New Delhi (The Hawk): The Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &amp; Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep S Puri launched the BHARAT TAP initiative at the ‘Plumbex India’ exhibition, here today. This exhibition is aimed for products and services related to the plumbing, water and sanitation industry.&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001UXS7.jpg">Shri Puri said that this exhibition caters to a fundamental service in the development of the nation – water and sanitation and there is no progress or growth without adequate sanitation, which is foundational in the hierarchy of basic services that citizens expect. He further said that there was a paradigm shift in India’s social development after the Prime Minister announced that&nbsp;Swachhata&nbsp;was the key to India’s development. Not only did he launch the ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission to address open defecation and bring in a behaviour change towards&nbsp;Swachhata, he also conceptualised the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Transformation (AMRUT) to provide safe water and sewerage systems for 60% of India’s urban population. Together, these schemes have had a tremendous impact on the sanitation situation in the country, he added.Saying that India went from 38% toilet coverage to 100% toilet coverage in rural areas while also building 73.32 lakh household and community toilets in urban areas, Shri Puri said that the Swachh Bharat Mission became a&nbsp;Jan Andolan&nbsp;that inspired the country towards safe and proper sanitation. AMRUT has been critical in facilitating the journey of Swachhata, the mission has been instrumental in the creation of basic infrastructure – with the major allocation going towards water supply and sewerage/septage, he added.The Minister said that the outcome has been nothing short of extraordinary and through 1,336 water supply projects worth Rs. 42,224 crores and 860 sewerage and septage management projects worth Rs. 33,840 crores, AMRUT has provided 127 lakh household water tap connections and 95 lakh sewer connections across urban India. Similarly, sewerage projects under AMRUT are expected to lead to a development of approximately 6,000 MLD treatment capacity of STPs with around 2,360 MLD capacity already created and around 3,650 MLD of STPs under progress, he added.Shri Puri said that after the success of AMRUT, the next target is to cover all the urban local bodies (ULBs) in the country even as continuing to strengthen water and sanitation services in the AMRUT cities. He further said that this was the basis for AMRUT 2.0, which was launched by the Prime Minister on 1 October 2021. AMRUT 2.0, with an outlay of Rs. 2,77,000 crores, has been designed to realise the aspirations of the ‘New Urban India’ by making all our cities ‘Water Secure’.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image003E42I.jpg">Shri Puri said that AMRUT 2.0 will provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs through 2.68 crore tap connections and 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 cities through 2.64 crore sewer connections. This will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas, he added.Shri Puri expressed happiness that the states are in the process of proposing projects through State Water Action Plans which has already resulted in the approval of projects worth Rs. 41,500 crores worth of projects. He further said that one major benefit that has emerged from the successful implementation of these mission, in particular, AMRUT, has been that an enormous quantity of pipelines has been laid across the country.The Minister said that the Plumbing industry is capitalising on the business opportunity while also playing a significant role in supporting the development of sanitation and other basic services in the country. He hoped that BHARAT TAP initiative will provide low-flow, sanitary-ware at scale, and thereby reduce water consumption at source considerably and said that he is confident that this initiative will be accepted quickly in the country and will lead to a renewed focus on water conservation efforts.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image004K2MO.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;Shri Puri also launched NARDECO MAHI’s ‘Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative which will work for saving of 500 crore litres of water per year.The President, Indian Plumbing Association, Shri Gurmit Singh Arora, other dignitaries from MoHUA, Indian Plumbing Association, NARDECO, and Water Management and Plumbing Skill Council were present on the occasion.

The Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep S Puri launched the BHARAT TAP initiative at the ‘Plumbex India’ exhibition, here today. This exhibition is aimed for products and services related to the plumbing, water and sanitation industry. 

 Hardeep Puri launches ‘BHARAT TAP’ initiative at Plumbex India Exhibition

New Delhi (The Hawk): As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’s (AKAM) Iconic Week celebrations of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), India Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) will be organising various activities to commemorate the 75 years of India’s Independence, the glorious history of its citizens, its diversified cultures and the many key achievements.Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, the Minister of State for Corporate Affairs will be the Chief Guest and Shri Rajesh Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) will preside over the celebrations.As part of the AKAM celebrations, IICA is organising an “Exhibition on ESG - CSG Best Practices” in collaboration with NITI Aayog, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and UNICEF wherein renowned organisations Pan-India with impactful CSR are participating to showcase their Best Practices. The exhibition would present a unique opportunity for various stakeholders of the ESG / CSR ecosystem to be abreast of the latest developments happening in these domains. The case studies will also be published in the book/compendium for disseminating to multiple stakeholders.IICA is also organising three Panel Discussions on:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Impactful CSR towards strengthening ESG</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Financial Inclusion and Literacy for Women</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Corporate Governance: Evolving Vision for India</li></ul>Eminent Speakers from Industry/Corporate and Education will be speaking during the panel discussion.About IICAThe India Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) working under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs has been established as a think-tank to advance thought leadership in the Indian business environment through research, capacity building and advocacy efforts. The Institution also serves to provide a holistic strategic approach to all issues relating to corporate affairs impacting their governance, regulatory, policy, structural issues keeping the current trends affecting the business ecosystem.

As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’s (AKAM) Iconic Week celebrations of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), India Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) will be organising various activities to commemorate the 75 years of India’s Independence, the glorious history of its citizens, its diversified cultures and the many key achievements.

