Tag: FInance News

  • UG students in India to get option to shorten, extend duration of degree courses, says UGC chief

    Higher education institutions will soon be able to offer an option to undergraduate students to shorten or extend their study durations instead of the standard duration of their degree programmes, according to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar.

    Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
    Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the SOPs for HEIs to offer the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP) in a meeting this week. The draft norms will now be put in the public domain for feedback from stakeholders.

    While the degrees will mention a self-contained note that the academic requirements required in a standard duration have been completed in a shortened or extended duration, they will be treated at par with standard duration degrees for academic and recruitment purposes.

    “Students can use this option to shorten or extend their study durations based on their learning abilities. ADP allows students to complete a three-year or four-year degree in reduced time by earning additional credits per semester, while EDP enables an extended timeline with fewer credits per semester,” Kumar told PTI.

    “Under ADP and EDP, students earn the same total credits as in the standard-duration programme. The higher education institutions will establish committees to evaluate students’ eligibility for these programmes. These degrees will be equivalent to standard duration degrees for all employment and academic purposes,” he added.

    According to the SOPs, the institutions may earmark up to 10 per cent of the sanctioned intake for ADP. The HEIs may constitute a committee to scrutinize applications received at the end of the first or the second semester under EDP and ADP and select students accordingly.

    In the ADP, students will follow the same curriculum content and total credits prescribed for the programme for a standard duration.

    “The only change will be in the duration of the programme. Students shall have the option to choose ADP either at the end of the first semester or the second semester and not beyond that. Students opting for the ADP will earn additional credits per semester starting from the second or third semester, depending on when they transition to the ADP,” Kumar said.

    UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar. Photo courtesy: x.com/ugc_india
    UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar. Photo courtesy: x.com/ugc_india

    “If they join the ADP after the first semester, they will begin earning extra credits from the second semester onward. Similarly, if they join the ADP after the second semester, the additional credit load will start from the third semester onward,” he added.

    In a three-year or four-year undergraduate programme, the duration may be extended up to a maximum of two semesters.

    “Accordingly, students can earn fewer credits in each semester. Based on the credit structure in the Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes, the committee shall decide the minimum number of credits a student must earn in a semester in EDP,” he said.

    The commission has noted that the HEIs may issue degrees for students on completion of the programme in the opted duration (shortened or extended duration) and need not wait to complete the standard duration for the award of the formal degree.

    “For the accelerated and extended degrees, a self-contained note should be added in the degree stating that the academic requirements required in a standard duration have been completed in a shortened or extended duration.

    “For an ADP of a four-year undergraduate programme, the note should specify that the student completed the academic requirements of a four-year programme in six or seven semesters, as the case may be,” Kumar said.

  • Bangladesh High Court refuses to ban ISKCON activities in the country

    The High Court in Bangladesh on Thursday, November 28, has refused to ban ISKCON’s activities in the country, a local newspaper reported, just days after a lawyer was killed in a clash between security personnel and supporters, following a Hindu leader arrest on sedition charges.

    Sri Sri Radha Madhava is the main deities of ISCKON. Photo courtesy: www.mayapur.com
    Sri Sri Radha Madhava, the main deities of ISCKON. Photo courtesy: www.mayapur.com

    A lawyer had sought a ban from the High Court on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) after placing some newspaper reports related to the organisation on Wednesday.

    The court had asked the attorney general to inform it about the steps taken by the government regarding ISKCON’s recent activities, according to The Daily Star.

    Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest triggered clashes on Tuesday during which Advocate Saiful Islam, an assistant public prosecutor, was killed.

    Addressing India's remarks on the matter, Bangladesh stated that the monk's arrest had been "misconstrued by certain quarters" and described India's statement as "unfounded" and "contrary to the spirit of friendship."
    Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. Photo Courtesy: Save Bangladeshi Hindus X page

    When the High Court proceedings started on Thursday, the attorney general’s office placed the information sought by the court before the bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, The Daily Star said.

    Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Asad Uddin informed the HC bench that three separate cases have been filed in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON’s activities, and 33 accused have been arrested in these cases.

    ALSO READ: Six arrested amid massive protests demanding justice for murdered Bangladeshi lawyer Saiful Islam Alif

    The bench then hoped that the government would remain cautious about protecting the law and order situation and lives and properties of the people of Bangladesh, the newspaper added.

    India on Tuesday noted with “deep concern” Das’ arrest and denial of bail, and urged Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups.

    Separately, a group of Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyers sent a legal notice to the government on Wednesday, seeking a ban on ISKCON while describing it as a “radical organisation”.

