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New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Preparations for the 'Utkarsa Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' scheduled to take place on January 28 and 29 in Bhubaneswar are in their final stages. Speaking ahead of the event, Debabrata Ghosh, Director and Marketing Head of Oerlikon, one of the largest textile machinery manufacturing companies in the world, shared his insights on Odisha's potential to become a global leader in the synthetic fibre-based textile industry.

While speaking to IANS, Ghosh said, "I am the Director and Marketing Head of Oerlikon in India, with our headquarters based in Switzerland and Germany. I am here in Odisha because I strongly believe that this state has the potential to become the next global engine for the synthetic fibre-based textile industry. Indian Oil and MCTI have announced a joint venture to establish a spinning plant in Odisha, which will serve as the foundation for the fibre-based industry and the development of government schemes in the region."

Ghosh highlighted that this move would position Odisha as a leader in the sector, as Eastern India has so far lacked a large integrated plant for the textile industry.

"Odisha has numerous advantages, including access to ports, mineral resources, and an affordable labour force. With more than 50 per cent of Eastern India’s population residing here, Odisha stands to benefit greatly from such an industrial boost."

He further emphasised Odisha’s bright future, especially in textiles and industries, due to its growing infrastructure and business-friendly policies.

"India is growing at a steady rate of 8 per cent annually. In 2000, the country's GDP was $442 billion, and by 2025, we are expected to reach nearly $4 trillion. By 2046, India’s economy could touch $30 trillion. This growth trajectory suggests that India’s manufacturing sector will see a 12 per cent increase in the next 20 years. India is now the world’s fastest-growing large economy, and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, it is set to emerge as a major industrial powerhouse with a strong manufacturing base,” Ghosh concluded.

His optimism about the future of Odisha and India aligns with the government’s push to attract investment and establish the region as a key industrial hub in the coming years.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) A special centre for the 'PM Vishwakarma Scheme' has been set up at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where people are provided with information regarding the scheme and given assistance to avail its benefits.

This initiative has attracted a steady stream of visitors who come to learn about the scheme and other government welfare programs.

Deepak Kumar Bind, a beneficiary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, shared his experience and the benefits he has received. He hails from the Hadiya Tehsil in Prayagraj district and emphasised how beneficial the scheme has been for people seeking employment.

"The government has launched this wonderful scheme, which supports people in securing livelihoods. The scheme includes 18 different components, and the government provides financial assistance to help us start small businesses, even if we cannot afford a large-scale enterprise," he said.

Deepak learned about the scheme through an intermediary and applied online to become a part of it, specifically aiming to start carpentry work. The application process is divided into three stages, of which two have been completed, and he is awaiting the final stage to avail the benefits of the scheme.

Deepak explained the scheme process in detail, saying, "Our verification is done in three steps. Once completed, we are invited for a five-day training program, for which we receive Rs 500 daily. After the training, the government provides us with a tool kit worth Rs 15,000. Additionally, the government offers a loan of Rs 1 lakh to help us start our business. This scheme is truly beneficial for us, especially the poor. PM Modi’s schemes are always impactful, but this one stands out in offering special assistance to the underprivileged."

Sanjay Kumar, the Assistant Director of MSME, Prayagraj, mentioned that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is being promoted at the MSME pavilion at the Mahakumbh. "The main objective is to identify Vishwakarma artisans and craftspeople through a verification process. Once identified, they are given a certificate, training, and a stipend. The government also provides them with a tool kit and a loan to help their businesses grow," he said.

Sanjay Kumar further added that on average, 100 to 200 people visit the centre daily to learn about the scheme. With more awareness, it is expected that this number will continue to rise in the coming days.

Launched on September 17, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in traditional occupations such as blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, carpenters, sculptors, and more.

The initiative is designed to enhance their skills, provide tools, and offer financial support to help them expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

--IANS

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Shillong, Jan 27 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Greater Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme, saying it is not an infrastructure project but a vision for a sustainable future for the area.

“Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is not just an infrastructure project but a vision for a better, sustainable future for Tura,” said the Chief Minister while addressing a function held at Tura District Auditorium.

He added that this project was conceptualised with Late P A Sangma in 2004-2005 where it was envisioned that this project would not only ease the water problems faced by urban Tura even during those days but would benefit agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

“Therefore it gives me great happiness that the foundation stone for this project is being laid today,” he said.

Sangma also informed that the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme with an estimated cost of Rs 398.48 crore is an ambitious project to address the water shortages faced by the town of Tura.

“It is designed to provide Tura with a dependable and sustainable water supply,” he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that the project is funded by the Union government through the Special Assistance on Capital Investment and added that the project is expected to be completed in about 24-36 months.

“This scheme is a reflection of the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents of Tura. By investing in this vital infrastructure, we are not only addressing an immediate need but also laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and development,” he said.

Sangma added that once completed, the project will have a lasting impact on public health, support economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for Tura's residents.

He also said that the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is not just an infrastructure project but a vision for a better, sustainable future for Tura.

The Chief Minister for the active participation and engagement of the local community for the successful implementation of the project.

“I urge every stakeholder and solicit the cooperation of all concerned to extend their support, especially in the preservation and protection of the catchment areas for the government can only initiate projects, and build reservoirs but the source of water for these reservoirs and dams are the catchment areas that needs to be protected,” he said.

He added that by involving residents in every step of the process, the government’s aim is to create a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering the people of Tura to take pride in their contributions to the development of their town.

The Chief Minister also highlighted some of the developmental schemes and projects for Tura to secure a better future for all citizens.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was implemented in Uttarakhand on Monday. With the implementation of UCC, the state will have uniform rules for personal and family matters for all citizens, regardless of religions.

Following this historic step by the government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Shatrughan Singh, Chairman of the Rules and Implementation Committee, spoke exclusively with IANS.

During the conversation, Singh elaborated on the UCC and answered several key questions. Shatrughan Singh had led the drafting of the UCC for Uttarakhand. He had submitted a 400-page manual to the government, which has now become law.

Regarding the implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand, Shatrughan Singh, said: "It is a matter of great happiness that we were working on this, and now Uttarakhand is the first state under the Constitution to implement UCC. While Goa already had UCC, Uttarakhand is the state that has fulfilled the expectations under Article 44 of the Constitution.

"This is a significant step, taken after in-depth study and debate. Several Supreme Court rulings have also called for the implementation of UCC. Now that it is being implemented, those opposing it will have to explain what is wrong with it."

When asked about the challenges of UCC, he said: "The process was difficult and sensitive, as it involved communication with all communities. Committee members travelled across the state, engaging with the people. In addition, studying traditional laws and integrating them into a unified framework required hard work. This process took over three years and has now been implemented."

When asked if the process was simpler in Uttarakhand due to its demographic profile, he said: "Uttarakhand's demographics are a microcosm of the country's diversity, representing Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and other communities. Although each region has its own traditions, the fundamental spirit of UCC will remain the same across states. Uttarakhand's demographics were not easy, as people from various communities live here. However, the way the core issues were handled here will serve as guidance for other states."

Regarding controversies over personal laws under UCC, he clarified: "There were misconceptions that personal laws were abolished, but that is not true. The draft prepared by the committee included special provisions for matters such as marriage, divorce, and maintenance, which clarified the role of the courts in these processes. However, in some cases, the state government made revisions."

When asked whether other states would adopt Uttarakhand’s UCC, he said: "It is difficult to say, but Uttarakhand has created a template. Other states can learn from it and amend it according to their circumstances."

Shatrughan Singh further stated: "A provision for punishment has been included for those who do not follow the UCC. For example, if someone fails to register a marriage or live-in relationship and does not comply after a notice, there will be a fine and punishment. If anyone challenges the UCC in court, the decision will be taken by the judiciary."

Regarding the status of UCC in Uttar Pradesh, he said: "In Uttar Pradesh, UCC has not been formally implemented like it has been in Uttarakhand. There may be some provisions, but they have not introduced a completely new law."

