Indonesian authorities are geared up for today's election, deploying 25,000 police to ensure security. The election marks a milestone in the country's democratic journey since the end of authoritarian rule 25 years ago. Overseeing economic growth and stability, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has established Indonesia as a hub for international corporations in the supply chain for electric vehicles. However, in the run-up to the election, complaints of political involvement and attempts to create a political dynasty have emerged. Jokowi isn't endorsing any one candidate, but his relationshi
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the family members of late Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, who was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Thakur's family expressed gratitude during their meeting at the Prime Minister's official residence in Delhi. His son, Ram Nath Thakur, a Rajya Sabha member, represented them. Modi praised Karpoori Thakur as the protector of the underprivileged, highlighting his dedication to social justice. Ram Nath Thakur compared the event to a second Diwali celebration and expressed gratitude on behalf of the fa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan, will receive India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna. PM Modi praised Narasimha Rao's scholarly and statesmanlike contributions, noting his pivotal role in India's economic progress, foreign policy, and cultural enrichment. Rao's tenure as Prime Minister saw significant economic reforms that opened India to global markets. Chaudhary Charan Singh honoured posthumously, was lauded for his lifelong dedication to farmers' righ
The Academy Awards organisers have announced the introduction of a new Oscar category for best casting, set to debut at the 2026 ceremony. This marks the first addition to the competitive categories since Best Animated Feature was included in 2002. Casting directors have long campaigned for recognition comparable to other filmmaking disciplines like sound, costume, hair, and makeup. The Academy's decision reflects an acknowledgement of the crucial role casting directors play in the filmmaking process. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their pride in recognising
One of the most important and thriving industries driving the global economy is lifestyle. It stands as a key contributor, with its consumption in the top 8 economies comprising around 70% of global consumption. Developing economies, especially India and China, are the major growth drivers of the global lifestyle market. This market is notable for haute couture, where expensive clothing brands stand out from mass-produced lines. (in million U.S dollars) Following are the World’s Most Valuable Lifestyle Brands: 1) Nike – United States – (USD 31,307) Origin: The United Sta
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Goa Governor Shreedharan Pillai, and ONGC officials, inaugurated the integrated ONGC Sea Survival Training Centre at Betul. Situated at the expansive ONGC Goa campus of IPSHEM, the centre is India's deepest training facility, offering lifelike simulations for personnel to evacuate a helicopter cabin in crash scenarios. It is expected to train 10,000–15,000 people personally annually. Featuring the country's deepest pool, the facility replicates challenging conditions like mi
On Tuesday, the European Commission is set to unveil its recommendation, advocating for a substantial reduction in the EU's net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% before 2040. As the EU elections approach, this proposed target emphasises the importance of sustaining Europe's vigorous fight against climate change. The Commission's plan has been strongly endorsed in early drafts, with a 90% reduction objective compared to 1990 levels. The EU's 2040 aim is a crucial step towards its ultimate goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, which will end Europe's contribution to global climate chang
Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain, along with their band Shakti, clinched the prestigious Best Global Music Album award for 'This Moment' at the 2024 Grammys. This win marked a significant victory for India on the international stage. Comprising guitarist John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, Shakti's fusion of talent and innovation propelled them to the forefront of global music recognition. Released on June 30 of the previous year, 'This Moment’ is an album that consists of eight mesmerising tracks created by McLaughlin, Hussain, Mahadevan, S
Prof. Biman Prasad, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji of Indian origin, is set to make history by becoming the first foreign leader to visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir following the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony held at the temple last month. His visit, scheduled for February 8, marks a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between Fiji and India. Paramita Tripathi, JS Indo-Pacific, at the Ministry of External Affairs, welcomed him warmly upon his arrival in Delhi on Sunday. Prof. Prasad's itinerary includes meetings with various Indian ministers during his week-long stay in India from Febr
Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani will be honoured with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, becoming its 50th recipient and the 7th during the Modi government. PM Modi tweeted, “I am pleased to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. His contributions to India's development are monumental. From grassroots activism to serving as Deputy Prime Minister, his journey exemplifies dedication. He notably served as Home Minister and I&B Minister, with profound insights in Parliament.” Advani, a key figure in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, h