Entertainment

India needs to openly work with New Zealand in agriculture sector: Amitabh Kant

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2 years ago

December 20, 2023

Staff Reporter

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New Delhi [India], December 19 (ANI): Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that India and New Zealand need to openly work in agriculture sector. He stressed that New Zealand has great expertise in the agriculture productivities sector.

While speaking at the event on “Partnership Pathway: New Zealand India Economic Relations alongside New Zealand’s Minister for Trade Todd McClay, he said, “I’m a great believer that it will greatly benefit India if you were to use New Zealand’s great expertise in the field of agriculture productivities. It’s a phenomenal destination as far as agriculture product productivity is concerned.””It does a lot of high-value production and India is an agrarian country. Almost 40 percent of Indians are in agriculture, but we need to increase earnings from the agriculture sector in a very big way and to my mind the real linkage movement between production to the end consumer through value-added production really holds just a key to that and there’s no better destination than learning the art from New Zealand. We need to openly work with New Zealand in this area,” he added.

Amitabh Kant noted that the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) should work with New Zealand in diary sector. He said, “You know we feel very protective about our farmers as far as the dairy sector is concerned and I am very clear about this that Fonterra etc are top class company giving massive amount of value added in milk. Now, we should not feel very threatened about it.

“We should get NDDB [National Dairy Development Board] to work with them. As you know it could be a strategic partnership so that Indian companies should gain from that and that will help us to get into a range of value of production in dairy sector. Their dairy sector is the most advanced in the world and I think there’s plenty to put India to get on that,” he added.

He said that India can greatly benefit from New Zealand’s technological expertise and knowledge of kiwis. He spoke about eating fine kiwis in Arunachal Pradesh which he said were there due to a New Zealand working in partnership with Arunachal to produce kiwis.

“I’m a great believer that you know I went to Arunachal and some the really fine kiwis that I had were in Arunachal which was thanks to a New Zealand working in partnership with the state of Arunachal to produce kiwis that were climatically very well suited and I think my personal view is Minister that don’t restrict to just one state spread across the Northeast and India, I can assure you will greatly benefit from your technical expertise and knowledge of kiwis. We are a very large country. We are bigger than 24 countries of Europe 30 thousand kilometres. So one region of India will be able to benefit radically in terms of productivity,” he said.

Hailing India’s growth in the digital sector, he said every Indian has a digital identity. He stated that all Indians have bank accounts have been linked with digital identity and mobile number.

He said, “The other area which is to my mind very important is that India is very digitally advanced. Every Indian has a digital identity. All Indians have bank accounts and we have linked it up with the digital identity and the mobile number. We do 48 percent of the fast payments in the world. We do 11x of what USA and Europe do. We do four x more fast savings than what China does.”Amitabh Kant said that people in India do paperless and cashless lending. He said that India and New Zealand must collaborate in digital sector. He said India is more advanced in digital sector than any other country in the world.

Speaking India doing cashless transactions, he said, “we now do paperless, cashless lending. We do paperless, cashless insurance on the go in one minute. Now these are things on which India and New Zealand must collaborate. I think that can be a Winwin. I think we are more advanced than any country in the world, and yet the digital we built up a techno economic solution where the power of data remains with the citizen.””It gives access to it technologically on the go, and therefore it’s a very different model from the Big Tech, a model of Google and Facebook and Meta and Apple and Amazon in US and Tencent and Alibaba in China. And that’s some model from which I think New Zealand can greatly benefit as far as technological rerum in that area is concerned,” he added.

He said that India and New Zealand can also collaborate in the Micro, SmallMedium Enterprises (MSME). He noted that there are a vast opportunities across a numbr of areas.

He noted, “There are several MSMEs which collaborate with New Zealand companies and I think that opportunity is massive, it’s huge and I think we need to provide greater impetus to it so that we can benefit from the technical experities and knowledge of New Zealand and we can greatly benefit from each other’s expertise in several areas in the MSME sector.”Praising the scenic beauty of New Zealand, he said that bollywood films can be shot in New Zealand. He further said that post-production work can also be done in New Zealand which he stressed will be beneficial for both the nations.