    The notice, sent by Al Mamun Russell on behalf of 10 lawyers, also demanded prosecution of those responsible for Advocate Islam’s murder, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said quoting the notice.

    “ISKCON has been operating in Bangladesh as a radical organisation, engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest,” the notice alleged.

    Citing a book by former Bangladeshi intelligence officials, the notice alleges that ISKCON has been promoting religious events “with the intent of inciting sectarian violence”, “imposing its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities,” and forcibly recruiting members from lower Hindu castes, the newspaper said.

    Russel’s notice was addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Police and called for an immediate ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh under relevant section of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009.

    Earlier, the ISKCON had urged the Bangladesh authorities to promote “peaceful coexistence” for Hindus in the country as it “strongly” denounced Das’ arrest.

    Das, the spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday as he was about to fly to Chattogram to join a rally.

    He was denied bail and sent to jail by the Chattogram’s Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court in a sedition case on Tuesday.

    In a statement on Tuesday, ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said, “We express our serious concern and strongly denounce the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das … We also condemn the subsequent violence and attacks against Sanatanis in various regions of Bangladesh.”

  • UAE introduces first licensed lottery with prize money equivalent to USD 27.2 million

    UAE launches first licenced lottery
    UAE launches first licenced lottery. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

    People can now try their luck in the UAE with the country launching its first-ever regulated lottery operation that offers winners the jackpot of 100 million dirhams (AED) which is equivalent to USD 27.2 million.

    The inaugural live draw will take place on December 14.

    The UAE Lottery is managed by The Game LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based operator licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in July this year, reported Khaleej Times.

    The lottery offers a wide range of games for residents of the country who are aged 18 and above.

    Players will need to be physically present in the country at the time of playing the games.

    Tickets are currently available on the company’s website.

     In addition to the Dh100-million jackpot that is part of the ‘Lucky Day’ game, seven ‘Lucky Chance IDs’ are “guaranteed” to win Dh100,000 each. Each entry costs Dh50, Khaleej Times reported.

    Bishop Woosley, director of Lottery Operations at The Game, told the newspaper: “We aim to create exciting experiences while promoting responsible play. Following a rigorous GCGRA evaluation, our team remains committed to ensuring that all operations meet global standards, guaranteeing fairness and transparency from the draw process to the selection of winners.”

  • Six arrested amid massive protests demanding justice for murdered Bangladeshi lawyer Saiful Islam Alif

    Bangladesh police have arrested six suspects in connection with the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chittagong city  during a clash between police and followers of arrested Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, media reports said.

    The six were identified through video footage, The Daily Star reported quoting the press wing of the Chief Adviser's office.
    Lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed during a clash between protesters and police outside a court in Chittagong where Chinnmoy Krishna Das was presented. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Shafiqur Rahman X page

    The six were identified through video footage, The Daily Star reported quoting the press wing of the Chief Adviser’s office.

    The police also detained 21 people for vandalising and assaulting cops during Tuesday’s clash outside the Chittagong court where the arrested ISKCON leader was presented.

    According to reports, police resorted to lathi-charge and clashed with the protesting followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das outside the court after the Hindu monk’s bail plea was rejected.

    The lawyer sustained severe injuries during the clash and was rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where the doctors pronounced him dead.

    At least 10 people were reportedly injured during the clash.

    Lawyers demand justice for Saiful Islam Alif

    A large number of lawyers demonstrated in Dhaka over the killing of Saiful Islam Alif and demanded justice for him.

    More than 200 lawyers participated in the demonstration and gave a 24-hour deadline to authorities to arrest those involved in the incident.

    They warned that court and other legal operations would be disrupted if their demands were not met.

    Advocate Syed Nazrul Islam told Dhaka Tribune: “Identified assailants have murdered one of our own. They must be brought to justice within 24 hours. If not, we will take necessary actions as a united body, and all courts across the country will cease operations.”

    Chittagong witnessing demonstrations

    A large number of people from different sections of society protested in Chittagong city and demanded a trial for those involved in the killing of the lawyer.

    The protest began around 12:00pm at the Tigerpass intersection in Chattogram city, reported The Daily Star.

    Tasnimul Hasan Jaki, Saiful’s nephew, told the newspaper, “We didn’t know anything about the incident until we received a call from Chittagong Medical College Hospital around 3:45pm. By the time we reached the hospital, he was already dead.”

    Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das

    Earlier on Tuesday, the Bangladeshi court sent Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has been arrested on multiple charges including sedition, to prison after rejecting his bail plea, triggering protests from the minority community and his followers.

    On Monday, when Brahmachari was leaving the country, he was stopped by the Bangladeshi authorities and was taken to a police station.

