All posts by Rabindra

Bengaluru, India – September 24, 2024: As World Tourism Day approaches, Airbnb reveals trending travel destinations among Indian travelers for the upcoming festive and autumn season (September-November), showcasing a blend of trending domestic and international destinations captivating Indian travelers. This year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Peace,” emphasizes the vital role travel plays in fostering peace and understanding between cultures and nations, particularly relevant as Indians explore diverse landscapes and experiences.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trends, “The festive and autumn season presents a unique opportunity for Indian travelers to explore both domestic and international destinations. We’re seeing an exciting trend in travel patterns, with more Indians seeking unique travel experiences in culturally rich cities or enjoying the serene beauty of international landscapes especially during the autumn season. This trend not only boosts tourism but also promotes cultural exchange, aligning perfectly with this year’s World Tourism Day theme.”

Leading the list of trending domestic destinations is Kanpur, celebrated for its grand Dussehra festivities, and Lakshadweep, known for its tropical allure, also ranks high among traveler searches. Other standout domestic picks include Ujjain’s spiritual aura during the festive season, and Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, offering breathtaking Himalayan views set against vibrant autumn foliage.^[1] This highlights a growing interest in destinations that combine cultural significance with natural beauty, providing memorable escapes within India.

Indian travelers are increasingly exploring international locales known for stunning views and unique seasonal activities. Tokyo leads the pack, captivating visitors with momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) across its parks. The picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its Mediterranean charm, offers Indian tourists a quieter, off-season retreat. Meanwhile, Baku is emerging as a favorite, where the blend of modern architecture and rich history comes alive against the backdrop of colorful autumn landscapes. Other top trending international destinations include Kyoto’s historic temples amidst fiery fall hues, and Spain’s Nord de Palma District, known for its sun-drenched autumn days.

In terms of countries, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Montenegro are emerging as top trending destinations for Indian travelers during this period. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan captivate with their rich history and scenic autumn landscapes, while Montenegro enchants with its stunning coastlines and mountainous terrain. Additionally, countries like Japan, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia are popular for their favorable weather, picturesque autumn scenery, and rich cultural offerings^[3]. These countries appeal to Indian travelers seeking diverse and immersive autumn experiences, enhanced by good connectivity and appealing seasonal conditions.

As Indian travelers embrace the festive and autumn season, these destinations—both familiar and newly discovered—offer the perfect combination of natural splendour, cultural depth, and seasonal charm, creating unforgettable getaways.

Kozhikode, 25^th September 2024: Instilling positive awareness on road safety and safe driving habits in the city, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) celebrated 5^th anniversary of the Safety Education Training Centre (SDEC) at Kozhikode, Kerala. A cake cutting ceremony was organised to commemorate the occasion in the august presence of Santhosh Kumar CS – Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement), Kozhikode, along with HMSI dignitaries and the company’s dealer partners.

 In September 2019, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) in association with Kerala Motor Vehicle Department inaugurated the Safety Education Training Centre in Kozhikode. Situated in the heart of the city, the SDEC has served as a beacon of education and practical training for participants. Its state-of-the-art facilities and interactive programs have empowered countless individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible and safe road behaviour.

Since its inception, nearly 61,500 people across all age groups have been trained at the Safety Education Driving Centre, enhancing road safety awareness in the city.

The 5^th Anniversary Celebration is a testament to the SDEC’s enduring impact on the community. This event featured engaging activities such as Learner License Registration Training, Corporate Activities and Road Safety Training that included Riding Trainer Session, Safety Gear Awareness and Safety Riding Theory Sessions aimed at reinforcing the importance of road safety.

As HMSI looks ahead to the future, it remains dedicated to further expanding the reach and impact of its Safety Education Training Centre in Kozhikode and beyond. Through continuous collaboration with stakeholders and the community, the company aims to cultivate a culture of responsible road behaviour and ensure safer roads for generations to come.

Actors often put in a lot of effort to look perfect for their roles, including wearing heavy jewelry and sitting for long hours to get their makeup and outfits just right. Sara Khan, who plays the pivotal role of Goddess Kritikayein in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, recently revealed how much time she spends transforming into her character.

Sara shared, “As I play Goddess Kritikayein in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, the costumes and jewelry are both heavy and beautiful. It only takes me about 10 to 15 minutes to get ready because I do my makeup in the car. This makes things easier since, on set, I just have to put on the costume and jewelry. I don’t have the patience to spend hours getting ready, and I don’t know how others do it, but I can’t sit in front of a mirror for that long.”

