Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Since the implementation of the free trade agreement in May 2022, there has been a significant uptick of 15% in India-UAE trade, as reported by Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi, the Director of the CEPA Council. Both countries are on track to surpass the goal of achieving US$ 100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, a target made feasible through the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022. Speaking at a business roundtable in Jaipur, Mr. Aljneibi highlighted the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the CEPA in fostering this expansion. The event…

Tarun Ghulati, a Delhi-born businessman and investment expert, believes his background is what London needs to revitalize itself as the “global bank of the world” and attract the necessary investment. Running as an Independent candidate against Sadiq Khan for London Mayor’s third term, Ghulati aims to lead the city like a seasoned CEO, prioritizing profitability for all residents. In the upcoming local elections on May 2, Ghulati, aged 63, stands among 13 contestants vying for the mayoral position and seats in the London Assembly. Emphasizing London’s status as a unique global hub, Ghulati envisions enhancing its balance sheet to become…

The joint survey by Nasscom and Avasant revealed that India remains the preferred destination for global businesses seeking to enhance their digital services offerings worldwide. Over half of the companies surveyed across various sectors chose India for third-party outsourcing, particularly in industries like travel, telecom, media, entertainment, construction, and engineering. Additionally, many companies outsourced digital services work to their capability centers in India, with a significant portion opting for nearshoring operations. Key global companies such as Google, Wells Fargo, and Unilever have leveraged India’s talent pool for outsourcing various digital services. Google utilized Indian expertise for software development and IT…

Theoretical astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan gained recognition on Wednesday as she made it to Time Magazine’s 2024 list of 100 most influential people, an esteemed annual compilation featuring global leaders, industry titans, athletes, media icons, and pioneers in creative fields. In the TIME article, American astrophysicist Shep Doeleman lauds Natarajan’s propensity for innovative research, expressing personal inspiration from her work. Doeleman highlights Natarajan’s recent breakthrough, which advances the understanding of a fundamental astronomical mystery: the formation of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. Hailing from Coimbatore, Natarajan pursued her education in New Delhi before obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees…

Gopi Thotakura, an accomplished pilot, is poised to make history as the first Indian to journey to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s upcoming flight, NS-25. Alongside five other crew members, the Indian-American aviator will embark on this pioneering mission, although the precise dates are yet to be disclosed by Jeff Bezos’ space enterprise. Described by Blue Origin as a seasoned pilot and aviator with a lifelong passion for flight, Gopi’s credentials extend beyond commercial aviation. From mastering bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes to conquering gliders and hot air balloons, his diverse piloting experience is complemented by his role as…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for India in FY24 by 110 basis points to 7.8%, surpassing the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) estimate of 7.6%. Additionally, it revised the GDP growth projection for FY25 upward by 30 bps to 6.8% and maintained the forecast for FY26 at 6.5%. The IMF attributed these revisions to robust domestic demand and a growing working-age population. However, the IMF’s forecast for FY25 remains 20 bps lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) projection of 7%. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman suggested that GDP growth in FY24 might exceed 8%,…

Amidst the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine, another potential crisis looms as Iran launches retaliatory attacks on Israel, raising fears of a full-scale war. This escalation is of particular concern for India due to its proximity to West Asia. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has swiftly expressed serious concern and called for immediate de-escalation. India, maintaining friendly ties with both Iran and Israel, faces a delicate diplomatic challenge, needing to address the issue without compromising its strategic interests. While historically reliant on Iranian crude oil, India has also nurtured strong strategic partnerships with Israel, especially…

India recently conducted successful warhead flight trials of the indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. Describing the missile and warhead performance as “remarkable,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the achievement in a statement. Designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the MPATGM weapon system underwent field evaluations in various flight configurations to demonstrate its technological prowess. Comprising the MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and Fire Control Unit, the system aimed to validate its capabilities under different scenarios. According to an MoD official, numerous missile firing trials…

Engaging in balance training, regardless of age, can yield numerous benefits such as memory improvement and injury prevention. These activities contribute to better spatial cognition, particularly beneficial for athletes, while enhancing postural control, a crucial aspect for sports performance. Incorporating yoga balance poses into daily routines can effectively address these needs. A study in the Slovenian Journal of Public Health demonstrated the positive impact of daily yoga practice on balance among older adults. Yoga, being predominantly performed barefoot and involving standing poses, promotes heightened awareness of foot positioning and weight distribution. This attention to the feet serves as a foundation…

A year following India’s surpassing of China as the world’s most populous nation, its rapid economic growth and increasing global significance position it as an emerging superpower of considerable importance to both the United States and the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in a dialogue with Newsweek, discussing topics ranging from India’s economic advancements under his leadership to its relations with China, environmental concerns, and criticisms regarding press freedom and minority inclusion. Modi emphasized his government’s commitment to fulfilling promises and fostering inclusive growth through programs like “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together, for everyone’s…