    Amid protests against his arrest, the Hindu minority leader was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court.

    India reacts to Hindu monk’s arrest

    India has reacted to the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country reeling under chaos since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

    The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk.

    “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” MEA said in a statement.

  • Singapore and India part of global Interpol operation busting human trafficking rackets; 3,200+ rescued, 2,500+ arrested

    Interpol arrest
    A total of 2,517 arrests were made globally during the week of Operation Liberterra II. Photo courtesy: Interpol

    The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has worked together with the Singapore Police Force and other law enforcement agencies in various nations, such as India and China, in order to bust a global racket in human trafficking that also doubled as a cybercrime operation.

    Thousands of trafficked victims, who were being held captive and forced to work at scam call centres, have been rescued in the joint operations.

    A report by The Straits Times today said that this “global operation by Interpol uncovered dozens of cases”. The publication quoted Interpol as saying that these scams — trafficked victims, who were already cheated, being forced to cheat even more people — marked “a shift from traditional trafficking patterns”.

    ST reported that Interpol and its law enforcement partners “rescued 3,222 potential human-trafficking victims following its largest operation, called Operation Liberterra II, against people smuggling from Sept 29 to Oct 4”.

    Interpol checks
    Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against Interpol’s databases. Photo courtesy: Interpol

    An Interpol media release dated November 6 said: “Authorities around the world conducted police raids, reinforced strategic border points, monitored nearly 24,000 flights and deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots. Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against Interpol’s databases. A total of 2,517 arrests were made during the week — 850 of which were specifically on human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges.”

    Human trafficking
    Interpol’s largest-ever operation against human trafficking and people smuggling took place from 29 September to 4 October 2024. Photo courtesy: Interpol

    Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are increasingly linked to other forms of crime, often using the same criminal networks and routes. This overlap amplifies profits and power for organised crime groups, making enforcement more complex. The need for a whole-of-crime approach was evident throughout the operation week.

    Interpol media release

    Scam centre
    The need for a whole-of-crime approach against scammers was evident throughout the Interpol operation. Photo courtesy: Interpol

    The global agency said: “Targeting online scam centres using human trafficking victims has been an operational priority since Interpol issued an Orange Notice warning its membership of this growing and globalizing trend. In many of these cases, victims are lured with false promises of employment and are kept [at the scam centres] through intimidation and abuse.”

    Raids on scammers
    Officers in the Philippines raided a warehouse where more than 250 people were running online scams. Photo courtesy: Interpol

    It added: “In the Philippines, for example, officers raided a warehouse where more than 250 people, mostly Chinese nationals, were running romance scams on an industrial scale. Officers are now combing through seized devices and carrying out interviews to separate the potential victims of trafficking from members of the criminal enterprise.”

  • WATCH: Dubai-based Indian woman faces flak for ranting against maid relaxing on sofa

    A Dubai-based Indian woman faced the wrath of social media users after her video, in which she ranted about her house help, went viral.

    Anamika Rana. Photo courtesy: www.instagram.com/anamika.rana.vlogs
    Anamika Rana. Photo courtesy: www.instagram.com/anamika.rana.vlogs

    Anamika Rana, the Indian woman, on November 13, posted a video on Instagram, where she narrated her ordeal featuring her maid.

    “So I just caught my maid on the camera. She was literally like slouching like this,” Anamika shared, complete with actions of her slouching.

    “… and kind of like chilling on her phone or something on the sofa.”

    “I know lot of you all might think that so what big deal?” she narrated, continuing, “See, I am a millennial and perhaps my maid is a Gen Z, and we both are from different generations.”

    A millennial is a person born between 1981 and 1996 or someone who is in their late 20s. A Gen Z person is an individual born between 1997 and 2012.

    “And also, I’m not very pro at maid handling,” Anamika said. She shared that her domestic help is a “fairly new hire” and “that’s perhaps is the main issue”, because Anamika isn’t exactly sure “what is a boundary to be set and what is an overreaction”.

    “But this one seems to be very okay sitting on the sofa and on the bed sometimes,” she shared.

    Anamika stated that she’s not sure how to react because her maid is “good at her work” and “she’s also fairly a new hire”.

    She stated that she doesn’t want to mess this up and asked for opinions from other users.

    This left the comment section divided. While some voiced solidarity, others were quick to call her out.

    “Why can’t she sit on the sofa?” asked one Instagram user.

    Another questioned: “Why would you have issues with her sitting on the bed lol.”

    A third user commented: “What’s the problem with chilling on the sofa? Where else would she sit?”

