Author: Bhakti Sharma

The Indian retail sector is experiencing a significant surge in leasing activity across its top seven cities, reflecting the ongoing attraction of prime retail locations fueled by increasing consumer spending. A recent study by JLL India indicates that total gross leasing of retail spaces in major urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad is anticipated to surpass 6.5 to 7 million square feet by the end of 2024. This comes after recording over 5.3 million square feet in the first three quarters of the year. Although new retail space additions have been somewhat limited, totaling…

On October 29, a series of transformative healthcare projects worth around $1.53 billion (Rs. 12,850 crore) were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. This inauguration coincided with Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day. A notable aspect of the event was the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, marking a significant advancement towards affordable healthcare for everyone. In his efforts to expand the Ayush sector, Modi inaugurated Phase II of the AIIA, which…

India’s manufacturing sector demonstrated a notable recovery at the start of the third quarter of the financial year, as the HSBC final India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 57.5 in October, up from an eight-month low of 56.5 in September. This improvement was attributed to a stronger influx of new orders and international sales, with companies reporting better sales performance driven by new product launches and effective marketing strategies. Significantly, new export orders experienced considerable growth after a modest increase in September, propelled by demand from regions such as Asia, Europe, and the US. The survey indicated that…

At an event in Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu showcased India’s remarkable economic momentum, stating that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. She highlighted the nation’s robust economic performance in facing geopolitical challenges, with a projected tenfold increase in economic size by 2047. The World Bank’s recent estimates affirm India’s global impact, contributing 16% of worldwide economic growth in 2023, with an expected 8.2% growth rate in the 2023-24 fiscal year. President Murmu emphasized the critical role of private investment to elevate per capita income and support sustained growth amid global uncertainties. She also outlined the government’s…

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are locked in a tight 2024 presidential race, with US voters casting ballots on Tuesday, November 5. Both candidates received three votes each in Dixville Notch, a small New Hampshire town traditionally voting just after midnight. In 2020, President Joe Biden had secured every vote in this community, giving a slight initial edge to Trump in this year’s contest. In his final campaign speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trump targeted the Democratic Party. Emphasizing his opposition beyond Harris herself, he claimed, “I’m running against an entire system led by evil people.”…

On October 26, 2024, the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) celebrated its 10th annual Diwali festival at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, attracting over 3,000 participants. This lively event honored the Festival of Lights, showcasing the Indian community’s rich cultural legacy while promoting unity and joy inherent in Diwali. Diwali, recognized as the “Festival of Lights,” symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the illumination of darkness. Traditions such as lighting lamps, exchanging sweets, and partaking in joyful activities embody the festival’s essence, drawing families and communities closer. This year’s celebration featured over 25 vendors presenting…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh. In partnership with AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and with support from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat, advancing research for future space bases beyond Earth. On X, ISRO announced the launch of India’s first analog space mission in Leh. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Human Spaceflight Center, ISRO, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and is supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.…

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has honored five Indian Americans by electing them to its distinguished membership. These new members—Nina Bhardwaj, Reshma Jagsi, Monika Kumari Goyal, Uma M. Reddy, and Avindra Nath—join 90 other regular members and 10 international members elected in NAM’s annual meeting. This election is seen as a top honor in health and medical fields, highlighting individuals who have made exceptional contributions and shown dedication to their profession. With these new members, NAM’s total membership surpasses 2,400, with nearly 200 members from international backgrounds. NAM President Victor J. Dzau commented on the elections, expressing confidence in…

OpenAI, a prominent American AI research firm, has recently announced the selection of Dr. Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its inaugural Chief Economist. Dr. Chatterji, a professor at Duke University specializing in business and public policy, previously held the position of CHIPS coordinator at the White House. In his new capacity, Dr. Chatterji will spearhead investigations into how artificial intelligence impacts economic expansion and job opportunities. This research will encompass the worldwide economic ramifications of establishing AI infrastructure, insights into long-term trends in the labor market, and strategies to equip the current and future workforce to leverage the advantages of this…

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B discovered that short bursts of walking or stair climbing can burn 20% to 60% more energy than consistent, sustained activity. Researchers from the University of Milan conducted the study with 10 participants averaging 27 years of age. Participants engaged in walking or stair climbing intervals, ranging from 10 to 240 seconds. By measuring their oxygen consumption, researchers found that short bouts consumed significantly more energy than steady activities. They noted that the increased energy expenditure occurred due to the body’s need to ramp up metabolic processes during brief,…