The violence first broke out in Manipuron May 3, which has led to the death of more than 150 people while thousands of people have been displaced…reports Asian Lite News
In his address to the nation on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the country is with the people of Manipur and peace will be achieved in the violence-hit northeastern state via dialogue.
Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said that despite the continued violence, news of peace is coming continuously from the state.
He also reitereted that there was a need to find solutions to ensure long-lasting peace.
“Together, the state and the Central government are trying hard to solve those problems and will continue to do so,” he added.
The violence first broke out in Manipuron May 3, which has led to the death of more than 150 people while thousands of people have been displaced.
The opposition has consistently criticised the Prime Minister for his silence on Manipur and the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament saw protests and disruptions from it on the issue, leading to the initiation of a no-confidence motion against the government.
Modi had said during his reply to the motion that the violence
There are six priority areas outlined under India’s G20 Presidency reflecting India’s focus on various aspects of energy transition and building global cooperation toward sustainable and clean energy development…reports Asian Lite News
The 4th Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India’s G20 Presidency will be held in Goa on Wednesday-Thursday.
In a statement, the government said the two-day meeting will bring together over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitee countries, and several International Organisations. The other three meetings were held in Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, and Mumbai.
The 4th ETWG meeting will be chaired by Pawan Agarwal, who serves as the ETWG Chair and Secretary, Ministry of Power. Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, and Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, will also be part of the meeting and participate in the deliberations.
There are six priority areas outlined under India’s G20 Presidency reflecting India’s focus on various aspects of energy transition and building global cooperation toward sustainable and clean energy development.
They are energy transitions through addressing technology gaps; low-cost financing for energy transitions; energy security and diversified supply chains; energy efficiency, industrial low carbon transitions, and responsible consumption; fuels for future (3F); and universal access to clean energy and just, affordable, and inclusive energy transition pathways.
These Priority Areas focus on healing our ‘One Earth’, creating harmony within our ‘One Family’, and giving hope for our ‘One Future’ – which is theme of India’s G20 Presidency. (ANI)
São João is the feast of St. John the Baptist, which is on the 24th of June and is celebrated across Goa, bringing families and friends together.
The Goan Association North West hosted its first event with the celebrations of the São João feast (‘Festa de São João’). The festivities attracted over 100 people from across the North of England.
The region lacked a Goan Association for a long time and the setup of the association in April this year has filled a void to bring the community together to celebrate its culture.
São João is the feast of St. John the Baptist, which is on the 24th of June and is celebrated across Goa, bringing families and friends together. The tradition of São João was introduced in Goa by the Portuguese.
Some traditions associated with São João include jumping into wells, rivers, pools, and ponds. Wearing the handmade floral crown, known in Konkani as ‘Copel’ is very popular too. Making traditional sweets like ‘pateo’ and ‘holle’ both made with a filling of fresh coconut and Jaggery is also a must in many households.
At the ‘Festa de São João’ in Manchester the same spirit was re-created, every family put in their creative efforts to make their ‘Copels’ to win the coveted prize of ‘Best Copel’.
Dr Ian Silveira Joy Silveira give away the Best Copel prize
Another tradition that was celebrated was felicitating a newly married couple with seasonal fruits and cashew feni in a basket known as ‘Wojje’. Weverley and Lawrence, who have been married for less than a year, took a delicious basket home.
Support was received from the Goan entrepreneurial community. The food was catered, by Liv’s Take Away and Manchester Goan Food. Several prizes were won including vouchers from Potyo, a coastal Indian cuisine restaurant, and A G Caravela, selling exquisite Portuguese wines and Spirits.
Bardez, Indian street food and grill restaurant sponsored DJ Jeff, who had the crowds swooning to both Konkani and English tunes.
Aurelio Fernandes, who has been living in Manchester for the last five years, said: “The event was wonderful, to meet so many Goans today was great. It is particularly difficult to organise something like this in our region as people live in far-off areas and are not concentrated in one area like in London or other regions in the South.
“We need more events like this to celebrate our culture and I hope to be part of future events.”
Long-time residents of Newcastle under Lyme, Joy and Dr Ian Silveira, were ecstatic. Joy said: “We have lived in Newcastle under Lyme for 24 years and we were the only Goan family in this part of the country. We were starved of Goan friends, our vibrant culture and delicious food. So, when we heard of the Sao Joao celebrations being held in Manchester we were thrilled. We enjoyed meeting many Goans from the North West, dancing to lively music and eating delicious food.
