Indian women leading 18pc of 111 unicorns in India: FMIANS
Indian women are rising the corporate ladder as they are leading about 18 per cent of 111 unicorns (valued at $1 billion) in the startup and financial technology space, said Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister.
Speaking at a conference organised by the FICCI-FLO Chennai Chapter in Chennai, Sitharaman said the number of women directors in active corporate companies has increased more than three times in the last decade.
From 2.58 lakh in 2014, women directors associated with active companies rose to 8.83 lakh — over 3.4 times higher — in the country by August 2024.
In Tamil Nadu, the number has risen by 4.3 times — from 15,550 in 2014 to 68,000 in August 2024, said the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, while lauding efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to boost women’s participation across sectors.
Sitharaman noted the efforts are visible in the amount of funds being allocated to the schemes related to women empowerment in the recent Union Budget.
Apple empowering Indian women employees with in-house training, work rights and personal health educationApple India Press Kit
In FY2014, the Centre provisioned Rs 97,134 crore as the Budget Estimate on the schemes for the welfare and empowerment of women. The amount has tripled to Rs 3.10 lakh crore in the FY2025 budget, the FM said.
Further, Sitharaman cited a study by research firm Deloitte to show that the number of women directors on the Board of Nifty 50 companies has also increased to 22 per cent. In 2019, it was 18 per cent.
Besides corporate roles, the FM also stated that women are now also “allowed in combat services across the three forces”.
She informed that the entry of women in various cadres in the Navy commenced in June 2023.
“Recruitment of officers in the IAF is now gender-neutral. Women officers are inducted into all the branches and streams of the IAF,” she said.
The first consignment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne in Australia has been successfully facilitated, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) informed on Thursday.
The export (on August 31) not only underscores India’s capabilities in meeting global quality standards but also provides a significant boost to Indian farmers by opening up new revenue streams, said APEDA in a statement.
The consignment was successfully cleared in Melbourne and was showcased at ‘Fine Food Australia 2024’ at the APEDA India pavilion, further highlighting the global appeal of Indian pomegranates. The consignment weighing 1.1 metric tonnes (MT) consisted of 336 boxes (each weighing 3.5 kg).
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tonnes of pomegranates worth $69.08 million to markets including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain and Oman.
Australia granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2020, paving the way for Indian farmers to tap into a new and lucrative market.
India, being the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, sees major pomegranate production in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
APEDA, which comes under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said it has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) specifically for pomegranates, aimed at boosting exports and removing supply chain bottlenecks.
The authority’s commitment to promoting the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, despite their perishable nature, is evident in their development of sea protocols to retain product attributes when exporting to long-distance destinations.
“This initiative not only reinforces India’s position in global markets but also directly supports Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities,” said APEDA.
These pomegranates were meticulously packed at their Australia-approved packhouse in Ahmednagar, guaranteeing that they meet the stringent quality standards required for international markets.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Creatives for Our Future Alumni – Class of 2022 architect Gunraagh Singh Talwar attends Swarovski Foundation 10th Anniversary and Creatives For Our Future Reception at United Nations on September 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for the Swarovski Foundation)
Delhi, 05th September 2024: The Creatives for Our Future programme, which seeks to identify and accelerate the next generation of Indian and global creative leaders in sustainability, is now open for applications until 16th October 2024. The programme is run by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnership and offers winners mentorship from industry leaders and a €20,000 fund.
The programme is open to young creatives worldwide, aged 21 to 30, from a multitude of disciplines including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering. Successful applicants should be working on an original project or product that uses the creative process to drive awareness, technology or solutions for sustainable development and drives progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations.
To date, the programme has supported 21 projects in innovative design, founded and initiated by young creatives, who have ground-breaking ideas for addressing the world’s sustainability and development challenges. The programme has enabled them to develop and scale their projects – either with funds to build on their research, or through mentorship and networking opportunities to unlock new directions.
