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New Delhi, 14 December: Pahle India Foundation (PIF) appeals to the ‘GOM on Online Gaming’ ahead of its 1st meeting, to review existing Lottery Regulations as well. Pahle India Foundation (PIF) welcomes the Government of India’s decision to constitute a Group of Ministers (GOM) to review the regulatory framework for the Online Gaming Industry.

As the GoM meets for its first meeting on the 15th Dec under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, PIF would like to appeal to the members of the GoM to also review the existing regulations on ‘Lottery’ and bring necessary reforms.

PIF has recently concluded a study titled ‘Lottery in India – A Study on Regulatory Framework and Potential for Social Funding’ where it has reviewed the existing regulations on Lottery in the country and has identified major gaps. PIF recommends an urgent review of the 25-year-old regulation in light of the increased internet penetration in India in the last few decades, and the absence of player protection and minimum age criterion in the existing rules. The offshore online lotteries operating outside the jurisdiction of the Indian regulatory apparatus pose significant challenges and demand urgent attention.

PIF has also done a comprehensive review of the operational processes and the financial models followed by the Indian States where a lottery is currently allowed and operational. In such states also, there is an urgent need for reforms to bring transparency using technology, and adopt best practices to ensure child safety and player protection.

PIF has also reviewed lottery ecosystems in countries like the UK and explored the sector’s potential for social funding in India. Pahle India Foundation is a New Delhi-based economic think tank founded by Dr Rajiv Kumar in 2013. Its motto is ‘Putting India First to Make India First’. PIF has done in-depth research on ‘Online Gaming’ as well as ‘Lottery’. Its reports ‘A Regulatory Framework for the Online Gaming Sector’ and ‘Lottery in India.

Hyderabad, December 14, 2023….We live in a country where touching the earth is considered a good omen. Be it a sport like Kabaddi, an artist performing on a stage, a farmer who cultivates the land, touching the earth is practiced from ages. It is an age-old practice in our country. But, we don’t pay much attention to soil health. Instead, a lot of attention is given to producers and production said Dr Sagar Hanuman Singh, DG, NIPHM (National Institute of Plant Health Management, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India while addressing a gathering at the opening of Bio-Agri conference at HICC, Madhapur on Wednesday.

He was the Chief Guest at the Bio-Agri 2023, a two-day conference on Bio-Agri Industry. 300 delegates from across India and the world are participating in the conference.

The theme for Bio Agri 2023 is “BioAg by 2030 – Miles To Go– Billions to Reach”. BIPA International Journal of Biological Agriculture was launched during the conference. An exhibition was also inaugurated along with the conference and several companies exhibited their products.

Soil gives us so much. In the food pyramid, we must start with soil. We have been abusing soil for the past 70 years with chemical fertilizers due to pressure to feed the rising population. As a result, the soil is now contaminated. It has lost its vigor, vitality, and fertility. This is where soil regeneration has arisen. So keep an eye on deteriorating soil health. Government of India schemes emphasize on soil health, in turn, plant health and human health, he added. Help soil regain its original blissful state, emphasised, Dr Sagar Hanuman Singh, DG, NIPHM

We at NIPHM train farmers how to produce Bio-fertilisers using local resources without using chemicals and technology. Associations like BIPA must discourage fly-by-night operators. More emphasis must be on quality rather than on cheap cost which these fly-by-night operators offer.

In our testing, we found that quite a significant number of Biological products and bio-pesticides do not meet standards. Quite a lot of products contain chemical pesticides, said Dr Hanuman Singh.

Dr. SK Malhotra, Project Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (DKMA-ICAR) delivered the Bio Agri Conference address. He said the Observers Research Foundation put India in first place compared to G-20 countries in climate-smart agriculture.

He maintained that our production levels rose despite hiccups due to climate change-related problems. The country has adopted climate-resilient agriculture. India now needs to bring back nature-positive agriculture. The Pandemic taught us many lessons. We should now scale up natural-positive food systems that would simultaneously promote crop, soil, and human health, he said.

