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Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Want to know about PM's Rozgar Yojana, ask EPFO
Ludhiana: An interactive session on the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) was conducted by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) at the CICU Complex here Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The aim of the event was to create awareness among employers and employees about the benefits and incentives offered under the scheme, which is part of the Centre's broader vision to promote formal employment and economic development. Paritosh Deep Singh Sekhon, regional provident fund commissioner-II, was the chief guest at the session. He was joined by assistant PF commissioner Armaan and other senior officers from the EPFO regional office. Addressing the gathering, Sekhon elaborated on the features of the PM-VBRY scheme, which seeks to boost formal job creation by subsidising the EPF contributions for new employees. He urged all employers and employees to take full advantage of the scheme, which is being positioned as a key pillar in the Prime Minister's mission for a Viksit Bharat. EPFO officials gave a detailed presentation on the eligibility criteria, application process, and incentive structure under PM-VBRY. The scheme covers first-time EPFO-registered employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month and offers them financial incentives disbursed in two instalments— after six months and after one year, subject to completion of service and financial literacy training. The session saw active participation from local industry representatives and HR professionals, many of whom sought clarity on the operational aspects of the scheme. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now PMVBRY will be implemented from August 1, 2025, and will continue until July 31, 2027. Sekhon concluded the session by encouraging all stakeholders to register and participate actively, stating that timely adoption of the scheme could significantly boost formal employment in Punjab and across India. BOX KNOW THE SCHEME PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) covers first-time EPFO-registered employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month It offers them financial incentives disbursed in two instalments — after six months and after one year, subject to completion of service and financial literacy training The scheme will be implemented from Aug 1, 2025, and will continue until July 31, 2027
Mint
23-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Can Disneyland work in India? Theme parks face hurdles but show future promise
Speculation over a Disneyland coming up in Manesar near Gurugram has put the focus on the challenges that the theme park and entertainment zone business in India has faced over the years. From easier land acquisition norms to less ambiguous policy and tax concessions, various incentives are required to bolster what could be a booming tourism and employment opportunity that remains untapped in the country. While the returns on investment may take up to 10 years, the hope lies in the country's growing affluent consumer base that seeks diverse entertainment experiences. 'India's lag in large-scale theme parks stems from multiple structural challenges," said Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, chief business officer of KidZania India, an edutainment theme park operator. 'Firstly, land acquisition is expensive and complex, especially near urban centres where such parks are viable. Then, regulatory clearances span state and central bodies. Add to this the high capital investment with long gestation periods and private players tread cautiously." Unlike in some global markets where frameworks and incentives are more structured, India is still developing that enabling environment. Having said that, there is some positive momentum, with more private and public interest coming in, Sekhon added. Experts said that building a full-fledged theme park or immersive entertainment zone is a serious investment – it can range from a few hundred crore rupees to a few thousand, depending on the size, location, and whether there's a global intellectual property involved. For most such ventures, breakeven may take up to 10 years or more. But with the right mix of footfalls, experiences and revenue from food, retailing and events, it can become sustainable. While companies including Imagicaaworld Entertainment Ltd have had limited success in India, foreign entities such as Disney can possibly combat some challenges better since they usually work with the government that provides land at subsidised rates. Nascent stage 'The Indian amusement park industry is projected to reach a market size of approximately $2.7 billion by 2030, growing at a robust CAGR of 9-10%," said Chandrashekar Mantha, partner and media and entertainment sector leader at Deloitte India. 'Despite its growth potential, the sector remains in a nascent stage, with around 300 amusement parks and 2,500 indoor amusement centres currently operational across the country. Globally, the US dominates the market, accounting for over $19 billion or roughly 30% of the $62 billion global amusement park industry." Government initiatives have been supportive, allowing 100% foreign direct investment in the tourism and hospitality sector, including amusement parks, under the automatic route, Mantha added. However, to accelerate sector growth, a stronger emphasis on public-private partnerships is needed, enabling risk-sharing and capital infusion by both the government and private companies. Dhimant Bakshi, CEO of Imagicaaworld Entertainment, said that while returns may take long, the beauty of this sector lies in its multi-revenue potential — ticketing, F&B, retail, staycations, events, licensing, and increasingly, digital IP monetization from the operations area. Imagicaaworld Entertainment operates an amusement and water park located along the Mumbai-Pune expressway and is owned by the Malpani Group. According to Bakshi, the entry of foreign players brings undeniable strengths, including globally recognized IPs, cutting-edge immersive technologies, and operational expertise that can accelerate the evolution of India's entertainment landscape. 'However, success in India hinges on more than just replication. It requires reinvention. This is a diverse and value-conscious market where cultural relevance matters as much as spectacle. Those who take the time to localize narratives, price points, and experiences while respecting regional seasonality and audience behaviour will unlock true loyalty and scale," Bakshi added. Willing and able Indian tourists have been one of the big contributors to overall global tourism with their widening preferences and rising disposable incomes, according to experts including Bakshi. There is both willingness and ability to travel with increased spending capacity like never before. Disneyland has six resorts globally – in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai. At Disneyland in Hong Kong, a Summer Saver 1-Day ticket for an adult, valid from July 18 to August 25, costs HK$ 849, according to its website. Ashish Pherwani, M&E sector leader at EY India, agreed that theme parks are capital-intensive projects including land and equipment, and hence ticket prices are significant. They need a large base of affluent consumers. 'India now has around 40 to 50 million affluent homes, and these homes have been spending on live entertainment like concerts and sports, as well as domestic and international travel. Theme parks are the logical next step," Pherwani added. India's first Disneyland Park is expected to come up in the National Capital Region, with the Haryana government having proposed a 500-acre amusement and entertainment destination in Manesar, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said on 4 July, according to news reports.