Previous winners say the programme is crucial to their success:
Gunraagh Talwar Singh (India)
Gunraagh is an Indian architect and urban practitioner committed to enhancing the equity and resilience of urban environments. Having documented the adverse effects of dumpsites on ecosystems and communities, he has innovated an upcycled construction solution to concrete – Dumpcrete. Crafted from legacy wastes such as construction debris and silts, Dumpcrete is growing to be a circular construction alternative while simultaneously addressing the pressing issue of sustainable legacy waste management. This approach promises to transform how we build and manage urban waste, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities. Through the programme, Gunraagh is now testing formulations and procuring materials to refine Dumpcrete further and create a mainstream product offering for industrial adoption. The mentorship received through the program has also helped Gunraagh develop partnerships with global organisations, such as Ramboll and UNDP, who are supporting his goal to address the waste management issue in the Global South.
Of his experience as part of the Creatives for Our Future 2023 cohort, Gunraagh said: “Through the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme, I’ve been able to reach out to global organisations and unlock relationships which will put Dumpcrete on the path to expanding its technology. By reaching more communities in the Global South, we hope to literally pave the way for cleaner, more resilient urban environments.”
Sejal Budholiya (India)
After discovering that 500 million people still lack access to menstrual hygiene management, Sejal invented Gaia, a tool to ease the logistics of changing sanitary products. It is used to store used and unused sanitary products, especially where people cannot dispose of them easily such as in military and rural regions. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, the 23-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, India was able to test Gaia and collaborated with another programme alumna, Polish graphic designer Agnieszka Doczynska, to raise awareness about women’s health and menstruation by creating an open-source educational kit called Menstrupedia after graduating from the programme in 2022. Sejal is continuing to develop the product to serve menstruating soldiers by including an incinerator in the tool and optimising it for use by astronauts in space.
Sejal said, “The grant from the Swarovski Foundation allowed me to test Gaia without boundaries and develop its first iteration, as well as expand my thinking into additional collaborations with my fellow cohort members. The Masterclass sessions were also indispensable to my self-development and encouraged me to think about sustainability through different creative mediums. I now hope to distribute Gaia to rural communities in India and across Africa.”
Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation said:
“Now in its fourth year, we are excited to open applications to the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme and nurture the next generation of inspiring talent from India and globally.
“The Swarovski Foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality. With the Creatives for Our Future programme, we can harness this through young creative talent seeking to break innovative ground and spearhead new approaches and ideas in sustainable development.
“Having so far received more than 1500 applications from 92 countries, and supported 21 cohort members, it showcases that creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals. The Swarovski Foundation is looking forward to welcoming this year’s applications to turn their ideas into reality through access to education, resources, and a vital support network”.
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships states: “We need young talents, from fashion to engineering, to use their creativity to tackle sustainable development challenges. With mentorship, industry connections, and funding, these young people are turning obstacles into opportunities and driving real progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are fostering the next generation of leaders.”
This year, six successful applicants will receive financial support of €20,000, along with an education programme in collaboration with top international institutions, tailored one-on-one mentorship, and industry networking opportunities to advance their innovation and career.
Entries for this year’s programme are open from the 3rd September 2024 until 16th October 2024 (4.29 am IST) at www.sfcreatives.org. Successful applicants will be notified and announced publicly in April 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
For more information, or for application submissions visit www.sfcreatives.org.
The below spokespeople are available for interview: ● Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of Swarovski Foundation ● Programme alumni, including: ○ Gunraagh Talwar Singh, CFOF 2023/24 alumnus ○ Sejal Budholiya, CFOF 2021/22 alumna
India’s Paralympics medal tally rose to 21 as shot putter Sachin Khilari won the silver medal in the men’s F46 event. His 16.32m throw also set a new Asian record on Wednesday, September 4.