The good news is that Microbial Bio Stimulants can be registered now. Biostimulant products which are now being regulated under new Gazette Notification guidelines in India he announced

Further, he said by 2047, when India becomes 100 years of being Independent, the government of India will set an agenda to become a global powerhouse for the Food System.

Dr Praveen Rao, Former Vice Chancellor of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) spoke about soil health and its importance. We have forgotten 5 Cs. One C is Capability. Without knowing what the soil is capable of producing we are cultivating he said. The second C is the condition of Soil, we should know what best management practices to be adopted. Third C is Capital, the natural capital of soil.

The fourth C is Connectivity and the fifth C is Codification, which talks about the favourable policies, education, governance, etc. Soil health will decide plant health which in turn decides animal health, which subsequently decides ecology health that will have an impact on planet health. In the 1960s fertilizers and water were key areas and now it is soil health he was served.

Dr. KRK Reddy, President of Bio Agri Input Producers Association (BIPA), a 20 years old, non profit body said 90 companies are supporting BIPA

Dr D. R. Venkatesh, Secretary of BIPA gave a report of activities undertaken during the last year. He mentioned that BIPA is the oldest Bio-Agri industry body in the world. He shared that BIPA would be moving into their own office premises next year which was acquired at an investment of Rs 40 lakhs. Govt of Telangana has allocated space on 35 years lease it was informed.

Some of the topics to be addressed during the two-day conference include Bio-abling the future –India opportunity; Global business opportunities in Biologicals, bio-nutrition; Ag-biologicals: opportunities beyond agriculture, emerging technologies and business opportunities, investment opportunities in India, and many others.

Dancer-Choreographer Geeta Chandran presented ‘SAMAGATI’, a power-packed performance of cherished choreographies by the NATYA VRIKSHA DANCE COLLECTIVE, on Monday, December 11th, 2023 at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, in New Delhi.

‘SAMAGATI’ is a Sanskrit word that means “coming together,” “union,” and “progressing together.” In her choreographies for SAMAGATI, Geeta Chandran explored these themes, as well as the four Purusharth of the Sanatana: Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha.

The performance opened with a Nritya Stuti, a tribute to Shiva. In the lyrics, Shiva was seen as the culmination of the five elements of creation. The modern Dharma according to Geeta is to pay attention to the environment and prevent catastrophic climatic changes from destroying life as we know it.

Embellishing the show were stupendous performances delivered by Radhika Kathal, Madhura Bhrushundi, Shruta Gopalan, Sowmya Laxmi Narayanan, Anandita Narayanan and Yadavi Shakdher-Menon alongside Geeta.

Artha, or Hard Work and its Fruits, was essayed through the abstract dance of a Jatiswaram, where the choreography portrayed diligence, labor and creativity. The resonating image of infinity that the choreography embraced, made a lasting impact on all viewers.

The value of Kaama was interpreted by Geeta Chandran through a composition of Muthuswami Dikshithar that praises Maaye, who removes the curtain of ignorance from our eyes. Adding her choreographic element, Geeta interprets it as a plea to free ourselves of the tentacles of illusion. To emphasize on this philosophy she remarks, “SAMAGATI is an invitation to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. It is a dance of unity, a symphony of souls, and a celebration of the divine spark within each of us. I see SAMAGATI as a wake-up call, an urgent plea to heed the cries of our planet. It is a dance of harmony with nature, a reminder of our interconnectedness, and a call to action for a sustainable future.”

Moksha was interpreted as a celebration where God and humankind enter a cosmic dance to realize the ultimate truth and seek release from the bonds of Dharma, Artha and Kaama.

‘SAMAGATI’ left the audiences awestruck with mesmerizing performances and more so with the deeper meaning adhered to them.

Kolkata, 13th December, 2023:The Permanent Exhibition of ‘Rabindranath Tagore in Italy’ was inaugurated on 11th December 2023 at the Rabindra Bharati Museum in Jorasanko. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Consul General of Italy in KolkataGianlucaRubagotti and the Vice Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, Mr Subhro Kamal Mukherjee.

