Latest news with #HemantGupta
Fashion Value Chain
4 days ago
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
WWI & Ministry of Textiles Mark National Handloom Day
Whistling Woods International (WWI), one of India's leading institutes for Film, Communication, and Creative Arts, joined forces with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to commemorate National Handloom Day with a vibrant and immersive celebration. The event honored India's centuries-old weaving traditions, blending cultural heritage with contemporary creative expression. Hosted at the WWI campus, the program served as both a tribute and a live learning platform for students, offering them a rare, hands-on experience of the art and intricacies of handloom weaving. Master weavers from diverse regions of India demonstrated their skills on heritage looms, guiding audiences through the process—from spinning raw yarn to creating intricate woven textiles. This live craft showcase gave students direct insight into the precision, patience, and artistry behind each fabric. Hemant Gupta, Deputy Director of Designs at the Weavers' Service Centre, explained the motivation behind the collaboration: 'We chose Whistling Woods International because it unites traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking design education. Engaging with young talent ensures India's handloom legacy remains both relevant and respected in the global design narrative.' The WWI community also gathered to watch a live broadcast of the Hon'ble President of India's address, which highlighted the significance of handlooms in preserving India's cultural identity and strengthening its rural economy. The message inspired attendees to view heritage not as a relic, but as a foundation for future creativity. The celebration culminated in a Handloom Fashion Showcase and a series of cultural performances. Fashion Design students presented contemporary silhouettes crafted entirely from traditional handloom fabrics, illustrating how age-old weaving techniques can be reinterpreted for modern aesthetics. The energy of the event was amplified by dynamic dance performances, symbolizing the rhythm, color, and spirit of India's artisanal traditions. WWI President Meghna Ghai Puri reflected on the day's significance: 'Every thread tells a story; every weave carries the soul of our nation's heritage. This extraordinary collaboration brought centuries of artistry alive for our students. When young designers learn directly from master craftsmen, they carry forward a cultural legacy that will inspire future generations.' By combining cultural immersion with academic engagement, this celebration underscored the role of institutions like WWI in safeguarding and revitalizing India's traditional arts within a modern, globally connected design ecosystem.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- The Hindu
Jumbo COVID-19 centres scam: Bombay High Court grants bail to Sanjay Raut's alleged aide Sujit Patkar
The Bombay High Court has granted bail to businessman Sujit Patkar, an alleged aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, in the multi-crore COVID-19 jumbo centre scam case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The scam involves alleged irregularities in awarding and executing contracts for managing jumbo COVID-19 treatment facilities during the pandemic in Mumbai. In an order passed on July 16, a Single Bench judge, Justice Amit Borkar allowed Mr. Patkar's release on bail, noting the delay in the commencement of trial, the period of custody already undergone, and parity with a co-accused who was not arrested in the case. 'In view of the aforesaid circumstances and taking into consideration a period of custody undergone by the applicant, ground of parity of co-accused and delay in commencement of trial, this Court is of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to be released on bail,' the Court said in its order. Mr. Patkar, a partner in Lifeline Hospital Management Services (LHMS), was arrested by the ED on July 19, 2023, and has since been in judicial custody. The agency has alleged that LHMS secured contracts to operate jumbo COVID centres at NSCI Worli and Dahisar from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) by submitting forged documents, including a fabricated partnership deed to qualify for the contract. According to the ED, after securing the contracts, Mr. Patkar and other accused submitted inflated attendance sheets, false invoices, and fictitious staff deployment records, thereby claiming and receiving funds to the tune of over ₹32,76,33,861.50 crore. It is alleged that this caused a wrongful loss to the BMC and a wrongful gain of ₹18.5 crore to LHMS and its partners. While granting bail, the High Court placed particular emphasis on the fact that Dr. Hemant Gupta, another partner in LHMS and an accused in the predicate offence registered by Mumbai Police had not been arrested by the investigating agency. The Court also noted that Dr. Gupta was authorised by all partners to operate the firm's affairs. 'The co-accused Hemant Gupta, who is shown to be holding a 30% partnership share 30% in M/s. Lifeline Hospital Management Services, has not been arrested during the investigation and has been granted bail upon appearance under Section 88 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. This differential treatment of two similarly placed accused, despite allegations of equal participation, forms a crucial plank of the applicant's plea for bail. It is well settled that parity is a constitutionally recognised principle under Article 14, and any departure from the same must be justified by cogent and distinguishable material,' the Court said. The ED has submitted a voluminous charge sheet comprising approximately 5,000 pages, with 63 witnesses listed. Noting that framing of charges had not yet commenced and the likelihood that the trial would be prolonged, the Court held that Mr. Patkar's continued incarceration would be unjustified. 