    “Well when she isn’t working why can’t she be checking her phone sat on your sofa? She can’t be expected to work all hours. She isn’t a slave, but a maid who is also human. If you don’t know your own boundaries then your not fit to set boundaries for others,” a fourth comment read.

    But Anamika also received suggestions from several users, who responded to her call to action.

    “Now a days if we are too simple and give full freedom in any matter. Later they will be comfortable in all issues and poke nose in personal issues. Give her a place and ask to use that place only. Controll is required with maids. So it’s better to tell her and explain her boundry without any hesitation. Can betold in such a way it wont hurt her,” a user wrote.

    A second suggestion read: “There’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling. Many people trying to justify the maid are also the ones who get uncomfortable when their own maid sits and chill on sofa. What you can do is politely offer her a chair and say she can rest on it between work. Even after doing this if you find her siting on bed you can ask her why she is not using the chair you had given.”

    A third said: “Before she sits on your head, let her know to get off your bed! 😂”

    The video has already garnered over 5,200 likes and has been viewed over 862,000 times.

  • India, Tanzania officials discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation 

    India, Tanzania officials discuss ways to further expand bilateral ties
    India, Tanzania officials discuss ways to further expand bilateral cooperation. Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Defence X page

    The third edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Tanzania took place in Goa on November 26 when the officials discussed a wide range of areas where the two countries could cooperate.

    “During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of areas of cooperation, including growing training partnership and service-to-service, maritime & defence industry collaboration,” read a statement issued by the Indian government.

    The officials also reviewed the progress on decisions taken during the previous JDCCs, and explored new areas to further expand bilateral defence cooperation.

    The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, included senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces.

    The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania Bishwadip Dey also attended the meeting.

    The Tanzanian delegation was led by Land Forces Commander Maj Gen Fadhil Omary Nondo.

    As part of the tour, the Tanzanian delegation will visit Goa Shipyard Ltd to get first-hand experience of India’s capabilities in port development and shipbuilding.

    The delegation is also scheduled to visit INS Hansa and National Institute of Hydrography in Goa.

    India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Tanzania which are bolstered by robust capacity building & avenues for developing partnership. The two countries have a five-year roadmap to guide defence cooperation.

  • Middle East conflict: Israeli cabinet to vote on Lebanon ceasefire deal

    Israeli cabinet to vote on Lebanon ceasefire deal
     Israeli cabinet to vote on Lebanon ceasefire deal. Photo Courtesy: Benjamin Netanyahu X page

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to convene a high-level security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to approve a 60-day ceasefire deal with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.

    “We don’t know how long it will last,” an Israeli official told The Times of Israel.

    “It could be a month, it could be a year,” the official said.

    Israel is engaged in a two-way battle against Hamas and Hezbollah.

    The conflict escalated after Hamas group members attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

    Netanyahu signalled his potential approval for the emerging ceasefire with Hezbollah during a security consultation with Israeli officials Sunday night, a source told CNN.

    Sources familiar with the negotiations told the American news channel earlier that talks appear to be moving positively toward an agreement, but acknowledged that as Israel and Hezbollah continue to trade fire, one misstep could upend the talks.

    According to a Reuters news report,  US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron might announce a ceasefire deal in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

    Speaking on the deal, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on Monday said during a press briefing: ” We believe we’re close.  The conversations that Amos had were very positive.”

    “And as I said earlier, we believe the trajectory is going in the right direction here to potentially getting this ceasefire done.  But it’s not done,” he said.

    “And the last thing that I’m going to do publicly is speak about the details of it and what components are in there so that I don’t in any way sabotage the efforts to actually complete it,” Kirby said.

    Meanwhile, the United Nations remains concerned by the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Force (IDF), as well as the widespread destruction and death across the Blue Line, the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Monday.

    The UN Interim Force Lebanon (UNIFIL) is also seriously concerned by numerous strikes on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) despite their declared non-involvement in the hostilities, he added.

    The LAF have reported that at least 45 soldiers have been killed in recent attacks.

  • Bangladesh: India expresses deep concern over arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das 

    MEA expresses concern over arrest of Hindu monk in Bangladesh
    Indian government expresses concern over arrest of Hindu monk in Bangladesh. Photo Courtesy: Radharamn Das X page

    India on Tuesday reacted to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country.

    The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk.

    “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” MEA said in a statement.

    “There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the statement said.

    “It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,” the statement said.

    India also expressed concern over the ‘attack’ on minorities who were protesting against the arrest of Das.

    Amid reports of continuing persecution of Hindus since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on Monday over sedition charges at Dhaka airport as he was leaving the country. He was later produced in a court in Chittagong which sent him to prison. 

