Indian workers go on a daylong nationwide strike against Modi's economic reforms
A coalition of 10 major trade unions that represent laborers and several other groups that speak for farmers and rural workers called for the one-day industrial action, dubbing it Bharat Bandh,' Hindi for 'Shut Down India.'
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CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
A colonial hangover or a linguistic leg-up? India grapples with the enduring appeal of English
When British traders landed on India's shores in the 1600s, they arrived in search of spices and silk but stayed for centuries – leaving behind a legacy that would shape the nation long after their colonial exploitation ended: the English language. Over the centuries, English seeped into the very fabric of Indian life – first as a tool of commerce, then as the language of law and, eventually, a marker of privilege. Now, after more than a decade of Hindu-nationalist rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is mounting perhaps the most significant challenge yet to the language's place in India. 'Those who speak English will soon feel ashamed,' Home Minister Amit Shah said last month, igniting a heated debate about national identity and social mobility in the polyglot nation of 1.4 billion. While Shah did not mention India's former colonial masters, he declared that 'the languages of our country are the jewels of our culture' – and that without them, 'we cease to be truly Indian.' Spoken behind the walls of colonial forts and offices, English in India was at first the language of ledgers and treaties. But as British rule expanded from the ports of Gujarat to the palaces of Delhi, it became the lingua franca of the colonial elite. At independence, India faced a dilemma. With hundreds of languages and dialects spoken across its vast landscape, its newly appointed leaders grappled with the question of which one should represent the new nation. Hindi, the predominant language in the north, was put forward as a candidate for official language. But strong resistance from non-Hindi-speaking regions – especially in the south – meant English would remain only as a temporary link to unite the country. It's a legacy that endures to this day – and still rankles some. 'I subscribe to the view that English is the language of the colonial masters,' Pradeep Bahirwani, a retired corporate executive from the southern city of Bengaluru, said, adding: 'Our national language should be a language which… has got roots in India.' But critics argue that Shah's remarks risk undermining the country's global competitiveness. Equating English with cultural shame, they contend, reflects a narrow perspective that needlessly tries to erase a remnant of the colonial era that keeps India fluent in the language of global commerce. 'It's the aspiration of people to have access to a language which has a lot of prestige internationally,' said Indian linguist Ayesha Kidwai, a professor at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. 'I don't think it's the legacy of colonialism anymore.' And pushback to the BJP's recent messaging has been strong. 'English is not a barrier, it's a bridge. English is not shame, it's strength,' wrote leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi on X, after Shah's remarks last month. 'Every Indian language has a soul, culture, and knowledge. We must cherish them – and at the same time, teach every child English.' CNN has contacted India's Home Ministry for comment. But language tensions are no longer confined to debates in parliament – they're spilling into the streets. Just last week, video of a heated confrontation on a train in India's financial hub Mumbai went viral after a passenger was allegedly harassed for not speaking the regional language Marathi. Clashes erupted elsewhere in the city over the federal government's drive to promote Hindi – a language closely tied to the BJP's northern power base and often seen as central to the party's vision of national unity and Hindu identity. Since India's independence from Britain in 1947, the status of English in India has been deeply political – entwined with questions of identity, power, and national direction. Today, English is one of several official languages in India, spoken by about 10% of the population. Hindi is the first language for around 44% of citizens, according to the 2011 census. But in recent years, Modi's BJP has placed particular emphasis on promoting Hindi and reducing the use of English in public life. The prime minister almost never delivers speeches in English, preferring Hindi for national addresses such as his monthly radio program. His administration has encouraged officials to use Hindi on social media and in government correspondence – though, after criticism from non-Hindi-speaking states, clarified that this was intended mainly for the Hindi belt in the north. When India hosted world leaders for the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, invitations were sent out from 'Bharat' – the Sanskrit or Hindi name for the country – instead of 'India,' fueling speculation that the government aims to ultimately phase out the country's English designation altogether. Modi's critics have been quick to note his political motives behind these moves. With its roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing organization that advocates Hindu hegemony within India, the BJP's language policies resonate with many in a country where nearly 80% of people are Hindu. Analysts say the BJP is seeking to capitalize on this demographic by promoting language policies that strengthen its support base in the north. According to Rita Kothari, an English professor from Ashoka University, the government 'is certainly interested in homogenizing the country and making Hindi more widespread.' But that policy can also backfire – in part because many regions, such as Marathi-speaking Maharashtra in the west – are staunchly proud of their local language. The violent clashes in the state's megacity Mumbai earlier this month were sparked by the regional government's controversial decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in public primary schools. Pushback and protest has also been especially strong in the south, where English and regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada are valued as symbols of local identity and autonomy. For 19-year-old Steve E. Selvaraj from Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai, 'the BJP did a great job turning Hindi as their identity.' The college student, whose mother tongue is Tamil, said Hinduism has become a central focus for the ruling establishment – a way to 'get more votes.' 'Day by day, the influence of Hindi is increasing,' Selvaraj said. 'Hindi imposition may be a threat, but it will take a lot of time to disconnect the (local) connection with Tamil.' Kothari, from Ashoka University, said going after English was a convenient way of the BJP promoting Hindi without ruffling regional feathers. The government 'knows that its chances of success in south India for instance are thwarted by linguistic pride and nationalism,' she said. 