Consciousness Of World

Donald Trump’s 100% Tariff Warning to BRICS Nations Over Dollar Replacement Plans Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again voiced strong opposition to any plans by BRICS nations to create an alternative currency that could challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar. In a recent statement on social media, Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS member countries if they pursued efforts to replace the dollar in international trade. Trump’s Warning to BRICS Nations On January 30, Trump reiterated his stance, making it clear that any country attempting to introduce a new BRICS currency or back an alternative to the U.S. dollar would face severe economic consequences. "We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar. If they do, they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. ec...

Key Changes Implemented After Maha Kumbh 2025 Stampede A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the loss of 30 lives and left 60 others injured. The stampede occurred in the early hours of Mauni Amavasya, an important day when millions gather to take a holy dip at the Sangam. Following this incident, the state government swiftly introduced five major measures to prevent such mishaps in the future. What Led to the Stampede? Authorities reported that the stampede was triggered when pilgrims began pushing against barricades in their rush to reach the sacred waters. The sheer volume of devotees made it difficult to control the crowd, leading to chaos. To ensure better management of the event going forward, several new rules have been put in place. Five Key Changes Implemented 1. No-Vehicle Zone The entire Maha Kumbh fairground has been declared a no-vehicle zone, meaning no vehicles, including private and public transport, are allowed within t...

Tech Billionaires Face $108 Billion Loss After DeepSeek’s AI Disruption The world’s 500 richest people collectively lost $108 billion on Monday after a tech-driven selloff triggered by Chinese AI company DeepSeek. Nvidia’s co-founder, Jensen Huang, saw his wealth drop by $20.1 billion, a 20% decline. Oracle’s co-founder, Larry Ellison, lost $22.6 billion, though this was only 12% of his fortune. Other major losses included Michael Dell ($13 billion) and Binance’s Changpeng Zhao ($12.1 billion). Tech Sector Takes the Biggest Hit The biggest losses came from tech billionaires, who saw $94 billion vanish—about 85% of the total losses in Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. The Nasdaq Composite fell 3.1%, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.5%. DeepSeek, based in Hangzhou, has been working on AI since 2023 but only gained global attention recently. Its chatbot, DeepSeek R1, a free AI model, became the most downloaded app worldwide. The sudden surge in users caused technical issues, forcing Deep...

Trump Calls DeepSeek AI's Success a 'Wake-Up Call' for US Tech Industry: The Global Implications and India's Role in AI Development US Concerns Over China's AI Advancements In a recent address at his Doral golf resort in Miami, US President Donald Trump described the success of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek as a “wake-up call” for America’s technology sector. Trump urged US companies to sharpen their focus on maintaining competitiveness and hinted at imposing tariffs on foreign-made semiconductor chips unless they start manufacturing in the US. Trump acknowledged DeepSeek’s advancements, stating, “China and some of their companies are coming up with a faster and much less expensive method of AI. I view that as a positive because you don’t have to spend as much money. But it’s also a warning for our industries to act now and stay ahead.” The US President emphasized, “We need to dominate the future like never before. Our tech companies will innovate, compete, and su...

WFI Office Still Operates From Ex-Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's Residence Amid Ongoing Trial Amid ongoing legal proceedings in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the WFI office continues to operate from Singh’s long-time residence at 21, Ashoka Road, New Delhi. This revelation has raised questions about the state of administrative reforms within the WFI. In 2023, the sports ministry suspended the WFI, citing several reasons, including the continued use of premises controlled by former office-bearers. As a result, the WFI office had briefly shifted to a one-room facility in Hari Nagar. However, recent reports by The Indian Express reveal that the organization has moved back to Singh’s residence, where it had been based for over a decade during his tenure as president. WFI Treasurer S.P. Deshwal claimed the office still operated from Hari Nagar. Yet, when reporters visited the Hari Nagar loc...

"India’s 76th Republic Day: A Celebration of Heritage, Unity, and Progress" The 76th Republic Day parade began with grandeur on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations, marking the occasion by taking the ceremonial salute. The Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, led the event, accompanied by Major General Sumit Mehta as the Parade Second-in-Command. Gallantry award recipients, including those honored with the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra, marched proudly as part of the parade. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended as the chief guest, joining a distinguished group of international leaders who have participated in India’s Republic Day ceremonies. His presence was particularly significant, as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution coming into effect in 1950. President Murmu, in her address on the eve of the event, reflected on the nation's progress and...

