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News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Races, Rinks, Ranges: Unpacking India's Expanding Leisure Infrastructure
Last Updated: How India Unwinds: From high‑speed tracks to heritage polo fields, winter ice rinks to weekend golf resorts, leisure in India has shifted from afterthought to essential. Once seen as luxuries, recreational spaces are now at the heart of India's urban story. From golf courses stitched into tea estates to all‑weather ice rinks and racing circuits, these hubs are redefining how India unwinds — and how cities measure their quality of life. Leisure, it turns out, isn't just pastime; it's becoming part of the country's growth narrative. Golf Courses on the Rise The Indian Golf Union currently oversees 194 golf clubs across the country, and the industry is gaining traction among both players and travellers. According to a report released by the Golf Industry Association (GIA) in April 2020, the golf travel industry in India had an annual growth rate of 20 per cent. The number of golf tourists in India grew rapidly at a 13 per cent CAGR between 2017 and 2021. The total amount of spending by the inbound foreign golf tourists in India during 2015 was reported at Rs 17.7 crore ($ 2.7 million), which increased at a robust CAGR of 20.9 per cent during 2010-2015. In addition to this, golf based real estate projects saw revenues worth Rs 3,829.4 crore ($ 573.5 million) during 2015, out of which Rs 957.4 crore ($ 143.4 million) have been generated from the golf premium added to the sector. Last December, Delhi inaugurated its longest 18‑hole course in Dwarka, stretching 7,377 yards. Just months earlier in October, AIVOT Golf & Sports Management, exclusive partner of the PGA of America in India, announced the country's first PGA‑branded courses in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Hyderabad. A June 2024 report by Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy notes that India has approximately 429 courses, with rising awareness of golf's health benefits. Delhi NCR accounts for a significant share, home to iconic venues such as the Qutab (India's first public golf course) and the Delhi Golf Club (established in the early 1930s), Noida and Greater Noida's Jaypee Greens (designed by industry veteran and golf course architect Greg Norman), along with Gurugram's courses like the DLF Golf & Country Club, TERI and Hamoni. Sikkim's Yak Golf Course (the world's highest golf course as per the Guinness Book of World Records), Srinagar's Royal Springs golf course (designed by renowned American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.), Mizoram's Thenzawl Golf Course and Chennai's Guindy Links are yet other prominent names. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club, established in 1829, remains the oldest club outside Britain. Meanwhile, Assam's tourism board is leveraging 'tea‑tees" — golf courses integrated into tea estates — and airstrip‑linked bungalows for charter‑flying golf tourists. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also spotlighted Jammu & Kashmir's untapped potential, hosting golf conclaves and tournaments to drive visitor interest. India's tournament calendar is heating up too. The Delhi Golf Club will host the DP World India Championship this October, marking the first year the country stages two DP World Tour events after the Hero Indian Open. Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy has confirmed his participation. Racing Circuits & Events According to Nielsen, India ranked among the top five countries by F1 fandom in 2019, with 31.1 million fans. MotoGP has announced the return of the Indian Grand Prix in 2026. Over 50,000 fans had turned up for the inaugural edition of the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in 2023, which made it the biggest motorsports event held in the country since the 2013 Formula 1 race. The Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, home to MotoGP Bharat since 2023, hosted three F1 Indian Grands Prix between 2011–2013, all won by Sebastian Vettel. Fast forward to March 2023, 13-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner David Coulthard drove the RB7 – Vettel's 2011 championship-winning car – at Mumbai's popular Bandra Bandstand during the Red Bull Showrun. The Hyderabad Street Circuit was a temporary racing circuit, used to host the inaugural FIA Hyderabad E-Prix in 2023. Meanwhile, the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit was opened in August 2024, and has hosted the FIA Grade 3, F4, Indian Racing League, and India's first night race. Ice Rinks in India The Ice Skating Association of India manages five outdoor rinks — Shimla, Gulmarg, Leh, Kargil, and Kaza — alongside indoor venues like ISKATE by Roseate in Gurugram. ISKATE, India's largest all‑weather rink, spans 15,000 sq. ft., supports up to 150 skaters at once, and hosts national coaches and visiting trainers from the USA, Russia, South Korea, and Germany. For beginners, 'penguin buddy" skating aids make learning safer and more accessible. Leh's iconic Nawang Dorjay Stobdan rink, with capacity for 3,000 spectators and an Olympic‑standard 60 m x 30 m rink, is set to become an all‑weather ice hockey venue this year. In December 2023, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League launched training camps across seven Ladakhi zones, part of a long‑term bid to field an Indian team at the 2042 Winter Olympics. LEISURE INFRASTRUCTURE — A SNAPSHOT Polo in India Polo remains one of India's most storied sports. The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in the United States estimates that polo is actively played in 77 countries, though professionally in fewer countries — including India. At present, there are 33 polo clubs affiliated with the Indian Polo Association. From Leh's Ladakh Polo Club and Imphal's Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association, Chennai's Madras Polo & Riding Club and Bhavnagar's Gohilwad to Delhi's Army Polo & Riding Centre, Kolkata's Fort William and Jaipur's 61 Cavalry, the sport's footprint spans the country. Kolkata's Calcutta Polo Club, established in 1862, holds the distinction of operating the world's oldest continuously operating polo club, and is home to historic tournaments like the Ezra Cup. While Army regiments have traditionally been polo's backbone, new private‑sector teams are investing in infrastructure and training, ensuring the sport's revival beyond elite enclaves. top videos View all Final Takeaway From high‑speed tracks to heritage polo fields, winter ice rinks to weekend golf resorts, leisure in India has shifted from afterthought to essential. As cities sprawl and lives accelerate, recreational infrastructure is increasingly shaping how Indians relax — and how the country imagines its future: faster, fuller, and with a place to pause. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : golf Leisure polo view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:05 IST News india Races, Rinks, Ranges: Unpacking India's Expanding Leisure Infrastructure Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Billions Of Years In The Making: Why Natural Gems Still Reign Supreme
When Maisie Plant, the young wife of the American industrialist, Morton Plant, was seated next to Pierre Cartier at a dinner party in 1917, she was said to have marveled over two strands of pearls so exquisite and perfect in its graduation that she wasn't surprised at its $1 million dollar price tag. However, feeling trepidation about spending that amount of money on jewelry, Cartier proposed a trade. In exchange for the necklace, the Plants could offer their newly completed neoclassical townhouse her husband had built at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street. The Plants were eager to leave the area as it was becoming more commercialized. The exchange was made, and Cartier established his New York flagship boutique, a cornerstone of the brand's global presence. Two decades later in 1937, movie star Hedy Lamarr quietly escaped her first husband, an Austrian arms dealer, taking with her the wedding jewelry from Cartier. Disguised as a maid, she found her way to Paris and eventually London. When she heard that the head of MGM studio, Louis B. Mayer, would be on board the SS Normandie bound for NY, she sold her jewels to secure first-class passage to meet him and negotiate a contract. She eventually met Mayer and befriended his wife during the transatlantic journey, and thus began her life in Hollywood. Evaluating a gemstone at GIA. Gemological Institute of America Intrepid french traveler and gem merchant, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, was known for his self financed travels into the far east during the 17th century. His far flung adventures, well documented in his books, most notably 'The Six Voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier,' were well read by the luminaries of the time as insight to understanding Persia, India, and Japan. Over the years, Tavernier found and traded gemstones during his travels and on one fortuitous journey to India in 1666, he acquired a deep blue colored 112 carat diamond from the Kollur mine in Golconda. Tavernier would eventually sell the stone to Louis XIV, who would induct the jewel into the French Crown Jewels. Its mysterious journey of becoming part of the French Royal Family to being recut, bought, stolen, found and sold would find its final resting place at the Smithsonian as the iconic Hope Diamond, one of the largest blue diamonds in the world. Such a discovery brought Tavernier not just wealth, but a barony, estates, and a place in history, a reminder that gemstones, in the right hands, can alter fortunes entirely. They have provided passage, negotiated futures, and held value when other assets could not. Their small scale allows them to move silently through history, yet their impact is often considerable. Whether in a private collection, a royal treasury, or a discreet safe deposit box, natural gemstones remain among the most concentrated and enduring stores of wealth. 'I think it truly ties to this magical and mystical value that people have always placed on gemstones,' explains Susan Jacques, CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 'We often talk about jewelry that's been around for millennia, from the first shell with a little hole in it that somebody on a beach tied some twine around and put it around their neck as a first piece of adornment all the way through different civilizations. There has been such tremendous value ascribed, whether it be political power or personal emotional power. There were talismans.' The Gemological Institute of America is at the heart of establishing and preserving that value of gemstones. Since its founding in 1931, GIA has built its global reputation for impartiality, consistency, and scientific rigor. Its grading reports have become the definitive benchmark in the trade and its documents not only certify a gemstone's attributes but also offer assurance in a marketplace where provenance and precision matter. GIA's grading system for diamonds, first introduced in the 1950s, is now considered the universal language for assessing quality. The '4Cs,' cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, are so widely adopted that they underpin virtually every gem transaction. Behind the standard lies a commitment to neutrality, with the Institute operating as a nonprofit entity, free from the pressures of commercial interests. GIA diamond grading lab. Gemological Institute of America A recent visit to GIA's offices and laboratories, guided by Tom Moses, Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer, revealed the sophisticated blend of advanced technology and exacting human expertise that sustains the Institute's reputation as the gold standard in gem grading and evaluation. Among the most iconic stones ever assessed by the GIA are the Hope Diamond and the more recent Winston Red, the 5th largest fancy red diamond at 2.33 carats. Their grading reports attached to these gemstones provide more than a summary of their physical characteristics. They document rarity, origin, and detail that is meticulously observed and recorded. To own a gem with a GIA certificate is to possess not just the stone but the validation of its place in the broader narrative of gemological excellence. Hope Diamond on Cartier necklace. Hope Diamond by Chip Clark/Smithsonian. 