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
AIU joint secretary suspended after gross mismanagement at World University Games
On the directive of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended joint secretary Baljit Singh Sekhon after controversies related to mismanagement in athletes participation emerged from the ongoing World University Games in Rhine Ruhr, Germany. Sekhon is head of the Indian delegation and currently in Germany. He was one of the key officials responsible for shortlisting officials accompanying the Indian contingent for the July 16 to 27 World University Games. The administrative panel of AIU, in an order dated 22 July 2025, has set up a four-member panel to probe the criticism that has embarrassed the nation on a global stage. 'In view of the communication dated 21 July 2025 received from the Office of the Executive Director, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and recent reports published by various national media outlets concerning the reported non-inclusion of Indian athletes, exclusion of designated coaches, procedural lapses in the registration process, and penalties imposed for non-compliance with jersey specifications during the FISU World University Games 2025 (Germany), the Hon'ble President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)… hereby place Dr. Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary under suspension with immediate effect,' the letter in possession of The Indian Express read. The four-member panel set by AIU on Tuesday will probe official apathy and mismanagement at the ongoing World University Games in Germany and will have to submit its inquiry report within 15 days. Earlier on Tuesday, Association of Indian Universities (AIU) had come under the scanner of the Sports Ministry following allegations of 'mismanagement and incompetence' at the ongoing World University Games in Germany. The Ministry wants to revamp the organisation after introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament on Wednesday. The bronze-winning Indian badminton squad at the ongoing Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, found itself in controversy when it came to light that six of the 12 chosen players were barred from participating after Indian officials failed to submit all names correctly during the managers' meeting on July 16. 'It is clear that the body is unable to manage University sports. University sports is our best bet to create world-class athletes and still there are so many gaps leading to mismanagement,' a sports ministry source said. 'A revamp is needed and the solution is to have a proper functioning federation instead of nodal bodies to operate University sports,' the source added. While AIU and Sports Games Federation of India (SGFI) are not counted as National Sports Federations (NSFs), they remain the representative bodies for events like World University Games conducted by International University Sports Federation. Apart from the badminton gaffe, athletics also suffered as names were removed from the start list at the last moment. Quarter-miler Devyaniba Zala took to Instagram to point out that her name went missing from the start list at the last moment. 'I was told that I will run in 400m and Relays when they selected me for the University Games. However, my name was not present in the start list for the 400m due to the causal approach,' Zala told The Indian Express over a phone call. 'I was in good shape to run my personal best and have been preparing for this event for a long time,' she added. Similar to Zala, Federation Cup silver medalist Seema couldn't compete in the 10,000m event as her name was missing too from the entry list. Adding to the selection blunders, AIU was also fined 1000 euros for flouting the jersey regulations in badminton. As per the BWF rules, the last name, as recorded in the BWF database, and if desired, the initials of first name can be printed on the back of a jersey. The same rule was followed at the 2025 World University Games. However, in a violation of the rule, the Indian jerseys had full names of the players printed on the back. 'This is gross negligence and ignorance,' a player said on the condition of anonymity. The efforts to reach AIU officials via phone and text went unanswered.
News18
22-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Probe panel set up after 6 Indian players barred from World University Games
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended its joint secretary and set up a four-member enquiry panel to probe lapses that left six Indian badminton players unable to compete at the ongoing World University Games in Germany, officials said on Tuesday. The probe was ordered amid growing outrage over the exclusion of selected athletes and designated coaches, as well as penalties imposed for non-compliant team jerseys. The controversy erupted after only six of the 12 selected Indian badminton players were allowed to participate in the mixed team event because officials allegedly failed to submit all names correctly during the managers' meeting on July 16. 'In the interest of upholding accountability and procedural propriety, AIU hereby places Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary under suspension with immediate effect," the AIU said in its order. There was no immediate reaction available from Sekhon. An Inquiry Committee has been constituted to examine all relevant records and communications related to the registration and management of the Indian contingent at the FISU World University Games 2025. The panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days. 'The Committee shall determine the facts concerning the non-inclusion of selected athletes, exclusion of designated coaches and penalties imposed by event organizers. It will also identify any procedural lapses, fix responsibility and recommend appropriate corrective and disciplinary measures," the order said. PTI GJS GJS KSS KSS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 21:45 IST 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.
The Print
17-07-2025
- General
- The Print
‘PVC Abode': Army preserves Flying Officer Sekhon's room at Srinagar cantt as museum
Born in Ludhiana in Punjab, Sekhon laid down his life while fighting against six Pakistani Sabre jets that attacked Srinagar airfield in December during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. In a post on X, the Army unveiled photos of the museum, 'PVC Abode', on Sekhon's 80th birth anniversary. New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) The Indian Army has preserved a room once used by Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, a 1971 war hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee, at a military cantonment in Srinagar into a museum. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his heroics and service to the nation. 'Today, on the occasion of the 80th birth anniversary of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Param Vir Chakra #PVC (Posthumous), Indian Army pays a solemn tribute to his indomitable spirit by preserving his room at BB Cantt, #Srinagar, as 'PVC Abode' — a museum dedicated to his legacy,' the Army saisd in the post. Flying Officer Sekhon laid down his life while valiantly defending the Srinagar Airfield during the 1971 War, becoming the only Indian Air Force officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, it said. ''PVC Abode' immortalises his heroism and continues to inspire generations of Indians with his story of raw courage, duty, and devotion to the nation. @IAF_MCC @ChinarcorpsIA,' it added. Param Vir Chakra recognises the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. PTI KND KND KSS KSS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
