#Digital India Initiative.

[namastenetindia]

Welcome to NamasteNet: Your Trusted Partner in Web Design and POS Software Solutions

At NamasteNet, we believe in the power of digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. Located in the heart of Hyderabad, we specialize in providing affordable web design and POS software solutions tailored specifically for Indian startups and small businesses.

Affordable Web Design That Elevates Your Business

NamasteNet offers custom website design services starting at just ₹4,999, making high-quality web design accessible to all. We don’t just build websites—we create digital experiences that reflect your brand's unique identity. Whether you're an emerging startup or an established business, our team ensures that your online presence stands out and delivers a seamless experience across all devices.

With a focus on responsive web design, we ensure that your website looks stunning whether viewed on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. In today's mobile-first world, responsive design isn't just a feature—it's a necessity. And with our SEO-optimized websites, your business will not only look great but also rank higher in search engine results, driving organic traffic to your site.

Revolutionary POS Software to Streamline Your Operations

NamasteNet offers POS software starting at just ₹3,999, designed to streamline sales processes, enhance inventory management, and provide real-time business insights. Our cloud-based POS solutions are built to help retail stores, restaurants, and pharmacies run efficiently, without the hassle of paperwork or manual tracking.

Whether you’re a retailer in need of a reliable retail POS system or a restaurant seeking to improve customer service with a restaurant POS solution, NamasteNet’s software provides easy-to-use interfaces and robust functionality. With features like real-time sales tracking and inventory management, our POS systems will save you time and boost your bottom line.

Why NamasteNet?

NamasteNet prides itself on delivering Made-in-India solutions under the Digital India initiative. Our local expertise and understanding of the Indian market allow us to craft products that are not only affordable but highly effective for Indian businesses. We’re committed to supporting the growth of businesses with our affordable digital solutions that cater specifically to their needs.

Your Success is Our Success

We don’t just stop at providing the technology. The NamasteNet team is dedicated to offering unparalleled customer support and assistance every step of the way. Whether you need a complete digital overhaul or just a single service, we are here to help your business thrive in the digital age.

For businesses looking for an all-in-one solution to both their web design and POS software needs, NamasteNet is the partner you can trust. With affordable pricing and tailored solutions, we help businesses unlock their full digital potential.

Contact us today to learn more:

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[code-of-conflict]

Technological Competition: The New Cold War in AI Development

Introduction: The Global AI Race

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a technological advancement—it is a tool for geopolitical dominance. The race to lead in AI development has quickly become the new "Cold War" for technological superiority, with countries vying for global influence through innovation. India and China, two rising powers in the global AI race, are engaged in this competition, not just for technological advancement, but for broader geopolitical positioning. The winner of this race will hold significant leverage in global markets, cybersecurity, and military might, reshaping the international order.

India and China’s AI Race: Strategic Motivations and Differing Paths

China’s approach to AI development is aggressive and expansive, driven by its ambition to become the global leader in AI by 2030, as outlined in its "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" (2017). China sees AI as a key to enhancing its global competitiveness, strengthening its military, and asserting its dominance in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and national security. Its significant investments in AI infrastructure, research, and development underscore its commitment to becoming an AI superpower.

India, on the other hand, has taken a more measured approach, focusing on AI for social inclusion, economic growth, and democratic governance. India's AI strategy, outlined by NITI Aayog in 2018, emphasizes "AI for All," aiming to harness AI's potential to address societal challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education​. While India’s strategy focuses on leveraging AI for inclusive growth, its efforts to scale AI innovations to compete globally are still in their nascent stages.

The contrasting motivations behind India and China’s AI policies—China’s for global dominance and India’s for societal benefit—reflect their broader geopolitical aspirations. However, the divergence in their AI strategies also highlights the technological gap between the two nations, which has significant implications for global power dynamics.

AI and Economic Competitiveness

AI is poised to reshape the global economy by enhancing productivity, automating processes, and fostering innovation. China’s early adoption and massive investments have given it a significant edge in AI-driven economic competitiveness. Chinese companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu have integrated AI into various industries, creating a robust AI ecosystem that fuels their global expansion​. China’s AI investments in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare have not only boosted its domestic economy but also positioned it as a critical player in global supply chains.

