Connect with us

Event

World Travel Market 2022 from 7th to 9th November in London

Published

on

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is participating in World Travel Market (WTM) 2022 from 7th to 9th November in London which is one of the largest international travel exhibitions. The theme of this year`s exhibition is ‘The Future of Travel Starts Now’. With the reopening of the country to foreign tourists, after a gap of almost 2 years, this year`s participation of India is particularly significant. After world’s largest vaccination drive, the country is ready for international tourists. India is participating in WTM 2022 to showcase itself as a preferred destination for tourism.

During 2019, the contribution of travel & tourism to India`s GDP was 5.19% of the total economy. In 2019, the Indian tourism sector accounted for 79.86 million jobs (direct and indirect employment). The consistent efforts of the Central and the State Governments has helped the tourism industry to gradually recover from the Covid-19 pandemic shock to the pre pandemic levels.

A total of 16 stakeholders, including from State Governments, other Central Ministries, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as the industry partner, DMCs, tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents, online travel agents, facilitators of medical value travel are participating as co-exhibitors in the India Pavilion. The objective is to showcase the diverse tourism products and services including Medical Value travel, luxury trains and the gamut of tourism products to the international business community. This year, the Indian delegation is being led by Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary (Tourism), Government of India includes Shri Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary and other senior officials from the Ministry, besides representatives from the Indian travel and tourism stakeholders.

The Indian Government is cognizant of the country’s potential in the tourism industry and has taken several steps to make India a global tourism hub. During the visit to WTM 2022, the Indian delegation led by Sh. Arvind Singh, Secretary Tourism, Government of India will showcase the varied tourism offerings of India to the global tourism industry stakeholders such as tour operators, travel agents, media etc. As India is poised for massive growth in the tourism sector in the future, this visit shall also offer an opportunity to the Indian Government delegation to showcase the investment opportunities and potential which India offers to the global investors.

India is also gearing up for the G20 Presidency which is scheduled to start from 01st December 2022. Under its Presidency, the country is expected to host over 200 meetings across 55 cities in the country. The G-20 Presidency will give India’s tourism sector an unparalleled opportunity to highlight India’s tourism offerings and share India’s tourism success stories on a global stage.

The Ministry of Tourism is aiming to develop the tourism sector especially in the aftermath of COVID Pandemic to new heights and accelerating the transition to achieve sustainable development targets of 2030.

Key Highlights

  • Secretary Tourism and High Commissioner of India to UK inaugurate the Indian Pavilion at WTM2022
  • Over 20 participants at Indian Pavilion of WTM
  • Theme of this year`s exhibition is ‘The Future of Travel Starts Now’
  • India to be promoted as a multi-product and around-the-year destination with sustainability at WTM

Ministry of Tourism has taken a space of 650 sq. mtr., over 20 participants around Indian Pavilion to participate in the Exhibition. The formal inauguration of the Indian Pavilion was done by Mr. Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and Mr. Vikram Dora swami, High Commissioner of India to the UK in presence of Tourism Ministers of Kerala, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. The inauguration of the India Pavilion was done with Ribbon Cutting, Lamp Lighting, Ganesh Vandana and Welcome Remarks by Secretary, the Ministry of Tourism, and Welcome Remarks by the High Commissioner of India to the UK.

After the inauguration, the Indian delegation and participants went around the Indian Pavilion and booths of various participating states and other stakeholders. During the day, Incredible India organized various Cultural Performances, Yoga Sessions, Heena, and of course Bollywood Dance Performances. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism attended the session on “Growing Consumer Demand for Responsible Tourism” held at Future Stage and “Preparing for the next crisis: Reaching for long term sustainability” held at Sustainability Stage, WTM venue.

Later Mr. Arvind Singh Secretary and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism held discussions with officials of ABTA to promote tourism between the two countries. Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma held meetings with the travel trade and media and briefed them about the measures taken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism post-pandemic.

The highlight of India’s participation of WTM in the first day was India Evening at Copper Chimney, West Field Mall. The invitees to India Evening were members of Travel Trade from India and the UK and the India Diaspora. India Evening on 7th November 2022 witnessed the participation of several Tourism Ministers and Secretaries of various State Governments participating in WTM 2022. The India Evening provided a platform for interaction and discussion to promote India as a multi-product and around-the-year destination with the sustainability

Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Shri Arvind Singh while delivering the welcome remarks at the India Evening emphasized the priorities and objective of Ministry of Tourism to showcase the diverse tourism products and services including Medical Value travel and wellness, luxury trains and the gamut of tourism products to the international business community.

