Category: India

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India is among the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world

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The ‘first ever’ India Tourism Mart (ITM 2018) was inaugurated in New Delhi, India today. The India Tourism Mart is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism from 16th to 18th September 2018, in partnership with the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) and with support of State /UT Governments. The function was held in presence of the Secretary, other senior officials of Tourism Ministry and Chairman/members of FAITH and also delegates from India and across the world.

Inaugurating the event, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal wished the best to the Tourism Ministry to reach the ambitious goal of US$100 billion FTA receipts/year within 5 years. T The Minister said that the most important element that will help promote Tourism in a complete way is the Government’s cleanliness drive, the Swachhta Abhiyan, which will ensure India becoming a preferred destination for all international tourists.

Speaking at the event, the Tourism Minister announced that ITM will be an annual event hereafter in line with other International Tourism Marts and it will be held in the month of September. The Minister said that India is so vast that there will be something new for everyone to see and experience in this country with its varied geography, culture, traditions, architectural marvels, religions.  Continue reading “India is among the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world”

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Jhalki: Tale of a Tireless Sparrow

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Today, One in every Seven child is a laborer. Over 200 million children between ages five and fourteen work worldwide, as some kind of laborer or the other.

Jhalki … a moving tale of lost Childhood, is a lyrical story of the search of a 9 year-old girl for her 7 year-old brother against the backdrop of bonded child labor in the carpet weaving factories of India. This compelling film takes you through a bedtime folk story and by the time you wake up, you may want to be part of a huge revolution that can impact 200 million children worldwide.

Film Jhalki: Tale of a Tireless Sparrow has just been completed and starts its International journey now, ready for Festivals, World Sales & and other movement-based collaborations. It releases in India in February 2019. It has been produced by Brahmanand S Siingh & Annand Chavan, co-produced by Vinayak Gawande & Jayesh Parekh & co-directed by Tanvi Jain.

Here’s an interview with the filmmaker, Brahmanand S Siingh:

What were the casting challenges of getting the lead child actors? How was it to cast for Kailash Satyarthi?

Jhalki had to be a firebrand 11 year old, pre-puberty girl, so that was a big challenge … To find someone who could carry the film on her fragile shoulders. Continue reading “Jhalki: Tale of a Tireless Sparrow”

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Marriott Hotels And TED Deliver Inspiring ‘Women In Innovation’ Salon

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 Sparks New Perspectives Across Asia Pacific

Marriott International’s flagship brand Marriott Hotels continues to spark creative ideas and meaningful conversations worldwide, hosting its second TED Fellows salon in Asia Pacific on September 6th at the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield in India.  The event was attended by an engaged crowd of over 200 movers and shakers including innovative entrepreneurs, Marriott Rewards loyalty members, international media and influencers as well as top business school students. Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield was chosen as the destination to host this year’s Marriott TED Fellows Salon because of the city’s reputation as India’s hub of technology and innovation.

At the event, three TED fellows shared personal and professional stories around the theme of “Women in Innovation’. The speakers included women’s health advocate Zubaida Bai from India, a passionate activist for improving global maternal health. Continue reading “Marriott Hotels And TED Deliver Inspiring ‘Women In Innovation’ Salon”

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‘Retail Beyond Detail’ – The Great Indian Retailing Business

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 India’s most appreciated retail author Dr Gibson G. Vedamani in the presence of Mr. Rakesh Biyani (JMD of Future Group) released his book –‘Retail Beyond Detail’, the Guide to a successful retailing business at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon today.  The book is a perfect guide for the growth and successful development of the retail business industry. The book is sure to enlighten the interesting environment of the retail business in India.

Sharing the extracts with Mr. Biyani from the book during discussion Dr. Gibson held the audience discussing about the instances of the emergence of the Retail in India as one of the fastest growing industry and how it has extended its frontiers worldwide that has the entrance of world renowned giants like Walmart, Ikea, and Carrefour etc. Today, retailing is about so much more than mere merchandising. It is about casting customers in a story, reflecting their desires and aspirations, and forging long-lasting relationships. Retail today has changed from selling a product or a service to selling a hope, an aspiration and above all an experience that a consumer would like to repeat.