India, while progressing in AI research and development, faces challenges in scaling AI applications across industries. Although India has a growing start-up ecosystem and a strong IT sector, it lacks the infrastructural investments and comprehensive AI strategies seen in China​. Nevertheless, India's potential to become an AI hub for the developing world cannot be overlooked. The Indian government’s focus on creating AI solutions for its vast and diverse population provides a unique model of AI deployment, one that prioritizes inclusivity and social welfare over sheer economic dominance.

Global Influence and Geopolitical Consequences

The AI race between India and China extends beyond economic competition; it is also about gaining geopolitical influence. China's AI strategy is intrinsically linked to its geopolitical ambitions. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its growing investments in AI research, China is exporting its AI technologies to developing countries, influencing the global AI standards and creating dependencies on Chinese technology. This raises concerns about digital sovereignty and the spread of authoritarian AI governance models, particularly in surveillance and data control, which China uses to maintain its own domestic security.

India, on the other hand, is positioning itself as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence. By advocating for responsible AI development, India promotes a more ethical and democratic approach to AI governance. India’s participation in international forums, such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), signals its intent to influence global AI standards while safeguarding democratic values​.

However, to truly challenge China’s dominance, India must increase its investment in AI infrastructure, foster international collaborations, and scale up its AI research efforts. The challenge for India is to compete with China while adhering to its principles of transparency, data privacy, and ethical AI development.

The New Cold War: AI and Future Power Dynamics

As AI becomes the backbone of economic and military power, the competition between India and China will shape the future balance of power in Asia and beyond. China’s rapid progress in autonomous systems, AI-driven cybersecurity, and military applications presents a formidable challenge to India’s national security and sovereignty. India’s response must involve not only bolstering its AI capabilities but also forming strategic alliances with like-minded countries to resist China’s growing influence in AI governance and technology standards.

Conclusion

The AI race between India and China is more than just a competition for technological superiority—it is a battle for global influence and economic power. China’s aggressive push for AI dominance threatens to reshape the global order, while India’s democratic and inclusive AI model offers an alternative path. However, the technological gap between the two nations poses a significant challenge for India. As the new Cold War of AI intensifies, India must accelerate its AI investments and forge international collaborations to protect its interests and promote a more responsible and ethical AI-driven future.

[townpostin]

Jamshedpur Police Unveil New Program to Boost Women's Safety

Top official inspects emergency services, cybercrime unit during launch event Jamshedpur authorities have introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing security for women in the city. JAMSHEDPUR – A high-ranking police official inaugurated a novel women’s safety program in Jamshedpur, while also evaluating local law enforcement operations. The South Chhota Nagpur Range’s Inspector…

[foxnangelseo]

Understanding the Benefits of Investing in India's Tech Startups in 2024

In recent years, India's startup ecosystem has experienced exponential growth, fueled by a combination of factors such as favorable demographics, increasing internet penetration, government initiatives, and a thriving entrepreneurial culture. Among the various sectors, the tech startup ecosystem in India has emerged as particularly attractive for investors seeking high growth potential and innovation-driven opportunities. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of investing in India's tech startups in 2024, highlighting key factors driving the sector's growth and the opportunities it presents for investors.

1. Vibrant Ecosystem and Innovation Hub:

India's tech startup ecosystem has evolved into a vibrant hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have emerged as hotspots for tech startups, fostering a conducive environment for creativity, networking, and knowledge exchange. The ecosystem is characterized by a diverse range of startups operating across sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, edtech, and deeptech, offering investors a wide array of investment opportunities.

Here's a deeper look at what makes this ecosystem so dynamic and attractive for investors:

1. Thriving Startup Hubs:

Major cities like Bangalore (also known as the Silicon Valley of India), Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have emerged as thriving startup hubs, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and talent from across the country and around the world. These cities offer a conducive environment for startups to establish their presence, access resources, and network with industry peers, mentors, and investors.

2. Diverse Range of Startups:

India's tech startup ecosystem is characterized by a diverse range of startups operating across various sectors and verticals. From e-commerce and fintech to healthtech, edtech, agritech, and deeptech, startups in India are addressing a wide array of market needs and opportunities. This diversity not only reflects the breadth of innovation but also offers investors a plethora of investment options to choose from.

3. Culture of Innovation and Risk-Taking:

India's entrepreneurial culture encourages innovation, risk-taking, and experimentation, fostering a spirit of creativity and resilience among startups. Entrepreneurs are not afraid to disrupt traditional industries, challenge existing norms, and push the boundaries of technology to solve complex problems and create value. This culture of innovation attracts investors who seek high-growth opportunities and are willing to support disruptive ideas and visionary founders.

4. Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange:

The startup ecosystem in India thrives on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community building. Startup incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, and networking events play a crucial role in facilitating interactions between startups, investors, industry experts, and ecosystem enablers. These platforms provide startups with access to mentorship, funding, and market insights, while also fostering a culture of learning, sharing, and mutual support.

2. Large and Growing Consumer Market:

India's massive population, increasing internet penetration, and rising disposable incomes have created a fertile ground for tech startups to thrive. With over 1.3 billion people, India represents one of the largest consumer markets globally, offering a vast customer base for startups to target and scale their products and services. Investors can capitalize on India's demographic dividend by backing startups that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of Indian consumers across urban and rural areas.

Here's why this aspect is crucial for investors:

1. Massive Population:

India’s vast population translates into a huge consumer base for startups to target and serve. With a large addressable market, startups have the potential to reach millions of customers across urban and rural areas, driving adoption and revenue growth.

2. Increasing Internet Penetration:

India has witnessed a rapid increase in internet penetration in recent years, driven by factors such as falling data costs, smartphone proliferation, and government initiatives like Digital India. As more people come online, there is a growing demand for digital products and services, creating opportunities for startups to innovate and disrupt traditional industries.

3. Rising Middle Class and Disposable Incomes:

The rising affluence of India's middle-class population has led to increased discretionary spending on consumer goods and services. As incomes rise and lifestyles evolve, there is a growing demand for aspirational products, premium services, and lifestyle enhancements. Startups that cater to the needs and preferences of this burgeoning middle class stand to benefit from their purchasing power and willingness to adopt new technologies.

4. Urbanization and Changing Consumption Patterns:

India's ongoing urbanization trend is reshaping consumption patterns and driving demand for urban-centric products and services. From on-demand delivery and mobility solutions to smart homes and digital entertainment, startups are capitalizing on urban consumers' preferences for convenience, efficiency, and quality of life enhancements. By tapping into urban markets, startups can unlock significant growth opportunities and build scalable business models.

5. Rural Market Potential:

While urban markets offer significant growth potential, India's rural areas present untapped opportunities for startups to address unmet needs and capture emerging demand. With over 65% of India's population residing in rural areas, there is a growing appetite for rural-focused solutions in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion. Startups that can tailor their offerings to rural consumers' requirements and affordability stand to gain a competitive advantage in this vast and underserved market.

6. Demographic Dividend:

India's youthful demographic profile, with a large population of millennials and Gen Z, presents a demographic dividend for startups targeting younger consumers. These digital natives are tech-savvy, digitally connected, and increasingly influential in shaping consumer trends and preferences. Startups that cater to the needs and aspirations of the youth demographic can build loyal customer bases and drive viral adoption of their products and services through social media and digital channels.

3. Rapid Digitization and Technological Adoption:

The acceleration of digitization and technological adoption in India has opened up new avenues for tech startups to disrupt traditional industries and drive innovation. Factors such as the proliferation of smartphones, affordable data plans, and government initiatives like Digital India have fueled the demand for digital solutions across sectors such as e-commerce, digital payments, healthtech, and agritech. Investors can leverage this trend by investing in startups that leverage technology to address market gaps, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience.

4. Government Support and Policy Reforms:

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to support the growth of the startup ecosystem and attract investment in the sector. Programs such as Startup India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat aim to provide startups with access to funding, mentorship, regulatory support, and market opportunities. Additionally, recent policy reforms aimed at easing compliance requirements, simplifying taxation, and promoting foreign investment have further boosted investor confidence in India's startup ecosystem.

5. Access to Talent and Expertise:

India is home to a large pool of skilled professionals, including engineers, developers, designers, and business professionals, who contribute to the success of the country's tech startups. The availability of talent with diverse skill sets and domain expertise enables startups to build innovative products, scale operations, and compete on a global scale. Investors can benefit from India's talent pool by backing startups with strong leadership teams and a track record of execution and innovation.

6. Potential for High Returns and Exits:

Investing in startups in India offers the potential for high returns and lucrative exit opportunities for investors. As startups grow and mature, they attract interest from venture capital firms, private equity investors, and strategic acquirers looking to capitalize on their growth potential. Successful exits through IPOs, mergers, or acquisitions can generate significant returns for early-stage investors, making India's tech startup ecosystem an attractive asset class for investment portfolios.

