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What makes the BJP so successful in India By Sofia Ammassari

Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organizational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a likely third consecutive victory in the Indian general election, starting today. While much ink has been spilled on Modi’s populist leadership and personality cult, the same does not hold for the party organization that he and his close ally, Amit Shah, have developed over the past decade. Yet, this h ..... Read More

As investors relocate from China, India aims for $100 billion in yearly FDI

India flag and chart growing US dollar position with a fan of dollar bills. Concept of increasing value of US dollar currency To attract investors that want to diversify their investment portfolios away from China, India has set an ambitious goal of securing at least $100 billion in FDI annually. This aim has significantly exceeded the average annual foreign direct investment (FDI) of $70 billion over the five years prior to March 2023. Speaking in an interview, Rajesh Kumar Singh of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trad ..... Read More

6 Indian Americans win $90K Soros Fellowships

Thirty individuals, including six Indian Americans, have been named winners of the 2024 for New Americans, a prestigious graduate school program for immigrants and children of immigrants. Chosen from a pool of 2,323 applicants, these Paul & Daisy Soros Fellows were selected for their outstanding achievements and potential to contribute significantly to the United States across various fields of study. Each fellow will receive up to $90,000 in funding to support their graduate studies at institutions nationwide. In the 2024 class, the six ..... Read More

India exports record 4.8M tonnes of oil meal in FY24

In the fiscal year 2023-24, India reached a significant milestone by exporting a record 4.8 million tonnes of oil meal, primarily utilized as animal feed. This achievement, reported by the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA), was propelled by a resurgence in soybean meal shipments. These exports amounted to US$ 1.84 billion (Rs. 15,368 crore), marking the highest quantity and value since fiscal year 2013-14, surpassing the previous record of 43.81 lakh tonnes and US$ 1.38 billion (Rs. 11,500 crore) in 2013-14. During the April-Marc ..... Read More

Balanced diet supports brain health more than vegetarian diet

The impact of dietary choices on overall well-being, particularly brain health and mental function, remains a subject of ongoing investigation. A recent study published in Nature Mental Health examined the effects of different dietary patterns on various aspects of brain health, including mental well-being, cognitive function, metabolic markers, and brain structure as assessed through MRI scans. Analyzing data from nearly 182,000 participants, researchers discovered that individuals adhering to a balanced diet tended to exhibit better mental ..... Read More

Parineeti Chopra regrets past film choices due to wrong advice

Parineeti Chopra’s portrayal of Amarjot Kaur in Imtiaz Ali’s “Amar Singh Chamkila” has garnered significant praise. Reflecting on her career journey, she admitted to making errors and expressed a desire not to be unfairly criticized for them. In an interview with India Today, Parineeti acknowledged being influenced by misguided advice, leading her to choose projects that were commercially viable but not necessarily the best fit for her. She lamented not trusting her instincts and succumbing to external pressures, which r ..... Read More

Ram Lalla receives ‘Surya Tilak’ on Ram Navami: PM emotional

At noon on Wednesday, a beam of sunlight directly illuminated the idol of Ram Lalla at the newly constructed temple, marking the “Surya Tilak” of the deity on the first Ram Navami since its consecration. Devotees began lining up before dawn, with special arrangements made by the local administration and temple authorities to manage the crowds. As the “Surya Tilak” occurred, chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ echoed outside, while priests conducted an “aarti” inside. The elaborate apparatus involving mirrors ..... Read More

India smartphone market grows 15% YoY in Q1

The Indian smartphone market exhibited signs of recovery, registering 35.3 million units in the quarter ending March 2024, denoting a 15% year-on-year expansion, according to a report unveiled on Thursday. Canalys, a leading market research entity, credited the accelerated growth rate to a reduced base in Q1 2023, characterized by inventory accumulation, inflationary forces, and subdued demand. The report underscored Samsung’s position as the foremost smartphone brand, dispatching 6.7 million units and securing a 19% market stake, trailed ..... Read More

“Viksit Bharat is achievable,” FM Nirmala Sitharaman assures

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 during an interaction held at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) premises in Ahmedabad on Saturday. She emphasized that Viksit Bharat is not merely an ambitious dream but an attainable objective, stressing the practicality of India’s economic aspirations. Sitharaman underscored the importance of self-sufficiency, asserting that India cannot solely rely on imports and must focus on domestic production. Regarding the choice of 2047 as the tar ..... Read More

Priyamvada Natarajan: TIME’s influential Indian astrophysicist

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 f ..... Read More

India delivers BrahMos missiles to Philippines

India delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on Friday, under a USD 375 million agreement inked in 2022. Transported by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster, the missile systems were handed over to the Philippines’ Marine Corps, as per defense sources. Ground systems and missiles began export last month. Amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea, the Philippines receives the missile systems to bolster coastal defense. The deal, approved by partner nations, includes three batteries of B ..... Read More

Nikki Haley’s new role at Hudson Institute

Nikki Haley assumes the Walter P. Stern Chair at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C. John P. Walters, the President and CEO of the institute, lauds Haley’s leadership in global and domestic affairs, praising her commitment to freedom and American interests. Following her withdrawal from the Republican primary race after a significant defeat by ex-president Donald Trump on Super Tuesday, Haley transitions to her new role. Despite her moderate campaign strategy, Haley garnered support across various voter dem ..... Read More