When asked how she manages wearing the heavy jewelry and costume for long hours during shoots, Sara added, “This kind of heavy jewelry often leaves marks on my body and causes rashes. Sometimes, the weight can be difficult to manage. However, I’m used to wearing such heavy pieces, so it’s not much of a task for me. Kudos to the production and Sun Neo teams—they really work hard to make it as comfortable as possible for me.”

Sara Khan plays Goddess Kritikayein, portraying six different avatars in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. Airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM from Monday to Saturday, the show is a heartfelt family drama. It follows Vaishnavi (played by Brinda Dahal), an orphan who considers Chhathi Maiyya (portrayed by Devoleena Bhattacharjee) her mother. The cast, including Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, highlighting faith and devotion to Chhathi Maiyya, who guides and protects her worshippers.

Mumbai, 24 September 2024 – Primus Partners, India’s leading home-grown consultancy firm, has today unveiled an in-depth analysis of the India-UAE economic relationship, something that got strengthened with the recent visit of UAE President Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India. The analysis explores current trade patterns and future projections, indicating that bilateral trade between the two nations is on track to surpass the ambitious $100 billion target well before 2030. This impressive growth is underscored by a notable 12.7% year-on-year increase.

Key Insights:

• In 2022, the historic India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was enacted and came into force. Prime Minister Modi’s 7th visit to the UAE led to pivotal MoUs on trade, energy, infrastructure, culture & people-to-people initiatives
•  UAE remains India’s 3rd largest trading partner and 2nd largest export destination (FY 2022-23)
•  India solidifies its position as UAE’s 2nd largest trading partner (FY 2022-23)
•  Bilateral trade reached $85 billion in FY 2022-23, expected to cross the 2030 target of USD 100 Bn well before the expected timeline
• Both countries lead the path for key Collaborative Ventures Including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as well as the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition

Nilaya Varma, CEO & Co-founder of Primus Partners, emphasized, “India-UAE trade relations are entering a new era, driven by structural reforms like CEPA that have dismantled long-standing barriers. This shows how this trade growth is not only strengthening existing sectors like gems, jewellery, and IT but is also paving the way for emerging industries such as green energy and food security. The partnership is now more strategic and forward-looking, setting the stage for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths and create an integrated trade ecosystem that will be critical in navigating the shifting dynamics of global commerce.” “As these initiatives unfold, we expect to see transformative impacts across the region and beyond, reshaping global trade dynamics in the coming decades,” concluded Nilaya Varma.

Looking forward, Primus Partners’ analysis outlines a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the India-UAE economic relationship that includes:

• Implementation of a master dashboard to oversee critical infrastructure projects, particularly within the IMEEC framework
• Establishment of a bilateral e-commerce marketplace for goods and services under the CEPA framework, potentially leveraging India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) model
• Creation of an online digital repository highlighting investable projects in identified strategic sectors
• Development of an International Water Credit Exchange Market to address water security challenges
• Introduction of a unified tourism booking platform and special enclaves catering to luxury, religious, and business travel

Nader Haffar, Director of Primus Partners UAE, stated, “The India-UAE economic relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that is reshaping the future of regional and global trade. This highlights how both countries are not just increasing trade volumes but are aligning their strategic goals in key areas like digital innovation, energy sustainability, and infrastructure. This synergy between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies is creating new opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for long-term prosperity that could serve as a global model for emerging market partnerships. Managing these partnerships will create a stronger and more diverse bilateral relationship, one that is less dependent on traditional sectors and more oriented toward future development. “

The India-UAE trade relationship is experiencing robust growth across several key sectors, reflecting the strategic alignment of both economies. Technology and infrastructure development have become vital growth drivers, with both countries collaborating on projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). This initiative encompasses railway lines, sea routes, road networks, electricity grids, optical fiber cables, and hydrogen gas pipelines, promising to revolutionize regional connectivity and trade.

Gems and jewelry, traditionally a cornerstone of trade, have seen increased activity under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The metals, stones, gems, and jewelry sector is among India’s key exports to the UAE. Additionally, India’s agricultural exports to the UAE, including cereals, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and tea, contribute significantly to the trade basket, helping to address the UAE’s food security objectives.

While the growth trajectory is impressive, challenges like the need for water security in both nations remain critical. To address this, the analysis recommends establishing an International Water Credit Exchange Market, involving governments, the private sector, NGOs, and academia to promote sustainable water management practices globally.

