Category: India

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Final four target World Cup history as they prepare for semi-final showdowns

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  • India finished top of the group standings after overtaking Australia with victory over Sri Lanka
  • The semi-finals will see India take on New Zealand before England face Australia

After seven weeks, 45 matches and plenty of standout performances with both the bat and ball, the four semi-finalists for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 have been confirmed.

On the face of it, the top four sides are as expected – with India, Australia England and New Zealand going into the tournament ranked the best four ODI teams in the world.

But as hosts England can attest to, the journey to reach the knockout stage has not been plain sailing for all of the sides that remain in contention to be crowned champions.

Australia will now continue the defence of their 2015 crown against England at Edgbaston, while India face New Zealand at Old Trafford in the other semi-final showdown.

And as the race to reach the tournament showpiece at Lord’s on 14 July draws to a close, here’s a look at the World Cup records of the four teams who are still in contention for silverware.

INDIA

The tag of being one of the favourites can weigh heavily on some – but India have shown no signs of being burdened by the pressure as they topped the standings after the round-robin stage.

India won seven of their nine games to finish at the summit, with their defeat to tournament hosts England the only blot on their record following a complete washout against New Zealand. Continue reading “Final four target World Cup history as they prepare for semi-final showdowns”

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Global Passport Seva Program for Indian Citizens

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The Consulate General of India (CGI), Toronto, rolled out the Government of India’s flagship Passport Seva Program (PSP) on 12 June 2019 to cater to the Indian passport services to Indian citizens living under its consular jurisdiction. ConsulGeneral Mr. Dinesh Bhatia handed over first few passports printed on the new system to the applicants at a function organized at the Consulate in the presence of community members and media.

The new system will further streamline and expedite passport services with better automation and user-friendly interface combined with data integrity and information security. It will facilitateefficient delivery of
passport servicesby the Consulatewith effect from Thursday, 13 June 2019.  Indian citizens living under the consular jurisdiction of CGI Toronto are advised to henceforth use the new portal – https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in for availing passport services, including new passport, passport renewal, reissue, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and Surrender Certificate.

The link to the new portal will be available on Consulate’s website – https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/ and
Consulate’s outsource agency’s website – http://www.blsindia-canada.com.

All the applications would need to be completed online only.  The PSP was launched by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with TATA Consultancy Services (TCS). It has completed 7 years of service in India and is now entering into the 8th year.

The consular jurisdiction of the CGI Toronto includes Ontario (Except applicants residing at Postal Code starting with letter K),Quebec (except applicants residing at Postal Codes starting with letters J,H, K),Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland Labrador. Continue reading “Global Passport Seva Program for Indian Citizens”

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Madaari Mania Hits North America

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The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir – In Cinemas June 21

Madaari Mania is hitting fans from the across the world with millions of hits from people of all demographics and crossing all age barriers.  Sung by Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi and music by Amit Trivedi, the Madaari song, that has everyone swinging and tapping their toes, is from the film The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir that will be released in cinemas in Canada June 21.

Renowned actor Dhanush stars as the lead in the international film co-produced by France, India and Belgium. Directed by Ken Scott, the film also features Berenice Bejo, Barkhad Abdi, Erin Moriarty and Abel Jafri as well as Gérard Jugnot, Ben Miller, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse, and Stefano Cassetti.

Dhanush plays Ajatashatru Lavash Patel, a poor boy who grows up to be a street magician and embarks on an extraordinary voyage across Europe in search of his estranged father. During his trip, he finds love in a Swedish furniture store in Paris, but danger with Somalian migrants ensues and he ends up in London, then more threats follow the young man until he finds himself in Rome, where an unlikely threat shadows the hustler on to a hot-air balloon that rides across the Med.

The film has been adapted from Romain Puértolas’ best-selling novel The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir Who Got Caught In An Ikea Wardrobe.  The screenplay of the film was written by Puértolas and Luc Bossi who is also producing through his Paris-based company Brio Films. Other co-producers include Vamonos Films, Little Red Car Films, Scope Pictures, M! Capital Ventures, Impact Films and Golden Ratio Films.

