11th Worldex China Expo

PRESS RELEASE

Most Eagerly Awaited Annual Event Since 2004 - the “11th China Products Exhibition” To Boost Manufacturing And Trading Opportunities For Indian Entrepreneurs

ñ  Chinese and Hong Kong companies from more than 40 sectors to come to Mumbai with a variety of industrial and consumer products

ñ  Style Hong Kong Pavilion will be an added attraction

Being organized since 2004, the 11th edition of “China Products (Mumbai, India) Exhibition” will take place from 26th – 28th November, 2013 at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (East),Mumbai, India. The longest running China Exhibition in India and also the definitive international sourcing platform for Indian business enterprises, this unique trade expo showcases more than 40 industries and verticals. The 11th China Products Exhibition will have an added attraction in the form of a Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) pavilion where companies from Hong Kong will showcase their range of stylish and contemporary products. Providing complimentary business matching services, the Exhibition assists Indian businesses in meeting their future business partners from China and Hong Kong.

The current edition is covering an extensive range of products across a wide section of industries like consumer electronics & durables, home appliances, fashion jewellery & accessories, machinery, machine tools, mechanical & electrical equipment & parts, power tillers, hydraulic equipment, grinding products, UPVC doors, wallpaper, medical equipment, traditional Chinese medicine, ceramic products, food & beverages, toys, LED products, silk, leather, fibres & yarns.

Powering Indian entrepreneurs to succeed for the 11th consecutive year, the Exhibition will help Indian enterprises source machinery and components from China – providing quality products at lower rates and logistics costs - thus bringing down manufacturing costs.  Additionally, Indian traders, importers and distributors can source an extensive range of consumer products at more affordable prices for the burgeoning retail industry.

Despite the global and local scenario, the Indian economy is growing due to strong domestic consumption. With a rising middle class population expected to reach 267 million by 2015-16, as well as the world's youngest population, the consumption pattern is expected to shift from food items to discretionary spending. The show offers an excellent opportunity for brands and companies to develop businesses in the areas of services and manufacturing along with the growing consumer market. India is also home to 48.8 million SMEs and 5 thousand large enterprises. This in itself is a huge potential market for companies to service the SME market owing to increasing need for efficiency and collaboration.

The trade show is being organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Sub-councils of Commercial Industry, Guangdong, Ningbo, Hangzhou, Sichuan, Wuhan, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. The Exhibition is supported by the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), the India-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCCI), the Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) and managed by Worldex India.

About 15 million people are slaves in India and 30 million worldwide: Survey

London: Nearly 30 million people are living in slavery across the globe, many of them men, women and children trafficked by gangs for sex work and unskilled labour, according to a global slavery index released on Thursday. 

The index by anti-slavery charity Walk Free Foundation ranked 162 countries on the number living in slavery, the risk of enslavement, and the strength of government responses to combating the illegal activity. 

It found that 10 countries accounted for 76 percent of the 29.8 million people living in slavery - India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh. 

Modern slavery was defined as human trafficking, forced labour, and practices such as debt bondage, forced marriage, and the sale or exploitation of children. 

Researcher Kevin Bales said he hoped the index, the first annual report to monitor slavery globally, would raise public awareness as numbers were at an all-time high and it would increase pressure on governments to take more action. He dismissed the view that poverty was the key factor behind slavery and instead blamed corruption, calling for laws to stop organised gangs. 

"Consistently when we analysed the statistics we found that corruption came out as more powerful than poverty in driving slavery," said Bales, a professor of contemporary slavery at the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation at the University of Hull in northern England. 

"Fundamentally this is a violent crime issue." 

The report found Mauritania in West Africa had the highest number of slaves proportionately, with up to 160,000 enslaved in a population of 3.8 million, due to culturally-sanctioned forms of chattel slavery and high levels of child marriage. 

The highest absolute numbers were almost 14 million in slavery in India and three million in China. 

"By far the largest proportion of this problem (in India) is the exploitation of Indian citizens within India itself, particularly through debt bondage and bonded labour," said the report. 

In China there was forced labour of men, women and children, including domestic servitude and forced begging, sexual exploitation of women and children and forced marriage. 

Coming last in the index were Iceland, Ireland and Britain although Bales stressed they were not slavery-free. 

Up to 4,400 people are estimated to be enslaved in Britain, the victims mainly from Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. They are forced into sex work, domestic servitude, or low-paid jobs in agriculture, construction, restaurants and nail salons. 

