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Pakistani Dramas: Changing Perceptions or Cashing In? | TDG Explainer

March 31, 2025, 2:30 am

In recent years, Pakistani dramas have gained immense popularity in India, with millions of viewers hooked on their engaging storylines, strong character development, and emotional depth. Shows like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Mere Humsafar have won Indian hearts, making them a regular part of Indian households. But this growing popularity raises some interesting questions—Is Pakistan deliberately trying to improve its image through these dramas, or is it just hype? And how much does Pakistan earn from these dramas, especially considering India’s large viewer base?

Why Are Pakistani Dramas So Popular in India?

Realistic Storylines:
Pakistani dramas focus on family values, societal issues, and realistic relationships, which resonate well with Indian audiences.
Limited Episodes:
Unlike Indian daily soaps that stretch for years, Pakistani dramas usually wrap up in 20-30 episodes, keeping the storyline crisp and engaging.
Strong Performances:
Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Sajal Aly, and Yumna Zaidi have gained a massive fan base in India due to their powerful performances.
Cultural Similarities:
India and Pakistan share cultural roots, making it easier for Indian audiences to relate to the themes and traditions portrayed in these dramas.

Is Pakistan Using Dramas to Improve Its Global Image?

While Pakistani dramas often portray a progressive and positive side of Pakistani society, it is not entirely fair to assume that they are a part of a larger strategy to reshape Pakistan’s global image. However, these shows do contribute to soft power diplomacy, which improves cultural relations between India and Pakistan.

Positive Impact:
Pakistani dramas show a progressive and modern face of Pakistan, breaking stereotypes often associated with the country. Issues like women’s empowerment, social injustices, and family dynamics are portrayed in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.

Criticism and Reality Check:
Despite the positive portrayal, Pakistan still faces issues like censorship, lack of freedom of speech, and gender inequality. Some critics argue that these dramas depict an idealistic version of Pakistan, far from the actual socio-political challenges faced by the country.

How Much Does Pakistan Earn from Dramas?

Local Revenue from Domestic Market:
Pakistani dramas generate significant revenue from domestic advertisements, sponsorships, and digital platforms. ARY Digital, HUM TV, and Geo Entertainment dominate the television industry in Pakistan.
International Revenue:
- YouTube Earnings: Pakistani drama channels have millions of views from India and other countries, making YouTube one of the primary sources of income through ad revenue.
- Licensing to Indian Platforms: Earlier, Pakistani dramas were broadcast on Indian TV channels like Zindagi, but after the 2016 Uri attack, these were banned. However, Indian audiences still watch them via YouTube and other online platforms, contributing indirectly to Pakistani media revenue.

How Much Does India Contribute to Pakistan’s Drama Revenue?

YouTube Viewership:
A large chunk of Pakistani drama viewership on YouTube comes from India. With millions of views on episodes, Pakistan earns revenue through ads monetized via Indian audiences.
Ad Revenue Estimates:
- For a popular drama with over 50 million views, YouTube ad revenue can range between $50,000 to $100,000 (₹40-80 lakh), depending on the CPM (Cost Per Mille) rates in India and Pakistan.
- Indian viewers contribute to a significant percentage of this revenue, often estimated to be around 30-40% of the total views.

Can Pakistani Dramas Improve Bilateral Relations?

Though entertainment can play a role in bridging gaps between nations, the political realities between India and Pakistan remain complex. However, cultural exchanges through dramas can lead to a better understanding between people of both nations, highlighting shared values and traditions.

Conclusion: Hype or Reality?

While Pakistani dramas undeniably showcase a progressive and appealing side of Pakistan, it is difficult to claim that this is a deliberate attempt to alter global perceptions. Their success in India is more due to the quality of content and emotional connection with audiences rather than an orchestrated image-building effort. However, the revenue generated from Indian viewership contributes significantly to Pakistan’s entertainment industry, making India an important audience for the success of Pakistani dramas.

In the end, while Pakistani dramas may not single-handedly change perceptions or diplomatic ties, they do foster a sense of cultural familiarity and mutual appreciation, paving the way for better understanding between the two nations.

Let’s have an Indian-made chip in every device in the world: PM

September 12, 2024, 2:39 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said resilience of supply chains is critical for the economy as he made a pitch to boost investments in domestic manufacturing of semiconductors which is the foundation of everything from smartphone to EV and AI.
Speaking at the SEMICON 2024 conference on the outskirts of the national capital, the Prime Minister said the Covid pandemic showed the importance of the supply chain and underscored the need to act to ward off any disruption.

