by admin | May 25, 2021 | Business, Corporate, Corporate Buzz, Economy, News, SMEs
Mumbai : The famed ‘art district of south Mumbai’ comprising Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles has been named as the latest – and India’s 37th – entrant to the coveted World Heritage Sites list, a Unesco announcement said on Saturday.
The decision came on Saturday morning at the ongoing 42nd session of Unesco World Heritage Committee, from June 24-July 4, currently underway in Manama, Bahrain.
“Just inscribed as @UNESCO #World Heritage Site: Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, India. Congratulations,” a UNESCO tweet said.
With this, India now has 37 World Heritage Inscriptions, ranking 6th in the world, and second only to China in the Asia-Pacific Region.
In a congratulatory message, Union Minister of State (In-charge) Mahesh Sharma said that this international recognition to the historical precinct of Mumbai is “a matter of great pride for the nation and will boost the local economy in a number of ways.”
Maharashtra government had first submitted its formal nomination proposal for the UNESCO honour in 2012 for the ‘Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai’, but it was edged out by other major Indian landmarks.
It was supported by the Centre, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, several NGOs and art bodies, besides the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee.
The Ensemble comprises 94 buildings, of two architectural styles, the 19th century collection of Victorian structures and the 20th century Art Deco buildings along the Arabian Sea, conjoined by means of the historical open space of the Oval Maidan.
Together, this architectural ensemble represents the most remarkable collection of Victorian and Art Deco buildings in the world which forms the unique character of this urban setting, unparalleled in the world.
Among the Victorian styles are iconic buildings like the Bombay High Court, University of Mumbai campus, Maharashtra Police Headquarters building, the PWD Building, Watson’s Hotel, Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library, and others ranked among the finest in the world.
Most of these buildings in stone were constructed during the late 19th century after demolishing the crumbling walls of the old Bombay Fort, and designed by masters like Sir Gilbert Scott, James Trubshaw and Lt. Col. James Fuller.
The later Art Deco development in the 20th century, comprising over 125 buildings identified by experts, was planned as per the designs of W. R. Davidge in the 1920s onwards, making it the second largest ensemble of such buildings in the world.
Significantly, it also symbolized the growing affluence and commercial importance of (then) Bombay, which was taking its baby steps to gigantic strides and emerge as the country’s financial capital after five decades.
Some of the prominent Art Deco structures that stand majestically include the Regal Cinema, Rajab Mahal, India Assurance Building, New Empire Cinema, Fairlawns building, Eros Cinema, several residential buildings on Marine Drive, and a few even in the northern parts of the island city.
However, no other city in the world has such a large ensemble emblematic of the 19th and 20th century architectural styles, literally facing each other over a small geographical area of urban design.
“Great News! Great day for Mumbai and Maharashtra! Mumbai has always been a world city and now structures and monuments are being listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Sincere thanks to all who have worked hard for this achievement! Congratulatoins Maharashtra!” Chief Minister said in a tweet.
With the latest addition, Mumbai region now has three World Heritage Sites, including two bang in the city with the other being the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Central Railway headquarters.
The other is on the outskirts of Mumbai is the picturesque Elephanta Caves in adjoining Raigad district, with beautiful rock cut images of Lord Shiva and a few Buddhist mounds, making it a global tourist attraction.
Dating back to the 5th-7th centuries, the group of caves were carved out in rocky terrain of the green and hilly Gharapuri Island, around 10 km off Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, and declared a World Heritage site in 1987.
With the latest honour, Maharashtra now boasts five – or the maximum number – world heritage sites than any other state in the country, includling the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad.
—IANS
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Corporate, Corporate finance
Subhash C Garg, Secretary Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance & Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Railways, Coal, Finance & Corporate Affairs, addressing Press Conference during the 3rd Annual Meeting of AIIB in Mumbai.
India is a sweet spot where the rule of law prevails to attract investments
Mumbai: India is looking forward to investments in 9 more projects from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank after having picked up almost 28% of the bank’s total lending so far of US$1.4 billion for 7 projects, said Union Minister for Finance, Shri. Piyush Goyal addressing a press conference today during the Third Annual Meeting of the AIIB
Welcoming delegates from 86 countries, Shri Goyal pointed out that in just three short years, India has hosted three major events for international multilateral banks; the New Development Bank (NDB), African Development Bank (ADB) and now the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in quick succession.
Lauding AIIB for its robust processes, Shri Goyal said, ‘It is a matter of great pride that a concept that was floated in 2014 was able to mature in 6-7 months, and by 2015 we had a Multilateral Development Bank in place with India being the second largest stakeholder with over 8% stake.’
AIIB has focused its investment in India on lending to rural infrastructure, energy and power, environmental protection, transportation and telecommunication, water supply and sanitation and urban development and logistics and it is a matter of great pride that India is the largest recipient of the $4.2 billion funds disbursed by it, Shri Goyal said.
Attributing robust framework and easy to navigate policies being the key reasons for the investment flow into infrastructure in the country, Union Finance Minister said,” India is a sweet spot where the rule of law prevails to attract investments.”
Earlier participating in the panel discussion on ‘Mobilizing Finance for Infrastructure’, the Minister pointed out that integrity of people and process would decide the investment discourse.
