Kiran Sharma

India's economy has taken a hit in the July to September 2024 quarter, with real GDP growth slumping to 5.4%, marking its lowest pace in multiple quarters. This decline is particularly significant when compared to the 6.7% growth achieved in Q1 of the same financial year, according to data from the National Statistical Office (NSO). The Slowdown: Key Numbers and Trends India's GDP growth at 5.4% for Q2 2024-25 represents a sharp deceleration, reflecting broader challenges faced by the economy. Gross Value Added (GVA) growth, which reflects the value added by industries in the economy, also showed a slowdown, dipping to 5.8% in Q2 from 6.8% in Q1. This dip raises concerns, especially as India was on a recovery trajectory following the COVID-19 disruptions. Several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and services, have shown signs of slower growth, which could impact future projections for India’s economic outlook. What Contributed to the Decline? Sluggish Industrial ...

India's digital transformation is taking another leap with the approval of the PAN 2.0 Project, a forward-looking initiative aimed at enhancing the functionality and accessibility of Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards. With a financial outlay of ₹1,435 crore, this project promises a major overhaul of taxpayer services, making them more efficient and future-ready. What is PAN 2.0? PAN (Permanent Account Number) is an essential identification tool for taxpayers in India. The PAN 2.0 project introduces several upgrades, most notably the inclusion of QR codes on PAN cards. These QR codes are designed to facilitate seamless verification of taxpayer details and are expected to transform the way PAN cards are used across financial and administrative systems. One of the standout features of the PAN 2.0 initiative is that existing PAN cardholders will receive these upgrades for free, ensuring that all taxpayers benefit from this transformation without incurring additional costs. Key Feat...

In a world where diversity shapes every facet of life, tolerance remains the foundation of peaceful coexistence. International Tolerance Day serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue across cultures. India and the UAE, two countries that have long embraced diversity, stand united in promoting tolerance at both the domestic and international levels. India’s Commitment to Tolerance: A Cultural and Global Endeavor India has always been a beacon of tolerance, shaped by its rich history of pluralism. As the world's largest democracy, India’s ethos is rooted in unity in diversity. The country’s Constitution itself enshrines fundamental rights, ensuring freedom of religion, speech, and expression for all. Over the years, India has made significant strides in advancing tolerance through various initiatives. The Indian government has worked tirelessly to promote inclusive policies, with a special focus on bridging gaps between different communitie...

Tomorrow, International Tolerance Day will be celebrated around the world, a day dedicated to promoting understanding, peace, and respect across nations and cultures. The UAE, a country renowned as the "Home of All" and a "Beacon of Tolerance," stands as a prime example of how embracing diversity can lead to impactful global partnerships. One of the most dynamic and fruitful areas of collaboration between the UAE and India is in the fields of technology, healthcare, and education, with both countries working together to foster innovation, enhance opportunities, and contribute to mutual growth. UAE-India Tech Partnerships: Leading the Charge in Digital Transformation In recent years, the UAE and India have forged powerful partnerships in technology, driving forward digital transformation across sectors. AI and Digital Transformation: The UAE’s investments in artificial intelligence in India have created a thriving environment for tech startups and innovation. From bu...

The recent meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UAE officials reflects the growing strength of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. With a long-standing history of diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, this meeting focused on deepening collaboration and reinforcing their shared commitment to development, prosperity, and mutual growth. Here’s an overview of the key aspects discussed during the visit: Bilateral Cooperation: Strengthening Historical Ties The primary focus of the meeting was enhancing bilateral cooperation between the UAE and India. With diplomatic relations dating back to 1972, both countries share a rich history that has been marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for regional stability and growth. Through the years, their cooperation has extended beyond politics into trade, technology, culture, and security, setting the stage for a partnership that continues to thrive. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap ...

I n the face of ongoing conflict and devastating humanitarian challenges, the UAE has once again shown its unwavering support for Lebanon through a substantial relief operation. On the heels of its 18th flight carrying 40 tonnes of essential medical supplies, the UAE’s "UAE stands with Lebanon" campaign underscores the country’s commitment to providing much-needed assistance in times of crisis. A Lifeline for Lebanon: The 18th Relief Flight The UAE’s 18th aircraft, carrying vital medical supplies, is part of a broader humanitarian initiative launched in early October. As part of the relief airbridge, this flight marks another significant milestone in the UAE's continuous efforts to aid Lebanon during one of its most challenging times. The shipment includes 40 tonnes of life-saving medical supplies, essential to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflict. Humanitarian Support at Its Core The "UAE stands with Lebanon" ca...