The vibrant waters of NEOM are home to some of the most picturesque and pristine islands in the Red Sea | Islands of NEOM NEOM, Saudi Arabia
‘Spectacular Saudi’ invites Indian travelers to experience the breadth of destinations and events in the country, with the campaign highlighting Saudi’s warm hospitality and unmatched welcome
The campaign is launching pan-India in English, across social media, digital platforms, TV, and OTA channels
Saudi has introduced exclusive packages from 12 trade partners, tailor-made for Indian travelers
PUNE: Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations.
Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences.
The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Speaking on the campaign, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “Indian travelers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures, and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine.
We are excited for Indians to experience the warm Saudi welcome, a core part of our heritage, and something intrinsic to Indian culture as well. India holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, and we are committed to making India the number one source market by 2030. In 2023 alone, 1.6 million Indians traveled to Saudi. We are thrilled to welcome Indian visitors to truly experience the Heart of Arabia.”
Hot air balloons in the air at Winter at Tantora balloon festival in AlUla
With a 240% surge in leisure visits from India as compared to last year – It has never been easier to visit Saudi, with over 330 direct weekly flights and 8 airline operators. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Those not eligible under the above-mentioned criteria can apply for the visa through 11 Tasheer Centres across India. For more information, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations, the one-stop for all Saudi visa requirements. Indian travelers can also apply for a free Stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas website.
To explore the heart of Arabia, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/india and book your next getaway with access to exclusive packages and offers from 12 trade partners in India.
Gurugram, September 03rd, 2024: The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH)’s unique Culinary and Cultural forum, Rel-ISH-ED, offered a remarkable platform for chefs to ideate, innovate, and encourage the next generation of culinary students.
This first-of-its-kind immersive culinary experience commenced on August 1, 2024, and spanned two weeks at the ISH École Ducasse campus in Gurgaon.
Rel-ISH-ED aimed to bring together a diverse array of chefs and culinary experts from across the industry to inspire future culinary maestros at ISH. As a school of reference, ISH is dedicated to leading, inspiring, and passing the baton to those destined to shape the future.
“The resounding success of Rel-ISH-ED highlights our commitment to fostering the next generation of culinary leaders by empowering them with unparalleled opportunities to learn from the best in the industry. We are delighted to host highly talented chefs and experts from diverse backgrounds to promote creativity, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the culinary arts,” said Dr (Chef) Zubin D’souza Dean – Culinary Studies, Indian School of Hospitality
With forums such as Rel-ISH-ED, the institution endeavours to share invaluable wisdom and support gained through years of experience with its young students.
The impressive lineup of culinary experts at the forum included Chef Johnson Ebenezer of Farmlore, Chef Prateek Bhaktiani of Ether Chocolate, Chef Makhwana who heads Culinary at DLF and Padmashri Dr. Pushpesh Pant, the renowned food historian. Also present were Chef Anuraag Narsingani from JW Marriott and Jesudas, the founder of Urukk Blades which is the only manufacturer of hand-forged Japanese knives in India, along with young and talented chefs who took the Japanese classes at ISH.
India’s two-time world champion javelin thrower Sumit Antil repeated his Tokyo Paralympics feat as he won the gold at the ongoing games in Paris on Monday in the Men’s Javelin Throw F64 event.
Antil also set a new Paralympics record with a 70.59-metre throw.
Antil’s gold is also India’s third in the ongoing games. The country now has 15 medals — three golds, five silver and seven bronze.
Earlier, Avani Lekhara won the gold in Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 and Nitesh Kumar won in Men’s Singles SL3 badminton.
Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku won the silver medal, and Burian Michael of Australia took the bronze.
Antil has become the second Indian after Devendra Jhajharia to win two gold medals in track and field competitions at the Paralympic Games. He also became the third Indian para-athlete after Jhajharia and Lekhara to win multiple gold medals in the prestigious games.
Indian government summons Netflix content head over new series based on Indian aircraft hijack. Photo Courtesy: Netflix India X page
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has summoned Netflix content head Monika Shergill over controversy around the recent series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack which is currently available on their platform.
The series is loosely based on the 1999 hijack of the Indian aircraft IC 814 by five terrorists.
