Launched on June 1, 2020, the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme has become a catalyst for change in India's urban street vendor landscape. Designed to provide collateral-free working capital loans to this often marginalized community, it has made significant strides in gender equality and socio-economic transformation. A recent report by the State Bank of India's economic research department (ERD) sheds light on the profound impact of this scheme.

India is currently grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, with both Mumbai and Delhi ranking among the top polluted cities worldwide. The hazardous air quality poses a significant health risk to the population and comes with staggering economic consequences, as a Lancet study unveils.

The European Union Tax Observatory's latest report, titled 'Global Tax Evasion Report 2024,' calls for the imposition of a 2% global wealth tax on billionaires to combat rampant tax evasion. This proposal seeks to rectify the issue of some billionaires paying a mere 0% to 0.5% of their wealth in taxes and aims to generate substantial revenue from fewer than 3,000 ultra-wealthy individuals. The report also evaluates progress in curbing tax evasion and underscores the need to expand measures to address persistent offshore tax evasion.

The Global Pension Index 2023 has been released, highlighting the nations with outstanding pension systems. Find out which countries are leading the way in providing secure and comprehensive retirement benefits to their citizens.

The 2022-23 Periodic Labour Force Survey Report, published on October 9, 2023, by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, reveals a significant and encouraging development in India. It demonstrates an increasing trend in women's participation in the labor force, offering hope for women's employment and their active involvement in the workforce.

India's position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2023 has slipped to 111th out of 125 countries, a decline from its 107th rank in the previous year. This index, which assesses hunger levels globally, is published annually by Irish NGO Concern Worldwide and German NGO Welt Hunger Hilfe. India's ranking raises concerns due to alarming statistics, particularly regarding child malnutrition and anemia among young women. However, the Indian government disputes the validity of the GHI 2023 report, highlighting methodological issues and questioning its accuracy.

A recent report reveals that the world's infrastructure is grappling with a daunting challenge as it incurs annual losses of a staggering $300 billion, attributed to the escalating impacts of climate change. This alarming assessment underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate resilience strategies in infrastructure development.

In the latest Kantar BrandZ report for 2023, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has emerged as the most valuable Indian brand, reaffirming its global stature and influence. The report showcases TCS's exceptional growth, innovation, and brand strength in the competitive tech industry.

In a significant environmental stride, Bengaluru emerges as the front-runner in adopting green office spaces, contributing to a remarkable 36% increase in eco-friendly workplaces across India since 2019. This surge reflects a growing commitment to sustainability in the corporate sector.

India has achieved a noteworthy milestone by attaining the 40th position in the Global Innovation Index 2023. This ranking reflects the nation's growing commitment to fostering innovation and its potential to emerge as a global innovation hub.

The recently released "India Ageing Report 2023" sheds light on the profound demographic shifts underway in the country. This article presents an overview of the report's key findings and their implications for India's future.

A collection of idyllic, time-honored villages nestled in the Mount Pindos region of Epirus, known as the Zagorochoria (or villages of Zagori), has recently earned a coveted spot on UNESCO's esteemed World Heritage List. This momentous decision, reached during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a significant milestone in Greece's ongoing dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.

A recent report released by the Indian government highlights the country's commitment to wildlife conservation, with the identification and establishment of a staggering 150 elephant corridors. These crucial passages ensure the safe movement of elephants and other wildlife, fostering biodiversity and mitigating human-animal conflicts.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled its latest data, revealing a significant upswing in the All-India House Price Index (HPI). In the April-June quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24, the HPI recorded a robust growth rate of 5.1%, marking a noteworthy increase compared to the 3.4% growth observed during the same period in the previous year.

Srinagar district has achieved a remarkable distinction by emerging as the highest-performing district in the Jal Jeevan Survekshan (JJS-2023), surpassing 114 Har Ghar Jal certified villages across India. This prestigious recognition underscores Srinagar's unwavering dedication to the successful execution of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a visionary initiative aimed at ensuring universal access to safe and clean drinking water.

The latest data reveals that Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as the frontrunners among Indian states with the highest number of Jan Dhan beneficiaries. This widespread adoption of financial inclusion schemes underscores the efforts to enhance economic access and empowerment across diverse regions of the country.

In the latest report on internet resilience across the South Asia region, India has clinched the 6th position, showcasing its steadfastness in the face of digital challenges. The evaluation highlights India's ability to navigate and endure disruptions, underscoring its growing digital strength and determination.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports a notable 2.8 percent increase in the FAO All Rice Price Index for July, signaling a significant uptick in rice prices. A culmination of factors, from robust demand to supply constraints, drives this surge, posing potential challenges to food security and global trade dynamics.