I ndia's economy has become one of the most dynamic and diverse in the world. Fueled by a vast population and a large, skilled workforce, India has seen remarkable growth, especially in sectors like technology, business services, and IT. While agriculture remains the largest employment sector, services are the true engine driving India’s economic momentum, accounting for a major part of the country's GDP and attracting global investors. The Role of India's Workforce in Economic Growth One of India’s greatest assets is its workforce. With a young, educated, and English-speaking population, India has emerged as a top global destination for IT services and business process outsourcing. This shift has not only created millions of job opportunities but also significantly contributed to India's foreign exchange reserves. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are now recognized as tech hubs, hosting multinational companies and innovative startups alike. India's abili...

In a significant move to expand its global humanitarian outreach , the UAE has launched a new humanitarian aid agency aimed at addressing pressing global challenges. The announcement, made by the state-run Emirates News Agency on Monday, underscores the UAE’s longstanding commitment to offering aid and support to countries in need, especially in times of crisis. A Step Towards Greater Global Impact The newly formed UAE Aid Agency will take charge of the country’s foreign aid initiatives, which span a wide range of humanitarian efforts. From disaster relief and post-conflict recovery to stabilization efforts and development projects, this agency will play a pivotal role in addressing urgent global needs. Its work will not only provide immediate assistance but will also focus on long-term capacity-building programs to ensure sustainable solutions in regions facing significant challenges. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, emphasized t...

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, China and the UAE have forged a strong and enduring partnership. With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the core of this relationship, both countries have expanded cooperation into diverse areas, including technology and cultural exchanges. This partnership, particularly strengthened by events like the Gulfood Manufacturing 2024, demonstrates how collaboration between the two nations fosters technological advancements and supports regional growth.  Enhanced Cooperation: Building a Future Together Over the decades, Sino-UAE relations have deepened in strategic sectors, ranging from infrastructure to finance and now increasingly in technology and cultural fields. The Belt and Road Initiative has served as a catalyst, promoting collaboration on various fronts. China’s emphasis on innovation aligns with the UAE’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy, leading to partnerships in digital transformation, artificial i...

In a remarkable demonstration of enduring friendship and partnership, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently embarked on a state visit to Kuwait. This visit not only celebrates the strong diplomatic relations between the UAE and Kuwait, which span over 56 years, but also opens new avenues for collaboration, especially in the economic sector. Over the decades, these two Gulf nations have fostered robust ties, establishing a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation. Now, both countries are actively working toward expanding their economic, cultural, and strategic bonds. Strengthening Economic Ties A major focus of the recent visit was the enhancement of economic ties, an area in which both nations have already shown significant commitment. Over recent years, non-oil trade between the UAE and Kuwait has flourished, with trade volumes exceeding USD 12 billion. This figure reflects not only the vibrancy of their economic relations but also the growing importance of div...

Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a compelling keynote address at the India-Russia Business Forum, emphasizing the strong potential for bilateral cooperation in a rapidly evolving multipolar world. His speech focused on the economic complementarities between India and Russia, with both countries poised to leverage each other's strengths to achieve a shared goal of reaching USD 100 billion in trade by 2030. This ambitious target, he noted, underscores a mutual resolve to deepen connectivity, increase market access, and foster more robust investment linkages. The business forum, attended by leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from both nations, showcased an expanding appreciation within Russia for India's "Make in India" initiative. Russian businesses are increasingly recognizing the vast opportunities that India’s manufacturing and innovation sectors offer, aligning with Russia's growing interest in collaborative ventures and investments within the In...

In a significant step toward reinforcing India-Singapore relations, I had the privilege of meeting Singapore’s esteemed Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong today in Singapore. This meeting presented an excellent opportunity to convey the warm regards of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and reaffirm India’s commitment to a deep and fruitful partnership with Singapore. Advancing Technology and Industrial Collaboration One of the key themes of our discussion was the ongoing advancements in technology and the ways our two countries can mutually benefit from industrial partnerships. With both India and Singapore investing heavily in cutting-edge technology, we explored avenues for collaborative projects that leverage each country's strengths. By enhancing industrial cooperation, we aim to create innovative solutions that can address global challenges while fostering economic growth. Skilling for the Future As the world embraces the rapid evolution of Industry 4.0 and the...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a remarkable initiative, known as ‘Gallant Knight 3’, to reinforce its unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. This initiative is more than just a humanitarian mission; it’s a lifeline of hope and resilience for a community facing pressing healthcare needs. Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful act of unity. The Mission of ‘Gallant Knight 3’ The heart of ‘Gallant Knight 3’ lies in its dedication to delivering critical medical supplies to Palestine, focusing on enhancing the services of a field hospital. By providing essential medical equipment, the UAE aims to strengthen healthcare capabilities in the region. This initiative goes beyond logistics; it offers a lifeline for a population in need, signaling UAE’s continued commitment to address healthcare challenges and create a tangible impact in Palestinian lives. Sustained Commitment to Humanitarian Aid ‘Gallant Knight 3’ is part of the UAE’s long-standing ...