Asked about the impact of UCC on the Muslim community, he said: "The aim of UCC is to protect the rights of all communities, especially women. In the Muslim community, certain traditional practices, such as polygamy and 'halala,' have now been abolished. This is a positive step for women. While some men may oppose changes to traditional rights, this is a progressive law."

On the provisions for live-in relationships under UCC, he explained, "In Uttarakhand, couples in live-in relationships will be required to register. If they have children, those children will have the same rights as children born to married couples. There will be no legal obligation of marriage, but registration will be mandatory."

Regarding same-sex marriages, he clarified: "There is no provision for same-sex marriage in the UCC. It only recognises marriage between a man and a woman."

When asked about facing criticism, he said: "Any change comes with opposition, especially when it is related to religious and cultural issues. Some people in the Muslim community are opposing it, but when it comes to women's rights, a large portion of society agrees with it."

When Shatrughan Singh was asked by IANS about his future plans, he said, "I am currently the Chairman of the Pay Discrepancy Committee and have also been working with a commission responsible for policy making. When asked if he would help other states in drafting the UCC, he said, "If other states seek my assistance in drafting UCC, I am ready to guide them."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) The total investment announcements stood at Rs 32.01 lakh crore in the nine months this fiscal (FY25), marking a 39 per cent increase from Rs 23 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal, reflecting a positive investment outlook, the government said on Sunday, citing a recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI).

The private sector accounted for nearly 56 per cent (FY24) and nearly 70 per cent (nine month in FY25) of these announcements in the April-December 2024 period, signalling strong corporate confidence.

As of March 2024, the gross block of Indian corporates reached Rs 106.50 lakh crore, compared to Rs 73.94 lakh crore in March 2020.

Over the last five years, an average of more than Rs 8 lakh crore has been added annually to the corporate gross block.

Additionally, capital work in progress stood at Rs 13.63 lakh crore in March 2024, indicating strong ongoing project development, said the SBI report.

India’s investment ecosystem and external commercial borrowings (ECBs) have witnessed significant developments over the past few years, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) has highlighted trends in investment announcements, private sector’s contribution, and role of ECBs in corporate financing.

Investment activity in India continues to grow at a rapid pace, with significant contributions from the private sector.

Household Net Financial Savings (HNFS) in India improved to 5.3 per cent of GDP in FY24 from 5 per cent in FY23.

Additionally, savings in physical assets increased from 12.9 per cent of GDP in FY23 to 13.5 per cent in FY24.

Investment as a share of GDP has improved in recent years, led by both government and private sector contributions.

In FY23, government investment reached 4.1 per cent of GDP, the highest since FY12. Private corporate investment rose to 11.9 per cent of GDP in FY23, its highest level since FY16.

The share of private investment is projected to further increase to around 12.5 per cent in FY24, reflecting improved business sentiment. The total outstanding ECBs stood at $190.4 billion as of September 2024, according to the report.

By November 2024, total ECB registrations stood at $33.8 billion. Nearly half of the registration, in FY24, are for the import of capital goods, modernisation, local capital expenditure, and new projects.

—IANS

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Patna, Jan 26 (IANS) Anshuman Sinha, son of the legendary folk singer Swar Kokila Late Sharda Sinha, while thanking the Union government for conferring Padma Vibhushan on his mother, termed the award a ‘historic moment’ for his entire family.

“The award is a historic moment for our entire family,” Sinha told IANS.

On the eve of Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu conferred India's second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan posthumously upon the legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha for her work in the field of folk music.

“This is a moment of great pride. It is a matter of pride for my family, state, and the entire country. Receiving the highest civilian awards in the field of folk music is history in itself. I, along with all the family members, wholeheartedly thank the Union government for this initiative,” Sinha said.

He added that the Union government has respected folk culture, folk songs, and good traditions which is the biggest achievement.

