Category: India

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‘2019’ is the ASEAN India- Year of Tourism

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Tourism Minister of India co-chairs the 7th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers meeting at  Ha Long City, Viet Nam

India’s Union Minister for Tourism, Shri. K. J. Alphons attended the Seventh Meeting of Tourism Ministers of ASEAN and India held in Ha Long City, Viet Nam today.               Shri. K J Alphons co-chaired the Tourism Ministers’ meeting with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien. The Ministers’ meeting noted the strengthened tourism performance of ASEAN and India in 2018 with preliminary numbers of  139.5 million tourist arrivals to ASEAN and India in the year with an increase of   7.4 per cent as compared to the previous year.

During the meeting, the Ministers welcomed the decisions of the ASEAN-India Informal Breakfast Summit held on 15 November 2018 in Singapore. As a follow up to the Summit, the Ministers launched the ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation Year 2019, and looked forward to enhancing cooperation with a view to increasing two-way tourist visits and promoting greater people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN and India. Earlier, during the ASEAN – India Commemorative Summit in January 2018, the Prime Minister of India had proposed designating the year 2019 as ASEAN-India Tourism Year. This was also discussed during the 20th ASEAN-India Tourism Working Group meeting in Thailand, and it was decided to prepare a calendar of activities commemorating the ASEAN – India Year of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has prepared and shared a calendar including various events for celebrating tourism year. Continue reading “‘2019’ is the ASEAN India- Year of Tourism”

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India, a bright spot in global economy

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Right time for foreign investors to tap the huge potential; World community must chalk out strategy to extradite economic fugitives

The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu said that a steady growth rate of almost 7% coupled with a series of reforms made India, the most favourite destination for investments in the world. Shri Naidu said that it was the right time for foreign investors to tap the huge potential offered by India in various sectors from real estate to healthcare.

Shri Naidu said that government’s initiatives and reforms helped India achieve 11th rank in the Global FDI confidence index 2018. Referring to a report by UBS, he said that the annual FDI inflows would rise to $ 75 billion over the next five year and added India with its growth momentum would soon become $5 trillion economy.

Describing India as a bright spot in the world economy, he said India would continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world, quoting the World Bank’s latest forecast. It said the GDP is expected to grow at 7.3 per cent this fiscal year and at 7.5 per cent in the following two years.

Shri Naidu said that the robustness of India’s institutions, resilience of its policy frameworks, the reforms initiated by the government and the responsiveness of Industry bodies such as CII have insulated its economy from stagnation and helped in achieving the dual distinction of being a stable democracy and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Continue reading “India, a bright spot in global economy”

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The World’s First War Took Place in India, Says New Book

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Genetic evidence shows the Biblical Hebrews came to the Middle East from India

The World’s First War was the historic event that inspired the Biblical story of Eden and that war took place in India nearly 6,000 years ago, according to a new book by a Toronto based Jewish author Barry Brown. Brown, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated Canadian journalist, says the First War was the epic Battle of Kurukshetra as described in the Mahabharata. When it was over, four million warriors were dead and Ancient India’s history vanished for 2,500 years until the time of Buddha (c 600 BC).

In his book ‘Humanity – The World before Religion, War and Inequality, Brown claims the 6,000 year old Biblical tale of Eden and Ancient India’s story of the Kurukshetra War both refer to the same event – the world’s First War and the end of ‘Generation Eden’ – human history before war.”

Most people assume humans have fought wars over land and resources for as long as humans have walked the Earth. But that assumption is wrong, according to the widely-praised book.

The history that connects the end of Ancient India with the start of the Jewish Bible flows through the Indo-Afro-European people known as the Hebrews. According to India’s text, after the war, the remaining members of its Royal Family, known as the Yadavas, begin to migrate westward from Eastern India. Continue reading “The World’s First War Took Place in India, Says New Book”

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AKSHAY KUMAR & ROHIT SHETTY TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ‘SOORYAVANSHI’

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Akshay Kumar and Rohit Shetty are teaming up for the first time. Another cop franchise from the Singham and Simmba director, the new film, titled Sooryavanshi, will feature the megastar Akshay Kumar as an ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad) officer.

