Category: India

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Consulate General of India, Toronto celebrates India’s 70th Independence Day in a glittering ceremony

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The Consulate General of India in Toronto was delighted to ring in another 15th August this year, to celebrate India’s 70th Independence Day.

Consul General Mr. Dinesh Bhatia and his wife welcomed over 300 guests at the reception held in Hilton Garden Inn, Vaughan. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, was the Guest of Honor on the occasion.

The gathering of around 300 included prominent local dignitaries, members of the Diplomatic Corps, academicians, business persons and members of the Indo-Canadian community. The ceremony kicked off with the   singing of National Anthems of Canada and India. This was followed by greetings from the Chief Guest, the Lieutenant Governor. Continue reading “Consulate General of India, Toronto celebrates India’s 70th Independence Day in a glittering ceremony”

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President Trump Recognizes India Day Grand Celebration

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(Naperville, Illinois) On the 70th anniversary of India’s independence, President Donald J. Trump, will recognize the occasion with an official letter, declaring in part, “Thanks to the irreplaceable contributions of Hindu and Indian Americans, the future of our valued partnership has never looked brighter, and we continue to foster even greater cooperation for future generations.”

The letter will be presented at the India Day Grand Celebration, tomorrow (August 13, 2017) in Naperville. Hosted by the Indian Community Outreach Organization and sponsored by the Republican Hindu Coalition, the celebration is one of the largest Indian American festivals in the United States.

The event, which is free to the public, will feature food, floats, fashion, and fireworks, along with shopping and classical and modern Indian dance. India’s most popular Bollywood Stars will headline the show, and statesman Nigel Farage is traveling from the United Kingdom to bring special greetings for the occasion. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is also scheduled to attend. Continue reading “President Trump Recognizes India Day Grand Celebration”

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Indian Railway Stations to provide better access

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In order to provide better accessibility to Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), short term facilities, as detailed below, have been planned at all stations:

  • Standard ramp for barrier free entry
  • Earmarking at least two parking lots
  • Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building
  • Signages of appropriate visibility
  • At least one toilet (on the ground floor)
  • At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
  • ‘May I help you’ Booth

In addition, long term facilities,  have also been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations:-

  • Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer
  • Engraving on edges of platform

So far, 394 escalators at 167 stations and 219 lifts at 100 stations have been provided. Further, work is in progress for about 380 nos. of escalators at 133 stations and 427 nos. of lifts at 134 stations which shall be completed over a period of next two to three years. Continue reading “Indian Railway Stations to provide better access”

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JET AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES FREEDOM SALE WITH EXCLUSIVE DEALS

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Guests booking from India to enjoy flat discounts of 30% and 20% on international & domestic fares 

Mumbai, August 10, 2017: Jet Airways, India’s premier full service international airline, today announced a special six-day celebratory fare sale to mark India’s 70thIndependence Day. The sale, starting August 11, 2017, will offer guests an attractive 30 percent discount* on Economy fares and 20 percent* on Premiere fares.

 Applicable on both one-way and return tickets, guests can book their tickets for 44 domestic destinations and 20 international destinations across Jet Airways’ expansive network. Tickets purchased as part of the sale for domestic flights, will be valid for travel from September 05, 2017. For international flights, the promotional tickets will be valid from September 15, 2017.

 This is yet another guest-focussed initiative from Jet Airways, already acclaimed for delivering exceptional value to travellers, aside from its attractive promotions and innovative product offerings. Continue reading “JET AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES FREEDOM SALE WITH EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

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AKSHAY KUMAR GRACES INAUGURAL “FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION” IN JAIPUR

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RT. HON. CHIEF MINISTER VASUNDHARA RAJE APPLAUDS AKSHAY KUMAR FOR HIS EFFORTS IN TAKING ON TABOO SUBJECTS SUCH AS THE OPEN-DEFECATION CRISIS IN INDIA, HEAD ON

 Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar, well known internationally for enabling passionate tailwind for notable social causes, extended his support for the Festival of Education, a first of its kind event in South Asia, incepted by the Government of Rajasthan in partnership with GEMS Education, to celebrate the future of education in India. An unprecedented event, the festival saw over 1,00,000 global innovators, academicians, faculty, change-makers, vice chancellors, educationalists, teachers, students, parents, scientists, and policy makers under one roof, united by the same goal – to give shape to the future of education through discourse, discussion and debate.