The permanent gallery at Rabindra Bharati Museum, Jorasanko, is designed as an experiential journey exploring Tagore’s time in Italy and the ongoing bond ever since between Italy and his legacy at RBU and VBU.

The primary objective of the gallery is to celebrate the connection between Tagore and Italy. The journey and events surrounding Tagore’s three visits to Italy are highlighted. A comprehensive glimpse into the places and the time through visuals and quotes traces the link between Italian scholars and artists with the Tagore Family/RBU/VishwaBharati University.

Ambassador of Italy H. E. Vincenzo De Luca stated: “Tagore is one of the most loved non-Italian poets in my Country. He started becoming famous when, after he was awarded the Nobel Prize, his works started being available on the shelves of bookstores throughout Italy …. Italian readers even today love his way of depicting nature and its relation with men, as well as the spirit of universalism transpiring through his poems. We thought it was important to create a space, inside his house-museum, which could help the viewers not only discover what the great poet did in Italy but also understand the links and interactions that were created between our two cultures.”

A team was organised to prepare the content and the display of the Gallery, in collaboration with Rabindra Bharati University, under the guidance of Dr Baisakhi Mitra. Prof. Mario Prayer from La Sapienza University of Rome was in charge of the scientific research and content curation.

The Consul General of Italy to Kolkata, GianlucaRubagotti, visited the museum in Shantiniketan, to collect pictures of the great poet during his stays in the different Italian cities; and Sonia Guha curated the exhibition design and planning, with an innovative way of displaying the various materials.

The four walls of the room have a dedicated narrative. Vistors would get to witness ‘Tagore Speaks’, – his quotes which allow one to see Italy through his eyes. To the right of it is ‘Italy Speaks’ which has selected publications showcasing the popularity of Tagore in Italy.His poem dedicated to Italy and Formichi’s translation of it is framed in dual motifs, a pattern from Shantiniketan leather craft and a Tulip relief border pattern from Italian architecture.

The final wall talks about the World of Creatives who inspired or drew inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore.

Keeping the Heritage status and age of the building in mind. Only minimal intervention with appropriate materials and methods of execution is used. The visual identity of the original heritage structure is as much as possible maintained keeping with Italy’s long-standing commitment to the Conservation of built and cultural heritage.

Mr Subhro Kamal Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor of RBU said, “It is an honour to have collaborated with the Italian Government on this project. We believe that this gallery will give a lot of insight to Tagore’s work during his visits to Italy.”

The inauguration was enhanced by the dance performance of Ileana Citaristi, the first dancer of foreign origin to be conferred the Padma Shri, and an Italian Odissi and Chhau dancer.

Mumbai, December 9, 2023 – Renowned RnB singer Thomson Andrews took center stage at the iconic Gateway of India monument, delivering a mesmerizing performance of the anthem “Perfectly Imperfect” for the celebration of World Digital Detox Day. World Digital Detox Day is an international awareness day established to promote digital balance and wellness. The annual event, held each December 10th, encourages individuals and communities to disconnect from technology and reconnect with friends and loved ones in person. World Digital Detox Day (WDDD 2023) is organized by the World Digital Detox Day Organization.

Dr. Vishal Madane, is the musically creative force of the soul-stirring song “Perfectly Imperfect” for WDDD 2023. The song is beautifully composed and musically produced by the talented Mr. Satish Chakravarthy, with lyrics penned by Dr. Vishal Madane and the rap lyrics performed by Carter. Thomson Andrews, known for his soulful voice and Bollywood playback singing, TV hosting, and TEDx talks, lent his vocals to the English version of the anthem, alongside rapper Carter. The artist is also the founder of ‘THROAN OF ART,’ a media entrepreneur who actively supports social causes such as women empowerment, elderly care, and humanitarian efforts, embodying a commitment to social sustainability.

Reflecting on his experience, Thomson Andrews expressed, “It’s an honor to perform for this wonderful initiative. The GATEWAY OF INDIA holds a special place in my heart, from childhood memories to now standing on its stage. The depth of the song’s emotions, combined with the thought-provoking lyrics, truly inspire people to take a break from the digital world for better mental health and balanced living.”

