Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India has surpassed the US to claim the title of the world’s second-largest 5G handset market, trailing only China, according to a recent report. Counterpoint Research reveals that global 5G handset shipments saw a 20% year-on-year increase in the first half of 2024. Leading the charge, Apple dominated the 5G handset market with over 25% of global shipments, largely driven by the popularity of its iPhone 15 and 14 series. The availability of budget-friendly 5G handsets has significantly fueled growth in emerging markets. India’s rise to second place was propelled by strong shipments from brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Samsung,…

Allan Lichtman, the renowned American election forecaster often dubbed the “Nostradamus of US presidential polls,” has made his prediction for the 2024 presidential race. Lichtman, known for his impressive track record, has forecasted that Kamala Harris, the Vice President and Democratic nominee, will secure the presidency and become the next President of the United States. In a recent video for the New York Times, Lichtman confidently stated, “Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States.” With the presidential election scheduled for November 5, there are only two months left for voters to decide who will succeed Joe…

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has launched the “Indo-American Votes Matter” campaign to enhance voter turnout among Indian-Americans for the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The initiative aims to register one million Indian-American voters, ensuring their voices are considered by both major political parties. With the election just two months away, the campaign seeks to galvanise Indian-American participation in the electoral process. Although Indian-Americans represent just 1.5% of the U.S. population, they reside in pivotal swing states where their votes can significantly impact the outcome. The campaign also features a survey to gauge Indian-American voters’ views on…

Despite a challenging global environment, the Indian economy is thriving, according to the World Bank’s latest report, *India’s Trade Opportunities in a Changing Global Context*. The update reveals that India remains the fastest-growing major economy, expanding at an impressive 8.2 percent in FY23/24. This growth surge has been driven by significant public infrastructure investments and a rise in household spending on real estate. On the supply side, the economy benefited from a dynamic manufacturing sector, which grew by 9.9 percent, and robust services activity that mitigated slower performance in agriculture. Urban unemployment has gradually improved since the pandemic, with female…

Eleven-year-old Maya Neelakantan made a groundbreaking debut on “America’s Got Talent” by performing a cover of Metallica’s classic track “Master of Puppets.” This marked the first time the legendary band allowed their music to be showcased on the show. Maya, an Indian-American, delivered a captivating performance during the quarter-finals, skillfully blending her classical Indian music background with Metallica’s heavy riffs. She even tuned her electric guitar to mimic the sound of a sitar, adding a unique cultural twist to the iconic metal anthem. Before her performance, Maya shared her excitement, saying, “I’m the first act Metallica has ever permitted to…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi on August 31, 2024, outlining India’s transformative journey and future aspirations. Modi emphasised that India’s mantra of “Reform, Perform, and Transform” has been instrumental in driving progress. He highlighted that over the past decade, approximately 250 million people have emerged from poverty, creating a new middle class, and attributed this success to sustained economic reforms and growth. In his speech, Modi noted that India’s economy has outpaced global growth, with a 90% increase in the past decade compared to the global economy’s…

A recent Pew Research Center report has highlighted a significant disparity between the religious makeup of Indians who emigrate and those who remain in India. While Hindus constitute 80% of India’s population, they represent only 41% of the Indian emigrant population. Conversely, Muslims, who make up 15% of the population in India, account for 33% of Indian emigrants. Christians, who are about 2% of India’s population, form 16% of the emigrant community. According to the report titled ‘Religious Composition of the World’s Migrants,’ Hindu migrants make up just 5% of all international migrants, with approximately 13 million Hindus living abroad…

On Thursday, Moody’s Ratings, headquartered in New York, revised its forecast for India’s GDP growth in 2024, raising it to 7.2% from the previously projected 6.8%. This adjustment reflects a surge in private consumption, which is boosting overall demand within the economy. Moody’s noted that as headline inflation approaches the RBI’s target, household consumption is expected to increase. Early signs of a resurgence in rural demand are also emerging, fueled by favorable agricultural conditions following an above-average monsoon season. Moody’s highlighted that the revised forecast aligns with the RBI’s projection of 7.2% growth for the Indian economy in 2024-25. This…

The Vadhavan Port, projected to rank among the world’s top ten ports upon its completion, is set to be a state-of-the-art Greenfield deep-draft port located off the Arabian Sea. Situated approximately 140 kilometers from Mumbai, along the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, the port, also referred to as Wadhawan, has been a long-anticipated development. The establishment of Wadhwan Port has faced numerous delays over the decades, primarily due to opposition from local communities, farmers, fisherfolk, and environmentalists. The entire project, encompassing land acquisition and construction, is estimated to cost around Rs 76,220 crore. The development will be spearheaded by Vadhavan Port Project Ltd…

Nestled on the edge of Hasenheide near Hermannplatz, Neukölln now features a slice of Mumbai with its striking Sri Ganesha Hindu temple. Planned since 2004 and constructed over the years through donations, this 59-foot-tall temple stands as a testament to the enduring dedication of the Indian community in Berlin. Vilwanathan Krishnamurthy, a former welding technician and one of around 30,000 Indians living in Berlin, leads us through this impressive site. Although the original plan was for a taller structure, the construction had to be adjusted due to the presence of Tempelhof Airport at the time the permit was granted. The…