'Since they can't make this public, English becomes a whipping boy.' India's widespread adoption of English can be traced back to the 19th-century British politician Thomas Macaulay, who advocated for the introduction of the language as the medium of instruction, instead of traditional languages of the elite like Sanskrit, Persian or Arabic. Macaulay's vision was unapologetically elitist. Creating a class of subjects who were 'Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect,' to serve as intermediaries between the colonial administration and the local population, he wrote, would help the British rule more effectively. These views were adopted by the British government, making English the language of Indian administration, higher education and the judiciary. The policy fostered a privileged English-educated elite – lawyers, teachers and writers – including many of India's early reformer nationalists, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. But over time, English became far more than a holdover from colonial rule – turning into a symbol of modernity and opportunity. As India's economy transformed and its middle class expanded, English proficiency became crucial to upward mobility. For Shivam Singh, 23, the first in his family to speak English and to leave home for university, the language opened doors. 'I wanted to get a good job… English gives you an edge. All the internships I cracked was because I could hold conversations in English.' Singh practiced his spoken English on an AI app for hours, getting feedback that helped earn him the internships. India is now home to one of the world's largest English-speaking populations, with more than 130 million people reporting English proficiency in the 2011 census. This linguistic advantage has helped attract billions in foreign investment, enabled global partnerships, and powered sectors from tech support to startups. Yet, the prominence of English has also deepened social divides. Those without language skills find themselves largely excluded from lucrative careers. Wealthier, urban, or higher-caste families are far more likely to be fluent in English and English-medium schools are mainly concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural and lower-caste communities locked out. 'I am not able to find a (well-paying), because they say I do not know English,' said Vaishnavi Gujanan Narote, a housekeeper at a hotel in the capital New Delhi. She added: 'If you know Hindi, then all you can do is stay here and do odd jobs, but not get a good post, because English is a requirement.' Vijay Kumar, a computer teacher at a non-government organization in Delhi, never learned the language at school. 'I feel I did not get the opportunities in my life because I did not know English,' he said. The dominance of English and Hindi, along with rapid urbanization, have marginalized many of the country's indigenous languages – tongues spoken by hundreds of tribal communities now far removed from the mainstream. UNESCO classes nearly 200 Indian languages as endangered, and more than 220 languages in the country have disappeared in the last 50 years, according to the People's Linguistic Survey of India. 'Many languages in India do not get the respect or place they deserve,' said Aloka Kujur, a writer and activist from Jharkhand, whose mother tongue is Kuduk, a tribal language native to the east Indian state. The proliferation of English, Kujur said, cost her community recognition in the country. Kuduk is spoken by just under 2 million people and is in a 'vulnerable' state, according to UNESCO. Kujur said that in Jharkand, indigenous groups 'have an affinity with their language that cannot be broken,' but notices that Kuduk's use in everyday life is slipping away. As India looks toward the future, analysts say the English language's role in the country might not be going anywhere any time soon. 'There is no fear of sidelining English,' Kothari, from Ashoka University, said. 'It is much too strong to be sidelined.' It's a sentiment Singh, the first student, agrees with. 'We cannot afford to not learn English in India,' he said. 'We are a developing country, we need to learn from the world.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
MakeMyTrip Limited (MMYT): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on MakeMyTrip Limited on Stock Analysis Compilation's Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on MMYT. MakeMyTrip Limited's share was trading at $101.62 as of July 24th. MMYT's trailing P/E were 118.49 according to Yahoo Finance. MakeMyTrip is India's leading online travel agency (OTA), often seen as the of India, leveraging an asset-light, cash-generative internet platform that connects over 80 million customers with hotels, alternative accommodations, and transport options, including flights, trains, buses, and cars. Operating in a young but rapidly growing market, the company benefits from strong brand equity and entrenched scale advantages, underpinned by its extensive network. India's travel sector is set to expand significantly, driven by rising disposable incomes, a growing middle class, and accelerating smartphone penetration, all of which position MakeMyTrip for sustained top-line growth. The company is targeting approximately 20% annual revenue growth, supported by continuous improvements to its network and technology infrastructure. This growth, combined with operational efficiencies, is expected to drive steady margin expansion and position the company to deliver earnings growth in the range of 25%. MakeMyTrip's model remains highly cash-generative, enabling reinvestment into its platform while maintaining a disciplined capital structure. With its dominant market position, brand strength, and scalable business model, the company stands to consolidate its leadership in India's online travel ecosystem. The structural tailwinds of increasing digital adoption and consumer demand for flexible, convenient travel solutions reinforce the long-term investment case. Given its robust fundamentals, attractive growth trajectory, and margin expansion potential, MakeMyTrip offers investors an opportunity to participate in the sustained digital transformation of India's travel industry, with significant upside supported by both network effects and favorable secular trends. Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Group Limited (TCOM) by Acid Investments in February 2025, which highlighted its reinvestment strategy, strong international growth, and leverage to the global travel rebound. The company's stock price has appreciated by approximately 12.83% since our coverage, as demand remained resilient. Stock Analysis Compilation shares a similar view but emphasizes MakeMyTrip's leadership in India's expanding online travel market supported by network effects. MakeMyTrip Limited is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 26 hedge fund portfolios held MMYT at the end of the first quarter which was 28 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of MMYT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
MicroStrategy Rises 131% in a Year: Buy, Sell or Hold the MSTR Stock?
