NewsBizkoot.com

Author: admin

  • Indian Research and Insights Industry reaches USD 3.2 Bn in FY2024: Market Research Society of India

    Indian Research and Insights Industry reaches USD 3.2 Bn in FY2024: Market Research Society of India

    ~ Grew by 12.6% over FY2023 ~

    ~ Expected to reach USD 3.4 Bn in FY2025 ~ (FY2025 Projected Estimate: 11% – 14%)

    market research society of india

    December 19, 2024; Mumbai, India: India’s apex industry-led market research body, Market Research Society of India (MRSI) announces the release of its annual industry sizing report. Titled ‘The Indian Research & Insights Industry 2024 Update’, the report highlights the industry’s remarkable growth trajectory, with the sector reaching USD 3.2 Bn in FY2024, a robust 12.6% increase from USD 2.9 Bn in FY2023. Projected to grow to USD 3.4 Bn in FY2025, the report highlights the sector’s ability to leverage India’s dynamic economy and its role as a pivotal player in delivering insights-driven transformation.

    Analytics, the systematic computational analysis of data, used for discovery, interpretation, and communication of meaningful patterns for effective decision-making, forms the bedrock of the industry. Focussed on customer and marketing analytics, it contributes 58% of the total market, growing at an impressive 17%, driven by the adoption of big data, AI, and machine learning in industries such as retail, finance, and media. Similarly, Custom Market Research, the tailored research conducted and funded by clients to address their specific business issues, has grown by 9% and now accounts for 29% of the industry. This reflects an increasing preference for actionable, sector-specific insights to tackle challenges like rural FMCG slowdowns and short-term volatility. Sectors like e-commerce, automotive, and BFSI are capitalizing on the growing demand for personalized insights, while manufacturing sector presents untapped opportunities for research firms to expand their reach.

    Driven by a focus on ESG factors, sustainability, and the circular economy, international clients remain the top revenue source for the Research and Insights industry, accounting for an impressive 80% share. On the supply side, analytics remains a major driver of international demand, with Indian firms leading in innovation and scalability. Additionally, India’s lower costs and skilled talent pool attract global players to set up captive centers, supporting continued growth in the sector.

    Market Research Society of India President

    Speaking on the industry’s growth, Nitin Kamat, President at Market Research Society of India said, “The Indian research and insights industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by the integration of big data and AI with traditional analytics, particularly as digitalization accelerates in sectors like retail, e-commerce, finance, and media. The growing trend of organizations investing in internal capabilities is reshaping the ecosystem, with smaller, faster, and more localized research increasingly relying on client data, social media, and behavioral panels. This shift toward flexible research solutions and strategic B2B insights highlights the industry’s adaptability to evolving client needs, reaffirming India’s position as a pivotal market for delivering high-quality insights.”

    Market Research Society of India Director General

    Mitali Chowhan, Director General at Market Research Society of India further added, “The growth of India’s research and insights industry is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, India is uniquely positioned to deliver actionable insights with precision.”

    The research and insights sector employed approximately 145,000 full-time professionals in FY2024, with a growing demand for skills in AI, machine learning, and data science. The analytics segment remains a key employer of early-career talent. As the industry evolves, FY2025 is set to be transformative, driven by advancements in AI and the increasing importance of hyper-personalized insights. The sector’s projected growth of 11% to 14% will be supported by expanding analytics capabilities, deeper penetration into emerging markets, and sustained demand for strategic intelligence.

    Download the executive summary of The Indian Research & Insights Industry Report 2024 from https://insight.mrsi.co.in/indian-industry-report/.

    About MRSI

    Market Research Society of India (MRSI) is a unique, dynamic and a not-for-profit autonomous market research body formed in 1988 by a large fraternity of research suppliers and users from across India. MRSI works with ESOMAR to bring Indian industry’s voice to the global forum.

