Indian Court Dismisses Plea to Ban WhatsApp

India’s expanding digital services market is driving increased competition among messaging apps, with companies eager to leverage the country’s vast user base. WhatsApp, owned by Meta Inc., has cautioned that it may withdraw from the Indian market if required to comply with the 2021 Information Technology (IT) Rules, which mandate tracing and disclosing the origin of specific messages upon legal requests.   WhatsApp has warned of exiting India if required to comply with the 2021 Information Technology (IT) Rules for social media intermediaries.   The 2021 IT Rules require platforms…

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in 200th year celebrations of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 200th anniversary celebration of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat. Addressing the gathering through video conferencing, he said it was with the grace of Shree Swaminarayan that the 200th anniversary celebrations were being held. Welcoming all the disciples from across the globe, Shri Modi remarked that service is foremost in the tradition of Swaminarayan Mandir and the disciples were immersed in the service today. The Prime Minister said he was pleased to see the celebrations in the media recently. Noting that…

No Power Can Restore Article 370 in J&K”: PM Modi Warns Congress During Maharashtra Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a bold offensive against the Congress party and its allies during a campaign rally in Dhule, Maharashtra, for the upcoming assembly elections. Accusing Congress of fostering divisions within India’s diverse communities and pushing a “separatist agenda,” Modi declared that no power could reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. This follows the recent passing of a resolution by the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, advocating for the restoration of Article 370—a move Modi labeled as a “conspiracy against Kashmir.”…

Rahul Gandhi Congratulates Trump on Re-Election, Extends Warm Wishes to Harris for Future Endeavors

In a diplomatic gesture following the recent U.S. elections, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in India’s Lok Sabha, extended congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his re-election victory. In separate messages to President-elect Trump and outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris, Gandhi expressed confidence in the enduring relationship between India and the United States and offered praise for Harris’s spirited campaign efforts. With Trump’s return to office, Gandhi’s messages emphasized hopes for further collaboration between the two democracies, touching on both his aspirations for India-U.S. ties and appreciation of…

Modi-Trump Bond Renewed: US President-elect Trump Praises India and PM Modi’s Leadership

Rekindling a Strong Partnership The rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, known for its warmth and mutual admiration, was a defining feature of Trump’s first presidency. From joint rallies like “Howdy Modi” in Houston to “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad, the two leaders shared a dynamic friendship that resonated with both Indian and American audiences. With Trump’s re-election, this camaraderie appears set to continue, sparking hopes for deeper India-US cooperation in defense, technology, and global stability. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi reached out to Trump to congratulate him…

Trump’s Stunning Comeback: What a Second Term Could Mean for America and the World

In a historic and polarizing election, former President Donald Trump has won a second non-consecutive term in the White House, marking a political comeback unprecedented in modern American history. With the latest electoral college count showing Trump with 267 votes, his victory signals a turning point for both domestic and international policies. Trump’s campaign, fueled by his “America First” agenda, resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, capturing key battleground states, including North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. As he prepares to re-enter the Oval Office, the United States and…

US Imposes Strict Restrictions on AI and Chip Investments in China

The U.S. government has imposed new restrictions on American companies investing in Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technologies. This move, authorized by President Biden, is aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced tech that could bolster its military capabilities. The regulations prohibit U.S. investments in areas like AI, quantum computing, and advanced chip manufacturing, and require companies to report any other investments to the U.S. government. This is part of a broader strategy to curb China’s technological advancements, especially in sectors critical to national security​   The Biden administration…

BSNL Launches World’s Cheapest 5G Phone

BSNL has launched an ultra-affordable 5G smartphone aimed at making advanced digital connectivity accessible across India. This initiative aligns with India’s digital transformation goals by providing budget-friendly options to bridge connectivity gaps and bring 5G technology to a wider audience.   The budget-friendly smartphone equipped with high-end features like a 200MP camera and a 6000mAh battery. Set to roll out its 5G services by 2025, BSNL aims to make advanced connectivity accessible, particularly in rural and underserved areas.   This move underlines BSNL’s commitment to closing the digital divide and…

RBI Brings Back 102 Tonnes of Gold to Bolster India’s Economic Stability

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently transported 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England vault to India, aiming to reinforce the country’s economic stability. The gold, which is part of the RBI’s reserves, had been pledged in London during the 1990s financial crisis. Why did the RBI decide to bring it back. This strategic move, kept confidential until its completion, was publicly announced on Dhanteras (October 29, 2024). The decision to repatriate gold reserves enhances India’s financial resilience and signals a robust approach to securing economic assets…

Renowned Economist Bibek Debroy Passes Away

Bibek Debroy, the economist and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, has passed away. Known for his significant role in shaping India’s macroeconomic policies, Debroy’s contributions in areas like fiscal policy and public sector management earned him global respect. His scholarly work and guidance have left a lasting impact on India’s economic landscape. Dr. Bibek Debroy, the noted economist and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, passed away at 69. Known for his deep understanding of economic policy, Debroy played a key role in shaping India’s…