Thomson Andrews donned a custom-made traditional Indian Bandgala suit designed by the acclaimed Pankaj Kumar, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. The singer’s impactful presence at the Pre-Celebration event on December 5th marked a significant contribution to the success of World Digital Detox Day. The performance videos of all unique talent displays by several artists who performed are set to captivate audiences worldwide on December 10, 2023.

Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, the visionary founder of the World Digital Detox Day Organization and Global Wellness Ambassador of India, states, “Our lives have become slaves to the digital world, constantly browsing, binge-watching, and seeking validation on social media. This has led to a unique epidemic of digital addiction. World Digital Detox Day offers an opportunity for people around the world to strengthen their personal relationships by dedicating time to connect in person, free from the distractions of devices.

The Mumbai event, held at The Gateway of India, was attended by eminent political personalities and celebrities among which veteran Actor Anupam Kher was also present, setting the tone for the main event on December 10th, 2023.

Leading digital marketing agency, Social Beat, has secured the D2C digital mandate for Mankind Pharma, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies after a multi-agency pitch. The partnership with Social Beat will mark a significant step forward in Mankind Pharma’s digital marketing efforts to strengthen its online presence and engage with a wider audience.

Mankind Pharma, known for its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare solutions, has chosen Social Beat as its digital partner to drive sales through the brand’s own website and drive growth in the digital space. With a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical products, Mankind Pharma aims to connect with consumers across various demographics and geographies.

“We are delighted to be chosen as the digital marketing partner for Mankind Pharma,” said Suneil Chawla, Co-founder of Social Beat. “This collaboration presents a fantastic opportunity to leverage our expertise in digital marketing to help Mankind Pharma reach new heights in the online landscape. We look forward to crafting a highly impactful website and campaigns that resonate with Mankind Pharma’s objectives and growth.”

Social Beat, known for its data-driven approach and creative digital solutions, has a track record of delivering outstanding results for a wide range of clients across industries. The agency will be responsible for crafting and executing comprehensive digital marketing strategies for Mankind Pharma, encompassing various channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and more.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr Joy Chatterjee, AVP at Mankind Pharma, said, “In today’s digital age, it is imperative for us to have a strong online presence and engage effectively with our customers. Social Beat’s expertise in the digital marketing arena and their proven track record make them the ideal partner for our digital journey. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring and are confident that together, we will achieve great success.”

Social Beat’s experience in the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with its understanding of the Indian market, positions it well to assist Mankind Pharma in achieving its digital marketing objectives.

New Delhi: – Budget carrier SpiceJet’s Board will meet on Monday (December 11), to decide on the proposal to raise fresh capital in the Company through the issue of equity shares. Sources said the Company was looking for anywhere between $100-1200 million fresh equity infusion.

The airline’s stock jumped 20% on the Bombay Stock Exchange, hitting the upper circuit, on Thursday after the news broke.

Experts are extremely bullish on the stock, which is significantly undervalued.

“SpiceJet, with its market capitalization currently standing at around INR 4000 crore, appears to be significantly undervalued when compared to its peers in the Indian aviation industry. A substantial equity infusion into the airline can turn around the fortunes of the 18-year-old airline,” said an industry expert.

For reference, the market capitalization of IndiGo is INR 1.1 lakh crore. “This stark difference in market capitalization positions SpiceJet as an attractive investment opportunity, offering substantial growth potential and attractive returns for investors,” he said.

The airline has multiple strong points to its advantage. “SpiceJet holds coveted slots and routes at all important Indian and international airports like Dubai, Thailand, Oman, Colombo, Male etc., providing a competitive edge in the market and contributing to its potential for sustained growth. It also has a 200-plus plane order with Boeing for the its 737 Max aircraft.”

“A correction in SpiceJet’s stock prices is imminent and could result in sizeable returns for investors. We believe it stands out as the best bet among Indian aviation companies for growth and returns. SpiceJet’s current share prices present an advantageous entry point for investors looking to capitalize on potential upward movements,” a senior SpiceJet official said.

