India

Gautam Buddh Nagar, Nov 12 (IANS) In a major boost to industrial investment in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday virtually laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art tractor manufacturing plant at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area in Jewar, aiming to create around 1,200 direct jobs.

The ultra-modern facility which will be set up by CNH Industrial on 100 acres of land in Sector-8 of Jewar's YEIDA area, is expected to acquire an investment of around Rs 12 billion (Rs 1,200 crore).

The project is expected to generate around 1,200 direct jobs, besides creating a significant number of indirect employment opportunities.

Speaking at the occasion, CM Adityanath said that Jewar has emerged as one of India's most attractive investment destinations.

He noted that with the development of the Noida International Airport and a series of industrial projects in the YEIDA region, the entire area is poised to become a major industrial, economic, and logistics hub in the coming years.

"New avenues of development have opened up in the region with the support of local farmers and public representatives," CM Adityanath said while attributing the rise in investment to Uttar Pradesh's improved law-and-order situation and the government's policy of zero tolerance toward crime.

The Chief Minister said that strict action against criminals and the use of bulldozers against illegal activities have given Uttar Pradesh a distinct identity.

"The bulldozer has become a brand of Uttar Pradesh," he remarked, adding that as products such as bulldozers and tractors are manufactured in the state, their demand will rise in India and abroad.

He also said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh has attracted investment proposals worth more than Rs 50 lakh crore over the past nine-and-a-half years.

"Of these, investments worth nearly Rs 15 lakh crore have already materialised, while proposals worth Rs 7.5 lakh crore are expected to move to the ground-breaking stage soon," t CM Adityanath added.

The Chief Minister also said that Uttar Pradesh has moved beyond the category of underdeveloped states and has become one of the country's top three economies, progressing rapidly toward the goal of becoming a $1-trillion economy.

Highlighting the state's industrial growth, he noted that the number of factories has increased from 14,000 to 35,000, while the number of MSME units has reached 10 million (one crore).

"The number of startups has risen from 120 to 25,000. Today, Uttar Pradesh has established itself in the areas of Ease of Doing Business, Fearless Business, and Trust of Doing Business, and ranks first in the country in deregulation," the Chief Minister stressed.

Chief Minister Adityanath also pointed to several major projects taking shape in the Jewar and YEIDA region, including the HCL-Foxconn semiconductor plant, Medical Device Park, Toy Park, MSME Park, and multiple data centre projects.

"Uttar Pradesh is also creating new opportunities for innovation and employment in emerging sectors such as IT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, robotics, and agritech. In collaboration with companies such as Tata, Samsung, Microsoft, IBM, Infosys, and HCL, the state is providing skill development training to youth to build an industry-ready workforce," he said.

The CNH Industrial plant, he added, will give fresh momentum to the agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturing sector in the state.

Mentioning that the state accounts for about 18.5 per cent of India's tractor market, the Chief Minister said that the project will not only expand industrial activity but also benefit the local economy and the agricultural sector.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Thursday inaugurated the grand 11-kilometre-long Chhath Ghat along the Munak Canal in Delhi, crediting Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her team of ministers for the arrangements for the Chhath Vratis.

“Just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered on poll promises, the Delhi government is also doing the same within 20 months of coming to power,” said Nabin, hoping that the Yamuna will soon be cleaned and Chhath prayers will be held on a larger scale in the river.

He also hit out at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for wasteful expenditure on the CM’s residence and ignoring the need for clean Chhath ghats for devotees.

Nabin said the clean water of the Munak Chhath Ghats is going to elevate the experience of offering prayers and spread the message of respecting nature.

“I urge worshipers of Chhathi Maiya that if you are a true devotee, you should maintain cleanliness all through the year,” he said, reminding people of the Swachh Bharat Mission envisioned by PM Modi.

He said the Double Engine government is ensuring that when the BJP’s Haryana government opens fresh water, it reaches promptly for Chhath devotees in Delhi.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “Your one vote brought the lotus into bloom in Delhi, and within just a year, our brothers and sisters from Poorvanchal got a magnificent 11-kilometre-long Chhath ghat.”

“This is not just the rejuvenation of a canal, but a tribute to the faith of Poorvanchal, a victory for the people’s trust, and a living example of development and heritage together,” said CM Gupta, adding that the Delhi government has supported 1,465 Chhath organising committees this year.

Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra criticised AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failure to keep his promise of cleaning the Yamuna to provide clean water to Chhath devotees.