“Resilience of the supply chain is very important,” he said. “India is working to create the same in different sectors of the economy.”
The world witnessed supply shocks during Covid-19, as stringent measures to control the spread of pandemic in China affected the industries and sectors dependent on imports from that country. One of the sectors impacted was chips that form a critical part of every electronic device.

Prime Minister showcased India’s reformist regime, stable policies and a market that has tasted technology to make a strong pitch for investments in semiconductor manufacturing.
“It is our dream to have an Indian-made chip in every device in the world,” he said and added that “We will do everything that is needed to make India a semiconductor powerhouse.”

Talking of steps taken by his government to boost semiconductor manufacturing, he said a reformist government, a growing manufacturing base and an aspirational market that has tasted technology provide a ‘Three-D Power’ for chip making in the country.
“Today’s India inspires confidence in the world. When the chips are down, you can bet on India,” he said.
He said investment of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore has already been committed in semiconductor manufacturing and many projects are in pipeline.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that this is the ideal time to invest in India. He remarked, “Many projects are in the pipeline, and India today assures the world that when the chips are down, you can bet on India.” Describing India’s semiconductor industry as having “special diodes,” he said, “You invest and create value, while the government ensures stable policies and ease of doing business.”
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s focus on developing semiconductor-related infrastructure, mentioning the creation of a Rs 1 trillion research fund. He noted that initiatives like these will significantly boost innovation in the semiconductor and science sectors.

He further added, “India offers a unique three-dimensional advantage: a reform-orientated government, a growing manufacturing base, and a large, aspirational market. As a major consumer of chips, India has built world-class digital public infrastructure on this very foundation.” He also emphasised that the Indian government is providing 50% support for setting up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised India’s significant contributions to the global semiconductor design ecosystem while also stressing the country’s commitment to education and skill development in this field.

He noted, “India accounts for 20% of the talent in semiconductor design worldwide. We are training a workforce of 85,000 technicians, engineers, and R&D specialists, with a focus on preparing students and professionals for the semiconductor industry.” Modi also mentioned that beyond talent development, India is prioritising the creation of semiconductor infrastructure.

The three-day SEMICON India 2024 conference highlights India’s semiconductor strategy and policies, aiming to establish the country as a global hub for semiconductors. The event brings together top executives of global semiconductor giants, as well as industry leaders, companies, and experts. Over 250 exhibitors and 150 speakers are participating in the conference.

India’s Maritime Responsibility: The Case for Ratification of the High Seas Treaty

September 6, 2024, 2:21 am

In the month of July, the union cabinet headed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in-principle approved the signing of the Biodiversity Beyond the National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, which marked a historical step to further strengthen India’s aim for better sustainable development of seas and oceans and to enhance the blue economy prospects of the country.

High Seas Treaty
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement is also known as the High seas Treaty and formally called as the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Generally, under United Nations Convention of Law of seas (UNCLOS) 1982 the sea can be divided into territorial sea, contiguous zone, continental self, Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and High seas. Except High Seas, all other zones of the seas either completely or partially fall under the jurisdiction of the costal state which extends up to 200 Nautical miles. The High Seas are the areas outside the jurisdiction of the costal state which is beyond 200 nautical miles and treated as the property of common mankind.

The treaty extends only to the international waters or high seas which is beyond the national jurisdiction of the states, almost constitutes the two third or 64% of the total sea cover. They are shared by all, and everyone has equal rights to use them for overflight, commerce, scientific research, and the installation of infrastructure such as underwater cables.
However, since these are universally owned, the high seas are likewise universally owed. Ocean acidification, overuse of resources, loss of biodiversity, pollution (particularly plastic waste), and numerous other issues plague many of these regions as a result. In order to address these issues, the world countries negotiated for 20 years and finalised the High Seas Treaty.

SALIENT FEATURES OF HIGH SEAS TREATY
The high seas treaty has been hailed and compared to the Paris climate deal 2015 in order to protect and secure the oceans.
The treaty enables the member countries either individually or collective to submit a proposal to establish the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the high seas which will be demarcated and protected. This will help to ensure that at least 30% of the ocean is effectively conserved and managed by the collaboration. The fair-equitable sharing of both monetary and non-monetary benefits arising out of the use of marine genetic resources (MGR) has been included in the treaty.