S&P Global, in its comprehensive report "Look Forward: India’s Moment," illuminates India's economic trajectory from fiscal year 2023-24 to FY31, projecting sustained growth and highlighting key drivers. The report anticipates India's role as the fastest-growing major economy, buoyed by an estimated 6% GDP growth in FY24, with a promising average growth rate of 6.7% annually during the period. Capital expansion emerges as a pivotal force, propelling India's GDP to an impressive $6.7 trillion by FY31, accompanied by a rise in per capita GDP to around $4,500.

Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has made a remarkable ascent in the Fortune Global 500 list, securing the 88th position – its highest ranking to date. This impressive leap underscores the company's consistent growth trajectory and significant contributions to India's corporate landscape.

In a remarkable conservation success, India's tiger population has reached a significant milestone of 3,925 tigers, witnessing an impressive 6.1% annual growth rate. This remarkable feat places India as the guardian of 75% of the world's wild tiger population, reaffirming the country's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity.

The state of Maharashtra has come under the spotlight as it emerges at the forefront of the concerning issue of missing women in India for the year 2021, with a staggering count of 56,498 women reported missing. The data published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in their report "Crime in India" highlights the severity of the problem, with other states like Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha also facing alarming numbers. In a three-year period from 2019 to 2021, a shocking total of 10,61,648 women and 2,51,430 girls were reported missing across the country. This grim reality has spurred various governmental initiatives and the establishment of dedicated helplines and help desks to address the safety and security of women and girls.

Renowned Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Akshata Murty, has emerged as the top-ranked individual on the prestigious "Britain's Best-Dressed Personalities for 2023" list. The annual list, known for celebrating style, elegance, and fashion-forward choices, has recognized Akshata Murty's impeccable sense of fashion and her ability to effortlessly blend tradition and modernity in her attire. With this well-deserved recognition, Akshata Murty has solidified her position as a global style icon.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has taken a significant step to tackle extreme heat conditions by introducing the Heat Index on an experimental basis. The new Heat Index will provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of how hot weather conditions feel to the human body, considering both temperature and humidity levels. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness and preparedness for heatwaves and related health risks across the country.

HDFC Bank achieved a remarkable milestone by overtaking Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to secure the second position as India's most valuable company in terms of market capitalization. The recent merger with its parent company, HDFC, further bolstered the bank's position in the market. Reliance Industries retains the top spot, while ICICI Bank and State Bank of India trail behind.

Singapore has claimed the top spot in the Henley Passport Index 2023, reaffirming its position as the world's most powerful passport. With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an impressive 165 destinations, Singapore passport holders enjoy unparalleled global mobility. This achievement reflects Singapore's commitment to diplomatic relations and international cooperation, providing its citizens with unparalleled travel opportunities and access to a wide range of countries across the globe.

In the third edition of NITI Aayog's Export Preparedness Index 2022, Tamil Nadu secures the top spot with an impressive overall score of 80.89. Maharashtra takes the second position with a score of 78.20, closely followed by Karnataka at third place with a score of 76.36. The index highlights the significant contribution of top districts in India's exports and emphasizes the formulation of export promotion committees and action plans at the district level.

The first Geological Survey of India (GSI) of the Siachen Glacier took place in June 1958, led by V.K. Raina, an Indian Geologist. This survey holds historical and geostrategic importance as it challenges the notion of Pakistan's control over the glacier. Despite the presence of Indian geologists during the survey, Pakistan did not protest or show interest, likely due to the adherence to the terms of the Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949.

A recent United Nations report titled "A World of Debt" has raised alarm bells over the global debt crisis, revealing that global public debt has reached a staggering $92 trillion in 2022. Developing nations shoulder 30% of this burden, with 52 countries, representing nearly 40% of the developing world, facing severe debt challenges. The report emphasizes the urgent need for multilateral efforts to address the crisis and proposes measures to alleviate the high cost of debt and expand financing options for countries in need.

India has made significant strides in the realm of trade facilitation, as it climbs up the rankings for digital and sustainable practices. The country's remarkable achievement includes attaining a flawless score of 100 in the transparency category. This latest development highlights India's commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and embracing sustainable measures.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released an updated bulletin highlighting positive signs of recovery in the ozone layer. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of monitoring and protecting the ozone layer while providing insights into its progress.

The recently released Farmers Distress Index has shed light on the worsening condition of farmers across the country, indicating a significant increase in agricultural distress. The index, compiled by experts from various agricultural organizations, highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by farmers and calls for urgent action to address the crisis.

According to the World Investment Report 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing Asia remained stagnant at $662 billion in 2022. Despite the challenges posed by the global economic uncertainties, the report highlights the resilience of developing Asian economies. The findings emphasize the need for concerted efforts to attract and promote sustainable investment in the region, as well as the potential for further growth and development in the coming years.

