Latest news with #ExpoOsaka
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
First in India: Private seed firms compensate 671 Telangana farmers for crop losses; Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.25L per acre paid
HYDERABAD: In a groundbreaking development that could set a precedent for Indian agriculture, 671 maize farmers in Telangana's Mulugu district were compensated on Monday by four private seed companies, including a multinational giant, for massive crop losses caused by substandard seeds. This is the first time in Telangana-and possibly in India-that private seed firms have paid direct compensation to hundreds of affected farmers, following sustained pressure from govt officials and irrefutable video evidence collected from the fields. The farmers, who suffered heavy losses over 1,500 acres, received cheques ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh per acre, depending on the severity of damage and input costs. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Failed promises The crisis unfolded a few months ago across the mandals of Wajedu, Venkatapuram, Kannaigudem, and Tadwai in Mulugu district, where maize farmers reported abysmally low yields despite using genetically modified (GM) seeds provided by seed companies. These farmershad been assured yields of four tonnes per acre, but in reality, ended up harvesting barely one tonne or less. The resulting losses triggered widespread protests, as farmers demanded accountability and compensation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra o Brasil na Expo Osaka [Explore] Estúdio Folha Leia mais Undo Their voices gained traction when local officials launched an unusual and rigorous investigation by personally visiting every affected farmer, documenting their losses on video, and collecting testimonial evidence in the presence of company representatives. "For four months, govt officials visited each farmer's home, and in the presence of representatives from seed companies, they recorded video evidence of the situation," said TS Divakara, district collector. "After considerable effort, we were able to send notices to the companies demanding compensation, and ultimately, they complied," he told TOI. The compensation cheques were handed out at a public event in Mulugu, attended by agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and panchayat raj minister Seethakka . This unprecedented compensation drive also brings into sharp focus the glaring gaps in India's seed regulation framework. The Central Seed Act of 1966 (amended in 1972), which governs seed quality in India, imposes paltry penalties: ₹500 for a first offence, and ₹1,000 or six months of imprisonment for repeat violations. "Farmers have no choice but to approach consumer courts, which can be a lengthy process," Divakara said. S Anvesh Reddy, chairman of the Telangana Seeds Development Corporation, said: "This is possibly the first instance in the country where hundreds of farmers simultaneously received compensation from seed companies."
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'He wants son-in-law treatment': Gautam Gambhir playfully calls out India star's ‘demanding attitude'
India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir (Photo by) On a recent episode of The Kapil Sharma Show , India's head coach Gautam Gambhir showed a refreshingly candid and humorous side of himself, delighting fans who are used to his famously stern demeanour. Appearing alongside Team India stars Abhishek Sharma , Rishabh Pant , and Yuzvendra Chahal , Gambhir was at ease as Kapil Sharma playfully prodded him with questions about his serious image and his interactions with players. When Kapil asked the audience to guess which player had a 'demanding attitude', one quick-witted audience member shouted, 'Hardik Pandya!' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! With a smile, Gambhir confirmed the guess in his own style, saying, 'Usko khatirdaari bhi aise hi chahiye, daamad wali' — suggesting that Pandya expects the kind of pampering typically reserved for a son-in-law. Watch: The audience burst into laughter, and the moment quickly went viral for its rare glimpse into the lighter side of Gambhir. In another segment, Kapil asked the burning question many fans have wondered for years: why does Gambhir always appear so serious? To that, Gambhir responded thoughtfully, 'I stay serious so that others can smile. Someone has to take that role.' The comment, though delivered lightly, gave fans a glimpse into his mindset, driven by responsibility, focus, and a commitment to team success. Poll How do you feel about Gautam Gambhir's humorous side revealed on The Kapil Sharma Show? I love it! It's refreshing. It's unexpected but enjoyable. I prefer his serious persona. Not sure, I need to watch it. The former opener also opened up about his intense on-field persona, saying, 'People say I fight during matches. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra o Brasil na Expo Osaka [Explore] Estúdio Folha Leia mais Undo But whom am I fighting for? It's always for my country, never for myself.' His words struck a chord with viewers, who appreciated his fierce dedication to the national team. Fresh off India's recent Champions Trophy win, Gambhir's appearance showed that behind the no-nonsense attitude is a man deeply committed to the game and the nation. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Mah Meri tribe dazzles Osaka Expo with sacred dance
Heritage on display: The Mah Meri tribe of Carey Island, Selangor captivated international audiences with a sacred performance of the Mayin Jo'oh dance at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. — Photo courtesy of Mah Meri Cultural Village KUALA LUMPUR: The Mah Meri tribe of Carey Island, Selangor, captivated international audiences with a sacred performance of the Mayin Jo'oh dance at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Mah Meri Cultural Village director Rashid Esa said the Mayin Jo'oh dance, led by Adi Guru Diaman Kisah, honours the moyang (ancestral spirits) and offers a rare, powerful glimpse into Malaysia's Orang Asli heritage. 'After the performance, visitors eagerly posed with replicas of the 'Bajos' and 'Tok Naning' masks worn by Diaman, bringing home not just photos, but a piece of living culture. 'For the Mah Meri, the Bajos masks are believed to offer protection and promote the fertility of crops and fruits. In contrast, the Tok Naning masks embody joy and cheerfulness, serving as symbols of harmony with nature and the community. 'The performance, held during Selangor Week, drew large, fascinated crowds. Many were entranced by the rhythmic footwork, leaf-woven skirts, and most of all, the carved masks, each carrying a distinct spirit and story,' he said in a statement. He added that the Mah Meri, one of Malaysia's 18 recognised Orang Asli tribes, belong to the Senoi subgroup, speak a Mon-Khmer language alongside Malay, and practise a culture rooted in animism and rituals that honour the natural world and ancestral spirits. 'Central to this worldview is the Mayin Jo'oh, performed during 'Hari Moyang', an annual festival welcoming spirits of the departed. 'Women dance in anti-clockwise circles, symbolising life cycles, while masked men move in counterflow, portraying tales passed down through generations. Accompanied by bamboo 'tuntog' stampers, the 'jule' stringed instrument, and the 'tambo' drum, the music creates a hypnotic rhythm that transports visitors far from the digital din of the expo,' he said. Rashid also noted that among the crowd were not just curious tourists but art collectors and scholars drawn to the Mah Meri's intricate craftsmanship, Bernama reported. 'Over 20 of their wooden sculptures have received Unesco's Seal of Excellence. Each mask, carved from 'nyireh batu' or 'pulai' wood, carries both spiritual meaning and artistic precision. Some carvers even describe being guided by dreams, blurring the line between creation and ritual,' he said. At live sessions, Mah Meri artisans demonstrated nipah leaf weaving, showing how to shape spiritual offerings known as 'tupak', which resonated with Japanese visitors due to their similarity to origami. Beyond the performances, Rashid said Mah Meri's presence at platforms like Expo Osaka was a powerful statement on indigenous identity in a rapidly modernising world. 'For many Orang Asli communities, preserving culture amid socio-economic shifts is an ongoing challenge. Platforms like Expo Osaka provide not just visibility, but validation,' he said. Diaman said the performance was their way of showing that the Mah Meri people still exist and that their culture remains important – both for their community and now for the wider world. 'We do this to honour the moyang,' he said.