 The Festival of Education entertained and inspired in equal measure and was divided into three experience zones which included Fundamental to capture high-level, thought-leadership panel discussions led by Continue reading “AKSHAY KUMAR GRACES INAUGURAL “FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION” IN JAIPUR”

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BBBP scheme showing excellent results: Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi

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104 out of 161 BBBP Districts have shown an increasing trend in SRB: WCD Minister

The Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi today said that the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme of the Government is doing extremely well and has shown very encouraging results. She was replying to a starred question in the Lok Sabha today. Smt Maneka Gandhi said that in the first year of its launch, the BBBP scheme was taken up in 100 districts and at the end of the first year itself, 58 districts have shown an increasing trend in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). In the second year, the scheme was taken up in 161 districts, out of which 104 districts have shown an increasing trend in Sex Ratio at Birth. Some of the districts which have performed very well include North District in Sikkim, Karnal, Cuddalore, Ghaziabad, Mansa, Rewari among others. The States of Haryana and Rajasthan have shown the best result and have also been awarded, the Minister added.

In reply to a supplementary question, WCD Minister explained that performance of the scheme depends a great deal on the individual enthusiasm and ability of the District Collectors. 10 districts have been felicitated by the WCD Ministry for the outstanding work done by them including Jalgaon in Maharashtra, Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir, Jhunjhunun in Rajasthan, Osmanabad in Maharashtra, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Cuddalcore in Tamil Nadu, Raigarh in Chhatisgarh, Yamuna Nagar in Haryana, Mansa in Punjab.

In reply to another supplementary, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said that all States except West Bengal have implemented the BBBP programme. She disclosed that some of the districts which have shown disappointing trend in SRB include Etawaha, Saharanpur, Bijnore, Pithoragarh, Haridwar, Kolkata among others. Continue reading “BBBP scheme showing excellent results: Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi”

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THE IIFA AWARDS BROUGHT THE BEST OF BOLLYWOOD WITH A STAR STUDDED AWARDS SHOW!

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The celebrated IIFA Awards took over the city of New York with a dazzling awards show bringing together the biggest names of Bollywood in celebration of Indian Cinema. Giving Indian cinema a global platform, the Awards was held at the iconic MetLife Stadium at New York, USA.

This year the IIFA Awards stage saw Bollywood’s most dynamic duo- the talented stars Karan Johar and Saif Ali Khan – host India’s most awaited awards ceremony. The pair amazed the crowd present with their quick wit and zingers as leaving them in splits with their amusing one-liners and on-stage chemistry.

The IIFA Awards, the finale of the IIFA Weekend saw a host of stellar performances and acts. The show kicked off with Alia Bhatt performing on the Awards stage for the very first time since her debut in Bollywood five years ago. The night featured spellbinding  performances by Bollywood superstars- Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

Bollywood’s Youth Icon, Varun Dhawan performed on the IIFA Awards stage with a stunning performance celebrating his father’s legacy in Bollywood. This year, IIFA presented the Woman of the Year Award to actressTaapsee Pannu and The Myntra Style Icon to Alia Bhatt. The award night included legendary actor Anil Kapoor and Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO – Viacom18 honoring A.R. Rahman for his illustrious career and work as they celebrated his 25 years in the industry. Continue reading “THE IIFA AWARDS BROUGHT THE BEST OF BOLLYWOOD WITH A STAR STUDDED AWARDS SHOW!”

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Prime Minister Modi meets President of the Republic of Korea, Prime Minister of Italy and Prime Minister of Norway

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On the sidelines of the G 20 Summit in Hamburg, the Prime Minister met today the President of the Republic of Korea H.E. Mr Moon Jae-in. Prime Minister Modi extended felicitations in person to President Moon for his victory in Presidential elections. The President recalled the Prime Minister’s congratulatory phone call and tweet in Korean language, which was warmly received by the people of South Korea. Both leaders expressed their commitment to further develop the special strategic partnership between India and South Korea, particularly through participation in programmes such as Make in India, Digital India, Start up India, et cetera. The Prime Minister invited President Moon to visit India at an early date. The invitation was accepted.

