Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for March 24. Aries March 21 – April 20Appreciating the new ‘today’, resolving to continue thinking in this positive manner has an effect on all aspects of life.Cosmic tip: Allow the past to rest in peace, not disturbing it again and again. Taurus April 21 – May 20Travel out of town is less till April. The universe gives you what is rightfully yours; this includes more monthly income and work coming in.Cosmic tip: Don’t stress over what you have no control. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Acknowledging an unwise financial decision means you will make a different kind of choice now. Be peaceful; everyone makes mistakes now and then.Cosmic tip: Be quick in forgiving a friend. Cancer June 22 – July 23Having invested your best in the job, it’s disheartening when evaluation is below par.Cosmic tip: Look forward to a holiday; try to involve everyone in making joint decisions about sightseeing. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Those seeking a financier find one soon. This is a time of receiving gifts of money, time or effort.Cosmic tip: Be aware of how thought patterns and ideas evolve while you exercise. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Maintain an understanding attitude to tilt the karmic cycle in your favour. Think carefully about what you want. Cosmic tip: Listen to intuition, believing in it 100% this way you won’t make wrong decisions. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Receiving news of a promotion or a raise in salary is a vindication of hard work done regularly. .Cosmic tip: Don’t react angrily. It is much easier to destroy than to build and keep secure. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A contented and rewarding family life is the next karmic cycle of peace and fulfilment.Cosmic tip: Keep future plans to yourself for now. Keep karma in mind when putting them into practice. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Slight stress about business gradually ends early evening as two clients are fixed, only verbally. Long working hours are revealed. Cosmic tip: Have a softer attitude towards family. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Try to be more malleable in attitude towards people in general; learning to give a little leeway makes you easier to get along with.Cosmic tip: Enjoy dinner with family and visiting relatives. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A legal or a bureaucratic enquiry ends favourably. It is mental strength that is required to deal with a relationship issue. Cosmic tip: Control the mind, or these will be self-fulfilling prophecies. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Work on the presentation which is due soon. Check and re-check facts and data before putting them down. Cosmic tip: Spend time in quiet meditation and self- discovery.
24 March,2025 12:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseTwo teenage friends reportedly drowned in the Ulhas river in Thane district of Maharashtra on Sunday, an official said, reported the PTI. The deceased were identified as 18-year-old Vivek Tiwari and his 17-year-old friend Vinay Shah, the officials said. Both were residents of Powai area in Mumbai and had gone for an outing to the Vasat dam area in Ambernath area of Thane district, they said, as per the PTI. They then went for a swim in the Ulhas river but drowned after failing to judge the depth and current, a fire brigade official said. Bhagwat Sonone from Ambernath Fire Department said they retrieved the bodies of Tiwari and Shah after searching for nearly hours, according to the PTI. The bodies have been sent to a government hospital for post-mortem, he added. 37-year-old Thane district official drowns at beach in Raigad A 37-year-old employee of the district administration in Thane drowned during a picnic at a beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Sunday, an official said, reported the PTI. The deceased was identified as Pallavi Sarode, who served as an assistant revenue officer and personal assistant to collector Ashok Shingare, said the official. The official said that Sarode drowned at Harihareshwar beach in Raigad district on Sunday morning, the official said, as per the PTI. As per a statement issued by the administration, Sarode had travelled to Harihareshwar with her office colleagues for a picnic. She was swept away by strong waves and drowned. Three boys drown in Vatrak river in Gujarat's Aravalli district Three boys drowned while bathing in the Vatrak river in Gujarat's Aravalli district on Saturday, the police said, reported the PTI. The incident occurred near Malpur town in Aravalli district, an official said on Saturday. According to the PTI, all two out of the three boys were aged fourteen-year-old and one of them was 12-year-old. They were identified as Sultan Imtiaz Diwan and Sahbaz Siraj Pathan, and Ronak Samjubhai Fakir (12), an official said, as per the PTI. The incident took place when they went to bathe in Vatrak river which is a tributary of Sabarmati river. They drowned in the water body, said the official from the Aravalli