Event

Planetary parade 2025

Published

on

Planetary parade on January 25, 2025 – One of the rarest and most meaningful occurrences in the astrological world are planetary alignments, and the January 2025 planetary alignment is no different. This configuration is set to create some profound astrological powers as Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will combine on January 25, 2025, to offer a new powerful opportunity to transform your life. With the right information, not only can you make the most of this opportunity thanks to the way this ionic configuration affects your birth chart, but also completely change the course of your life.

What is a planetary alignment?

When two or more planets line up in a particular region of the sky, it is called a planetary alignment/planetary parade. They are not in a direct line from each other but their placement enables them to influence astrological events in a much deeper way. This configuration is important because of the strong impact it will have with the alignments of Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars on January 25, 2025.

Dr. Vinay Bajrangi, a well-respected as an astrologer and practitioner in Vedic astrology, states, “The commencement of a new year always comes with a clean slate and two new beginnings. The alignments of the planets in January 2025 known as planetary parade represent the commencement of new potential growth, realignment of previous aspects, profound reflection, improvement of oneself, and, lastly, a chance for deep ending of old habits. In order to channel the powerful energies of this event, it is crucial to understand how it coincides with the birth chart.”

What will happen when three planets come together:  Planetary Alignment on 25 January, 2025

Analyzing Each Planet’s Role

With this planetary alignment, it is vital to further analyze the functions of each planet in order to grasp the full capabilities of this alignment:

Venus: Venus is referred to as the planet of love and beauty for a reason. Venus oversees relationships, pleasures, material wealth and governs our internal capacity to appreciate beauty. It is crucial to all interpersonal dealings, as well as to romance, art, and even commerce. In addition, Venus takes care of emotional ties, sensuality, and the endless desire for equilibrium in life.

Saturn: In the zodiac, Saturn is regarded as the “taskmaster.” This is the planet of high discipline, responsibility, structure, and everything wrought through hard work. Saturn urges us to build strong structures, wait and endure, and work through obstacles. While the energy of Saturn can feel constraining, it teaches patience and long term growth.

Mars: Mars is the planet of actions, passion, and motivation. Mars rule over every people’s level of drive, ambition, and how they want to assert themselves out into the world. They are also largely capable of pursuing, defending, and taking bold actions in the face of everything they desire. It grants energy, courage, and in turn the enthusiasm needed to tackle challenges.

Jupiter: One of the biggest which is said to be the largest in the solar system Jupiter provides growth and expansion. Jupiter is often regarded as the planet of good fortune, opportunity, wisdom, and the quest for knowledge. Jupiter extends the territory of personal development onto spiritual growth, travel, exploration and improvement. It often brings a feeling of optimism and abundance.

Effects of the January 25, 2025 planetary alignment on your sign.

This rare phenomenon where the orbits of Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars come into perfect conjunction on January 25th of 2025, creates a strong field which profoundly impacts numerous aspects of one’s life, depending, of course, on the natal chart. The following explains how the energies of the planets will interweave to affect you:

The essence of love and beauty combined with discipline and responsibility is what creates perfect environments for relationships during the alignment of Venus and Saturn. From the surface, Venus and Saturn appear diametrically opposed to one another. For all that you wish to accomplish in romance and in friendships, trust and commitment, Venus and Saturn specialize in taking relationships to the next level.

If you are struggling with relationships, be it misunderstandings, separations, or feeling lost in life, the combination of Venus and Saturn will bring healing. It allows for reflection and clarity on the type of partner you wish to have, enabling one to make wise relationship decisions.

Balancing and protecting your finances, properties, and entrepreneurial opportunities will also be possible with these relationships in mind. Along with ensuring that Venus cultivates equilibrium and tranquillity in one’s finances, Saturn will encourage you to maintain discipline, work harder, and spend more prudently while also setting attainable objectives.

Jupiter-Mars Combination: Achieving Breakthroughs and Widening Borders

It is no coincidence that when Jupiter is alongside Mars, opportunities for development are ripe. Both Jupiter’s manifestation energy and Mars’ fierce passion towards one’s goals and wishes create the urge to deepen new avenues in life. Effectively, personal and professional development are crucial to achieving goals, and this placement encourages people to explore new horizons.