“Almost 26-km stretch of the Yamuna out of its 55-km course in Delhi has been cleaned ever since the BJP government came to power 20 months ago,” he said, adding that 22 sewers falling into the Yamuna are being tackled to ensure the Yamuna does not get polluted by untreated sewage.

“I assure you that in the next two years, not a drop of untreated sewage will fall into the river due to the efforts of the Delhi government,” he said.

For the convenience of devotees, facilities such as changing rooms, restrooms, tents, and adequate lighting have also been provided at the spot. CCTV cameras have been installed to ensure security at the 11-km ghat along Munak canal.

Additionally, benches have been installed for seating arrangements, and green spaces have been created for devotees' comfort and general beautification of the area.

--IANS

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Imphal, Nov 12 (IANS) Following the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the draft Photo Electoral Rolls for all 60 Assembly constituencies of Manipur were published on Thursday, recording a total of 19,94,357 voters, including 10,24,735 women, 9,69,298 men and 324 third-gender voters.

Announcing the publication at a press conference, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Lokeshor Brahmacharimayum said that women voters outnumber men by 55,437 in the draft rolls, with a gender ratio of 1,057 women for every 1,000 men.

The publication of the draft rolls marks the beginning of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of Photo Electoral Rolls, with January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date, he told the media.

Brahmacharimayum said that the period for filing claims and objections would remain open from November 12 to December 11.

The disposal of claims and objections is scheduled to be completed by December 28, while the final electoral rolls will be published on January 4, 2027.

Among the Assembly constituencies, Henglep recorded the highest number of voters at 63,251, followed by Churachandpur with 55,946. Tipaimukh registered the lowest number of voters at 13,074. Other constituency-wise figures include 36,401 voters in Khurai, 34,390 in Wangkhem, 34,078 in Heingang, 33,159 in Thoubal, 32,794 in Bishnupur, 41,747 in Ukhrul, 41,204 in Tengnoupal and 39,432 in Chandel.

The Joint Chief Electoral Officer urged all eligible citizens to verify their names and particulars in the draft rolls and submit applications for inclusion, correction or other necessary changes within the stipulated period.

Applications for inclusion of names can be submitted through Form 6 or Form 6A, while objections to the proposed inclusion or deletion of names can be filed using Form 7.

Form 8 is prescribed for changes relating to shifting of residence, correction of entries, replacement of Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) and marking of persons with disabilities, as applicable.

The voter revision exercise also provides for enrolment against the subsequent qualifying dates of April 1, July 1 and October 1, 2027.

The official said that to facilitate the revision exercise, help desks have been established in all 16 districts, particularly to assist vulnerable and marginalised sections of the population.

Citizens can also contact the Election Commission's helpline at '1950' or use the 'Book a Call with BLO' facility on the ECINET application for assistance.

Brahmacharimayum also said that a meeting with representatives of recognised national and state political parties was also held on Thursday to brief them about the revision schedule.

The political parties were requested to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for every polling station to coordinate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the voter revision exercise.

One printed copy and one photograph-free soft copy of the draft electoral rolls for each Assembly constituency were also handed over free of cost to the recognised political parties.

Meanwhile, the term of the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly is due to expire on March 13, 2027, making the coming months crucial for both Election Commission and political parties as they prepare for the next electoral battle.

The last elections to the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly were held in two phases, on February 28 and March 5, 2022.

--IANS

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Chennai, Nov 12 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Police have filed a charge sheet before the Madras High Court in a case against granite baron Veeramani involving allegations of sexual abuse of minors, while investigations into several other cases against him and his associates continue.

Seven cases have been registered against Veeramani under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Seven of his associates have also been booked under the provisions of the Act in connection with the alleged abuse.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting the investigation.

According to police, the charge sheet was submitted 60 days after the registration of the first POCSO case against Veeramani. The filing marks a development in the investigation, although inquiries into the remaining cases are still under way.

Police informed the court that charge sheets in two more POCSO cases would be submitted within the next 10 days. The proposed filings would bring the number of cases in which charge sheets have been submitted against Veeramani to three.

The timeline outlined by police indicates that the SIT is proceeding with separate charge sheets as its investigation into each case progresses.

Citing the seriousness of the cases, police also told the court that the government had appointed three special public prosecutors to handle proceedings connected with the investigation and prosecution. The appointments were made in view of the gravity of the allegations involving children, police said.