MicroStrategy MSTR, doing business as 'Strategy,' shares have appreciated 131% in the trailing 12 months, outperforming both the Zacks Computer - Software industry and Zacks Computer and Technology sector that have returned 22.2% and 22.8%, is the world's largest bitcoin treasury company, holding 607,770 Bitcoins as of July 20, 2025. In July, Strategy acquired 6,220 Bitcoins for $739.8 million. MARA Holdings MARA, Riot Platform RIOT and Tesla TSLA are other well-known companies that hold bitcoins in their respective balance sheets. As of March 31, MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms had 47,531 and 19,223 bitcoins, respectively, while Tesla had 11,509 bitcoins at the end of the second quarter of shares have outperformed Tesla and Riot Platform, shares of which have jumped 42.7% and 26.3% respectively, in the past year. MARA Holdings shares have dropped 21.9% over the same time frame. MSTR Stock's Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MSTR stock is currently trading above the 200-day moving average, indicating a bullish trend. MSTR Stock Trades Above 50-Day and 200-Day SMAs Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MSTR Benefits From Growing Bitcoin Holding Strategy benefits from the Trump administration's announcement of the establishment of a strategic bitcoin reserve. Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, has been soaring due to increasing acceptance as a non-sovereign asset, as well as higher institutional and corporate adoption. The passing of the GENIUS Act on July 17 provides a legal background to stablecoins. Other pending regulations — The CLARITY Act and The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act — bode well for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. However, bitcoin's volatility is a headwind for MSTR. The company's disciplined approach to capital raising through preferred equity offerings — Strike (8% convertible preferred is trading with an effective yield of roughly 9%) and Strife (10% fixed coupon perpetual preferred) — is a key catalyst. As of April 28, 2025, MSTR raised $6.6 billion through equity offerings and $3.4 billion through fixed income ($2 billion from convertible notes, $0.7 billion each through Strike and Strife).Strategy estimates to generate net proceeds of $2.474 billion from the initial public offering of 28,011,111 shares of Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock (the 'STRC Stock'), at a public offering price of $90 per has issued $20.9 billion in equities and $6.4 billion in fixed income securities as part of its 21/21 plan since Oct. 30, 2024. The company has $14.6 million remaining under fixed income securities and $0.1 million under equities as part of the existing plan. Strategy currently plans to raise $42 billion through equity issuance and $42 billion through fixed income securities by the end of 2027. Under the current plan, the company has $21.1 billion in equity and $35.6 billion in fixed income securities remaining to be issued. Infusion of AI Features Aids MSTR's Prospects Strategy is expanding AI capabilities with the general availability of Mosaic, an AI-powered Universal Intelligence Layer. This launch aligns with the company's shift toward cloud-first, subscription-based services. Strategy is benefiting from growing software subscription revenues that surged 62% year over year to $37.1 million and accounted for 33% of first-quarter 2025 total revenues. Subscription billings grew 38% year over year to $24.5 million. Mosaic complements this growth by allowing customers to integrate data from over 200 sources, automate semantic modeling and deliver AI-ready insights across tools like Power BI, Tableau and company benefits from continuing cloud demand with its flagship Strategy One that powers some of the largest analytics deployments in the world. Strategy One supports varied industries, including retail, banking, technology, manufacturing, insurance, consulting, healthcare, telecommunications, and the public sector. Strategy is leveraging generative AI to automate and accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled applications across rich partner base that includes the likes of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, STACKIT, and Google is a growth driver. Earnings Estimates Revision Trend Steady for MSTR For second-quarter 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSTR's loss has been steady at 12 cents per share over the past 30 days. The company reported a loss of 76 cents in the year-ago quarter. MicroStrategy Incorporated Price and Consensus MicroStrategy Incorporated price-consensus-chart | MicroStrategy Incorporated Quote For 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSTR's loss has been steady at $15.73 per share over the past 30 days. The company reported a loss of $6.72 per share in 2024. Here's Why MSTR Stock is a Hold Now Strategy shares are overvalued, as suggested by the Value Score of F. In terms of Price/Book, Strategy is trading at 3.0X compared with Mara Holdings' 1.63X and Riot Platforms' 1.78X, suggesting a premium valuation. MSTR Vs. MARA Valuation Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MSTR Vs. RIOT Valuation Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Strategy benefits from its growing bitcoin holdings and increasing subscription revenues. However, challenging macroeconomic conditions and uncertainty about tariffs increase volatility in bitcoin trading. Stretched valuation is a currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which implies that investors should wait for a better entry point to accumulate the stock. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (MARA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Riot Platforms, Inc. (RIOT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
