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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Fundamentally this is a violent crime issue." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE: ZEE NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

Surat grooves to Gujarat’s most glamorous Glam Garba

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“Club Bollywood & Club Ibiza” @ VR Surat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Virtuous Retail

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

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

About Raghav Sachar

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

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

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

 Panaji,Goa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

FIR against two former Goa CMs in illegal mining case

Two former chief ministers of the Congress, a senior NCP leader and former forests and mines officials department were Monday booked in an illegal mining case by the state vigilance department, officials said.

The first information report (FIR) has been filed on a 2011 complaint filed by activist Sudeep Tamhankar, who is now a spokesperson of the state Congress unit.

The vigilance department's FIR names former chief ministers Digambar Kamat and Pratapsing Rane, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Prafulla Hede, and key forest and mines department officials among others for allowing Hede to conduct mining illegally at the Godoavadae Javaichem Upor and Nagonim Buroda concession, located in close proximity of the Bhagwaan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, 70 km south east of Panaji.

"The said mine is situated in the wildlife area and the above said officials have instead of stopping the same are illegally helping Prafulla Hede to run the illegal mine," said Tamhankar in his complaint.

Tamhankar had also asked the vigilance department to question Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in connection with the case, because the mine was also functioning when he was chief minister in 2000-01 and Kamat held the mines portfolio. Kamat subsequently joined the Congress and became chief minister in 2007.

The FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act.

Asked to react to the complaint, Congress spokesperson Reginaldo Lourenco said: "I am yet to see the complaint. We will respond to this tomorrow (Tuesday)."

The Supreme Court is already hearing a case related to the illegal mining scandal here.
The court had imposed a ban on all mining activity on the heels of two similar bans by the state and the central government. Hede's mine is one of the dozen odd concessions which will is likely to be scrapped because of its proximity to the wildlife sanctuary.

A judicial commission headed by a former SC judge has already unearthed a Rs.35,000 crore illegal mining scam in the state.

Vivanta by Taj President Mumbai presents On the Fly at Wink

PRESS RELEASE

Jon Qui and Pramod to fuse traditional and electronic music

Mumbai, October 2013: Vivanta by Taj President Mumbai is pleased to announce On the Fly at Wink on Friday, October 25, 2013 from 9.30pm onwards. The event is a novel offering for music lovers to experience a unique electro fusion. Artists Jon Qui and Pramod will put forth an exclusive rendition of traditional music instruments fused with electronic music.

Mr. Pankaj Sampat, GM, Vivanta By Taj President Mumbai, said, “We are ecstatic to be associated with unique events such as this. The event reiterates the USP of Vivanta by Taj of supporting dynamism and innovation and it is a pleasure to be able to provide a platform for emerging talents like Jon Qui and Pramod. We would like to invite all music enthusiasts to experience On the Fly and experience an exclusive electro-traditional fusion.”

On the Fly is one of the many initiatives undertaken by Vivanta by Taj President Mumbai that will portray its core values of creativity, radiance and vibrancy and keep up with the Taj philosophy of giving back to the community. The name ‘Vivanta' draws inspiration from the term ‘bon vivant', signifying sophistication and appreciation for the good things in life and also from the attributes of vividness and vivacity.

Jon Qui, a multi percussionist, is a graduate in Tabla & has trained with Ustad Allarakha. He is a member of CMA (Cine Musicians' Association, Mumbai) and is known as one of the best CLUB percussionist in India. He was born in Assam is based in Mumbai, India. He has performed across the globe, including at Basel World, Switzerland, Dusseldorf festival in Germany, Singapore art festival and World Social Forum in Kenya.

Pramod Sippy, aka DJ Pramz, is one of the youngest DJs to be named as Mumbai’s “Most Influential DJs of all Times” and also the most talented electronic dance music practitioners. His eclectic tastes in techno, house, minimal and progressive have bagged him residencies at some of the most cutting-edge venues in Mumbai. He has gigged throughout venues in Europe and was also specially featured at the Cologne Pop festival 2010, as one of the DJs to watch out for from India. Shalom Peace Festival, New Delhi, Lucknow Mahotsav, Qutub Festival, New Delhi, Kala Ghoda festival, Mumbai etc. Pramod was performing with Kailash Kher's band Kailasa for 3 years, but he is independent since last few years. Played with more than 200 leading djs across the Globe.

Discover VivantaWork hard and play hard. Relax and energize. Ideate and confer. Evolve and transform. Revel in a spirit that presents the normal with an unexpected twist. Stylish and sophisticated, Vivanta by Taj delivers premium hotel experiences with imagination, energy and efficiency. Currently comprised of 26 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Vivanta by Taj offers an imaginative, vivacious and stylish take on ‘cool luxury’. With innovative cuisine, energetic spaces, unique motifs, the smart use of technology and experiences that seek to constantly engage, invigorate and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler immersed in a sensory lifestyle. 

About Taj Hotels Resorts and PalacesEstablished in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 100 hotels in 58 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.