People looking to change careers, obtain a degree, or want to evolve spiritually will most likely benefit from the combination of Jupiter and Mars. Should you feel unmotivated and unsure about where to head next, these planets promise to give you all the energy needed to tackle your tasks. This combination is favored by people willing to develop around the globe.

Together, Jupiter and Mars manage to provide motivation for risk taking, goal setting, and pushing your limits. If you are concentrating on self-help or business growth, you should be working towards it actively now.

A Moment of Change: The Complete Alignment

It will be a turning point in your life as on 25th January 2025 when Saturn, Mars, Jupiter and Venus will come into alignment. This alignment is accompanied with a balance of looking into the self and reflecting deeply in addition to setting goals and growing. You will be more aware of what you truly want and your greater purpose.

During this productive period, what effects this alignment will bring on your birth chart will depend on how these planets are positioned in the sign. Yet, there are two themes common during this strong alignment:

The combination of Saturn and Venus renders encouraging practical responsibleness, whereas, Jupiter and Mars provide spiritual growth. This alignment helps to examine where the balance between material needs and spiritual growth lies, creating harmony in life.

Strength Through Discipline: With a combination of Saturn and Mars, you will have the will to actively work towards your goals. This strategic alignment will enable any individual on the verge of procrastination or who is contemplating over a tedious task to conjure up the energy to push forward.

A Commitment Towards Long-Term Goals: This alignment supports stability and growth in the long term. In the case where You are trying to work on improving personal skills, family or career goals, this alignment will enable you to set milestones and objectives enabling you to focus and work towards achieving them.

Making the Most of the January 25, 2025: planetary alignment

In order to capitalize on the strange conjunction of planets, try the following tips to enhance the positive energies during this time:

Be Specific: Reflect on the long term goals you want to achieve and outline them so that you can start achieving them. With the guidance of Mars and Saturn, you will be able to get clarity about your plans for the coming months, hence the planning years to follow should not be tedious.

Strengthen Bonds: With the help of Venus and Saturn, it is possible and sensible to work on the relationships in your sphere. In addition, this strategy can be used to heal and strengthen existing relationships.

Initiate Actions: At this point, you ought to consider starting something new. Procrastination may not serve you well as Mars and Jupiter are influencing you to take action. Take the first step concerning career alterations, personal aspirations, or new undertaking projects.

Strike a Balance: Consider your monetary wants against the backdrop of your spiritual wants. It is healthy to reflect on your goals and rethink how you can achieve them reason without losing focus on the values and purpose you hold dear.

Conclusion:

The January 25 Planetary Line-up is an exceptional occurrence, an incredible event that can turn the course of your life in various directions. Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars alignment will also permit these planets forces to unite and sponsor where you need Growth, Discipline, and action. So, it is time to learn how this planetary alignment 2025 affects us and what events it brings about. You will understand how to use this period best to achieve sustainable success, high self-esteem, and influential relationships. However, these are very specific and deep readings so you should know how to judge good astrologer, says astrologer Dr Vinay Bajrangi himself. For specific queries, one can connect with his office @ +91 9278555588/9278665588.

Continue Reading

Event

Study reveals 60% Rate their Kumbh Mela experience as “Very Spiritual”; Also, 44% Brands’ Campaign Recall Rate found among attendees

Published

on

Latest research uncovers the dual nature of Kumbh Mela as both a spiritual gathering and a powerful brand platform, offering critical insights for stakeholders planning 2025’s 400-million-strong gathering.

InsightCrunch’s comprehensive study of previous Kumbh Melas has revealed a fascinating intersection of spirituality and commerce, providing crucial insights on the 2025 event. The research, encompassing 750 respondents across diverse demographics, presents compelling findings about both spiritual experiences and brand effectiveness.

The spiritual essence of Kumbh remains its cornerstone, with 60% of attendees describing their experience as “Very Spiritual.” This connection appears particularly strong among those with primary education (72%) compared to postgraduates (52%). The sacred act of bathing at the Sangam emerged as the defining experience, with 39% of attendees – and notably 47% of younger participants – citing it as their most memorable moment.

On the commercial front, the study reveals unprecedented brand engagement opportunities. More than half (52%) of attendees noticed brand campaigns, with Fashion and Lifestyle brands leading awareness at 25%, followed by Spiritual/Religious products and Food & Beverages at 19% each. Younger attendees (18-25 years) showed the highest brand awareness at 46%, while engagement dropped to 13% among older participants (60+).