Reliance Industries has surpassed all other private companies in India to become the most valuable, while the combined market value of the Adani Group has witnessed a significant decline of 52%. This shift in rankings highlights the changing dynamics in India's corporate landscape. Let's explore the reasons behind Reliance's rise and the factors contributing to the decline in the Adani Group's market value.

India has made significant progress in closing the gender gap, moving up eight places to rank 127 in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report. This improvement reflects the country's efforts towards gender equality, but highlights the need for continued action to bridge the remaining gaps and create a more inclusive society.

According to a recent report, Tata Power has emerged as the most attractive employer brand in India, with Amazon securing the second position. The study highlights the positive employer reputation and appeal of these organizations among job seekers, reflecting their strong commitment to employee well-being and career development.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its latest findings on global nuclear arsenals, highlighting China's significant expansion, India and Pakistan's growth, and broader global trends. The report sheds light on the evolving dynamics of nuclear weapons and underscores the need for increased disarmament efforts and diplomatic dialogue to ensure global peace and security.

According to the Community Spirit Index, an Indian city has been identified as the second most unfriendly city globally. The ranking reflects a lack of community engagement, limited social interaction, and a need for concerted efforts to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reliance Industries Limited has climbed eight positions to secure the 45th rank on the prestigious Forbes Global 2000 list. The impressive ascent reflects the company's sustained growth, strong financial performance, and its position as a global leader in diverse sectors, including energy, petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail.

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the winner in the Best State category of the prestigious National Water Awards. The state's commendable efforts in water conservation, management, and sustainable practices have been recognized and applauded. This achievement highlights Madhya Pradesh's commitment to addressing water-related challenges and setting a benchmark for other states to follow in their quest for water security and sustainability.

According to a recent survey, Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan (Indian National Television) have emerged as the most trusted electronic media platforms in India. The survey highlights the credibility and widespread reach of these public broadcasting channels, which continue to be relied upon by millions of Indians for news and information. This recognition further solidifies their position as trusted sources of news and entertainment in the country.

The Global Slavery Index 2023 has been released, shedding light on the prevalence of modern slavery worldwide. The report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to eradicate this heinous crime and protect the rights and dignity of millions of individuals affected by slavery. The findings serve as a wake-up call for governments, organizations, and individuals to join forces and work towards ending slavery in all its forms.

Mumbai has been ranked as the most expensive city for expatriates in India, according to a recent survey, highlighting the high cost of living and housing expenses in the financial capital.

India's internet economy is projected to achieve a remarkable milestone of $1 trillion in value by 2030, driven by increased digital adoption, technology innovation, and the rapid growth of e-commerce and digital services.

On the occasion of World Food Safety Day, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, unveiled the 5th State Food Safety Index. The index aims to assess and rank the performance of states in ensuring food safety standards and promoting public health. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to improving food safety practices across the country.

Telangana has secured the first position in a recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), highlighting its outstanding environmental performance. The state's commitment to sustainable development, effective environmental policies, and conservation efforts have propelled it to the top of the rankings, setting an example for others to follow.

In a resounding victory, Tata Group has successfully retained its prestigious title as India's most valuable brand for the second year running, according to the latest Brand Finance Report. Additionally, Taj, a subsidiary of Tata Group, has emerged as the strongest brand in the country for the second consecutive year, solidifying Tata's unrivaled dominance in the business realm.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has once again secured the prestigious top rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the fifth consecutive year. The institute's consistent excellence in various parameters has reaffirmed its position as a leading educational institution in India.

Dubai has emerged as the preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India, with a significant increase in investments across various sectors. The strategic location, favorable business environment, and robust infrastructure of Dubai have attracted Indian investors, strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Reliance Jio have secured the top positions in the Best Indian Brands 2023 ranking, showcasing their strong brand presence and significant contributions to the Indian business landscape. The rankings reflect their commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and market leadership in their respective industries.

According to the recently released Health Index Report for the COVID year, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have secured the top positions in terms of healthcare performance. The report evaluates various parameters, including healthcare infrastructure, response to the pandemic, and healthcare outcomes, highlighting the efforts made by these states to combat the challenges posed by the unprecedented health crisis.

India is poised to experience a significant rise in the number of ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNIs), with an expected surge of 58.4% to reach 19,119 by 2027. This projection reflects the country's growing wealth creation and highlights the potential for increased economic prosperity in the coming years.

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has secured the sixth position in the global ranking of annual housing price growth among 46 cities. This indicates the city's robust real estate market and highlights its attractiveness as an investment destination despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prestigious Financial Times Global Ranking has placed IIM Kozhikode among the top four business schools in India, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for management education. This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of the faculty, staff, and students of IIM Kozhikode to excellence in business education.

A recent UN report has unveiled that India provided arms and military equipment worth ₹422 crore to the Myanmar junta. The revelation raises concerns about the potential misuse of these weapons against pro-democracy protestors and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Myanmar.