"Hopefully this report will be a wake-up call for rich countries as well," Bales told a news agency. 

SOURCE: ZEE NEWS

Designer Neeta Lulla’s latest collection is an ode to Kanjeevaram and Kalamkari

PRESS RELEASE

Inspired by the traditional craft, festive wear gets a new edge

Ever since the inception of the weave, Kanjeevaram has been worn in its original or print form, which is the basic sari. Used on special occasions it symbolizes a tradition, elegance and timelessness. Inspired by the art form, Neeta Lulla has focused on reinventing Kanjeevaram and Kalamkari by giving it a chic, contemporary and edgy look for the festive season. With the fusion of traditional culture and modern fashion, the collection presents a regal and vibrant outlook.

The collection uses traditional weaves of Kanjeevaram and the age old technique of hand painting that is Kalamkari and transforms them into contemporary designs teamed with various fabric textures. With the Kalamkari collection, Neeta pays patronage to an Indian art that needs no introduction. The line is constructed into simple silhouettes and embellished with appliqué of Kanjeveram or Kalamkari on rich silks, organza and chiffons. The well crafted dresses, skirts, cropped tops, multi-gored kurtas, lehangas and saris come in an assorted palette of colours, keeping with the richness that exudes from the Kalamkari and Kanjevaram. Says Neeta of her designs, “I am glad that my Indian creations; especially my tribute to the Kalamkari and Kanjeevaram art forms have been so well accepted and noticed. Indian clothes demand more creativity and attention. With these designs I have attempted to bring together our cultural heritage and our modern outlook.”

The prints of Kalamkari is attired it with lots of French laces, georgettes coupled with lavish velvet cutwork borrowed from the Renaissance period. In order to credit a heritage touch, Neeta Lulla has coloured her ensemble in shades of deep red, gold, Persian green and rust. Traditional kundan and metal work on brocades of Banaras and chiffon added a sensuous quality to the fabric and texture of her creation. The collection takes on an exploratory route by introducing Kalidar floor-length kurtas teamed with printed bodices and sleeves, mermaid tail lehengas, printed skirts, velvet cholis complimented with lace boleros for that tinge of archaic elegance. The collection is an amalgamation of Kalamkari’s rich inspirations of renaissance and a modern take to the overall ensemble. The intricate prints form a celebratory ensemble for a festive or matrimonial occasions. Bringing together contemporary designs with this age old technique, maintaining the ethnicity of the craft.

Surat grooves to Gujarat’s most glamorous Glam Garba

PRESS RELEASE

“Club Bollywood & Club Ibiza” @ VR Surat

First-of-its-kind event is a rocking hit & takes the city by storm

Raghav Sachar, Sonu Kakkar, DJs Akbar Sami, DJA-Myth and by Jankee enthrall Surtis with a unique mix of traditional, modern and international performances by on Oct 11^th & 12^th at The Runway, VR Surat

This Navratri, Surat has become the hot ‘n happening destination, with the ”Glam Garba” concept being introduced by acclaimed singer, musician and VR Surat’s music ambassador Raghav Sachar. The two-day exclusive Glam Garba Event on October 11 and 12, which gave the traditional dance and festivities a modern and international tweak, was created keeping in mind the preference of its fashion and lifestyle conscious customers.  At the Runway, VR Surat lined-up unforgettable and scintillating performances by Raghav Sachar, Sonu Kakkar, DJs Akbar Sami and A-Myth as also Jankee Parekh in an ambience inspired by the trendiest party hotspots across the globe. On the first day (October 11 Friday night from 10pm to 1pm) of the mega event garba lovers were introduced to “Club Bollywood” Glam Garba followed by “Club Ibiza” the next day on Saturday (October 12). And Raghav Sachar, Sonu Kakkar & DJ Akbar Sami had the crowds begging for more.

Speaking on behalf of VR Surat, Paresh Mishra, Director of Operations- Western Region, Virtuous Retail said, “Alongside our Phase II Retail Launch of VR Surat, we are very excited to host the ‘Glam Garba’ on the occasion of Navratri this weekend. Surat is a cosmopolitan city with strong cultural roots, and we are delighted to take the idea of Garba global through this unique event. We believe this new format will attract diverse audiences and broaden the festival’s participation across communities."