The research also identified operational challenges requiring attention. Overcrowding affected 33% of participants, with higher impact on elderly attendees (55%). Women faced unique challenges, with 40% reporting issues with washroom facilities. Transportation emerged as another key concern, particularly affecting elderly and lower-income groups.

Looking toward Kumbh 2025, attendees have expressed clear priorities for improvement. Sanitation facilities lead the improvement requests (28%), followed by crowd management strategies (18%) and improved bathing facilities (15%). The research also reveals growing interest in technological integration, with 17% of attendees, particularly those aged 46-60, seeking virtual experiences and live streaming options.

This comprehensive analysis presents vital data for both administrative and brand-side stakeholders planning Kumbh 2025, from infrastructure development to brand engagement strategies. For detailed insights, operational recommendations, and demographic-specific findings, download the complete report.

https://insightcrunch.in/kumbh-mela-2025-report/

Access the full report to explore unprecedented insights into attendee behaviour, brand engagement metrics, and strategic recommendations for maximizing both spiritual and commercial opportunities at Kumbh 2025.

Continue Reading

Event

Dedicated to Ratan Tata, IAC-2024 marked a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a synergistic alliance between academia and industry to achieve “the goal of Vikhsit Bharat – Vikshit Jharkhand-2047

Published

on

Day three of the Conclave featured panel discussion on socio-industry relevant topic and a Hackathon on themes and challenge statements which would lead to “Vikshit Bharat –2047” the theme of the conclave.

The panel discussion on the topic “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Accountability in Mining Operations” featured participation by industry academia stalwarts Shri Amitanjan Nandi (Executive Director, Mining, Damodar Valley Corporation), Mr. P.B. Sinha (Consultant, FEURST Inc., France), Dr. S.K. Chaulya (Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR), and Dr. N.K. Mohalik (Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR). This panel discussion was mainly focused on the interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability in mining, at the global level and particularly in Jharkhand.

The panelists discussed the challenges and solutions for environmental accountability in mining operations, adoption of technological innovations for sustainable practices, economic importance of mining in Jharkhand alongside environmental degradation concerns, future of mining under climate-conscious regulations and community rights, consent, and inclusive mining policies. The event concluded with thought-provoking contributions from the panel, encouraging sustainable strategies and policies to balance economic and ecological priorities in mining sectors.

The other event featured Circuit Design & Simulation Hackathon which was organized in collaboration with VLSI System Design (VSD), Bangalore under the umbrella of IAC 24. This event was dedicated to pay tribute to Padma Vibhushan Late Shri Ratan Tata, a visionary who believed in empowering individuals through technology and innovation to build a better future for India.

All the circuit implementations were done on open-source EDA tools. Chief Guest from academia Prof. Amit Patra (Director IIT BHU) and Guest of honour Shri Kunal Gosh (VSD Benglore) shed light on the importance of open-source tools in VLSI circuits. Up skilling of students on circuit design will be utilized in development of IP for real-world applications. For this event, there were 1651 participants registered from engineering colleges all over the country and after initial shortlisting, 232 circuit design reports were submitted for final round evaluation. These designs were finally examined by the expert members from the industry and subject experts from academia for final round. The top three participants were called to present their work at NIT Jamshedpur. Chief Guest from Industry Kunal Ghosh and jury member Anagha Ghosh (VSD, Banglore) evaluated the participants based on their work.  The first prize went to Sangesh S from Patiala (Punjab), 2nd prize to Nalinkumar S (Bangalore, Karnataka), and 3rd prize to Sree Vishnu Varthini S  (Coimbatore, Tamilnadu). Dr. Kunal Singh and Dr. Chandradeep Singh were coordinator and convener of the event.

During closing ceremony of the 2nd Industry-Academia Conclave (IAC-2024), Prof. Goutam Sutradhar presented the brief report of IAC-2024. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the co-organizers of this event Central University of Jharkhand Ranchi, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, BIS, IIT Bhilai, IIT Patna, NIT Agartala, NIT Arunachal Pradesh, NIT Manipur, NIT Mizoram, NIT Nagaland, NIT Patna, and NIT Raipur, for being instrumental in shaping this conclave. He  also extend his  appreciation to the sponsors of this conclave: Powergrid, Tata Steel, Greenko Group, MIDHANI, Grind Chem, DVC, NTPC, GAIL, AIMIL, Braithwaite, Janyu Tech, Allied publishers, Springer, Nature, SBI, Canara Bank, and BIS for their financial support and motivation.