Rao Inderjit Singh to inaugurate 'Exhibition on ESG - CSG Best Practices' by IICA

New Delhi (The Hawk): Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/technologies during the first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by Ministry of Defence in New Delhi on July 11, 2022. The products, launched as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, fall under various domains. These includeAI Platform Automation; Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotics systems; Block Chain-based Automation; Command, Control, Communication, Computer &amp; Intelligence, Surveillance &amp; Reconnaissance; Cyber Security; Human Behavioural Analysis; Intelligent Monitoring Systems; Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems; Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operational Data Analytics; Manufacturing and Maintenance; Simulators/Test Equipment and speech/voice analysis using Natural Language Processing.Three AI products developed by the DPSUs having dual use applications and good market potential, namely AI-enabled Voice Transcription/Analysis software developed by Bharat Electronics Limited; Driver Fatigue Monitoring System developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited and AI-enabled evaluation of Welding defects in X-rays of Non-destructive Testing developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers were screened during the event. These products are expected to open up new business avenues for the Defence PSUs.The Raksha Mantri released the physical as well as e-version of the book comprising the details of these 75 products, showcasing the collective efforts put on by the Services, Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), iDEX start-ups and the private industry in last four years in the field of AI. Appreciating the efforts, Shri Rajnath Singh, in his address, described AI as a revolutionary step in the development of humanity; a proof that a human being is the most evolved creature in the universe. He was amazed that a human mind has not only created/reproduced knowledge, but is developing intelligence that creates knowledge.Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that AI has built inroads in almost every sector, including defence, health &amp; medicine, agriculture, trade &amp; commerce and transport. He called upon all the defence stakeholders to enhance the jointness of human consciousness and the ability of AI to bring a radical change in the sector. “When there has been full human participation in wars, new autonomous weapons/systems have been developed with the help of AI applications. They can destroy enemy establishments without human control. AI-enabled military devices are capable of handling large amounts of data efficiently. It is also proving to be very helpful in training the soldiers. In the coming times, Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies will also be used effectively,” he said.The Raksha Mantri appreciated the fact that MoD, Armed Forces, DRDO, DPSUs and the Industry are making meaningful efforts to provide innovative &amp; indigenous AI solutions for defence and are developing futuristic technologies. He echoed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of developing AI-enabled and AI-led applications to ensure social welfare &amp; national security and making India a ‘Global Hub for AI’. He hoped that India will soon be among the leading countries in the field of AI.Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that weapons/systems are being developed, keeping in mind the crucial role AIcan play in future warfare. “We have started incorporation of AI applications in remote piloted, unmanned aerial vehicles etc. There is a need to move further in this direction so that we can develop autonomous weapon systems. Timely infusion of technologies like AI &amp; Big Data in the defence sector is of utmost importance, so that we are not left behind the technological curve and are able to take maximum advantage of technology for our services,” he said.The Raksha Mantri added that several MoUs have been signed with the industry for faster promotion of AI applications in the Services. Many AI-related challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiatives have also been given. The challenges are under various domains, including Radio Frequency Spectrum Management, Underwater Domain Awareness, Satellite Image Analysis and Friend or Foe Identification System. He urged the industry and start-ups to explore newer avenues and work hand-in-hand with the Government to ensure complete self-reliance in the field of AI technology.“Russia is a technologically advanced country and is continuously progressing in the field of Science &amp; Technology. On AI, Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin had said ‘Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world’. Although India believes in the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family) and has no intention to rule the world, we must develop the capability of our AI technology so that no country can even think of ruling us,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.Impressing upon the important role academia can play in strengthening the defence sector, the Raksha Mantri stated that MoD research platforms, DRDO and DPSUs are providing support to various institutes in pursuing cutting edge AI research. He added that efforts are being made by DRDO to make strides in the field of AI through Technological Development Fund projects and ‘Dare to dream’ contests. Several Defence-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence have been established across the country and AI finds prominence in the charters of many of them, he said.“Our country is full of scientific &amp; technologically trained youth who have innovative minds and the desire to contribute to Nation Building. In such a situation, we will move towards fulfilling the technological needs of our nation as well as the world in the times to come. Although the mandate of the organisations of MoD is to develop futuristic technologies for the Armed Forces, its spin-off benefits will also be available to the civilians,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.The Raksha Mantri emphasised on the need to think about humanity and world peace along with one’s own defence &amp; security. “There is a need to think about the ethics of AI and its potential dangers at an early stage. Whenever a new technology is introduced, it takes time for the society to adapt to it. In this transition period, a challenging situation sometimes arises. Since AI is a technology that brings about a massive change, we have to be prepared in advance for any legal, ethical, political and economic challenges. We should look at the future of AI with a positive attitude, but remain prepared as well. We have to use this technology for the welfare, development and peace of humanity. We must work towards ensuring its democratic use,” he said.Delivering the welcome address, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar emphasised on the need to encourage the use of AI in defence, reiterating the commitment of MoD to make all efforts in this direction to ensure that the Armed Forces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. He stated that a task force was established in 2018 for strategic integration of AI in defence and had submitted its recommendations within three months. These recommendations were implemented through the Defence AI Council, headed by the Raksha Mantri. Dr Ajay Kumar lauded the proactive efforts of the three Services, DRDO, DPSUs &amp; the Industry in developing these 75 products and contributing to strengthen national security. He added that over 100 more projects are in various levels of development.Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Secretary, Department of Defence R&amp;D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, other senior civil and military officials of MoD, envoys of foreign countries, representatives of research institutes, academia and the industry as well as students were present on the occasion.In consonance with the vision of MoD to achieve defence exports of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and provide boost to the domestic industry, ‘Raksha Niryat Ratna’ awards were conferred on Bharat Electronics Limited from the public sector and on Indo-MIM from the private sector for achieving highest defence exports in recent years. Top three students of ‘GenNext AI’ Solutions Competition, which was organised to get bright innovative ideas on futuristic AI solutions, were also felicitated by the Raksha Mantri. To stimulate new ideas in the field of AI in Defence, three panel discussions were also organised with active participation from the Services, academia, students, research organisations and industry. An exhibition was also organised which provided a unique opportunity for innovators to display their capabilities, products and state-of-the-art technologies.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/technologies during the first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by Ministry of Defence in New Delhi on July 11, 2022. 

Rajnath launches 75 AI Products/Technologies During First-Ever ‘AI In Defence’ Symposium & Exhibition

Dehradun (The Hawk): The Aryan School organized its Annual Exhibition within the school premises today. The exhibition was organized to mark the celebration of the school’s 22nd Founder’s Day. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mayor Dehradun Sunil Uniyal.
Students of the pre-primary, primary, middle, and senior wings of the school displayed their creative, scientific, and aesthetic talents showcasing innovative projects.
The students of different classes exhibited projects based on various subjects including Science, History, Home Science, Physics, Stem &amp; Robotics, Geography, Commerce, Craft &amp; Aero Modeling, Bamboo &amp; Clay Modeling, French, and Economics among others. The students created models on various themes including Divine Paradise, Emerging Trends in Business, Artsy Tartsy, Rashtriya Swadhinta Sangram &amp; Hindi Sahitya, Cricket &amp; Diet Chart, and Fun with Numbers among many more.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Chief Guest Sunil Uniyal praised the efforts of the students and congratulated them for the successful 22nd Founders Day celebrations. Present on the occasion were the Chairman Dr. Simi Gupta, Vice Chairman Vibhor Gupta, and Principal B.Dasgupta along with the parents of the students, school staff, and students.&nbsp;

The Aryan School organized its Annual Exhibition within the school premises today. The exhibition was organized to mark the celebration of the school’s 22nd Founder’s Day. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mayor Dehradun Sunil Uniyal.