The film has won many awards, distributed in Canada by A-Z films and will be in cinemas across Canada on June 21.

Dhanush speaks candidly to his fans and audiences about the film:

The screenplay

It had a fantastic message to send out to the world, combined with irresistible humor. It was also the promise of a journey I hadn’t yet dared to take in my career. You rarely get the chance of being offered a role like that. Continue reading “Madaari Mania Hits North America”

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Shane Warren-Another Yogi Among IPL Superstars

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Chris Gayle’s tryst with yoga and how it helped him to rediscover cricketing form has been
making headlines of late. Turns out the “Universe Boss” is not the only IPL star to turn to yoga
to tide over dips in performance.

Another cricketer who adopted yoga to come out of a host of difficulties that he faced in his
career is Shane Watson. He admits that he had tried out everything – from various remedies to
space-age science – but nothing worked the way Yoga did. While the wonders of Yoga were
unknown to him in the beginning, in the initial years of his career he discovered the huge
difference various breathing techniques, meditation and exercises brought to his performance.

He said that yoga has since become an important part of his life and things have changed for
good. He also regrets not starting it earlier in his career as it would have improved his game.
The power of yoga is beyond measure. One can experience life-changing moments if the
practice is done in the right way. No wonder, more and more athletes around the world are
adopting yoga into their daily routines, and reaping its rewards.

When it comes to jaw-dropping performances on the cricket field, Chris Gayle never ceases to
amaze. The 39 year-old West Indies cricketer, who is heading towards his fifth and possibly final World
Cup, gives credit to Yoga for maintaining his form for the game. The ‘Universe Boss’, as he is
known, follows a predominantly Yoga routine to recover and rejuvenate after every game.

This routine, which he religiously follows, has kept him away from going to gym for the past two
months as it works wonderfully in keeping him in shape. Continue reading “Shane Warren-Another Yogi Among IPL Superstars”

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Non-Stop to New York: New Delta Airlines to take off from Mumbai on Dec 24th

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• Flight connects financial capitals of United States and India, linking New York-JFK and Mumbai
with the only nonstop service by a U.S. carrier
• Delta will fly the route with a newly renovated Boeing 777-200LR, featuring the airline’s awardwinning product, seatback entertainment throughout, Wi-Fi connectivity and free mobile messaging

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will begin flying nonstop from Mumbai to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from December 24, 2019. This route establishes a new link between the financial capitals of two large trade partners and boosts competition, choice and options for customers traveling between India and the United States.

“Delta’s nonstop service between New York and Mumbai is the latest example of our international growth as we strive to connect the world better than any other airline,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer.

Connecting through New York’s JFK, customers have access to more than 50 onward destinations throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Demand for flights between the U.S. and India has increased by 60 percent in the last decade, and New York is the largest U.S. market to India with the largest base of corporate customers. Continue reading “Non-Stop to New York: New Delta Airlines to take off from Mumbai on Dec 24th”

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Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony

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Marking a significant moment in the history of the UAE, around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers thronged to participate in and witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Volunteers began to arrive at the site location as early as 6:00 a.m., with participants arriving at 8:00 a.m. The Shilanyas Ceremony, which is an ancient Vedic ritual performed to bless and sanctify the main foundation stones, commenced at 9:00 a.m.

This ceremony signifies the beginning of the construction of the Mandir. The Vedic ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The occasion was also graced with the presence of His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community
Development and Member of the Executive Council, His Excellency Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills.
Also present were His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Vipul, the Consul General of India, and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd. After laying the foundation stones in position, water from the three main holy rivers of India was showered on the stones by His Holiness and the distinguished guests. The enthusiasm and devotion of all participants and volunteers was evident as they arrived for the Vedic ceremony. Continue reading “Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony”
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River Ganges Initiative 2019 Kickstarts India’s Earth Day 2020 Plans

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A landmark citizen-led cleanup of the iconic River Ganges is to be launched by the Earth Day Network as part of worldwide plans to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

The initiative, which got underway on April 13 as part of Earth Day 2019,  began on Vaisakhi—the Hindu New Year for many in India —high in the Himalayan mountains at Devaprayag where two glacier-fed streams meet to form India’s most famous and sacred river.