    MRSI aims to guide, encourage and uphold the highest quality standards of professionalism for all those who use, need, generate or interpret insights/data in the market research industry. It is a platform that brings marketing professionals and insight professionals together and instills a code of conduct that should be followed in the market research industry in India and showcases developments and innovations that take place.

    Marketing and social research users, providers, innovators and generators are members of MRSI along with organizations which provide support services to the industry, thus holistically representing the interests of the industry at large.

  • 11 tips to choose the best health insurance plan

    health insurance plan

    Mr X, one of your society members, bought health cover plans last month. Last week, he was admitted to the hospital. He believed the insurer would pay his bills or settle his claim. But it was all in vain. He didn’t get any money from his insurance company.

    What might be the reason?

    No, the insurance company was not at fault.
    Not even Mr X was liable.

    It was his lack of insurance knowledge that put him in trouble.
    He was making a claim for a pre-existing disease just after 3 weeks of buying a policy. Companies usually have a specific waiting period before settling a claim. So, the proper knowledge will provide you with financial protection at the time of requirement.

    Indian stand-alone health insurance companies sold around 13.8 million health cover plans
    last year. Though thousands of people might have bought the same policy from the same insurance company on the same day, everybody’s claim settlement procedure will differ. This is because everyone has a different health history, age, and medical conditions.

    This blog will discuss essential terms and concepts followed in health insurance (and you must be acquainted with them).

    Tips to consider before buying health insurance
    Here are 11 pointers that impact your policy purchase and claim settlement:

    1. Pick the correct type of health insurance plan: Determine whether you want individual medical insurance or a family floater plan. The features and coverage might vary in both. Individual health insurance will cost you less than a family plan. In a family plan, the SI amount can be utilised by any member, while in an individual plan, you can solely avail yourself of the benefit. You can also go for a critical illness insurance policy if you have any critical illness.

    2. Choose the right SI amount: The higher the Sum Insured (SI), the more the premium. Sum Insured is the amount that an insurance company pays an insured in case of a mishap after considering certain factors. You can decide the SI amount by considering the following factors-
    a. Analyse your regular annual medical expenses.
    b. Check your current age because, with time, the chances of developing a health condition increase.
    c. Consider your health history. A higher SI amount might be needed if you have any pre-existing disease.
    d. If you already have health insurance coverage, a lower SI amount might work.

    3. Check for cashless facility: Claims are settled in two ways- reimbursement and cashless. Primarily, companies provide cashless treatment when you get admitted to their network hospitals. So, before choosing your insurer, check whether the topmost hospitals in your city are among its tied-up hospital list. Otherwise, you have to clear the bills from your end and then file a reimbursement, which might be time-consuming.

    4. Comprehensive coverage: If you do not take allopathic treatment, you can also buy a health insurance policy. Many companies also cover AYUSH (Ayurvedic, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) treatment, domiciliary care, etc. Ask your insurer about these treatments to make an informed decision.

    5. Rewards: Many insurance providers offer bonuses, renewal discounts, and benefits over a claim-free policy year- these are additional perks that are called health insurance riders. Check for all these too and get higher coverage.

    6. Capping and co-payment: It is the fixed percentage of the medical expenses that the insured pays. For example, if a company has a 15% capping on arthritis, then the insured has to pay that percentage of the expense and the insurance company will pay the rest of the claimed amount taking into account the terms and conditions. So, it is quintessential to make yourself aware of these.

    7. Ask for renewal procedure: You have to renew your health insurance after its tenure is over. In case of multi-year policy, the same has to be renewed before the tenure expires. Moreover, raising and settling a claim should be accessible. Ask for the ease of the renewal process before your pick your insurer.

    8. Understand exclusions: If you are drink and drive some night and you hit somebody on the road. The accident injured both of you. Will your insurer pay the claim?
    No.
    No health insurance company covers permanent exclusions because there was no uncertainity in such cases. A person invited troubles and created risks for himself, so, no coverage is available.
    Exclusions are restrictions on certain treatments, self-inflicted injury, procedures and services. Some other examples are- suicide attempt, cosmetic surgeries, pregnancy and child birth, miscarriage, etc. Make sure you read them well before signing on the dotted line.