The Aryan School Holds 22nd Annual Exhibition

Patna: The Bihar Museum Biennale, unveiled Monday, has artworks from G20 countries representing common concerns like climate change, gender equality, and migration. The exhibition was opened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav.
The goal of the "Together We Art" exhibition is to integrate the artistic response to many of the world's current challenges through the works of 19 artists from G20 countries, nine guest countries, and India.
The director general of the Bihar Museum, Anjani Kumar Singh, was also there, as was the minister of art, culture, and youth development, Jitendra Kumar Rai.—Inputs from Agencies

The Bihar Museum Biennale, unveiled Monday, has artworks from G20 countries representing common concerns like climate change, gender equality, and migration.

Second Bihar Museum Biennale opens with exhibition from G20 countries

 The Bihar Museum Biennale, unveiled Monday, has artworks from G20 countries representing common concerns like climate change, gender equality, and migration.

New Delhi: A special focus stall from Uttarakhand at the 'G20 Craft Market' in Delhi's Pragati Maidan, as part of the two-day leaders' summit, is all set to exhibit handloom and handicraft products from the state.  "The stall has been set up by the Industries Department of Uttarakhand," MS Sajwan, Deputy Director of the department, said.  “Almora tweed woollen scarves, Dunda shawls, Pithoragarh woollen carpets, wooden replicas of Kedarnath and other religious places, Nainital aipan, Udhamsinghnagar's Moonj grass products, Bageshwar's copper products, natural fibre jackets have been displayed here,” said Sajwan who is the nodal officer of the exhibition. Resident Commissioners of different States and Mangesh Ghildiyal, Deputy Secretary PMO visited the stall on Friday. Uttarakhand Resident Commissioner Ajay Mishra explained to them about all the artefacts and handicrafts displayed at the stall. Meanwhile, an art exhibition titled 'Roots and Routes' is being held at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi for the spouses of the delegates showcasing Indian textiles, decorative items, and artefacts. "It is an attempt to curate the scattered pieces representing our culture. The grandiose of our heritage is on display. Showcasing our roots has further enhanced the prestige of our art show. We wanted to put up a world-class exhibition for the world leaders,” the curator of the Exhibition 'Roots and Routes' at NGMA, Raghvendra Singh told ANI.  Also, a fountain show was organised at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, which is the venue for the G20 summit, at Pragati Maidan on Friday. In addition, leaders of the G20 summit will be treated with first-of-its-kind instrumental music performances showcasing the cultural depth of Bharat on the occasion to be hosted by the President of India on September 9. Bharat-Vadya-Darshanam (musical journey of India), a fusion of different musical styles prevailing within Bharat, will be organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture.  The 18th G20 Summit is scheduled to be held at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. —ANI

A special focus stall from Uttarakhand at the 'G20 Craft Market' in Delhi's Pragati Maidan, as part of the two-day leaders' summit

G20 Craft Bazaar: Showcasing Uttarakhand's Diverse Handicrafts

New Delhi (The Hawk): On the fifth day of the One Week One Lab program, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), organised ‘Science Knowledge Convention Event’ in New Delhi today. Dr. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR felicitated distinguished guests. Dr. Aggarwal in her welcome address provided an overview of NIScPR’s One Week One Lab activities organised over the past four days. In her address, Dr. Aggarwal highlighted significant contributions of CSIR-NIScPR. The National Knowledge Resource Consortium (NKRC) stands as the oldest and most extensive science consortium in India. Additionally, we host ISSN and publish 15 peer reviewed research journals. Our research endeavors are always aimed at creating a societal impact. Shri Mukesh A. Pund, Chief Scientist &amp; Coordinator of NKRC at CSIR-NIScPR, presented an overview of the event. The event also featured the signing of MoUs between CSIR &amp; DST and CSIR &amp; MoES regarding NKRC. On this occasion, ‘One Month One Lecture on e-resource’ initiative was also launched along with the release of the ‘NKRC Report: A Journey of 21 years and Special Issues: IJBB &amp; IJEMS’. The Chief Guest Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary, DST-SERB and Sr. Adviser, DST emphasized the global shift towards open science. He mentioned, “The world is transitioning from closed-door science to open science. India actively participated in UNESCO-led negotiations, resulting in international consensus on the importance of adopting open science policies. India is now moving towards open science as well.” He further elaborated, “Open access to resources funded by public money is imperative. We are implementing several open science initiatives under the STIP policy, including the creation of a comprehensive resource repository at the STI observatory. This archive will consolidate all resources in one accessible location.” Dr. Gupta stressed the need for mechanisms to tackle predatory journals and highlighted the potential of virtual spaces, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where online participation expanded significantly. He added, “Learning should not be confined to physical modes but should encompass virtual and hybrid modes.” The Guest of Honour Dr. Suman Kumari Mishra, Director, CSIR-CGCRI (Kolkata) underscored the crucial role played by the National Knowledge Resource Consortium in advancing knowledge growth and progress. She expressed her gratitude for the easy access to knowledge resources and journals provided through CSIR-NIScPR. Dr. Mishra also emphasized the need for digital resource management and the importance of funding and revenue generation to facilitate the digital shift. Furthermore, she commended ‘Vigyan Pragati’ as a valuable scientific magazine and praised CSIR-NIScPR for its continuous publication and significant societal contributions. A Science Exhibition and Poster Presentation Competition were also organized with the theme: Societal Impact of your Research/Project undertaken. Many students and guests participated in the competition. A panel discussion on Science and Technology Information and Knowledge Resources was chaired by Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, Head, Autonomous Institutions Division, DST. One of the panelists Shri Mukesh A. Pund, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Coordinator of NKRC provided an overview of the journals accessed by various CSIR labs, highlighting their meticulous curation to serve scholars and the nation. Shri Pund also spoke about the history and objectives of NKRC, and emphasized the cost-effectiveness and savings associated with subscribing through the consortium. The other panelists were Dr. Tarakant Jana, Senior Principal Scientist and Smt. Neelu Srivastava, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR. Dr. Jana delivered a talk on ‘Patent Informatics’, adding depth to the panel's discussion, and Smt. Neelu Srivastava concluded the panel discussion by extending her gratitude to the speakers. During the Authors and Publishers Interaction Meet, participants engaged in three enlightening sessions namely ‘E-journals: Scientific Writing &amp; Publications’, ‘Indexing Tools’ and ‘E-resources for S&amp;T Research and Standards and Databases’. In the valedictory session, Shri Mukesh Pund, the Event Coordinator, delivered concluding remarks, summarizing the key takeaways and the overall significance of the programme. The event culminated with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks extended by Dr. N.K. Prasanna, Sr. Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR. This programme not only highlighted the strides made in open science and digital knowledge access but also fostered a platform for meaningful interactions between authors and publishers, furthering the collective pursuit of scientific knowledge and progress in India.