He said, The other area which I really feel is a great opportunity is that you know with I’ve seen a lot of the rings and I’ve seen the studio in New Zealand land where it was actually the post-production work is done. It is really top class and I really wondered as why New Zealand has not been able to attract many more bollywood films to be shot in New Zealand…..So I really feel that all these top of the line films should be shot in New Zealand and I really feel that a lot of post-production work can also be done in New Zealand which can be of great benefit to both the countries.”He also called for collaboration between the two nations in the education sector. Kant said that New Zealand should collaborate with several Indian universities and give joint collaborative degrees. (ANI)

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Announcements

Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

Published

2 weeks ago

June 14, 2025

Staff Reporter

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

● Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

● Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

● Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.

Announcements

Dubai Musical Debuts with Amanda Maalouf’s Anthem

Published

2 months ago

April 23, 2025

Staff Reporter

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In a performance that blended emotion, elegance, and East-West harmony, Lebanese-French singer Amanda Maalouf on Wednesday gave a select UAE audience a stirring preview of the upcoming musical Once Upon A Time in Dubai, set to premiere in December 2025.

The exclusive showcase featured Maalouf performing “Habibi,” one of the show’s signature numbers, at an invite-only preview attended by media, partners, and cultural stakeholders. The song—a poignant blend of Arabic influences and Western theatrical arrangement—earned enthusiastic applause, offering a glimpse of what producers are calling “a new kind of musical for a new Dubai.”

“Dubai is more than a setting—it’s a character in this story,” said Stéphane Boukris, co-producer of the musical. “This project is about cultural unity, artistic innovation, and shining a spotlight on a new generation redefining identity in the Middle East. We’re proud to bring this bridge between France and the UAE to life.”

For Maalouf, whose performance marked the first public taste of the show, the moment was deeply personal. “Habibi is a song that speaks from the heart—it’s a journey through love, self-expression, and identity,” she told reporters after the performance. “Performing it here in Dubai, where East and West meet so beautifully, is a dream. This is just the beginning [of great things together].”

The team behind Once Upon A Time in Dubai says the musical is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural project designed to showcase Dubai as a city of stories, voices, and future-forward artistry.

The production is backed by Universal Music and features a cast and crew with international credentials, with more previews and announcements expected soon.

A collaboration between a visionary French team and Universal Music, the musical tells the story of a young generation rising in the heart of Dubai, navigating identity, ambition, and tradition in a rapidly changing world. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled and set against the backdrop of the UAE’s global crossroads, the show promises to be a landmark moment for original musical theatre in the region. The story, told through original music and dance, will premiere later this year, with full production details expected to be announced over the coming months.

Entertainment

Philippine film legend Nora Aunor passes away at 71

Published

2 months ago

April 17, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Veteran actress, politician and beloved superstar Nora Aunor has passed away at the age of 71.

Her son, Ian De Leon, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 16 April 2025. Sharing a photo of his late mother, he wrote:

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor’ who left us today at the age of 71. She was the heart of our family, a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.”

The late star’s wake will be held at The Chapels, Heritage Park in Taguig, according to her daughter and fellow actress Lotlot de Leon.

A National Treasure

In 2022, Nora Aunor was officially recognised as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts by the Philippine government, the highest honour given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the country’s arts and culture. She was honoured alongside screenwriter Ricky Lee and the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Cause of Death

Neither the 71-year-old’s family nor authorities have confirmed a cause of death yet. However, according to the media outlet Inquirer.com, she was at a Pasig hospital for an undisclosed procedure.

Career Highlights

Nora Aunor rose to fame as a singer and actress, later becoming one of the most respected names in Philippine cinema. She is best known for her award-winning performance in the critically acclaimed film Himala.

Her most recent film appearance was in Mananambal, alongside actress Bianca Umali. On television, her final role was in the GMA Afternoon Prime series Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law.

A true icon, Nora Aunor leaves behind a rich legacy and a nation in mourning.

Tributes Pour In

“Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak. Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema… Nora, salamat sa sining. Salamat sa puso,” wrote Charo Santos-Concio said in her post.

“Despite her legendary status, she carried herself with such modesty — confident in her craft, yet never boastful,” Actress Lovi Poe said in her post.

“The FDCP mourns the passing of National Artist Nora Aunor — an icon, a legend, and a voice that captured the soul of a nation. Her performances were never just roles; they were reflections of truth, hope, and resilience,’ wrote The national film council of the Philippines.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans, and every Filipino soul mourning the loss of our beloved Superstar and National Artist,” said noted social activist Persida Rueda-Acosta.