Prime Minister Modi’s discussions with Prime Minister of Italy H.E. Mr Paolo Gentolini focused on promoting bilateral relations, particularly trade and investment and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi invited Italy’s participation in World Food India – the food processing exhibition to be held in India in November this year. The two leaders stressed the significance of promoting interaction between medium enterprises of the two countries for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. The Prime Minister of Italy appreciated Indian investments in his country, including in industrial sector. The two leaders also discussed ways and means to work together for providing sustainable solutions to prevent climate change and promote development in Africa.

Prime Minister Modi and the Prime Minister of Norway H.E. Ms Erna Solberg discussed bilateral matters, especially strengthening of economic relations. Prime Minister Modi invited participation of Norwegian pension funds in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. The Prime Minister of Norway invited India to participate in the Oceans’ Conference on the sidelines of UNGA.

Continue reading “Prime Minister Modi meets President of the Republic of Korea, Prime Minister of Italy and Prime Minister of Norway”

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Thousands participate in International Day of Yoga in Toronto

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Swami Ramdev with 800 million followers and Sister Shivani, with 200 million followers lead yoga and meditation sessions

Toronto, June 27, 2017: The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) enthusiastically celebrated the third edition of the International Day of Yoga on an unprecedented scale in the presence of His Holiness Yogrishi Swami Ramdev, world renowned yoga master and Sister Shivani, Spiritual leader, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.

More than 10,000 yoga enthusiasts participated in the yoga sessions held at the International Centre in Mississauga, among them several dignitaries including Kristy Duncan, Canada’s Minister of Science; Patrick Brown, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario; Dipika Damerla, Ontario Minister of Seniors Affairs; Deepak Obhrai, Member of Parliament, Hazel McCallion, the  legendary former Mayor of Mississauga and prominent members of the federal, provincial and city political establishments; community and business leaders. The event also witnessed the participation of diplomatic corps based in Toronto.

Swami Ramdev congratulated India’s Consul General Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia, chair of the Advisory Committee of the International Yoga Day Canada (IYDC) and Satish Thakkar, chair of organising committee of IYDC.

“Toronto has organised the largest and the best 3rd International Day of Yoga celebrations outside India,” Swamiji Ramdev said expressing happiness at the heartwarming and rousing reception with which he was greeted by the massive gathering.  “An individual who follows the true path of yoga will be free from desire & lust. Eschewing desire and worldly entrapments leads to true freedom and happiness. Selflessness alone can lead us to salvation and stability,” he said during the three-hour yoga session he held with over 5000 participants interspersing the yoga exercises with wisdom, wit and yoga techniques. Continue reading “Thousands participate in International Day of Yoga in Toronto”

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Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarts Yoga Day celebrations at anganwadi centres across the country

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Takes part in yoga sessions with children and eye catching official mascot for IDY 2017

The Minister of Women and Child Development , Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarted the International Day of Yoga 2017 celebrations in Anganwadi Centres by taking part in a yoga session with Anganwadi children and the official Mascot Yogiraj of IDY 2017 at an Anganwadi Centre at Peeragarhi in New Delhi today morning. About 150 children participated in today’s Yoga awareness and celebration event at the Anganwadi centre . The officials of Ministry of Women and Child Development also participated in Yoga sessions enthusiastically .

Anganwadi centres across the country will be participating in the International Day of Yoga celebrations. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has taken up the initiative of imparting awareness about the benefits of yoga to about 100 million beneficiaries through 13.52 lakhs anganwadi centres nationwide. Not only this, the children at the Anganwadi centres will also be instructed to practice yoga on a regular basis to ensure a healthier future. All the CCIs in the States/UTs have also been instructed to observe this international day for stress free and healthy life.

The special feature of today’s function was the official life-size yoga mascot Yogiraj for International Day of Yoga 2017 who performed Yoga along with the WCD Minister and the children. The children were enthralled with the performances of the Yogiraj who also made the children do fun yoga asanas and did Yoga dance for them . Children from Dance Out Of Poverty (DOOP ) performed YOGMOB at the event .

Mascot Yogiraj , an initiative of Central Council of Research and Naturopathy of M/o AYUSH has given #IDY2017 a fresh appeal which is catering to all age groups, right from kids to senior citizens. The Mascot is eye-catching and showcases a young yet symbolic character leaving a great impact on audience and helps boost the awareness of International Day Of Yoga. He has been connecting with families by providing added entertainment and interactivity, especially at Malls, Public Places , Events & Recreational Tourist Areas in Delhi NCR & Lucknow. Continue reading “Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarts Yoga Day celebrations at anganwadi centres across the country”