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FAMILY FUN AT THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW

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February long weekend is packed with activities for all members of the family

There is something for every member of the family at the Canadian International AutoShow.

From family vehicles to special features to the North American debut of the life-sized LEGO® TECHNIC Bugatti Chiron, the Family Day weekend at the AutoShow, presented by Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, is packed with activities and interesting exhibits to see.

    • The Volkswagen Family Pass — Start by taking advantage of a 10% discount when you buy a Family Pass of tickets. Get admission for two adults and two children for only $50.
    • LEGO® Discovery Zone — There are few children who haven’t played with LEGO®, and chances are their parents played with the ubiquitous building blocks as well. Challenge your imagination at the Discovery Zone, and be among the first in North America to see the life-sized, and operational, Bugatti Chiron made entirely out of LEGO® TECHNIC pieces.
Community, IndiaLeave a comment

Panorama India celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day

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Panorama India celebrated the 70th India Republic Day on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Pearson Convention Center, Brampton. The event united the local Indian community through celebrating the diversity of Indo-Canadians in Canada.

Overwhelming support for the event was garnered by community leaders, political dignitaries and sponsors, all of whom came together to celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day. Attendees included the Consul General of India in Toronto, Dinesh Bhatia, Federal Minister of Science, Kristy Duncan, MP Ruby Sahota, MP Ramesh Sangha, MP Bob Soraya, MPP Nina Tangri, MPP Deepak Anand, MPP Amarjot Sidhu, Mayor of Mississauga Bonne Crombie and Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown.

The program consisted of 20 community organizations of which 200 local performers were given the Panorama India Platform. These groups showcased talent in all forms of artistic expression such as dancing, singing and drawing.

Opening ceremony commenced at 12pm with Republic Day greetings and poignant messages from dignitaries. Panorama India Chair, Anu Srivastava welcomed everyone and recognized the political dignitaries, community leaders, and guests. She said “Unity in Diversity and building Indo Canada bi-lateral relations through culture is the prime objective of this celebration.”

Consul General of India Mr. Dinesh Bhatia enthusiastically addressed the crowd and brought the Republic Day greetings on behalf of the President of India. Consul General emphasized his appreciation for the Indian Diaspora in Toronto and gave a recap of the past three years in Toronto. Continue reading “Panorama India celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day”

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Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt visit India Pavilion at Berlinale 2019

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International Festival Heads keen to attend the 50th Anniversary of IFFI

The team behind the upcoming movie‘Gully Boy’including Mr. Ranveer Singh, Ms. Alia Bhatt, Ms. Zoya Akhtar &Mr. RiteshSidhwani visited the India Pavilion at Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2019. They released the IFFI 2019 Brochure and were apprised by the Indian delegation about activities planned for the Golden Jubilee anniversary of IFFI to be held later this year.

The Indian Delegation members at Berlinale met with over half a dozen Film Festival Heads & Key Senior Executives of the film industry. Ms Nadia Dresti, Deputy Artistic Director and Head of Locarno Film Festival was apprised about several policy initiatives of the Government of India to promote ease of filming and curb piracy. Her help was sought by the delegation to reach out to Locarno Film Festival for IFFI 2019.Ms Dresti expressed that she had visited IFFI Goa last year and emphasized her proactive participation for the 2019 Edition as well.

Indian Delegation also interacted with Mr Stephan Ottenbruch, Head of Indo-German Films, wherein they discussed about a larger German presence at IFFI 2019 andexplored possibilities ofcollaboration. Continue reading “Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt visit India Pavilion at Berlinale 2019”

Global, SportsLeave a comment

FIFA Legends assemble for exclusive FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ campaign

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Some of the biggest stars in football, including Alex Scott, Marcel Desailly, Nadine Kessler, Michael Essien, Laura Georges and Gilberto Silva, have assembled as part of a 23-strong FIFA Legends squad for a campaign that will see these illustrious footballing personalities harness their sporting superpowers and turn into superheroes on a mission to promote the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 and the women’s game in general.

With just four months to go before FIFA’s flagship women’s football tournament kicks off, 23 current and former players, representing 19 of the tournament’s qualified nations, are coming together in a one-of-a-kind promotional initiative to support the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 and drive match attendances, increase TV viewership, generate engagement and inspire a new generation to play women’s football.

Made up of 13 women and ten men, the squad members were selected for their superhuman qualities and unshakeable commitment on and off the pitch. Each has had to overcome obstacles in the face of adversity and as part of the campaign and the wider FIFA #DareToShine movement, will be encouraging women and girls to push boundaries to succeed in all areas of life.