According to the UN more then one third of the marine ecosystem has been over polluted and destroyed. The pact emphasizes how crucial it is to improve institutional capacity as well as national regulatory frameworks and systems, as well as to transfer maritime technology. Increasing cooperation between regional fisheries management organizations and regional seas organizations is one way to achieve this. The global warming has led to increased ocean temperatures, melting of polar ice, increase in sea level. In order to address these pressing issues, the treaty provides guidance and integrated approach to ocean management, which preserves and restores ecosystem integrity, including carbon cycling services, while fostering ecosystem resilience to combat the negative effects of climate change and ocean acidification.

Treaty also focuses on the realisation of the few sustainable development goals like SDG 14 which aims to reduce the marine pollution through scientific approaches. Under the agreement, new operations like geoengineering will be subject to a need to complete Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s) for any activities that may have an impact in the high seas. Additionally, states have committed to creating new EIA rules and standards to protect the High Seas.

Ratification and its Implications on India
In September 2023, the BBNJ Agreement was open to signatures after it had been concluded in March 2023. For it to be enforceable, it must be ratified by 60 or more nations. There is then a 120-day window following the 60th ratification for it to come into effect. Eight countries have ratified the pact as of June 2024, out of the 91 that had signed it. Now the Union Cabinet decision to sign and ratify it will give India a wider scope to deal with many maritime issues.

With the ratification, India will be able to take part in the international governance of marine resources and it will help in sustainable management and protection of areas outside its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Indian government have to amend its domestic laws in order to sync with the provisions of the treaty. Updates to the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1976 and other relevant legislation may be necessary to guarantee adherence to global norms. India may take the lead in the Indian Ocean region and have a stronger voice in global maritime governance by ratifying the treaty. This is in line with India’s larger geopolitical objectives of preserving Indo-Pacific peace and stability. It may also help in technology transfer and sharing between the nations to protect the marine environment.
India has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development and global environmental care by signing the BBNJ Agreement. India’s ratification of this international pact enhances its strategic standing in the high seas and advances the global endeavour to preserve and responsibly exploit marine biodiversity for the good of humankind as a whole.

Vallimireddy Abhinav Deep Dora is Assistant Professor, Vignan Institute of Law, VFSTR Vadlamudi Guntur.
L Ashish Kumar is Assistant Professor, Gitam School of law, Visakhapatnam.

Indian National Dies in New York Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery

February 25, 2024, 9:26 am

A 27-year-old Indian national named Fazil Khan tragically died in a fire incident in Harlem, New York. The Indian Embassy in New York is providing support and is in contact with Khan’s friends and family.

The embassy expressed its condolences, stating, “Saddened to learn about the death of 27-year-old Indian national Mr. Fazil Khan in an unfortunate fire incident in Harlem, NY. India in New York is in touch with the late Mr. Fazil Khan’s family & friends. We continue to extend all possible assistance in repatriation of his mortal remains to India.”

Fazil was an alumnus of Columbia Journalism School and was working as Data Journalist with The Hechinger Report. The Hechinger Report posted their condolences on their X account and wrote: “We learned Saturday that The Hechinger Report’s data reporter Fazil Khan died in a fire in the New York City building where he lived. We are devastated by the loss of such a great colleague and wonderful person, and our hearts go out to his family. He will be dearly missed.”

We learned Saturday that The Hechinger Report’s data reporter Fazil Khan died in a fire in the New York City building where he lived. We are devastated by the loss of such a great colleague and wonderful person, and our hearts go out to his family. He will be dearly missed.

— The Hechinger Report (@hechingerreport) February 24, 2024

According to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the fire, caused by a lithium-ion battery, occurred at a Harlem apartment building, injuring 17 others and displacing dozens of people. The fire also led to dramatic rope rescues, with residents forced to jump or use the fire escape to save their lives.

One resident, Akil Jones, described his escape, saying, “Just what I have on me. My phone, my keys and this guy,” referring to his father. Another neighbor, Angie Ratchford, witnessed people coming out of the building and described the intensity of the fire.

Following the incident, 18 people were rescued, 12 were taken to a local hospital, and four remain in critical condition. The Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order, and the Red Cross is assisting displaced individuals with temporary housing at a nearby school.

FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens explained that the fire originated from an apartment door left open on the third floor, causing intense flames that blocked the stairwell. Lithium-ion batteries have been a concern, with 267 fires, 150 injuries, and 18 deaths attributed to them in New York City in 2023.

As of Monday, there have been 24 lithium-ion battery fire investigations and eight injuries reported this year.

Indian hockey team buckles up for Junior Asia Cup

May 24, 2023, 3:36 am

The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team is all geared up for the highly anticipated Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman, which is set to commence on 23 May, while the final of the tournament will be played on 1 June, 2023.
The tournament will not only serve as a brilliant platform for the young players in Asia to display their skills, but it will also be crucial as the top three finishers in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 will qualify for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, which is set to be played in Malaysia in December this year. The Indian team, which will be captained by Uttam Singh and vice captained by Boby Singh Dhami, will enter the tournament as defending champions and are also the most successful team in the title event alongside Pakistan, as both sides have won the Men’s Junior Asia Cup three times each.
Notably, the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 will see 10 participating teams that have been split into two pools. India has been grouped in pool A of the tournament along with nemesis Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei, while pool B consists of hosts Oman, Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Indian team captain, Uttam Singh, said, “The Junior Asia Cup is a big opportunity for us to prove our mettle and implement everything that we have worked on during training sessions. Given the good international exposure that we have gained in the last couple of years and the recent practise sessions that we had in SAI Centre, Bengaluru, where we also played against the senior team to hone our skills, we can say that we are well prepared to defend the title.

” Meanwhile, the team’s vice captain, Boby Singh Dhami, said that the side is not only excited to play against the best young teams in Asia, but it’s also pumped up after winning the Sultan of Johor Cup last year. As per the tournament format, each team in the pool stage will play the other four teams in their pool once, and the top two teams in both pools will qualify for the semi-finals. The two finalists and the bronze medalist, who will be decided by a match between the losing semi-finalists, will qualify for the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2023.

However, if Malaysia, which has already qualified for the prestigious quadrennial event by virtue of being the hosts, enters the semi-finals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, then all the other three teams making it to the last four of the tournament will gain entry into the marquee event in December.

India will open their Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Chinese Taipei on 24 May, while on 25 May, they will take on Japan. The Uttam Singh-led team will then lock horns with Pakistan on 27 May before playing against Thailand in their last pool game on 28 May.

Successful 9th day of Operation Kaveri brings 3,584 Indians home

May 4, 2023, 8:54 pm

According to the Indian Embassy in Sudan, a total of 3,584 Indians have been evacuated from the strife-torn Sudan under “Operation Kaveri,” which completed nine days of operations on Thursday.

The Indian government’s ambitious rescue mission, “Operation Kaveri,” aimed at evacuating stranded Indians from the conflict-ridden Sudan, has entered its ninth day. The mission was carried out with the help of five Indian naval ships and 16 Indian Air Force aircraft, including one from Wadi Sayyidna military airbase.

The Embassy of India in Sudan tweeted, “As of today, 3584 Indians have been evacuated from Sudan. The Embassy of India mobilised and facilitated the movement of 67 buses from various parts of Sudan to reach Port Sudan. So far, Indians have moved out of Port Sudan using five Indian naval ships and 16 Indian Air Force aircraft, including one from Wadi Sayyidna military airbase.”

The Indian embassy in Sudan also informed about the evacuation of 80 Indians from El Fashir in Western Sudan to Port Sudan after they travelled for almost 48 hours.

Passenger held with Gold worth over 50 lakh at Delhi airport

May 3, 2023, 5:09 pm

As per the officials on Wednesday, Air Customs at Delhi International Airport booked a passenger who arrived from Jeddah and seized gold worth over Rs 50 lakh in the form of paste from the person.

The police have reported that an Indian passenger who arrived at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi from Jeddah on April 29 has been charged with smuggling gold. The recovered gold, which included four oval-shaped chemical pastes weighing approximately 1165 grammes and suspected to contain gold, was confiscated under Section 110 of the Customs Act 1962.

The officials conducted personal and baggage searches on the passenger, which led to the discovery of the suspected gold pastes. Further processing resulted in the extraction of 1013 grammes of unevenly shaped gold bars, with a tariff value of Rs. 53,82,358. This incident was detected by officers of Airport Customs, IGI Airport, Terminal-3, New Delhi, based on profiling.

