INDIA IN VANCOUVER-WEEKLY
    NEWSLETTER
     Issue No-16- 21/07/2023
    Consulate Weekly Newsletter

PM Modi addressed the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers Meet in Indore, Madhya Pradesh via video message. PM Modi emphasized skilling the workforce with the use of advanced technologies and processes and said that skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling are the mantras for the future workforce. He gave examples of India’s ‘Skill India Mission’ making this a reality, and ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ which has trained more than 12.5 million of India’s youth so far.

                    CONSULATE NEWS

What is Namaste Canada?
 Namaste Canada is an initiative of the Consulate General of India, Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is a Mega Cultural Dance and Music event that brings together Indian Cultural Societies & Associations from across the Lower Mainland to celebrate India’s diverse music, dance, arts, and culture. Namaste Canada 2023 will feature over 40 Indian Cultural Music / Dance groups. From Maharashtra and Gujarat in the West to Assam and Bengal in the East, from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab in the North to Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the South - come take a tour of India and witness a one-of-its-kind multi-cultural dance show in the Lower Mainland!
Namaste Canada is a FREE EVENT for the public to celebrate India's rich diverse cultural heritage.

Consul General was invited by Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay for a round table with IIT Bombay Alumni in Vancouver. Discussions were focussed on strategic plan of the Institute to 2030; expanding cooperation with Canadian Universities in the field of technology, research, innovation.

Consul General  met with the International Relations team from Alberta led by Mr. John McDonald, Managing Director, Indo-Pacific regions, in Vancouver. They discussed current state of Indo-Alberta economic relations and ways to further enhance it.

Consul General attended the Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra organized by the Vancouver Odia Association and Vedic Hindu Cultural Society at Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey. More than 300 devotees attended the procession. The event showcased the cultural tradition of Odisha, art & craft, textile and food.An exhibition of Odia handicraft products was also organized. In his address Consul General spoke about the importance of Rath Yatra and congratulated the organizers and volunteers for organizing the festival for first time in Surrey, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

As part of  consulate आपकेद्वार initiative, Consulate General of India in Vancouver organized a two-day consular camp in Regina, on 15-16 July, 2023 in partnership with India Canada Association of Saskatchewan. More than 640 consular services were rendered to Indian citizens & Indo-Canadian diaspora living in Saskatchewan.

Consul General  was pleased to receive Swami Sadyojathah Ji from Art of Living at the Consulate and discussed activities of Art of Living Canada & possible areas of cooperation with the Consulate in promoting  Yoga ,Meditation  & Breathing Techniques, & practical wisdom for daily living.

       INCREDIBLE INDIA-LAKSHADWEEP

One of world’s most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-440Kms off the Kerala Coast. The islands offer a precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the Islands is its coral reef, making it a pristine leisure spot to come back to. 4200 sq. kms. of lagoon, rich in marine wealth, is spread over 36 islands in an area of 32 sq. kms. The underwater view at Lakshadweep is kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. No wonder, Lakshadweep is fast becoming India’s one of its kind Adventure sport – Nature Tourism location.

            
             KNOW YOUR MILLETS

FOXTAIL MILLET

Foxtail millet is one of the solid crop that can grow in poor, dry conditions and tolerate high temperatures. It is a fast growing plant, which means it requires less than 12 hours of daylight to grow. It is rich in carbohydrates which helps in balancing the blood sugar level in the body. Iron content is high in it. Foxtail millet may also improve overall immunity, malnutrition. It contains high amount of potassium for the proper functioning of the kidneys and brains and allows the brain and muscles to work smoothly.

                        NEWS FLASH

NEWS SEGMENT

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman  discusses trade negotiation progress with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland on Sunday discussed the progress being made on ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. The two ministers met on the sidelines of the 3rd Finance Ministers and central bank governors meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat."The two ministers also discussed the progress being made on the ongoing various trade-related negotiations between India and Canada," the Indian finance ministry tweeted.

UAE: Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in colours of Indian flag, welcomes PM Modi with dazzling light show

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai was illuminated with the colours of the Indian national flag ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). PM Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, today after concluding his two-day visit to France.

India, UAE sign pact to trade in local currencies amid PM Modi's visit

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Abu Dhabi, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday inked agreements to start trade settlement in their respective national currencies – Rupee and Dirham – as well as to link their fast payment  systems to make international financial interactions simpler.

 India-UAE to work closely to further global well-being

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after wrapping up his official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), shared a video showcasing the key moments of his trip to the Gulf nation. In the video, he emphasized that both India and the UAE will maintain a strong collaborative relationship to promote global welfare.

Proud to welcome India as our Guest of Honour at Bastille Day Parade: President Macron

Calling India a ‘giant’ in world history and a strategic partner, French president Emmanuel Macron welcomed the country as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the military parade on France National Day as the Guest of Honour

At Louvre banquet, PM Modi toasts India-France friendship, shared love for food

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted a banquet dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre Museum in Paris. . PM Modi, who arrived in France on Thursday for a two-day visit, raised a toast to the India-France relations at the banquet dinner. PM Modi highlighted the friendship and the similarities between India and France during the dinner. French-Indian fusion cuisine was served at dinner with wine and champagne. In view of PM Modi's dietary requirements, the food was fully vegetarian.

Is it India's 'moment'? Decoding PM Narendra Modi's mega visits to France, US

The India-US relationship is aeons ahead of the French one thanks to the diaspora, students, common language, trade and technology.... But we know the French have a special place in the Indian (strategic) heart. They didn't impose sanctions after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, have generally been easier partners and talk strategic autonomy to boot.