"India's Social Media Boom: Revenue, Trends, and Innovation in 2025" As of January 2025, India's social media landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth, reshaping the nation's digital economy. With a population exceeding 1.42 billion, India stands as the world's second-most populous country and one of its fastest-growing economies. This demographic advantage, coupled with increasing internet penetration and affordable smartphones, has propelled social media into the daily lives of millions. Surge in User Base In 2024, India had approximately 862 million social media users, a number projected to reach 1.3 billion by 2029. This rapid expansion signifies that nearly the entire population will be engaged on social platforms within the next few years. The proliferation of affordable internet services and smartphones has democratized access, bringing diverse demographics online. Economic Impact and Revenue Growth The burgeoning user base has translated in...

"China’s Artificial Sun Sets Record with 100-Million-Degree Heat Sustained for 18 Minutes" Chinese scientists have achieved an extraordinary milestone by maintaining plasma temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius for nearly 18 minutes. This remarkable accomplishment was made possible through the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), a nuclear fusion reactor often referred to as the "artificial sun." The breakthrough marks significant progress toward realizing nuclear fusion as a sustainable and limitless energy source. The experiment was carried out at the EAST facility, where researchers used hydrogen and deuterium gases as fuel to replicate the fusion process that powers the sun. This effort is considered a crucial step in advancing nuclear fusion technology, which has long been regarded as the ultimate solution to humanity's energy needs. The ability to sustain such extreme temperatures for an extended period demonstrates the potential...

"India’s First 400 km/h Bullet Train: A Game-Changer in Travel Unveiling by 2030!" India and Japan are set to make history by launching the advanced Shinkansen E10 bullet train model together in 2030. This move marks a major milestone in high-speed rail technology. Initially, India was supposed to use the E5 model, which has a top speed of 320 km/h, but the decision to transition to the faster E10, capable of 400 km/h, reflects a significant technological upgrade. This leap in technology not only ensures faster travel but also brings greater safety and efficiency to India's rail network. This simultaneous launch in both countries demonstrates the strong collaboration between India and Japan. For India, this marks a transformative step in its rail infrastructure. The project focuses on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, where India will receive two E10 trains as part of its partnership with Japan. This is the first time such a move is being made, highlighting ...

UK Extracted Half of India’s Wealth During Colonial Rule: Oxfam Report Introduction Oxfam International's latest report, Takers, Not Makers , presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlights the massive wealth extraction from India by the UK during colonial rule. The report emphasizes how colonial practices created economic inequalities that still impact the world today. Between 1765 and 1900, India’s wealth of $64.82 trillion in today’s value was drained by Britain, with $33.8 trillion benefitting the richest 10% of the UK. Colonial Wealth Extraction The wealth extraction, enough to carpet London four times over with £50 notes, significantly benefited the UK’s elite. The richest 10% in the UK gained 52% of this income, while the emerging middle class received another 32%. Meanwhile, India’s share of global industrial output fell from 25% in 1750 to 2% by 1900 due to protectionist policies against Indian textiles, systematically crippling its industrial growth. Rol...

Moody’s Lowers India’s Growth Forecast to 7% for FY25 Global ratings agency Moody’s has lowered India’s economic growth forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2025 to 7%, a reduction from the 8.2% growth recorded in the previous year. This adjustment comes in the context of both domestic and international challenges, including a broader slowdown in global economic activity and declining private investments in India. Despite the revision, Moody’s notes that India’s economy remains strong, driven by its robust fundamentals. According to Moody’s latest report, the downgrade reflects weaker-than-expected industrial growth and subdued private investment. However, the agency highlighted a positive trend in India’s GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (PPP), which rose by 11% year-on-year to reach $10,233 in FY23. Broader Economic Context This forecast adjustment aligns with similar revisions from other institutions. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICC...

Driving India’s Economic Growth: A Data-Driven Strategy for 2025 Global economic growth in 2025 is forecasted to remain at 3.2 percent, identical to 2024. This rate marks a significant departure from pre-pandemic averages, creating a widening income gap compared to earlier growth trajectories. Notably, uncertainty in the global economy remains elevated, compounded by significant geopolitical developments, such as the inauguration of the US President on January 20. These transitions are expected to bring disruptions in trade, energy policies, and regulatory frameworks, posing both challenges and opportunities for India. India, poised as one of the fastest-growing major economies, must adopt a multi-pronged strategy to sustain its momentum. Let’s delve into the numbers and reforms required to keep India’s economy on a fast track. The Global Growth Landscape The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a global growth rate of 3.2 percent for 2025, mirroring the slower pace of recover...