Another Operation Kaveri flight brings back 246 Indians to Mumbai

April 27, 2023, 5:07 pm

On Thursday, another Operation Kaveri flight landed in Mumbai with 246 Indian nationals on board.

“Another #OperationKaveri flight comes to Mumbai. 246 more Indians come back to the motherland,” Jaishankar tweeted on Thursday.

Earlier on Thursday, as many as 128 Indian nationals, evacuated from conflict-ridden Sudan, arrived in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah under “Operation Kaveri” by the IAF aircraft C-130J flight, as per the statement by Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.

Muraleedharan along with officials received the Indian nationals in Jeddah.
“Another IAF C-130J flight under #OperationKaveri arrived at Jeddah with 128 Indians, the fourth aircraft from Sudan. Efforts are on to ensure that all Indians, who arrived in Jeddah will be sent to India at the earliest.” Muraleedharan tweeted.

Muraleedharan stated that efforts are being made to send Indian nationals who arrived in Jeddah to India at the earliest. He posted a video which showed Indian nationals deboarding from the aircraft in Jeddah.

Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “The 4th IAF C-130J flight takes off from Port Sudan for Jeddah with 128 passengers. This is the sixth batch of Indians to be evacuated from Sudan under #OperationKaveri, taking the total to nearly 1100 persons.”

INS Sujata visits Mozambique’s Port Maputo

March 21, 2023, 5:24 pm

Indian Navy patrol vessel INS Sujata visited Port Maputo in Mozambique from 19 March to 21 March during its overseas deployment. The ship was welcomed by Captain Nitin Kapoor, DA Pretoria, Commandant NRN Siva Babu, Coast Guard Afloat Support Team, and Captain Florentino Jose’ Narciso from the Mozambican Navy.

The Mozambican Navy gave the ship a traditional welcome with fanfare and dance performances, according to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Defense on Tuesday.

The commanding officer of INS Sujata called on several military and civilian dignitaries, including Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias Da Silva Muatuca, commander of the Mozambican Navy. Ankan Banerjee, the Mayor of Maputo, the High Commissioner of India, and several other military and civilian officials were present.

The formal statement revealed that about 40 personnel of the Mozambican Navy visited the ship for cross-deck training which included training on various aspects of naval operations such as briefings about diving operations, training on VBSS and light weapons, a walk around of training facilities, visual communication and maintenance of machinery, and hygiene onboard.

Navies of both nations also organized various other activities such as yoga sessions and soccer matches to enhance mutual cooperation and bilateral ties between them. The visit by INS Sujata at Maputo, Mozambique expected to strengthen defense ties and cooperation between India and Mozambique.

Harmanpreet Singh: Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is lucky for us

March 16, 2023, 4:33 pm

Captain Harmanpreet Singh declared that the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is indeed “lucky” for Team India after the team’s triumphs in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–2023 home games against Australia, 5–4, and the current World Champions, Germany, by scores of 3-2 and 6-3.

“Here in Rourkela, we are pleased to maintain a spotless reputation. In this fantastic stadium, we have never dropped a game. The Birsa Munda Hockey Complex is unquestionably very fortunate for us. We want to go out there and win every game when you get so much love and support from the crowd “According to a press statement from Hockey India, the expert drag-flicker who scored twice in India’s nail-biting shootout triumph on Wednesday. India now leads the pool position in the FIH Hockey Pro League thanks to their outstanding performance in Rourkela, Odisha. The squad is currently in first place on the standings with 19 points after eight games, ahead of Spain (which has 17 points after eight games), and Argentina (which is in third place with 13 points after twelve games). Germany, the defending group champions, is now ranked fourth with 11 points after 8 games.

As a result of defeating teams rated higher than them, India has also risen in the FIH World Ranking. Prior to this year’s Pro League match, Germany was rated No. 1, Australia was ranked No. 4, and India was ranked No. 6 when they started their home campaign. The Indian team is now ranked fourth in the world, trailing only the defending World Champions Germany, which dropped to third in the most current FIH rankings.

“These things, like our global ranking, don’t seem to mean all that much to us. We don’t consider this when we compete. Our sole focus was on capitalising on our opportunities and maintaining pressure on the opposition. Some of the young people who had the chance to demonstrate their talent rose to the occasion and excelled both for themselves and the team, added Harmanpreet Singh.