In sync with the latest lifestyle trends, VR Surat with its retail partners geared up to showcase the best of Indian and international premium brands such as Zara, Marks & Spencer, Zodiac, Peter England, Clarks, Helios, SVM Bowling & Gaming, Being Human, MAC, Sisley, Monte Carlo, Jade Blue, Ethos, Clinique, Nautica, GANT, BIBA, Pizza Hut, Subway, McDonalds, Punjab Street, Dwarkhadesh, and Wok on Fire, among others. 

Westside, Global Desi and AND are style partners for the event. VR Surat ran a ‘Shop the Look’ campaign for Glam Garba to drive the season’s latest fashion trends.

VR Surat, an integrated community-oriented premium lifestyle shopping center, collaborated with Raghav Sachar Productions to conceptualise and create this exclusive invite-only event only for VR Surat consumers.

“It is my absolute pleasure to present ‘Glam Garba’ at VR Surat. The concept in itself will attract the youth to enjoy Navratri in a new avatar. There will be Bollywood, Spanish, Brazilian, house and electronic dance music mixed with traditional garba songs. The Runway at VR Surat gives me an opportunity to transform the Centre into a Night Club and present something truly unique for Surtis. So, put your dandiya sticks together... For Glam Garba!” said Raghav Sachar who was the main performer at VR Surat.

About Virtuous Retail

Established in 2007, Virtuous Retail (VR) is an institutionally owned developer-operator of community-oriented premium lifestyle shopping centres in India’s top cities. Virtuous Retail’s pan-India portfolio includes prime city centre locations in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Surat and Kolkata, making it the leading platform of quality real estate retail in one of the world’s most attractive consumer markets for organized retail.

Virtuous Retail combines global expertise and local knowledge to create high performance retail environments with strong urban connections. The company’s long term vision is to create new social hubs for the urban Indian consumer. It does this through "Connecting Communities™" – a platform for cultural festivals, public-private partnerships and cross-border collaborations that encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy and enhance the city’s brand image. Virtuous Retail is sponsored by The Xander Group Inc., a leading emerging markets investment firm, which has committed US$ 600 MM in equity to the platform.

About Raghav Sachar

Raghav Sachar is an Indian singer, music director, and musician, who has the distinction of playing over 33 musical instruments. A graduate of the internationally acclaimed Monash University and Conservatory in Australia, Raghav started his musical journey at the age of four. With over 100 songs and 2000 shows to his credit, Raghav is a prolific and much-loved performer, who has also sung for movies, and released 12 albums, of which eight were for his own label. 

National Conference on Linking Growth Drivers of Food Processing Industries Market, Retails, Quality with Food Safety and Skills

PRESS RELEASE

Friday,18 October, 2013 - GCCI Surendrababu Timblo Hall,

 Panaji,Goa

The food processing industry in India is one of the largest in terms of production, consumption, export and growth prospects. The government has been reinforcing this sector with various policy initiatives, to encourage value addition and commercialization of agricultural produce. However, there are still many challenges which are being faced by food processing industry that includes high levels of fragmentation in marketing and distribution of food products in India, growing concerns about food safety across developed and developing nations of processed foods, unorganized food retail and the requisite skilled manpower required in this sector.

Thus, it is now time for consolidation process of growth drivers by making corresponding changes in policies governing marketing, industrial development and skills as well as creating awareness about food quality and safety norms. In this context, ASSOCHAM in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industry and the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is organising the “National Conference on Linking Growth Drivers of Food Processing Industries; Market, Retails, Quality with Food Safety and Skills on Friday 18th October 2013, 10.00 Hrs -13.30Hrs at GCCI Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Panaji,Goa.

Shri. Mahadev Naik, Minister for Industries, Govt.of Goa has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest at this conference. Industry Experts will also speak on various topics.

Will Playboy television star Shanti Dynamite replace Sunny Leone?

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Strap yourselves in for Buddh International Circuit: A Race Against Time

PRESS RELEASE

National Geographic Channel, in association with Jaypee Sports, unveils a one-hour special documentary on India’s first ever Formula 1 racetrack

 

New Delhi, October 15, 2013: Just a couple of weeks shy of the 3^rd installment of the Indian Grand Prix, National Geographic Channel (NGC), in association with Jaypee Sports International Limited, unveiled their one-hour special documentary titled ‘Buddh International Circuit: A Race Against Time’. The documentary was launched at a special media screening held today at the iconic racetrack. Present at the event were Mr. Sameer Gaur, MD & CEO, Jaypee Sports International Limited, Ms. Debarpita Banerjee, VP - Marketing, NGC Network and Fox International Channels, and India’s first Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan. The documentary will be aired on 25^th of October at 8 p.m. on NGC.

