Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

India’s economy clocked a GDP growth rate of 5.4 per cent for the second quarter (July-September) of the current financial year, according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics on Friday.  Although the GDP growth has slowed during the second quarter, India still remains the fastest growing major economy in the world as China recorded a 4.6 per cent growth during the July-September quarter. Despite sluggish growth observed in Manufacturing (2.2 per cent) and Mining & Quarrying (-0.1 per cent) sectors in Q2 of FY 2024-25, real gross value added (GVA) in H1 (April-September) has recorded a growth…

Virginia’s upcoming Jan. 7 special election for the House of Delegates’ District 26 seat will feature two Indian American candidates: Democrat JJ Singh and Republican Ram Venkatachalam. The result of this election could significantly impact the balance of power in the Virginia state legislature. JJ Singh, born to Indian immigrants, has a distinguished background in public service, including roles in the White House and as an Economic Policy Advisor to Senator Chris Coons. A University of Virginia graduate and the first turbaned Sikh in the U.S. Peace Corps, Singh currently serves on the Loudoun County Economic Development Advisory Commission and…

As Prayagraj gears up for the Mahakumbh Mela FY25, AI-driven technology will play a key role in enhancing crowd management and security, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi. The fair area will see the installation of approximately 2,700 CCTV cameras, including AI-enabled ones offering 24/7 surveillance and automated alerts. This technological advancement will support traditional security efforts, which already include 56 police stations, 25 of which are operational. To ensure the safety of an estimated 45 crore (450 million) devotees, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is adopting a digital-first approach. This includes…

BJP MP and actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut on Sunday criticized the Congress party, asserting that it has “lost its stature as a brand” and is now reduced to the status of a regional entity. Speaking to media personnel, she also lauded the BJP’s sweeping victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, describing it as one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greatest achievements. Ranaut remarked, “PM Modi is the world’s greatest leader. Today, the people of India believe in brands. There was a time when, post-independence, the Congress party was regarded as a brand. But now, the party has been relegated to the…

Deepika Padukone has garnered widespread acclaim for her compelling performance in Kalki 2898 AD, particularly the powerful scene where her character Sumathi walks on fire. With the sequel now in progress, fans are eagerly awaiting her return. At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Vyjayanthi Movies producers Priyanka Dutt and Swapna Dutt provided an exciting update, as reported by the Indian Express. According to the producers, around 35% of the sequel has already been filmed, with the storyline shaping up strongly for an impactful follow-up. They emphasized that Kalki 2 is designed for a major international…

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, recently stressed the importance of improving quality standards in India. Addressing the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FICCI) 97th Annual General Meeting, he urged industries to collaborate with technical committees and appoint representatives to uphold these standards. Goyal emphasized that India must position itself not only as a trusted partner but also as a provider of high-quality goods, a crucial step toward achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He also called for closer cooperation between industry leaders and the government to reduce compliance challenges and decriminalize…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has solidified his position as the most trusted representative of the Global South. Through consistent advocacy at international platforms, Modi has spotlighted the concerns of developing countries, enhancing India’s credibility on the global stage. His recent receipt of the highest honors from three nations and a second-highest award from another within five days underscores his influential status. PM Modi’s recognition includes honors from Dominica, Nigeria, Guyana, and Barbados. Dominica acknowledged his leadership during the COVID-19 crisis when India supplied 70,000 AstraZeneca doses and promoted climate resilience efforts. Nigeria awarded Modi the Grand Commander of the Order…

India and Guyana took a significant step towards deepening their bilateral ties with the signing of 10 agreements across multiple sectors, including hydrocarbons, digital payments, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and defense. The discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali aimed to bolster cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration. During his media statement, PM Modi highlighted Guyana’s growing role in India’s energy security, noting that a long-term partnership blueprint will be developed. He also underscored the importance of his visit, marking the first time in 56 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Guyana. Reflecting on…

Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “champion among leaders” for his exceptional leadership and invaluable contributions to the developing world. Speaking at a gathering in Georgetown, President Ali praised Modi’s governance strategies, emphasizing their adoption in Guyana and beyond. “It is an honor to host you here. Your leadership has inspired the developing world, setting frameworks for growth that many nations are implementing,” Ali remarked. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Guyana on Tuesday, becoming the first Indian leader to visit the nation in 56 years. His visit followed the G20 Summit in Brazil and…

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has made history as the only Indian to feature on Fortune’s first-ever list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business. Ranked 12th, this recognition celebrates his global influence as a visionary leader. Under Ambani’s leadership, Reliance Industries has flourished across diverse sectors, from petrochemicals and retail to telecommunications and entertainment. With a net worth of $98 billion and a market capitalization of $203.52 billion USD as of November 2024, Reliance has significantly transformed the Indian business landscape. Notably, the launch of Jio revolutionized India’s telecom sector, enhancing internet accessibility nationwide.…