    9. Knowledge of PED Waiting Period:
    The diseases that you have been suffering from or have already recovered or which have signs or symptoms received within 48 months before issuing the first policy are called PEDs (Pre-Existing Diseases). According to the regulatory body IRDAI, PEDs are subject to underwriting policy and product design and are covered only after serving a certain waiting period.
    So, you must inform your insurance company about any existing illness or any treatment you have gone through. It will ease your health insurance buying and claim settlement journey.

    10. Know the claim settlement ratio: On choosing a health insurance company, claim settlement ratio makes a big difference. This ratio is the percentage of the claims settled by an insurance company out of total claims received. Raising and settling a claim should be accessible. Ask for the ease of the renewal process before you pick your insurer.

    11. Slow growing ailments: Cataract, tumour, stone, cyst, hernia, are some of the named ailments that all the health insurance companies cover after a defined waiting period. Also, companies have respective clauses for the same, as they are covered after a certain period of buying the policy. You can’t raise a claim for a named ailment or a slow growing disease instantly after buying a policy. So, having the right knowledge of coverage of slow growing diseases will smoothen your process.

    Winding-up
    Congratulations on taking the first step towards educating yourself regarding health insurance policies. We have covered the best tips that you must keep in mind before buying one. Now, by the end of the blog, you are proficient with the most important terms like pre-existing diseases, named ailments, SI and more. It’s important to be well-versed with them because a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and may have harmful consequences.

    FAQs
    Q1. What is maximum age to buy a health insurance policy?

    Ans. According to the provisions of Regulation 12(i) of IRDAI Regulations 2016 (HIR 2016), health insurance policies should provide an entry age of up to 65 years. There are several insurance policies that offer coverage beyond this age too. Also, if a senior citizen has been renewing his/her policy without any break, then renewal should not be denied. So, health insurance is a lifelong policy.

    Q2. What will affect my premium amount?

    Inflation rate affects the amount of premium. Also, if you buy any add-ons then the premium will increase. Moreover, age, PED, residential area etc. affect your premium of health insurance coverage.

    Q3. What are the topmost standalone health insurance companies?

    Care Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Aditya Birla are the largest standalone health insurance companies.

  • Sayaji Pune’s CSR Initiative and Enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony

    PUNE: Sayaji Pune marked the festive season with a heartwarming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ray of Hope Foundation, bringing joy to children supported by the NGO.

    The celebrations began at the hotel’s picturesque poolside restaurant Turque, where the children participated in a series of engaging activities. They unleashed their creativity with a sketching session, danced enthusiastically to the tunes of festive music played by a live band, and indulged in a delightful spread of food and sweets thoughtfully curated by the Sayaji Pune team.

    The evening culminated with a grand tree lighting ceremony in the main lobby, symbolizing joy, hope, and the spirit of giving. The illuminated tree served as a beacon of warmth and festive cheer, drawing smiles from all attendees.

    Expressing gratitude for the event, Sanjay Kumar, Founder of Ray of Hope Foundation, said, “We are deeply thankful to the Sayaji Pune team for inviting us and celebrating the festive season with the children from our organization. The kids had an incredible time exploring their creativity, dancing, and enjoying the delicious treats. This thoughtful initiative brought immense joy to their hearts, and we look forward to collaborating with Sayaji Pune on more such meaningful endeavors in the future.”

    “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to bring happiness to these children and celebrate the season of giving. This initiative reflects Sayaji Pune’s commitment to community engagement and spreading joy during the festive season,” said Anurag Anand, Director of Operations, at Sayaji Pune.

    The event highlighted Sayaji Pune’s dedication to making a positive impact in the community while celebrating the festive spirit.

