The visit is a part of Meghalaya’s broader agenda to promote its organic and natural agricultural products, empower farmers through market access, and strengthen Meghalaya’s presence in the global agri-business sector. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been identified as a key market for Meghalaya’s produce, given its demand for high-quality products and its position as a global trade hub.

Nestled in the heart of Northeast India, Meghalaya, known as the “Abode of Clouds,” is home to unique ecosystems, fertile lands, and a predominantly agrarian population. With over 80% of Meghalaya’s population engaged in agriculture, the state has focused on developing sustainable farming systems, promoting organic cultivation, and integrating farmers into high-value global supply chains.

Meghalaya has taken progressive steps to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage farmer collectivization, and promote exports. Through initiatives like the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD-NER), the state has facilitated aggregation, value addition, and branding of its premium produce, including GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Lakadong Turmeric, Organic Ginger, and Pineapple.

Key Events in Dubai:

The Meghalaya delegation, comprising senior government officials, FPO representatives, and entrepreneurs, will participate in the following key events:

17th March 2025: Product Showcase at Our Wellness Village Café, Sahara Centre, Sharjah

• Exclusive promotion of Meghalaya’s organic products to UAE consumers and businesses.
• Interaction with buyers, retailers, and hospitality industry stakeholders.

18th March 2025: Promotional Event at Lulu Hypermarket, Silicon Oasis, Dubai

• Display and retail promotion of Meghalaya’s premium agricultural products
• Meetings with trade partners to expand export volumes and explore new product categories.

The state’s “Meghalaya Model of Development” focuses on sustainable economic growth while ensuring environmental conservation, local community empowerment, and inclusive progress.

Recognizing the potential of Meghalaya’s organic produce in international markets, MSAMB signed an MoU with Lulu Group International in November 2023 anchored by The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This strategic partnership has already resulted in the successful export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s agricultural export journey.

Building upon this success, the Dubai Market Exposure Visit will further strengthen trade relationships, open new channels for export, and enhance global awareness about Meghalaya’s unique agricultural offerings

The Market Exposure Visit to Dubai is designed to:

• Strengthen trade and business linkages between Meghalaya and the UAE.
• Provide farmer representatives with direct exposure to global market trends and consumer preferences.
• Promote Meghalaya’s organic and GI-tagged products in the UAE retail sector.
• Encourage investment in Meghalaya’s agribusiness sector through collaborations with global buyers.
• Expand the export footprint of Meghalaya’s agricultural products, enhancing income opportunities for farmers.

The initiative is expected to boost Meghalaya’s agricultural exports, create new trade partnerships, and increase farmer incomes, all while positioning Meghalaya as a leader in organic and sustainable agriculture.

The Government of Meghalaya is committed to strengthening agribusiness infrastructure, enhancing value addition, and facilitating farmer access to international markets. Through its flagship “Meghalaya Collective” brand, the state is building a strong identity for its agricultural products, ensuring quality, traceability, and premium market positioning.

With continued efforts in organic certification, logistics enhancement, and strategic partnerships, Meghalaya is poised to become a key player in India’s global agri-export ecosystem.

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The new deal – which is scheduled for final sign-off on Thursday – acknowledges that a compulsory, industry-wide eight-week shutdown is impossible to accommodate in a South African playing calendar that straddles the hemispheres (the international franchises play through the SA summer in the nine-month-long Vodacom Untied Rugby Championship, while the Springbok Test season and domestic competitions are rooted in the SA winter).

The South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation (SAREO) and MyPlayers (the professional rugby players’ organization) have agreed that accepting a 12-month season – while embedding player welfare strategies – was the optimal way to address an internationally unique match-scheduling challenge.

The agreement was brokered following arbitration of a dispute relating to mandatory rest periods for players. The arbitrator ruled that the players’ terms and conditions of employment required all contracted players to rest simultaneously for eight weeks. He also ruled that such rest periods were not contracted to take place within each 12-month cycle.

The new deal instead provides for the following:

• Structured, individualized eight-week rest periods for all players with formal notice periods when such breaks are to be taken;
• Adoption of World Rugby player load guidelines which are in finalisation;
• Maintenance of a strict, individual player load monitoring program;
• Broadened scope for the Joint Committee on Contracted Players’ Safety and Welfare and utilization of the Emergency Committee to ensure effective implementation of the new arrangements and;
• We adjusted travel arrangements for Vodacom URC/EPCR teams from 1 July 2025.

The original award cast doubt on the possibility of accommodating the Carling Currie Cup in the current season so as not to overlap with the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

However, the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division will kick off as scheduled in the first weekend of July (in a revamped format agreed by the General Council in December), while the First Division will spring into action this weekend with three matches scheduled for Saturday.

“This has been a very fruitful process, and the outcome is that we have collectively faced up to the realities of our post-COVID calendar and come up with a solution for a problem unlike any other sport that I am aware of,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

Rian Oberholzer added, “Every sport, everywhere has an off-season, but we have found a way to balance the equation of maintaining our competition schedule to drive revenues for 12 months of the year while securing player welfare. We might have had to go through an arbitration to help concentrate minds, but the result is good.

