Celebrating India's uniqueness across multiple spheres, National Geographic premieres ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ as a special feature

Showcasing the milestones of India's inspiring journey, India on a Mission and India- The land of Timeless culture will depict the country's rising dominance on the world platform. National Geographic will premier these two short films - ‘India On A Mission’ and ‘India: The Land Of Timeless Culture’ explore India’s rich art and culture, science, and tech prowess, spreading across the globe..

 

This Independence Day, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with National Geographic, celebrates ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with two patriotic and captivating short films, ‘India On a Mission’ and ‘India: The Land Of Timeless Culture.’ Premiering on August 13 at 8.30 pm, the films aim to take the viewers on an inspiring journey highlighting the marvels of our beloved country...

 

The two 10-minute films bring to light the remarkable journey of us as a nation, with ‘India On a Mission’ exploring the most rapid and striking advancements in creating intricate technology ecosystems within the country. It narrates the stories of innovation in space technology, deep ocean exploration and defence technology and its manufacturing. While the film ‘India: The Land Of Timeless Culture’ traces the ancient roots of many iconic Indian living traditions like classical music and dance, modern medicine, and geo-surveying methodologies. Together, the stories highlight our nation’s contributions to the world through several branches of science as well as architectural and engineering marvels.

 

“At National Geographic, we harness the power of insightful storytelling that can inspire, inform, and educate viewers. It is a matter of pride to witness the remarkable growth of our nation, which is emerging as a prominent player in the world economy today. Through these films, we are celebrating the uniqueness of India across multiple spheres, which is bound to instill a sense of pride among Indians across the world,” said a spokesperson from National Geographic.   

 

“We take immense pride in India's remarkable progress, embracing its diverse culture and unparalleled accomplishments in space, defence, and wellness. We are elated to have collaborated with a credible brand like National Geographic, which has beautifully captured the very essence of the achievements and growth since Independence. Through this, the masses will witness our extraordinary journey and gain a profound appreciation for what it truly means to be Indian”, said a Ministry official. 

 

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav films will premiere on National Geographic in India at 8:30 PM on 13th August 2023

Neha Dhupia's insightful discussion with Geeta Phogat, Soha Ali Khan, Faye D’Souza during World Breastfeeding Week 2023

Celebrated mothers Geeta Phogat, Soha Ali Khan and Faye D’Souza joined Neha Dhupia in a candid, intimate, and insightful panel discussion around the breastfeeding journey of new moms and the various challenges that surround them. This discussion was attended by 60+ mothers who themselves have been strong and powerful voices supporting the cause of breastfeeding in their respective communities. Read on...

 

In continuation to the World Breastfeeding Week 2023 celebrations, where Philips Avent partnered with Freedom to Feed and Neha Dhupia to conduct LIVE interactive sessions with celebrity mothers like Bipasha Basu, Masoon Minawala, Dia Mirza, and Gauahar Khan, where these mothers shared their heartfelt breastfeeding journey to enable and empower mothers across to #ShareTheCare- Philips Avent culminated these celebrations with a gala event at JW Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai.

 

The discussion was an invigorating experience sharing for both the panelists as well as the moms in attendance as everyone towards the end of the discussion pledged to support the cause of breastfeeding and supporting new mothers as one collective voice.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Neha Dhupia said, “What I started as a small community with Freedom to Feed has today turned into a movement normalizing conversations around breastfeeding and parenting. What made this edition of the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations 2023 such a milestone is our partnership with Philips Avent who themselves have been on a mission to support new mothers in their parenting journeys. However, this is just the beginning of this association, and we will continue to inspire, acknowledge, and motivate mothers around us to #ShareTheCare.”

 

Speaking on the celebrations around World Breastfeeding Week, Deepali Agarwal, Head, Personal Health, Philips Indian Subcontinent said, “For Philips Avent, the partnership with Freedom to Feed and Neha Dhupia on the occasion of World Breast Feeding Week 2023, has been another step towards celebrating and supporting every mother’s beautiful journey of breastfeeding. The inspiring conversations featured during the week and the resounding support we have received from mothers across have been extremely encouraging and overwhelming. Philips Avent is dedicated to placing mothers, babies, and their well-being at the forefront of all our endeavors, and with more such initiatives going forward, we will continue to inspire and empower new mothers to #ShareTheCare.”