“If my mother were alive today, this day would have been completely different. You would have been asking her to sing, and she would have happily sung for everyone. We miss her a lot. If my father were here, he would have decorated the entire house in celebration, invited everyone, and shared his joy with them. We miss all of that deeply. But now, with this recognition, the government has acknowledged her legacy, and it is a moment of immense happiness and pride for us,” he said.

Anshuman Sinha also spoke about Sharda Sinha’s previous honours and her remarkable journey.

“My mother received the Padma Shri in 1991. At that time, we were young children, busy with studies, unaware of the significance of the awards she received. In 2018, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan. And now, in 2025, receiving the Padma Vibhushan after such a long journey is not only an acknowledgement of her work but also a tribute to how she brought Bihar's folk culture to the world stage,” he said.

He added that this recognition is a testament to the love of the people and the support of the government.

When asked about the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, Anshuman responded with optimism.

“I will definitely say that she is and will always remain a jewel of India. Bharat Ratna is a process, and it will happen when the time comes. What matters most is that she is already a jewel of India,” he said.

--IANS

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London, Jan 26 (IANS) Tottenham Hotspur succumbed to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat against Leicester City at the Tottenham Stadium on Sunday as pressure on Ange Postecoglou increases.

Spurs' last win in the league came against Southampton on December 16 and the North London side has since earned only one point, a 2-2 draw against Wolves, in seven league outings. This run-in has brought the side to 15th position in the table.

After an energetic opening third of the game, on his first Premier League start this season, Richarlison headed in Spurs' opening goal through a cross from Pedro Porro. Richarlison was allowed to get behind by Wout Faes and converted assuredly on the 33rd-minute mark.

The hosts carried the lead into half-time but it was soon undone by a frantic start to the next 45 minutes. Vardy bundled the ball into the back of the net for an equaliser one minute into the second-half thanks to a squared ball from Bilal El Khannouss squeezing past Antonin Kinsky in goal.

Four minutes later, Bilal El Khannouss curled a strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards to complete the drastic turnaround.

The result also meant a second win for Leicester, under the tenure of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who have now moved out of the relegation zone in 17th place and are six points behind Tottenham. Vardy, who scored his 10th goal against Tottenham, was ecstatic with his side's performance and hailed the team's grit on a tough night.

“It’s big. It stops the rot we’ve been in. The lads have battled through for the full 90 minutes, it’s credit to ourselves and the manager for the stuff on the training pitch. We’ve put that onto the pitch.

“We look at how they play all week. We saw there is space and opportunities to get the ball forward quicker, we have to capitalise on that. You want to be the team that plays nice football but sometimes there’s not room to do that. We knuckled down, stayed together and got the big win,” said Vardy in the post-game interview.

--IANS

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Damascus, Jan 26 (IANS) The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said on Sunday that it has documented 91 incidents of assassinations and retaliatory crimes by armed groups in Syria since the beginning of 2025, many motivated by political or sectarian hatred.

According to a statement released by the observatory, the wave of violence has reached its worst levels in provinces such as Homs, Hama, and Latakia, home to many Shiite and Alawite minority communities, Xinhua news agency reported.

The observatory stressed the "urgent need for decisive measures to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable."

Rami Abdul Rahman, the observatory's director, attributed much of the turmoil to "undisciplined groups" who joined the new Military Operations Administration after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Abdul Rahman singled out incidents in the village of Fahal in northern Homs, alleging that at least 15 people -- mostly former officers who had undergone so-called reconciliation with the new authorities -- were executed after security forces reportedly stormed the area.

Despite Homs Governor Abed al-Rahman al-Ama and Police Chief Ubada Arnaout have expressed a commitment to curbing the violence, Abdul Rahman suggests that new volunteer militias "carry out retaliatory acts, not true justice."

Sectarian killings have increased since the downfall of Assad's regime in December, amid political upheaval and shifting territorial alliances.

Syrian officials from the new leadership have repeatedly pledged to unify security operations under a single chain of command. However, the situation on the ground remains fragile, largely due to years of prolonged crisis in Syria, where Shiite and Alawite officers and militias were pitted against a Sunni insurgency nationwide.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) The rapid development of smaller cities in India is expected to generate 24 million talent opportunities in tier 2 and 3 markets by 2033, with a balanced workforce comprising 75 per cent male and 25 per cent female talent, according to a new report.