OPEC's Role in India's Oil Imports Rises After 8-Year Decline India's reliance on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for its crude oil imports saw an increase in 2024 after a steady decline over the previous eight years. This marked a significant shift in the nation's oil import dynamics, with OPEC's share rising to 51.5%, up from 49.6% in 2023. The increase reflects broader changes in the global oil trade, driven largely by geopolitical developments, economic factors, and evolving supply chain strategies. The resurgence of OPEC's market share can be attributed to various factors. Chief among them are the disruptions in Russian oil exports, which have historically played a vital role in meeting India's energy demands. New sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations targeted its oil producers and tankers, complicating the country’s ability to export crude. This, in turn, affected India and China, the two largest importers of Rus...

Debunking the Fake Stereotypes About India on the Internet India, a nation of unparalleled diversity and cultural richness, often finds itself misrepresented on the internet. Stereotypes, while sometimes born of curiosity or misunderstanding, can reduce a complex society into a caricature that fails to capture its true essence. Unfortunately, the digital age has amplified these misperceptions, turning them into pervasive myths. It's time to confront and dispel these fake stereotypes, not only to honor the truth but to foster a more informed global perspective. One of the most common stereotypes is that India is solely a land of poverty and squalor. While it is true that some regions grapple with economic challenges, this narrative ignores the strides India has made as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are global hubs for technology, finance, and innovation. India's space program, ISRO, has made significant advancements,...

"India's Efforts to Secure Affordable Russian Oil Amid Tightening Sanctions" India’s state-owned refiners are expediting payments for Russian crude oil to complete transactions before expanded US sanctions take effect. These refiners now settle payments within two days instead of the usual five, aiming to secure discounted Russian oil while navigating an increasingly restricted global trade environment. The urgency stems from Washington's announcement of stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry, which are set to take effect next month. Refiners are keen to ensure transactions are completed during the “wind-down” period allowed for pre-sanctioned cargoes. At least 4.4 million barrels of Russian oil are en route to Indian ports like Jamnagar, Chennai, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam. Among these shipments is the tanker Mercury , carrying over 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude, expected to arrive in Paradip soon. This vessel loaded its cargo in mid-December ...

Why Their Is Absence of Civics Sense in South Asia Civics sense, often synonymous with public responsibility and social etiquette, is a cornerstone of a functioning society. It encompasses respect for public spaces, adherence to laws, and consideration for the community. While countries in East Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, have set exemplary standards of civic consciousness, nations in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, continue to grapple with a severe lack of civics sense. This disparity raises a critical question: why is the state of civic responsibility so dire in these countries despite their shared aspirations for progress? The reasons for this deficiency are multifaceted and deeply rooted in the socio-economic, political, and cultural fabric of these nations. A glaring factor is the weak enforcement of laws. In India, for instance, over 63% of urban citizens report that they have seen laws regarding littering and waste managem...

Mahakumbh Mela to Generate Approximately $24 Billion in 2025 The Mahakumbh Mela is an unparalleled gathering that blends spirituality, culture, and socio-economic activity on an epic scale. Held every 12 years at Prayagraj, this event is deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology and cultural heritage. It draws millions of devotees, spiritual leaders, and curious visitors from across the globe, all converging on the banks of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers to seek blessings and spiritual liberation. What makes the Mahakumbh unique is its astronomical and mythological significance, as well as the staggering number of people it attracts. In fact, it is often referred to as the largest human congregation in the world. The origins of the Kumbh Mela are traced to the legend of the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean, as described in Hindu scriptures. According to the tale, gods and demons worked together to churn the ocean to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortalit...

India's Inflation Drops: A Glimmer of Hope for the Economy India's retail inflation dipped to a four-month low of 5.22% in December, a modest improvement from November's 5.48%. This decline was largely attributed to cooling food prices, providing some respite after months of elevated costs. Food inflation, a significant driver of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has begun to stabilize following a bumper summer harvest, even though earlier months were marked by price surges due to unseasonal rains and spikes in edible oil and cereal prices. Analysts had predicted this moderation, with a Reuters poll estimating December's inflation at 5.3%. However, despite the slight relief, inflation remains distant from the central bank's medium-term target of 4%, a milestone not expected until the second half of 2026, according to economists. Just a few months earlier, in October, inflation had surged to a 14-month high of 6.2%, driven by food inflation, which peaked at 10.9%. In D...