India - Next STEP Global Conference 2023



India is a country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and the second-most populous country, with over 1.3 billion people. India shares its border with Pakistan to the north-west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the north-east, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia are located south of India.

India has a diverse culture and a complex history, with several periods of foreign rule, incursions, and colonialism that have left a lasting impact on the country. It is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations and has a rich heritage of art, culture, and traditions.

Geography

India is a vast country, covering an area of 3.3 million square kilometers. The country is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west. The Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, form India’s natural northern border.

India is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. The states are further divided into districts. Each state has its own local language, culture, and traditions. The official language of India is Hindi, and English is widely used and understood.

Climate

India has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the Himalayan region. The country experiences four distinct seasons - winter, summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to most parts of the country.

History

India has a rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which was one of the earliest civilizations in the world. Over the centuries, India has been invaded and ruled by several dynasties, such as the Mauryas, the Guptas, and the Mughals.

In the 16th century, the Europeans arrived in India. The British, French, and Portuguese established colonies across India and traded in spices, textiles, and other commodities. In 1857, the Indian Rebellion against British rule broke out, and India eventually gained independence in 1947.

Economy

India is a developing country with a mixed economy. The country has made significant progress in recent years, with rising GDP, foreign investment, and a growing middle class. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, accounting for around 18% of GDP and employing over 50% of the population.

India is also a significant player in the global information technology industry, with several large IT companies based in the country. Other prominent industries include textiles, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Culture

India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. The country has over 1,600 languages and dialects and is home to several religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism. Each region of India has its own unique culture and traditions.

Indian cuisine is famous all over the world for its spicy and flavorful dishes, such as curry, biryani, and samosas. India is also known for its colorful and vibrant festivals, such as Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja.

Tourism

India is a popular tourist destination, with over 10 million foreign visitors each year. The country attracts tourists with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in India include the Taj Mahal, the backwaters of Kerala, and the Himalayan mountain range.

Conclusion

India is a country of contrasts - modern and traditional, urban and rural, rich and poor. The country’s diversity and complexity make it a fascinating place to visit and explore. Despite its challenges, India has made significant progress in recent years and is poised to become a major player on the world stage.


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Biden, India’s Modi out to deepen their bonds, but geopolitical friendships have their limits

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 04:04


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit Washington on 22 June on a trip that marks the importance Joe Biden is placing on relations between the US and India. However, the situation is complicated by tensions and policy differences between the countries. India abstained from voting on UN resolutions criticising Russia following its annexation of Crimea, and has not joined the coalition formed by the US and other countries. The relationship with the US is important to India as its relations with China have become more fraught, with the two nations embroiled in a three-year standoff involving thousands of soldiers stationed along their disputed border in the eastern Ladakh region. Both the US and India have been emphasising technology partnerships, including defence, clean energy and space, which are likely to be discussions at the upcoming meetings.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/15/biden-indias-modi-out-to-deepen-their-bonds-but-geopolitical-friendships-have-their-limits.html
Biden, India's Modi out to deepen their bonds, but geopolitical friendships have their limits

The Independent

23-05-15 04:03


President Biden has made it a priority to strengthen relationships with India, but the alliance has its challenges, including the fact that Biden champions democratic ideals while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been accused of eroding democratic traditions. Both nations, however, currently share an interest in containing China's economic rise and increased global prominence. Although Modi had a good relationship with Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, and has made some efforts to forge a connection with Biden, the future of this geopolitical friendship isn't guaranteed. Experts believe the relationship between India and the US will largely depend on the pace of India’s progress and whether or not it chooses to expand its security ties with Washington. Meanwhile, relations between India and China have become increasingly strained, with the two nations becoming engaged in an intense three-year standoff along the disputed border in the Ladakh region.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/india-ap-narendra-modi-joe-biden-washington-b2338819.html
Indian shares flat as cooling inflation offsets weak global cues

Reuters

23-05-15 03:52


Indian shares made a muted start to the week as local optimism over cooling retail inflation offset concerns about a US economic slowdown and weakness in global equities. The Nifty 50 was up 0.04% and the S&P BSE Sensex rose 0.09%.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/indian-shares-flat-cooling-inflation-offsets-weak-global-cues-2023-05-15/
China's rising clout spotlighted at finance chief meetings before G7 summit

Reuters

23-05-15 03:19


A weekend meeting of finance chiefs from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies set the stage for the G7 summit in Hiroshima by signalling China will feature large on the agenda. While the meeting did not single out China as a threat, the aspirational outreach programme to Brazil, the Comoros, India, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea, with its focus on infrastructure investment, is is seen as a tacit counter to China's Belt and Road initiative. Japan, as host, persuaded its fellow G7 members to commit to launch a programme by the end of 2023 to diversify supply chains for strategically important goods away from China.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/chinas-rising-clout-spotlighted-finance-chief-meetings-before-g7-summit-2023-05-15/
Indian rupee to see more losses on dollar spike and higher U.S. yields