The investigation is meanwhile facing a separate legal challenge through petitions seeking the transfer of the cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petitioners have asked the High Court to entrust the probe to the central agency. The High Court said it would take up those petitions on November 30. No order transferring the investigation was announced in the account of the proceedings, and the SIT continues to investigate the cases.

The charge sheet submission and the assurance on two further filings set out the immediate course of the police investigation ahead of the hearing on the transfer petitions. While police have outlined the progress of the probe, the material provided does not specify the individual charges detailed in the charge sheet or the alleged role of each associate. The November 30 hearing will take up the request for a change in the investigating agency.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Nov 12 (IANS) The Garo Cultural Forum, Assam, has sought Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's intervention to strengthen the preservation and promotion of the Garo community's rich cultural heritage, seeking financial and administrative support for a range of initiatives in Goalpara district.

The Forum submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister during the ongoing Wangala Festival at Chibragre, where Sarma attended the celebrations as the chief guest on the second day.

Among its major demands, the organisation sought an annual government grant for organising the Wangala Festival, besides the construction of a permanent festival stage, traditional Garo model houses and a cultural museum-cum-research centre at Chotipara.

The memorandum was signed by Forum president Desal Bimik Marak and secretary Raksil Marak. The Forum said it has been organising the traditional Wangala Festival since its formation on October 18, 2022, in association with the Garo Students' Union (Assam State Zone) and the Garo Sahitya Sabha.

Describing Wangala as the Garo community's most important post-harvest thanksgiving festival, the organisation said the annual celebration provides a platform to showcase indigenous music, folk dances and traditional rituals while fostering unity and social harmony.

The Forum said a regular government grant would help ensure the sustainable organisation of the festival at Chotipara, located under the 13 No. Goalpara West (ST) Assembly constituency.

It also urged the government to construct a permanent multi-purpose open stage at the Chotipara cultural complex, noting that organisers are compelled to spend significant resources on temporary bamboo structures every year.

To protect the community's traditional architectural legacy, the Forum proposed the construction of model Garo houses, including the Nokmong and Nokpante, using indigenous materials and techniques involving bamboo, timber, cane and thatch.

The proposed Garo Cultural Museum and Research Centre would document the community's oral traditions, folk literature, agricultural implements and traditional musical instruments, including Dama, Kram and Adil.

It would also preserve indigenous handloom products such as Dakmanda.

The Forum said the proposed institution could emerge as a centre for cultural documentation, academic research and educational activities while attracting scholars, students and tourists.

Expressing hope for a positive response, the organisation urged the state government to take concrete steps to safeguard and promote the Garo community's distinct cultural identity and indigenous legacy in Assam.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Nov 12 (IANS) Acting on the directives of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) headquarters, the ACB unit in Dungarpur conducted an operation today and arrested Dr Amit Parmar, Medical Officer at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Jhauthri, Dungarpur district, red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 1,000.

A written complaint was filed by the complainant with the ACB unit in Dungarpur.

The complainant stated that, in connection with an FIR registered at the Chaurasi Police Station (Dungarpur district) regarding an incident of assault, he had approached the PHC in Jhauthri with a formal request from the police to obtain a Medico-Legal Certificate (MLC).

There, the Medical Officer, Dr Amit Parmar, directed him to undergo certain medical tests in Dungarpur and demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 in exchange for preparing the MLC.

Following the complaint, the demand for a bribe was verified in accordance with established procedures.

During the verification process, the accused, Dr Amit Parmar, agreed to accept a bribe of Rs 2,000 from the complainant and subsequently received an amount of Rs 1,000.

A trap operation was carried out today by the ACB unit of Dungarpur, under the supervision of Piyush Dixit, Superintendent of Police (in-charge, ACB Udaipur Range), and led by Additional Superintendent of Police Rajendra Singh Jain.

During the operation, the accused, Amit Parmar, Medical Officer at the PHC, was arrested red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 1,000 from a complainant.

Under the supervision of Additional Director General of Police (ACB) Smita Srivastava and Inspector General of Police S. Parimala, the accused is currently being interrogated, and further legal proceedings are underway.

The ACB has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and will conduct a detailed investigation. I

f a case (such as a formal complaint or a preliminary inquiry) is registered against an individual with the ACB, that person may contact the ACB directly to present their side or provide an explanation.

It is standard procedure for the ACB to conduct a thorough analysis of any such explanation before deciding on the investigation.

This information is particularly relevant, as individuals might otherwise fall victim to fraudulent schemes such as extortion attempts being carried out by those misusing the name of the ACB, said officials

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Nov 12 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will organise a rally and public meeting in Isanpur on November 15 to mark the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address scheduled to be broadcast live at around 500 locations across the country.