On the fifth day of the One Week One Lab program, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR)

CSIR-NIScPR Organised ‘Science Knowledge Convention Event’ Under One Week One Lab Programme

New Delhi: BJP National President J.P. Nadda has inaugurated an exhibition on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 73rd birthday, saying it will showcase various facets of his life, which is characterised by utmost diligence, resilience and selfless service to society.
After inaugurating the exhibilition at the party headquarters here, Nadda in a post on X, formerly Twitter, said on Sunday, “Inaugurated an exhibition on Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s birthday as ‘Sewa Diwas’ at BJP HQ in New Delhi today.”
“This exhibition will showcase various aspects of Prime Minister Modi Ji’s life, which is characterised by utmost diligence, resilience and selfless service to society. This will also inspire our younger generation to work towards the prosperity of our nation,” he added.
The BJP has organised several programmes across the country on the occasion of Modi’s birthday.
—IANS

BJP National President J.P. Nadda has inaugurated an exhibition on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 73rd birthday

Nadda inaugurates exhibition at BJP headquarters on PM Modi's 73rd birthday

Lucknow: On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the state museum in the Lucknow Zoo, has set up a 10-day festival beginning on Tuesday. The exhibition will display various artefacts related to Lord Ganesh.
On display will, be a dancing Lord Ganesha with a third eye on the forehead. This 9th century sculpture was excavated from Kampila in Farrukhabad and is part of the archaeology gallery in the state museum based in Lucknow Zoo.
Made of sandstone, it shows Lord Ganesha with eight hands holding several objects, including a mace and laddoo. “The tusk of Lord Ganesha is twisted towards the left and the body can clearly be seen in a dancing posture,” said director, department of UP archaeology, Renu Dwivedi.
There are several such artefacts on Lord Ganesha which people can see by paying a visit to the museum during the Lord Ganesha festival.
Another such artefact is a bronze Ganesha-Laxmi sculpture of 17-18th cent. AD, found from Nepal.
“Goddess Laxmi can be seen sitting on Lord Ganesha’s right thigh. The sculpture also has an owl and a mouse, the vehicles of goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha respectively. While Goddess Laxmi can be seen wearing lower attire and stole, she is shown wearing jewellery and a crown. On the other hand, Lord Ganesha is holding Vaijantimala, lotus and laddoo. He is wearing a high crown and other jewelleries,” said assistant director and in charge of decorative arts gallery Minakshi Khemka.
There are some prominent artefacts in the reserve collection as well.
—IANS

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the state museum in the Lucknow Zoo, has set up a 10-day festival beginning on Tuesday

Festival of Ganesh artefacts at Lucknow Zoo

New Delhi: Gallery Latitude 28 in the national capital will present a solo exhibition of artist Pratul Dash titled 'A Bend in the River' that draws viewers to engage with an alternate view of reality from September 28 to October 7 at Bikaner House.
Dash has been preoccupied with the fear and fantasies that accelerate contemporary life and constantly change in unwarranted ways. His reflections on everyday, mundane, abstract, and philosophical observations are reflected in this exhibition that features abstract artworks, drawing viewers into a world that is open to interpretation.
"My art is intricately woven into India's vibrant fabric, where human stories, cultural threads, and political landscapes come together. In a world where borders blur and global influences are strong, my creative expressions tell a story of how local and universal ideas dance together. While I am not swayed by external pressures, my creations are a lively conversation between my own context and the global viewpoint, showcasing the delicate balance of our times," says Dash.
"Coming full circle, Dash's style has again evolved in a completely new direction, yet the themes and preoccupations that consume the artist have not changed. As an artist, Dash finds new ways to express himself and his innermost ideologies and self-inquiries, leaving one to always wonder about what is going to come next. The works in this show are inspired by landscape, memories both fragmented and time-based, self-prognosis, and contemporary commentaries," adds Bhavna Kakar, Founder of Latitude 28.
The artist stresses that his art is also his way of carrying forth his conceptualizations of cellular structure, topography, human bodies, dogs, maps, bones, and the elements of our universe into a pluriverse of coexistence. Translating the abstract qualities of the mind, the artist also notates his fixation on the phenomena of memory and memory-making.
As he uses 'politics of aesthetics' as a tool, he delves into his subconscious, where his meanderings are a reflection of the current events and times as well.
"Over the years, I look at the painted surface as a window through which one can slowly rupture and fragment the viewer's ideal of realism," concludes Dash.
—IANS

Gallery Latitude 28 in the national capital will present a solo exhibition of artist Pratul Dash titled 'A Bend in the River' that draws viewers to engage

Navigating a 'Bend in the River'