“The organisers did a brilliant job getting everyone together and hosting the function. We hope there will be many more events like this for us to join in.”
The Goan Association North West’s founding committee includes Strip Cardoso, Cefona Gracias, Thomas Alphonso, Louie Pereira, and Melanie Antao Fernandes.
The formation of the association is headed by Melanie Antao Fernandes, she said: “The support and attendance at the event have been overwhelming. We are thankful to so many people for saying ‘yes’ to any help we asked for. It’s the start of many more events, we plan to keep the community connected and engaged.
“Interestingly two of our founding members, Louie and Thomas, are young adults, which is so encouraging. We want to engage with Millennials and Gen Z and keep them close to our Goan heritage and culture.
“The success of ‘Festa de São João’ was evident from the outpouring of messages that we received. We know we are on the right track and will continue to serve the Goan community,” added Melanie.
With AI making greater inroads into governance, SAIs must inevitably prepare themselves for auditing AI-based governance systems, he said…reports Asian Lite News
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu delivered the inaugural address for the three-day conference of the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) of G20 countries, which began in Goa on Monday.
Murmu is the chair of the SAI20 engagement group under India’s G20 presidency, a government spokesperson said.
The SAI20 summit will take place in Goa from June 12 to 14. Delegates from SAI20, guest SAIs, invited SAIs, international organisations, engagement groups and other invitees will attend the summit, he said.
SAIs of Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Spain, UAE, Morocco and Poland will be participating in-person, he said.
Under the guiding philosophy for India’s Presidency of G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam, i.e. ‘one earth, one family, and One Future’, CAG had proposed the collaboration of SAI20 engagement group on two priority areas blue economy and responsible artificial intelligence (AI), the spokesman said.
Blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of our ecosystem, he said.
With AI making greater inroads into governance, SAIs must inevitably prepare themselves for auditing AI-based governance systems, he said.
SAIs will look for opportunities to adopt AI into their audit techniques to increase their effectiveness, the official said.
Importantly, consensus will be derived on the role and responsibilities of SAI20 engagement group, in the times to come, in fostering accountability in governance and strategically partnering with the governments to respond to global challenges, he said.
Goan cuisine is characterized by its unique blend of flavors, influenced by Portuguese, Hindu, and Muslim cultures. It is known for its spicy and tangy taste and the use of coconut, seafood, and kokum as key ingredients.
Chef Sombir Choudhary of Raahi and Jamming Goat comments, “Goan Food consists of warm and comforting dishes that consist of novel culinary styles due to its colonial history. Goan cuisine uses ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, potatoes, cashew nuts, pineapple, vinegar, and bread-like pao. It surely gives us so many emotions to add to our dishes and takes us down memory lane to where our mothers have been using these ingredients in every household across the country. The spices used in the cuisine are achieved by pounding spices with muscle power and patience. It is one of the few cuisines which has kept the age-old traditional style of cooking like the usage of Varn – a grinding stone to make pastes, Dantem – a hand mill to ground spice powders, and the usage of brass for making desserts. This traditional method imparts distinctive taste and aroma to the food.”
He adds, “The cuisine has been developed out of a merger of various cultures that came in contact with Goa during their colonization such as Portuguese, British, Arab, Brazilian, African, French, Malaysian, Chinese, and even Indian cultures like Konkani, Malabari, Saraswat, and South Indian. This diversity in the cuisine is sure to be a delight to the mother’s palate and offers a wide scope of spices and intense flavors in the dishes.”
Here are some mouthwatering Goan meal recipes that you may make at home:
Goan Prawn Curry (10 portions) I By Chef Sombir Choudhary, Jamming Goat 3.0
For masala paste:
Freshly grated coconut – 4 nos.
Byadgi Mirchi – 125gms
Sankeshwari Mirchi – 75 gms
Coriander seeds – 150 gms
Jeera whole – 30 gms
Garlic cloves peeled – 20 nos.
Black Pepper – 4 nos.
For tempering
Refined Oil – 45 ml
Onion sliced – 300 gms
Turmeric – 5 gms
Ginger juliennes – 75 gms
Tomato juliennes deseeded – 100 gms
Kokum – 7 nos.
Fresh Coconut Milk – 750 ml
Prawns:
Prawns (deshelled with tail) – 1 kg
Turmeric – 4 gms
Onion sliced – 150 gms
Ginger – 30 gms
Tomato – 100 gms
For Garnishing:
Coriander leaves
Grated coconut
Method:
Blend coconut, both the type of chillies, coriander seeds, Jeera, peeled garlic cloves and black pepper into a fine paste
In a pan, add refined oil, add ginger, onion, turmeric powder, tomato along with salt. Let this masala cook for a few seconds, post which add the paste that was made earlier. Add some water, add more salt if required, and then add the kokum to this curry. If the kokum is added initially, it will burn and not give the required taste
Allow it to cook until the masala loses its raw flavor. Remove the kokum if the curry is sour as per your taste. Now finish with coconut milk to balance the sourness of the kokum
For the prawns, clean them and mix them in another pot with turmeric powder, onion, ginger, tomato and salt
Add just enough water for the prawns to cook,drain the water and then add them to thecurry made initially
Do not allow the gravy to boil once again else it will release its oil on top
Garnish with some coriander leaves and grated coconut
Finally, serve the curry hot with rice or pao
Cheesy Beetroot Tikki I By Chef Vishal Said, Magique
20 grams Oil
200 grams Beetroot
50 grams potatoes
10 grams garlic
10 gram ginger
5 grams green chilli
5 grams chilli powder
2 grams jeera powder
2 grams garam masala
30 grams Roasted Channa dal powder
20 grams cashew powder
30 grams ghee
8 grams salt
75 grams processed Cheese
For the dip:
50 grams Hung Curd
25 grams processed Cheese
5 grams garlic
1 gram back pepper powder
2 grams parsley
Method:
Add oil to a pan
Add garlic, ginger & green chillies into the oil and sauté for 2 minutes
Add boiled and grated beetroot & potatoes to the pan and cook them for 3-4 minutes
Add the chilly powder, jeera powder, garam masala and salt. Cook it till all the mixture comes together
Remove the pan from the fire and mix the roasted Channa dal powder, Cashew powder
Divide the mixture into 5 parts
Stuff cheese into the mixture & shape them into round tikki shape
Add ghee to the pan and grill it on both sides
Serve the tikkis hot with the dip
Mix all the ingredients together to form a creamy, tasty dip
The meeting in Goa on June 3 and 4 will try to come up with a framework that is applicable across G20 countries, he said…reports Asian Lite News
Goa will host five important meetings of the G20 summit in June, which will cover topics of startups, finance, audit and tourism, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The meetings will bring together delegates from the world’s major economies and provide an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation on global issues and challenges, said Sanjit Rodrigues, nodal officer for G20 meetings in Goa.
Briefing about the meetings, Startup20 India Chair and Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog, Chintan Vaishnav said Startup20 Goa Sankalpana is the third meeting of the Startup20 Engagement Group for start-ups under the Indian Presidency of the G20 to be held on June 3 and 4.
“The meeting will be one of the platforms for discussions on a common framework to define startups. G20 member countries, including India and the US, will deliberate on the topic in order to promote the growth of new ventures,” Vaishnav said.
The meeting in Goa on June 3 and 4 will try to come up with a framework that is applicable across G20 countries, he said.
The meeting will also focus on building consensus on the Draft Policy Communiqué, which was recently published by the Startup20 seeking public views, he said.
“The final communiqué will be taken to the Gurugram meeting scheduled on July 3 and 4. The engagement group has suggested a list of support measures for the sector based on the reports of its five task forces on foundation, alliances, finance, inclusion and sustainability,” Vaishnav said.
Rodrigues said the International Financial Architecture Working Group (IFAWG) of G20 will hold its third meeting in Goa from June 5- 7 to explore ways to improve the international financial Architecture and address the pressing issues facing the global economy.
Goa with its idyllic beaches, enriching culture, and warm hospitality is all geared up to host the 3rd International Financial Architecture Working Group Meeting from 5th – 7th June’23 #G20#G20Goa#G20Indiapic.twitter.com/vN3hd7w7BO
The SAI20 Summit, a meeting of the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of the G20 countries is scheduled to take place in Goa from June 12 to 14 and aims to discuss and produce a consensus document in the form of a SAI20 communiqué, he said.
The 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and WTTC (India initiative) will be held on June 19 and 20, he said.
The purpose of the meetings is to discuss and address global tourism challenges and opportunities, he said.
The ministerial meeting of the tourism working group is scheduled to be held on June 21 and 22 with ministers of tourism from the G20 countries and other invited guests to discuss the outcomes of the previous working group meetings and adopt a joint declaration on tourism cooperation, Rodrigues said.
The Goa meet will result in two official documents: a “Goa Roadmap” that outlines a common vision for the G20 tourism working group on how to address five key areas through policies, strategies and practices; and a ministerial communiqué that summarises the main outcomes of the meeting, he said.
Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer in Goa. Adrenaline junkies, who aspire to fly high above the blue Arabian Sea should definitely try out this…reports Asian Lite News
Goa has, without a doubt, been the reigning favourite among domestic and foreign tourists alike within India. The charming landscapes lined with coconut trees, sandy beaches, serene churches made popular by Bollywood, Portugal architecture and trendy bars have been the reason why Goa has been such a crowdpuller over the last two decades.
But as tourism in Goa grows, the city too is evolving to cater to a wider variety of interests, says Niharika Nigam, Director, Business Development at Jumpin Heights.
Imagine elevating the classic Goa experience with a splash of spine-chilling extreme adventure sports. Yes, Goa has now upped its game and opened its doors to some world-class adventure facilities. Take a look at what the city has to offer in terms of adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Bungy jumping
Bungy jumping in Goa is an experience not to be missed. The city now boasts of the country’s second-highest bungy, operated by Jumpin Heights, experts who pioneered bungy jumping in India. After operating 80,000 jumps in Rishikesh, they have opened their second facility in Goa. Bungy from a height of 55 metres over Mayem Lake in North Goa, with Australia and New Zealand safety standards. So, adventure-seekers, rush to pack your bags and check this off your bucket list before this decade is over.
Scuba diving
Colourful corals, wrecks from the pages of history and the thrill of being in the abandon of the infinite sea, scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And the best part is that you need not dish out big moolah for this sport in countries like Maldives or Thailand, because Goa offers you stunning experience of marine life while scuba diving with the best of instructors and safety equipment.
Parasailing
Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer in Goa. Adrenaline junkies, who aspire to fly high above the blue Arabian Sea should definitely try out this. Parasailing is a hot favourite amongst families, kids, and couples as it offers the perfect combination of thrill and enjoyment while being comparatively easier than the other water sports.
River rafting
Mandovi or Mhadei river is one of the most picturesque rivers of Goa suited best for river rafting. Located about 50 kilometres away from Panjim, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot and a popular trekking destination in Goa. It is now also earning the distinction of a white water rafting site, where you can head to, to get an adrenaline rush.
Kite surfing
Popular adventure activity in Goa, kite surfing is not for the faint-hearted. It requires controlling a speeding power kite on the water or in the sky, which is impossible without proper training. The adventure sport requires expert supervision and can only be done by adults.
The second HWG meeting will have thematic discussions on three priorities identified under the G20 Health Track…reports Asian Lite News
G20 delegates on Tuesday took part in a Yoga session in Panaji Goa, on the second day of the second Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under India’s G20 presidency. Union Minister of State for Health and family welfare Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar participated and appealed to everyone to practise yoga.
“I appeal to everyone to practise Yoga each day for a healthy life,” said Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar. The three-day Health Working Group began on Monday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 180 delegates from 19 G20 member countries, 10 invited states and 22 international organizations are participating in the meeting.
The second HWG meeting will have thematic discussions on three priorities identified under the G20 Health Track.
The first priority is Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness and Response with a focus on One Health and AMR (antimicrobial resistance). The second is Strengthening Cooperation in Pharmaceutical Sector with a focus on access and availability to safe, effective, quality and affordable medical countermeasures (vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics). The third priority includes Digital Health Innovations and Solutions to Aid Universal Health Coverage and Improve Healthcare Service Delivery, said the official statement.
Several cultural programmes infused with flavours of Goan culture have been planned for the event to showcase India’s rich diversity and culture based on the Indian philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Delegates will also be able to experience Goa’s culinary culture, besides enjoying its scenic beauty and generous hospitality, the statement said. (ANI)
The Chief Minister added that there is a need to encourage making of the Kunbi saree and shawl and make its promotion to increase sales…reports Asian Lite News
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that it is the responsibility of the people of Goa to take tourism area beyond ‘Sun-Sand-Sea’ concept, for which government can help in creating the infrastructure.
Sawant was speaking during ‘cashe festival’ organised by Forest Development Corporation, which he announced will be an annual event.
“I am sure even the tourists visiting the state will attend this two-day festival. This will help to promote cashew products of Goa,” he added.
“Earlier the tourism concept was only ‘Sun-Sand-Sea’, now we have to take this concept beyond it. Only government can’t do it, people of the state will have to take responsibility for it. We can create infrastructure in remote areas, however the tourism activities will have to be created by PPP model,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister added that there is a need to encourage making of the Kunbi saree and shawl and make its promotion to increase sales.
The ‘Kunbi’ saree, a traditional dressing style of ‘Kunbi’ tribe, existed even before Portuguese captured Goa. Kunbi saree got a lease of life when eminent Goan fashion designer late Wendell Rodricks promoted it on the fashion ramp.
Sawant said that artisans and handicraft of Goa should be promoted in the tourism area.
At the Corlim (North Goa) PCH, the organisers showcased the adoption and use of Hospital Management Information System (E-Sushrut) along with the generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)…reports Asian Lite News
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with the Goa government showcased the health infrastructure in the state ahead of the G20 Working Group meeting that is scheduled to be held in the coastal state from April 17 to 19.
The organisers of the meeting said the health facilities being provided at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Panaji are exceptional. “India’s G20 Presidency has identified three priorities in the health track, namely health emergencies prevention and preparedness; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and digital health innovation and solutions,” they said.
GET, SET, GO! 🏁#G20 delegates flag off Himalayan Drive Car Rally in Siliguri.
Set amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayas & its challenging terrain, car rally is a real test of skill for the rally participants and showcases tourism potential of the region.
The organisers showcased India’s achievements in digital health Innovations, such as the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission at PHC Corlim and the technological innovation under the Swasth Mahila Swasth Goa program presented through the iBreast Device, an initiative supported by YouWeCan, founded by former cricketer Yuvraj Singh, that aids breast cancer examinations at PHC Dharbondara in South Goa.
At the Corlim (North Goa) PCH, the organisers showcased the adoption and use of Hospital Management Information System (E-Sushrut) along with the generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
Integration of central registration, general OPD, physiotherapy, dental OPD, ophthalmic OPD, ayurvedic OPD, pharmacy, and laboratory on E-Sushrut was also demonstrated. The successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) is another component that was prominently showcased by the organisers.
The PMNDP portal integrates all the dialysis centres operational in the state under the National Health Mission and facilitates building of a renal registry and ensuring portability within the state (One State-One Dialysis) and later throughout the country (One Nation-One Dialysis).
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, free of cost dialysis is provided to patients in the state.
The state currently has over 100 dialysis machines across various PHCs, ensuring safe and affordable care.
‘Northeastern region will be gateway to South East Asia’
Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Wednesday said that the northeastern region would become India’s gateway to South East Asia, and would have seamless land connectivity with the heart of ASEAN and beyond once the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is completed.
He said this while addressing the inaugural session of the 4th and last G20 Business Meet in northeast under under India’s G20 presidency,
Singh said that the hosting of B-20 event in Kohima is an outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that through India’s G20 Presidency, India in all its glory should be showcased to the world.
He said that the Prime Minister Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) showcases the importance being attached to the development of the northeast region by the government as ‘New Engine Growth of India’.
Saying that the government is continuously working for seamless land and rail connectivity with Bangladesh and pitching northeast India to the business community to invest in, Singh stated that northeast can be seen as a potentially dynamic region of the world, surrounded by ASEAN, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with the youth from northeast playing critical role in hospitality and care-giving sectors across India.
With its rich human resource base, he said that northeast can grow their business in the region and beyond, offering immense and relatively unexplored market opportunities.
Singh said ‘diversity is the strength of the northeastern states’ with more than 250 ethnic tribes domiciled in the region.
“Hitherto, the region was reckoned as landlocked but with the formation of bilateral and multilateral ties with other countries, the region has now become the centres for investment and partnering with other global business communities and platform for various collaborations.”
He stated that the G20 meeting is a good platform to showcase to the world the potential of the region. The minister also assured that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is ready to assist the states in exploring the potential areas of the region for investment and promotion of partnership in the business sector.
Singh also expressed the desire for collaboration of educational institutions, and construction of all-weather roads in all the border villages having close proximity with international boundary lines. He also proposed for opening of more border hubs.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that Kohima is witnessing the convergence of 60 overseas delegates from 27 countries and the delegation includes diplomatic, focused trade and business delegates.
He added that over 100 B2B and B2G requests were generated for interaction with government departments in Tourism, Commerce and Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Healthcare and Food Processing.
Rio said that Nagaland would benefit from the B20 Conference as it is strategically located and will help Nagaland develop as a base for boosting links with ASEAN countries.
He mentioned that the trade potential of the state lies in its strength in agro and forest based, mining and minerals based and services based industries.