The programme will be held at Birsa Munda Garden, near Pushpak Society and Moni Hotel in Isanpur, on Sunday.

The civic body has invited tribal community leaders, residents and young people to participate in the rally and public meeting.

Announcing the programme on Thursday, city Mayor Hitesh Barot and Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel appealed to citizens to attend in large numbers.

Barot said, "Birsa Munda's birth anniversary is not merely a celebration but an occasion to remember his struggle, courage, sacrifice and contribution to the tribal community."

He said the live broadcast of the Prime Minister's address at around 500 locations nationwide would make the occasion a national-level programme.

Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said Birsa Munda's contribution to India's freedom struggle and the fight for the rights of tribal communities would continue to inspire generations.

"The rally and public meeting aimed to take his story of courage, struggle and dedication to the nation to younger generations," he added.

The celebrations will also be held in Gandhinagar, where the district administration has planned a district-level Tribal Pride Day programme at the Town Hall on November 15.

District Collector (in-charge) Digant Brahmbhatt chaired a meeting of officials and employees at the Gandhinagar District Panchayat office to review preparations for the event.

Minister of State, Swaroopji Thakor, will attend the programme, along with the district panchayat president, MPs, MLAs and a large number of residents.

The two programmes are part of the wider state and national celebrations marking the 151st birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.

The state is observing Tribal Pride Day from November 12 to 18, with activities planned across 14 tribal districts, 55 Assembly constituencies, all 34 districts and 17 municipal corporations.

As part of the state-level celebrations, the government has announced development projects worth more than Rs 2,300 crore to be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid on November 15.

It has also announced land ownership documents carrying 7/12 records for more than 18,828 tribal beneficiaries, along with plans to establish 14 'Johar Cafes' to promote local tribal cuisine and products.

Birsa Munda, who led a tribal uprising against British rule and fought for the rights of indigenous communities over their land, forests and water, remains an important figure in India's freedom struggle.

The Union government declared November 15, his birth anniversary, as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' in 2021 to recognise the contribution of tribal freedom fighters.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) The Maharashtra government has organised the ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda Gaurav Din Saptah (week)’ across the state from November 11 to 18 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’, which is being celebrated across the country.

Various initiatives aimed at promoting the social, educational, economic and cultural development of Scheduled Tribes will be undertaken during this week, informed State Cultural Affairs Minister and Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar during a press conference held on Thursday.

As part of the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Gaurav Din Saptah, cheques will be distributed on November 13 to beneficiaries selected under the Nucleus Budget Scheme.

Benefits will also be extended to women's self-help groups, while new applications will be accepted and processed for approval. On November 14, cleanliness drives and Deepotsav (festival of lights) will be organised at memorials across the state. On November 15, floral tributes will be offered to Bhagwan Birsa Munda's portrait at the district level and by various organisations in tribal areas.

A state-level programme will also be held in Gadchiroli on the same day in the presence of the Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers. Saints and spiritual leaders associated with the tribal community will also be felicitated on the occasion.

On November 16, service camps will be organised to facilitate Aadhaar cards and other government documents. November 17 will see health and nutrition awareness camps, while November 18 will be observed as Tribal Economic, Educational and Social Empowerment Day. Guidance programmes for women's self-help groups will also be organised on the concluding day, informed Minister Shelar.

To ensure quality education for tribal students, more than 3,000 teachers have been appointed on a contractual basis in ashram schools as a temporary measure, in view of restrictions on regular recruitment. Attendants have also been appointed in ashram schools in tribal areas to look after students' health and well-being.

A scholarship scheme in the name of Veer Raghoji Bhangre has been launched for meritorious students. Competitive examination preparatory training centres for tribal students have been established in all districts of the state.

For the economic empowerment of tribal women, the Rani Durgavati Women Empowerment Scheme has been launched. The scheme has been designed along the lines of UMED and women's self-help group initiatives, said Minister Shelar. He mentioned that a decision has also been taken to appoint dedicated teachers for arts, sports and music in tribal schools.

To gain a better understanding of the tribal population and their needs, a survey was conducted based on the 2011 Census. Special packages have been approved for the development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups such as the Kolam, Katkari and Madia communities, as well as for the upliftment of the Pardhi community, a backward and nomadic tribal group.

