The introduction of Dynamic QR Code devices in India is set to transform the country’s digital payment landscape, enabling businesses and customers to experience seamless and secure transactions. This innovative technology empowers businesses to generate unique QR codes that can be easily scanned by consumers for payments without the need for cash or point-of-sale (POS) machines.
Women constitute a significant electorate, yet their political participation remains limited. This article examines the extent of women’s representation in Indian politics, comparing it to neighboring countries and global standards. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities for empowering women in the political arena.
The Indian government has been accused of targeting foreign journalists and restricting their work, raising concerns about press freedom in the country. The case of Avani Dias, a correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, has sparked outrage after she was denied a visa extension after reporting on sensitive issues. French journalist Vanessa Dougnac also faced similar pressure, leading to her departure from India. Foreign journalists in India often face harassment and pressure, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the government’s use of visa regulations as a tool of repression is seen as a violation of journalists’ rights.
India’s rapid economic development over the past three decades has coincided with a significant shift towards urbanization, with 30% of Indians now residing in cities. This ongoing urban growth has highlighted the need for improved urban governance to address challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and poor service delivery. The growing influence of urban voters is expected to drive political attention to urban development, leading to potential improvements in infrastructure, financial independence for cities, and citizen engagement in solving urban problems. Empowering municipalities, involving citizens in governance, and leveraging digital technology are crucial steps towards transforming urban governance in India.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has selected a contingent of 50 boxers, including Olympic-bound Preeti, to represent India at the upcoming ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championship 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The tournament will take place from April 27th to May 7th and will feature over 400 boxers from more than 24 countries competing in 25 weight categories. Among the selected boxers are former youth world champion and 2022 Asian elite boxing championship gold medallist Alfiya Pathan, reigning youth world champions Devika Ghorpade and Vishvanath Suresh, and senior national champions Prachi, Akash Gorkha, and Jugnoo. The U-22 squad will include 13 male boxers and 12 female boxers, while the youth squad will also have 13 male boxers and 12 female boxers. The boxers were selected through highly competitive trials conducted by the BFI at the Army Institute of Sports Pune and the NCOE Rohtak. The BFI Secretary General, Hemanta Kumar Kalita, expressed confidence in the team and wished them all the best in the tournament.
The Indian government’s recent support for the gaming industry has raised concerns about its potential negative impact on society. Despite acknowledging the ill effects of gaming, including addiction and violence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that the industry should remain unregulated. This stance contradicts his previous promotion of a healthy lifestyle and concerns about the decline in physical activity due to technology. The gaming industry has become a lucrative source of revenue for the government, with online gambling platforms expected to contribute $1.7 billion in GST in the upcoming fiscal year. Political parties have also received significant donations from gaming and gambling companies, which may have influenced Modi’s change in attitude. With a large population of young voters actively involved in gaming, politicians are unlikely to ignore such a vast voter base. However, the consequences of promoting gaming may be detrimental to the future of India, as it diverts attention from crucial issues such as unemployment, inflation, education, and farm income.
Scorching heat is expected to persist in East and South Peninsular India for the next five days, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Severe heatwave conditions will impact coastal Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, as well as interior Karnataka. Other regions likely to experience heatwave conditions include isolated pockets of Bihar, Jharkhand, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and coastal Karnataka. The IMD has issued a red alert for Gangetic West Bengal, indicating a high likelihood of heat-related illnesses. Relief is expected for some regions as rainfall is forecasted over Northwest India from April 26 to April 28. Northeast India may experience heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning on April 24, 28, and 28. Various areas in Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, South Madhya Pradesh, and interior Karnataka are likely to experience isolated light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds from April 24 to April 27.
New-age brands in India are projected to capture a significant market share, unlocking a potential $50 billion market capitalization by 2030. This growth is attributed to the expanding discretionary spending pool among Indian households, driven by rising online penetration and lowered cost barriers. Over the next decade, the combined revenue of new-age consumer brands is estimated to exceed $5 billion.
Kuldeep Yadav, India’s current ace all-format spinner, has endured a rollercoaster of emotions throughout his career. From the heights of claiming five wickets against Australia to the depths of a confidence crisis and prolonged exile from the Test side, Kuldeep has faced numerous challenges along the way. However, the left-arm wrist-spinner has emerged stronger, crediting his resurgence to guidance from Delhi Capitals and his unwavering self-belief. Yadav’s career took a downward turn during his tenure with Kolkata Knight Riders, but a switch to Delhi Capitals in 2022 marked a turning point. With the support of coach Ricky Ponting, Kuldeep rediscovered his form and has since become India’s first-choice spinner. He has also surpassed his former Kul-cha partner Yuzvendra Chahal and is now even preferred over Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in Rohit Sharma’s eyes.
Australian journalist Avani Dias has abruptly left India after being informed by the Narendra Modi government that her visa extension would be denied. The decision was reportedly prompted by her coverage of the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, which the government deemed had “crossed a line.” Dias, who has worked in India since January 2022, has faced increasing pressure from the government, which has made it difficult for her to report on events such as the national elections. The incident has raised concerns about sliding press freedom in India, where foreign journalists have come under increasing scrutiny and pressure.