police station, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 10:20 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Sunday suspended a bus driver, who allegedly watched a cricket match on his mobile phone while driving, the officials said. The bus driver of a wet-lease company driving the Dadar-Pune e-Shivneri bus was suspended by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik following a complaint from a bus passenger that he was watching a cricket match on mobile while driving a bus, they said. A fine of Rs 5,000 has also been imposed on the company concerned for negligence, official said. According to an official statement, on March 22, at around 7 pm, the driver of a private e-Shivneri bus that left Dadar for Swargate (Pune) watching a cricket match while driving the bus near Lonavala at night was filmed by the passengers travelling in the bus and sent it to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. The complaint was verified by the state transport officials on the field following directives from Pratap Sarnaik and following due verification, he was immediately suspended as per regulations for "reckless driving" endangering the lives of passengers. "The e-Shivneri, an electric version of Shivneri bus, is a prestigious bus service of state transport running on Mumbai-Pune route. It is used heavily by passengers and is very popular. It also has a reputation with many celebrities and renowned personalities travelling by it to avoid car rides. The bus has a record of "accident-free service" and hence it was important to take prompt action against drivers who endanger the lives of passengers by driving recklessly in this way," Pratap Sarnaik said. The passenger on the bus had recorded the video of the driver watching a cricket match on his mobile phone while driving and had shared the video on X tagging Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Responding to the post on X, CM Fadnavis wrote, "This driver was immediately suspended. FIR is in process and further action is underway." Replying to the X user used, Fadnavis further wrote, "@nitingodbole, your concern was duly noted and directed to respective Department officials, they verified it and did the due process for above immediate actions." This driver was immediately suspended.FIR is in process.And more action is underway.@nitingodbole, your concern was duly noted and directed to respective Department officials, they verified it and did the due process for above immediate actions. https://t.co/hpFmProRUH — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 23, 2025
23 March,2025 09:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to begin the nullah desilting work in city from Tuesday, March 25, the civic officials said on Sunday. This year, the BMC has introduced a new system that requires compulsory CCTV recordings of small drains, along with 30-second videos and photographs of the desilting work, in an effort to enhance transparency and accountability. The recordings will be analysed using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, which aims to ensure proper supervision throughout the process, the officials said. The officials further said that the work order for desilting the Mithi River, which is also a major focus for BMC, will be issued next week. This will mark the start of operations for cleaning the Mithi River, an essential task to prevent flooding during the monsoon. Meanwhile, the work for desilting Mumbai’s smaller drains will begin as planned this Tuesday, with 23 contractors assigned work orders for various parts of the city and its suburbs. Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner, explained, “Last year, desilting operations started on March 15. This year, we aim to clear the targeted silt by the end of May. Desilting of the Mithi River will commence once the work orders are issued next week. The delay was due to a court case,” he added. A major change this year is the implementation of mandatory CCTV recordings and video documentation. The BMC has mandated that a 30-second video, along with photographs, be taken before and after desilting work on small drains. The BMC will use AI technology to analyze these recordings, making it easier to track the progress of the work and ensure that the operations meet the required standards. This move aims to increase transparency and accountability, allowing authorities to monitor desilting work remotely, the civic officials said. Desilting operations are carried out in three phases every year. The majority of the work is completed before the monsoon season, with 80 per cent of the silt expected to be removed by the end of May. About 10 per cent of the silt will be cleared during the monsoon, while the remaining 10 per cent will be removed after the monsoon season ends, an official said. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has instructed the concerned authorities to complete the desilting work within the stipulated time. He also highlighted the need to deploy additional manpower and machinery if required, and ensure that the work maintains high standards through the use of advanced technology.