The analysis further highlights the transformative potential of the IMEEC and the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition. These initiatives are expected to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, secure supply chains, and foster transformative integration across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The much-anticipated discussion  of “Zaira”, authored by Professor Vinita Dhondiyal Bhatnagar, took place at the iconic Oxford Bookstore, Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of her mentor, Professor Malashri Lal, and the distinguished bureaucrat and polymath, 

The novel’s title, “Zaira”, means “a shining flower,” and it tells the poignant story of a college girl grappling with the guilt of her idol’s untimely death. Themes of hope, resilience, and courage are woven into the narrative, offering readers a message of inspiration and strength.

Following the book launch, a lively and insightful discussion took place. Brigadier Sanjay Agarwal (Former Security Advisor, MHA) offered a nuanced literary critique, delving into the novel’s exploration of friendship, romance, ambition, and glamour. The vibrant city of Bhopal serves as the backdrop for much of the story, adding depth and texture to the narrative.

During the discussion, Vinita shared the inspiration behind the novel, reflecting on her writing journey, creative process, and future literary ambitions. The audience, a diverse mix from various walks of life, engaged actively in the conversation. Kaneez Zehra Razavi, who traveled from Bhopal for the event, emphasized the importance of the dialogues in advancing the plot. Ms. Kasturi Kanthan commented on the novel’s fast-paced storyline and sharp characterizations, while Pravin Dubey expressed hope for a Hindi translation of “Zaira” in the near future.

India, September 24, 2024  – Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the latest Frost & Sullivan Email Security Radar report. Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration is recognized for its powerful technology that integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with user-centric design to provide organizations with top-tier email protection.

Email security continues to be important for organizations of all sizes.  According to Check Point’s 2024 Security Report, email continues to be the leading gateway for initial infections, accounting for 88% of all malicious file distributions. With this startling statistic alongside the growth of AI-powered tools for generating tailored phishing emails, businesses need comprehensive strategies to safeguard their sensitive data and employees.

According to Frost & Sullivan, Check Point ThreatCloud AI’s 50 AI-based engines and impressive threat intelligence capabilities, sets it apart from its competitors. Sarah Pavlak, Industry Principal Cybersecurity at Frost & Sullivan commented, “In contrast to numerous competitors, Check Point has validated its AI prowess through impressive statistics that highlight its cutting-edge technology for enhancing email security, ensuring that customers receive the most advanced protection possible.” In addition to best-in-class AI-powered engines to detect email-borne threats, Harmony Email & Collaboration provides a complete set of features such as Unified Quarantine, DMARC Monitoring, Archiving capabilities, and Smart Banners, to ensure a comprehensive email security solution.

Frost & Sullivan also highlighted Check Point’s robust R&D and extensive threat research team, which offers customers cutting-edge insights that fuel ThreatCloud AI and product development. “In the past three years, Harmony Email & Collaboration’s customer base has expanded eightfold, demonstrating both the urgent need for advanced email security and the strength of our offering,” stated Gil Friedrich, VP of Email Security at Check Point Software. “We are committed to continuous innovation to serve our customers and are proud to receive yet another analyst award recognizing our efforts to deliver advanced email security solutions.”

Check Point Harmony Email Collaboration is part of the Check Point Infinity Platform, a comprehensive ecosystem that provides enterprise-grade security across the data center, network, cloud, branch office and remote users with unified management. In Miercom’s latest security benchmark, Check Point Infinity Platform achieved an outstanding 100% phishing prevention and 99.8% new malware block rate.

Mumbai, September 22, 2024: Amandeep Sidhu, who has been winning audience’s hearts as Baani in Sony SAB’s ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai,’ is currently shooting for the show in Chandigarh, alongside co-stars Aakash Ahuja and Sooraj Thapar, amongst others. Being away from their families, the cast is bonding over shared experiences on set, but for Amandeep, there’s one thing she misses most, her mother’s home-cooked meals as her mother is based in Delhi.

Reflecting on her childhood, Amandeep fondly recalls how she used to swap her mom’s homemade parathas for her friends’ sandwiches at school, not fully appreciating the comfort and love in her mom’s cooking. Now, working away from home, she craves those familiar flavors more than ever, cherishing the warmth and care behind every dish she once took for granted.

Amandeep Sidhu who portrays the lead character of Baani in Badall Pe Paon Hai said, “When I was in school in Delhi, my mother would pack homemade paranthas, roti-sabzi, and other dishes for my lunch. On the other hand, my friends would bring fancy food like sandwiches and Maggi. We often traded lunches—my friends loved my mom’s paranthas, while I preferred their fancy food. Back then, I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s cooking. But now, shooting in Chandigarh and being away from family, I find myself craving her food and no longer caring much for sandwiches or Maggi. I wish I had valued those moments in school. As you grow older and start working year-round, you realize how much those small moments really matter, especially when you no longer live with your parents.”