The Minister mentioned that Mumbai as a city has improved its ranking in Swachhta Index significantly during the last few years and is engaging with international global efforts for better quality of life.
By 2022, the government as part of Prime Minister’s plan will ensure every citizen to have shelter on his head, 24×7 electricity, good toilet, clean drinking water, access by road to his house and internet connectivity, he said.
Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra is the nodal Department, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Government of Maharashtra is the nodal agency, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries (RIS) is the knowledge partner, for the third Annual Meeting of AIIB.
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Business Summit, Corporate, Corporate finance, Events, Social Round-up
Finance Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurates India Infrastructure Expo 2018 at the NCPA, Mumbai
Mumbai : Finance Minister Piyush Goyal inagurated the India Infrastructure Expo 2018 today, organised by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) on the sidelines of the third Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) at NCPA, Mumbai from 25-26 June 2018.
Expressing delight at hosting the Third Annual meeting of the AIIB, Shri Goyal said, “The Asian Infrastructure Investment bank has really matured in a short period of time and is rapidly progressing to become one of the most important infrastructure financiers across the world. A very strong management team with robust management practices, some of which have never been seen in the global stage have been put in place. India is the 2nd largest shareholder of the AIIB and is the largest recipient of concessionaire finance for various infrastructure projects with nearly 25% of the total funds committed to projects in India, both in the government sector and the private sector”, he said.
He further said “Earlier today, I had an opening meeting with the President of AIIB, and he was expressing satisfaction that India has shown a lot of enthusiasm, and put up very good proposals before AIIB. It truly is a very happy occasion for India, and particularly for Mumbai to host this very important engagement. There are 86 countries which are members of AIIB who are participating. Over 3,000 delegates have already come on board, and I am told the number is growing by the minute”.
The Exposition offers companies from the public and private sector to showcase their latest solutions, technologies and offerings in the realm of infrastructure project development and delivery. Participating companies will also highlight their capabilities and key projects delivered over time for information of all delegates. Several State Governments and Central Ministries will also be showcasing investment opportunities for financial investors from across the world.
The Exposition is having state of the art digital display and offers participants ample avenues to network and have business meetings with potential partners and investors.
The highlight of the Exposition is the oil & gas pavilion which has participation of leading public-sector companies who are showcasing the upcoming projects in their respective areas of operation.
Some of the key flagship programs that are showcased at this Exposition include Smart Cities, Sagarmala, Bharatmala, Ganga Rejuvenation Plan and the River Linking project. Details on the modernisation plans of the Railways sector in India will also be of interest to the delegates.
Government of Chhattisgarh & Government of Gujarat are the partner States to the Exposition while Government of Maharashtra is the host State to the Exposition.
Over 50 organisations are participating in the Exposition including leading entities such as IL&FS, Essel Infrastructure, GAIL, JSPL, Wapcos, HPCL, BPCL, NHAI, MMRDA, MIDC, CIDCO, IREDA, ONGC, Indian Oil, EIL and IIFCL.
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Business Summit, Corporate, Corporate Buzz, Events, News, Politics, Social Round-up
New York : The US-India Aviation Summit is being hosted next month in Mumbai as a technical, policy and commercial forum by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and the US Trade and Development Agency.
The US Commercial Service said on Thursday: “The Summit will serve to assist India civil aviation agencies and aviation industry representatives, including private sector airlines and airport operators, to identify advanced US technologies and practices that can support their expansion and modernization efforts.”
Besides a US and India bilateral meeting, the summit from May 9 to 11 will include sessions on India’s projected aviation growth in next five years, aviation security, aviation and runway safety, technologies for worldwide airspace management, and regional connectivity using linking hubs for underserved/unserved airports.
Participants from the US include US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) acting head Thomas Hardy, USTDA Regional Director Verinda Fike, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Affairs Executive Director Chris Rocheleau, and FAA Chief Scientist Steve Bradford.
—IANS
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneur, Success Stories
By Maeeshat.in,
Mumbai: On 3rd March 2018, Er. Izhar Khan is awarded with Educationist of the year Award from Al Falah foundation for his Educational services towards the Community.
Er. Izhar Khan is an Engineering Graduate from University of Mumbai, India and Postgraduate from world renowned Institution University of Glasgow, UK. He is Chairman of NTI Academy and he believes that education is the best way to help and empower people.
During the program Khan said, India is hub to one of the highest youngest population in the world where more than 60% of the population is below age of 35 years. Each year over 60 million plus students graduate and more than 70 percent of them are left unemployed because of lack of requisite skills. This problem can be solved with skill based education where students when they graduate carry at least one skill to make their livelihood.
Especially if we look at school education currently, there are over 1.3 million schools operating in India where over 228 million students are enrolled for traditional education. If one could notice, there are huge dropout rates in high school, with as much as 56.8 per cent of the students discontinuing from regular schools before even reaching Class 10 exam. India needs to seriously think about this problem and find solution for the same.
He has delivered lectures across India in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Aligarh, Lucknow and many other cities of India in Top Ranking institutions such as Osmania University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, Integral University and many others. He also wishes to form a unique platform for entrepreneurs and policy makers where they can come share their insights and ideas for the benefit of India and Indian Muslims.
