliness, connectivity, cost of living, and lifestyle amenities place Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati at the top of the list.Visakhapatnam Secures No.1 PositionPort city Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has once again emerged as the most livable city in Andhra Pradesh. With its robust industrial base, IT hubs, international port, clean beaches, and modern healthcare facilities, Vizag offers an excellent balance between economic growth and lifestyle. The city’s consistent performance in national cleanliness rankings and smart city initiatives has further strengthened its position. Vijayawada Ranks SecondKnown as the commercial and transport hub of the state, Vijayawada secured the second position. The city benefits from strong road, rail, and air connectivity, quality educational institutions, advanced hospitals, and a vibrant business ecosystem. Rapid infrastructure expansion and proximity to the capital region have enhanced its livability index.Tirupati Emerges as a Balanced Urban CenterFamous worldwide for its spiritual significance, Tirupati is fast evolving into a modern urban center. Improved civic amenities, better roads, healthcare services, and educational institutions have made Tirupati one of the most preferred cities for families, retirees, and professionals alike.Other Top Livable CitiesGuntur: A fast-growing city with strong educational and agricultural trade presence.Kakinada: A calm coastal city known for its planned layout and quality living conditions.Rajahmundry: A culturally rich city along the Godavari River, offering a peaceful lifestyle with improving infrastructure.Emerging Urban DestinationsCities such as Nellore, Kurnool, and Anantapur are also witnessing steady improvements in urban facilities and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the Amaravati Capital Region continues to attract attention for its long-term livability potential as infrastructure projects progress. Top 10 Most Livable Cities in Andhra Pradesh (2025–26)VisakhapatnamVijayawadaTirupatiGunturKakinadaRajahmundryNelloreKurnoolAnantapurAmaravati (Developing)Why These Cities Stand OutUrban experts cite cleanliness, infrastructure development, healthcare access, education quality, job opportunities, and cost of living as key factors influencing the rankings. With increasing government focus on smart cities and sustainable development, Andhra Pradesh’s urban landscape is steadily improving.Looking AheadWith continued investments in infrastructure, housing, transport, and digital governance, Andhra Pradesh is expected to further enhance the livability standards of its cities in the coming years, making the state an attractive destination for residents, professionals, and investors alike.

India Economic Survey 2025–26: State-wise Growth Story New Delhi: The Economic Survey of India 2025–26, tabled in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget, presents a confident picture of the Indian economy, highlighting strong domestic demand, resilient growth, and improved macroeconomic stability. While the Survey primarily focuses on national-level indicators, it also offers crucial insights into state-wise economic performance patterns that shape India’s growth story. Strong National Outlook According to the Survey, India’s real GDP growth for FY 2025–26 is estimated at around 7.4%, despite global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility. For FY 2026–27, growth is projected in the range of 6.8% to 7.2%, driven by consumption, infrastructure investment, and a robust services sector. Inflation remained under control during the year, banking sector indicators stayed healthy, and foreign exchange reserves provided a strong external buffer. State-wise Economic Contribution: The Big Engines Although the Economic Survey does not publish an official state-wise GDP table, existing estimates and trends show that a handful of states continue to drive India’s economic momentum. Top GDP-Contributing States Together, these states contribute a significant share of India’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Southern States: Manufacturing and Services Lead Southern India continues to outperform in several economic indicators. The Survey also notes that southern states are increasingly leading in ease of doing business reforms and green energy initiatives. Western and Northern Growth Hubs Emerging and Catch-up States Several states with lower economic bases are witnessing gradual transformation: Per Capita Income Perspective The Survey highlights that smaller states and Union Territories such as Goa, Delhi, Sikkim, and Chandigarh continue to record higher per-capita income levels, reflecting better living standards despite smaller population sizes. Key Themes Impacting States The Economic Survey identifies several cross-cutting themes influencing state economies: States that align faster with these reforms are likely to attract higher investments and job creation. Conclusion The Economic Survey 2025–26 underlines that India’s growth story is increasingly state-driven, with diverse regional strengths contributing to national resilience. As India prepares for the next phase of economic expansion, cooperative federalism, competitive reforms, and state-level innovation will remain key to sustaining high growth. — News Desk