 Despite the homesickness, Amandeep finds solace in her work and the warm camaraderie with her fellow cast members. “We’ve become like a little family here on set,” she shares. “There’s something about being away from home that makes the bonds you form with your co-actors even stronger. We share our meals, stories, and laughs, and that has helped me feel at home in Chandigarh.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest and most challenging cancers, often called a “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms and aggressive nature. Unlike many other cancers that present early warning signs, pancreatic cancer remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection extremely difficult. As a result, it is often diagnosed late, leading to poor survival outcomes.

Late Detection
One of the most unique aspects of pancreatic cancer is the absence of early symptoms. The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen, making it difficult to detect tumours in their early stages. Symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain often only appear when the cancer has spread to other organs, usually by Stage IV. This contributes to the low 5-year survival rate, which globally is less than 10%.

Aggressive Progression
Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and tends to invade nearby organs like the liver, lungs, and peritoneum early in its development. It also tends to metastasize to distant organs, making it more difficult to treat and contributing to its aggressive nature.

Treatment Resistance
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is the most effective option, but only about 20% of patients are candidates for surgical resection due to the advanced stage at which the disease is typically diagnosed. Furthermore, the pancreas’ proximity to major blood vessels complicates surgical removal, limiting the options for curative treatment.

Links to Diabetes and Obesity
Interestingly, pancreatic cancer has a strong association with metabolic disorders like diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Many patients are diagnosed with diabetes shortly before the onset of pancreatic cancer, suggesting a potential causal relationship. Additionally, obesity and chronic pancreatitis are significant risk factors for developing this cancer.

A Growing Concern
Pancreatic cancer is a significant but under-recognized health issue in India. Though relatively rare compared to other cancers, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the rise in India, with lifestyle changes, increasing rates of diabetes, and obesity contributing to this upward trend.

The lack of awareness about the disease also plays a role in the delayed presentation, with many patients only seeking medical attention when the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

Early Detection and Future Directions
Currently, there are no routine screening tests for pancreatic cancer, which makes early detection nearly impossible. The key to improving outcomes lies in better diagnostic tools, increased awareness, and early intervention. Research is ongoing into improving imaging techniques and developing blood tests that can detect pancreatic cancer markers at an earlier stage.

Raising awareness about the symptoms, risk factors, and importance of early medical consultation is essential in improving survival rates. Regular health check-ups for those at high risk, such as individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer, long-standing diabetes, or chronic pancreatitis, could lead to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging forms of cancer. Its late detection, rapid progression, and resistance to treatment make it a formidable adversary. However, with continued advancements in research and a focus on early diagnosis, there is hope that outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients will improve in the years to come.

Veteran actress Neeta Mohindra, renowned for her exceptional acting skills, is captivating audiences with her portrayal of Kailasha Bua in &TV‘s social drama Bheema. With a rich background in theatre and television, her vast experience adds authenticity and depth to her character, making her performance a highlight of the show. In this candid chat, Mohindra discusses her role, preparation, and acting journey.

How did you land the role in Bheema?

Auditions are a constant part of an actor’s life. This particular opportunity came up quickly. The casting team reached out to me for an audition, and the next day, I was called in for a mock shoot. It went smoothly, and before I knew it, I was cast in the role.

How are you enjoying playing Kailasha Bua?

I am thoroughly enjoying the role of Kailasha Bua. It has been some time since I took on a negative role, as I’ve mostly played positive characters, particularly mothers. My previous roles became so iconic that people in Punjab started referring to me as Nirupa Roy! However, Kailasha Bua allows me to break that image. She is a powerful, authoritative figure in her community, whose word is law, and who faces off with Bheema and her family, presenting significant challenges. The character has many layers, and I am fully immersed in it.

What kind of preparations did you undertake for this role?

I connected with the role organically after reading the well-detailed script. The initial days were about settling into the character, but soon it became intuitive and relatable. Although the character is mainly negative, there are various nuances to explore, and my director has been key in capturing these subtleties.

Tell us about your bond with Tejaswini.

Tejaswini is a wonderful child. She’s sweet and dedicated. Our on-screen chemistry is quite different from reality. While I often create trouble for her on-screen and off-screen, we get along very well. The entire team, including Amit, Smita, and Tejaswini, is fantastic to work with.