In conclusion, investing in India's tech startups in 2024 presents a compelling opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the country's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, large consumer market, rapid digitization, and government support. By backing innovative startups with strong leadership teams, scalable business models, and disruptive technologies, investors can not only generate attractive returns but also contribute to India's economic growth and technological advancement. As India continues to emerge as a global innovation hub, the potential for investment in its tech startup ecosystem remains promising for investors seeking exposure to high-growth opportunities in the digital age.

This post was originally published on: Foxnangel

[pebblegalaxy]

Guiding India's Digital Transformation: Key Projects and Future Prospects #BlogchatterA2Z

Guiding India's Digital Transformation: Key Projects and Future Prospects #BlogchatterA2Z #DigitalIndia #GuidingTransformation #TechnologyInnovation #InclusiveGrowth #FutureTech

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation, India stands at the forefront, spearheading initiatives aimed at revolutionizing governance, enhancing citizen services, and bridging socio-economic disparities. As we embark on a journey to delve deeper into the monumental strides made under the visionary Digital India program, it becomes imperative to shine a spotlight on a select few…

[mediaheights]

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[nickyysharmi]

Bridging Horizons: The Digital Journey Of India's Heartland

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the empowerment of citizens from small towns in India stands out as a compelling narrative. Spearheaded by initiatives like Digital India and fueled by the visionary leadership of individuals like Abhay Bhutada, Poonawalla Fincorp’s Managing Director, digitalization has emerged as the catalyst for transformation, unlocking new avenues of growth and opportunity for millions across the heartland of India.

The Digital Revolution Unleashed

The journey towards digital empowerment in India has been remarkable, marked by a surge in internet connectivity and smartphone usage. This surge has effectively broken down barriers to accessing and adopting digital technologies. Individuals like Abhay Bhutada from Latur, Maharashtra, epitomize this transformative shift, emphasizing how digitalization has empowered people in small towns, instilling in them a sense of confidence and belief in their ability to contribute to nation-building. This digital revolution has also reshaped the banking landscape, blending traditional banks with innovative fintech startups. Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director and CEO of Axis Bank, highlights this evolution, noting how digitalization has fundamentally changed how financial institutions engage with customers.

Also Read: MD Abhay Bhutada Provides Glimpse of Poonawalla’s Co-Branded Card Strategy in Q4

A Paradigm Shift In Banking

Central to this narrative of empowerment is the revolution unfolding within the banking sector. The advent of digital banking has revolutionized the way financial services are accessed and utilized. Mobile applications, online payments, and digital wallets have become ubiquitous, offering individuals seamless and secure channels to manage their finances. This shift has been particularly significant for citizens in small towns, where traditional banking infrastructure may have been limited.

Leading The Global Charge

India's prowess in digital payments is exemplified by its leadership in real-time transactions through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). With over 600 million smartphone users, the country boasts a vibrant digital payments ecosystem, recording billions of transactions each month. Abhay Bhutada's insights resonate strongly here, showcasing how digitalization has transcended geographical barriers, empowering individuals from small towns to participate actively in the digital economy.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Shares Insights on Poonawalla Fincorp’s Long-Term Objectives

Empowering Entrepreneurs And Innovators

The democratization of access to financial services has also catalyzed entrepreneurial endeavors across small towns in India. Fintech startups, in particular, have emerged as key enablers of financial inclusion, leveraging technology to address the unique needs of underserved communities. Through innovative solutions and agile business models, these startups are driving economic growth and fostering innovation at the grassroots level.

Navigating The Digital Divide

Despite the remarkable progress, challenges persist in bridging the digital divide. Connectivity issues, digital literacy, and infrastructural constraints remain hurdles that need to be addressed to ensure equitable access to digital services. Abhay Bhutada's vision for an inclusive digital future underscores the importance of concerted efforts to overcome these challenges and extend the benefits of digitalization to every corner of the country.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada wins a Special Recognition at Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year

Charting A Path Forward

As India continues its journey towards digital empowerment, collaboration and innovation will be key drivers of progress. By harnessing the transformative power of technology and fostering an ecosystem of inclusivity and accessibility, we can unlock the full potential of India's heartland. Abhay Bhutada's leadership serves as a guiding light, inspiring individuals and institutions alike to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital revolution and contribute towards building a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

In conclusion, the digitalization of India's heartland represents a watershed moment in the country's socio-economic trajectory. Empowered by technology and driven by a spirit of resilience and innovation, citizens from small towns are rewriting the narrative of progress and prosperity. With visionary leaders like Abhay Bhutada at the forefront, the digital renaissance unfolding across India's heartland holds the promise of a more inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all.

