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Consulate General of India, Vancouver
Weekly Newsletter
Issue No. 46, February 20, 2024

                             BHARAT TEX 2024 (26 – 29 February 2024)

Bharat Tex 2024 is a prominent international industry platform, featuring exhibitions, knowledge sessions, thematic discussions, Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings, Business-to-Business (B2B) networks, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), product launches, thematic and interactive pavilions and various other activities. The event has been designed to attract multiple stakeholders including top policymakers, global CEOs, international exhibitors and global buyers.

On February 9, 2024, Consul General Manish joined the City of Vancouver in unveiling Canada Place's honorary name "Komagata Maru Place," honoring the historical significance of the Komagata Maru incident. Attended by Hon Mayor Ken Sim, city officials, and community members, the event celebrated the importance of the 2nd Avenue Gurdwara to the South Asian community. This recognition follows Vancouver City Council's apology on May 18, 2021, for discriminating against the 376 passengers aboard the Komagata Maru steamship in 1914, establishing May 23rd as Komagata Maru Remembrance Day. Ms. Jag Nagra contributed the artwork for the honorary street signs, with the collaboration of the Komagata Maru Descendants Society, Khalsa Diwan Society, Punjabi Market Collective, and numerous city officials, curators, and cultural workers.

Consul General Manish had a meeting with Mr. Peter Scott, the President of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) on 8 February 2024 at COL Headquarters. Mr. Scott and his colleagues briefed the Consul General on the activities of COL and its work in the member countries. They also briefed on COL’s work in India in the field of education and skill training. Mr. Scott also gave the Consul General a tour of the COL premises.

Consul General Manish Inaugurated India Pavilion at BUILDEX Vancouver 2024

Consul General Manish inaugurated the “India Pavilion” at the BUILDEX Vancouver 2024, a construction industry fair at the Vancouver Convention Centre from 14-15 February 2024. India Pavilion is the largest among foreign participants and 27 companies from India are participating in the exhibition. The Indian exhibitors are participating under the banner of the Federation of Indian Exporters Organization (FIEO), which is the premier export promotion agency in India, in existence since 1965. The Indian companies are displaying several useful products used in construction sectors such as Construction Equipment, Building materials, Ceramics walls & Floor Tiles, Hardware Tools, marble, granite, architectural and interior hardware, bath fitting, etc.

Blessed with abundant coconut plantations, the Nicobar Islands offer coconut-related products like oil, milk, water, and copra, while also showcasing traditional handicrafts made from coconut shells and fibers.

Witness the magic of embroidery & sequence work in South-East Delhi, providing a range of products from intricately embroidered sarees and lehengas to shimmering gowns & jackets.
#OneDistrictOneProduct

Exchange vows amidst Bangalore’s lush green landscapes and botanical gardens, where tradition meets modernity in perfect harmony. Did you know? You can infuse your special day with the essence of South India by organizing a Saree Draping Ceremony. And what’s a celebration without indulging in a traditional South Indian feast, the sumptuous “Sadya”?
Come, say “I do” in India’s beautiful Garden City #IndiaSaysIDo

From the serene Auroville Beach for quiet introspection to the vibrant Promenade Beach with its iconic landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Puducherry. Come get lost in the soothing waves and make unforgettable memories!

How India-UAE ‘Strategic Level’ Ties Have Transformed Trade, Education, Energy, Defence in Last One Year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 after an Indian Premier went to the nation after a gap of over 30 years. The relationship has especially blossomed in the last one year with trade rising, new agreements reached in different sectors and high-level exchanges. The bilateral relations between India and the UAE have undergone complete transformation, and elevated to a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ level since 2017.

India-UAE, a decade of successful engagement

Indian traders were active in the Persian Gulf long before the oil boom, investing in pearl fishery operations, buying pearls and dates, and supplying locally needed commodities. When the Iranian port of Lingah declined in importance in 1902 because of a dramatic increase in taxes and Dubai emerged as a dynamic free port under enlightened leadership, Indian entrepreneurs moved in despite harsh living conditions.

India on track to become world’s third-largest economy by 2030

Sensex Photo used for illustrative purpose. The Indian economy has been on a growth path for years, now ranking as the fifth-largest economy in the world, behind only the United States, China, Germany, and Japan. In recent years, it has surpassed the economies of France and the United Kingdom.

India built best digital economy, finance infra: Nobel winner Spence

Noting that India is a major economy with the highest potential growth rate right now, Nobel laureate economist A Michael Spence said the country has successfully developed by far the best digital economy and finance architecture in the world. Spence, who was awarded the Nobel prize in Economic Sciences in 2001, shared his views during an interaction with students and faculty at the Bennett University in Greater Noida on Monday.

