Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to inaugurate a towering 108-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar, a temple town known for housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, on September 18. Named “Ekatmata Ki Pratima” (statue of oneness), this monumental structure aims to promote the Advaita Vedanta philosophy championed by Adi Shankaracharya and elevate Omkareshwar, located around 50 miles from Indore, into a global center for this spiritual and philosophical tradition. The 108-foot-tall statue, made of various metals, portrays Adi Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old boy. Adi Shankaracharya, originally from Kerala, is…

Deepika Padukone’s recent cameo in Shah Rukh Khan’s film “Jawan” has garnered significant attention, with praise for her performance and dedication to the project. Despite rumors suggesting a substantial payment for her appearance, Deepika clarified that she doesn’t charge a fee for cameo roles. This commitment extends to her previous cameo appearances in films like ’83 and Cirkus, where she also waived her fee. In a recent interview, Deepika explained her motivations behind these special appearances. For ’83, she wanted to pay homage to women who support their husbands’ careers, inspired by her own mother’s experiences. Additionally, she expressed her…

In today’s fast-evolving world, the fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data represents a transformative force cutting across various industries. India, known for its rich culture, diverse populace, and rapidly expanding economy, stands on the brink of a significant transformation. At the heart of this transformation lie two intertwined forces: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data. In the 21st century, these twin pillars are poised to become the primary currency of India’s economy, reshaping industries, fueling innovation, and fostering sustainable development. The Power of Data India finds itself at the threshold of a data revolution. With over 750 million internet users…

The 2023 Alnoba Moment of Truth Award for Leadership in Gender Equity is set to be bestowed upon Ruchira Gupta, an Emmy-awarded journalist and the visionary founder of the non-governmental organization Apne Aap, dedicated to combating sex trafficking. This distinguished recognition, offered by the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, celebrates a resolute activist leader who has not only drawn widespread attention to a significant contemporary issue but has also effectively rallied supporters and resources to bring about positive change. For more than thirty years, Gupta has relentlessly advocated for a world where no girl or woman is subjected to the horrors…

On September 14, 2023, in Bina, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a series of development projects valued at over Rs. 50,700 crore (US$ 6.11 billion). These projects encompass various sectors, including power, renewable energy, information technology, and industrial parks. One of the prominent projects is the Petrochemical Complex at Bina Refinery, a venture by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), with an estimated cost of Rs. 49,000 crore (US$ 5.91 billion). This complex will produce vital components like ethylene and propylene, essential in industries such as textiles, packaging, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it will generate employment opportunities and stimulate downstream…

A McKinsey report, published on September 13, 2023, highlights a substantial market opportunity within India’s automobile parts industry focusing on component circularity. This opportunity is estimated to range from US$ 3.8-5 billion by FY30, focusing on three core themes: material recirculation, circular product design, and repair, care, and refurbishment services. The report, titled ‘Mobility 360 degree-Sustainability for Competitiveness,’ was unveiled at the 63rd annual meeting of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). It underscores that material circularity has the potential to significantly benefit companies, leading to increased profits of 10-20%, reduced costs by 5-10%, decreased reliance on virgin…

Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, the CEO and Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), envisions substantial growth in the Indian passenger vehicle (PV) market. He predicts that by 2030-31 (FY31), the market will nearly double to approximately 7 million units. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), he credited the consistent support and dedication of the auto component industry for India’s position as the third-largest vehicle market globally. The annual PV market size is expected to expand to 6-7 million units by FY31. Despite supply chain challenges, domestic PV sales experienced a significant surge…

Indian superstar Akshay Kumar has delighted his fans by announcing the third installment of the immensely popular “Welcome” film series. Celebrating his 56th birthday, Akshay Kumar unveiled the film’s title, “Welcome To The Jungle.” On social media, the actor conveyed that he’s offered a birthday surprise to both himself and his supporters. He posted a video of the cast singing a cappella and encouraged fans to enjoy the gesture while expressing gratitude for their feedback. This comedy film will showcase a star-studded ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, Rajpal Yadav,…

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently unveiled images of a submersible poised to launch for deep-sea resource exploration, primarily focused on minerals. This mission, known as ‘Samudrayaan,’ marks India’s inaugural manned ocean exploration endeavor and is an integral component of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). The DOM initiative was conceived by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in June 2021. The submersible, christened ‘Matsya 6000,’ is under development by the National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai (NIOT), a body governed by the MoES. Minister Rijiju enthusiastically shared three…

According to a Crisil report, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is projected to achieve a revenue growth of 8-10% in the current fiscal year. This growth is attributed to a combination of factors, including stable domestic demand and increased exports to regulated markets, although semi-regulated markets are facing challenges. Crisil’s findings are based on a survey encompassing 186 pharmaceutical companies, collectively responsible for more than half of the sector’s annual revenue of Rs. 3.7 trillion in the previous fiscal year. Mr. Aniket Dani, Director of Crisil Research, anticipates that, similar to the preceding fiscal year, domestic growth in FY24 will be…