'There is no certainty of when the trial will begin and conclude. The evidence in support of the prosecution's case is mainly in the form of documentary evidence. The possibility of tampering with evidence, at the instance of the applicant, in light of the condition of regular reporting to the Investigating Officer and not contacting the witnesses, is remote,' the Court said. Mr. Patkar has been directed to execute a personal bond of ₹1,00,000 with two solvent sureties, and comply with the conditions of: not leave Maharashtra without prior permission of the Special PMLA Court; appear before the investigating officer on the first Monday of every month until framing of charge; refrain from tampering with evidence or attempting to contact prosecution witnesses; and provide permanent residential address to the Special Court and notify changes. The Court also clarified that any breach of these conditions would lead to cancellation of bail.
Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana to Host the 4th-Ludhiana District Pickleball Championship on July 12
NewsVoir Ludhiana (Punjab) [India], July 11: The much-anticipated 4th Ludhiana District Pickleball Championship is set to take place on July 12-13, 2025, bringing together top talent and emerging players in one of the fastest-growing sports in India. The matches on July 12 will be hosted at AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana, a township that has fast become a hub for community-driven sporting events. The opening ceremony for the championship will take place at 4 pm on July 12 by the Guest of Honour- Ms Shweta Jindal, President, Ludhiana District Pickleball. Organized by the Ludhiana Pickleball Association and affiliated with the Pickleball Association Punjab, the championship promises two days of dynamic play, community celebration, and growing recognition for the sport of pickleball. As part of its broader commitment to wellness and lifestyle, AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana has introduced world-class pickleball courts within its township. In collaboration with VJJS Pickleball Hub, the courts are designed to international standards and support structured coaching programs, league matches, and open play for residents and enthusiasts of all skill levels. "At AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana, we believe in nurturing active, vibrant communities. Our support for this district championship reflects our commitment to promote sports, fitness, and social engagement," said Hemant Gupta, Executive Director, PZS, AIPL. Key Highlights: Event Dates: July 12-13, 2025 Organized by: Ludhiana Pickleball Association Affiliated to: Pickleball Association Punjab Age Categories Under 8, 12, 14, 17, 19, Open, 35+, 45+, 55+, 65+, Open Doubles, Mix Doubles, U-14 Doubles, Under 19 Doubles 35+ Doubles, 45+ Doubles, 55+ Doubles, 65+ Doubles.
Fashion Value Chain
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Fashion Value Chain
AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana to Host the 4th-Ludhiana District Pickleball Championship on July 12
The much-anticipated 4th Ludhiana District Pickleball Championship is set to take place on July 12-13, 2025, bringing together top talent and emerging players in one of the fastest-growing sports in India. The matches on July 12 will be hosted at AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana, a township that has fast become a hub for community-driven sporting events. The opening ceremony for the championship will take place at 4pm on July 12 by the Guest of Honour- Ms Shweta Jindal, President, Ludhiana District Pickleball. AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana Organized by the Ludhiana Pickleball Association and affiliated with the Pickleball Association Punjab, the championship promises two days of dynamic play, community celebration, and growing recognition for the sport of pickleball. As part of its broader commitment to wellness and lifestyle, AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana has introduced world-class pickleball courts within its township. In collaboration with VJJS Pickleball Hub, the courts are designed to international standards and support structured coaching programs, league matches, and open play for residents and enthusiasts of all skill levels. 'At AIPL DreamCity Ludhiana, we believe in nurturing active, vibrant communities. Our support for this district championship reflects our commitment to promote sports, fitness, and social engagement,' said Hemant Gupta, Executive Director, PZS, AIPL. Key Highlights: Event Dates: July 12-13, 2025 Organized by: Ludhiana Pickleball Association Affiliated to: Pickleball Association Punjab Age Categories Under 8, 12, 14, 17, 19, Open, 35+, 45+, 55+, 65+, Open Doubles, Mix Doubles, U-14 Doubles, Under 19 Doubles 35+ Doubles, 45+ Doubles, 55+ Doubles, 65+ Doubles. All events are for Male and Female both. The growing popularity of pickleball among youth and adults alike is being actively supported by infrastructure and initiatives like those at AIPL DreamCity, making Ludhiana a rising destination for sporting excellence.