New Delhi [India]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad today. The Defence Minister will also formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
"Today, 25th September, I shall be in Ghaziabad to attend the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a drone exhibition cum display event. Shall also attend the unveiling ceremony of the IAF’s first C- 295 MW transport aircraft at Hindon Airbase. Looking forward to it," posted the Defence Minister on X. Notably, the IAF, recognizing the potential of indigenous drone design and development, is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India to jointly host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023. This event, scheduled for September 25 and 26, will take place at the IAF's Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad and will feature live aerial demonstrations. In India, the utilization of drones is on the rise, spanning across military and civilian applications. Drone technology has rapidly transformed both civil and defence sectors, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and elevating capabilities, said a press release. The IAF has extensive experience in deploying Remotely Piloted Aircraft for Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance operations. To harness the burgeoning drone technology sector in India, the IAF initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition, showcasing its faith in the nation's drone capabilities, according to the release. Now, with Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, the IAF is poised to further leverage this expertise. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 promises to spotlight the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with an impressive lineup of over 50 live aerial demonstrations. These demonstrations will encompass a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, said the release. The event will also witness the active participation of more than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities. Anticipated to draw approximately 5,000 attendees, Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 will serve as a convergence point for a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Representatives from central government agencies, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts are expected to grace the event, said the release. This collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India underscores the commitment to advancing drone technology and its applications in India. The event promises to showcase the capabilities of Indian drones and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 marks a step towards harnessing the full potential of this transformative technology for the nation's benefit.&nbsp;
—ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Bharat Drone Shakti exhibition today, induct C-295 Aircraft into IAF

New Delhi: Art Tree is all set to organise ‘Samanyay, Harmony in Nature’ at the Bikaner House from November 3 to 8. The six-day event will offer an experience of Indian traditional art forms while highlighting each artist’s unique local ecosystems.  Major participating artists include Madhubani- Manisha Jha; Phad - Prakash Joshi; Sanjhi - Ram Soni; Gond - Japani Shyam; Warli- Baalu Mashe, Sadashiv Mashe and Pravin Mashe.  A panel discussion on ‘Indian Folk Art &amp; Artists vis-a-vis Global Traditional and Folk Art’ will also be held on November 4.  Pragati Agarwal, the Founder, and Managing Director, of Art Tree, says, “With a view to fostering awareness about issues related to diverse ecosystems unique to numerous rich folk art that India has always been known for, we are making sure that many of the brilliant artists from different regions belonging to long-established time-honored art forms get their due. And so, through their unique format, the art forms, ranging from Madhubani, Phad, and Warli to Sanjhi and Gond, envision our focus on celebrating them, thereby starting meaningful and inclusive conversations about the need for their conservation and sustainability.
—IANS

Art Tree is all set to organise ‘Samanyay, Harmony in Nature’ at the Bikaner House from November 3 to 8.

Back to roots at Bikaner House

New Delhi: As a prelude to a significant milestone in this year’s calendar -- India hosting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session for the first time since 1983 and amidst talk of Indian interest in hosting a future edition of the Olympic Games -- Film Heritage Foundation in partnership with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, presents Olympics in Reel Life -- A Festival of Films and Photographs, a first-of-its-kind two-week-long festival of Olympic films and exhibition of photographs in collaboration with the National Centre of the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai and India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi.  On September 15, the Ambassador of the Film Heritage Foundation and superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, joined by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director, of Film Heritage Foundation, Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra, esteemed hockey legend M.M. Somaya, and the renowned Badminton player Aparna Popat unveiled 'Olympics in Reel Life' poster thereby heralding the festival’s debut in India.  Celebrating the powerful union of film, art, and sports, the Olympics in Reel Life will be slated in 3 parts:
Olympic Movie Marathon - 33 films, 10 series, 7 days, 2 cities: The film programme has been designed as a movie marathon that will showcase Olympic films across continents and eras that reflect not just remarkable achievements of human sporting endeavor, but also the shifting social, cultural and political sands of the last century of our history. The films have been drawn from the extensive archives of the IOC as well as the Olympic Channel spanning over a century beginning from 1912.  The films will play through the day from 10 a.m. onwards at two venues at the NCPA in Mumbai and at the IIC in Delhi with the programme curated to engage a wide audience from school children to film and sports buffs and historians. The audience will have the rare opportunity to watch films beautifully restored and directed by acclaimed filmmakers from around including Carlos Saura, Milos Forman, Kon Ichikawa, and Leni Riefenstahl to name a few will also include glimpses of India’s journey at the Olympic Games.  Olypism Made Visible -- An international photography project led by the Olympic Museum: "Olympism Made Visible"will be an international photography project that will delve into the profound role of sports in society, showcasing its ability to act as a catalyst for social development and peace. While the spirit of the Olympics will shine brightly during each edition of the Games, its influence will extend far beyond these moments, thanks to the tireless efforts of global organizations, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and dedicated individuals and programs that will share a common mission: to use sports as a means to create a better world.  Since the project’s inception in 2018, the Olympic Museum has invited 12 acclaimed fine art photographers to bring their creative perspectives to the practice of sport in different communities around the world. The highlight will be the unveiling of the stunning photographs of award-winning photographer Poulomi Basu recently shot in Odisha that will be put on public display for the first time. The exhibition will also include works by internationally renowned photographers, Dana Lixenberg and Lorenzo Vitturi, which will be presented in Mumbai. Olympism Made Visible gives visibility to critical issues that call for continued global solidarity and promote the notion of sport as a universal human right, for the joy, excellence, respect, and friendship that it fosters.  Indians in Olympics -- Iconic photographs that will shine a spotlight on Indian sportspersons at the Olympic Games over decades across the city of Mumbai: The third segment of the program in partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aims to create an atmosphere of celebration for India's remarkable achievements at the Olympics with a curated selection of photographs that vividly capture iconic images and poignant moments featuring India's distinguished sports persons at the Olympic Games across the decades. These striking images will grace 15 prominent locations throughout the city of Mumbai, serving as a constant and inspiring reminder to the thousands who pass by. They will showcase the incredible diversity of Indian sportspersons, including hockey players, athletes, boxers, archers, shooters, weightlifters, gymnasts, shuttlers, and tennis players who have proudly represented our nation at the Olympic Games, leaving an indelible mark of pride and accomplishment.  Commenting on the upcoming event, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, filmmaker, archivist, and the founder and director of Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) says, " As India prepares to host the International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai this year since 1983 and amidst talk of Indian interest in hosting a future edition of the Olympic Games, Film Heritage Foundation is delighted to present a truly unique event - Olympics in Reel Life – A Festival of Films and Photographs in partnership with the Olympic Museum based in Lausanne, Switzerland, that will be a showcase of the heritage, art, and culture of the Olympic Games captured on still and moving images.  "The IOC has a fantastic collection of archival films dating back over a century, many of them directed by some of the most renowned filmmakers in the world. The film programme includes 33 films and 10 series that is a feast for cinephiles, sports, and history buffs and children offering them a rare opportunity to immerse themselves through the day for a week to watch not only some of the greatest sporting moments of both Indian and international champions over the decades but also the changing history of the world reflected in these moving images. In a true celebration of our Indian Olympians, we will be putting up iconic photographs of Indian champions in 15 prime locations across the city. We will also be presenting Olympism Made Visible an exhibition of fine art photography that includes the work of internationally acclaimed photographers like Dana Lixenberg, Lorenzo Vitturi, and Poulomi Basu. I would urge people in Mumbai and Delhi not to miss this one-of-a-kind festival that marries sport, art, and film.”  The event is supported by BookASmile - the charity initiative of BookMyShow, Qube Cinema Technologies, and Hyperlink. In a tie-up with the BMC in Mumbai and INTACH in Delhi, children from local schools will be invited to watch the films in Mumbai and Delhi.
—IANS