  • NASA’s Parker Solar Probe sets record for getting dangerously close to Sun

    NASA confirms Parker Solar Probe safe after flying dangerously close to Sun

    IANS

    NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has etched its name in the annals of space exploration by becoming the first human-made object to venture dangerously close to the Sun. Launched in 2018, the probe’s mission is to unravel the mysteries of the Sun. It has already completed 21 close approaches to the Sun, with the 21st close approach made on September 30.

    The probe’s mission is to take measurements that will help scientists better understand how material in the Sun’s region gets heated to millions of degrees, trace the origin of the solar wind, and discover how energetic particles are accelerated to near light speed. The close passes have enabled scientists to identify the origins of structures in the solar wind and map the outer boundary of the Sun’s atmosphere.

    On December 24, the spacecraft made its closest approach to the Sun, passing just 3.8 million miles from the solar surface. This was the closest solar flyby in history. During this approach, the spacecraft was not in contact with mission operations on Earth and was moving at about 430,000 miles per hour.

    After the close flyby, the spacecraft transmitted a beacon tone to confirm its health. Parker Solar Probe has phoned home! After passing just 3.8 million miles from the solar surface on Dec. 24 — the closest solar flyby in history — we have received Parker Solar Probe’s beacon tone confirming the spacecraft is safe, NASA announced on a social media platform.

    Parker Solar Probe

    IANS

    Michael Buckley, part of the mission operations team at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, confirmed that the spacecraft is in good health and operating normally. The signal was received just before midnight EST, on the night of December 26. The spacecraft is expected to send back detailed telemetry data on its status on January 1.

    The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is not just a scientific endeavor but also a technological marvel. The spacecraft has to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions as it approaches the Sun. It is kept safe by the Thermal Protection System, an 8ft heat shield that weighs around 160lbs. This shield doesn’t engulf the vehicle but is mounted on one side and has to stay between the vehicle and the Sun at all times for the spacecraft to work.

    The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is a significant step in understanding our Sun and its effects on our solar system. The Sun is the largest object in our solar system, and its gravity holds the solar system together. Everything in our solar system revolves around it – the planets, asteroids, comets, and tiny bits of space debris.

    The Sun’s atmosphere extends more than 8.3 million kilometers into space and is much hotter than the Sun’s visible surface, known as the photosphere. Scientists are still trying to understand how its magnetic field is generated, deep within its interior, and what drives the solar cycles of activity.

    The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is also crucial for understanding and predicting space weather. Material from coronal mass ejections usually takes several hours or days to traverse the distance between the sun and Earth. Once they reach Earth, CMEs can interfere with satellites, ground communications, and power networks. They can cause sweeping blackouts, and they can shower airplanes and spacecraft with dangerous radiation.

    The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is a testament to human ingenuity and our quest to understand the universe. As the probe continues its mission, it will undoubtedly bring more exciting discoveries and insights about our Sun and its effects on our solar system. This historic journey of the Parker Solar Probe is not just a milestone in space exploration but also a beacon of human achievement in our quest to understand the universe.

  • Personal Loan: Can students take personal loan without income? Here is complete information


    – Advertisement –

    Sometimes students suddenly need money during their studies. Sometimes students suddenly need money. In such a situation, personal loan can be a good option. Usually income is necessary for a loan, but loan can be taken through some other ways as well. Let’s know how?

    Personal loan is a loan in which you do not have to pledge anything. You can use it for medical expenses, rent or other needs. It is possible to get a loan even without income with the help of a guarantor or part-time job. However, it is important to understand all the terms and conditions and advantages and disadvantages before taking a loan. If planned properly, it helps in managing your expenses.

    – Advertisement –

    How can students avail a loan?

    Even if you do not have any income, you can still take a loan. For this you will need a guarantor, like your parents or siblings who are working. The guarantor is the person who is responsible for the loan and if there is any problem in repaying the loan, he will make the payment. Apart from this, if you are earning money from part-time job, freelancing or any other work, then getting a loan can be a little easier.

    How to get a loan without income?

