Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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Apple Overtakes Samsung in India’s Smartphone Market as Sales Surge

Apple’s market share in India has surged in Q3 2024, growing by 58.5% year-over-year, while rival Samsung saw a significant decline of 19.7%. According to data from IDC, Apple’s share rose to 8.6%, up from 5.7% in the previous year. Apple attributed its growth to strong sales of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 models, positioning itself as the second-largest player in online sales.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s share fell to 12.3%, down from 16.2% during the same period last year. India’s smartphone market itself grew by 6% in Q3, with 46 million units shipped. Online shipments saw an 8% rise, now making up 51% of total sales.

The surge in sales was fueled by significant discounts, financing options, extended warranties, and cashback offers across both online and offline channels, according to IDC’s Upasana Joshi. New 5G smartphones also drove demand, and sales of flagship models from both Apple and Samsung benefitted from attractive e-commerce discounts.

Motorola showed the highest growth rate, recording a 149.5% increase, but still held a relatively small market share of 5.7%. Vivo, on the other hand, remained the market leader with a share of 15.8%, showing a growth of 20%. In contrast, OnePlus saw a steep decline of 39.3%, resulting in a reduced share of 3.6%.

Looking ahead, IDC predicts a cyclical dip in demand after the festive season, with 2024 ending with low single-digit growth. For 2025, analysts expect the market to focus on affordable devices and the growing importance of Gen AI features in smartphone marketing.

Violence Erupts in Tonk, Rajasthan During By-Polls; 60 Arrested After SDM Assault and Arson

Violence broke out in Rajasthan’s Tonk district on Wednesday following an alleged assault on Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary by Independent candidate Naresh Meena. The altercation occurred at a polling station in Samravata village during the Deoli-Uniara by-polls. After the incident, clashes between Meena’s supporters and the police escalated, with stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism.

Sixty individuals were arrested as police struggled to control the situation, which involved the torching of over 30 vehicles. Meena, who denied responsibility for the chaos, claimed district authorities were to blame. The authorities have assured that legal action will be taken against Meena. The situation remains tense, with increased police presence to maintain order in the area.

Tulsi Gabbard Criticizes Pakistan and Highlights Hindu’s Plight in Bangladesh

Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu U.S. Congresswoman and newly appointed Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump, has been a staunch advocate for the protection of Hindu minorities in South Asia. Throughout her political career, Gabbard has spoken out against the oppression of Hindus and other religious groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh, calling attention to their historical and ongoing struggles.

Gabbard’s advocacy for religious minorities stems from her own Hindu background. Raised in a Hindu family, Gabbard raised awareness about Hindu persecution, introducing a 2021 resolution urging protection in Bangladesh.

In her resolution, Gabbard highlighted atrocities committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, accusing the Pakistani military of mass killings. She pointed out that up to 3 million people, many Hindus, were targeted by the Pakistani army. Gabbard has also criticized Pakistan for harboring terrorism and allowing militant groups to operate against India. As co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, she condemned Pakistan’s support for such groups and pushed for reduced U.S. military assistance.

Gabbard co-sponsored the “Stop Arming Terrorists Act” to end U.S. funding to countries supporting terrorism, including Pakistan. She has also raised concerns about rising violence against religious minorities in India. Gabbard urged U.S. authorities to address hate crimes and protect minority communities both at home and abroad.

Her appointment as DNI brings her advocacy for human rights and national security to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. Gabbard’s knowledge of South Asian issues and personal commitment to Hinduism positions her to influence U.S. relations with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)

Pregnant Woman Escapes Narrowly as Ambulance Explodes on Maharashtra Highway

A pregnant woman and her family had a miraculous escape when an ambulance exploded on a national highway in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, on Wednesday. The incident took place near Dadawadi, and the explosion’s shockwave shattered nearby house windows. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The ambulance, carrying the woman from Erandol Government Hospital to Jalgaon District Hospital, caught fire after the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine. He immediately evacuated the passengers and alerted bystanders. Moments later, the fire spread to the oxygen tank, causing a massive explosion.

The incident, caught on video, has gone viral online. In a similar event, an ambulance in Pratapgrah, Uttar Pradesh, also exploded last month, injuring a passerby.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Wayanad Bypoll Sees Record Low Voter Turnout

Wayanad, a key constituency where Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her election debut, saw a historic low in voter turnout during the bypoll held on Wednesday.

