India News
Zoho's Arattai: India's Homegrown Messaging App Rises as a "Swadeshi Moment" in Technology
Oct 14, 2025 03:09 pm CST
Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu discusses the rise of Arattai, India's homegrown messaging app that recently topped the App Store's Social Networking category. Vembu emphasizes the importance of technological self-reliance for India, outlines Arattai's commitment to data privacy, and explains how the app differs from competitors like WhatsApp by prioritizing security without monetizing through advertisements or third-party data access.
IMF Chief Praises India's Bold Economic Reforms as Key Global Growth Engine Amid International Challenges
Oct 14, 2025 02:43 pm CST
IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva has praised India's bold economic reforms including digital identity implementation, tax system overhauls, and digital payment infrastructure during the IMF's semi-annual gathering. While forecasting 6.5% growth for India in 2025-26, she contrasted India's rising economic influence with China's deceleration and expressed concerns about global debt issues affecting developing nations and potential disruptions from renewed US-China trade tensions.
Madhya Pradesh OBC Quota Case: 56% Face Caste Discrimination Despite Constitutional Protections
Oct 14, 2025 02:40 pm CST
Madhya Pradesh government has submitted a 15,000-page affidavit to the Supreme Court seeking to increase OBC reservation from 14% to 27%, citing extensive evidence of ongoing caste discrimination. A confidential survey reveals that 56% of OBC families must stand when upper-castes pass by, while facing systematic exclusion from religious institutions, educational opportunities, and social dignity. The government argues that "extraordinary circumstances" justify exceeding the 50% reservation cap to address persistent inequalities affecting a significant portion of the state's population.
Iran Rejects Trump's Peace Overture, Citing US Role in Recent Military Strikes
Oct 14, 2025 02:13 pm CST
Iran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's call for a peace agreement, stating that American actions contradict diplomatic rhetoric. Following devastating strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June that killed over 1,000 people, Tehran's foreign ministry questioned how peace proposals could follow such hostilities. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the nations after a brief but intense conflict that derailed nuclear negotiations.
Bhojpuri Language and Bhikhari Thakur: Cultural Demands Shape Bihar's Political Landscape
Oct 14, 2025 02:11 pm CST
The upcoming Bihar assembly elections have witnessed cultural demands taking center stage, with growing calls for official language status for Bhojpuri and posthumous Bharat Ratna for legendary folk artist Bhikhari Thakur. These cultural issues have become particularly prominent in the Shahabad region, with opposition parties accusing the ruling NDA of ignoring these significant cultural demands of Bhojpuri-speaking citizens.
PVR Inox Launches India's First Luxury Dine-In Cinema Experience at Bengaluru's M5 ECity Mall
Oct 14, 2025 01:49 pm CST
Discover India's first luxury dine-in cinema by PVR Inox at Bengaluru's M5 ECity Mall, featuring chef-curated meals served at your seat, state-of-the-art cinema technology, and a revolutionary entertainment concept that blends premium dining with theatrical experiences. With prices starting at Rs 490 for a two-seater table, this innovative venue offers nine curated food brands and cutting-edge amenities designed for the modern moviegoer.
WHO Issues Urgent Global Alert: Toxic Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths in India
Oct 14, 2025 01:49 pm CST
The WHO has issued a global health alert against three contaminated cough syrups from India - Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife - after 25 children died. The products contain toxic Diethylene Glycol and pose life-threatening risks. Authorities have halted production and initiated recalls while warning healthcare professionals worldwide to report any detections of these dangerous medicines.
India's Retail Inflation Hits 8-Year Low of 1.54% in September 2025: Impact on Monetary Policy
Oct 14, 2025 01:28 pm CST
India's retail inflation has dropped to an 8-year low of 1.54% in September 2025, falling below the RBI's comfort zone for the second time this year. This significant decline is primarily attributed to reduced prices of vegetables, fruits, and pulses, alongside GST rationalization effects. Economists project continued moderate inflation and anticipate a possible 25 basis point rate cut by December 2025, as the RBI revises its inflation outlook downward to 2.6% for 2025-26.
Sushant Singh Rajput's Cousin Divya Gautam Announced as CPI(ML) Liberation Candidate for Bihar Assembly Elections
Oct 14, 2025 01:23 pm CST
Divya Gautam, cousin of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has been nominated by CPI(ML) Liberation to contest from Digha constituency in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The theatre artist and former AISA leader will file her nomination on Wednesday as part of the opposition's Mahagathbandhan alliance, which includes RJD and Congress. The two-phase elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11.
Election Commission Mandates Pre-Approval for Political Ads and Social Media Disclosures
Oct 14, 2025 01:16 pm CST
The Election Commission of India has issued new guidelines requiring all political parties and candidates to obtain pre-certification for advertisements on electronic and social media platforms before publication, while also mandating disclosure of official social media accounts during nomination filing and comprehensive reporting of digital campaign expenses within 75 days after elections.