As a prelude to a significant milestone in this year’s calendar -- India hosting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session for the first time since 1983

A festival of films and photographs presented by Film Heritage Foundation

Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Inspired by the work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a unique radio exhibition has been organized by Tirthdham-Prernatirth located in Pirana village of Ahmedabad district.  The 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, which started on October 3, 2014, is a key pillar of the government's citizen-outreach programme addressing multiple social groups such as women, youth, and farmers and has spurred community action.
"Mann Ki Baat is a heart-touching programme. In all episodes PM Modi discusses and speaks on various issues that are inspirational," Harshad Patel, Trustee of Tirthdham-Prernatirth said.  "This is the first exhibition of its kind in the country where we have kept the radios of different countries. There are over 104 radios," he added.
Earlier on September 24, PM Narendra Modi addressed the 105th episode of Mann ki Baat in which he spoke about the spectacular organization of the G20 summit after the success of Chandrayaan-3 which has doubled the happiness of every Indian. PM Modi, while addressing the nation, said, “India showcased its leadership by making the African Union a full member of the G20 bloc. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor proposed during the Summit is also set to become a cornerstone of global trade for hundreds of years. And history will always remember that this corridor was initiated on Indian soil.” The Prime Minister had also called upon citizens to visit historical sites in India.  "The Hoysala temples of Karnataka, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, are known for their excellent architecture of the 13th century. These temples getting recognition from UNESCO is also an honor to the Indian tradition of temple building..... I urge all of you … whenever you plan to travel somewhere, try to observe the diversity of India" the Prime Minister had said.  The popular program on All India Radio, Prime Minister Mann Ki Baat was started on 3rd October 2014 and is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am. The 30–minute program completed its 100 episodes on 30th April 2023.  Through the program, the Prime Minister aims to have a dialogue with the citizens and also highlight inspirational ideas and initiatives in an effort to promote citizen-centric governance.
—ANI

Inspired by the work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a unique radio exhibition has been organized by Tirthdham-Prernatirth located in Pirana village

Radio Exhibition inspired by Mann Ki Baat organised in Gujarat

London [UK]: The National Army Museum is currently highlighting the critical contribution of the British Indian Army during the First World War through a temporary exhibition titled “British Indian Army: Soldiers of the First World War.”
Created together with the United Service Institution of India, the display “Looks at the history of the British Indian Army and its Indian soldiers in the First World War,” explained Julian Farrance, Liaison Officer at the museum. It highlights their “absolutely vital” role across multiple fronts and campaigns, he emphasized. “The history of the British Indian Army is very key to the National Army Museum,” Farrance stated, noting that some of the museum’s first collections were of Indian soldiers. “We wanted to look at that specifically in this temporary exhibition and particularly at the history of the First World War,” he said.
Nearly 1.4 million Indian men served in the Great War (World War I), making up the largest volunteer force ever assembled at the time. The exhibition brings to life their indispensable service from 1914 to 1918 in major theatres like the Western Front, Gallipoli, and Mesopotamia as well as lesser-known Asian fronts. Featuring photographs, artwork reproductions, documents and medals of Indian soldiers, the exhibition shows that “We (Great Britain) would not be able to prosecute the war the way that we do without their contribution,” Farrance emphasized.
Though the role of Indian troops is “a subject that tends to be overlooked” in the UK’s popular memory of the war, Farrance said: “Looking at that contribution and putting it into these kinds of exhibitions is something that we do very regularly at the museum to provide a more complete historical picture.” “There are so many different contributing countries that put soldiers into the British Army throughout its long history. But one of the most important ones is the contribution of Indian soldiers,” Farrance said, stating that the museum continually highlights the role of the British Indian Army.
The exhibition opened in August and will run through till November 5, spotlighting a vital part of the museum’s origins and collections.
—ANI

The National Army Museum is currently highlighting the critical contribution of the British Indian Army during the First World War 

Indian soldier’s “vital” role in World War I brought to life in National Army Museum Exhibition in London