    If you do not have a stable income, you can still take a loan, but for this your parents or siblings will have to become guarantors. Apart from this, if you are earning a little through freelancing or part-time work, you can still apply for a loan. In this situation, the chances of getting a loan increase.

    Personal loan and education loan are different and their uses are also different. You can take a personal loan for any expense, such as house rent, medical bills or any other expense. On the other hand, education loan is only for expenses related to studies, such as tuition fees, books and other expenses related to the course.

    Documents required for loan

    Some important documents are required for the loan. Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID or passport is required for identification. Aadhar card, PAN card or electricity bill can be given as address proof. Bank statement of the guarantor is also required as income proof.

    Related Articles:-


    – Advertisement –

  • Adani Ports places India’s largest order for tugs worth Rs 450 crore with Cochin Shipyard

    Adani Ports places India’s largest order for tugs worth Rs 450 crore with Cochin ShipyardIANS

    Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) on Friday announced the procurement of eight state-of-the-art harbour tugs, with a total contract value estimated at Rs 450 crore, which will be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd.

    These tugs are expected to be delivered in December 2026 and continue until May 2028, significantly improving the efficiency and safety of vessel operations in Indian ports, the Adani Group’s flagship company said in a statement.

    The eight, 70-tonne bollard pull tugs will increase Adani Ports’ total fleet to 152.

    “This collaboration to procure from Cochin Shipyard Ltd signifies our commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure in India and demonstrates our confidence in our nation’s PSUs,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ.

    “By leveraging local manufacturing capabilities, which are world-class, we aim to contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative while ensuring that our operations meet international standards of safety and efficiency,” Gupta noted.

    Earlier, APSEZ contracted the construction of two, 62-tonne bollard pull ASD (Azimuthing Stern Drive) tugs to Cochin Shipyard Ltd for Ocean Sparkle Ltd, both of which were delivered ahead of schedule and deployed at Paradeep Port and New Mangalore Port.

    The construction of three additional ASD tugs is currently underway, bringing the total order to 13 tugs, aimed at providing a younger fleet for efficient and reliable services in the port sector, the company said.

    Adani Ports is the largest port developer and operator in India with seven strategically located portsReuters

    “This initiative underscores the importance of sustainable practices in shipbuilding and reinforces the strategic significance of the maritime industry in India’s economic growth,” according to India’s largest integrated transport utility company.

    Adani Ports is the largest port developer and operator in India with seven strategically located ports and terminals on the west coast and eight ports and terminals on the east coast, representing 27 per cent of the country’s total port volumes.

    The company is also developing a transhipment port at Colombo and operates the Haifa Port in Israel and Container Terminal 2 at Dar Es Salaam Port in Tanzania.

    (With inputs from IANS)

    Related

    • ‘Nothing short of a miracle’: Siddaramaiah on late PM Manmohan Singh’s life

    • Will remember Manmohan Singh in prayers, says Dalai Lama

    • Dr Singh’s final farewell on Saturday; mortal remains to be kept at Congress HQs

  • Drushtikon’s Success at the Arogya Film Festival

    INDIA: The 13th Aarogya Film Festival, jointly organized by the P.M. Shah Foundation and Vardhaman Pratishthan concluded successfully at the National Film Archive of India on Law College Road, Pune. In the Short Film category, ‘Drushtikon’, a film on eye donation directed by Dr. Sameer Datar, won the first prize. In the Documentary category, ‘Jeevitham (The Life)’, directed by Ali Arikath from Kerala, which focuses on spinal injury and safety, bagged the top honors.

    The two-day festival showcased 34 short films and documentaries covering topics relating to mental health, breast cancer, organ donation, and the environment. Selected from 150 entries nationwide, these films highlighted critical health issues. The event concluded in the presence of renowned actress Madhurani Gokhale Prabhulkar. Prominent attendees included festival organizer Adv. Chetan Gandhi and Satish Kondhalkar, President- Flair Network Systems.