India Gazette
15-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"India will become the arbitration hub," says Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): In an effort to strengthen India's status as a global hub for arbitration, a National Conference on Institutional Arbitration was convened by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with ONGC and the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), a release said on Sunday. This event took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on June 14. According to the release, the day-long Conference brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, representatives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), legal experts and arbitration professionals. The aim was to promote institutional arbitration as the preferred mode of commercial dispute resolution and to highlight the IIAC as a globally competitive arbitral institution. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. In his address, he bridged India's modern legal aspirations with its philosophical history, referencing the country's ancient tradition of consensual dispute resolution and stating that arbitration is deeply rooted in Indian culture. Affirming the Government's vision with conviction, he stated that 'India will become the arbitration hub.' The inaugural session opened with a welcome address by Hon'ble Shri Justice Hemant Gupta (Retd.), Chairperson, IIAC, who discussed key challenges hindering the growth of institutional arbitration in India, particularly the continued reliance on ad hoc mechanisms. He emphasised the transition from the erstwhile International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) to IIAC as a significant move by the Government and stressed the need for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to adopt structured institutional frameworks. Avnit Singh Arora, Director, Department of Legal Affairs, followed with a detailed presentation outlining the legislative strides and policy reforms undertaken by the Department over the last decade. Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), brought an industry perspective, calling for faster, institutionalised arbitration processes. He remarked, 'Timeliness, not timelessness, should be the ethos of our legal systems.' Shri K Moses Chalai, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, echoed the thought, highlighting that effective arbitration directly affects governance, operational efficiency and the economic health of CPSEs. Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice provided a comprehensive overview of legal reforms -- from repealing obsolete laws to digitising the court system. She emphasised the Government's vision to develop IIAC as a world-class arbitral institution, at par with leading international arbitration centres, particularly by incorporating dispute resolution clauses in PSU contracts that designate IIAC as the preferred institution of arbitration. Following the inaugural session, the Conference featured four technical sessions, each delving into key aspects of institutional arbitration. In addition to the participation of over 150 distinguished delegates, the Conference witnessed strong virtual engagement with over 700 views on Facebook and more than 900 live views on YouTube. The first session, 'Strengthening Dispute Resolution in PSUs: The Role of Institutional Arbitration', addressed public sector-specific challenges and institutional arbitration's potential in transforming the dispute resolution landscape, particularly concerning infrastructure and public sector contracts. Speakers highlighted the need for capacity-building and called for structured, institutional processes over fragmented ad hoc mechanisms, with support from bodies like IIAC. The second session took a close look at the IIAC (Conduct of Arbitration) Regulations, 2023, breaking down key provisions and their practical relevance. A short film was also screened, showcasing IIAC's state-of-the-art infrastructure and signalling India's readiness to handle complex, high-stakes arbitrations. The third session, 'Best Practices During Arbitral Process -- A Discourse', focused on procedural and institutional best practices to enhance the effectiveness of arbitration. Speakers advocated for structured case management, suggesting that their regularisation under institutional rules would enhance clarity, expedite timelines, and minimise ambiguities in the arbitral process. The fourth session focused on learnings from international jurisdictions and the way ahead for the arbitration ecosystem in India. The discussion included global practices, emergency arbitration and access to legal research tools to make arbitration more accessible. The technical sessions concluded with a vote of thanks by Ganesh Chandru, part-time member, IIAC. As India rapidly expands its global footprint, the Conference set the tone for the country's next leap in arbitration excellence, anchored in institutional strength and international best practices. (ANI)