According to the minister, the government has also taken a decision to establish a university-level study centre dedicated to the research and study of tribal culture, customs, traditions and history. Important decisions have also been taken concerning Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and recruitment.

In his capacity as the Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district, he also chaired an important review meeting on environmental issues and tree plantation. The State Government has set a target of planting 300 crore trees over the next 20 years and has taken decisions such as establishing a dedicated commission and developing nurseries to achieve this objective. Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts will play an important role in this initiative.

Sharing details of the district's contribution, Minister Shelar announced that a target of planting five lakh trees has been set for Mumbai Suburban district. So far, 2,12,390 trees have been planted across the district. Available government land has been identified, and tree plantation activities have been planned at various locations in coordination with the District Collector and concerned officials. Alongside tree plantation, special emphasis is being placed on tree conservation. The objective is not merely to plant trees but to ensure their survival and healthy growth. Modern technology is being deployed to achieve this. Initiatives include plantation through the Miyawaki method, geo-mapping and regular monitoring of tree growth.

Citizen participation, along with the involvement of concerned government agencies, will be crucial to the success of the tree plantation and conservation campaign in Mumbai Suburban district.

Minister Shelar also stated that suggestions and expectations from citizens regarding environmental issues would be taken into consideration to make the initiative more effective.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Nov 12 (IANS) The West Central Railway's Bhopal division on Thursday introduced special arrangements at key railway stations to facilitate passengers travelling to Bihar for Chhath Puja, including playing traditional devotional songs and strengthening security arrangements to manage the festive rush.

Traditional Chhath songs are being played through public announcement systems at Rani Kamlapati, Itarsi, Bina and Guna railway stations before the departure of special trains towards Bihar.

The initiative aims to recreate the festive atmosphere for passengers returning to their native places for the four-day festival, which holds special religious and cultural significance, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Popular folk songs such as 'Kelawa Ke Paat Par Ugelan Surujdev', 'Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya' and 'Chhathi Maiya Ke Karab Hum Varatiya' are filling station premises with devotional music and reminding passengers of their cultural traditions and families back home.

Apart from the cultural initiative, the railway division has deployed additional checking staff and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at major stations.

CCTV cameras are also being used to monitor passenger movement and strengthen security.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria said special arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth movement and safety of passengers during the festival.

"Additional checking staff and RPF personnel have been deployed at major stations, while CCTV cameras are being used for continuous monitoring," he added.

He said that playing traditional Chhath songs was an effort to connect passengers with the country's diverse cultural traditions and make their journey more welcoming.

Chhath is a four-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Devotees observe rigorous fasting and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun for the well-being and prosperity of their families.

This year, the festival will begin on November 13 with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna on November 14.

Devotees will offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun on November 15, while the festival will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya to the rising Sun, followed by the breaking of the fast.

The festival draws large numbers of people travelling from different parts of the country to their native places, making passenger management and security important challenges for the Railways.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (IANS) Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who is usually seen in his trademark spotless white khadi shirt and dhoti, got a virtual makeover into a Gen Z fashion model at Huddle Global 2026 in Kovalam on Thursday.

A startup invited the Chief Minister to stand before its digital screen, which allows customers to try out different outfits virtually without physically wearing them.

Satheesan readily agreed, though he appeared to anticipate a surprise.

"I know you are up to some trick, but go ahead, let me see what you are doing," he said as he stood before the screen.

The surprise was a virtual image of Satheesan wearing a T-shirt carrying his own caricature and a slogan popularised about him by Gen Z social media users.

The Chief Minister burst into laughter at the sight, but did not stop there. He enquired about the product and its features before moving on to visit other stalls at the international startup event.

The startup's founder, A.S.Janukrishna, said he was delighted that Chief Minister Satheesan had readily agreed to try the product and showed interest in understanding the technology.

The idea is to allow customers to select different outfits on a screen and see how they look without having to physically try them on.

"Customers get a wider choice, while shop employees are spared the task of repeatedly folding clothes and putting them back on display. It is also more hygienic," Janukrishna said.

The technology allows customers to view themselves in the selected attire from different angles, including the sides and back, and assess how the outfit fits them.

The firm is currently working with a fashion startup to take the product to the market in the near future.

The virtual makeover was one of the lighter moments at Huddle Global, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Satheesan on Thursday.

The eighth edition of the Kerala Startup Mission's international conference has brought together around 4,000 startups, over 150 investors, 300 mentors and 200 corporate organisations.

The event, being held in Kovalam until November 14, aims to connect startups with investors, mentors and technology partners.

--IANS

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