Category: World

Aug 3: On 24 January 2014, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) offered local representatives including political and religious leaders to sign a peace agreement for the 40-year conflict in Mindanao. Currently, the civilian group-led peace agreement is at implementation and has contributed to creating an atmosphere of peace for a peace agreement between the government of the Philippines and the Moro people.

HWPL had held various events and activities in the Philippines since June 2013, including bringing relief for the slums, holding conversations with religious leaders for interfaith harmony, and establishing a youth network for peace.

HWPL hosted the first peace walk festival on 24 January 2014 in Mindanao, General Santos, Philippines. Over 1,000 people, including believers from both religions, students from the Mindanao State University, and members of the International Peace Youth Group, participated.

On the same day, representatives including Esmael G. Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao and Catholic archbishop, signed an agreement for the creation of peace and the cessation of war. According to HWPL, the Mindanao peace agreement proposed a “civilian-centered awareness improvement and action”-based approach to peace.

In line with this approach, the organization is cooperating with local groups to carry out peace initiatives centered around civil society, including education, religion, youth, and women, in order to eliminate the factors that are sources of conflict and also to strengthen the core values for peaceful development.

At the age of 84 when he held hands with the leaders who signed the agreement, Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL recalls, “While the signing of the agreement for peace was shown to the participants, the moderator explained the peace agreement, which was photographed and videotaped. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause of joy and delight.”

(HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee(center), H.E. Fernado Robles Capalla, D.D, Archbishop Emeritus of Archdiocese of Davao (left), and Esmael G. Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao (right), sign the civilian peace agreement on 24 January 2014.)

Bengaluru, Aug 4: Even before the pandemic, the Need for Program Management was evolving at the speed of light. But now, every organization needs a skilled Program Manager to ensure business objectives are met.

Program Management as a domain helps organizations, big or small, to deliver projects on time, on budget, and within scope.

As per PWC and Gartner report,

• 92% of the project failures are due to managerial aspects which reflect skill gaps in stakeholder management, scope management, planning, and resource management
• 70% of employees haven’t mastered the skills they need for their jobs today
• 80% of projects classified as high performing use a certified project manager

Top organizations are hiring skilled Program Managers across India and globally.

More than 6000 jobs are open on LinkedIn from paymasters like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Walmart, Visa, etc.

Program managers draw an average salary of INR 40 lacs per annum with a maximum salary drawn up to INR 1.4 crores per annum.

Gururo.com has collaborated with IU University, Germany to offer a World-Class Post Graduate Certificate in Program Management. This program provides the frameworks, practical tools, and digital skills to lead and excel in managing complex, transformational projects and become a project leader in the digital age.

Link to enroll: Post Graduate Certificate in Program Management

IU International University of Applied Sciences (“IU International Hochschule”) is a state-accredited No. 1 university in Germany. IU programmes carry a prestigious QS 5 star rating.

Post Graduate Certificate in Program Management is a 6-month deep-dive learning journey into the world of project and program management, led by Industry stalwarts, Practice Gurus, and world-class faculty from IU University. Through the program, you will gain hands-on experience in effectively executing projects and programs in your organization.

The program offers a blend of live virtual classes, online self-paced videos, and hands-on projects. You also get access to mentorship sessions that provide a high-engagement learning experience and real-world applications to master essential Program Management skills. This is one of its kind programs where the focus is on practical and real-world learning. Apply the learnings to your job the next day.

Classes will be conducted online simulating an interactive classroom environment allowing you to engage in real-time with your faculty and classmates.

The program comes with a job assistance program to help you transform your career.

Upon completing the program, you will receive a Post Graduate Certificate program in Program Management from Gururo and a certificate from IU University with options to transfer credits to other programs.

About Gururo Private Limited

Based in Bangalore, India, Gururo.com is a growing industry leader in practical courses, across various streams, helping people acquire the skills they need to thrive in leadership positions.

They partner with universities, companies, and individuals to address their unique needs, providing training and coaching that helps working professionals achieve their career goals.

Gururo’s training consultants have a minimum of over 15 years of experience working in leadership positions in top organizations. This ensures you learn from the people who have been there and done that.

Gururo is into Creating Intelligent, Interactive, and Immersive learning experiences.

Gururo specializes in areas where technologies and best practices are changing rapidly, and the demand for qualified candidates significantly exceeds supply.

Based in Atlanta (Georgia), Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Bangalore (Karnataka), Gururo has helped over 3000 professionals and companies across more than 10 countries get trained, acquire certifications, and upskill their employees.

Through individual courses, comprehensive certification programs, and partnerships with world-renowned universities, Gururo provides thousands of professionals and corporate training organizations with the work-ready skills they need to excel in their careers. Gururo’s practical and the applied approach have resulted in 90 percent of learners reporting career benefits including promotions and new jobs after completing the training.

August 3: Prof. Dr. Bikash Sharma and Dr. Vinay Kumar Sharma, the President and Vice President respectively of International Academic and Management Association (IAMA) have been accorded an Honorary Doctorate in Management by FABIC, a Higher Education Institution recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Education in Brazil.

The Honorary Doctorate was awarded to both for their unparalleled contribution towards inclusive education and Internationalization at a global level. In the words of Prof. Dr. Gabriel Lopes, Director – International Relations at FABIC, who handed over the Honorary Doctorate to both Dr. Bikash and Dr. Vinay, “IAMA, spearheaded by these two gentlemen, has championed the cause of education and has helped shape the future of thousands of students globally with their efforts towards providing access to quality, affordable and international education to the marginalized students in the under-developed countries. Their contribution in the field of inclusive education and Internationalization is unparalleled and makes them deserving candidates for this Honorary Degree”.