Glimpses of his character have already been seen in the end credits of the Ranveer Singh-starrer Simmba and the blockbuster director also announced that the action drama will release later this year. Perfect way to get the fans excited!

Before starting filming for Sooryavanshi, the Gold actor has pending shoot for two films — Mission Mangal and Good News. Filming for the super cop action-drama Sooryavanshi is likely to commence this year.

Both Rohit Shettyand Akshay Kumar are known to finish their projects in record time. So, it won’t be surprising if their maiden collaboration is also ready in time for a release this year.

 Akshay Kumar will be next seen in Kesari in March. He also has the fourth installment of comedy franchise Housefull in the pipeline.

Rohit Shetty’s Simmba, which stars Ranveer Singh in the title role, has a special appearance by Ajay Devgn in his Bajirao Singham avatar. In addition, there was another guest appearance, just when it seemed like the end credits will start rolling, Akshay Kumar’s voice boomed. Continue reading “AKSHAY KUMAR & ROHIT SHETTY TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ‘SOORYAVANSHI’”

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Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla host Trunk Shows in NYC

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The past year has seen its fair share of Indian celebrity weddings – from Anushka to Sonam to Deepika to Priyanka to Isha – and the House of Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla has been there every step of the way to dress some of the most glamorous brides on their most memorable occasions.

Mirai, a brand-new fashion house bringing curated South Asian designer experiences exclusively to New York City, is proud to host this dynamic duo for TWO trunks shows at the Taj Pierre Hotel (2 E 61st St. & 5th Avenue) on January 18th and 19th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing the following Couture, luxury and pret collections for women AND men:

ABU JANI SANDEEP KHOSLA – best known for their ability to infuse Indian craftsmanship and textile heritage with a European tailored silhouette. Their signature is to combine traditional aesthetics with modern design. This is their Couture and Bespoke line.

KHOSLA JANI – luxury womenswear line that specializes in Couture, Ready To Wear and Bridal, where stunning designs meet flawless execution as a myriad of processes combine to fuse Couture fashion with timeless and elegant style. This is the duo’s Western line.

ASAL BY ABU SANDEEP – the label carries forth the design philosophy of its parent, Couture, but is reworked in meticulous machine embroideries, Continue reading “Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla host Trunk Shows in NYC”

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Mahila Kisan Awards: A Reality show with a difference

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 –  programme launched by DD Kisan

The programme will not only entertain but also educate people: Dr. A Surya Prakash, Chairman, Prasar Bharati

DD Kisan today launched a first-of-its-kind reality show ‘Mahila Kisan Awards’. To be telecast from 17th December, the show will see participation of women farmers from across the length and breadth of India, including from Jammu & Kashmir, all the states of North Eastern Region, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh among others.

The Format

The selection of contestants for the show has been done by Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The format of the show will include two woman farmers talking about their achievements in each episode. Judges will score these contestants based on their assessment. The five contestants who get the highest scores during the show will reach the finals, where one of them will be declared the winner.

Through the show, each participant will have an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other participants. The show is also expected to act as a source of inspiration for lakhs of women across the country watching the show. Continue reading “Mahila Kisan Awards: A Reality show with a difference”

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Mumbai Airport makes India proud @ ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards’

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Mumbai International Airport bags the runner up award in the Favourite Airport Category at The 8th Edition Of Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards

Adding to its extensive list of laurels, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) administered by GVK MIAL bagged the runner up award in the ‘Favourite Airport’ category at the prestigious ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards’.

The star-studded award ceremony, hoisted by bollywood diva Chitrangada Singh held at The Lodhi, New Delhi on 29th November, was attended by government officials, industry leaders, influencers and leaders from the travel and tourism fraternity. The annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards has set the benchmarks in the hospitality and travel industry year on year, since its inception in 1989 in the United States of America.

Selected by thousands of readers in a survey carried out by Condé Nast Traveller, the award reflects Mumbai airport’s excellence in service parameters that go towards satisfying the needs of travellers.