'If you look at the fact that the earth is only 4.5 billion years old, these were created as all that shifting heat, pressure and everything was occurring in the Earth's formation. To be able to find that treasure and then own that treasure, I think comes with such an emotional tie to it that is not replicated with man made products today,' describes Jacques of the true value of mined gems. CEO of Gemological Institute of America, Susan Jacques. Gemological Institute of America That trust is particularly vital in today's market, where the emergence of lab-grown diamonds introduces a new layer of complexity. Grown using high-pressure, high-temperature, or chemical vapor deposition processes, these stones are chemically and physically comparable to natural diamonds, but lack the time-bound provenance of their mined counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds have gained traction, particularly among younger consumers drawn to their price accessibility and perceived sustainability. They offer an alternative for buyers seeking the optical properties of diamonds without the cost or environmental considerations often associated with traditional mining. As their market share grows, the industry has responded by developing clearer labeling standards and more nuanced pricing structures. GIA has approached this shift with characteristic precision. It offers a separate grading report for lab-grown diamonds, clearly distinguishing them from natural stones while still applying the same analytical rigor. GIA's 'Lab Grown Diamond Report' is scheduled to be released at the end of Q3. 'I do believe that there is a coexistence that can happen with different gem materials. One is not better than the other. The most important factor is that the consumer understands exactly what they're buying,' explains Jacques. Still, the distinction between the two remains meaningful. While lab-grown diamonds have found a place in the jewelry landscape, natural gemstones continue to command a different kind of reverence. Their geological origins, shaped over eons, connects them to the earth in a way that cannot be replicated. Their scarcity ensures that each remains a unique object, not just in form but in story. The role of GIA in articulating and certifying that story is foundational. Through its laboratories, research, and educational outreach, the Institute reinforces a set of standards that both reflect and shape the values of the industry. Its work ensures that gems are not only admired for their appearance but respected for their integrity. Amid a marketplace shaped by shifting values and constant change, the enduring presence of a natural gemstone remains. Discreet yet significant, it continues to represent permanence and meaning. That its quality and provenance can be established with precision reflects the vital role of institutions like GIA, which quietly aligns science and technology with the human appreciation for rarity. More information and historical stories about gems can be found on GIA's website.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Science
- Associated Press
Moon Magic Reveals the Ancient Secret Contained within Modern Jewelry: Bringing the Rare Phenomenon of Adularescence to Life
Amsterdam-Based Brand Reveals the Science Behind Moonstone's Mystical Glow While Making This Rare Gemstone Phenomenon Accessible Worldwide. Throughout the ages, people have been fascinated by a mysterious optical event: an otherworldly, shimmering light that seems to float under the skin of certain gemstones, rippling like liquid moonlight when the gemstone spins in your hand. This mystical phenomenon, referred to as adularescence, has been the subject of legend over the course of human cultures from ancient Romans who believed that moonstone was formed from congealed moonbeams, to Hindu mythology that considered it to be filled with actual pieces of the moon. Today, Amsterdam jewelry brand Moon Magic is bringing this rare geological phenomenon to a new market. With the synergy of gemological expertise and global reach, the brand makes authentic, adularescent moonstone accessories available to women worldwide. The Science Behind the Magic Moon Magic describes how adularescence occurs due to light diffraction within the layered structure of the moonstone, between alternating layers of albite and orthoclase. The light is diverted and scattered across microscopic boundaries within the crystal as it passes through the layers, giving off a silvery to bluish luster that is similar to moonlight. This phenomenon gives the stone its signature ethereal quality, as the light seems to move across the surface with every shift. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the finest moonstones are nearly transparent and colorless to the eye, with a vivid electric-blue adularescence. Because this glow is highly directional, it is visible only when the stone is illuminated and viewed from specific angles, making each piece of moonstone jewelry uniquely mesmerizing. Traditionally, high-quality moonstone jewelry with genuine adularescence has been limited to luxury markets with corresponding price points. Moon Magic disrupts this model by sourcing directly from global suppliers and eliminating traditional retail markups. Every Moon Magic gemstone is 100% authentic, ethically sourced, and independently tested by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 'Since 2016, we've built trusted relationships with our global suppliers, states Laura, co-founder of Moon Magic. 