India Observers

The Grand Conclusion of Maha Kumbh 2025 The grand Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 concludes today in Prayagraj with millions of devotees taking their final holy dip at the Triveni Sangam and other ghats. This sacred event, which occurs once every 144 years, has been a monumental occasion marked by deep spiritual significance and devotion. Pilgrims from across India and the world have gathered to seek divine blessings on this auspicious Maha Shivratri. A Rare Celestial Event This year’s Maha Kumbh was extraordinary due to a rare celestial alignment that made it a once-in-a-lifetime event. The mela, which began on January 13th (Paush Purnima), witnessed an overwhelming turnout of over 65 crore pilgrims. People from different states and even beyond India's borders made their way to the holy city, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. Devotees from Far and Wide  Pilgrims arrived from states such as West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and even Nepal for their final...

  US Sanctions Indian Firms The US has sanctioned four Indian companies for their involvement in Iranian oil transactions. These firms face asset freezes and bans on US-related dealings. This move aligns with Washington’s policy to cut Iran’s oil revenues. Impacts of US Sanctions Sanctioned companies lose access to US-controlled assets and markets. Any entity with significant ownership in them also faces restrictions. This marks the second time Indian firms have been targeted over Iran ties. Britain’s Crackdown on Russia The UK has announced its largest sanctions package against Russia since the Ukraine war began. It targets global suppliers of Russian military components. Additionally, 40 vessels aiding Russia in evading sanctions were penalized. David Lammy’s Statement UK Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized that disrupting Russian supply chains is crucial. Blocking funds and exposing enablers of Putin’s war effort weakens Russia’s military power. The sanctions...

                                                                     The Rajasthan Teacher Eligibility Test (REET) 2025 is scheduled for February 27 and 28 , conducted by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) . This year, over 14 lakh candidates will appear across 1,731 centers in 41 districts . To ensure fairness, strict security measures like face recognition, fingerprint verification, and CCTV surveillance will be implemented. REET 2025 Exam Schedule Date Shift Level Feb 27 1st Level 1 Feb 27 2nd Level 2 Feb 28 3rd Level 3 REET 2025 Dress Code To maintain exam integrity, candidates must follow a strict dress code . Permitted Attire Men: Half-sleeve or full-sleeve shirts, T-shirts with pants, simple trousers. Only slippers or sandals are allowed. Women: Salwar-su...

  A Confident Start Shubman Gill stepped onto the field with determination, knowing the importance of a strong start. His composed approach helped India build a steady foundation. His ability to handle pressure was evident from the very first over. Shami’s Fire and Bangladesh’s Resistance Mohammed Shami's brilliant five-wicket haul dismantled Bangladesh’s top order early. Despite the setback, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali’s partnership gave Bangladesh a fighting chance. Their resilience helped post a competitive total of 228 runs. Gill Anchors the Chase India’s chase began with solid contributions from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. As wickets fell at intervals, Gill played a responsible knock to keep India in control. His confidence and ability to find gaps proved vital in stabilizing the innings. A Well-Deserved Century Gill’s unbeaten 101* was a testament to his skill and patience under pressure. His elegant stroke play and smart rotation of strike ensured India never lost momentu...

  Historic Swearing-In Ceremony Rekha Gupta took the oath as Delhi’s Chief Minister in a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. The event marked BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years. Dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the occasion.   Rekha Gupta’s Political Journey From student leader to Chief Minister, Gupta’s rise has been remarkable. She previously served as Delhi University Students' Union President and Mayor. Her leadership experience positions her well for governing the capital. New Cabinet and Key Ministers Gupta’s cabinet includes leaders like Parvesh Verma and Kapil Mishra. The six-member team is expected to drive major policy changes. Their focus will be on governance, infrastructure, and social welfare.   Promises and Priorities Ahead Gupta vows to work on women's welfare and Delhi’s development. She has emphasized cleaning the Yamuna and improving civic infrastructure. Her administration aims to deliver on BJP’s el...

    The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off with an exciting clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match is set to begin at 2:30 PM IST, and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the action. Both teams will be looking to start their campaign with a win in this high-stakes tournament. Where to Watch?  Live Streaming & TV Channels Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action across various platforms. In India, the match will be available on Star Sports 1, 2, Sports18 and streamed on JioHotstar. Pakistan fans can tune in to PTV Sports and Ten Sports, while online streaming will be available on Myco and Tamasha. Sky Sports, SuperSport, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video will cover other regions. Pakistan Squad: A Powerhouse Lineup Led by Babar Azam, Pakistan boasts a balanced squad featuring star batsmen like Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, while their bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, looks...

UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival Facility for Indian Nationals The UAE has extended its Visa-on-Arrival facility to Indian nationals holding valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from select countries. This expansion aims to simplify travel for Indian citizens. Effective Date and Eligible Countries The Visa-on-Arrival facility will be available from February 13, 2025, for Indian nationals with visas or permits from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Travel Conditions for Indian Nationals Indian travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months and pay the applicable fees to avail of the Visa-on-Arrival facility. These requirements ensure smoother and faster entry. Impact on Tourism and Bilateral Relations This expansion is expected to strengthen tourism and bilateral ties between India and the UAE, making travel more accessible for business, leisure, and other purposes. A Boost to Indian Travelers With this new initiative, the UAE...