The turnout recorded at just 64.72% marked the lowest since the seat’s formation in 2009. The by-election followed Rahul Gandhi’s decision to vacate the seat in favor of focusing on his Rae Bareli constituency.

Priyanka Gandhi, campaigning against CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas, received support from Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan. Despite Congress’s goal for a 5-lakh vote majority, the turnout was lower than in nearby Chelakkara, attributed to reduced enthusiasm in CPI(M)-dominated areas.

The election followed a devastating landslide that claimed 231 lives in Wayanad, affecting voter participation. Authorities arranged special provisions for the survivors to ensure they could cast their votes.

Despite the low turnout, Congress leaders downplayed concerns, insisting it wouldn’t impact their projected margin for Priyanka.

Break in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Legacy of Independent Candidates in 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Polls

For the first time in over 15 years, Pimpri-Chinchwad will head into the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections without a dominant independent contender. Historically, this region has been a stronghold for independent candidates who have captivated voters through local connections, social work, and political acumen.

This year, no independent candidate has made the same impact as in previous elections. In Chinchwad, NCP (Ajit Pawar) leaders asked Nana Kate, a potential independent candidate with strong local support, to withdraw his nomination. Similarly, Ravi Landge, a former corporator who had been planning to run as an independent in Bhosari, has agreed to step back after joining the Shiv Sena (UBT). This marks a significant shift, as both major alliances in Maharashtra—Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde, and NCP under Ajit Pawar) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena under Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)—have been successful in managing dissent and appeasing rebel candidates.

The tradition of independent victories dates back to 2009, when Laxman Jagtap, then a BJP MLA, triumphed from Chinchwad as an independent, defeating Shiv Sena’s Shrirang Barne. The momentum continued in 2014 when Mahesh Landge emerged victorious in Bhosari, and in 2019, both Rahul Kalate (Chinchwad) and Vilas Lande (Bhosari) came close to victory as independents. Despite their strong showings, none have been able to secure a decisive victory, reflecting the growing influence of party-backed candidates.

This year, the absence of a dominant independent candidate reflects changing political dynamics in the region. In addition to candidates from the two alliances, senior corporator Bhausaheb Bhoir will contest as an independent from Chinchwad, though political analysts doubt his chances of success.

Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Telangana CM Reddy Slams BJP Over Broken Promises

Telangana Chief Minister K. Revanth Reddy has termed the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections a battle between “gaddars” (traitors) and “honest people.” Reddy, who was campaigning in Mumbai for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to fulfill his 2014 promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually. Instead, Reddy accused Modi of giving “employment” to figures like Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, whose loyalty, according to Reddy, lies with the BJP, not the people.

At a public meeting in Sion-Koliwada, Reddy highlighted the contrasting governance in Telangana, where the state Congress government created 50,000 jobs in just 10 months, challenging the BJP-led government to match these achievements. He further took aim at Shinde for the Maharashtra government’s pre-election welfare schemes, questioning how the state would fund these promises. In contrast, Reddy boasted that his government in Telangana had waived off ₹17,869 crore in farm loans, benefiting over 2 million farmers.

Reddy’s remarks were part of his broader campaign strategy to strengthen MVA’s position in Mumbai, particularly among the significant Telugu-speaking community. He visited the Tirupati Balaji Temple and participated in a roadshow supporting Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Aaditya Thackeray. Reddy’s message was clear: support Congress candidate Ganesh Yadav, and the voters will have the combined leadership of both Yadav and Reddy working for them.

Additionally, Reddy visited Dharavi, where Congress candidate Jyoti Gaikwad is contesting, continuing his outreach to the local community and further solidifying MVA’s foothold in the region. His efforts have helped rally local support, reinforcing his call for transparency, job creation, and welfare-driven governance.

This narrative of “traitors” versus “honest governance” is expected to resonate with voters as the election date draws near, framing the contest as a choice for a prosperous and accountable future in Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar Confident of Mahayuti’s Victory in Maharashtra Assembly Polls

Maharashtra NCP (AP) leader Ajit Pawar, currently seeking his eighth MLA term, faces a tense family rivalry in the upcoming state elections. Running against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, who is contesting under the NCP (SP) banner, Ajit Pawar’s campaign follows a turbulent political path marked by his controversial split from the NCP and tensions within the Pawar family.