 

The collaboration between Philips Avent and Neha Dhupia's parenting community Freedom to Feed has been receiving overwhelming love and support for making a profound impact during World Breastfeeding Week 2023. By bringing together influential voices and inspiring mothers, the campaign #ShareTheCare has broken the stigma around breastfeeding and has been a landmark initiative aimed at creating a nurturing environment for new mothers.

Students, Artisans spin a Vibrant Tale of India’s Weaves, aiming to take Indian handloom to Wider markets

NIFT students pan-India work with Indian artisans across 75 handloom clusters as part of the Cluster initiative and collaborate with Odisha Ikat artisans and weavers to take handloom to more audiences

In a celebration that intertwines art, culture, and history, the Ministry of Textiles is honouring traditional handloom artisans as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav — a celebration of India’s 75 years of Independence. The occasion serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to safeguarding and strengthening the rich tradition of handloom workmanship in the country. As part of the effort, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) students are working with artisans and weavers in 75 clusters across India to exchange knowledge and ideas to take Indian handloom to a wider audience...

India’s handlooms in recent years have taken the global stage. We’ve seen global dignitaries adorning our traditional looms during the recently organised G20 Summit. It is the art that we must cherish, preserve and promote as much as possible. As proud Indians it is our responsibility to bring our artisans on a global platform, where in they can share their love and passion for the artform with millions of other people globally. NIFT’s cluster initiative allows master craftsmen and weavers to pass on their art to future designers and handloom enthusiasts, while allowing them to imbibe newer ideas and modern ways from the students.

“India’s handlooms have gracefully taken centre stage on the global platform, a testament to their timeless artistry and cultural significance. As proud Indians, we embrace the responsibility to elevate our artisans to a worldwide audience, allowing them to share their profound love and passion for this art form with millions across the globe. With steadfast government support, we strive to empower these skilled craftsmen, securing their livelihoods and weaving a vibrant tapestry of cultural pride that resonates far beyond our borders. The government’s robust initiatives provide financial assistance, skill development, and enhanced market access, bolstering the growth of this treasured industry. Together, we weave a brighter future, preserving our rich cultural legacy for generations to come,” stated Smt. Darshana V. Jardosh, Honourable Minister of State, Textiles, Government of India.

Maniabandha, a picturesque village in Baramba tehsil of Cuttack district, Odisha, serves as the enchanting backdrop for the vibrant Ikat Cluster. The community, which has a population of 4,264 people and is surrounded by mountains and green fields, employs 1,000 to 2,000 craftspeople of any gender or age. Festivals like Dussehra, Lakshmi Puja, Savitri Puja, and New Year (on Hanuman Jayanti) hold special significance for the village, as the residents come together adorned in new and traditional clothes, often purchasing at least one piece of the exquisite Ikat craft. 

“Being a part of the Ikat Cluster has been transformative,” shared Garima Vij, 3 rd Year, NIFT New Delhi student. & “Collaborating with skilled artisans, we have witnessed the enchanting process of setting weft yarns, tying intricate designs, and experiencing the artistry of dyeing.

It is a mesmerising journey, and I am inspired to preserve India’s rich handloom legacy. The Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with NIFT, recognised the immense talent and potential of the NIFT students in contributing to further strengthening India’s handloom legacy. As a part of their cluster initiative programme, NIFT students engaged with the local artisans in the Single Ikat Cluster. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, they witnessed the meticulous craftsmanship, experiencing the essence of this timeless art form first-hand.

“Their fresh perspectives and innovative design ideas have breathed new life into our craft. These students fearlessly try out new patterns and colours, inspiring us to venture into uncharted territories. We truly appreciate the collaboration with such young and bright minds. Witnessing their enthusiasm fills us with confidence and pride, knowing that with these students as our representatives, the art form will continue to thrive in the future,” expressed Bikash Mohapatra, Master Weaver from the Ikat Cluster.