[talkstreetblog]

Celebrating Indian Independence: Stories, Achievements, and Reflections

celebrating-indian-independence-stories_-achievements_-and-reflections On the 15th of August each year, the nation of India comes alive with a spirited celebration that marks its hard-earned freedom from colonial rule. Indian Independence Day is a day of immense pride, unity, and remembrance of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of liberty. This blog delves into the…

[kriskukko]

Hi! *waves*

You have a lot of artwork set during the 1800s; I was wondering if you could recommend any "bibles" of the 1800s or the Georgian era, please? I have a project that I'm thinking of setting during the period but I'm not sure how to begin my research.

My story will be set in England initially, then go onto India and all over the world

Alright, so— Right off the bat I will admit my research has mainly focused on Finland in any given era, so I haven't read extensively or bookmarked resources as for England (let alone the rest of the world). BUT, I do have some for the purpose of filling in the blanks in the settings, since my country is small and material isn’t in abundance (not like when it comes to the big empires, anyway) sadly this list will be very brief, as I generally deal with my lack of knowledge on any given issue by browsing the web/library and piecing together stuff from multiple sources some of which are very granular (or worse, in FINNISH). I also deal in pictures and dialogue for the most part, which is why majority of this is imagebased.

A BOOK:

The Time Traveller’s Guide to Regency Britain by Ian Mortimer

probably goes into category of a ‘bible’ u mentioned, covers multiple bases as far as setting goes in an easily digestible manner (that list of contents looking pretty good yeah?). Ive the audiobook version and it was a pleasant listen too.

I also appear to have a book by the name The Regency Years by Robert Morrison in my audiobook library, but I have no recollection of actually listening to it. The reviews were good tho.

THAT ONE RANDOM LINK IN MY BOOKMARKS:

Prices and Wages by Decade (University of Missouri Libraries) what it says on the tin, spanning from 1700s-2000s, while us-centric, it does have subsections for different countries with dedicated resources to varying degrees

ART & FASHION:

Fashion History Timeline

goes over western fashion history from ancient to now, pleasantly detailed and starting from 15th century it goes decade by decade

The Met Collection

as the landing page says. I have looked in the costume institute section a bunch to understand garments or fill in what I cant find in fashion plates, like underwear

The Met Museum Costume Institute Fashion Plates

a digital collection of fashion plate illustrations that has pretty well spanned the 1800s and early 1900s wherein I mingle. Requires a bit of browsing, as the subcollection list is long and sometimes they span a bunch of decades at once, but at least the pictures are big and often have dates imposed in the corners of the illustrations

AND HEY, IF ANYONE READS IN FINNISH, ABOUT FINLAND:

Kristiina Kalleinen Valtioaamun aika : Suomen Suuriruhtinaskunta 1809-1863

Topi Artukka: Tanssiva Kaupunki : Turun seurapiiri sosiaalisena näyttämönä 1810-luvulla

Piia Einonen & Miikka Voutilainen (toim.): Suomen sodan jälkeen : 1800-luvun alun yhteiskuntahistoria

Hannu Rinne: Perinnemestarin tyylikirja : Talon osat aikakausittain 1700-1970

and whew HERE WE ARE AT THE END. i hope u will find at least some of this helpful and best of luck with ur project! <3 (and if anyone knows of more resources, drop em in responses or reblogs i would personally love to reference/bookmark more stuff in the future)

[mariacallous]

Shafiq Bagwan was hanging out with a few friends in his village of Hasnabad, which is in the Maharashtra state in western India, when he opened Instagram on his phone and saw that his younger brother Taufiq had posted an update. When he clicked on it, his heart fell.

Taufiq, who is 18, had posted a picture of a 17th-century Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, with a description of him as “the father of Hindu nationalists.”

“I immediately called him up and ordered him to delete the story,” Bagwan says. “I got scared for him, and I hoped that nobody had seen it.” It was too late. The next day, June 20, Taufiq was arrested and charged with“deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings.”