India fuel demand surges, refiners' margins to stay strong, mid-single-digit growth in India's petroleum products: Fitch

India's demand for petroleum products is expected to increase by a mid-single-digit percentage in the financial year ending March 2024, following a 10 percent post-pandemic recovery in 2022-23, according to Fitch Ratings, as reported by ANI.

Tourism, hospitality sector expected to create 50 mn jobs in 5-7 yrs: HAI

Hotels' Association of India (HAI) on Monday said the hospitality and tourism sector expects to create 50 million direct and indirect jobs in the next 5-7 years but government support is required for getting the full industry and infrastructure status in states to tap the employment potential.

Apple hits a new high in India; this iPhone model sets a new record

Apple has achieved a new milestone in the Indian market. According to a report by Canalys, the Cupertino-based tech company achieved its highest shipment levels ever in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2023. The report notes that the iPhone maker witnessed a 50% year-over-year growth in Q4 2023. The company successfully shipped nearly 3 million iPhones and captured a 7.3% market share.

'G20 was a clear confirmation': Russian envoy backs permanent seat for India at UNSC

Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov has called for urgent reforms within the United Nations (UN) and its affiliated agencies. Alipov emphatically backed the idea that India must become a permanent member of the UN Security Council

20 nations come together to seek inspiration from India's successful implementation of Skill India Digital

In a remarkable display of global collaboration, representatives from twenty nations assembled in the national capital on Wednesday for the “India Summit on Education Knowledge Exchange” organized by the World Bank.

India UPI Power: List of countries where Bharat's Unified Payments Interface can be used to make digital payments

Indians can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to make payments in seven countries. Following its launch in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, UPI payments are accepted in France, UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal. After the announcement, MyGovIndia shared a world map, highlighting the countries where Indians can use UPI to make payments.

ET Now GBS 2024: Tremendous scope for mutual fund industry in India, says Jenny Johnson, CEO, Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton's top boss Jenny Johnson can't wait for the India opportunity to unfold where she believes the mutual fund industry has tremendous scope for growth and credits her fund management company for spotting the country's vast potential 27 years ago when it became the first foreign fund manager to start operations.

Aatmnirbharta In Aerospace: General Atomics CEO Dr. Vivek Lall Applauds India's Technological Leap

Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, addressed the ET Now Global Business Summit 2024, emphasising its role in showcasing the immense potential of the global aerospace industry for India and, reciprocally, India's standing in the global aerospace sector. He acknowledged the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on India's aerospace achievements, spanning from fighter aircraft to helicopters.

At $16.5 billion a day, Indian markets outgrow Hong Kong in terms of stock trading volume

Indian stock trading volumes have surpassed that of the Hong Kong exchange, signaling a widespread positive outlook on Indian equities, despite rising concern over valuations. The daily trading value of Indian stocks, BSE and NSE combined, averaged $16.5 billion on a one-month basis, compared to Hong Kong's $13.1 billion a day.

If I am invested in India, I’ll be invested in Indian domestic story: Mark Matthews

Mark Matthews, MD, Julius Baer, says likes capex-driven themes, government-owned companies which have been performing rather well as opposed to what banks in particular for instance have been doing. They are inexpensive and are indirectly a proxy on the capex story in the sense that if companies invest more in factories or if there is more infrastructure built, some of that will have to be financed by loans from banks. They are still an integral part of the Indian Growth Story.

India's growing economic might set to pivot its role on global stage: Nobel Laureate Spence

India's leap on the technology front will be a key catalyst for the economic expansion of the nation, currently the world's fifth biggest economy and its pivotal position in international affairs.

India is our biggest, most-valued partner in South Asia: US official

Describing India as its biggest partner in South Asia, the Biden administration has said it is working with New Delhi to deploy a multi-billion-dollar climate infrastructure and a new fund that will include a USD 500 million investment contribution from its development finance institution.

Indian scientists develop new tech for Open Radio Access Network stations

A new niche technological solution for Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) base stations has been developed by Indian scientists that is expected to facilitate high-speed and reliable connectivity at a cost viable for unconnected and far-flung areas.

ET Now GBS 2024: India among most attractive foreign investment hotspots, says Gerry Grimstone, chairman, Gemcorp Capital Management

India has become one of the most attractive destinations in the world for foreign investment, but there is a need to level up those states in the country that have fallen behind, said Lord Gerry Grimstone, chairman, Gemcorp Capital Management.

Day of Women and Girls in Science: 5 Indian women scientists breaking barriers

India has a rich history of women scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of science. However, despite the progress made in recent years, women in science still face numerous challenges and barriers in India. According to a report by the National Science Foundation, women make up only 14% of the total workforce in STEM fields in India.

These Two Women Entrepreneurs From Rural India Script Success After Struggling Against All Odds

Some get success in life easily but for others, it comes through hard way. In this special series article, meet two women entrepreneurs from rural India who have penned inspirational success stories against all odds.

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