He added further that IAC-2024 has successfully brought together academia, industry, and government stakeholders to foster partnerships, advance research, and promote entrepreneurship, reinforcing NIT Jamshedpur’s commitment to contributing to a sustainable, innovative, and self-reliant India by 2047, aligned with the theme “Vikshit Bharat – Vikshit Jharkhand.” This conclave saw participation by 72 delegates from 28 IITs, NITs, and institutes of national repute, and 46 delegates from 18 industries, showcasing their latest innovations and industry-relevant products and services on 43 stalls.

The highlights of IAC-2024 included five panel discussions on national and industry-relevant topics, including Renewable Energy Integration, Industry 4.0, Digital Twin Technology, Innovation-Driven IPR, and Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability, as well as the signing of three MoUs with IIT Jodhpur, RVSCET Jamshedpur, and Ramgarh College to foster collaboration and innovation in research, a model competition featuring 300 students with 90 models from 70+ schools and colleges with a total prize amount of ₹1 lakh, a Circuit Design & Simulation Hackathon using open-source tools, and cultural evenings featuring traditional performances.

Prof. Sutradhar paid his gratitude to Dr. shubra Kamal Dutta, Hon chief adviser of conclave and heartily congratulated the organizing secretaries, Prof. M K Sinha and Prof. Amaresh Kumar, and their team on the successful event.

Continue Reading

Event

Religious Freedom Violation and Intolerance Spark International Controversy

Published

on

South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage

On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this unjust decision. They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

Continue Reading

Event

Inauguration of School of Engineering at Chanakya University: A New Era in Technical Education

Published

on

Bangalore — 29th Oct 2024 — Chanakya University proudly announces the grand inauguration of School of Engineering on 28th Oct 2024, marking a significant milestone in technical education. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. S Somanath, Chairman – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Professor, IIT Madras and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

The School of Engineering at Chanakya University aims to cultivate innovative thinkers and skilled professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. With a curriculum designed to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application, the school offers programmes such as Computer Science and Engineering, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Electronics Engineering (VLSI and Embedded Systems), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Civil, Construction and Sustainable Engineering.

Dr. S Somanath, a pioneering figure in India’s space endeavors, delivered the inaugural address, emphasising the importance of engineering education in driving technological advancements. Prof. Abhay Karandikar highlighted the role of academia in fostering research and innovation, crucial for the nation’s progress in science and technology.

“Today, we ignite a beacon of innovation and excellence with the inauguration of School of Engineering. Our vision is to nurture talented engineers who will harness technology to transform lives. An engineer must be capable of providing remedies for the complex problems of the society. A constant learner who is rooted in the culture, heritage and traditions has a better exposure for solving complexities around. I urge the students to embrace curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Let us bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering solutions for a better tomorrow” – Dr. S Somanath said.

Prof. Karandikar added, “The foundation of any great institution lies in its commitment to inspire innovation, nurture critical thinking, and empower future leaders. Today, with the inauguration of the School of Engineering at Chanakya University, we embark on a journey to create a vibrant ecosystem where technology meets purpose, and knowledge transforms into impactful solutions for the society. Let us strive to make this school a beacon of excellence, where every student not only learns but also contributes to the advancement of our nation and the world.”

Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Professor, Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras said “The opening of the School of Engineering at Chanakya University marks more than just the start of a new academic chapter; it represents a commitment to shaping future innovators, thinkers, and leaders who will drive meaningful change. We are building a place where ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and knowledge is transformed into action that addresses real-world challenges. Together, let us foster a community that is dedicated to engineering a better tomorrow.”

Founder Chancellor and Padma Shri Awardee Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Pro Chancellor Sri M P Kumar, Vice Chancellor Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Director – Academics, School of Engineering Dr. Vineeth Paleri, Chief Operating Officer Sri Nagaraj Reddy, and Registrar Prof. Sushanth Joshi, were present during the inauguration.

About Chanakya University:

Chanakya University, located in Devanahalli, is renowned for its innovative approach to higher education. With a strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinary learning, and community service, the University aims to develop well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

For details, contact:

School of Engineering

Sri Chandrashekar, Media and Communications

chandrashekar.km@chanakyauniversity.edu.in

www.chanakyauniversity.edu.in

Continue Reading

Trending