Commenting on the book launch Anupam T, Vice President, Oberoi Mall said “The Retail Industry is experiencing quantum shift in dynamics due to fast changing customer behavior and expectations coupled with technology induced challenges for example e-commerce etc. So far India has occupied a remarkable position in global rankings and is expected to become the world’s sixth largest consumption economy. Continue reading “‘Retail Beyond Detail’ – The Great Indian Retailing Business”

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G20 member nations to promote policies that bridges all forms of digital divide

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At the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting in Salta, in the north-west of Argentina, G20 ministers and senior officials issued a declaration that reflects the G20’s commitment towards promoting “policies and actions that catalyze digital transformations. The Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting, held on 23-24 August, was attended by 33 heads of delegation- Ministers, senior officials and representatives from invited countries and international organizations, like EU, UNCTAD, ITU etc. India was represented by Union Minister for Electronics and IT & Law and Justice,Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Building on the contributions of the G20 Digital Economy Task Force, delegates deliberated upon efforts to create conditions that help governments, the private sector and civil society maximize the benefits and confront the challenges posed by technological progress. The other focus area of the meeting was digital inclusion, in particular the gender divide. Other related issued such as Digital government, digital infrastructure and measuring the digital economy were also deliberated.

Addressing the Plenary of the G-20 Digital Economy Ministerial meeting, Sh. Prasad said that India’s digital story is a story of hope and growth; of opportunities and profits. But above all it is a story of digital inclusion and empowerment. Digital India is a mass movement today touching the lives of a billion people. Continue reading “G20 member nations to promote policies that bridges all forms of digital divide”

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NSS volunteers take part in large number in Kerala Flood Relief Measures

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National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers in Kerala have taken up the relief and rescue operations on war-footing basis. About 1200 NSS units across the state are fully involved in the relief activities. The NSS volunteers are sanitising the affected area, preparing food packets for the flood victims, running common kitchen and distributing medicines.   The Volunteers and other functionaries are distributing food packets to the affected people at various places and are also involved in rescue operations. They are collecting items of daily uses like Dry  ration, clothes, soaps, sanitary napkins,  medicines of regular use, Milk Powder, bleaching powders, Hand wash, sanitizers etc. Collection of  money for the PM Relief Fund and CM Relief Fund of Kerala is also going on in all the NSS units. Volunteers from other states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat ,Karnataka and West Bengal are also participating actively in the relief measures.

NSS volunteers always take up relief and rescue operations on priority whenever a natural disaster occurs in any part of the country. These volunteers work tirelessly to mobilise relief materials and work for the smooth distribution of the collected materials in the affected area in close coordination with the District Administration.

NSS, the flagship programme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, is one of the major  programmes for the student youth  across the country. At present about  41 lakh volunteers are enrolled in this programme in 426 Universities covering about 32000 institutions. Continue reading “NSS volunteers take part in large number in Kerala Flood Relief Measures”

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Panorama India to mark India’s Independence Day by showcasing India’s culture and heritage

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INDIA DAY FESTIVAL AND GRAND PARADE EXPECTED TO DRAW OVER 50,000 PEOPLE AT CITY HALL

  More than 50,000 people are expected to converge at Nathan Philips Square to celebrate the 19th Annual India Day Festival and Grand Parade on Sunday, August 19, 2018.   Organized by Panorama India, with the support of Consulate General of India, the all-day event to celebrate India’s culture and heritage will present music and dance performances, a kids zone and an international bazaar with 100 kiosks exhibiting fashion, jewellery, handicrafts and an array of food.  The King of Bhangra Malkit Singh, Indo-Canadian singer Parichay and Indian Actor Pukhraj Bhalla will be on hand to perform for the massive crowds.