Harmanpreet Singh, who currently holds the record for most goals scored in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–2023 with 11 goals, is followed by Alexander Hendrickx, who has scored six goals.

Axar Patel visits Baba Mahakal Temple with wife in Ujjain

February 27, 2023, 3:29 pm

Recently, Indian cricketer Axar Patel and his wife Meha Patel visited the Baba Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The duo offered their prayers and visited the holy shrine to seek blessings. At the time, Patel and his wife also took part in the “Bhasma Aarti.” A well-known ceremony in this place is the bhasma aarti (ashes gift). Between 4:00 and 5:30 in the morning, Brahma Muhurta, it is done. The pair sat in the Nandihal to watch the Bhasma Aarti. They then proceeded to the temple’s sanctum sanctorum to conduct Jalabhishek. Patel stayed on Baba Mahakal’s premises for more than two hours. As he sat in Nandihal, he prayed to Shiva as well.

The Baba Mahakal Temple is located in the ancient city of Ujjain and is one of the most revered shrines in the country. The temple is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and is said to be the source of divine energy and power.

Axar and his wife were welcomed warmly by the staff and devotees of the temple. They were also treated to a traditional pooja and were offered sweets by the temple priests.

Axar and his wife seemed to have enjoyed their visit to the temple, and were seen taking selfies and interacting with the locals. The pair also offered their priases to Lord Shiva, and thanked the temple staff for their warm hospitality.

Overall, Axar Patel’s visit to the Baba Mahakal Temple was a great opportunity for him and his wife to seek blessings and gain spiritual strength. The couple was welcomed warmly by the staff and devotees, and they seemed to have enjoyed their visit

I&B Minister meets with south actors to discuss the Indian film industry

February 27, 2023, 2:59 pm

Recently, Union Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur met with South Indian actors Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, and several other industry veterans on Sunday to discuss the future of the Indian film industry. The meeting was held in Hyderabad and was attended by some of the biggest names in the South Indian film industry.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current challenges facing the film industry and the need for strong government support. During the meeting, Minister Thakur heard the views and experiences of the participants and said that the government would take all the necessary steps to help the industry.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of cinema in creating a strong cultural identity and said that he would look into the issues raised by the participants. He thanked the attendees for their contributions to Indian cinema and for their commitment to the development of the industry.

Overall, the meeting was a great opportunity for the industry to discuss their current challenges and to get feedback from the government. Minister Thakur’s commitment to the development of the industry is an encouraging sign and it will be interesting to see how the government moves forward in its efforts to support the Indian film industry.

RTC professor Mr. Sanjeev Mehta received with PBS Award

February 26, 2023, 3:22 pm

After nearly three decades of service to education, an Indian scholar, Sanjeev Mehta, who teaches economics at Bhutan’s Royal Thimphu College, was given the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by India’s President Droupadi Murmu. According to Bhutan Live, Sanjeev Mehta got the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award on January 10, 2023. This award is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. He plans to continue his work in Bhutan, which he sees as an opportunity to improve the education system in the country and to represent the work done by Indian teachers. The prize was established in 2003 and is given out every two years. 27 people received the honour this year. Mehta stated, “I will play every part in this puzzle and do everything in my power to realise His Majesty’s vision.” This honour is clearly not the result of my own efforts. This honour is a testament to the job that Indian educators have accomplished in Bhutan. “Perhaps that is what I represent.” Sanjeev began his work in 1993 with the Sherubtse College before joining the United Nations Development Programme and contributing to the formulation of Bhutan’s economic development strategy.

Siraj, Shubman nominated for ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award

February 7, 2023, 5:56 pm

India batter Shubman Gill, pacer Mohammad Siraj have been nominated for the ICC Men’s player of the month award for January 2023. New Zealand opener Devon Conway are also in the list for this award.

The nominations for Siraj and Gill come on the back of successful against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Team India started the year off with a 2-1 win against Sri Lanka in a 3 match T20I series, followed by a clean-sweep in the three-match one-day International series.

Later, they also faced New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, that they won 3-0, before completing a 2-1 win over the Kiwis in the three-game T20I series.

Indian opener Shubman Gill score 643 runs in 11 ODIs and T20I during the month of January. He scored 567 runs in ODI, 76 runs in T20I, at an average of 113.40 in ODI.