The importance of player welfare was never in doubt. The challenge was to find ways to accommodate all needs. I’d like to thank MyPlayers and SAREO for constructively working their way towards this solution.”

Mandisi Tshonti, GM: of Player Affairs of MyPlayers said: “This agreement revolutionizes the South African playing calendar as it makes provision for non-stop professional rugby.

It ensures the commercial engine can keep delivering, by giving broadcasters and sponsors an optimal opportunity to partner with SA Rugby and the competing unions, while player welfare has been enhanced.”

The Premier Division of the Carling Currie Cup kicks off on the weekend of 5/6 July and will reach its climax with the final on 21 September. In an exciting new feature, the competition will be staged over one-and-a-half rounds, followed by two semi-finals and the grand finale.

The eight teams are divided into two pools of four each by last year’s standings. Pool A will consist of the Toyota Cheetahs (No. 1 ranked last year), the Vodacom Bulls (4), DHL Western Province (5), and the NovaVit Griffons (8).

Pool B sees the Hollywoodbets Sharks (ranked No. 2), Airlink Pumas (3), Fidelity ADT Lions (6) and Suzuki Griquas (7) grouped. Teams will play home and away matches within their respective pools plus a single round of games against sides in the opposite pool.

The two ranked teams in each pool will progress to the semi-finals on 14 September, with the two winners set to battle it out for the famous Currie Cup in the 21 September final.

Meanwhile, the remaining six provincial sides – the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, Valke, Leopards, Phangela SWD Eagles, Eastern Province, and Border – will compete against each other in the Carling Currie Cup First Division, with five rounds of league games scheduled. The opening round is this weekend, with the semi-finals scheduled for 20 July and the final for 27 July.

The post New Player Welfare Model Confirms Carling Currie Cup Kick-Off appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Asia’s first, ‘Ellie  -The Animatronic Elephant’ is all set to meet her young friends from 19th to 24th March 2024 at Frida Art House at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Yerawada, Pune.  The first-of-its-kind innovative educational initiative is being introduced by city-based Frida Art House in partnership with People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. There is no entry fee to meet ‘Ellie’, this beautiful animatronic elephant, however, prior registration is recommended.

Speaking about the initiative Shraddha Gite, Founder of Frida Art House said, ‘The idea is to create awareness about animal well-being and welfare. It’s a significant step towards raising awareness and instilling compassion in our younger generations about animals. We want students to join us at Frida Art House as we embark on this mission to make a difference with ‘Ellie- the Animatronic Elephant’ to ignite change and create a brighter future for all living beings.”

Standing tall at 6.5 feet, Ellie is a 12-year-old hyperrealistic captivating creation, a powerful tool designed to engage and educate children about animal welfare. With the enchanting voice of well-known actress Dia Mirza, Ellie offers a unique interactive experience aimed at shedding light on the challenges faced by elephants and the importance of animal rights. Through engaging sessions, Ellie inspires empathy and encourages children to become advocates for animal welfare.

Designed and developed by Prasun Basu, Ellie was developed by seamlessly integrating traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies to bring imagination to life in tangible forms. From working with materials like plaster and clay to advanced substances like polyurethane and silicone, Prasun has extended his mastery from traditional sculpting to laser cutting and 3D printing. His versatility transcends various styles, spanning from hyper-realistic to stylized, mechanized, miniature, wearables, and prosthetics. With an adept hand and an innovative mind, Prasun Basu transforms concepts into captivating creations across a spectrum of mediums and aesthetics.

Children can experience ‘Ellie’ 11.30 am-12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm from 19th to 24th March. Hourly slot booking in advance is recommended to avoid crowding. Each slot accommodates 100 people. For registration please contact: 9767442222 or hello@fridaarthouse.com

Check the video of this beautiful concept on the YouTube link given below

The post First Of Its kind Animatronic Elephant To Teach Children About Animal Welfare appeared first on NRI News.

Beyond economic empowerment, efforts are underway to provide weavers with access to healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. By addressing their holistic well-being, these initiatives aim to uplift the weavers and their families, improving their overall quality of life and ensuring the continuity of traditional art forms.

The impact of these endeavors is visible in the revitalization of dying art forms and the renewed interest among younger generations. As more people recognize the value and beauty of Indian textiles, there has been a resurgence of interest in handcrafted sarees, intricately woven fabrics, and unique indigenous designs.

Ms. Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil passionate advocate for the empowerment of weavers and the preservation of traditional Indian art forms stated, “Our cultural heritage is a treasure trove that deserves to be celebrated and preserved. By supporting the weavers’ community, we not only uplift their lives but also safeguard our artistic legacy for future generations. It is essential to recognize the artisans’ immense skill, dedication, and the stories woven into each masterpiece they create.“

The revival and preservation of Indian art and culture are critical for safeguarding the country’s heritage and empowering marginalized communities such as the weavers. Through the tireless efforts of individuals like Ms. Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil and the collective dedication of various organizations, Indian art forms are being rejuvenated, social welfare is being prioritized, and our cultural legacy is being preserved for future generations.

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