The event kicks off with the National Anthem at 1pm followed by the Grand Parade, marshalled by Bollywood actor Jimmy Sheirgill.  According to organizers, the grand parade will have 20 floats representing the various States of India put together by the diverse number of cultural groups in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The parade will begin at Nathan Phillips Square, journey west to University Avenue, turning North to Dundas, East to Yonge Street, South to Queen Street and culminating back at City Hall.

Consul General of India in Toronto, Amb. Dinesh Bhatia will preside over the India Day event with participation from several political dignitaries from all levels of government. Continue reading “Panorama India to mark India’s Independence Day by showcasing India’s culture and heritage”

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‘India has become the sixth largest economy of the world’-P.M. Narendra Modi

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day.

Asserting that India is today brimming with self-confidence, the Prime Minister mentioned developments such as the success of Navika Sagar Parikrama by six young women naval officers, and the achievements of young Indian sportspersons from humble backgrounds. He mentioned the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers in the Nilgiri hills, a phenomenon that occurs once every 12 years. He said that the recently concluded session of Parliament, was one dedicated to the cause of social justice. He noted that India is now the world’s sixth largest economy.

The Prime Minister paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs. He saluted the jawans of the security forces and police forces. He recalled in particular, the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which happened on Baisakhi day in 1919. He offered condolences to people affected by floods in some parts of the country.

He quoted poet Subramaniam Bharti to say that India will show the world the path to freedom from all kinds of shackles. He said such dreams were shared by countless freedom fighters. He said that Indians are now coming together to build the nation. Continue reading “‘India has become the sixth largest economy of the world’-P.M. Narendra Modi”

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Indian students perform well at the International Biology Olympiad

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The Indian team performed well in the 29th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2018) held in Tehran, Iran from July 15 to 21, 2018. 271 of the brightest students from across the world, from 71 countries participated in this edition of IBO. The Indian team comprised four students, namely, Kunjal Parnami from Bangalore, Shaswat Jain from Yamunanagar, Stuti Khandwala from Surat and Vishwesh Bharadiya from Nasik. All four of them secured Silver medals.

The team was accompanied by two Leaders: (1) Dr. Sasikumar Menon, TDM Lab, Mumbai (2) Prof. Kauresh Vacchrajani, M. S. University, Baroda; and two Scientific Observers (3) Prof. Pradeep Burma, Delhi University (4) Mr. Vikrant Ghanekar, HBCSE, Mumbai.

The IBO competition consists of a theoretical and an experimental examination, each of six hours duration. These examinations are exceptionally challenging and innovative and this year was no different.

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is the nodal centre in the country for all the Science Olympiads (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy and Astrophysics and Junior Science) as well as the Mathematical Olympiad. The centre is responsible for the selection and training of the teams representing India at the international olympiads. The selection of the team for IBO was carried out through a three-stage procedure. Continue reading “Indian students perform well at the International Biology Olympiad”

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ROM to Host Exclusive Exhibition of Photographs by Raghubir Singh

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The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will be the final North American and exclusive Canadian venue for Modernism on the Ganges: Raghubir Singh Photographs. Organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the cooperation of Succession Raghubir Singh in Paris, this retrospective presents the visionary works of late photographer Raghubir Singh (1942-1999), who pioneered the use of colour film to document the rapidly changing social, political, and cultural scenes of India from the late 1960s to the 1990s. The exhibition will be on display at the ROM from July 21 to October 21, 2018, following its run at The Met Breuer in New York City and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

“As home to one of the world’s largest collections of South Asian art and culture, we are pleased to host this retrospective on the pioneering work of photographer Raghubir Singh,“ says Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO.“Singh’s illuminating portraits of India, taken from within the culture, have had a major influence on shaping our understanding of the richness and complexity of South Asian society and its unique place in the modern world.”

Modernism on the Ganges: Raghubir Singh Photographs traces the full trajectory of Singh’s career from his early work as a photojournalist in the late 1960s through to his last unpublished projects of the late 1990s. The exhibition features more than 80 photographs and other objects on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Succession Raghubir Singh. Continue reading “ROM to Host Exclusive Exhibition of Photographs by Raghubir Singh”