Taufiq had been caught up in an online crusade, initiated by Hindu nationalists in Maharashtra, who have taken it upon themselves to police social media for anything, no matter how tenuous, they can spin as offensive to Hindus. These groups, which appear to have links to local government and law enforcement, are turning Instagram and WhatsApp into hostile spaces for Muslims, who face harassment and arrest for seemingly innocuous posts. It’s another demonstration of how the Indian internet is coming to mirror the Hindu nationalist slant of politics under the government of Narendra Modi.

“What has happened offline has happened online,” says Osama Manzar, founder of the Digital Empowerment Foundation, an NGO. “The attitude remains the same. Social media is just another tool to subjugate.”

Aurangzeb died more than 300 years ago, but he’s recently become something of a protest symbol for Muslim youth in Maharashtra. During his rule, which lasted from 1658 to 1707, he expanded the Mughal empire across much of the Indian subcontinent. To some Hindus, he’s a tyrannical figure who imposed discriminatory taxes and destroyed temples and who was resisted by Shivaji, another warrior king who is revered in Maharashtra.

With tensions between communities running high, Aurangzeb has become an emblem for both the Hindu majority and its 13 million Muslims, who make up around 12 percent of the population of the state.

“Aurangzeb, a Muslim ruler, is just a political tool to target today’s ordinary Muslims,” says Surendra Jondhale, a professor in the department of politics at the University of Mumbai. “The right-wing groups have used Shivaji versus Aurangzeb—a battle between two kingdoms—to propagate a Hindu versus Muslim binary.”

In February 2023, led by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, the union government renamed the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra—named after Aurangzeb—to Sambhaji Nagar. In rallies that followed the renaming—and which were attended by members of the BJP—T Raja Singh, a party member and (currently suspended) lawmaker, said that any Muslim unhappy with the name change would be considered a traitor.

The BJP has been widely accused of stoking religious tensions across India, and of promoting a Hindu identity for India that runs contrary to the country’s founding principles of religious pluralism.

In response to often brazen hate speech and discrimination from public figures, young Muslims have adopted Aurangzeb as a symbol of defiance. “It comes from a place of angst and humiliation, where the Muslims are continuously being provoked,” says Imtiaz Jaleel, a lawmaker from Aurangabad. “Under normal circumstances, I don’t think the Muslims even think about Aurangzeb.”

But posting the former ruler’s picture often elicits serious consequences. Right-wing Hindu groups, which have been publicly supported by members of Modi’s BJP, have been keeping a close eye on Muslims’ social media posts, claiming that even a photograph of Aurangzeb hurts their religious sentiments.

This is what happened to Taufiq, who, Shafiq says, doesn’t understand English and so wasn’t aware of what was written alongside the image he posted. But before he had time to delete the story, someone in his village had taken a screenshot.

Rupesh Rathi, 40, works in Hasnabad for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a parent organization of BJP. He says that ever since Aurangabad was renamed, these situations have become more prevalent. “A Hindu friend of Taufiq in the village saw his story, took a screenshot, and sent it to me,” says Rathi. “After that, some seven or eight of us had a discussion on what to do about it.”

The consensus was to file a complaint. “Everybody found it objectionable,” Rathi says.

Armed with those screenshots, some 20-25 people turned up at the local police station and filed a complaint against Taufiq. Gradually, more people from the neighboring villages joined in, and the mob grew to over 100 people. The police were “extremely cooperative,” Rathi says. “We were assured that there will be a proper investigation into this. There were four or five more Muslim boys that had uploaded that status. As a result of the complaint, they deleted it.”

When authorities arrested Taufiq, they confiscated his phone so they could investigate who else might have circulated his post.

Shafiq bailed Taufiq out. The charges are still pending. Shafiq says his brother is scarred by what happened. “He is just 18,” Bhagwan says. “His health deteriorated quite a bit after the incident. He is still shaken because of the hostility with which he was targeted. The matter could have been resolved within the village.”

At least 13 similar cases in Maharashtra have been reported in the national media over the past four months.

Shirish Inamdar, a former deputy commissioner of police in Maharashtra’s intelligence department, says he thinks the police aren’t acting fairly, but that the cases reflect the state’s politics. Until June 2022, Maharashtra was ruled by a coalition government of three regional parties, but a year ago the BJP poached 40 of the lawmakers from one of the parties in the ruling coalition and came to power in the state. Ever since, Inamdar says, the persecution of Muslims has increased. “The local police do it to save their own skin,” he says. “The powers that be have told the police to register as many cases and vitiate the atmosphere.”