PM Modi's US Visit Extremely Successful, Ties with India Stronger Than Ever: White House

The White House on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States as “extremely successful and important," stating that America’s relationship with India is stronger than ever. “The visit last month was extremely successful and important. The relationship with India is stronger than ever and, as you know, we announced a range of key deliverables, some of them are being implemented,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a press conference.

US returns 105 antiquities to India days after PM Modi's visit

The United States on Monday repatriated 105 trafficked antiquities to India at the Indian Consulate in New York - just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘historic’ state visit. According to a government release, the artifacts represent a wide geographical spread in terms of their origin in India – with 47 from Eastern India, 27 from Southern India, 22 from Central India, six from Northern India, and three from Western India.

‘Grateful... this will make Indians happy’: Modi as US returns artefacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the decision of the United States to return 105 artefacts to India, following his official state visit to Washington DC last month.Modi tweeted: “This will make every Indian happy. Grateful to USA for this. These precious artefacts hold immense cultural and religious significance. Their homecoming is a testament to our commitment to preserving our heritage and rich history.”

Space start-ups over the moon with govt's FDI push, Isro's tech transfer

From the 1980s, Isro has transferred over 400 technologies to around 235 industries. At least 200 technologies were transferred in the past few years only, say sources.If successful, the Chandrayaan-3 mission may well boost the space start-up sector in India, which has seen the number of players increasing from a mere 21 in 2020 to 146 now, say industry experts. The government plans to give it a further boost by increasing the scope of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector, while the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is aggressively increasing the pace of technology transfer to the private sector.

First Solar to make solar panels in India; no China input

Founded in 1999, First Solar is a leading US solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change, according to its website. It is unique among the world's 10 largest solar manufacturers for being the only US-headquartered company that's not manufacturing in China

Our biggest growth will be in India

The global chairman of Bosch, Stefan Hartung, has said he is "optimistic" that India could represent the only region with strong growth opportunities over the next two years, aided by economic regulations such as the recently implemented Goods and Services Tax, as well as incentives to boost industrial output.

 EV industry to create 5 million jobs by end of next decade

The electric vehicle industry’s growth in India is expected to create around five million jobs by the end of next decade, an official statement from NITI Aayog said on Thursday. The statement quoted Vice Chairman Suman Bery speaking at a conference in Goa highlighting the growth prospects of the emerging sector.The conference was held on the sidelines of the fourth energy transition working group meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, and discussed ways of achieving growth in the electric mobility ecosystem.

Never have been more optimistic about India than now:World Bank chief

The newly appointed World Bank chief Ajay Banga on Monday said that he has never been more optimistic about India than now, as the country remains the fastest growing major economy globally.

India 'indispensable partner' for friendshoring: US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

The US sees India as “an indispensable partner” in its friend-shoring approach to strengthen the resilience of its supply chains, treasury secretary Janet Yellen said. She called on international creditors to speed up their efforts to provide debt relief to developing countries facing default and said measures being implemented will see multilateral development banks unlock an additional $200 billion in lending over the next decade.

India recorded all-time high of 93% DPT3 immunisation coverage in 2022: WHO

The coverage rate for DPT3, the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines, in India rose to an all-time of 93% in 2022, surpassing the previous pre-pandemic best of 91% recorded in 2019, and also marking a sharp increase from the 85% recorded in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

India gives 1.4 billion people healthcare thanks to technology

The initiative is the project of India’s latest Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it was first introduced in 2018. The launch of “Ayushman Bharat,” the world’s largest free healthcare program, saw the project separated into two sections: the Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) that focuses on the delivery of comprehensive primary and diagnostic care and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY), which provides more than 550 million people with coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family, per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.

Manufacturing in India: Shifting skill sets, global impacts, and future prospects

The Indian manufacturing sector is currently undergoing significant changes due to various factors such as evolving skill requirements, government policies, technological advancements, and global trends. This analysis explores the evolving skill needs, the impact of international companies, and India’s potential to become a significant manufacturing force by embracing technological disruptions.

Manufacturing sentiment positive in first quarter: Ficci survey

Despite global headwinds, Indian manufacturers maintained positive sentiment in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 (Q1FY2024), according to a quarterly survey conducted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).

Luxury car market in India poised for record sales in 2023 after stellar H1 numbers

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi have recorded record numbers in the first half of 2023, with 8,528 units sold by Mercedes-Benz alone. BMW and MINI brands also posted record sales of 5,867 luxury cars, while Audi reported a 97% jump in retail sales. Sales in the Indian luxury vehicle market are expected to reach 46,000-47,000 this year, an all-time high, according to Balbir Singh Dhillon, Audi India Head.

India's Growth Story Backed By Political Stability, Management Giant Lists 9 Big Reasons

One of the largest and oldest investment management organisations in the world, Capital Group, has praised India's growth story stating that its significance as a rising global power came to light with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States. They further suggested India's growth parameters are pointing in the right direction: high corporate confidence, the expansion of the economy and technological innovation.

Lucknow to Chandrayaan: Meet India's rocket woman Ritu Karidhal leading India's historic lunar mission

Popularly known as the "rocket woman" of India, Srivastava is from Lucknow. She has an impressive track record, having been a part of the Mangalyaan mission and serving as the deputy director of the Mars mission. Shrivastava is an expert in Aerospace, having studied at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.

The Purple Bloom: Empowering women through Lavender Cultivation

Lavender harvest at Bonera village in Pulwama outskirts presents the feel of a festival. Many women from different areas of this southern district collect the purple blossoms from a huge patch of land falling under the Field Station of CSIR ( Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) IIIM (India Institute of Integrative Medicine)..

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