The makers of the series faced the wrath of netizens who claimed the names of the hijackers were deliberately changed to “Bhola” and “Shankar”.
A government source told an Indian news channel that it is taking the matter very seriously and added that “nobody has the right to play with the sentiments of people of this country”.
“Nobody has the right to play with the sentiments of people of this nation. India’s culture and civilisation should always be respected. You should think before portraying something in a wrong manner. The government is taking it very seriously,” a highly-place source told NDTV.
The series is directed by Anubhav Sinha and written by Adrian Levy and Trishant Srivastava.
Produced by Sarita Patil and Sanjay Routray under Matchbox Shots and Benaras Mediaworks, it stars an ensemble cast led by Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza and Arvind Swamy.
Indian track and field para-athlete Preethi Pal has scripted history after she won the bronze medal in the women’s 200m T35 in the ongoing 2024 Paralympics Games. Pal became the first Indian woman athlete to win two medals in track and field in the Paralympics.
Pal clocked 30.01 seconds to win the bronze medal, which is also her personal best time. China’s Xia Zhou and Guo Qianqian won the gold and silver medals, respectively. The Chinese duo clocked timings of 28.15 seconds and 29.09 seconds.
Earlier on Friday, Pal won the bronze medal in the women’s 100m -T35. She finished the race in 14.21 seconds, which was also her personal best.
The gold and silver medals were won by China’s Zhou Xia and Guo Qianqian, much like the 200m T35 event.
India has won seven medals so far at the Paris Paralympics games. The country has won one gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
Centre partners Visa to skill 20,000 youth for tourism industryIANS
In a bid to revitalize the tourism industry and upskill the youth, the Indian government has forged a three-year alliance with Visa, a digital payments giant. This $1 million partnership seeks to empower 20,000 young individuals with essential skills to succeed in the rapidly growing tourism sector. This collaborative initiative is spearheaded by the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and Visa, under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The tourism industry in India holds immense potential to drive economic growth and generate millions of jobs across the country. This partnership with Visa is a pivotal step towards realizing and unlocking that potential.
The initiative is designed to equip the youth with the skills needed to excel in the tourism sector and make India a premier global tourism destination. The training program will be implemented across ten states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. The aim is to enhance the tourism service experience for tourists visiting these regions.
By empowering the youth with skills to thrive in the tourism industry, the initiative aims not only to elevate their employment prospects but also to improve the overall experience for tourists visiting India. The tourism sector is a significant contributor to India’s economy, accounting for over $231 billion in GDP and employing more than 42 million people in 2023.
As the post-pandemic travel landscape continues to grow, the initiative will ensure a skilled workforce to support India’s ambitions of becoming a global tourism hub. Visa has taken strategic steps to strengthen India’s tourism landscape over the last few years, and this partnership is a continuation of that effort.
US expands efforts to reduce visitor visa wait times for IndiansIANS
The partnership builds upon Visa’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. It reflects a shared commitment to empowering young Indians with the skills and opportunities they need to shape their futures and contribute to the nation’s growth story. The collaboration also underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging private sector expertise to achieve its development objectives and foster a more skilled and digitally enabled economy.
Historically, partnerships between governments and private sector entities have proven to be effective in driving economic growth and development. For instance, the collaboration between the Indian government and Microsoft in the early 2000s played a crucial role in the growth of the IT sector in India. Similarly, the partnership between the government and Visa is expected to have a transformative impact on the tourism industry.
Partnership between the Indian government and Visa is a significant step towards boosting the tourism industry and empowering the youth. By equipping 20,000 young individuals with the skills needed to excel in the tourism sector, the initiative aims to drive economic growth, create jobs, and make India a premier global tourism destination.
As the post-pandemic travel landscape continues to evolve, the initiative will play a crucial role in ensuring a skilled workforce to support India’s ambitions of becoming a global tourism hub. This collaboration is a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging private sector expertise to achieve its development objectives and foster a more skilled and digitally enabled economy.