Inamdar says the cases filed against Muslims over social media posts are unlikely to succeed in a court of law. “Everybody knows that,” he says. “But the cases drag on, and it becomes a blot on the person’s record. They have to appear for court dates, they have to spend money on the lawyer. The process becomes the punishment.”

Madhav Bhandari, vice president of Maharashta BJP, defended the police, saying that “police cases over social media posts have happened under previous governments too” and that he also believes pictures of Aurangzeb “hurt religious sentiments in Maharashtra.” He adds: “Everybody is entitled to be proud of their religion.”

Prateek Waghre, policy director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, an NGO, says that this kind of campaign is a form of lateral surveillance of minorities, where people have to be constantly alert for anything that could be exploited to attack them. “It points to broader societal issues, where there aren’t too many degrees of separation between people reporting Instagram or WhatsApp updates and the ones being reported,” he says. “Many of them are on their contact lists. There is also a possibility of watch lists being maintained. It is scary.”

Since Modi became prime minister in 2014, there has been a notable increase in hate speech across the country, with Hindu nationalist groups calling for the mass rape of Muslim women and the extermination of the community. The RSS and other groups affiliated with the BJP have fueled unfounded conspiracy theories, including the “love jihad,” which alleges that Muslim men are seducing Hindu women en masse and converting them to Islam. There have been multiple incidences of assaults on minorities, and even lynchings.

“There will be people dismissing these as isolated events and saying there are only so many cases in a country of a billion people,” Waghre says. “But the ripple effect is hard to ignore and also hard to measure. It impacts people’s minds and their behavior.”

In Maharashtra, the campaign has widened the divisions between communities.

In June, police filed a case against a 14-year old Muslim boy in the central region of Maharashtra over an Instagram photograph of Aurangzeb. His parents are small farmers, and his uncle is a tailor in the village. “He is just a kid,” says the uncle, who WIRED is not identifying to protect the boy’s privacy. “He even made an apology video and promised to not do it again. He deleted his Instagram account and is scared to join back. But still a case was filed against him. We had to pay a lot of money for a bail bond in court to avoid arrest. This can potentially ruin or jeopardize his career. Is this where we want to head as a society?”

The boy’s Instagram post was reported by a young man living nearby who was working for a radical right-wing group. In the complaint, he said the photograph “hurt his religious sentiments.” The police charged the 14-year-old with “deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs” and “intention to incite offense.”

The uncle says that over four decades of living in the village, where he has developed relationships with people across communities, this is the first time he has felt exposed. “I have participated in Hindu festivals, I have very close Hindu friends,” he says. “But the politics of the state has ruined everything. Is there a ban on sharing pictures of figures from history?”

[beguines]

Later, in October 2015, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee traveled to Israel, during which he addressed the Israeli Knesset, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Jerusalem, met with Israelis of Indian origin, and laid a wreath at the tomb of the father of Zionism, Theodor Herzl. "I informed the Israeli leadership about various initiatives taken by the Government of India like 'Make in India', 'Digital India', 'Clean Ganga', 'Smart Cities', 'Start-up India', etc. and invited investment as well as participation by Israeli companies," Mukerjee said.

Mukerjee also traveled to Ramallah in the occupied Palestinian territories where he met with the Palestinian Authority's President Mahmoud Abbas, received a doctorate from Al Quds University, inaugurated a roundabout named "Maidan Al Hind," and paid tribute at the Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat. In a statement, Mukerjee said India had increased the number of ICCR scholarships to Palestinian students from 10 to 25 per year and the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Palestinian nationals from 50 to 100, and handed over a check of $5m as budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority. Israeli arms exports to India were worth around $1bn alone.

This is how a "de-hyphenated approach" to Israel and Palestine would play out: political and economic pragmatism with Israel and charity for the compromised Palestinian leadership.

Azad Essa, Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance Between India and Israel

[townpostin]

Gulmohur High School Launches Innovative Peer Mentorship Program

Project Diksha aims to nurture leadership skills and enhance learning experiences Gulmohur High School introduces Project Diksha, a peer mentorship initiative focusing on student leadership and skills development. JAMSHEDPUR – Gulmohur High School has unveiled Project Diksha, an innovative peer mentorship program designed to foster leadership skills and enhance educational experiences for its…

[sanskriti-2751]

What is Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, and other assets. Investments in securities are spread across a wide cross-section of industries and sectors and thus the risk is reduced.

