INDIA IN VANCOUVER-WEEKLY      NEWSLETTER
Issue No-13-30/06/2023
Consulate Weekly Newsletter

PM Modi addressed a Joint Sitting of the US Congress. He spoke about the rapid strides made in India-US bilateral relations and shared his vision for elevating bilateral ties. He also outlined the enormous progress made by India and the opportunities that it presents for the world.

                      CONSULATE NEWS

Consulate General of India in Vancouver celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2023 with enthusiastic participation of over 300 people from all walks of life at the iconic location of David Lam Park. The Yoga session was conducted by a number of Yoga teachers based in British Columbia following Yoga Protocol of Ministry of Ayush. Participants were apprised of the benefits of Yoga - promoting harmony and peace and bringing body, mind and spirit together.

Consul General  was pleased to meet & interact with Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University Prof Sudhir K. Jain who is visiting Vancouver to attend the 40th Board meeting of Commonwealth of Learning as India’s representative.

Consul General participated in the Holi celebrations organized by ISKCON at their temple in Burnaby on 25 June. During his visit, Consul General interacted with Mr. Anuttama Dasa, Governing Body Commissiner, ISKCON, and Mr. Manu Das, President of ISKCON Vancouver. He also addressed the gathering and conveyed his greetings on the Holi celebrations and spoke on the relevance and important of Holi festival.

Consul General visited a farm belonging to an Indo-Canadian Mr Mukhtar Toor who owns a successful agri-business in the Abbotsford. Discussions focussed around Mr Toor’s journey from India to Canada; his hard work & successful entrepreneurial skills; about the farming system and operations of farm. MLA Bruce Banman accompanied him during the tour.

Consul General met with Dr. Beena Parappilly and Mr. Abraham Varghese, office bearers of St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Vancouver in his office and discussed about various activities undertaken by the Church and areas of cooperation with the Consulate. Consul General was also invited to attend the Annual Santom Fest 2023 to be organized by the Church on 8th July. Consul General briefed them on programs and policies of Govt of India for diaspora and briefed them on ODOP initiative, and encouraged them to promote products from Kerala.

Consul General visited the office of Chinook Helicopters.com in Abbotsford and was received by Ms Cathy Press, CEO. He took a tour of facility and visited the training facility. The company provides basic and specialized advanced flight and ground training on both airplanes and helicopters. They also receive students from India. Ms Cathy Press briefed about their various training courses and opportunities for training of Indian students in the field of aircraft and helicopter flying.

Consul General visited the office of Cascade Aerospace in Abbotsford and met with Executive VP & COO Mr Kevin Lemke. He took the tour of the facility and was briefed on the MRO capabilities of the company. The company specializes in maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft civilian and military aircraft. They are also Canada’s longest-serving Design Approval Organization. A tour of their facility was made. Consul General briefed them about opportunities available in aviation sector in India and suggested to explore India as one of their overseas destinations for MRO services.

Consul General visited Abbotsford based aviation sector companies on 27 June 2023. He took a tour of various facilities along with Hon. MLA Bruce Banman, who facilitated the tour of the airport and three other aviation sector companies, which included Conair Aerial Firefighting, Chinook Helicpoters.com and Cascade Aerospace. The tour began with visit to International Airport, where he met with Mr. Param Sidhu, Airport General Manager. CG briefed on growth shown in Indian aviation sector and opportunities available in India in this sector. During the last year, Abbotsford airport received almost 1 million passengers and have targeted to reach 1.2 million passengers during the current year.

Consul General visited the facility of Conair Aerial Firefighting on 27 June, which is a leading aerial firefighting company based in Abbotsford. He was welcomed by Shane Sullivan, VP Operations. He took a tour of facility and was briefed about the various aircrafts and its capabilities and usages during the firefighting. He also visited the simulation & training center. The company also provides training of pilots in firefighting operations and maintenance and overhaul of aircrafts for firefighting.

Consul General met with Mr. Rohit Sati, President of Alberta Hindi Parishad, Edmonton on 26 June in Vancouver. Mr. Sati briefed Consul General on current functioning of the Parishad and events held by them to preserve and promote Hindi language in Edmonton and to bring diaspora students closer to the Indian culture. Consul General handed over a set of Hindi textbooks, for the students of the Hindi Vidyalaya of the Parsishad for upcoming session. These books were procured from the Hindi Section of the Ministry of External Affairs on the request of Alberta Hindi Parishad.

Consul General paid homage to the victims of Air India flight 182 Kanishka in Vancouver. The flight was brought down in a dastardly terrorist attck. Family members and friends of the victims, British Columbia Ministers, MP & city officials attended the solemn occasion. India shares the sorrow and pain of the victims' near & dear ones and stands at the forefront to counter the global menace of terrorism.

