Author: Malavika Subramanyan

The BJP is likely to achieve its strongest performance in West Bengal yet, with a significant rise in vote share and potential seat wins. Over the years, the state’s political landscape has shifted from Congress to Communists and eventually to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). However, the BJP’s consistent growth, especially in the past three elections, signals its emergence as a major player. The demographic composition of West Bengal, with significant Muslim, Dalit, and tribal populations, has influenced electoral dynamics. Historically, these groups formed a stronghold for the Left parties but have seen a shift in allegiance towards the TMC and,…

In the lead-up to this year’s Indian election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen mingling with prominent figures from the social media sphere like BeerBiceps and Curly Tales at an awards event in Delhi, highlighting the increasing influence of digital personalities. This recognition of influencers underscores their potential to sway the opinions of young, disengaged, and disillusioned voters, a role that was previously unforeseen. While some hail social media for democratizing information sharing, others caution against its pitfalls, where authenticity can be compromised for financial gain. The emergence of “influencer” as a viable profession, according to Vinay Deshpande of Rajneethi,…

Richa Chadha, an established actress and producer, reflects on her journey in Bollywood, challenging norms and stereotypes. Despite past mistakes, she’s resilient and passionate about her craft, as evidenced by her recent roles in “Heeramandi” and “Girls Will Be Girls.” Chadha’s authenticity shines through, contrasting with what she perceives as the industry’s tendency toward superficiality, especially in older male actors’ fashion choices. She looks forward to future collaborations with her husband, Ali Fazal, in their production ventures. Anushka Sen, the lead in “Dil Dosti Dilemma,” embodies a mature perspective despite her young age. Playing Asmara, she navigates the clash of…

Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams is gearing up for her third journey to the international space station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, scheduled for May 6. Alongside astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, Williams will embark on the first piloted flight of Starliner, launching atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket at 10:34 pm EDT. Upon a successful launch, they are anticipated to dock at the space station on May 8, with a return to Earth planned for May 15 or shortly after. NASA intends to commence operational Starliner crew rotation flights in 2025, alternating with SpaceX launches. Williams and Wilmore, both…

Neetu Kapoor took to social media to honor her late husband, Rishi Kapoor, on the fourth anniversary of his passing. The beloved actor, known for roles in films like ‘102 Not Out,’ lost his battle with cancer in 2020. Sharing a poignant picture of them together, Neetu Kapoor penned a heartfelt message, reflecting on the enduring void left by Rishi’s absence. Her post evoked an outpouring of love and support from fans, grateful for the glimpse into their cherished memories. Their daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, also paid tribute to her father with a touching message, emphasizing the enduring presence of…

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has delineated a distinct divide among nations, with some leading the charge while others lag behind. According to a recent study conducted by NetApp, a prominent player in data infrastructure, countries such as India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States (US) are spearheading AI adoption and innovation. In contrast, countries like Spain, Australia, and Germany are categorized as trailing in this technological evolution. Collaborating with Savanta, the report surveyed over 1,300 executives across ten countries to assess the status of AI implementation across various industries. Findings revealed that 60% of companies in…

The annual convention of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is scheduled to take place from April 26 to April 28 in New Jersey, under the theme “Opportunities for Diaspora Indians in India’s Big Manifest Future.” According to a press release, the timing of the GOPIO-2024 convention at Royal Albert Palace, Fords, New Jersey, is particularly significant as it aims to delve into India’s present and future trajectory, and the potential roles that diaspora Indians can undertake to contribute to this vision. The convention’s agenda encompasses a welcome reception/dinner inauguration on April 26, followed by a series…

Highlighting India’s strides in digital public infrastructure, Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, remarked on Thursday that India accomplished an 80 percent financial inclusion rate within six years, a feat facilitated by its digital framework, which otherwise would have taken decades. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, Kamboj emphasized that India’s journey serves as a guiding light for nations embarking on digital transformations, stressing the importance of continued partnerships. She reiterated the International Monetary Fund’s recognition of India’s digital advancements in a working paper, underscoring the significance of a design approach that promotes shared building…

In 2023, India maintained its rank as the fourth-largest global spender on military, allocating a substantial amount of US$ 83.6 billion for upgrading weapons and combat systems, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report. The top three spenders on military spending were the United States (US), China, and Russia, respectively. This allocation marked a 4.2% increase in India’s military expenditure compared to 2022, showcasing the nation’s strategic commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, particularly along the China border following the Ladakh standoff that commenced in May 2020. Investments were directed towards acquiring fighter jets, helicopters, warships, tanks,…

Katherine Birbalsingh, an Indian-origin school principal known as “Britain’s strictest headmistress,” recently celebrated a UK High Court ruling that upheld her school’s ban on prayer rituals, which had been challenged by a Muslim pupil as discriminatory. Birbalsingh, who heads Michaela School, a secular secondary school in Wembley, north London, defended the ban on religious prayers, stating that it aligned with the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Despite half of the school’s pupils being Muslims, it also enrolls significant numbers of Sikh, Hindu, and Christian students. Birbalsingh explained to the court that the school opted not to provide a…