It is managed by a professional fund manager or an asset management company (AMC) who makes investment decisions on behalf of the investors.

Mutual funds offer good investment opportunities to the investors. Like all investments, they also carry certain risks

SEBI formulates policies and regulates the mutual funds to protect the interest of the investors.

OVERVIEW OF MUTUAL FUNDS INDUSTRY IN INDIA

The mutual fund industry in India was set up through a combination of regulatory changes, legislative reforms and the entry of various market players.

Unit Trust of India- UTI was founded in 1964, which is when the mutual fund sector in India first started to take off. To mobilize public funds and invest them in the capital markets, UTI was established as a statutory body under the UTI Act, 1963. The idea of mutual funds was greatly popularized in India because to UTI.

Regulatory Framework-In India, the mutual fund industry's regulatory structure began to take shape in the 1990s. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, which established SEBI as the governing body for the Indian securities markets, was passed in 1993. Among other market intermediaries, SEBI was responsible with regulating and supervising mutual funds.

The SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations,1996- This regulation established the legal foundation for the establishment, administration, and operation of mutual funds in India. These regulations outlined the standards for investor protection, investment restrictions, disclosure requirements, and eligibility requirements for asset management companies (AMCs).

Introduction of Private Sector Mutual Funds: UTI was the only active mutual fund provider in India prior to 1993. Private sector mutual funds were nevertheless permitted to enter the market as a result of the liberalization of the financial sector and the opening up of the Indian economy. Many domestic and foreign financial organizations launched their own AMCs and entered the mutual fund industry.

Product Line Evolution: The mutual fund sector in India has grown and increased its product selection throughout the years. Mutual funds initially mainly offered income and growth opportunities. To address various investor needs and risk profiles, the industry did, however, offer a wider range of products, such as equity funds, debt funds, balanced funds, and specialist sector funds.

Investor Education and Awareness: Serious efforts have been made to educate and raise investor awareness in order to encourage investor involvement in mutual funds. Industry groups, AMCs, and SEBI have run investor awareness campaigns, distributed instructional materials, and supported systems for resolving investor complaints. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) were introduced, and this was a significant factor in luring individual investors

Technological Advancements-The mutual fund sector in India has embraced technological development, making it possible for investors to access and invest in mutual funds through online platforms and mobile applications. Investors can now transact, track their investments, and get mutual fund information more easily thanks to digital platforms.

The mutual fund industry in India has developed into a strong and regulated sector through regulatory changes, market competition, and investor-centric initiatives. The sector keeps expanding, drawing in more investors and providing them with a wide variety of investment possibilities around the nation.

[pebblegalaxy]

Empowering India's Digital Future: Major Initiatives and Milestones

Empowering India's Digital Future: Major Initiatives and Milestones #DigitalIndia #DigitalTransformation #TechnologyInIndia #GovernmentInitiatives #DigitalEconomy

Digital India is a transformative initiative launched by the Government of India with the vision of turning the country into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. Since its inception in 2015, this flagship program has made significant strides in leveraging technology to enhance governance, improve citizen services, and bridge the digital divide.Key Objectives1. Digital…

[usafphantom2]

L3Harris will modernize the electronic warfare system of the U.S. Navy F/A-18

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 11/03/2023 - 16:00 in Military

L3Harris Technologies won a contract with the U.S. Navy to continue developing advanced systems to modernize electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, improving pilot protection against emerging and future threats.

L3Harris will develop a next-generation EW system under the $80 million contract for the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. It is one of the two companies selected for the initial contract of the prototype. The final decision for subsequent development and production contracts is scheduled for 2026.

“L3Harris is developing the advanced EW system to boost the success of the mission and ensure that naval aviators are protected in the coming years,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. "This award is based on decades of providing EW systems to the Navy, and we are excited that our technology is protecting pilots in dangerous situations while allowing them to dominate potential opponents."

The advanced L3Harris system will feature an integrated electronic support measure and an electronic attack system, providing immediate threat detection in all relevant radio frequency bands. With a modular open systems approach and a design compatible with open mission systems, this innovation allows crews to easily insert new and updated technology, saving time and reducing costs.

L3Harris has been providing innovative EW capabilities for F/A-18 for more than two decades. The company has also been providing these resources for more than 60 years to the U.S. Air Force and other allied air services around the world.

Tags: Military AviationF/A-18E/F Super HornetL3HarrisUSN - United States Navy/U.S. Navy

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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