New Delhi [India]: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will be organising the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023. This event will take place at the impressive International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi, from October 4 to 6, read the Ministry of Tourism press release.
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this event promises to reunite tourism professionals and business stakeholders from around the world. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, is globally recognized as a not-for-profit association that plays a pivotal role in the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region, read the press release. PATA Travel Mart stands as a significant international trade exhibition within the tourism sector, serving as a platform for trade interactions between global buyers and sellers, primarily from the Asia Pacific region. This year's Mart will facilitate diverse sectors, offering a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and collaboration. The event will feature various activities, including the prestigious PATA Gold Award, the PATA Youth Symposium, PATA Forum on Sustainability, and the B2B Mart, read the press release.
The International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, serves as the venue for this grand occasion. Recently inaugurated in September, this iconic exhibition space hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit, welcoming world leaders from across the globe. India's successful hosting of the G20 Summit has firmly established the nation as a preferred destination for organizing large-scale events and conferences. With its commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism, India is quickly emerging as the preferred choice for hosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, read the press release. The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration emphasized the crucial role of tourism and culture in sustainable socio-economic development and economic prosperity. It also highlighted the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Tourism recently launched the Travel for LiFE program, under the Mission LiFE initiative, promoting responsible behavior among tourists, read the press release. India's participation in the PATA Travel Mart is significant, with a designated pavilion showcasing the diverse range of destinations across the country, including well-known and lesser-known gems. Various Indian states and ministries, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and the Handlooms Development Commissioner, are setting up stands and stalls to exhibit their products, read the release. While the Mart primarily caters to business-to-business (B2B) interactions, it will also spotlight a wide array of thematic products, such as wellness, adventure, heritage, culinary delights, and arts and crafts, to a global audience. The PATA Travel Mart 2023 promises to be a remarkable event that not only showcases India's vibrant tourism industry but also fosters global collaboration and showcases the nation's commitment to sustainable tourism.
—ANI

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will be organising the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023.

India to host PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi

New Delhi (India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' (P20) Summit on October 13, which aims to hold discussions on how Parliaments can effectively advance the objectives of the P20. "9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P-20) will be held from October 13-14 at the newly constructed India International Convention and Expo Center (IICC), Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Summit on 13th October 2023," the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs said in a press release.
<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/image.webp" alt="Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed that apart from G20 countries, 10 other countries and international organizations will participate in the Summit and so far, 50 Parliamentarians and 14 Secretaries General including 26 Presidents, 10 Vice Presidents, one Committee Chairman and the IPU President have confirmed their participation. He added that the President of the Pan African Parliament will also be participating in the P20 Summit in India for the first time. The Lok Sabha Speaker informed that with the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future', India aims to provide consensus-based solutions to complex global issues towards a more inclusive, peaceful and equitable world. Birla informed that four high-level sessions will be organized during the P-20 Summit namely; accelerating SDGs, Sustainable Energy Transition, women-led development, and transformation in people's lives through Public Digital Platforms.
<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/image1.webp" alt="Om Birla" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
These sessions will bring together G20 members and guest countries for wide-ranging discussions on "how Parliaments can effectively advance the objectives of the P20", the Ministry stated. Birla further informed that the Summit will conclude with a joint statement urging G20 governments to provide solutions to the major global challenges based on equality, inclusivity and peace. A Parliamentary Forum on LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) will also be organized before the Summit on October 12. LiFE was launched on October 20, 2022 by PM Modi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Kevadia, Gujarat, the Ministry added. This initiative is effectively working towards sustainable development based on an environmentally conscious lifestyle and the principle of 'reduce, reuse, and recycle'. During the Summit, an exhibition 'Mother of Democracy' will also be organized to highlight India's ancient and participatory democratic traditions.
—ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' (P20) Summit on October 13

PM Modi to inaugurate 9th Parliamentary Speakers' Summit on October 13

Agra: Passionate tree lovers of the Taj city on Wednesday resolved to turn Agra into the “Bougainvillea capital” of India, in the next few years. Already large stretches along the MG Road, the Yamuna Kinara Road, and around the grand Mughal monuments are lined up with Bougainvillea vines exploding in a riot of fascinating colours. The Bouganvillea crusader Mukul Pandya who has organised an exhibition of Bougainvillea plants, close to the Taj Mahal, told IANS that Bougainvillea is ideally suited for Agra, as the vines or bushes are sturdy, suited to the local agro-climatic conditions, requiring very little water and care. The exhibition is drawing enthusiastic tree lovers who are amazed by the variety and the mesmerising colourful feast offered by the Agra Horticulture Club. A native of South America, Bougainvillea now finds patrons and lovers all over India. Pandya recounted the love story of a French adventurer and his girlfriend of the same name, who brought the colourful bushy plant from South America in the 18th century. “Essentially Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the ‘Four O’clocks Family’, consisting of sepal-like bracts which surround the waxy colourful leaves of the plants that thrive in hot and dry conditions. Of the around 300 varieties, Pandya has successfully grown 100 varieties. He has succeeded in grafting single plants with several colourful strains. “Some 50 years ago, I began collecting different varieties and planted them on my terrace which eventually caved in due to the weight of flower pots. Agra has taken a fancy for Bougainvillea. “Locals are planting Bougainvillea in a big way along boundaries, and open spaces. Several parks in the city have hundreds of Bougainvillea plants.” Ranjna Bansal, patron of the Club said that their dream is to turn Agra into a Bougainvillea capital. “A campaign will be soon launched involving green activists, various government departments, NGOs and tree lovers,” he said. The Bougainvillea Exhibition 2023 was organised for the Horticulture Club of Agra by Lovely Kathuria, Daisy Gujaral, Renu Bhagat. More than 799 specimens of 100 cultivars in the form of vines, shrubs, miniature trees and bonsai, were on display. Pandya said for the first time B Changi Airport, B Kayata, and Royal Dauphine, were put on display. The jury members included Manashi Ray, Shiv Kunzroo, and Mradul Pathak. The first prize went to Daisy Gujaral, second to Monica Agarwal, and third to Kanchan Ahuja. Ankush Dave, a specialist in conserving rare species of flora and butterflies, said that Agra’s arid climate makes it an ideal place for propagating Bougainvillea which does not require too much care or water and is safe from marauding simian population. Raman, member of the Supreme Court monitoring committee on pollution, assured all help and support to popularise planting of Bougainvillea. Kamal Singh of the Agra Heritage Group said that due to the monkey menace, Bougainvillea has become an automatic choice for tree lovers, as the thorns of this ornamental plant scare the simians. Over the years, the green cover in the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone has shrunk. The green cover in the Agra district is around 7 per cent, against the national target of 33 per cent. “Though the state horticulture department and the forest department have been ritualistically planting millions of saplings every year, the results defy visibility,” said Padmini Iyer of the River Connect Campaign. But now there was some hope, as the efforts of the Agra Horticulture Club, to popularise Bougainvillea were yielding encouraging results. —IANS

Passionate tree lovers of the Taj city on Wednesday resolved to turn Agra into the “Bougainvillea capital” of India, in the next few years