What prompted your transition from theatre to screen acting?

I developed a passion for theatre early on, though I wasn’t sure if I would break into the industry. I pursued a solid academic background, earning a master’s and PhD in Fine Arts and becoming a college professor. Even while teaching, I continued acting and attended workshops in Germany and the USA. I am from Punjab and made my TV debut in 1984. Before that, I was deeply involved in theatre and transitioned from anchoring to performing in plays.

What can viewers expect from the show?

Bheema is an inspiring story of a young girl who dreams beyond her circumstances and strives for success despite numerous challenges. Her journey involves overcoming societal norms and obstacles to achieve her goals. I’m confident that viewers will find the show compelling and emotionally resonant, connecting deeply with the characters and their struggles.

Ahmedabad, 24 September 2024: The Adani Foundation organized the second edition of Sathwaro Melafrom 14-15 September 2024 at Belvedere Golf & Country Club in Adani Shantigram, Ahmedabad, showcasing India’s diverse arts and crafts. The event featured an inspiring array of handmade products made by self-help groups (SHGs) and artisans from across the country. With a focus on empowering artisans and preserving cultural heritage, the event bridges the gap between artisans and consumers. Through this platform, the Foundation aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.

From the upscale Chanderi and Patola saris, the intricate Soonf embroidery cloth pieces, Pattachitra and stone dust paintings,to affordable macrame handwoven bags and home décor items, the unique nail craft, brasswares, terracotta artworks, oxidized and bead jewellery, the exhibition received an overwhelming response from the visitors, who had so many traditional and contemporary crafts – each narrating a story of India’s cultural richness – to choose from and purchase.

The added attraction here were the stalls of some rare artworks on display – Sujani handwoven linen (an exclusive art form carried forward by one and only family in India over generations), Sadeli handicraft, and the traditional Rogan art of Gujarat (both often referred to as dying crafts).With over 140 artisans attached to the Sathwaro, the two-day exhibition saw a coming together of over 80 artists – a mix of both independent artisans and Self Help Groups from different corners of India.The two-day event did a valuable business of over Rs 30,00,000 and created awareness about arts (including some of dying art forms) among visitors, including Adani Group employees and their families. Over 80 artisans from 10 states put up 43 stalls at the Mela, which saw a footfall of over 3,000 people.

JasodabenKotwadiya, an artisan from the tribal Kotwadiya community in Umarpada who put up a stall of items made of straw, beamed with happiness when she said, “We did not know that our work is a form of art. The straw baskets and wall hangings that we earlier sold to middlemen in bulk for Rs 20 each fetched us a good price at the Mela. The Adani Foundation has helped women like us tremendously by bridging this gap between buyers and sellers. They guided us and gave us a platform where we can stand at exhibitions like these and sell our products to earn a decent living.”

Due to lack of finances and support, artisans often struggle to market their products, forcing them to sell these at much cheaper prices to middlemen. The Foundation reaches out to such artists in far-flung villages to help them find a suitable and sustainable model of livelihood. While honing the talents of artists is one goal, the Foundation has also been actively adopting villages, where the women are counseled on the importance of being financially independent, trained in different skill sets, and encouraged to be part of self-help groups.

Om Prakash Maharana, a Pattachitra artist from Jagannath Puri, Odisha, was a satisfied man after selling his product at a good price. “I sold one of my most expensive paintings worth Rs 60,000 here. It’s our first association with the Adani Foundation and we are so glad that they are reaching out to artists like us to help us reach our customers.”SurajOmre, a stone dust artist from Faridabad, shared, “I brought two big wall hangings for this exhibition along with other small frames. Imanaged to sell my biggest and exclusive wall hanging at Rs 55,000.”

“Sathwaro is one of the youngest initiatives of the Adani Foundation. We are extremely happy to have organized the second edition of Sathwaro Mela,which saw the participation of more than 80 artisans,” said Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson, Adani Foundation. “The objective behind this initiative is to promote, encourage, and revive the dying art and crafts of India. I am happy to see that our artisan community is becoming more creative and market oriented. They are proactively approaching us to promote their work. Every art has its own unique identity, and an artist goes through a lot of pain and thought process to keep it active and alive. Through Sathwaro, we are contributing to the revival of art and cultural heritage, both of which have a long history of hard work and sacrifices behind them.”

Project Sathwaro, an initiative by the Adani Foundation, is dedicated to preserving India’s rich heritage of arts and crafts while uplifting artisans in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for economic growth, livelihood, and cultural preservation.