23 March,2025 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveA 37-year-old employee of the district administration in Thane drowned during a picnic at a beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Sunday, an official said, reported the PTI. The deceased was identified as Pallavi Sarode, who served as an assistant revenue officer and personal assistant to collector Ashok Shingare, said the official. The official said that Sarode drowned at Harihareshwar beach in Raigad district on Sunday morning, the official said, as per the PTI. As per a statement issued by the administration, Sarode had travelled to Harihareshwar with her office colleagues for a picnic. She was swept away by strong waves and drowned. Three boys drown in Vatrak river in Gujarat's Aravalli district Three boys drowned while bathing in the Vatrak river in Gujarat's Aravalli district on Saturday, the police said, reported the PTI. The incident occurred near Malpur town in Aravalli district, an official said on Saturday. According to the PTI, all two out of the three boys were aged fourteen-year-old and one of them was 12-year-old. They were identified as Sultan Imtiaz Diwan and Sahbaz Siraj Pathan, and Ronak Samjubhai Fakir (12), an official said, as per the PTI. The incident took place when they went to bathe in Vatrak river which is a tributary of Sabarmati river. They drowned in the water body, said the official from the Aravalli police station, the news agency reported. As the boys started sinking, local swimmers rushed to help them and but them out of the water, while people alerted the police, he said, adding that despite efforts from the locals, the boys could not be saved. The bodies of all the three boy were subsequently retrieved by the civic authorities and they were sent to the Malpur Community Health Centre for post-mortem, the official said. In an another incident, a 14-year-old boy drowned while bathing in the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh and his body was recovered after a 30-hour-long search operation, the police said on Monday. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon near the Yamuna River bridge on the Etawah-Gwalior road, under the jurisdiction of the Badpura police station, Station House Officer (SHO) Ganesh Shankar Dwivedi said, reported the PTI. Krishna (14), son of Dinesh Kumar and a resident of Rajput Colony, had gone to the river with his friend Vivek to bathe. While swimming, Krishna was swept away by the strong current, police said. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 06:22 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentPreparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik are progressing at a slower pace than initially expected, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. However, he expressed confidence that despite the delays, challenges would be overcome to ensure the successful execution of this grand religious event, which he described as a confluence of "faith and technology." Speaking at a programme of CII Young Indians in Nashik, Fadnavis acknowledged that the extensive preparations required for the large-scale event had encountered hurdles. However, he reassured that the government remained committed to ensuring that all necessary infrastructure and logistical arrangements were in place in time for the festival. According to PTI reports, Fadnavis noted that infrastructure development had been lagging but added that corrective measures were being taken to accelerate the progress. "We initiated preparations for the Kumbh Mela last year. Had we begun work in 2020, we would have been in a much more comfortable position today," he admitted. Despite the delay, he credited the event’s management team for employing a reverse-planning strategy, which he believes will help make up for lost time. Drawing from the successful organisation of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, he stated that similar approaches were being implemented in Nashik and Triambakeshwar to ensure seamless execution. "The 2015 Kumbh Mela in Nashik was an achievement in itself, as for the first time in many years, no fatalities were reported. This time, we are aiming for similar success while also ensuring that the scale and experience of the event are enhanced," PTI quoted him as saying. Fadnavis highlighted the integration of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence-driven crowd management, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) tools, to offer an immersive and safe experience for attendees. "The upcoming Kumbh Mela will not only be a gathering of faith but also a technological marvel," he added. The chief minister also pointed out the logistical challenges associated with the event’s venue, noting that while the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela was spread over 7,500 hectares, the Nashik event would be confined to a 300-acre area. Nevertheless, he assured that meticulous planning was underway to optimise space and ensure smooth movement of pilgrims. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2025 02:23 PM IST | MumbaiShiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Sunday alleged that individuals with connections to Bangladesh were involved in the recent violence in Nagpur. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Nirupam claimed the unrest was premeditated and formed part of a larger conspiracy. The violence erupted in Maharashtra’s Nagpur city on 17 March following rumours that a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions had been burned during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The demonstrations were reportedly demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. As per PTI, the clashes led to widespread stone-pelting and arson across several parts of the city, leaving 33 police personnel injured, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank. Nirupam claimed that the involvement of miscreants in the violence could be traced back to Bangladesh. He further alleged that one of the individuals arrested in connection with the unrest was actively using social media to fund what he referred to as “Mujahideen activities.” Criticising the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), Nirupam questioned its stance and alleged that it had aligned itself with groups responsible for instigating violence. “Is the Sena (UBT) aligning itself with the Mujahideen? Are the Thackerays and (Sanjay) Raut supporting them?” he asked, asserting that such actions would not be accepted in Maharashtra. The Sena leader went on to accuse the Uddhav Thackeray-led party of shifting towards an "anti-Hindu" ideology. “Matoshree (Uddhav Thackeray’s residence in Mumbai) will soon have a photograph of Aurangzeb placed next to those of Balasaheb Thackeray and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he remarked, condemning the opposition’s alleged political strategies. Calling for strong measures against those responsible for the violence, Nirupam stated that such incidents should not be allowed to recur. “No one in the state henceforth should indulge in such activities,” he added. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the media on Saturday, stated that it was premature to comment on a possible foreign or Bangladeshi connection to the Nagpur violence as the investigation was still underway. According to PTI reports, Fadnavis revealed that 104 individuals had been identified following an analysis of CCTV footage and video recordings. So far, action has been initiated against 92 persons, including 12 minors, in accordance with the law. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2025 01:47 PM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid floral tributes to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas on Sunday, honouring their sacrifices in India's struggle for independence. According to ANI reports, the Chief Minister stood solemnly before the portraits of the martyrs with folded hands, paying his respects to their indomitable spirit and unwavering patriotism. The event served as a reminder of the trio’s immense contribution to the nation’s freedom movement. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were key revolutionaries in the fight against British rule and played a crucial role in shaping India's struggle for independence. 🌸 CM Devendra Fadnavis offered his humble floral tribute to the brave sons of BharatMata— Shahid Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Martyrs' Day at Govt Guest House, Nashik today.🌸 मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी आज शासकीय विश्रामगृह, नाशिक येथे भारतमातेचे वीर सुपुत्र… pic.twitter.com/LxBig5LxcS — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 23, 2025 Bhagat Singh, one of the most influential revolutionaries of his time, is remembered for his audacious acts against British colonialism. Notably, he and his associates carried out a protest bombing at the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi in 1929 to oppose oppressive British policies. Subsequently arrested, Bhagat Singh was executed on 23 March 1931, alongside Rajguru and Sukhdev, cementing their legacy in the annals of history. Rajguru was a close ally of Bhagat Singh and an integral member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He was known for his role in the assassination of British officer J.P. Saunders, a reprisal for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. He, too, was executed for his revolutionary activities, becoming a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. Sukhdev was deeply involved in the freedom movement and worked alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru under the HSRA. His relentless efforts towards India's independence and his subsequent execution alongside his comrades made him a martyr who continues to inspire generations. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his contributions as a visionary leader, an ardent freedom fighter, and a proponent of social justice. In a post on X, PM Modi remarked that Dr Lohia dedicated his life to empowering the underprivileged and strengthening the nation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his respects, hailing Lohia as one of the greatest personalities in India's political and social history. BJP National General Secretary JP Nadda echoed similar sentiments, emphasising Lohia’s work towards the upliftment of the exploited and marginalised sections of society. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Kiren Rijiju, along with Chief Ministers Vishnu Deo Sai, Yogi Adityanath, and Himanta Biswa Sarma, also honoured Lohia’s legacy on his birth anniversary. (With inputs from ANI)