Agra To Become ‘Bougainvillea Capital’ Of India

Baku (Azerbaijan): Over 15,000 exhibits dating back to the 17th century, Indian textiles from 5,000 years ago and to top it, a massive rolled carpet-shaped building – no wonder the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum here is a popular spot on the tourists' itinerary.
The Azerbaijani carpets were proclaimed “a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage” by UNESCO in 2010.  While the carpet museum is popular for its carpet collection dating back to the 17th century, Indian textiles from the 34th century BC are also on display at the museum, which celebrates the carpet art, its history and the legacy of this country’s carpets.  “In Azerbaijan, there is no village where carpets are not woven. The museum has the largest collection of Azerbaijan carpets available in the world. The museum takes the visitors through the journey -- right from the history of Azerbaijan through its carpets, the different colours and patterns reflect all periods of our history, our literature and folklore," Shirin Malikova, Director, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum told PTI.
Located in the heart of Azerbaijan's capital Baku, the museum was originally set up in 1967 in the Juma Mosque in the Old City district of Baku. In 1991, it was relocated to the former Lenin Museum on Neftchilar Avenue.  When the UNESCO inscription came in 2010, plans were made to recognise its continued importance and place in world culture. As a result, in 2014, it got its new home in the seaside park in the current museum building that resembles a rolled carpet. It was designed by the Austrian architect, Franz Janz, and was renamed the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.  “It is the most visited museum in Azerbaijan. Over the decades, the museum continued to acquire carpets throughout the 1970s and 80s, and now houses over about 15,000 exhibits that include pile carpets, flat-woven carpets, and objects made out of woven materials, textiles, embroideries, metalwork, and jewellery. We have also bought exquisite pieces from auctions and personal collections,” Malikova said.
The exhibition is laid out on three floors. On the first floor of the museum, visitors can walk through a timeline of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, from simple woven mats made from reed or cane to more complex woven forms. There are also weaving tools on display like looms, wool, ropes, and carpet bags," The second floor displays the trends of the Azerbaijani carpet weaving schools. It is occupied by the pile carpets, in various groups, and shows information about collective motifs found in Azerbaijani folk art, such as buta, dragons, tree of life, different styles of crosses, and Islamic symbols.  The third floor focuses on Carpet weaving of the contemporary period and how the art has developed through the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.  Latif Karimov, a prominent carpet designer, and scientist who played a role in the establishment of the museum is among the featured artists.
“Besides the exquisite collection, we also have a department of traditional technology where we weave carpets and revive old forgotten techniques. We have five carpet artists in the department and 13 weavers and one of the important programmes we do is ‘Museum Without Borders’. We also teach carpet weaving here," Malikova said.  Rena Suleymanova, who is one of the weavers at the museum, said the carpets that they weave fly off the shelves from a store inside the museum.  "Small carpets which reflect the style and are easy to carry are a hit among the tourists visiting the museum. I learnt the art of carpet weaving when I was 10 years old and have been weaving them for five decades now," she said.
—PTI

Over 15,000 exhibits dating back to the 17th century, Indian textiles from 5,000 years ago and to top it, a massive rolled carpet-shaped building

Massive rolled carpet-shaped building houses a decades-old Azerbaijan carpet museum, has Indian textiles from 5,000 years ago too

New Delhi (The Hawk): With the closing ceremony of IISF at the grand A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Hall, where the Chief guest was Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana. The Minister announced the development of a “Science City” in the city of Faridabad, Haryana. He also visited the mega science expo where countless commendable innovations were displayed. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Science &amp; Technology visited the mega expo at the inaugural day, the first day of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023. More than 100 stalls were installed at the expo where 20 stalls were from the private organisations, while more than 80 stalls were from the government organisations. There were around 1 lakh visitors in the exposition. Among the major organisations who showcased their scientific inventions and innovations include Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and Department of Science and Technology (DST) and its autonomous bodies. The displays were clearly justifying the theme of the ninth edition of IISF, “Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal” reflecting the Nation’s contemporary position in the new era in the field of Science and Technology. It proved that our country is young and enthusiastic determined to achieve a lot. Among the many displays, Ram Mandir model was the centre of attraction of the exhibition due to its inauguration ceremony on January 22, 2024. The unique design including the “Surya Tilak,” highlighting the scientific prowess in the monument was given by the CSIR lab, Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) located at Roorkee, Uttarakhand. Another treat to the eyes was the "Pollution-Free Viksit Gaon, Viksit Bharat" at the expo. It envisions a sustainable and developed rural community contributing to the overall progress of India. It was a CSIR initiative. National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), the autonomous institute of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The institute focuses on high quality plant biology research and training the next generation of plant biologists. One of its recent major achievements showcased include “ADVIKA,” a novel superior drought tolerant, climate smart chickpea variety. Participants watching live experimental set-up in International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi stall at the expo. Several awards under different categories were given to the participants at the mega science expo. For the Best Conceptual Pavilion, Raman Research Institute (RRI) was awarded the first prize. Department of Science &amp; Technology, Govt. of Gujarat was awarded the second prize, and Technology Development Board (TDB) stood third. In the category of the Best Technology Pavilion, Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence stood first. BrahMos Aerospace got the second prize. For the Best Interactive Pavilion, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) received the first prize, and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS) got the second prize. In the category of the Jury Special Mentioned Award, Indian Council of Medical Research got the first prize (ICMR), Amity University received the second prize. For the Best Pavilion in the Expo, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) stood first, and Department of Biotechnology stood in the second category, Department of Science and Technology received the third prize.  The Mega science exposition was covered by the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication &amp; Policy Research (NIScPR). It coordinated and facilitated the media publicity of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023. The key objective of the SMCC is to disseminate and showcase R&amp;D breakthroughs and scientific achievements of India on various platforms of media. For more information, please visit https://niscpr.res.in/ or follow us at @CSIR-NIScPR.

With the closing ceremony of IISF at the grand A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Hall, where the Chief guest was Shri Manohar Lal Khattar

The Hawk

Tag : Exhibition

Hardeep Puri launches ‘BHARAT TAP’ initiative at Plumbex India Exhibition

Karan

Tag : Exhibition

Hardeep Puri launches ‘BHARAT TAP’ initiative at Plumbex India Exhibition

Karan

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