Reuters

23-05-15 02:59


The Indian rupee is expected to slump today, tracking a rise in the dollar index and US yields, which both rallied on the back of US inflation worries. While NDFs indicate the rupee is set to open at around INR82.22 to the US dollar, compared to INR82.1625 at the close of Friday's session, one trader says the rupee's medium-term prospects look "supportive" thanks to 19-month lows in Indian retail inflation data.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/indian-rupee-see-more-losses-dollar-spike-higher-us-yields-2023-05-15/
Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs

CSIS

23-05-16 13:00


The Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich has released a new report titled "Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs", which covers Russia-China relations, US tech alliances, extended nuclear deterrence, and India's foreign policy. On May 16th, CSIS will hold a virtual discussion about the report, featuring speakers Brian Carlson, Nevine Schepers, and Boas Lieberherr from the Global Security Team at ETH Zurich, as well as Emily Harding, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the International Security Program at CSIS.

https://www.csis.org/events/strategic-trends-2023-key-developments-global-affairs
G7 host Japan seeks unity on threat from China

Financial Times

23-05-16 01:23


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s key aim during the annual G7 summit this weekend is to establish a united G7 response to China's military ambitions and "economic coercion," as the country continues to seek closer ties with NATO and imposes sanctions against Moscow as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. China’s interventionism has driven Japan to adopt a very cautious approach, revamping its military organisation and increasing security cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia and Europe. However, it is anticipated that the G7 will not agree on any specific new economic tools of security, and crucially, China will not be named in the statement. This widespread caucus approach aims to support countries being bullied by China rather than being completely focused on an offensive strategy. The EU, as well as other G7 members, remain very reluctant to adopt a more antagonistic stance, preferring to improve relations with emerging economies, particularly from Asia, Africa and South America.

https://www.ft.com/content/0998ac9a-58eb-44e2-b362-42cf5a0d468b
‘Could you post a review?’: Why you shouldn’t give five stars

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 00:53


Many service workers from waiters to hotel employees have been asking for reviews from guests as a guarantee of secure employment. Reviews on social media and travel booking websites are seen as more persuasive than what the airline or hotel says about itself in an advertisement, and they're free. For a conscientious manager or travel operator, checking and responding to social media reviews is a vital part of their role. Many in the industry have urged honest reviews and asked online reviewers to besides five stars to avoid suspicion they are fake.

https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/could-you-post-a-review-why-you-shouldn-t-give-five-stars-20230417-p5d123.html
Indian girls battle sexism, trolling as more turn to competitive gaming

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 23:00


India boasts a gaming industry worth $1.5bn, and 43% of the gaming population is now female. Women are increasingly able to monetise their gaming, via platforms that offer streaming fees and brand sponsorships, and there is a widening array of female-only tournaments. However, the gains made through monetisation and visibility are difficult to obtain, in the face of persistent abuse and threats of sexual violence when online. The industry is slowly developing a more female-friendly infrastructure, but many argue that cultural biases and systemic discrimination must be overcome before real progress can be made.

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3220626/more-indian-girls-gaming-competitively-us15-billion-esports-sector-grows
Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs

CSIS

23-05-16 13:00


The Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich has released a new report titled "Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs", which covers Russia-China relations, US tech alliances, extended nuclear deterrence, and India's foreign policy. On May 16th, CSIS will hold a virtual discussion about the report, featuring speakers Brian Carlson, Nevine Schepers, and Boas Lieberherr from the Global Security Team at ETH Zurich, as well as Emily Harding, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the International Security Program at CSIS.

https://www.csis.org/events/strategic-trends-2023-key-developments-global-affairs
Salman Rushdie attacks ‘comical’ efforts to make James Bond politically correct

Telegraph

23-05-16 06:00


Salman Rushdie has criticised attempts by publishers to make books politically correct, as he received the Freedom to Publish award at the British Book Awards and warned of increased threats to freedom of expression and speech. Rushdie also criticised publishers who sought to edit the works of Roald Dahl and Ian Fleming, with his publisher commissioning sensitivity readers to review novels that depicted black characters in potentially offensive ways. Davina McCall's guide to the menopause won the Book of the Year prize, while Bonnie Garmus was named Author of the Year for Lessons in Chemistry.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/16/salman-rushdie-james-bond-politically-correct-roald-dahl/
Explainer: Why El Nino is a concern for Indian monsoon rains?

