India’s smartphone production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has emerged as a game-changer, generating $13 billion in revenue for the government over four fiscal years. The program has spurred the production of $148.7 billion worth of smartphones and components between 2021 and 2024, according to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). During this time, the government allocated $687.3 million in incentives, achieving a return of 19 times the investment. The initiative has also resulted in an additional $12.35 billion in revenue through taxes and duties on mobile parts and components, along with $5.69 billion in GST revenues, boosted by the tax…
Author: Nupur Rohila
Disney World Resort transformed into a cultural spectacle earlier this month as the Diwali Dance Fest returned with over 300 dancers showcasing the vibrant spirit of India’s festival of lights. Organized by Jashn Productions, the event took place from November 7 to 10 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Florida. Jeanie Beri, founder of Jashn Productions, directed the festivities, which included three energetic days filled with a parade and a dynamic three-hour dance showcase. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which gave young performers a global platform, Beri aimed to make this year’s festival even more memorable.…
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford physician and economist, for the position of Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the incoming administration. Bhattacharya, a prominent critic of the COVID-19 lockdowns, co-authored the “Great Barrington Declaration” in 2020, which opposed lockdowns and advocated for focused protection of vulnerable populations. This document, signed by thousands of doctors and scientists, was widely criticized by public health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, who called it “dangerous.” However, Bhattacharya’s stance has gained significant support, particularly from Trump allies like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Elon Musk, and Peter…
The censor board has cleared the much-awaited period drama Emergency, starring Kangana Ranaut, for release in theaters on January 17 of next year. On Monday, Kangana Ranaut shared the news with her followers on Instagram by unveiling a striking poster from the film that features its pivotal characters. In her caption, she wrote, “17th January 2025: The epic saga of the nation’s most powerful woman and the moment that altered India’s destiny. #Emergency – Unveils Only in cinemas.” The late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency period in India during the 1970s, setting the backdrop for the film. It…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful completion of flight tests for the indigenous guided Pinaka weapon system. The system, which first gained recognition during the Kargil War in 1999, has since evolved from a developmental stage to a major fire support tool for the Indian Army. Initially used to devastate Pakistani infiltrators, the Pinaka multiple-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) replaced the Soviet-era GRAD BM-21. Today, a Pinaka MBRL unit consists of 18 launchers, each equipped with 12 tubes. This setup can unleash seven tonnes of explosives in 44 seconds, targeting enemies up to 60 kilometers away. Its…
Inspired by India’s strides in making affordable medicines available to the public, 14 countries from the Global South, including Afghanistan under Taliban rule, are exploring the adoption of India’s Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) model, according to reliable sources. Eleven countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Ghana, Suriname, Nicaragua, and the Solomon Islands, have acknowledged Indian drug standards, while Burkina Faso, Fiji Islands, and Saint Kitts and Nevis are actively negotiating with the Indian government to replicate the PMBJP initiative. This program will enable Indian pharmaceutical companies to export generic medicines to these nations, said Ravi Dadhich, CEO…
As cricket fans focus on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Virat Kohli stands as the embodiment of India’s resilience and legacy. Featured prominently on the front page of The Daily Telegraph’s summer cricket guide, Kohli is hailed as a pivotal figure in India’s journey Down Under, with the Hindi headline “Yugon ki Ladai” (Fight for the Ages) celebrating his iconic career. This series could mark one of Kohli’s last in Australia, a stage where he has previously delivered historic performances. Meanwhile, the back page of the guide highlights rising talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose inspiring journey from selling pani puri…
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new initiative under President-elect Donald Trump’s “Save America” campaign. The department’s goal is to streamline government functions by cutting unnecessary regulations, reducing wasteful spending, and reorganizing federal agencies. Responding to criticism from US Senator Elizabeth Warren, who mocked the two-person team as “inefficient,” Musk highlighted the contrary, stating, “Unlike you, neither of us are being paid, so it is very efficient indeed.” He also expressed confidence in the mission, saying, “DOGE will do great things for the American people. Let history be the…
A recent study by ServiceNow reveals that India’s workforce is expected to expand significantly, growing from 423.73 million in 2023 to 457.62 million by 2028. This increase represents an addition of 33.89 million jobs within five years. The report underscores a sharp rise in the demand for skilled professionals, especially in the retail industry, offering opportunities for expertise in Software Application Development and Data Engineering. This trend is primarily driven by technological advancements, which are reshaping multiple industries. The tech sector alone is projected to create 2.73 million jobs by 2028, with manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors also poised for…
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz as his Attorney General, bypassing more traditional candidates for the role of the nation’s top prosecutor. Gaetz, a strong ally of Trump, is set to focus on ending “weaponized government,” reinforcing border security, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring public trust in the Justice Department, according to Trump’s statement. In another high-profile pick, Trump has selected former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his Director of National Intelligence. Known for her military service in the Army National Guard and time on the Homeland Security Committee, Gabbard is expected to bring a fresh…