As per the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s travel and tourism GDP is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.1 per cent over the next decade. Currently, the tourism and hospitality sector contributes approximately 8 per cent to India’s total employment.

This momentum is expected to accelerate, with sectoral spending projected to rise by 1.2 times by 2034, emphasising the need for a highly skilled workforce to meet future demands, said the report by NLB Services, a global technology and digital talent solutions provider.

While metropolitan hubs have traditionally driven India’s tourism economy, tier 2 and 3 cities are emerging as key contributors. Travellers are increasingly seeking unexplored destinations, fuelled by the rise of staycations post-pandemic, improved connectivity and a growing inclination toward religious tourism.

"By capitalising on the growth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations, leveraging emerging trends, and fostering a skilled workforce, the sector is poised to play a transformative role in the nation’s economic and social progress,” said Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services.

Religious tourism, in particular, has been a significant driver of growth, gaining momentum year after year.

The sector is expected to generate $59 billion in revenue by 2028 and create a significant number of temporary and permanent jobs by 2030.

The increasing reliance on gig and temporary workers is providing flexible employment opportunities, especially during peak seasons.

For instance, Mahakumbh 2025 is anticipated to generate an estimated 1.2 million gig and temporary jobs across various roles, including hotel staff, tour guides, and travel coordinators, to manage the massive influx of visitors.

Religious tourism hubs like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Badrinath, Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura, Tirupati, Amritsar, Bodhgaya are spearheading this growth, said the report.

Beyond religious tourism, cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Rishikesh, Ahmedabad, Shillong, Guwahati, and Agra are witnessing remarkable growth due to their cultural significance and enhanced connectivity.

Trends like destination weddings, adventure sports tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, and rural tourism are further propelling these destinations.

To sustain this growth and meet future workforce demands, focus on the upcoming budget will also be critical. Incentives that promote training for tour guides, hotel staff, logistics operators, and local artisans can strengthen the sector’s foundation, said the report.

—IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) India is among the world’s 13 leading industrial clusters along with countries such as Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, the UK and Saudi Arabia to join the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative to fight climate change and safeguard the planet, according to a WEF statement issued on Sunday.

A new white paper has been released to highlight the critical role that industrial clusters play in advancing the deployment of clean-energy infrastructure at scale. It features leading players deploying innovative collaboration and business models while harnessing the power of digital technologies.

The Accelerating the Energy Transition: Unpacking the Business and Economic Cases report articulated the difficulty of translating the well-established benefits of climate action into private investment, the statement said.

“The Global South is paying the price for other areas of the world causing climate change,” said Cindy H. McCain, Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme. “The people that can least afford it, that have the least ability to fight it, are the ones being affected the most.”

With climate change-related extreme weather events and risks increasingly evident, world leaders participating in WEF 2025, which concluded this week, called for the need for swifter, wider and deeper action. The meeting built on the momentum from the three UN COPs on Climate, Land and Biodiversity in 2024 to scale the deployment of renewable energy, drive energy efficiencies while addressing energy demand, and protect and restore nature.

The WEF also released its first State of Nature and Climate report, presenting the latest data on planetary health and global corporate progress in addressing climate and nature challenges.

The Forum published six reports aimed at accelerating the global shift toward a nature-positive future. Five focused on sector-specific strategies for critical industries -- offshore wind, mining and metals, ports, and automotive -- while the sixth examined financing solutions for building nature-positive cities.

The Forum’s inaugural Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards honoured five groundbreaking initiatives that are advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing climate and nature challenges. The five awarded collaborations will receive tailored support throughout 2025 to advance and scale impact and drive systems-wide change, the statement said.

It further stated leading companies across retail, e-commerce, mobility and logistics announced new commitments and a shared ambition for more sustainable and efficient urban deliveries while working with the government to embrace new solutions and models that benefit consumers, couriers, companies and cities.

--IANS

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