The accolade is an acknowledgement of GVK MIAL’s continuous efforts towards setting quality benchmarks and implementing best practices for the airport industry across the globe. Continue reading “Mumbai Airport makes India proud @ ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards’”

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‘Classical music and arts represent India’s cultural glory’-Vice President

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Art and dance forms act as bridge between the value systems of ancient India and the new generation: Vice President
Government, artists and musicians to nurture and propagate Indian classical Music and Art forms

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that art and dance forms act as bridge between the value systems of ancient India and the new generation. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Gana Sabha, in Chennai today. The Minister for Fisheries and Fishery Development, Tamil Nadu, Shri D. Jayakumar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President presented – Gaana Padhmam Award to legendary classical musician, Dr. K.J. Yesudoss, Naatya Padhmam Award to Smt. Malavika Sarukkai and Naataka Padhmam Award to Shri Varadharajan.

The Vice President said that Classical music and arts represent India’s cultural glory and they represent the eternal and everlasting principles of life that promote discipline, obedience and peaceful coexistence, he added.

Shri Naidu said that music in any form acts as an equalizer. It has no barriers or boundaries. It speaks universal language, he said adding that music, art and culture promote the concept of oneness.

Continue reading “‘Classical music and arts represent India’s cultural glory’-Vice President”

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‘Yoga is India’s gift to the world for health and peace’ – P.M. Narendra Modi

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At the ‘Yoga for Peace’  event during the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, India’s Prime Minister said the practice connects everyone to happiness.

“I arrived here just a few hours ago after travelling over 15,000 kilometers in more than 24 hours. And because of your love and enthusiasm, I did not feel at all that I am outside India,” the Prime Minister said in Hindi.

Praising the organisers of the “Yoga for Peace” event, he said it’s hard to think of a better name.

“Yoga keeps both your body and mind healthy. It strengthens your body and keeps your mind at peace,” Modi, who attended the G20 Summit, said.

“Yoga is India’s gift to the world for health, wellness and peace. It connects us with wellness and happiness. Yoga is bridging the vast distance between India and Argentina. It is connecting the two countries and their people,” Prime Minister Modi said.

While Argentina has a keen interest in India’s art, music and dance, there are lakhs of fans of Argentine soccer players in our country. Maradona’s name has become part of our daily conversations and sayings, Prime Minister Modi said.

“It’s a matter of pride and happiness for us that Argentina is hosting the G20 summit. Issues such as global economy, sustainable development, climate change, and fugitive economic offenders will be discussed during the summit. These are in the interest of the entire world, and not just India and Argentina,” he said.

On the sidelines of the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The two discussed India’s role in addressing climate change globally. Continue reading “‘Yoga is India’s gift to the world for health and peace’ – P.M. Narendra Modi”

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PSLV-C43 successfully launches earth observation satellite HysIS and 30 foreign satellites

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The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C43) successfully launched 31 satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) today in Sriharikota.

The PSLV-C43 lifted off at 9:57:30 (IST) from the First Launch Pad and injected India’s Hyper-Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) into a 645 km sun-synchronous polar orbit 17 minutes and 19 seconds after the lift-off. Later, 30 foreign satellites were injected into their intended orbit after restarting the vehicle’s fourth stage engines twice. The last satellite was injected into its designated orbit 1 hour and 49 minutes after the lift-off.

After separation, the two solar arrays of HysIS were deployed automatically and the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network at Bengaluru gained control of the satellite. The satellite will be brought to its final operational configuration in the next few days. HysIS Project Director Shri Suresh K. said that the satellite is performing normally after the launch.

HysIS is an earth observation satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite2 (IMS-2) bus weighing about 380kg. The mission life of the satellite is five years.

The primary goal of HysIS is to study the earth’s surface in both the visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Data from the satellite will be used for a wide range of applications including agriculture, forestry, soil/geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters, etc. HysIS had the company of one micro and 29 nano-satellites from eight countries, including Australia (1), Canada (1), Columbia (1), Finland (1), Malaysia (1), Netherlands (1), Spain (1) and USA (23). The total weight of these satellites was about 261.50 kg. Satellites from Australia, Columbia, Malaysia and Spain were flown aboard PSLV for the first time. Continue reading “PSLV-C43 successfully launches earth observation satellite HysIS and 30 foreign satellites”