This first phase will evolve over the next 15 months to encompass 100 cities and towns close to the Ganges—known as the Ganga in India– as it meanders to the famous Sunderbans Delta.

A Global Clean Up Movement

The launch of the first phase coordinated by Earth Day India and NGO partner Lok Paryavaran Shiksha Sansthan (LPSS), comes as major cleanups are planned during the month of April in countries across the globe including the United States, where more than 2,000 cleanups are taking place from American Samoa and Asheville North Carolina to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle and Honolulu.

Many of these are expected to join the even bigger 50th anniversary Great Global Cleanup planned for 2020.

Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network, said: Continue reading “River Ganges Initiative 2019 Kickstarts India’s Earth Day 2020 Plans”

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IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada

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On April 18th, IFFSA Toronto unveiled an exciting lineup of films and events for this year’s festival, which runs from May 9th to May 20th. As a film festival, every year IFFSA’s attempt has been to surprise the film lovers, to take us on new adventures.

To begin with,   IFFSA, is over the moon to have the opportunity and honour to share some very special films, with their audiences, as part of our celebration of the ‘Hundred Years of Bengali Cinema’,

IFFSA Toronto is THE LARGEST SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA. In its 8th year now, the festival has become an international icon and the voice of South Asian cinema in Canada.

This 12+ day extravaganza showcases a diverse, language independent, selection of the best feature films, featurette films, short films, documentaries and music films from around the world, on themes of South Asian cultures and identities. In the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family”, a select number of foreign films are considered under Beyond South Asia segment.

In addition, the festival also features gala dinners, red carpet premiers, concerts, lounge parties, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities with government representatives, business leaders, local organizations that support film development, film stars, producers, directors, members of the media and more. Continue reading “IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada”

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President of India extends greetings for Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba has said: –

“On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

Traditionally, these festivals mark the onset of New Year and the warmer months and they reflect values of prosperity and well being. Let the spirit of joy and happiness signified by these festivals pervade the heart of every Indian.

May these festivals strengthen the bonds of love and affection in our society as well as the spirit of fraternity among people across the nation”.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has also greeted the people on the joyous and auspicious occasion of ‘Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand’. In a message, he said that all these festivals celebrated across the country with different names and customs, mark the beginning of traditional New Year and reflect the composite culture and rich heritage of our country. Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year and brings new hope, new joy and happiness, he added. Continue reading “President of India extends greetings for Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba”

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Hyatt’s Presence in India to Expand from 19 Cities to 27 Cities by 2020

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14 new Hyatt hotels to open, adding approximately 2,100 new guestrooms during the next 24 months

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that 2019 will mark record growth for Hyatt in India. Expansion plans foresee the addition of over 2,100 guestrooms through the opening of more than 14 new properties over the next 24 months. Aside from growth in the larger capital cities, the emphasis will be on leisure and cultural destinations, with a focus on emerging cities within India.

As a result of an increasingly favorable business climate and heightened tourism spend, encouraged by relaxed visa rules and a growing upper middle class, there is a general demand for growth in the hospitality industry in India. This expansion includes hotels in eight new markets in the country, thereby establishing Hyatt’s brand presence across 27 cities in India over the next 24 months.

“Hyatt is one of the longest-running international hotel management brands in India, the first Hyatt hotels in India opened over 30 years ago,” said Dhruva Rathore, vice president development-India, Hyatt. “Our heritage and experience in this complex market, paired with the strong relationships we hold with local developers and owners has helped make India one of the top three growth markets for Hyatt globally.”

This year’s expansion began with the introduction of the Hyatt Centric brand through the opening of Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa. Continue reading “Hyatt’s Presence in India to Expand from 19 Cities to 27 Cities by 2020”