New Delhi, December 4, 2023: Political Metrics, a leading Political Strategy Consulting firm, showcased its exceptional forecasting accuracy with the Telangana Assembly Elections 2023 Exit Poll Analysis. The firm’s meticulous research and analytical prowess predicted the election outcomes with remarkable precision, aligning seamlessly with the official results disclosed on December 3rd.

The Exit Poll Analysis projected the Congress party as the front-runner, anticipating a seat range of 65-70 with a corresponding vote share of 43%. This forecast, according to Kalyan Chandra Ponugoti, founder of Political Metrics, was a result of strategic campaign management addressing anti-incumbency sentiments and effectively competing with the BJP.

In a statement, Director Mr. Kalyan Chandra Ponugoti highlighted key factors contributing to the Congress’s success, including anti-incumbency sentiment, positive reflections from INC’s Karnataka Elections success, targeted outreach programs, and the decline in BJP’s image post the removal of Bandi Sanjay as the state BJP head.

Mr. Kalyan Chandra Ponugoti, Director, Political Metrics, said, “Our success in predicting the Telangana Assembly Elections 2023 outcomes underscores the power of meticulous research, advanced analytics, and a deep understanding of the political landscape. At Political Metrics, we remain committed to providing accurate insights that empower informed decision-making in the realm of Indian politics.

The exit poll results accurately predicted the final seat distribution: 64 seats for INC, 39 for BRS, and 8 for BJP, among others. Ponugoti credited the firm’s success to a meticulous blend of advanced data analytics, robust survey methodologies, and a keen understanding of regional political dynamics. The survey not only gauged voter sentiment accurately but also spotlighted nuanced shifts and preferences influencing the electoral landscape.

Political Metrics, known for its specialized services ranging from Political Public Relations to Campaign War Room Management, reiterated its commitment to providing insightful analyses that empower political stakeholders. The Telangana Exit Poll Survey Report stands as a testament to the firm’s expertise and dedication to delivering precise reflections of electoral dynamics.

Hyderabad, India, 4th December 2023: Plastic accumulating in our oceans and beaches has become a global crisis. Recykal, an Indian Tech Leader for Sustainability and Circularity, believes that the problem and solution for ocean plastic lie on land. The ocean-bound plastic needs to be diverted from the oceans to recycling centres. Recykal also understand the value of plastic waste and consider it as a resource. Hence, Recykal has taken the initiative to beat the ocean-plastic pollution issue with its project ‘Samudramanthan’. This initiative is inspired by the Indian mythological tale of ‘Samudramanthan’ where the nectar came out from the ocean churning.

Under this initiative, Recykal has collected over 70 thousand metric tons of plastic from 207 districts from 19 states across India. Among these districts, 33 districts have coastal areas, and 173 districts are located on the banks of major rivers. A 10 km radius from the ocean and river coasts is covered in this activity. On the occasion of National Pollution Control Day, Recykal has revealed plans to scale up the ‘Samudramanthan’ project to cover all 66 coastal districts across India.

Here’s the detailed report of plastic collected through the pilot project:

(Coastal districts are written in bold and are also underlined)

Ocean-bound plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue with far-reaching consequences. When plastic waste enters the ocean, it takes hundreds of years to break down, posing a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human well-being. Plastic debris is a vector for harmful substances, absorbing and accumulating toxic chemicals from the surrounding seawater. This leads to bioaccumulation through the food chain and ultimately affects humans who consume seafood. Coastal communities, especially those reliant on tourism and fisheries, experience negative consequences as their beaches and marine habitats become littered with plastic debris.

Recykal’s Samudramanthan Initiative combines modern technology and sustainable practices to combat ocean plastic pollution. Through this initiative, Recykal is empowering local ragpickers by providing them with access to a comprehensive network of recyclers across India. This not only offers financial security to the ragpickers but also enables them to expand their income by adding additional categories of plastic waste to their portfolio through specialised training provided by Recykal. As a result, their income has significantly increased.

Recykal emphasizes prevention and reduction by advocating for reduced single-use plastics, improved waste management, recycling practices, and raising awareness. This initiative highlights corporate responsibility and collaboration to conserve marine biodiversity and benefit coastal communities.