Interestingly, Gill scored an unbeaten 126 against New Zealand in the final T20I of the series, which was played on February 1, so will not be considered for the January cycle.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Siraj also had a fabulous start to the year, becoming the number 1 ranked bowler in the ICC Men’s ODI bowler rankings. Siraj has stepped up to become India’s premier fast bowler in the absence of the injured Jasprit Bumrah. The 28-year-old picked up 14 wickets in five ODIs against Sri Lanka and New Zealand at an average of 10.57, which included back-to-back four-wicket hauls.

Two sisters grab ‘India UK outstanding achievers honour’

January 31, 2023, 1:32 pm

The United Kingdom has honoured 75 Indian students and alumni for excellence in education, professional achievement and making immense contribution to society, to mark 75 years of India’s independence.

The event, celebrating India @ 75 in association with UK Parliament, was organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK in partnership with the British Council in India, the UK Government Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK Parliament.

The India UK Achievers Honours were created to celebrate the achievements of Indian students who studied at British universities and to mark 75 years of India’s independence. The honours covered 75 high achievers and five Outstanding Achievers.

Dr. Megha Bhargava and Dr. Ruma Bhargava have been awarded the India UK Achievers Honours by NISAU UK (National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK) and the British Council to recognise and celebrate the work of 75 young achievers who have studied in the UK.

Dr. Megha Bhargava is an IRS officer and posted as Dy. Commissioner IT at Mumbai.

Dr. Ruma Bhargava is Lead (Health) with World Economic Forum in India.

Both sisters have founded an NGO – Samarpan that works for the eduction in rural parts of india.

Indian Hockey team arrives in Odisha ahead of FIH World Cup

December 28, 2022, 2:25 pm

The Indian men’s hockey team arrived on Tuesday in Odisha nearly two weeks ahead of their opening match at the much-awaited FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. Led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian team first landed in Bhubaneswar at the Biju Patnaik International Airport before making their way to the Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda.

From the Jharsuguda airport, the team and Indian Men’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Graham Reid travelled to Rourkela, where they will go through the final preparations. Upon their arrival, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team received a warm reception from the fans who had gathered in large numbers outside both airports to welcome the team. Speaking on the mood and atmosphere in Odisha ahead of the tournament, Chief Coach Graham Reid said, “Odisha is like our second home and we are very happy to be back here. We are looking forward to the next two weeks here in Rourkela and will be going through final touches to our game.

We are well-prepared for the challenge and expect the pitch conditions to be similar to that of Bhubaneswar.” The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, are placed in Pool D, along with Spain, England, and Wales. Following their match against Spain on the first day of the competition, India will play England on Sunday, January 15th, in Rourkela, followed by their final group encounter against Wales on Thursday, January 19th in Bhubaneswar.

All of India’s group-stage matches will start at 1900 hours IST. “We haven’t played in Rourkela yet but I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the team to be playing in front of such passionate hockey fans in this region. We are all looking forward to our first match here,” Reid added. The 16 teams competing in the tournament are Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, England, France, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, South Africa, Japan, Chile, and Wales.

Congress President Kharge’s chairs meeting with opposition leaders

December 14, 2022, 11:52 am

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting with floor leaders of opposition parties ahead of the day’s Parliament Session on Wednesday. The meeting was held to discuss the December 9 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector. Meanwhile, at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s chambers, a meeting was held to strategize the plan on India-China tussle and other issues in the House.

Indian students can continue education in Russia, says Russian diplomat

November 11, 2022, 10:28 am

Since the war broke out between Ukraine and Russia, it’s the very first time that, on Thursday, Russia made a statement about Indian students who left Ukraine.

In the statement, Russia said Indian students who left Ukraine without completing their education can continue in Russia as both countries’ syllabus is the same.

Due to war between the two countries, thousands of Indian students left the country hanging their future on a cliff.

“As far as students are concerned, students keep going to Russia for studies. It is an upward trend. More and more students are applying for scholarships in Russia,” the Russian diplomat said.

Meanwhile, Avdeev also appreciated EAM S Jaishankar’s remark about Russian oil imports.

“The Indian government is a responsible govt and it has to look after the interests of Indian consumers.”

Since the beginning of this year, the exports in Russian oil have increased from 2 to 22 pc. It is a very dramatic increase and now Russia has displaced Iraq and Saudi Arabia as leading producers of oil,” Oleg Avdeev said.

Earlier on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar talked about the relationship between India and Russia and said, “India’s relationship with Russia has worked to its advantage and New Delhi would like to keep that going.”

Notably, on 24 February, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine, after which Moscow recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk-as independent entities.

Indian manufacturers will get an opportunity to explore the East and Central African Market : MSME Secretary

September 21, 2022, 12:30 am

Introduction
Tanzania accounts for 27% of India’s overall engineering exports to the East African region: High commissioner of India in Tanzania. Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Tanzania almost doubled to USD 4.5 billion in 2021-22: EEPC India Chairman
Indian manufacturers will get an opportunity to explore the entire eastern and central Africa market during INDEE 2022, said BB Swain, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India about the Tanzania edition of the engineering event.
“I hope that the event will achieve its objectives and will give a further boost to our economy,” he added.
Speaking at the flagship engineering event, Mr. Binaya S Pradhan, High Commissioner of India, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania said that Tanzania transitioned into a lower-middle-income economy in 2020 after experiencing sustained economic growth for the last 20 years.
“Tanzania’s biggest advantage is in its geographical location as the country is strategically located along the Indian Ocean and is easily accessible via maritime routes. It also provides easier trade links between Asia and Africa – therefore deeper trade integration with Tanzania would also ease India’s access to the African countries and be part of the East African value chain,” Mr. Pradhan said.
He noted that Tanzania accounts for 27% of India’s overall engineering exports to the East African region.
The High Commissioner highlighted that India is among the top five investment sources in Tanzania.
“Some of the major Indian companies in Tanzania include Airtel (telecom); Tata Africa Holdings Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra (tractors); Kamal Group (Steel); Kalpataru (power transmission); Larsen & Toubro, etc. In June 2022, Indian companies signed contracts for water projects in 24 major towns of Tanzania funded by Line of Credit of USD 500 million from EXIM bank,” he said.
In his inaugural speech, EEPC India Chairman Mr. Mahesh Desai said that Tanzania has a substantial share in India’s engineering exports to East Africa.
He further said that bilateral merchandise trade almost doubled to USD 4.5 billion in 2021-22 while engineering trade more than doubled over the previous fiscal to reach USD 1.6 billion in 2021-22.
“India-Tanzania ties have evolved into a modern and pragmatic relationship with sound political understanding, diversified economic engagement, people-to-people contacts in the field of education, healthcare, and development partnership in capacity building, training, concessional credit lines, and grant projects,” Mr. Desai said.
In his address at INDEE Tanzania 2022, he stated that Tanzania has a substantial share in India’s engineering exports to East Africa.
INDEE is India’s largest overseas exhibition on engineering and it is organized by EEPC India. Over a period of 45 years, INDEE has been established as the largest and most important showcase for Indian engineering abroad. 41 INDEES have been organized in 27 countries to date across six continents. This is the 42nd edition of INDEE being organized in association with the Department of Commerce, Government of India; Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), and Indian High Commission in Tanzania.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between EEPC India & Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry represented by Mr. Mahesh Desai, Chairman, EEPC India, and Mr. Paul F. Koyi, President- Board Chairman, The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) with the objective to expedite and carry forward the businesses and agreements that will emanate from the INDEE 2022 and ensure their smooth take off.
Mr. Rakesh Shah, Former Chairman and Chairman of Publicity, Exhibition and Delegation Committee, EEPC India noted, “India- the fastest growing G-20 economy in FY22 with 9% GDP growth, Second highest producer of crude steel and consumer of finished steel, Third highest most attractive investment destination for technology transactions & Resident patent applications; Eighth highest in Scientific Publications and Scientific & Technical Manpower is the nation World is looking at proudly and with anticipation.”
Rohington Engineer, Chairman of EEPC India Committee on Trade with Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa said that bilateral trade figures reflect the strengthening of business relations between the two nations.
“Bilateral merchandise trade reached USD 4.5 billion in 2021-22 by growing almost double over the previous fiscal and registering 14.7% CAGR in the last five completed fiscals. India’s exports also doubled to USD 2.3 billion in 2021-22 over the previous fiscal,” he said.
Engineer also mentioned that Tanzania sees a high demand for several Indian product groups including petroleum products, pharmaceuticals & chemicals, motor vehicles, electrical goods, articles of iron & steel, sugar, and machinery among others.