The Indian High Commission in London has announced two campaigns, 'Chalo India' and 'Living Bridges', aimed at promoting diaspora tourism in India and honoring the contributions of Indians in the United Kingdom. The campaigns seek to inspire the Indian diaspora to visit India and encourage their non-Indian friends to explore the country's diverse tourist destinations. As a tribute to International Women's Day, the first chapter of 'Living Bridges' features accomplished British Indian women in fields such as adventure sports, chess, cuisine, film, and finance.
Indian Diaspora Re-engagement Initiatives: 'Chalo India' and 'Living Bridges'
Background
The Indian diaspora is a vibrant and influential community spread across the globe. To foster connections with the diaspora and promote tourism in India, the Indian government has launched several initiatives in recent years. Among the most notable are the 'Chalo India' and 'Living Bridges' campaigns.
Chalo India
The 'Chalo India' campaign seeks to encourage the Indian diaspora to visit India and explore their ancestral home. The campaign offers incentives such as discounted airfares, visa facilitation, and customized travel packages. It aims to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and India, showcase the country's rich cultural heritage, and boost tourism revenue.
Living Bridges
The 'Living Bridges' campaign is a tribute to the contributions of Indians in foreign countries. It acknowledges the achievements of diaspora members and seeks to foster connections between them and their home country. The campaign features successful Indian diaspora members in various fields, including sports, arts, business, and academia.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What is the main goal of the 'Chalo India' campaign? A1: To encourage the Indian diaspora to visit India and strengthen their connection to their ancestral homeland.
Q2: Are there any benefits for diaspora members participating in the 'Chalo India' campaign? A2: Yes, the campaign offers incentives such as discounted airfares, visa facilitation, and customized travel packages.
Q3: What is the purpose of the 'Living Bridges' campaign? A3: To recognize the contributions of Indians in foreign countries and foster connections between them and India.
Q4: Who is featured in the 'Living Bridges' campaign? A4: Successful Indian diaspora members in various fields, such as sports, arts, business, and academia.
Q5: What are some of the past events of the 'Chalo India' and 'Living Bridges' campaigns? A5: The campaigns have hosted events such as diaspora conferences, cultural exchanges, and exhibitions to showcase Indian culture and connect diaspora members with their home country.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of protecting those involved in "vote chori" (vote stealing) and undermining democracy. He cited recent instances of voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland and fraudulent additions in Maharashtra's Rajura as evidence of systematic targeting of Congress voters. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi urged for a fair and transparent election process to uphold the principles of democracy.
Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a news conference and claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is protecting those who are destroying the Constitution and democracy in India. He also alleged that a group of people is systematically cutting the votes of minority groups who vote for the Congress party. In response, politicians from different parties have dismissed his accusations and stated that he is making these statements out of desperation and frustration.
United States President Donald Trump has expressed delight at the suspension of ABC's late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, following backlash against his comments on the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Trump criticized Kimmel's talent and ratings, calling him a "total loser" and "Fake News" host. The show will reportedly be replaced by other ABC programs and has been taken off air indefinitely. This comes after Kimmel addressed the killing of Kirk during a monologue and condemned attempts to politicize the case.