    The Bangladesh authorities filed a case on Oct 30 against Brahmachari, who has been vocal over violence against Hindus and other religious minorities.

    Besides him, the sedition case charged 18 others for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag over Bangladesh’s national flag at Chittagong’s New Market intersection on October 25.

  • Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 announces first list of speakers; 18th edition features over 300 names

    Books at Jaipur Literature Festival
    The Jaipur Literature Festival will be held from 30th January to 3rd February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. Screenshot courtesy: Instagram/jaipurlitfest

    One of the most-anticipated fixtures on the cultural calendar of India, with a following that spans the continents because of the breadth and depth of participation, the Jaipur Literature Festival returns in 2025 with more than 300 speakers in its 18th edition.

    Organisers have released the first list of names for the Jaipur Literature Festival (30th January to 3rd February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur).

    A media release issued by festival curator Teamwork Arts said: “The 2025 edition of the world’s grandest celebration of books and ideas will reinforce the timeless power of our stories to bridge divides, foster empathy, and celebrate our shared human experiences.

    “In line with a commitment to sustainability, the 2025 iteration will feature environmentally conscious practices throughout the [Jaipur Literature] Festival. With an engaging lineup of debates, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable performances, this year’s programme promises a unique blend of cultural wealth, literary masterpieces, and a focus on a greener future, making it a literary festival like no other.”

    The media release said: “This year’s sessions will feature works and discussions in languages including Hindi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odiya, Sanskrit, Assamese, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, and Urdu, emphasising the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity and representation of India’s rich literary heritage.”

    The JLF 2025 sessions, featuring over 300 speakers, will take place across five venues.

    The first list of speakers includes “literary luminaries” such as André Aciman, Anirudh Kanisetti, Anna Funder, Ashwani Kumar, Cauvery Madhavan, Claudia De Rham, David Nicholls, Fiona Carnarvon, Ira Mukhoty, Irenosen Okojie, Jenny Erpenbeck, John Vaillant, Kallol Bhattacherjee, Maithree Wickramasinghe, Manav Kaul, Miriam Margolyes, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Nathan Thrall, Prayaag Akbar, Priyanka Mattoo, Stephen Greenblatt, Tina Brown, V. V. Ganeshananthan, Venki Ramakrishnan, and Yaroslav Trofimov, “promising a series of stimulating and eclectic discussions”, said the release.

    The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a vibrant meeting place for stories, ideas, and cultures. As we prepare for our 18th edition, we celebrate literature’s power to inspire, challenge, and unite. [In 2025], we welcome an incredible lineup of authors, poets, and thinkers, who will engage our audiences in unforgettable conversations and foster a shared love for the written word.

    Namita Gokhale, author and Jaipur Literature Festival co-director

    The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a celebration of the written word, a confluence of diverse voices, and a testament to the power of stories to inspire and connect. This year, as we gather again in the Pink City, we look forward to welcoming a stellar lineup of writers, thinkers, and dreamers from around the world. It’s a space where ideas spark, cultures converge, and conversations thrive — a true carnival of literature for all.

    William Dalrymple, historian, writer and Jaipur Literature Festival co-director

    The Jaipur Literature Festival has become a global brand synonymous with culture, creativity, and collaboration. [In 2025], we aim to amplify its impact, not just as a celebration of literature but as a powerful platform for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. The festival offers unparalleled opportunities for partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, creating meaningful conversations and driving global visibility.

    Sanjoy K Roy, MD of Teamwork Arts

    Highlights of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025

    ● Jaipur BookMark (JBM): Bridging Creativity and Commerce: Celebrating its 11th edition, Jaipur BookMark (JBM) is a B2B networking platform for the literary world. This hub for publishers, authors, literary agents, and industry leaders fosters innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities. As the business arm of the Jaipur Literature Festival, JBM serves as a meeting ground where creative ideas transform into impactful global projects.

    ● Heritage Evenings and Jaipur Music Stage: Beyond literature, the Festival extends its celebration to arts and culture, with Heritage Evenings set against Jaipur’s historical backdrops, offering attendees a taste of Rajasthan’s rich heritage. The Jaipur Music Stage, running parallel to the Festival, will showcase performances by renowned Indian and international musicians, adding rhythm and vibrancy to the festivities.

    Platform for Global Voices: As the world’s most beloved literary gathering, the Jaipur Literature Festival has earned its place as a democratic, non-aligned platform, championing freedom of expression and inclusivity. Each year, it brings together voices that challenge the status quo, inspire innovation, and celebrate diversity, making it a beacon of intellectual and cultural exchange.