Arab Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait Pavilion at Expo Osaka attracts large crowds
OSAKA, Japan, May 31: Since its opening last month, the Kuwait Pavilion at the 2025 Expo Osaka has attracted large numbers of visitors, many of whom have had to wait in long queues to enter the site. Named the "Future Lighthouse," the pavilion showcases a rich cultural display that blends Kuwait's authentic heritage with modern elements, reflecting a nation that honors tradition while embracing progress. It also highlights culture's role in fostering dialogue and understanding between countries. Two women in their twenties, waiting in line at the pavilion, told KUNA they were drawn by a social media video showing visitors touching sand inside the pavilion. "It looked fun, so we decided to come today to experience it ourselves," they said. A visiting family described their experience as "wonderful," especially enjoying the planetarium exhibit that simulated lying in the desert. "We hope to come again," they added. The Kuwait Pavilion spans two floors: one dedicated to the country's heritage and traditions, and the other illustrating its aspirations for the future. Visitors embark on a journey through Kuwait's past, present, and future across four exhibition halls that combine traditional themes with advanced technology. The intersection between the two floors is called "The Pearl," a tribute to Kuwait's historical pearl diving industry and maritime heritage. Each section tells a unique story through interactive displays and artificial intelligence. On Friday evening, the pavilion's stage was enlivened by a performance from the Kuwaiti folklore troupe, coinciding with a visit from His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The performance drew great enthusiasm from visitors. A group of five women told KUNA they greatly enjoyed the show. One said, "Kuwaiti music sounds rhythmic and beautiful." Another added, "We didn't know much about Kuwait, but this music made us feel connected to the country." Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi previously told KUNA that the Kuwait Pavilion features rich, multidimensional content reflecting both Kuwait's heritage and its future ambitions. The pavilion's design emphasizes creativity and innovation while highlighting Kuwait's cultural openness and core values. The 2025 Expo Osaka is being held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Kansai, Japan, from April 13 to October 13. The expo's theme is "Designing a Future Society for Our Lives," with sub-themes including "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives." The event aims to tackle global challenges through innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange, showcasing new scientific and technological achievements. More than 160 countries and nine international organizations are participating, with over 28 million visitors expected. Kuwait was among only four Arab countries to participate in the 1970 Osaka Expo — the first expo hosted by Japan — which attracted over 64 million visitors.
Sharjah 24
25-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Ajman Crown Prince visits UAE pavilion at Expo Osaka
Briefing on UAE pavilion highlights During the visit, Sheikh Ammar received a comprehensive overview of the UAE Pavilion's content, which tells the nation's story—highlighting its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and pioneering advancements in fields such as space exploration, healthcare, and sustainable technologies. Dignitaries accompanying the visit Sheikh Ammar was accompanied by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development; Sheikh Rashid bin Ammar Al Nuaimi, Vice President of Ajman Sports Club; Dr Marwan Obaid Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Emiri Court; Dr Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Ajman; Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; along with a number of senior officials. UAE's vision for technological and cultural leadership Sheikh Ammar emphasized that the UAE's participation in Expo 2025 reflects its leadership in technological innovation. He stated that the pavilion acts as a comprehensive platform for cultural and economic exchange, encouraging sustainable partnerships and expressing a shared vision for the future. Welcome and pavilion theme Upon arriving at the UAE Pavilion, Sheikh Ammar was welcomed by Shihab Ahmed Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. He accompanied Sheikh Ammar on a guided tour of the pavilion, which is themed 'Earth to Ether.' Architectural and cultural design The UAE Pavilion merges tradition with modernity in both content and design. Inspired by the iconic date palm, the structure reinterprets traditional areesh architecture. A standout feature is a dramatic installation of 90 palm rachis columns, some reaching up to 16 metres in height. Promoting heritage and global appeal Sheikh Ammar underscored the importance of promoting the UAE's cultural heritage and values through platforms like Expo Osaka. He noted the remarkable visitor turnout—over 250,000 visitors in just two weeks—as evidence of the UAE Pavilion's global appeal and the resonance of its story. UAE-Japan relations He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the UAE and Japan, which spans more than 50 years of collaboration in energy, trade, education, culture, space, and technology. He noted that the Expo strengthens this strategic partnership and reflects the UAE's consistent participation in major international events, building bridges across cultures. Meeting with Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan Al Neyadi During a stop at the 'Explorers of Space' platform, Sheikh Ammar met with Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Emirati astronaut. The platform showcases the UAE's achievements in space exploration and its drive to promote scientific research, innovation, and youth empowerment. Appreciation and closing remarks Concluding his visit, Sheikh Ammar expressed appreciation to the teams and volunteers working at the UAE Pavilion and praised their dedication and efforts. He also extended special thanks to Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint
