During his tour of the Expo, the Minister explored various exhibits, engaging with Indian park operators, amusement manufacturers, and indoor entertainment center operators. He actively listened to industry leaders, understanding both the opportunities and challenges they face. Recognizing the sector’s vast potential, he assured stakeholders that the government would provide the necessary policy support and guidance to accelerate its growth and global competitiveness.

In his speech, Sh. Shekhawat emphasized India’s potential to become a manufacturing giant in the amusement industry, similar to the transformation of the Indian toy industry, which has evolved from being an importer to a net exporter. He highlighted that with the right government support, incentives, and industry collaboration, India could become a major exporter of amusement rides, attractions, and park infrastructure, aligning with the broader “Make in India” vision.

A key theme in his address was experiential tourism, where he stressed that the amusement sector can significantly enhance India’s tourism appeal by offering world-class entertainment and leisure experiences. With evolving consumer preferences and rising disposable incomes, amusement parks, water parks, and indoor entertainment centers can serve as major attractions for both domestic and international visitors.

Additionally, the Minister underlined the huge potential in mythological and religious tourism, noting that India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage presents immense opportunities for themed attractions. He suggested that amusement parks inspired by Indian mythology, epics, and historical narratives could attract millions of visitors, blending education, entertainment, and faith-based experiences.

Sh. Shekhawat also shared an ambitious vision for India’s tourism sector, stating that with the right push, it could contribute up to 10% of the nation’s GDP. He emphasized that tourism is not just about recreation but an economic force that drives employment, infrastructure growth, and foreign exchange earnings. Strengthening the amusement sector as an integral part of India’s tourism ecosystem would be crucial to achieving this goal.

During the IAAPI Awards Night, the Minister engaged in meaningful discussions with industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders, deliberating on strategies to streamline regulations, attract investments, and foster innovation in the sector. He expressed deep appreciation for IAAPI’s contributions over the past 26 years, acknowledging the efforts of IAAPI’s founders and all past and present Chairmen in shaping a strong and united industry fraternity. Assuring his full support, he pledged to work closely with IAAPI to ensure that the amusement industry gets the recognition and assistance it deserves.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Shrikant Goenka, Chairman of IAAPI, highlighted the industry’s remarkable growth trajectory, stating:

“The Indian amusement industry is rising at a CAGR of 10% and is poised to become a ₹22,000 crore industry by 2030. This growth presents a tremendous opportunity for both domestic and international stakeholders to invest in and expand the sector.”

He further emphasized the need for robust infrastructure, policy support, and global collaborations to capitalize on this growth and establish India as a major player in the amusement industry worldwide.

The Minister’s visit and commitment to the sector have ignited a new wave of optimism among stakeholders. With increasing government backing, infrastructure investments, and industry-driven initiatives, the Indian amusement industry is set for unprecedented expansion, playing a vital role in shaping the country’s tourism landscape and economic future.

In Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam, Seerat portrays a woman who epitomizes the strength and authenticity of Indian womanhood. Her character is defined not by external glamour but by an unwavering dedication to her professional and personal commitments. By stepping into this role, Seerat Kapoor sought to bring to life the beauty of simplicity and determination—qualities often overlooked in the glitzy realm of cinema.

Gaining weight for a role is a challenge many actors shy away from but for Seerat, it was a journey of both physical and emotional transformation. “Glamour is great but I wanted to bring authenticity to the table and have the qualities of my character- be the focal conversation on screen,” says Seerat. “This character is the story’s backbone and her strength lies in her patience and threshold to withstand what life throws at her without being tainted. She’s a solid woman who doesn’t need vanity to validate her. Her focus remains her experiences, responsibilities and loved ones. She redefines beauty in that sense; by being so comfortable and confident in her skin. All these elements combined make her beautifully relatable.”

Interestingly, the role resonated deeply with Seerat on a personal level. Like her character, she has often prioritized hard work and passion over superficial expectations. “I saw a reflection of my journey in her, specifically one experience she endeavours ” Seerat shares. “It felt natural to step into her world and the experience has been the most fulfilling of my career.”

With Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam, Seerat Kapoor promises a performance that transcends conventional on-screen portrayals, offering depth, realism and heartfelt storytelling. Her dedication to fully immersing herself in the role—both physically and emotionally—has heightened expectations for the film’s release and has set the tone right for Seerat Kapoor’s caliber as an actress.

New Delhi, March 26, 2025: While addressing the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025, organized by FHRAI (The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India), in the National capital today, Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat exhorted the tourism industry stakeholders to ensure massive expansion of the sector as this sector alone, in coming years, will emerge largest contributor to country’s GDP growth. He said tourism sector is the growth engine of our country. He underlined the fact that Indian economy is increasing at a fast pace and likewise, country’s tourism sector has immense potential to make advancement at a parallel speed.

Hon’ble Minister said the world is mesmerized at the fast growth of Indian economy and this was a topic of discussion at a recent summit in Davos that Indian economy may get doubled in a span of eight years. The Union Tourism Minister underlined the challenges being posed by alarming climate change to this sector that required immediate attention. He said climate change is knocking at our door as the glaciers are constricting and this requires immediate intervention.

The Union Tourism Minister said our tourism sector was facing serious challenges and this required immediate brainstorming by the Industry leaders and everyone should take the pledge to own the responsibility. If we fix our development target and work accordingly, we will attain the target.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of tourism Shri. Suman Billa (IAS) said Artificial Intelligence (AI) can contribute to the growth of tourism sector as large number of tourists are using APP based applications. He said India is aspiring to become third largest country in the world in terms of tourism sector by 2047. Incredible India should include best global practices. He said the world is growing but not as fast as India is growing. Are we going to grow bigger or are we growing to grow better, this is the challenge. Whether we are growing to grow better and make it sustainable is the challenge. He said, if tourism sector is left unmanaged, it may lead to cultural dilution. We have to make tourism to empower our cultural heritage. Mission Life is another important area. It is about daily life activity, from mindless consumption to mindful living. Ministry of Tourism has launched its own sustainability programme. This industry can support the local craft in a big manner and it can lead to transformation and change. We must focus that the tourism industry is climate resilient.

Mr. Billa underlined we should use local material and include the products of local people. When we grant sanction to projects, we see if it has sustainability in terms of jobs, ensures livelihood and how we engage communities in the growth of tourism sector. Many a time, community is left as bystander. To the contrary, we must ensure that the local community is a stakeholder in the industry. Our community should be taken into account and we should encourage homestays with local communities to strengthen this sector.

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of tourism in Madhya Pradesh, Shri Sheo Shankar Shukla said the state of Madhya Pradesh offered plethora of opportunity to the tourists from India and abroad. He said 14 UNSESCO approved sites were in Madhya Pradesh. The state has forest cover upto 25 per cent, 12 national parks and two jyotirlingas- Ujjain and Onmkareshwar. Narmada river has series of dams. All these sites had culminated into huge surge in tourism and the footfall is going through roofs.

Mr. Sheo Shankar Shukla said the state government had divided the state into five cultural zones having seven tribes and 45 sub-tribes. Now the MP government was encouraging rural tourism and Tribal tourism having convenient homestay facilities. The state government was showcasing the rural life of the state as the best destination and state had carved out tourism villages in Madhya Pradesh. At least fifty new destination were being added. The MP government was also encouraging cruise tourism to ensure that the footfall was diversified at several attractive locations.

President of FHRAI K Syama Raju said this summit has extended and important platform to discuss best solutions to the problems being faced by this industry. Our country has huge natural resources and such spots may get converted into attractive tourism destinations. Such innovative ideas and natural destinations are catching the tourists from across the globe. The other aspect is that this summit had provided huge opportunity for collaboration between the policy makers and tourism industry stake holders. Such engagements and conceptual brainstorming will usher tourism industry into future growth and attract the tourists from all over the country and abroad.

Mr. Hemant Jain, President PHDCCI said that our hotels and restaurants had to be sustainable as large number of guests were visiting India from UK and US. Now we should focus upon strengthening tourism sector on sustainable model. We should look forward towards states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to get this sustainable models already working in these states.

Mr. Glen Mandziuk, CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, UK said that this industry was waiting to work for something which had more future prospects and top companies around the world are curious. There are tremendous pattern on investment in sustainability. We have tremendous value chains of leading technology companies to support the high growth of this industry. All General Managers can be trained on the sustainability development.

In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force… when he suddenly transforms into the powerful “Kaiju No. 8.” With help from his junior colleague Reno Ichikawa, Kafka hides his identity while striving towards his life-long dream of passing the Defense Force exam and standing at Mina’s side. But when a mysterious intelligent Kaiju attacks a Defense Force base, Kafka faces a crucial decision in a desperate situation…

The omnibus film Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon features an action-packed recap of season one and a new original episode, Hoshina’s Day Off.

(Hoshina’s Day Off) A day off… a rare day of peace for the Defense Force. After spending so long training, Reno has forgotten what he’s supposed to do with free time. He sees that Hoshina is up to something with his own day off, and decides to go on a mission to tail him with Iharu! But then things go in an unexpected direction…

Expressing his excitement about both the performance and the ongoing cricket season, Thaman shared his admiration for SunRisers Hyderabad and their fearless gameplay.

“Mad cricket! Playing every ball, they are scoring like crazy. This year, I think we have a strong chance to win the cup. I am so happy about this fearless cricket they are playing, especially the opening pair. It’s like some book cricket—every ball, every shot. We have all the records now, and it’s so crazy. I am just praying for this team to lift the cup this year,”* he said.

Thaman took to social media to heighten the excitement, revealing that he will be performing a special setlist featuring OG,Guntur Kaaram, Daaku, and Game Changer for the first time inside a cricket stadium.

Singing Our #Og #GunturKaaram #Daaku #GameChanger Songs For the First Time In Our Very Own Cricket Stadium …

Playlist for Our Boys @SunRisers IS HUGE

See you Guys !! and tat tooo
On the Eve Of our #GlobalStar’s Birthday @AlwaysRamCharan gaaru !!… pic.twitter.com/gftFXukm4M

— thaman S (@MusicThaman) March 25, 2025

As Thaman pushes boundaries with his music, he’s also gearing up for Jaat, starring Sunny Deol, which is set to hit theaters on April 10. Following that, he’s composing for The Rajasaab, starring Prabhas, and OG, the much-awaited Pawan Kalyan starrer, where he’s crafting a powerful soundtrack to match the film’s intensity.

Products Recalled Over Microbial Contamination

The affected products include baby spinach, spinach and rocket mix, and a stir-fry mix, all flagged due to potential Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) contamination.

“Food products contaminated with STEC may cause illness if consumed,” warned the food safety alert.

Understanding STEC and Its Risks

STEC is a gastrointestinal illness caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria, which are found in the gut of most humans and animals. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care notes that while some strains of E.coli cause no harm, others can lead to severe illness.

Recalled Products and Use-By Dates

Consumers are advised to check the following products and return them for a full refund:

• Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach 120g – Use by March 28

• Fresh Salad Co Fresh and Fast Stir Fry 400g – Use by March 27

• Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach and Rocket 120g – Use by March 27

• Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach 280g – Use by March 30

Health Warning and Refund Advice

Consumers are strongly advised not to consume these products. Those who have already eaten the recalled items and are concerned about their health should seek medical attention immediately.

Affected Locations

The recalled products were sold at Aldi stores in Queensland and northern New South Wales, including the following locations:

• Tweed Heads South

• Ballina

• Grafton

• Coffs Harbour

• Lismore

• Casino

• Toormina

• Armidale

• Byron Bay

• Goonellabah

• Tweed Mall

• Moonee Beach

For safety, consumers are urged to dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Stay informed and prioritize your health by checking for any updates on this recall.

Warner Music India has signed acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Himonshu Parikh, also known as a member of the hit band The Yellow Diary, to its esteemed artist roster. Stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Himonshu has unveiled his debut independent EP, Circles, a deeply personal project that explores the four stages of love through heartfelt melodies and touching storytelling. The EP comprises four immersive tracks— Dariya, Udd Chala, Aisi Dooriyaan, and Kabhi Tu Ne Socha Tha,—each composed and produced by Himonshu Parikh himself. The lyrics across all tracks are co-written by Himonshu and Rajan Batra and meticulously mixed by Sid Shirodkar and Shadab Rayeen, ensuring rich and soulful melodies. The versatile Kamakshi Khanna also lends her voice to Kabhi Tu Ne Socha Tha, adding another layer of depth to the song.”

The first music video from the EP, Dariya, brings Himonshu’s vision to life with a compelling narrative that unfolds in reverse. It encapsulates the essence of love, choice, and the intricate layers of relationships. Featuring digital creators and social media favourites Ankush Bahuguna and Yukti Singh, the video captures a couple’s journey through love—its milestones, challenges, and tender moments—before rewinding to a crucial moment of decision. It culminates in an emotional crescendo, interwoven with real-life footage of Himonshu and his wife, adding an authentic and intimate dimension to the song.

*On the launch of his first EP with Warner Music India, Himonshu Parikh shares,* _“Circles is my first EP with Warner Music India, and it holds deep personal meaning. I’m absolutely ecstatic being a part of their coveted roster. ‘Circles’ reminds us that life is not just a journey with a beginning and an end, but a continuous cycle of growth, connection, and renewal, where every point is as significant as the last. It is a story of love in motion—how it begins, deepens, shifts, and finds its way back to itself. It’s about the moments that change us, the connections that shape us, and the reflections that remind us how far we’ve come. Love, like life, moves in cycles. Each time, it deepens, grows, and begins again.”_

*Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC added,* _“Himonshu is a rare, multi-dimensional artist with a unique ability to craft deeply personal yet universally relatable music, and Circles is a testament to his artistry. At Warner Music India, we are committed to introducing his music to newer audiences and support him to carve his own space in the industry”._

With Circles, Himonshu Parikh embarks on a defining chapter in his journey as a solo artist beyond The Yellow Diary, crafting music that is deeply personal yet universally resonant. Known for hits like Katputtli Ke Dhaage, Le Chal and Kho Ja which have collectively amassed 20 millions streams, his songwriting and signature sound have already struck a chord with audiences. This EP marks the next step in his evolution—one that will further strengthen his connection with listeners and establish him as a formidable independent artist.

In India, for instance, the prospect of reaching 1 billion digital health users by 2030 is not just a dream; it represents a paradigm shift toward an inclusive health system that prioritizes prevention and tailored treatments. However, realizing this vision requires collaboration among startups, investors, and regulators to forge a sustainable digital health ecosystem. Together, these stakeholders can address challenges, drive innovation, and ensure that the benefits of digital healthcare are realized for all, paving the way for a healthier future.

Harnessing Digital Health for Sustainable Development in India

India stands at a pivotal moment in its healthcare journey, where the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) can significantly enhance access to healthcare services. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the potential of digital advancements to bridge existing gaps and promote knowledge societies. In this context, India can leverage ICT to improve healthcare delivery, ensuring that services reach underserved populations and that essential health data becomes accessible to all.

As the country works towards achieving its health-related Sustainable Development Goals, collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society is crucial. This partnership can facilitate the development and implementation of robust digital health strategies that align with the global call for universal health coverage. The strategic use of technologies such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and data analytics can transform health outcomes by enhancing diagnostics, enabling personalised care, and improving overall service delivery.

However, to maximise the benefits of digital health, India must prioritise ethical standards, security, and equity in access to technology. By focusing on transparency, interoperability, and the privacy of health data, India can create a sustainable digital health ecosystem that supports the well-being of its diverse population while driving progress toward its ambitious health targets.

Synergising Forces: How Investors, Regulators, and Startups Can Revolutionize Digitized Healthcare in India

To effectively leverage the potential of digitized healthcare in India, a unified effort among investors, regulators, and startups is essential. Investors are crucial in providing the necessary funding to develop innovative health tech solutions that enhance patient care and accessibility. By focusing on targeted financing, investors can support startups that not only create digital health platforms but also collaborate with traditional healthcare providers. This dual approach fosters an integrated ecosystem where digital innovations complement existing healthcare services, ultimately improving efficiency and outcomes.

Regulators play a vital role in shaping this digitized healthcare landscape by establishing policies that encourage innovation while ensuring patient safety and data privacy. By crafting a supportive regulatory framework, they can help organisations navigate compliance challenges, allowing them to focus on developing effective solutions. This oversight is critical in building trust among consumers, ensuring that digital health initiatives are transparent and secure. With regulatory guidance, companies can confidently introduce their technologies, knowing they align with best practices and standards.