NGC is India’s leading infotainment channel known for its innovative content and programming. With this special documentary, NGC takes a look back at a crew of around 8000 people, as they battled adverse natural forces, strong winds, dust storms, heavy rains, and extreme heat, to make the daunting and inflexible deadline of building India’s first ever Formula 1 racetrack - The Buddh International Circuit.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sameer Gaur, MD & CEO, Jaypee Sports International Limited, said, “The Buddh International Circuit brings pride to our nation as it has helped India make its mark on the global racing scene. While racing enthusiasts have been partaking of the thrill of F1 for 2 seasons now, very few have been privy to the hard work and dedication that have gone into the making of this sporting extravaganza. We are extremely happy to associate with NGC to put together this special documentary and are sure that F1 fans as well as NGC viewers will enjoy it.”

Ms. Debarpita Banerjee, VP – Marketing, NGC Network and Fox International Channels, said, “It has been our endeavor at NGC to entertain as well as inform, through our key franchises. In some, we showcase some of the best mega-structures of the world, taking the viewers, not just into the splendor but also the challenges of putting together such a mammoth project. The Buddh International Circuit stands as a symbol of one of the most awe inspiring Indian infrastructure projects in recent history. Against the backdrop of the upcoming Formula 1 season, documenting the resurrection of this world class racetrack has been a privilege for us. In sync with our brand philosophy 'Unlock', here is yet another special that will open up a lot of aspects about a subject India is getting increasingly passionate about. The ‘Buddh International Circuit: A Race Against Time’ documentary in association with Jaypee Sports, allows us to showcase the making of India's first ever formula 1 racetrack. And it has been one thrilling ride!”

Celebrated Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan added, “The Indian audience over the past decade has started widening their horizons of interest and have accepted Formula one racing as one of the most exciting sports. They want to know more, witness more and engage better with the sport. Nat Geo's documentary will help fans better appreciate the massive efforts and resources put in creating one of the best racing circuits in the world.'”

While the frenzy surrounding the Indian Grand prix is already palpable, ‘Buddh International Circuit: A Race Against Time’ is all set to take Indian viewers on a rollercoaster of a ride. So strap yourselves in on the 25^th of October at 8 p.m., while you witness the making of India’s first F1 racetrack.

About National Geographic Channel India

National Geographic Channel India launched on July 1st, 1998. Its programming covers adventure and exploration, natural history, science, wildlife and people of the world. The National Geographic Channel on an average gets over 68 million viewers a month. 

About National Geographic Channels International

National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward.  A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 38 languages.

 

The biggest cycling event Tour De India in its 2nd edition announces John Abraham as their brand ambassador

PRESS RELEASE

Mumbai, 2013: As Godrej Eon Tour De India races ahead in its 2^nd edition, the property is ready to deliver the ultimate punch of dynamism and energy with the brand ambassador. The pioneering cycling event in the country being promoted by Maharashtra cycling Association, Tourism Ministry, UCI*, Cycling Federation of India (CFI)** and ID Sports announces John Abraham as its brand ambassador at the press briefing today. John’s quintessential blend of challenging his own limits make him an ideal connect with Tour De India, which stands to believe ‘You are the Engine’. Godrej Eon Tour De India has shot an advertising campaign that showcases your vigor to ride a cycle. With John Abraham as the new face, Godrej Eon Tour De India is reinforcing its strong bond and connects with cycling enthusiasts through creativity, commerce, education and technology.

Speaking ahead of the race 2013, Akil Khan, Chairman Managing and Director ID Sports said, “Committed to drive participation and aiming to make cycling, a national sport, Godrej Eon Tour de India in 2013 could not be more proud to welcome John into the Godrej Eon Tour De India family. Godrej Eon Tour De India stands for awakening the masses to make a change and with John’s suave and charismatic personality, we are sure to epitomize Godrej Eon TDI’s ideology of empowering individuals to be the engine. In the first year of Godrej Eon Tour de India we saw celebrity grand prix at F1 Circuit and this year we are excited about John being a part. John symbolizes all that Godrej Eon Tour De India stands for. He is a representation with intelligence, grace and a trendsetter who has always stood by his passion for sports along with an incredible blend of warmth with a vivaciousness and untiring charm. His connect with the common man and the highest segment of personalities shows his incredible versatility and makes him fit seamlessly into Godrej Eon Tour De India.”Expressing his excitement, John Abraham said, “It is a pleasure to lend myself to India’s noisiest and biggest cycling event that makes its presence felt. Godrej Eon Tour De India (TDI) stands for redefining the evolution of cycling and it is a great privilege for me to be associated with it. I tend to endorse brands very selectively as I need to relate to the brand and believe in it in my heart.”

