Mayank Chandrakar India Blog

Introduction  In a political landscape often characterized by volatility, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has achieved a remarkable feat. Leading his centre-left Labor Party, Albanese secured a second consecutive three-year term in the federal election held on May 3, 2025. This victory is historically significant, making him the first Australian Prime Minister in 21 years – since John Howard in 2004 – to win back-to-back elections.    Defying predictions of a nail-bitingly close contest, Labor appears on track to potentially increase its parliamentary majority. The result delivered a stinging rebuke to the opposition Liberal-National Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, who not only conceded defeat for the Coalition but also lost his own parliamentary seat.   Amidst a backdrop of global uncertainty, a domestic cost-of-living crisis, and intense debate over climate policy, Australian voters opted for continuity. But what does this "emphatic mandate," as India...

Introduction  The shadow cast by the controversial 2024 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) continues to lengthen, nearly a year after the examination that determines the future of lakhs of medical aspirants in India. What began with allegations of paper leaks and irregularities has now escalated significantly. Recent developments reveal a major crackdown, with over 250 students and aspirants facing severe consequences , including admission cancellations and debarment, based on the findings of an intensifying probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Crucially, details emerging from the CBI's investigation, including harrowing specifics from its chargesheets, paint a disturbing picture of a deep-rooted, organized network that allegedly compromised the sanctity of the high-stakes exam. This blog post delves into the latest actions taken against students, explores the shocking modus operandi revealed by the CBI, analyzes the systemic failures exposed, and...

Introduction  Walk into an Apple store almost anywhere in the world, pick up the latest iPhone, and you're increasingly likely to see those three powerful words: "Assembled in India." What started as a tentative step a few years ago has exploded into a full-fledged manufacturing revolution. Apple Inc., the world's most valuable tech company, is betting big on India, rapidly transforming the country into a major global hub for iPhone production. Recent data and landmark announcements, including statements directly from CEO Tim Cook, confirm this seismic shift. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, Apple assembled a staggering $22 billion worth of iPhones in India , a massive 60% increase from the previous year. This surge means India now accounts for 20% – or one in every five – iPhones produced globally . This isn't just about moving assembly lines; it's a strategic realignment with profound consequences for India's economy, job market, technological capab...