    Speaking at the award function, Madhurani said, “Health is a critical issue, and conveying it through films is a powerful way to raise awareness. Mental health is a growing concern, with terms like depression and anxiety used rampantly. Social media plays a significant role in deteriorating mental well-being, and addressing these challenges is essential. Despite the dominance of shallow entertainment, It is commendable to see filmmakers creating meaningful, health-focused content as is seen in the movies in this festival.”

    The awards presented included in the Short Film category 1st Prize went to ‘Drushtikon’ by Dr. Sameer Datar, 2nd Prize to ‘Paris’ by Mukund Khuperkar, and 3rd Prize was given to ‘Antarnaad (The Voice Within)’ by Parthaa Akerkar. Whereas, in the documentary 1st Prize was presented to ‘Jeevitham (The Life)’ by Ali Arikath, 2nd Prize was given to ‘Griha Aar Paibo Kotha (Where Shall I Find Home)’ by Vrushab Maitri, and the 3rd Prize was bagged by Right to Clean Environment’ by Dr. Balkrishna Damle (C.D.O.E., K.V.V. Karad).

  • E-Went Gears Up For Expansion Drive

    E-Went has charted an aggressive expansion strategy, particularly in both the Telugu States. The cost of the battery remains a significant expense for EVs. However, we don’t impose an undue burden on the overall cost of electric vehicles – Umang Kumar Saraogi, Director, E-Went, tells Bizz Buzz

    Hyderabad: Founded in 2020 with an initial investment of Rs3 crore, E-Went, an electric bike and autos maker, began its journey in Kolkata with a vision of fostering sustainable mobility. The company secured backing from four major banks to kickstart operations, which began with a modest team of just six employees. Today, thanks to strategic automation, the company has grown to employ 40 people, excluding its dedicated sales team.

    E-Went’s manufacturing presence spans across key locations, including Surat, South Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Focused primarily on the premium segment of electric vehicles, the company offers both two-wheelers and three-wheelers designed for a discerning customer base.

    Currently, E-Went manufactures around 600 vehicles per month, with e-bikes priced between Rs60,000 to Rs1.3 lakh, and e-autos ranging from Rs1.5 lakh to Rs3 lakh. The company boasts an expansive network of 150 dealers, ensuring a strong foothold across major States in India. Notably, its sales have seen a surge in the East and North-East regions, with growing interest from the West as well. A key strength of E-Went lies in its innovation, with the company proudly touting its in-house technology and design team responsible for research and development. They hold patents for their proprietary battery technology and other critical components, giving them a distinct edge in the competitive EV market. While the cost of the battery remains a significant expense, it doesn’t impose an undue burden on the overall cost of building their electric vehicles.

    Umang Kumar Saraogi, the company’s Director, shared that E-Went is looking at an aggressive expansion strategy, particularly in the Telugu States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with a special focus on South India. The company plans to diversify its model offerings, introducing new vehicles to meet the growing demand for electric mobility. As the EV landscape continues to evolve, E-WENT is poised to be a major player, combining innovation, quality, and strategic growth to shape the future of sustainable transportation in India.

  • Taipei, the rising star of Asian tourism, blends glitz of modernity with wealth of history

    Every city has that one landmark that takes over its reputation in the world, putting it on the global tourism map, but at the same time overshadowing everything else it has to offer. Therefore, before setting foot in the capital of Taiwan, our imagination was full only of the promised dazzling city views from the top of Taipei 101. However, what we also got from the capital of Taiwan was a fast-track introduction to thousands of years of Chinese history and a glimpse into the power play of its more recent decades.

    Santa Claus in Taipei
    Santa Claus in Taipei.
    Photo: Sanchita Guha
    Taipei 101 with Christmas lights
    Taipei 101 with Christmas lights.
    Photo: Sanchita Guha

    It was the very impressive High-Speed Rail (HSR) of Taiwan that transported us from the elegant Taichung city to the capital Taipei in a matter of 70 minutes. Upon arrival in Taipei, we discovered that while it was not as perfectly aesthetic as Taichung, it had fun and character in spades.