India-European Union partnership — especially the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded on 27 January 2026. New Delhi, India — In a landmark development that economists are calling the “mother of all trade deals,” India and the European Union (EU) have finalized a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after nearly two decades of negotiations. The pact — formally agreed in New Delhi — aims to open markets, reduce tariffs on most goods, and elevate economic cooperation between two of the world’s largest economic blocs. The FTA covers nearly 25 % of global GDP and about one-third of world trade, linking India’s 1.4 billion market with the EU’s 27 member states and a combined population of around 2 billion consumers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa announced the conclusion of the deal during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership. Key Features of the India-EU FTA📦 Tariff Reductions and Market AccessThe deal will slash or eliminate tariffs on the vast majority of traded goods — 96.6 % of EU exports to India and 99 % of Indian exports to the EU on a value basis. Indian tariffs on EU automobiles will be gradually reduced from as high as 110 % to around 10 % over time, making luxury and premium European cars more accessible in India. Sensitive agricultural products like rice, dairy and beef are mostly excluded, balancing domestic interests with trade liberalization. 🌍 Services, Investment, and MobilityBeyond goods, the FTA includes services commitments, opening access in sectors such as IT/ITeS, professional services, education, financial services and tourism — with 144 service sub-sectors on India’s side benefiting from greater EU market access. The pact also paves the way for business mobility frameworks, facilitating movement of professionals, intra-corporate transferees, and contractual service suppliers. 🔌 Strategic and Regulatory CooperationNegotiators agreed on deeper cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and defence technology co-development. A pilot EU Legal Gateway Office in India aims to help businesses navigate regulatory and legal frameworks for smoother cross-border trade and investment. Economic Impact and Growth PotentialAccording to official estimates, exports worth around ₹6.4 lakh crore (USD ~75 billion) stand to benefit from preferential access to the EU’s vast consumer and industrial markets. Indian labour-intensive sectors — like textiles, apparel and seafood — could see significant growth as tariffs on key products are eliminated. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal noted that the FTA could transform India’s textile exports from about USD 7 billion currently to USD 30–40 billion, creating 6–7 million new jobs in the sector. Top Business Opportunities from the India-EU FTA🧵 Textiles & ApparelImmediate zero duty on Indian textile and garment exports into the EU boosts competitiveness against regional rivals. Major textile clusters (e.g., Tirupur, Surat) can scale up exports, integrate with European fashion brands, and pursue joint design partnerships.👞 Leather & FootwearTariff elimination on leather goods opens access to the EU’s ~$100 billion footwear market. Opportunities are ripe for upgrading production quality and design, enabling “Made in India” premium brands.💎 Gems & Jewellery100 % duty-free access gives Indian jewellers a competitive edge in EU luxury markets valued at ~$79 billion. 🐟 Marine & AgriproductsMarine products, especially shrimp and processed seafood, benefit from tariff relief, expanding exports into Europe’s $53.6 billion marine market. 🧪 Engineering & Industrial GoodsPreferential access to the EU industrial market (estimated at ~$2 trillion) can drive exports of machinery, chemicals and electronics. 💻 Services & ProfessionalsIT and business services providers can leverage broader access to EU markets while seeking collaborative R&D and digital governance projects. Mobility frameworks enable Indian professionals to work on EU contracts with greater ease.⚡ Green Energy & SustainabilityEU commitments in green and sustainable development offer opportunities in renewable energy projects, battery tech, and climate-friendly solutions. 🚢 Supply Chains and LogisticsExporters and manufacturers can optimize supply chains by sourcing cheaper European inputs (e.g., machinery, medical equipment), lowering production costs and improving global competitiveness. What’s Next — Ratification and ImplementationWhile the political announcement has been made, formal implementation requires legal vetting and ratification by the European Parliament, EU member states, and the Government of India. Anticipated timelines suggest the deal may begin entering into force within the next year. Conclusion — A Win-Win Strategic PartnershipThe India-EU Free Trade Agreement is not just a trade pact — it is a strategic milestone that deepens economic ties, reduces dependence on traditional markets, and expands growth horizons for businesses on both sides. From manufacturing-led exports and services expansion to technology cooperation and sustainable development, the agreement sets a transformative agenda for the next decade.