The Consulate General of India in Vancouver is excited to announce it’s flagship event - NAMASTE CANADA 2023, a mega event celebrating India's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

What: Namaste Canada 2023
When: September 2, 2023
Where: Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey

               KNOW YOUR MILLETS

PEARL MILLETS

The most extensively cultivated millet is pearl millet. Large stems, leaves, and heads characterize this summer cereal grass. Bajra is a type of millet and is one of the most cultivated crops in India. It is a short-duration crop and can be grown in both rain fed and irrigated conditions. Bajra is a rich source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins and is a good source of energy. It is also a good source of dietary fiber.

          INCREDIBLE INDIA-WEST BENGAL

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. Its capital, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), retains architectural and cultural remnants of its past as an East India Company trading post and capital of the British Raj. The city's colonial landmarks include the government buildings around B.B.D. Bagh Square, and the iconic Victoria Memorial, dedicated to Britain's queen.

                      NEWS FLASH

                        NEWS SEGMENT

Yoga Day: Guinness World Record set in Surat as 1.53 lakh people participate in celebration

Representatives of the Guinness World Records have confirmed that 1.53 lakh people participated in the Yoga session in Surat, they said.The Yoga Day event organised in Surat city of Gujarat on Wednesday has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering for a yoga session at one place with 1.53 lakh people joining the program, officials said.The previous world record was set in 2018 in Kota city of Rajasthan when 1,00,984 people participated in a Yoga Day session in one place.

In Egypt, Grand Mufti appreciates PM Modi for 'fostering inclusivity and pluralism'

 PM Narendra Modi landed in Cairo Saturday for the first bilateral visit to Egypt by any Indian PM since 1997, looking to bolster the strategic strategic partnership the 2 countries announced during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to India in January this year with focus on enhancing defence ties, counterterrorism cooperation and efforts to deal with radicalisation and extremism.

'You are a hero', Indian diaspora tells PM Modi as he arrives in Egypt

Modi, the first prime minister to undertake a bilateral visit to Egypt in 26 years, was given a rousing welcome at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where he interacted with the diaspora in separate groups.Members of the Indian community in Egypt showered fulsome praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing him as India's hero', as he began his two-day visit here on Saturday. Modi, the first prime minister to undertake a bilateral visit to Egypt in 26 years, was given a rousing welcome at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where he interacted with the Indian diaspora in separate groups

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy meets PM Modi, ups India investment commitment to $26 billion

Ecommerce major Amazon on Saturday said it plans to invest $15 billion more in India, taking its total investment in the country to USD 26 billion, a top official of the company has said. After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the company has already invested USD 11 billion in India till date.

Billionaire Ray Dalio hails India after meeting PM Modi

Ray Dalio said the challenges within China and the US, place Narendra Modi in a unique position to influence the dynamics of the world order.Billionaire investor Ray Dalio hailed India, saying it is "on the brink of the fastest growth" after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to the United States.

 Why world trusts Narendra Modi

The Leftists and so-called Liberals are at their wits end trying to find an answer to the Modi magic that world leaders feel when they embrace him or shake hands with him.Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US and the rousing reception he received by the US President Joe Biden is sure to rewrite a new chapter in Indo-American relations. Co-production in defence equipment besides achieving a partnership in Artificial Intelligence would be a major breakthrough.

India to be fastest-growing economy for next three years

S&P Global Ratings predicts that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the next three years, with a growth rate of 6.7%. The report projected a recovery for India's economy with a growth rate of 6% for the current fiscal year, with further growth expected to reach 6.9% in FY25 and FY26.

Indian economy makes solid recovery despite global headwind

Economic fragmentation is threatening macroeconomic prospects, especially among emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), he said.Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday said that the Indian economy has made a solid recovery and is among the fastest-growing large economies despite heightened uncertainties and formidable headwinds. He said that financial stability is non-negotiable and all stakeholders in the financial system must work to preserve this at all times.

America can learn a lot from India

Former Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Johnnie Moore has said that “America can learn a lot from India” adding that India is the most pluralistic country in the whole world. Moore’s reaction came in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC held on Friday (Local Time).

India’s rise to smartphone maker of the world

The exponential growth in the export of smartphones from India is seen as a ‘Make in India’ success story and one that other verticals in the electronic industry should look to emulate. What will it take to make India the leading smartphone factory of the world, and one that not just assembles but also manufactures smartphones extensively? In this week’s episode of TOI Business Bytes, Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) talks about how India has seen a paradigm shift in smartphone manufacturing.