Following the collection efforts, the plastic collected through the Samudramanthan Initiative undergoes recycling processes. Recykal ensures that the extracted plastic is properly managed and sent for recycling. Through recycling, plastic can be transformed into new products, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and promoting a circular economy.

Abhishek Deshpande, Co-founder and COO, Recykal said, “The broader objective of this initiative goes beyond simply removing plastic debris from the environment. It encompasses the goal of regenerating and sustaining the natural balance of marine ecosystems by preventing further damage caused by plastic pollution. By collecting ocean-bound plastic, Recykal aims to restore the integrity of marine environments, protect biodiversity, and safeguard the well-being of both marine life and humans which depend on healthy oceans. With this initiative, we are giving back to nature by reducing the negative impact of plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem for future generations. Collecting ocean-bound waste has also contributed to the socio-economic development, particularly in coastal communities. This initiative has generated employment opportunities in waste management, cleanup operations, recycling facilities, and related sectors contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the coastal regions.”

Bengaluru,2nd December 2023: : Tiger Woods teed off in his first semi-competitive round at the Pro-Am ahead of the 2023 Hero World Challenge at Albany in the Bahamas. The field of 20 elite stars includes World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who wants to end his run of two successive second places behind the Norwegian star, Viktor Hovland, who bids to become the first player to win the Hero World Challenge three times in a row.

Woods returns to action for the first time since he withdrew after the second round of the Masters in Augusta this April.

Playing without a limp, that has often been seen in Woods’ walk, the 15-time Major winning legend, played his Pro-Am round with Dr. Pawan Munjal, the Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp. It was clearly a moment to cherish as Woods plagued by injuries was teeing off at his own event for the first time since 2019. Woods is a five-time winner of the tournament.

Marking the tenth year of their association with the event, though the edition in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid, Hero MotoCorp have raised the prize pool to $ 4.5 million from the erstwhile $ 3.5. The winner picks a cool $ 1 million. The purse will swell to $ 5 million in 2024.

It is one of the most star-studded fields in a non-Majors in the entire year and it included a dozen Major champions, who among them have won 3 Majors, including 15 by Woods, who feels he still has some more Majors in him. He won his 14th Major in 2008 and the 15th in 2019 at the Masters. The same year he added a 82nd PGA Tour title at Zozo Championships in Japan.

The field includes the current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and five others who at some stage have held World No.1 ranking. The club includes Woods, who has been World No, 1 for a record 683 weeks and the others are Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Justin Rose and Jason Day.

Hovland is coming off a great year. When he won his second HWC title, he was 10th in the world, now he is No, 4. He had a great Ryder Cup with the winning Europe team and won three times at the Memorial, the BMW and the Tour Championships. He was also the FedEx Cup champion for 2023.

Scottie won the Phoenix Open and the PLAYERS and was in Top-10 no less than 17 times and made cut in each of his 23 starts. His amazing consistency has been his hallmark.

Jordan Spieth recalling his debut at the HWC in 2014 and how well he played that week for 26-under, admitted that it was the “best week of his career”.

He said, “That was fun. I was 21, so I don’t think flying across the world and playing a few days later was that big of a deal to be honest. But it was a cool two-week stretch of Australia and then at the Hero World Challenge at Isleworth,” he recalled.

“That Isleworth week I would put that up there as maybe the best golf I’ve played in my life. I don’t think I’ve ever played better for four days than I did there. I still think about how it felt swinging the club that week and how the ball was coming off and how easy the game was.”

Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, both two-time Major champions have fallen out of Top-10. Thomas is as low as 27th, but is hoping that this week’s HWC will show him a better direction for 2024.

There are three debutants, including two major winners. They are the 2023 US Open champion Wyndham Clark and The Open champion, Brian Harman.

Then there is Will Zalatoris, who will also be making his first competitive start, since being forced to pull out 30 minutes before teeing off at Augusta this year.

The 2017 winner Rickie Fowler is another one looking to get set for 2024 after this week, as he resumes his walk to Top-10 in the world.

The HWC 2023 field (alphabetically)