Startups, as the driving force of digitized healthcare, must prioritize creating user-friendly solutions that meet the diverse needs of patients and providers. By actively collaborating with investors to secure funding and with regulators to ensure compliance, startups can accelerate their growth and impact. Engaging directly with healthcare professionals and communities will enable them to refine their offerings, ensuring that their innovations are not only advanced but also practical and accessible. This collaborative ecosystem among investors, regulators, and startups will be instrumental in transforming India’s healthcare landscape into a digitized model that prioritizes quality, affordability, and comprehensive patient care.

Final Say

As we navigate the evolving landscape of digital healthcare, the collaboration between startups, investors, and regulators is not just beneficial but essential for fostering a resilient system. This partnership will create a dynamic environment where innovation flourishes and patient needs are at the forefront. By embracing a holistic approach that focuses on ethical standards, data security, and inclusivity, India can build a robust digital health ecosystem that empowers individuals and communities alike. The journey toward a healthier future hinges on our collective ability to harness technology, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality care tailored to their unique circumstances. With concerted efforts, we can turn this vision into reality, leading to sustainable health outcomes for generations to come.

Written By: Mr. Vikram Thaploo, CEO-Telehealth, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited

1) VegNonVeg

VegNonVeg was one of the first sneaker boutiques in India to bring global brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Puma under one roof. They regularly stock limited-edition collaborations, making them a go-to for sneaker collectors. With flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and an extensive online store, their collection is accessible to sneaker enthusiasts across India. More than just a retailer, VegNonVeg plays a crucial role in shaping India’s sneaker culture, blending streetwear with artistic and cultural influences, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both hype and heritage in their footwear.

2) Culture Circle

Culture Circle offers a curated selection of sneakers and streetwear from global brands like Yeezy, Jordan, Essentials, and Fear of God. Known for its sneaker raffles and exclusive drops, the store is a go-to destination for fashion-forward shoppers looking to stay ahead of the latest trends. With a strong online presence and retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi, Culture Circle provides access to limited-edition footwear and apparel, making it a key player in India’s growing sneaker and streetwear scene.

3) Brandman Retail

Brandman Retail specializes in introducing premium international footwear brands to the Indian market, making high-quality, performance-driven, and lifestyle-oriented sneakers more accessible to Indian consumers. Their collection includes brands like New Balance, Timberland, GFore, On Running, Jansport, Rockport, Saucony, and Sperry, offering a diverse range of sneakers suited for both athletic performance and everyday wear. With stores in Delhi, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, and Jalandhar, along with locations in other key cities across India, Brandman Retail continues to expand access to premium global sneakers through select retail partners and online platforms.

4) Superkicks

Superkicks has cultivated a strong community of sneaker enthusiasts by offering a selection of sneakers from brands like Converse, Reebok, Nike, and Vans. Known for its exclusive collaborations with artists and designers, Superkicks blends sneaker culture with creativity, making it more than just a retail space. With stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, along with a robust online platform, they provide sneaker lovers across India with access to both classic staples and limited-edition drops.

5) Crepdog Crew (CDC)

Crepdog Crew, or CDC, is a go-to destination for both retail and resale sneakers, offering sneaker enthusiasts access to rare and hard-to-find pairs from global brands like Nike, Adidas,Jordan, and Yeezy. In addition to sneakers, CDC also features homegrown streetwear labels alongside international brands like Cactus Plant Flea Market, Drew House, and Essentials, making it a well-rounded platform for streetwear lovers. With stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, along with availability through their online platform, CDC has cemented its place in India’s growing sneaker and streetwear culture.

6) Mainstreet Marketplace

Mainstreet Marketplace is one of India’s largest sneaker resale platforms, specializing in rare and out-of-stock pairs from top global brands. Their collection features coveted collaborations like Off-White x Nike, Travis Scott x Air Jordan, and Supreme releases, making it a trusted destination for sneaker collectors. With stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, along with a verified online marketplace, Mainstreet provides sneaker enthusiasts with a secure platform for trading and reselling highly sought-after sneakers.

These retailers are at the forefront of making premium sneakers and streetwear more accessible in India. Whether you’re looking for high-performance sports shoes, everyday streetwear staples, or rare collectibles, these platforms offer a range of options to match different styles and preferences.