India’s smartphone market experienced a growth of 3% YoY in volume during Q3 2024, with its value surging by 12% YoY to reach a record high for a single quarter, according to a report by research firm Counterpoint. A premiumisation trend drove this value growth, while the increase in volume was attributed to an earlier onset of the festival season compared to the previous year. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) proactively filled channels to prepare retailers for the anticipated surge in sales during the festive period. However, sales commenced at a slower pace than in the previous year. During Q3, 5G smartphones…
Author: Editor's Desk, Tattva News
India is taking steps to fight the plastic waste menace, but its efforts will not see fruition unless it gives more teeth to its policies and guidelines – a case in point is that of the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for plastic packaging. A new analysis by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlights significant gaps in the implementation of the guidelines. These findings, say CSE researchers, combined with a set of targeted recommendations, underscore the need for robust interventions to ensure that India’s EPR framework effectively addresses plastic pollution and upholds the “polluter pays” principle. EPR in…
Air quality in Delhi dropped to dangerous levels on Diwali night, with AQI readings crossing 900 in some areas despite a citywide firecracker ban. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reported a sharp rise in pollution due to widespread defiance of the ban, stubble burning and bad weather throughout Delhi, AQI levels became alarming in key areas, leading to the threatening health of residents, especially those with respiratory problems. The DPCC has identified areas like Anand Vihar, Wazirpur and Vivek Vihar as hotspots, where AQI levels have reached the “critical” level, well above the safety limit. These excess levels posed…
The inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. This facility, dedicated to manufacturing C-295 military transport aircraft, represents India’s first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft. Under this programme, 56 C-295 aircraft will be delivered, with the first 16 arriving from Airbus in Spain and the remaining 40 produced domestically. This initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to enhancing indigenous production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports. India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence is underscored by a remarkable transformation…
* CPJ 2024 Impunity Index Two small nations with outsized levels of impunity—Haiti and Israel—are the world’s top offenders in allowing the murderers of journalists to go unpunished. Globally, impunity remains entrenched, as no one is held to account in almost 80% of the cases where journalists have been directly targeted in retaliation for their work, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists’ 2024 Global Impunity Index. Haiti, which first appeared on the index in 2023, is challenged by criminal gangs that are overtaking the country and destabilizing already weak institutions, including the judiciary. Its rise to the top of CPJ’s…
More than 25 lakh earthen lamps were lit together on the bank of the Saryu River in Ayodhya in a world record-setting attempt to mark the eighth ‘Deepotsav’ on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations by lighting the first few lamps along with his cabinet members and others to inaugurate the Deepostav. This marks the first Deepostav since the consecration of the Ram Lalla temple on January 22 of this year. The hashtag ‘Sabka_Utsav_Ayodhya_Deepotsav’ trended on X. Laser and light shows were held at Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya, where the ghat was illuminated with diyas and vibrant…
Consumers in India are increasingly exploring both luxury and sustainable alternatives in the automotive sector, according to a survey conducted by Grant Thornton Bharat titled “Shifting Gears: Understanding Passenger Vehicle Market Trends.” The survey revealed that 85% of respondents are considering premium vehicle models, with a growing preference for hybrid vehicles, which now attract 40% of consumer interest, compared to just 17% for electric vehicles (EVs). In contrast, 34% of participants still favour petrol vehicles, highlighting the transitional nature of the market. This trend indicates that while consumers seek sustainable options, they await more robust EV infrastructure and incentives. The…
The government is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies to monitor traffic violations and enhance the enforcement of penalties, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. During the 12th Traffic InfraTech Expo, he announced plans to modernize toll collection methods, potentially moving to satellite-based systems for improved efficiency and transparency. He indicated that private sector experts would be engaged to develop technological solutions to reduce traffic incidents, with an expert committee set to review proposals from startups and industry leaders within three months to identify the most effective strategies for road…
The disengagement process in the Depsang and Demchok areas of the Eastern Ladakh sector is almost over, news agency ANI reported citing its sources in defence. Armies of India and China are verifying the vacation of positions and removal of infrastructure by each other there, they said. Earlier last week, India and China firmed up an agreement on patrolling and disengagement of troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, in a major breakthrough to end the over four-year standoff. Subsequently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday endorsed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement along…
The security forces were able to eliminate the remaining two terrorists, believed to be Pakistanis, who were hiding in thick foliage in Akhnoor sector of Jammu early on Tuesday evening. One ultra was killed on Monday. The Army has also recovered war-like stores from the slain terrorists, which suggests that they were probably planning a strike in Jammu during the ongoing festive season ahead of Diwali. Jammu-based Army’s White Knight Corps in a statement said, “All three hardcore terrorists have been eliminated post intense firefight. After round the clock surveillance throughout the night, an intense firefight unfolded today morning resulting…