    High-Speed Rail in Taiwan
    Passengers waiting for the HSR train to go from Taichung to Taipei. Photo: Sanchita Guha

    To begin with, there was Santa Claus everywhere — and this was festive fervour with a shot of humour, as Father Christmas was not just standing still with his jolly beard but actively climbing walls around the city.

    What’s more, the city was practically bursting with Christmas trees and Christmas scenes, including a full-fledged mini-village festooned with “Merry Christmas” set up inside Taipei 101. Stunningly slender Chinese girls posed with Instagram-friendly reindeer and Santa’s elves, surrounded by designer storefronts dripping with luxury.

    Luxury stores inside Taipei 101
    Luxury stores inside Taipei 101. Photo: Sanchita Guha

    Christmas, in particular, showcases the American tilt in Taiwan that many older Chinese observe with a degree of discomfort. But the island nation, which constantly feels the gravitational tug of Mainland China, is open and welcoming to all cultures and lifestyles.

    Chinese children perform at the Christmas village inside Taipei 101
    Chinese children perform at the Christmas village set up inside Taipei 101. Photo courtesy: Instagram/taipei101mall_official

    Anytime anyone needs a reminder of what it means to be Chinese and what this vast and ancient culture has contributed to human civilisation, they only need to spend a few hours at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. With 700,000 exhibits, this museum is one of the largest in the world, up there with the British Museum in London; the Louvre in Paris; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

    Statue of a Chinese lady
    Statue of a Chinese lady.
    Photo: Sanchita Guha
    Statue of Lokapala
    Statue of Lokapala.
    Photo: Sanchita Guha

    The secrets of the famed Chinese art of ceramic painting were revealed by our museum guide, who also pointed out a particular 8th century guardian figure from the Tang dynasty named ‘Lokapala’, a Sanskrit word that indicated cross-cultural mingling via the Silk Road.

    Unpeeling more layers of Chinese history — this time, of Taiwanese history — required a morning visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a monument to honour the former leader of undivided China who took refuge in Taiwan following the civil war of 1949 with Mao Zedong.

    Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
    Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, built in 1976 in Taipei as a monument to General Chiang Kai-Shek, the former leader of China who died in Taiwan in 1975. While he lived, his military headquarters stood at this location. Photo: Sanchita Guha

    The Change of Guard ceremony at the memorial hall’s courtyard was the highlight of the morning; the extreme co-ordination and precision of the soldiers’ movements breathtaking, to say the least.

    Change of Guard at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
    Change of Guard ceremony at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall complex. Photo: Sanchita Guha

    Inside, a majestic bronze statue of a smiling Chiang Kai-Shek lorded over the visitors, while galleries displayed photographs from his political and military career; his armoured vehicles; and even his completely preserved office. General Chiang Kai-Shek died in 1975, still dreaming of the reunification of China. Modern Taiwan is set on charting its own course in the world, retaining its independent identity.

  • Crack Academy Hosts Sarkari Naukri Mela in Solan, Aspirants Gain Valuable Insights for Govt Exam Preparation

    Crack Academy Organizes Sarkari Naukri Mela in Solan, Empowering Govt Exam AspirantsCrack Academy hosted the Sarkari Naukri Mela in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, at The Elite Minds, on December 26, 2024. The event attracted 450 students who gained expert guidance and tips for cracking competitive government exams like IAS and others. The day-long session offered a unique platform for aspirants to interact with top educators and gain actionable strategies to boost their preparation.

    Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO of Crack Academy, shared, “Our vision behind Sarkari Naukri Mela is to empower government job aspirants by providing them with the right tools, strategies, and expert mentorship. The response in Solan was phenomenal, and we are thrilled to have been a part of their journey toward a brighter future in government services.”

    One of the participants, Priya, an IAS aspirant who attended the event, shared, “The sessions were extremely helpful. The experts provided practical tips on exam strategy, time management, and how to tackle the toughest sections of the syllabus. I feel more confident about my preparation after attending the Mela.”