'With our team members on the ground, we are able to bring you high-quality gemstones without the traditional luxury markup.' A Phenomenon Worth Preserving Moon Magic notes that the rarity of genuine adularescence makes authentic moonstone increasingly valuable. The effect is best shown in low- to medium-domed cabochons, with blueish adularescence preferred over whitish or silvery effects. Ideal stones exhibit high transparency and minimal body color, allowing the optical effect to shine through. As awareness of gemstone authenticity grows, Moon Magic represents a modern shift, blending ancient geological marvels with ethical sourcing and transparency. The brand's direct-to-consumer model and GIA certification serve as safeguards in a market where synthetic and treated imitations are prevalent. Adularescence distinguishes moonstone from nearly every other gemstone. Once available only to select buyers, this natural optical wonder is now accessible through Moon Magic's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the beauty of genuine moonstone. For more information about Moon Magic and adularescence moonstone jewelry, visit About Moon Magic Moon Magic was founded in 2016 and is located in Amsterdam. Moon Magic is a brand specializing in authentic moonstone and gemstone jewelry featuring natural optical effects such as adularescence. The gemstones are third-party certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and sustainably sourced through direct supplier relationships. The company has delivered to more than 500,000 customers globally and has in excess of 1.8 million social media followers. Moon Magic assists in global sustainability by teaming up with Trees for the Future, where they plant a tree for each sale of jewelry. Media Contact Company Name: Moon Magic Contact Person: Walter Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Source: Brand Push
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Global collaboration meet to drive global tech partnerships
Bengaluru: The Department of E, IT, BT, Government of Karnataka, under its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative, hosted the Global Collaboration Meet on Monday to promote the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 (BTS 2025) to its partner countries & international trade mission representatives. The meet held in Bengaluru, was graced by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka, Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka and Daljeet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka. Global Collaboration partners from United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, USA, France, Netherlands, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, South Korea, Morocco, Vietnam, Czech Republic and other International Agencies were also present on this occasion. The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), an initiative of the Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, fosters partnerships with leading tech and innovation nations. Launched in 2017 under the Karnataka Unit for International Co-operation (KUIC), the GIA network has expanded from 10 countries in 2018 to over 35 nations by 2025. The Global Collaboration Meet was convened to further strengthen cross-border collaboration in the lead-up to the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from 18–20 November at BIEC, Bengaluru. Dr Ekroop Caur shared an insightful overview of the Summit, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers for partner countries to showcase their cutting-edge technologies, government initiatives, leading industry players and academic excellence on a global stage through participation in the international exhibition, conference and country Caur also presented the various outreach activities under the GIA Initiative.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
IT-BT dept hosts Global Collaboration Meet ahead of BTS 2025
The Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, under its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative, hosted the Global Collaboration Meet in Bengaluru on Monday to promote the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 (BTS 2025) to its partner countries and international trade mission representatives. The meet was convened to further strengthen cross-border collaboration in the lead-up to BTS 2025, scheduled to take place from 18–20 November at BIEC, Bengaluru. Global collaborations 'This year we host the 28th edition of BTS, for the first time at the world-class Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. I warmly encourage all our GIA partner countries to make the most of this opportunity by bringing strong participation of country delegations, hosting national pavilions in the exhibition and curating country-focused sessions in the Global Convergence conference track,' said Ekroop Caur, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, and S&T. Beyond Bengaluru According to Ms. Caur, clusters outside Bengaluru including Mysuru, Dharwad, Belagavi, Hubballi and Mangaluru also have been receiving significant traction from foreign countries. Talking about the visit of a delegation from New Jersey to Mysuru, she said, 'We have done a Letter of Intent last year with them and we will be in due course doing an MOU. They are very keen on looking at Mysuru as one of the potential destinations. Similarly, there have been other engagements. We also do three events in each of the clusters as a run-up to BTS. All the three events do see a significant number of countries participating.' She also revealed that Innoverse, a deep tech incubator announced by the government at BTS 2024, will soon start physically incubating startups at the facility, which is in works at NGEF Layout, Indira Nagar. Growing in size The tech summit this year is expected to see more than 1,00,000 attendees, including startup founders, investors, delegates, speakers, and exhibitors. It will feature 10 tracks including IT & DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, Digital Health & Biotech, the Startup Ecosystem, Global Collaboration and India- USA Tech Conclave, AI Universe, Finverse, Defence & Spacetech and My Planet My Future, which focuses on sustainability and climate tech. A major highlight will be the 'Future Makers Conclave', an immersive programme to be attended by more than 2000 startup founders. Special programmes like the Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, Bio Posters, IT, Bio and Exhibitor awards, and Global Leaders Reception will also be part of the summit.