India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) has continued its downward trajectory, recording a significant drop to 0.92% in April. This decline in wholesale prices is driven by easing food and fuel prices, providing some relief to consumers and indicating a potential slowdown in inflationary pressures.

Everest Group, a leading consulting and research firm, has released its annual IT Services rankings, and Accenture has once again secured the top spot for the seventh year in a row. The rankings are based on a comprehensive assessment of the capabilities and performance of leading IT service providers around the world.

The survey found that Karnataka is the most innovative state, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Among these, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the highest share of innovative firms.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay’s SHUNYA (Sustainable Housing for Urbanizing Nation by its Young Aspirants)…

India has reached the 38th spot on World Bank's Logistics Performance Index. In 2014, India was ranked 54th. It climbed 16 places from 2014 to 2022.

Bengaluru topped the list of cities in India for highest digital transactions accounting for 29 million transactions worth ₹6,500 crore in 2022, as per data released by Worldline, a French payment and transactional services firm.

According to the Airports Council International (ACI) World, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been ranked as the ninth busiest airport in the world in 2022, handling approximately 59.5 million passengers every year. This is a noteworthy achievement for the IGI Airport as it had secured the 13th position in 2021 and the 17th position in 2019, before the pandemic.

Indian passport slipped six ranks on the Passport Index 2023 released by financial advisory services firm Arton Capital. As compared to the 138th rank out of 199 countries in 2022, India ranked 144 with a mobility score of 70 in 2023. 

The Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi has been ranked among the top 50 engineering institutions in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

Skytrax: A UK-based consultancy, awards airports worldwide with the prestigious World Airport Awards based on customer surveys. For the fifth year in a row, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has been declared the best airport in the South Asian region.

According to the annual World Bank report, which covers 190 countries, the UAE scored 82.5 out of 100 possible points across 35 sub indicators divided into eight major areas of the report: Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage, Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension.

India, with 20 of the most valuable companies in the world, has moved into the fifth position among countries that are home to the world’s top 500 firms. Last year, it ranked ninth with eight companies. The US continued to top the charts, according to the 2022 Hurun Global 500 list.

India is among the top 50 countries with the best aviation safety in the latest ICAO rankings and the major breakthrough will help domestic airlines in international expansion, the government said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the world’s most popular leader with an approval rating of 77 percent. This was revealed in a Global Leader Approval Ratings released by a US based consulting firm Morning Consult. Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stands at second position followed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Karnataka tops the list of states with installed grid-interactive renewable power capacity in the country. Renewable power includes power from various sources including bio-power, solar power, small hydro power, waste to energy and wind power.

Union Minister of Steel Jyotiraditya Scindia has informed that India has also moved from 4th largest producer of steel to the second largest producer of steel at global scale.

India has improved its position by six slots and is now placed at 61st rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2022 (NRI 2022) report released recently.

India rose two spots to rank eighth out of 63 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2023 (CCPI). In the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use categories, the country was rated "high". In the Climate Policy and Renewable Energy categories, it earned a "medium" rating.

Peking University has secured the first position followed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Singapore in second place and Tsinghua university, China at third position.

Reliance Industries, the country's largest company by revenues, profits and market value, is India's best employer and the world's 20th best firm to work with, according to Forbes' World's Best Employers rankings 2022. The global ranking was topped by South Korean giant Samsung Electronics, followed by US giants Microsoft, IBM, Alphabet and Apple.

Haryana has emerged as the best-governed state among the 18 big states, while Sikkim has topped in the category of 10 smaller states. 

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park near Chennai, popularly referred to as the Vandalur Zoo, has secured top rank in India among the large zoo categories in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE-ZOO) report 2022 conducted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

India ranked 132nd among 191 countries and territories on the 2021 Human Development Index (HDI),as per report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Switzerland has topped the list.

Gautam Adani has become the world's third-richest person. It's the first time an Asian person has broken into the top three of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. With a $137.4 billion fortune, Mr Adani has overtaken France's Bernard Arnault and now trails just Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos of the US in the ranking.

Bengaluru ranks second in the Asia Pacific region in the top tech hubs list and is only behind China's Beijing, according to a report by Cushman and Wakefield. The report, called ‘Tech Cities: The Global Intersection of Talent and Real Estate’, studied as many as 115 different ‘tech cities’ across the globe.

Sri Lanka ranked 5th among the 10 countries with the highest food price inflation as per the latest World Bank assessment.According to World Bank assessment, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, and Turkey ranked first in four countries.

With 24 firms of Forbes latest list titled “Best Under A Billion”, India ranks fourth among Asian countries with best mid-sized companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Forbes Asia published its 2022 edition of the best 200 mid-sized companies in the Asia-Pacific region last week. These are publicly listed companies with annual revenue of below one billion dollars. Last year, the country had 26 firms on the list.