Ram Murti replica for Netherlands Mandir

A sculptor from Kashi has meticulously crafted a duplicate of the revered Ram Lalla murti housed in the Ayodhya temple. This replica is destined for a Hanuman temple in the Netherlands, facilitated by the EterBliss Foundation, devoted to the propagation of Hindu Dharma. Before its voyage abroad, the idol will undergo traditional rituals in Ayodhya. The EterBliss Foundation, committed to advancing Hinduism, initiated the creation of this replica murti. Additionally, the Foundation plans to replicate Ram Lalla vigrahas in various European nati ..... Read More

Four Indian Americans selected as Guggenheim Fellows

Four Indian Americans are part of a diverse group of 188 culture creators chosen for Guggenheim Fellowships by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Selected based on career achievements and potential, they span various disciplines. The Indian American recipients include Hari Krishnan (Choreography), Vivek K. Goyal (Engineering), Sonia Shah (General Nonfiction), and Nita Kumar (South & Southeast Asian Studies). Established in 1925, the Guggenheim Fellowship provides recipients with a stipend to pursue independent work. Edward Hi ..... Read More

US responds to Elon Musk on India’s UNSC seat

The issue of India’s quest for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, initially raised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, prompted a response from the United States earlier this year. The US expressed its backing for reforms within the United Nations’ structures, aiming to modernize them and reflect the realities of the 21st century world. US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel addressed inquiries during a press briefing regarding Elon Musk’s remarks on India’s absence from the UNSC’s ..... Read More

PM Modi: Skill gaming needs no regulation, legal growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the unregulated growth of esports, particularly skill-based gaming, during a discussion on Saturday. Stressing the importance of allowing the sector to thrive within a structured legal framework, he highlighted its potential to offer diverse career opportunities for the youth while fostering innovation. Engaging with prominent Indian gamers, PM Modi underscored the significance of gaming as a viable career path for young individuals. He emphasized that rather than imposing regulations, the focus sho ..... Read More

Indian-American Gopi Thotakura set for Blue Origin space tour

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, a ..... Read More

India’s innovative development model: lessons learned

In a recent exploration of India’s economic landscape, a bright spot emerged amidst global uncertainties: a robust growth rate of 7.5 percent for the past fiscal year. This growth, predominantly fueled by public investments, signifies the pivotal role of both public and private sectors in shaping India’s trajectory towards prosperity. During the journey, encounters with women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu underscored the transformative power of empowering women, while private sector initiatives showcased a commitment to a green and ..... Read More

FY24 Exports Beat Previous Record: USD 776.68 Billion

The most recent update from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry indicates that India’s total export of goods and services in March 2024 stands at USD 70.21 Billion. This figure represents a decline of (-) 3.01% compared to March 2023. Similarly, the overall import for March 2024 stands at USD 73.12 Billion, indicating a negative growth rate of (-) 6.11% over March 2023. For the fiscal year 2023-24 (April-March), India’s combined exports are estimated at USD 776.68 Billion, showing a marginal positive growth rate of 0.04% over ..... Read More

India to be global service provider soon: CDS Anil Chauhan

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan expressed confidence that India is on the brink of becoming a significant global service provider during his address at the Indian Defspace Symposium 2024. Emphasizing space as the ultimate frontier, he noted India’s transition from being a recipient to a potential provider of space services and situational data awareness. General Chauhan highlighted the strategic importance of space, considering it the new domain of warfare with its rapid development shaping modern combat dynamics. He ..... Read More

Vande Bharat: 20 Millions Passengers Since 2019 Launch

India’s inaugural semi-high-speed rail service, Vande Bharat, achieves a significant milestone with over twenty million passengers boarding it by March 31, since its inception. Launched in 2019 between Delhi and Varanasi, these trains, crafted domestically by Indian Railways, offer a seamless travel experience. On Monday, Indian Railways commemorated its 171st anniversary, tracing back to the historic inaugural journey from Mumbai to Thane in 1853. The officials reflect on the extraordinary journey of Indian Railways, which now extends it ..... Read More

Jackie Shroff’s Ayodhya Ram Mandir Visit: Ram Navami Reflection

Bollywood veteran Jackie Shroff extended heartfelt wishes to his fans on ‘Happy Ram Navami’ as the world commemorated the auspicious occasion. Sharing a throwback video, he revisited his pilgrimage to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024. In the video, Jackie Shroff is seen walking barefoot, paying homage to the sacred site. Clips from the grand inauguration ceremony, where he was among the esteemed guests, were showcased. Notably, he carried a plant, symbolizing his commitment to environmental ad ..... Read More

After 500 years, Ram Lalla…: Kangana Ranaut’s Ram Navami post

Source : Instagram/ Kangana Celebrating Ram Navami, Kangana Ranaut, an actor turned BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, reflected on her visit to Ayodhya for Ram Lalla’s ceremonial enthronement. She shared a video of her visit to the grand Ram Temple’s opening on January 22. The video showcased the temple’s splendor and snippets of PM Narendra Modi’s address. Kangana expressed joy that after 500 years, Ram Lalla was celebrating Ram Navami in his grand temple. PM Modi conducted an 11-day ‘Anusthan& ..... Read More

IMF Raises India Growth Forecasts on Domestic Demand

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 ..... Read More

India urges decisive action on UNSC reform, calls for inclusivity

During the 6th round of intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform, India emphasized the urgency for decisive action, advocating for an inclusive framework that accurately mirrors today’s dynamic global landscape. Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York, reiterated India’s stance, expressing support for expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership categories of the UN Security Council. She emphasized the necessity of genuine reform to ensure the Council’s ..... Read More