Reuters

23-05-16 05:56


India's weather office is expecting normal monsoon rainfall for 2023, but notes there is a 90% chance of El Nino which could lead to less than normal rain. The El Nino effect causes changes in the weather patterns, leading to a weaker Indian monsoon season. Rainfall during El Nino years has often been below average, leading to severe drought and causing authorities to limit the export of some food grains. Agriculture, which employs over half of the 1.4 billion population and accounts for about 19% of India's economy, heavily relies on the monsoon for about 70% of its annual rain.

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/why-el-nino-is-concern-indian-monsoon-rains-2023-05-16/
Indian rupee poised to halt three-day losing run on soft dollar

Reuters

23-05-16 05:36


The Indian rupee has risen amid improved external data, set for its first gain in four sessions on a slightly down USD. The rupee was quoted at 82.19 against the US dollar, helped by India's improving external position, with its April services surplus at $13.9bn and its merchandise trade deficit dropping from $19.7bn in the previous month to $15.2bn. According to Capital Economics, if supported by lower import values on the back of softer domestic demand and relatively low commodity prices, it‘s expected this data will help to narrow India's current account deficit this year.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/indian-rupee-poised-halt-three-day-losing-run-soft-dollar-2023-05-16/
Why a low-budget Bollywood film has led to deadly clashes in India

The Independent

23-05-16 05:21


At least one person has died and nine others have been injured in India after a Bollywood film inspired by Isis propaganda split the country along state lines. The Kerala Story charts the fictional story of women from the southern state being recruited by the group. Critics have criticised the programme as perpetuating Islamophobia while supporters, including the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, have promoted it, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeting on the film. The film was originally promoted as being based on the true stories of up to 30,000 women, a claim since disputed.

https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/india-the-kerala-story-movie-protests-deaths-b2338990.html
Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs

CSIS

23-05-16 13:00


The Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich has released a new report titled "Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs", which covers Russia-China relations, US tech alliances, extended nuclear deterrence, and India's foreign policy. On May 16th, CSIS will hold a virtual discussion about the report, featuring speakers Brian Carlson, Nevine Schepers, and Boas Lieberherr from the Global Security Team at ETH Zurich, as well as Emily Harding, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the International Security Program at CSIS.

https://www.csis.org/events/strategic-trends-2023-key-developments-global-affairs
EU to curb In­di­an fuel im­ports made with Russ­ian oil: Re­port

Al Jazeera

23-05-16 09:50


The EU has publicly criticised India's role in the evasion of Western sanctions on Russia by reselling Russian crude oil to Europe as refined fuel, including diesel. Such curbs could affect India's economy substantially as refined petroleum is its top export. India emerged as a top buyer of Russian oil following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, importing more than a fifth of the country's overall fuel imports in fiscal 2022/23. Reports have cited mounting evidence of Indian firms buying and refining Russian oil to sell on to Europe. Access to such crude oil has boosted Indian refineries' output and profits.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/16/eu-to-curb-indian-fuel-imports-made-with-russian-oil-report
EU urged to crack down on sanctions-dodging India reselling Russian oil

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 09:43


The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called for the EU to clamp down on the import of Russian oil resold by India as refined fuel; the diesel and petrol could be considered a circumvention of sanctions. The EU has already banned Russian oil orders, so access to cheap Russian crude has allowed Indian refineries to export refined products competitively to Europe and take a greater market share. According to ship-tracking data from Kpler, Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy were the key exporters of refined fuels and buyers of Russian oil.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3220745/eus-borrell-urges-bloc-crack-down-imports-indian-fuels-made-russian-oil
India's Kajaria Ceramics beats Q4 profit view on stronger demand

Reuters

23-05-16 09:43


Kajaria Ceramics reported a 13% rise in consolidated net profit to INR1.08bn ($13.21m) in the quarter ended 31 March, beating analysts’ expectations, due to strong demand for the company's products. The New Delhi-based ceramic tile maker also reported a 9% rise in consolidated revenue from operations to INR12.05bn, but said consolidated core profit margins fell to 14.60% from 15.06% a year earlier due to increased expenses as rising natural gas prices took their toll.

https://www.reuters.com/business/indias-kajaria-ceramics-beats-q4-profit-view-stronger-demand-2023-05-16/
Indian commercial real estate lull to continue for at least two more years – ANAROCK's Puri

Reuters

23-05-16 09:37


The Indian commercial real estate sector will remain in a lull for at least two more years and there are no signs of a fully-fledged recovery, with US multinationals and Indian start-ups among those who are not renting new spaces, according to ANAROCK chairman Anuj Puri. Demand is also hit by a hybrid working model changing real estate requirements for companies. However, demand for residential rentals in metropolitan cities are not expected to rise this year due to excess supply, Puri added.

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-commercial-real-estate-lull-continue-least-two-more-years-anarocks-puri-2023-05-16/