Five months after the 2024 Baramati Lok Sabha election, where he faced scrutiny over fielding his wife against Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar prepares for another electoral battle.

Ajit Pawar has shaped his family dynamics through his split from the NCP led by Sharad Pawar. Amid ongoing internal disputes and his brother Shrinivas Pawar’s criticisms, Ajit remains determined to secure victory in the upcoming elections.

Ajit Pawar emphasizes that his political decisions focus on fulfilling the developmental promises he made to his constituents. He points to his consistent presence in Baramati for over three decades as evidence of his commitment to the region.

Ajit Pawar faces the challenge of a Supreme Court ruling barring his faction from using Sharad Pawar’s images. Despite this setback, he stays focused on the Assembly polls. He counters opposition narratives on contentious issues like the Constitution, reservation quotas, and religious changes, asserting these claims are debunked. Ajit is confident that his Mahayuti alliance will win over 175 seats in the upcoming elections.

On the campaign front, Pawar highlights welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, key drivers for his party’s appeal. He expresses confidence in overcoming the opposition’s challenge, even dismissing speculation about a hung Assembly outcome. “There won’t be a hung house, and I am sure about that,” he states.

Ajit Pawar positions himself as a seasoned leader, working to preserve his family’s legacy amid ongoing political drama.

Shiv Sena’s Strategic Ticket List: Shinde-Led Candidates Gear Up for Maharashtra Assembly Election Showdown

Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has released its first candidate list, featuring several familiar faces and family members of prominent figures within the party. Shinde himself will contest from Kopri-Pachpakhadi in Thane, continuing his stronghold in the constituency since 2009. The list of 45 candidates includes Uday Samant, the state industries minister, who will contest from Ratnagiri, with his brother Kiran Samant running in Rajapur, highlighting the dynastic nature of Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Shiv Sena’s strategy reflects a commitment to those who supported Shinde during his 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, a revolt that played a crucial role in realigning Maharashtra’s political alliances. Other candidates include Deepak Kesarkar from Sawantwadi and several other sitting ministers, ensuring loyalty and continuity within the party.

The election presents a fierce contest between the Mahayuti alliance (comprising BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and NCP under Ajit Pawar) and the MVA coalition (Shiv Sena faction under Uddhav Thackeray, Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP). Raj Thackeray’s MNS, fielding Raj’s son Amit Thackeray in Mahim, adds another layer to the competitive electoral scene in Maharashtra.

Mumbadevi Showdown: Amin Patel and Shaina NC Clash Over Community Development in 2024 Maharashtra Polls

The Mumbadevi constituency in Maharashtra is witnessing an intense contest between two influential candidates: three-time Congress MLA Amin Patel and Shaina NC of the Shiv Sena. With both contenders advocating for significant changes, the election promises a choice between continuity and fresh perspectives.

Amin Patel, a Congress stalwart, is celebrated as the “Bhendi Bazar ka Badshah.” Known for his advocacy on infrastructure, Patel has championed projects like the Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment under the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) and addressed the need for more housing through the cluster redevelopment model. Patel’s approach includes expanding job opportunities in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics, aiming to benefit underprivileged youth.

Shaina NC, who is running her first major campaign, comes with her own legacy of empowerment. A familiar figure in South Mumbai’s social circuits, she emphasizes women’s empowerment, particularly through the “Ladki Bahin” initiative, which has supported 40,000 women. Shaina’s mixed cultural heritage and her work across communities resonate with the diverse demographic of Mumbadevi, where Muslim voters represent a significant share. Her platform focuses on health, education, and sanitation, which she sees as foundational to sustainable progress.

The elections, set against a backdrop of concerns over infrastructure strains, offer Mumbadevi voters a pivotal decision. Patel’s experience and established connections stand in contrast to Shaina NC’s ambitious goals for inclusive development and new approaches to old issues. Both candidates are now vying for the trust of voters who have faced the challenges of rapid urban redevelopment and await concrete solutions to overcrowding and infrastructure pressure.

The Mumbadevi constituency will be closely watched as a microcosm of broader state-level shifts, testing the appeal of veteran political leadership against a call for change.