As we approach National Handloom Day, the Ministry of Textiles celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of NIFT students, who have become torchbearers in illuminating India’s handloom legacy at the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’s Ikat Cluster. Their dedication and passion for preserving traditional crafts complement the government’s vision of fostering self-reliance and empowering local artisans. 

The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav pays a fitting tribute to the skilled artisans and NIFT students, reinforcing India’s commitment to nurturing its invaluable handloom legacy and weaving a resplendent tapestry of tradition and modernity. 

Aiming to create job opportunities for women, to constitute 30% of nation's workforce - PRADAN

India’s one of the leading not-for-profit organization, Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN), announced its initiative of enhancing female gender ratio in the organization, by increasing its female workforce.  The company announced increase of female workforce by 30% in Q2 of the financial year 2023- 2024. PRADAN aims to recruit only women executives the next quarter, to drive positive change and spread the message of gender equality across the country...

The Delhi headquartered organization has more than 60 offices across the country and the talent acquisition is planned across all its regions and offices. There is special focus towards Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. In the last forty years of its establishment, PRADAN has worked towards enhancing the quality of life of marginalized communities. It has worked with around 2.64 million women across the seven states. With a dedicated team of nearly 700 people, operating in 60 field teams, PRADAN aspires to bring in young and dynamic women, who can help take the organization to the next level of growth. 

Speaking on the announcement, Arnab Chakraborty, Integrator, HRD from PRADAN said, “The next few years are focused on PRADAN’s exponential growth; in terms of increasing its community outreach, introducing more projects and campaigns, upgrade rural agriculture and there is a special focus in Central Indian Tribal Region. While we have reached out to more than 10 million individuals in the last financial year, we want to increase the outreach to 50 million individuals in the next seven years, and women work force will form an integral part of PRADAN’s project expansion plans.”

Female employees joining the organization would be trained to provide a sound understanding on the work model of PRADAN. From class-room training, field visits, on-ground training to living amidst the marginal section, PRADAN provides end-to-end training to prepare employees physically, mentally and emotionally to make them sector ready. The eligibility criteria for the positions at PRADAN, include a minimum of 24 months' work experience (across any sector).

PRADAN is the National Support 41 year old Organisation to NRLM, the flagship rural development programme which has been working extensively towards reaching out to the poorest communities, building human capabilities and building women’s self-reliant collectives as change agents. It has been working extensively for the rural populace in the seven states of Central and Eastern India. PRADAN recruits and trains young professionals from across the country to engage with socio-economically marginalized communities at the grassroot level.

Over the years, PRADAN has partnered with many State Governments and Ministries of central  to design and implement initiatives that impact and transform lives of the rural poor. PRADAN is also the National Support Organisation for the Ministry of Rural Development and Agriculture, which provides a knowledge and capacity building role in these key ministries.

Smart Video Surveillance HDDs imperative for CCTV 's Crystal Clear Videos, Consolidated footage

Industry sources estimate that the video surveillance market is projected to grow from USD 48.7 billion in 2022 to USD 76.4 billion by 2027. Not a dream but quite achievable as the new cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions continue to drive the growth of the smart video CCTV industry. Read on...

The market demand clearly shows a surge in the deployment of CCTVs across verticals and industries to improve the way we live and work. Today, best practices and guidelines are available to help industries like retail, manufacturing, smart cities, and more implement CCTV to effectively manage and control their operations. CCTV systems capture and record video footage continuously, which can quickly lead to large amounts of data being generated.

As a result, it is important to use a CCTV or smart video-grade storage solution instead of standard hard disk drives (HDDs) for 24/7 monitoring. A smart video surveillance HDD, specifically designed to handle multiple streams and the demand of continuous recording provides reliable and consistent performance for the demands of a CCTV system.

Here's why smart video surveillance HDDs are needed for CCTV usage, discusses Jaganathan Chelliah, Senior Director - Marketing, India & Middle East and Africa, Western Digital: 

⦁ 24x7 monitoring: Surveillance HDDs are designed to run continuously, helping ensure that the videos are consistently recorded 24/7. This can help improve operational efficiency by capturing video footage round the clock, as these HDDs allow for real-time issue detection. Any anomalies, malfunctions, or deviations from standard operating procedures can be immediately identified, triggering alerts or notifications. Surveillance HDDs such as WD PurpleTM Pro feature a workload rating of up to 180TB/year – up to three times that of desktop drives, specifically designed to operate in surveillance systems, where the need is to continuously record and store large amounts of video data. 

⦁ Crystal clear video: Due to their fast-writing speeds, smart video surveillance HDDs allow for quick capture of multiple streams and high-capacity storage of very high-quality video. The WD Purple HDDs also feature AllFrameTM technology so CCTV cameras can record videos with less frame loss and produce high-quality, sharp-edged 4K videos, compared to videos stored on PC drives. 

⦁ Ability to process heavy workloads: Smart video surveillance HDDs are intended for 24x7 storage workloads, as they function on a 90-10 ratio– 90% storage and 10% of review and replay data. Smart video surveillance HDDs are optimized for scalability, enabling the addition of more cameras to the system. For instance, some surveillance HDDs like WD Purple drives can support up to 64 single-stream HD cameras (6TB and beyond), as well as many of the most recent cameras that send multiple streams to provide basic AI capability. 

Additionally, certain Western Digital drives like WD Purple Surveillance HDD (up to 10TB) are engineered for mainstream surveillance DVRs and NVRs that operate 24/7 and are able to process heavy workloads as they have a mean time between failures (MTBF) of up to 1 million hours. 

⦁ Sustainable solution: Smart video surveillance HDDs consume less power than traditional HDDs or general-purpose computer drives because of their low-power profiles. This helps in producing less heat, which results in cooler overall operating temperatures. Even while working 24x7x365, these HDDs can function smoothly without breaking down.

⦁ Consolidated footage: Smart video surveillance HDDs offer a decent amount of storage – up to 22TB4. The 22TB4 WD Purple Pro HDDs can be used to consolidate footage from multiple cameras into a central video server or storage system, which makes it easier to manage and analyze the data. For instance, surveillance HDDs such as the WD Purple Pro comes equipped with field-proven OptiNANDTM technology that delivers trusted high-capacity performance and offers storage of up to 22TB1 for the massive storage needs of AI-driven smart video and deep learning analytics.

Overall, smart video surveillance HDDs are important for CCTV systems that record continuously and require better reliability, durability, and storage capacity for 24/7 streaming. Specialised storage solutions can help handle high workloads, retain data for long periods, and consume less power, making the most out of a CCTV system.

Western Digital, the Western Digital design, Western Digital logo, AllFrame, OptinNAND and WD Purple are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

(Promotional Feature)

FICCI to host PubliCon 2023 on 8 August in New Delhi

FICCI celebrates publishers' contributions to learning, research, and innovation, recognizing excellence. Publishers play an integral role in shaping our intellectual landscape and to recognize Excellence, FICCI's PubliCon 2023 publishing awards will honor top publishers in diverse genres, empowering Knowledge Ecosystem and highlight publishers' key role in learning and research. Read on...

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will be organizing PubliCon 2023, a prestigious event dedicated to exploring the crucial role of publishers in the domains of Learning, Research, and Innovation. The event will be held on August 8th, 2023, at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi.

PubliCon 2023 will feature the highly anticipated 'FICCI Publishing Awards,' which will recognize and honor the exceptional contributions of publishers across various categories, including Business, Translation, Designing, Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children's Literature, among others. The program will focus on discussions around Leisure Reading for Learning, Role of Scholarly and Scientific Publishing in India's Global Research Output,  Challenges in Research Funding - The effect on Research Output and its Publication, etc.

The event will be graced by distinguished personalities from the literary and academic spheres. Among the esteemed speakers are  Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, DST, GoI, Dr. Debapriya Dutta, Scientist ' G ' & Head  SEED, GoI and

Smt. Neera Jain, Chief Editor & Joint Director, National Book Trust (NBT) India, Ministry of Education, GoI.

"We believe that publishers play an integral role in shaping our intellectual landscape. PubliCon 2023 is a unique opportunity to celebrate their invaluable contributions and foster an environment of collaboration and growth within the publishing industry," said Mr. Neeraj Jain, Chairman of the FICCI Publishing Committee.

 

Aspiration and ability are the two critical factors in any planning process, says K V Kamath of NaBFID

Maharashtra paves the path to a $1 Trillion Economy with Sustainable Growth at the MGIS 

 

Themed "Maharashtra's Green Yatra to Become $1 Trillion SGDP," the landmark event Maharashtra Green Infrastructure Conclave 2023 hosted on 4th August by PHDCCI placed a spotlight on Green Initiatives in Industry & Infrastructure, paving the way for impactful discussions on sustainable development and growth opportunities taking Maharashtra state into the centre stage. Read on...

The conclave boasted an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and panelists from diverse sectors, including K. V. Kamath, Chairman of National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), Sudhir Hoshing, Chair, PHDCCI Infrastructure Development Ports, Shipping, Roads and Waterways Committee, as well as Himanshu Agarwal, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Infrastructure Development, Ports, Shipping, Roads and Waterways Committee. 

“In any planning process, two critical factors come into play: aspiration and ability. It is essential to assess Maharashtra's ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy by examining the recent developments in India's economic landscape and the momentum gained. We must question whether the target of one trillion is the right goal and how long it will take to achieve it. While aiming high is commendable, we should also consider reaching for higher milestones. However, we must be realistic and assess whether we have the capability to meet such aspirations. Some years ago, reaching half a trillion seemed unattainable, but now, given our current trajectory, reaching five trillion in a specific timeframe becomes a possibility,” said K. V. Kamath, Chairman of National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID). 

He added: “The cleanup of balance sheets for both banks and corporate India in the last 2-3 years has been unprecedented, something I have not seen in the past 50 years of my career. Corporate India is willing to borrow, and banks are willing to lend. Given the optimism arising from clean balance sheets, the next consideration is setting growth targets. Maharashtra's growth rate of 9 percent indicates a doubling in about eight years, which suggests reaching a trillion within 7-8 years. This growth trajectory aligns with the focus on rail connectivity, green power, and urban rejuvenation, which presents a significant opportunity for transformation. The rejuvenation of our cities, including redevelopment, improved infrastructure, roads, housing colonies, and beautification, are crucial building blocks in driving the growth momentum. These endeavours contribute to GDP acceleration and create ample investment opportunities. Maharashtra has the ability, capability, and opportunity to pave the way for a promising future.”

“As we gather here today, we are witnessing unprecedented changes in the world. The need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent, and green infrastructure emerges as a beacon of hope. It envisions cities as vibrant ecosystems with clean air, water, and the well-being of our communities at the core. The choices we make now in terms of infrastructure will echo for generations to come, so this conference serves as a platform for action, not just knowledge dissemination,” said Sudhir Hoshing, Chair, PHDCCI Infrastructure Development Ports, Shipping, Roads and Waterways Committee.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the PHDCCI – Cushman & Wakefield Knowledge Report, offering valuable insights into Maharashtra's green initiatives. As Maharashtra charts its path towards a remarkable $1 trillion SGDP, this conclave serves as an essential platform to drive the state's ambitious vision through sustainable and eco-conscious practices.

The report extensively examines Maharashtra's green initiatives and highlights the state's proactive efforts to promote clean energy, ensuring affordability, reliability, sustainability, and modernisation. According to the Economic Survey of Maharashtra, the installed capacity of renewable energy in the state saw a significant 9 percent increase in 2022-23 compared to the previous financial year. As a result, Maharashtra now ranks fifth in the country with a total capacity of 11,400 MW, which includes an impressive 3,352 MW of solar energy. Notably, during the World Economic Forum's 53rd annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Maharashtra signed 19 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse sectors such as hi-tech and infrastructure, energy, IT/fintech/data centers, steel manufacturing, agro, and food processing. These MoUs have the potential to attract investments worth INR 1.37 trillion and create over one lakh employment opportunities. Notably, a significant portion of these investments, amounting to INR 460 billion, were allocated to the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors, further reinforcing Maharashtra's commitment to a sustainable and green future.

Mr. Manick Wadhwa, Director, SKI Capital Services and Founder Chairman, ABANS group were the other speakers at this conclave that featured three engaging panel discussions covering topics such as Sustainable Construction, Green Infrastructure Financing, and Harnessing Growth through SEZs.