Former England footballer Alex Scott said: “Who hasn’t dreamed of being a superhero?! I’m so excited about #LegendsAssemble because my alter ego, Trail Blazer, has only one objective – to empower girls and women and encourage them to play football!” Continue reading “FIFA Legends assemble for exclusive FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ campaign”

Community, IndiaLeave a comment

Participate & Celebrate: India Day Celebrations on 10 February 2019

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Panorama India, with the support of the Consulate General of India, Toronto will be  celebrating  India’s 71st anniversary of Independence Day.

The programme includes flag hoisting ceremony, singing of the national anthem,  and cultural programmes.

Members of Indian community and friends of India are cordially invited to take part in the flag hoisting ceremony. There will be food stalls, vendors and fun activities for all age groups – children, teens, adults and seniors. The festivities will be on throughout the day.

The Panorama India Idol Grand Finale will also take place on February 11th at Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton at Panorama India Republic Day Cultural Festival.

This is a  free event for the community, so all are welcome to attend, participate and celebrate! See you all there! Continue reading “Participate & Celebrate: India Day Celebrations on 10 February 2019”

Business, CommunityLeave a comment

City of Markham and Bell partner for Smart City initiative

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The City of Markham today announced the launch of the Smart City Accelerator Research Program, a new partnership with Bell. The program will deploy Bell’s Smart City platform, an advanced solution of interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) applications, to improve the efficiency of municipal operations and enhance City services for residents.

Through its Digital Markham strategy, Markham aims to create a “frictionless city” through innovation and adoption of emerging technologies that will enhance the customer experience and improve the overall quality of life for Markham residents. The Smart City initiative with Bell will advance Markham’s digital journey and provide the opportunity for the City to test various sensor technologies in a number of different business areas.

“Markham will serve as a living lab and an incubator for innovation,” said Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham. “By embracing smart city technologies, we will continue to deliver exceptional services to our residents at lower costs and improve the quality of life. This partnership with Bell speaks to Markham’s commitment to leveraging the latest digital tools and assets; keeping us connected in an age of great transformation while reinforcing Markham’s position as a municipal leader in the heart of Canada’s innovation corridor.”

“We’re proud to partner with Markham to extend the City’s technology leadership in the management of municipal operations and enhanced delivery of city services,” said Bell Senior Vice President Gary Semplonius. “By leveraging the Bell Smart City platform to monitor and manage critical infrastructure and services, Markham’s program will lead to more efficient operations and improved services for everyone who lives and works here.”

Bell is also partnering with IBM Canada to implement it’s components into the Bell Smart City platform. Supported by Bell’s advanced broadband networks, IBM technology helps to aggregate data gathered from the various IoT monitoring solutions from Bell with the city’s open data to provide a consolidated digital dashboard view of city operations. Continue reading “City of Markham and Bell partner for Smart City initiative”

Business, Global, Lifestyle, TravelLeave a comment

The Palm Marks First W Escape In The Middle East

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The desert just got hotter. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International Inc., today announced the opening of W Dubai – The Palm, located on the Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island in the world and one of Dubai’s most iconic attractions. W Dubai – The Palm is the newest W Escape, the W brand’s playful spin on the traditional resort experience and is set to add a new beat to the already dynamic and pulsating city. With its electrifying style, evocative design and eclectic destination restaurants led by world-class chefs including Massimo Bottura and Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm will shine bright in the famed City of Gold.

“Much like W has redefined modern luxury, Dubai is a city that is firmly in charge of writing its own narrative, fearlessly embracing the future through design, technology and global culture,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “The energy and marvel of this incredible city make it the perfect destination for a W Escape – our unique take on a resort holiday – where the bold style, iconic service and signature scene of a W come to play.”

Splendor of Sight and Sound

The breathtaking design of W Dubai – The Palm celebrates the evolution of one of the most dynamic cities in the world, seamlessly juxtaposing the organic, natural curves of sand dunes and coastline with the marvel of the geometric lines of the city’s skyscrapers. It begins with the hotel’s iconic “W” sign patterned to resemble an evaporated desert river bed and the WHEELS (valet) area reminiscent of a falage, a cavernous riverbed covered by palm fronds. Leading guests into the hotel is a stunning display of Orsoni glass tiles in colors inspired by overgrown foliage which reflect the golden sun on the horizon. A head-raising, five-story atrium envelopes the Welcome Desk, a nod to desert fortresses and citadels of long ago. Golden trusses comprised of framed boxes sparkle throughout the space, representing different stages of modern construction in Dubai, a common sight of the ever-changing cityscape, and sit upon carpets that depict the island’s surrounding waters reflecting both construction and clouds. Continue reading “The Palm Marks First W Escape In The Middle East”