23 March,2025 12:29 PM IST | MumbaiSenior advocate and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ujjwal Nikam on Sunday strongly condemned the recent violence in Nagpur, terming it as "shameful" and asserting that those responsible for damaging public property would face stringent legal consequences. Nikam, while speaking to ANI, emphasised that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a firm stand against the rioters and made it clear that they would not be spared. “The Nagpur violence is a matter of great shame. The Chief Minister has categorically stated that those involved in the riots will face severe legal repercussions. Compensation for the destruction of public property will be recovered from the rioters. While police investigations are ongoing, it is crucial to examine how such unrest erupted suddenly and who is behind it. Nobody has sympathy for Aurangzeb, but if someone exploits the situation to incite violence and torch public property, they will face strict legal action. The Chief Minister has made this amply clear,” Nikam stated, as per ANI. On Saturday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated his government's stance, asserting that any financial losses incurred due to the violent clashes in Nagpur on 17 March would be recovered from the perpetrators. Addressing a press conference, Fadnavis remarked, “Whatever damage has been caused will be recovered from the rioters. If they fail to pay, their properties will be seized and sold to make up for the losses. If necessary, bulldozers will be deployed as well.” As per ANI reports, Hamid Engineer, the working president of the Minorities Democratic Party, was arrested late on Friday night in connection with the violence. His arrest was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lohit Matani. Meanwhile, the Nagpur court on Friday ordered a medical examination for Fahim Khan, the prime accused in the case, following allegations of police mistreatment. His magisterial custody remand (MCR) has been recorded, with the court reserving the right to grant police custody remand (PCR) if required, ANI reports. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal informed the media that 99 individuals had been arrested so far in connection with the clashes, assuring an impartial and thorough investigation. “Till now, we have arrested 99 individuals, and action is being taken against them. We are ensuring a fair and unbiased probe,” Singal told reporters, according to ANI. The violence in Nagpur on 17 March erupted over demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Tensions escalated further due to unverified rumours that a sacred text of a particular community had been set on fire during the agitation. However, the situation has since stabilised, and the curfew imposed in several areas has been lifted, ANI reports. (With inputs from ANI)
23 March,2025 12:20 PM IST | MumbaiThe Election Commission of India (ECI), under the leadership of the newly appointed 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, has taken decisive steps within a month of assuming charge to enhance election processes nationwide. The Commission has set the electoral machinery in motion, from the highest administrative levels down to the Booth Level Officers (BLOs), ensuring greater participation and a seamless experience for voters. Recognising political parties as key stakeholders, the ECI has engaged them at the grassroots level to facilitate a more transparent and inclusive electoral system. With nearly 100 crore electors forming the foundation of India’s democracy, the ECI has prioritised the removal of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, aiming to resolve this longstanding issue within three months. The Commission has scheduled technical consultations with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and electoral experts to facilitate this initiative. Additionally, the process of voter list revision will be strengthened through close coordination with birth and death registration authorities. The Commission clarified during interactions with political parties that all inclusions and deletions in the draft electoral rolls are strictly governed by the legal framework under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Appeals against any such changes can be made through the prescribed legal process. However, in the absence of appeals, the list prepared by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) remains final. Notably, the ECI had already stated on 7 March 2025 that only 89 first appeals and a single second appeal had been filed following the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise conducted from 6 to 10 January 2025. Enhancing voter participation and polling infrastructure Ensuring 100% enrolment of all eligible voters and improving the polling experience remain at the core of the ECI’s efforts. The Commission aims to ensure that no polling station exceeds 1,200 electors and that polling stations are located within 2 kilometres of voters’ residences, even in remote areas. Basic facilities, known as Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF), will be provided at all polling stations, including those in rural and hard-to-reach locations. To address urban voter apathy, the ECI will set up polling stations within clusters of high-rise buildings and residential colonies, making voting more accessible in metropolitan areas. Comprehensive capacity building through digital training A major milestone in the ECI’s reform drive is the implementation of a comprehensive digital training programme aimed at continuously enhancing the skills of nearly 1 crore election officials. A two-day conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all States and Union Territories was