                                        On February 11, 2024    Nykaa Beauty and Fashion    experienced a 3% increase in share price up to Rs 172.98. The stock market reacted positively after Nykaa released its excellent third-quarter results. Strong Revenue and Profit Growth Exceeds Expectations After growth of 51% the company generated 26.4 crores more profits than its previous period. Its sales numbers rose by 27% to 2,267 crore Rupees while last year’s 1,789 crore Rupees mark served as the basis. The actual growth surpassed what Nykaa projected to investors only six weeks earlier. Diverse Sales Channels and Strong Beauty Segment Drive Success What made Nykaa successful?  The company’s beauty division generated exceptional performance through various selling outlets including their website plus their physical stores along with self-developed and external busine...

  The economic ties between India and the UAE have strengthened significantly over the years, and strategic discussions are now underway to further expand bilateral trade beyond the $100 billion mark within the next five years. This ambitious target underscores the growing confidence and commitment both nations have in enhancing economic cooperation across key sectors. Strengthening Bilateral Trade Under CEPA The foundation for this economic expansion was laid in 2022 when India and the UAE signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), fostering trade valued at approximately $60 billion. The agreement has been instrumental in boosting trade across sectors such as textiles, gems, food products, jewellery, and pharmaceuticals. Following the success of CEPA, the UAE has pledged to invest significantly in India's infrastructure and critical industries. One of the most notable investments includes a $2 billion commitment to India's food processing sector, which aim...

  Ajith Kumar’s much-anticipated action thriller ‘Vidaamuyarchi’ has finally hit the screens, and its box office performance is nothing short of remarkable. The movie, which premiered on 6th February 2025, has made a strong debut with an impressive advance booking collection of Rs 19.28 crore. While audience anticipation and early reviews have contributed to a buzzing start, the critical reception has been a mixed bag, sparking debate among moviegoers and film analysts alike. A Power-Packed Action Thriller ‘ Vidaamuyarchi ’ is an intense action-packed film centered around a high-stakes rescue mission in Azerbaijan. Ajith Kumar, known for his commanding screen presence, delivers yet another power-packed performance that keeps the audience engaged. The film’s adaptation from the 1997 American movie ‘Breakdown’ has garnered attention, with fans drawing comparisons between the two while appreciating the Indianized execution of the plot. The film brings together Ajith Kumar and Trisha K...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to achieve remarkable economic growth, with projections indicating a 6.2% expansion by 2025. This robust performance is bolstered by steady oil prices, lower interest rates, and a diversified economic strategy that is attracting significant global investment. The UAE’s resilience and forward-looking policies continue to position it as a key player in the global economic landscape. Gulf Capital's Role in Economic Expansion Gulf Capital-backed businesses have reported an impressive 29% portfolio growth in 2024, demonstrating the strength of investment-led development in the region. The UAE’s economy, which is projected to grow by 3.7% in 2024 before accelerating to 5.1% in 2025, is benefiting from a combination of traditional strengths and emerging opportunities across various sectors. Diversification and Digital Transformation One of the most promising aspects of the UAE’s growth trajectory is its diversification into non-oil sectors. The...

  In a bold move that signals a new era for India’s fast-fashion market, Reliance Retail — helmed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his daughter Isha Ambani — has relaunched the iconic Shein brand in India. Nearly five years after the brand was banned in the country amid geopolitical tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, Shein is back, reinvented and reintroduced through a fresh, innovative approach. The Return of an Icon Shein, founded in China in 2012, quickly rose to global prominence by offering a vast selection of trendy, low-priced Western-style clothing. However, the brand’s journey in India hit a major roadblock in 2020 when the Indian government banned the app alongside other Chinese apps like TikTok, citing data security concerns. Today, in an unexpected turn of events, Shein makes its comeback — this time under a licensing agreement with Reliance Retail, which is leveraging its formidable market presence to re-establish the brand in the Indian market. A New Digital Expe...

  The Budget Session of Parliament for 2025 has turned into an intense battlefield of words, with heated debates shaping the discourse on the Union Budget for 2025-26. One of the most striking moments came when Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Central Government, questioning the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and expressing concerns over India’s increasing dependence on Chinese goods. Gandhi did not hold back, bringing up a statement from the Chief of Army that allegedly confirmed the presence of Chinese forces inside Indian territory. "This is a fact," he asserted, linking this to the failure of India's manufacturing sector. According to him, the lack of domestic production has allowed China to dominate India's economy, undermining the country's self-reliance efforts. He painted a grim picture of the future, warning that if India were to engage in a conflict with China, its defense systems would rely on "Chinese electri...

  India has achieved an incredible conservation milestone by doubling its tiger population in just over a decade. According to a recent study, the country now hosts the world’s largest tiger population, with 3,682 tigers occupying approximately 1.4 lakh square kilometers. This remarkable growth accounts for 75% of the global tiger population, reaffirming India’s pivotal role in global wildlife conservation. A Decade of Growth The research, led by senior wildlife scientist Yadvendradev V. Jhala, highlights a 30% increase in tiger-occupied territory between 2006 and 2018, expanding at a rate of approximately 2,929 sq km per year. The study was co-authored by Ninad Mungi from Aarhus University, Denmark, Rajesh Gopal, former head of Project Tiger, and senior scientist Qamar Qureshi. Coexistence with Humans Interestingly, 45% of tiger-occupied habitats are shared with around 60 million people. Many of these areas are economically prosperous due to tiger-related tourism and go...