IndiaLeave a comment

India is changing because Indians have decided to change : PM

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India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the young professionals in a town hall programme at the New India Youth Conclave in Surat. The PM received a rousing welcome at the New India Youth Conclave.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the nation is changing and it has been possible because people have decided to change for a better India. Addressing the National Youth Conclave in Surat today, PM said the earlier  attitude was that nothing will happen or nothing will change. However, the mindset has been changed and it is visible now. He said “at one point of time there was a mindset among people that nothing can change. We came and first of all changed that mindset–now everything can change. India is changing because Indians have decided to change”.

Talking about India’s strength, PM said ,“Terrorists attacked Mumbai, what happened after it? In our government, Uri happened, what happened after it? This is the change. The fire that was in the hearts of our jawans, it was in the heart of the PM too, Surgical Strike was the result. Uri terror attack didn’t let me sleep, and what happened after that everyone knows. This is the change”.

PM said his Government’s drive against black money was a bold and decisive step.

Three lakh companies were shut down after demonetisation and nobody thought black money could be curbed, said the PM.

He added, ” The public sentiment among the Indians has changed and this will change the country too, I have faith in it. Earlier, people felt that everything will be done by the people but we changed it. The country is bigger than any of us.”

On a lighter vein, PM said it is his fourth public engagement in a day, however He was not tired and rather asked people if they are tired to which he got a big no in reply. Continue reading “India is changing because Indians have decided to change : PM”

Health, Lifestyle, NationLeave a comment

Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat

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Ms. Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North recognizes that the Food Guide that many of us grew up with focused on food choices. But we now know that our eating habits are just as important to our health as the foods we choose. Busy Canadians want simple guidance that they can trust to help them make healthy food choices for themselves and their families.

In launching the new Canada’s Food Guide, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of
Health, emphasized that healthy eating is about more than the foods Canadians eat. The new
Food Guide is an online suite of resources that better meets the needs of different users, including the general public, policy makers and health professionals. This includes mobilefriendly web content to encourage Canadians to eat healthy whenever and wherever they go.

Canada’s new dietary guidance includes concrete advice for Canadians on healthy food choices
and healthy eating habits. This advice includes:

• eating plenty of vegetables and fruits,
• eating protein foods,
• choosing whole grain foods, and
• making water your drink of choice.

Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat. The Food Guide encourages Canadians to:

• cook more often,
• enjoy food,
• be mindful of eating habits, and
• eat meals with others.

Canada’s Food Guide is intended for all Canadians. Health Canada is working to ensure that the revised Food Guide is inclusive of Indigenous Peoples, reflecting social, cultural and historical context. Continue reading “Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat”

India, Reel SpinLeave a comment

Manikarnika: Biggest ever opening weekend for a woman-led film in the history of Indian cinema

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Zee Studios’ Manikarnika -The Queen of Jhansi roars at the box office

Becomes the biggest opening weekend of 2019 till now

Collects Rs 42.55 crores NBOC and Rs 1.55 MILLION USD in overseas on its opening weekend

Zee Studios announced today that their magnum opus, Manikarnika -The Queen of Jhansi, which released to thunderous response from audiences and raving reviews, collected Rs. 42.55 crores NBOC in India and crossed 1.55 million USD in overseas markets. Starring Kangana Ranaut as Rani Lakshmi Bai, the film released in over 3000 screens in India and over 700 screens worldwide in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Zee Studios mounted the film at an epic scale, not just in terms of production quality but also its high-impact marketing campaign. The studio also put all its might to give their magnum opus the biggest ever mainstream release seen by any woman-led film in the history of Indian cinema. The film took a good start on Friday and doubled its collections on Saturday and held strong Sunday.

Speaking on the response to the film, Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios says, “We are humbled by the overwhelming response from audiences to the film, especially the younger generation. Rani Lakshmibai has always been in our collective psyche for the longest time. It’s the first time most Indians are visually seeing a manifestation of her valour and courage on the big screen, love has been pouring in from all quarters. Following extremely positive word of mouth, the film has shown an outstanding growth in collections through the weekend. We expect the film to continue to grow this week“. Continue reading “Manikarnika: Biggest ever opening weekend for a woman-led film in the history of Indian cinema”