held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi on 4–5 March. For the first time, District Election Officers (DEOs) and EROs from each State and UT also participated. The conference provided a strategic roadmap, outlining the responsibilities of 28 different electoral stakeholders as per constitutional provisions, electoral laws, and ECI guidelines. Electoral handbooks and manuals will now be updated to reflect the latest procedural changes. To improve training efficiency, digital training kits will be developed in multiple Indian languages. These will include animated videos and an integrated dashboard, ensuring an interactive and comprehensive learning experience for frontline officials. A specialised training module for BLOs is also being designed and will be rolled out shortly. The ECI has taken significant steps to ensure that political parties are actively involved in the election process. During the CEO conference on 4 March, CEC Gyanesh Kumar directed that regular all-party meetings and interactions be held by all 36 CEOs, 788 DEOs, and 4,123 EROs nationwide. These interactions will enable the timely resolution of issues raised by political parties at the grassroots level. This nationwide consultation process will be completed by 31 March 2025. Furthermore, the ECI has invited political parties to participate in training sessions designed to familiarise them with due processes, including claims and objections regarding voter lists. This initiative has been well received by political parties. The Commission has also opened a channel for political parties to submit their suggestions on electoral matters. They have been invited to send their recommendations by 30 April 2025 and to meet with the Commission in Delhi at a mutually convenient time. These sweeping reforms undertaken by the ECI span the entire electoral system and actively engage all key stakeholders in the democratic process. By strengthening electoral rolls, expanding voter participation, enhancing election official training, and deepening political party engagement, the Commission is setting a new benchmark for a robust, inclusive, and transparent electoral framework in India.
23 March,2025 11:57 AM IST | MumbaiExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has underscored the necessity for India, as the world's fifth-largest economy, to cultivate a broad and diverse range of energy partnerships to secure its future energy needs. Speaking at a Business Today event in Mumbai on Saturday, Jaishankar remarked that after decades of championing globalisation, the world is now witnessing a shift towards industrial policies, export controls, and tariff wars. As per PTI, he asserted that ensuring a favourable energy landscape remains a crucial diplomatic objective for India. Beyond fossil fuels, India is also focused on expanding its renewable energy capacity and exploring the feasibility of small modular reactors to strengthen its energy mix, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) noted. “The fifth-largest economy in the world must necessarily develop a broad and diverse set of energy relationships,” Jaishankar emphasised. He further highlighted the proactive role of Indian embassies in advancing the country’s commercial interests, stating that they now actively inform, advise, and facilitate businesses to thrive globally. According to PTI reports, Jaishankar pointed to India’s approach to energy procurement following the Ukraine conflict as a significant policy decision with economic implications. Without directly naming any nation, he suggested that while some countries criticised India’s decision to continue importing oil from Russia, every nation ultimately acted in its own self-interest. A large economy like India requires a comprehensive strategy, he asserted. India stands among the few nations capable of engaging with conflicting global players such as Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Iran, as well as major geopolitical blocs like the democratic West, the Global South, BRICS, and QUAD. BRICS, an economic cooperation platform comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, focuses on emerging economies, whereas QUAD is a strategic alliance between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Jaishankar further stated that the global landscape is undergoing a major transformation, and adapting to these changes is imperative. As per PTI, he noted that nations are increasingly prioritising de-risking their economies, and the way forward lies in expanding diversified manufacturing, fostering technological innovation, and bolstering trade—particularly in sectors crucial to food and health security. “The solution is what I call reglobalisation—one that is fairer, more democratic, and less risky than the previous model,” he said. He highlighted that a significant reordering of global economic structures is currently underway, both in terms of geographic distribution and financial flows. India must strive to capitalise on these evolving opportunities to the greatest extent possible, he observed. Jaishankar also addressed the growing concerns surrounding the digital economy, particularly in an era increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasised that where data is sourced, how it is processed, and the manner in which it is deployed will be crucial determinants of economic and national security in the future. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2025 10:02 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