P&G India to invest Rs 2,000 cr to set-up manufacturing facility in Gujarat

Over the last decade, P&G has invested over Rs 8,200 crore ($ 1 billion) through its operations in the country. Procter & Gamble (P&G) India announced on Wednesday that it will invest Rs 2,000 crore to set up a personal healthcare manufacturing facility in Sanand Gujarat. “The investment was announced by LV Vaidyanathan, CEO, P&G India, in a meeting with Bhupendra Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Diwali to become school holiday in New York City

Diwali is set to become a school holiday in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday. Thousands of New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, and the announcement came after state lawmakers recently enacted legislation designating it as a holiday in the biggest school system in the US.

Industry hails outcomes of PM Modi's US visit

Chairman Mahindra Defence and Aerospace, SP Shukla on PM Modi' "...It's a trend-setting visit. PM Modi addressing US Congress for the second time sends out a very important message that the two nations wish to work together. The message goes to the industrial community, business, community, and policymakers and intent starts getting translated into action. Both leaders have clearly specified that technology will be the cornerstone of the partnership.

Amazon commits to $15 billion India investment, CEO says

Amazon.com Inc will invest an additional $15 billion in India, the company’s Chief Executive Andy Jassy told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his meeting on Friday. The investment will take the e-commerce giant’s total India investment across all businesses to $26 billion by 2030, he said. Modi and Jassy spoke about supporting Indian startups, creating jobs, enabling exports, digitization, and empowering individuals and small businesses to compete globally, an Amazon blog post said.

PM Narendra Modi's Visit Strengthens Indo-US Technology Partnership

The United States and India are deepening their partnership in the technology sector, with a focus on semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced telecommunications, space exploration, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). In the semiconductor space, Micron Technology, Inc. is investing more than $800 million in a new $2.75 billion semiconductor assembly and test facility in India.

Back EV Industry in India: How India accelerates towards becoming next powerhouse in EV production?

India aims to become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs) under its 'Make in India' initiative. The government has announced initiatives such as FAME India and PLI schemes to drive local production.

India seeing a consumption boom amid surging workforce and infra thrust

The company said a confluence of a few factors are working in India's favour - digital infrastructure that exists and the amount of insights across different dimensions is very different from any other markets along with the physical infrastructure, especially the thrust into rural areas, creating jobs among others.

Back Indian Rupee becomes standout choice for investors with Asia focus

Indian assets are currently presenting a more promising outlook compared to their Indonesian counterparts, as the battle for supremacy between Asia's top-yielding major markets unfolds.

Boeing supports Make in India' initiative

Boeing CEO David L Calhoun has said his company supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" initiative and will play a key role in the rapid expansion of the country's commercial aviation market.

Google to invest $10 billion in digitisation: CEO Sundar Pichai after meeting PM Modi

Internet giant Google is investing $10 billion in India’s digitisation fund, its CEO Sundar Pichai has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a step that will recognise India’s leadership on fintech and will support small and large businesses in India, the US and around the world.

Google to set up Global Fintech Ops Centre in Gujarat; Microsoft to explore AI use for India

Good news has come to India as Google will be now opening its global fintech function centre in Gujarat, after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, the announcement was made by the company’s boss Sundar Pichai. He also praised the Prime Minister’s vision for Digital India, a flagship campaign of the Modi government.

UK-India Links Closer than Ever; Eager to Visit for G20, World Cup And Mithai

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a special reception at 10 Downing Street in London as a part of the ongoing UK-India Week. A wide range of political and business leaders and other prominent members of the Indian diaspora were present at the event.

India more attractive than US, China, and Europe

Industry experts and financial leaders have recognised India's promising prospects for investment returns. With a strong foundation, favorable government policies, growing credibility among international investors, and the China+1 narrative, India's market is poised for growth.

Win-win for US-India trade

The US and India announced many new initiatives during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit during June 21-13. Both countries have deep people and trade connections, thanks to a four million-strong Indian diaspora, two lakh Indian students in the US and over $300 billion worth of bilateral trade in goods, services and software.

Very optimistic about FTA with India, says UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson

Addressing a UK-India Infrastructure Summit hosted by the City of London Corporation as part of the India Global Forum UK-India Week, Johnson said he is "very optimistic" about an FTA even as he declined to put a timeframe to it.India and the UK recently concluded their tenth round of FTA negotiations and an 11th round is set to begin in the next few weeks.

Artificial rain’ technology is developed by scientists at IIT Kanpur

The development of ‘artificial rain’ technology was a significant milestone for the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K). It took six years of research and development to create this innovative solution. The breakthrough technology was designed to create rainy conditions artificially, which could help fight dry weather and air pollution.

Meet Sakshi Kochhar, India’s youngest commercial pilot

Hailing from Parwanoo (Himachal Pradesh), the pilot shares that she always wanted to get into a profession that was offbeat At 18, Sakshi Kochhar has become the youngest commercial pilot in India. She achieved this milestone by surpassing Maitri Patel, who previously held the record by obtaining her license at the age of 19.

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