Godrej Eon Tour De India’s new campaign underlying ethos is about the spirit of the multi-faceted achiever who is the best in the world and hence deserves the best of all that the world has to offer. It deals with all the attributes associated with John which act as a representative of this changing face of the Indian youth be it health, sporting spirit or enjoyment. Moving forward ID Sports will be announcing the presenting sponsor soon!   

 

ID Sports: Tour de India 2012 is a multiple-city cycling race promoted by ID Sports. ID Sports is India's only company to bring International Cycling to India and lay the foundation of professional cycling races in India since 2010. Promotion of cycling as a sport and simultaneously State Tourism has always been one of the defining factors of various Cyclothons, Godrej Eon Tour de India organized by ID Sports. ID Sports is a IPR- Intellectual property rights holding company and is keen to foray into alternate non-cricketing sports.

About Godrej Eon: The Company is one of the largest players of Home Appliances in India and has always delighted the consumer with relevant technology in a wide range of efficient products. In 1958, Godrej was the First Indian Company to manufacture Refrigerators and has become synonymous with the category. Godrej pioneered the launch of Polyurethane Foam (PUF) which became the new benchmark for the refrigerator industry. In the last year, Godrej has introduced more than 100 new products across various categories- Refrigerators, Air conditioners, Microwave Ovens and Washing Machines.  With new innovative technologies like Silver Shower technology in refrigerators, the revolutionary Green Balance Technology in Air conditioners, Insta-Cook in Microwave Ovens, Tilt Drum in Washing Machines etc, Godrej is redefining the technology space in the Indian Appliances context.

1000-plus differently-enabled youth to be felicitated by NGO Blind Dreams on Children's Day (14th Nov)

Tuesday 15th October 2013; Mumbai: Over a thousand differently-enabled, autistic, and disabled youngsters and adults between the age of 10 to 40 from all over India will be felicitated in a touching, heart-rending and soul-stirring event, on 14th November - Children's Day in Mumbai by the NGO Blind Dreams in association with Newz66.com. The NGO and Newz66.com are in the process of raising about Rs Ten lakh in donations and sponsorship from the corporate sector to support and finance the career goals of these thousand plus youngsters.

Announcing this project on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, blind celebrity healer and chairman of Blind Dreams, Dr Samir Mansuri said, "On 24th August this year, more than 300 blind and differently-enabled youth from all over Maharashtra participated in the western zone round of auditions for the Blind Dreams’ Talent Hunt for the disabled or differently enabled. The auditions were held at the Kamla Mehta School for the Blind at Dadar in Central Mumbai. Most participants came from far off towns and villages in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Over the last 45 days auditions were held in various cities in India and we have short-listed about 1000 talented youth who will be specially felicitated and given sponsorship and donations to help them pursue their career goals including those from the performing arts, software and financial services sector."

"The over whelming response to the Blind Dreams’ Talent Hunt for the differently enabled and visually impaired is an indication that differently enabled youth are otherwise as talented as their colleagues and sometimes even more talented in certain fields like music, singing, acting, etc. All differently enabled should come together in a show of strength to demand their rightful place in society and in the day-to-day working of organizations and corporates," Mansuri said. He spoke about the lack of support and empathy from various sectors including the police and civic agencies. He demanded that all public places, railway stations, airports, government offices, etc., should be enabled to provide the differently enabled a level playing field.

Blind Dreams and Newz66.com have formed a panel of eminent persons including bollywood photographer Raju Asrani, TV actress Sheila David, actress and model Nisha Sharma, TV actors Rashmi Ghosh and husband Siddharth, HR professional Mamta Namdeo (herself blind who works with SBI as an HR manager) and several others to monitor and co-ordinate the event and help in the fund-raising activity for this ambitious project.

Actress Nisha Sharma shoot for casual wear brand with Newz66