Prof. Dr. Bikash Sharma and Dr. Vinay Kumar Sharma took to the occasion to thank FABIC and Dr. Lopes for the honor. They also thanked everyone within the IAMA fraternity for their support in realizing what they called “a collective dream”.

For the uninitiated, the International Academic and Management Association (IAMA), is an education-focused organization having its footprints in 43 countries, working with 200 plus institutions, impacting the lives of thousands of students across the globe. The organization operates with the objective of making quality education affordable, boundaryless, and accessible to all irrespective of class, color, creed, or country. Their efforts have been recognized globally which is evident from the numerous national and international awards won by the organization during the course of its short journey

“Mark Coleman, MMA fighter and the ‘Godfather of Ground-And-Pound’ shares his views on the current happenings and the evolving mixed martial arts.”

Fremont (Ohio) [USA], July 30: Mixed martial arts, also referred to as cage fighting at some places, is an art of fighting which is a concoction of grappling, wrestling, and many more, all of which are taken from different martial art forms. In the last few decades, MMA has received a lot of hate, with people questioning the exact identity of the sport and the fighters losing their lives in the fight owing to no proper rules and guidelines. But, in recent years, MMA has started to evolve drastically with more fighters cross-training legitimately, and many procedures have been put forward to ensure the credibility and the safety of the sport.

Mark Coleman, ‘The Godfather of Ground-And-Pound’ an NCAA championship, a World Championship silver medal winner, and a qualifier for the 1992 Olympics, was quite optimistic in his views towards the evolution of the sport. He has mentioned that it would be a good opportunity for the fighters to take part through the UFC and adequately practice the sport, with clear rules and boundaries. After some mentions regarding Ground-And-Pound fighting negatives, he implies that he is happy for the stand-up game, which takes place only when the fighters are on their feet. According to him, ‘the guys are really amazing on their feet.’ He also ponders on the monetary advantages provided right now compared to his time. It’s ‘full time’ now with over three to four coaches, as per his words, and the players can grow up to their potential without worrying about things like providing for themselves.

“I love the opportunities fighters are getting. I am a big fan of bare-knuckle boxing. I love it, and I think it will continue to climb.”- Mark Coleman.

When UFC expands their validation, the players are getting underpaid, and the hate on Dana White, the president, Coleman conveys his views. He mentions that the president has done what he could, and there has to be some credit given to him for that. He also recalls the pay the players were receiving back then and says that the revenue of the current players is quite good.

The trend of celebrity boxing has peaked in recent times, which is apparent with the number of views Logan Paul, a famous YouTuber, has received, fighting Floyd Mayweather, similar to Jake Paul’s video of facing off with a former UFC player. Coleman believes that these are just advantages to the players as they tend to get more exposure, which might attract more people to watch their matches later on. He also appreciates Paul’s growth on YouTube and the hard work they are putting in ‘to be the best boxers they can be.’ They might also be a part of the MMA someday, says Coleman, leaving the viewers stunned with curiosity.

Age doesn’t tamper with the passion one has for what one loves, which is patent in the case of Mark Coleman. Despite his retirement 11 years back, he cherishes the sport and the memories he has in it.

Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], July 15: The founder of leading sustainable property developer Green City Group Asia (GCG Asia), Edmund Ho, was awarded Outstanding Leader by the Asian Green Building Commission (AGBC) with the 2021 Asia Leadership Award for his and GCG Asia’s Outstanding Commitment to Advancing Green Building.

GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho joins other winners of this prestigious award, which includes organisations, initiatives, and business leaders in Asia who are using green construction techniques and integrating sustainability measures into property development. This year’s winners were honoured at an online ceremony according to an official announcement.

“I am honoured to receive this prestigious award and to join my peers in the industry across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and across Asia who are green building professionals and who have maintained their dedication to green construction and sustainable communities while adjusting to changing circumstances,” said GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho.

“This award means a lot after a difficult year in 2020. In 2021, this award will inspire GCG Asia to reach greater heights via the power of green building to continue our efforts towards aiding in the safety and health of our communities,” said GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho in an official statement.

GCG Asia founder Edmund Ho established the business in 2015. Since then GCG Asia has made a name in boutique green developments in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its flagship developments under the Capital Asia brand are known to conform to the highest standards in green construction. All buildings within the development are all Gold or Platinum LEED-certified buildings and are combined with smart city technology solutions that offer increased energy usage efficiency and enhanced air pollution monitoring.

“Our mission is to improve and enhance people’s lives by creating Asia’s most sustainable and intelligent developments, an excellent location for living, recreation, and business,” said GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho.

“We are honoured to win such a distinguished award and to have been acknowledged by a renowned sustainability organisation. This is another significant milestone for us. As the GCG Asia founder and CEO, I am raising the bar to aim towards becoming one of the world’s leading developers of sustainable communities. We appreciate the Asian Green Building Commission (AGBC) efforts and are sure that such recognitions will encourage more businesses to join in this noble cause,” said GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho.

GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho explained that the company develops boutique contemporary, creative, and genuine innovations, and seeks to be a legitimate enhancement to people’s lives and improve the entire quality of how they live, work, and prosper.

GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho in recent years has collaborated with industry leaders and experts to integrate architectural lessons from his East Asian heritage with the latest in eco-friendly technologies to create a new approach to property development. “I strongly feel that incorporating both traditional and modern methods in order to preserve the environment is very necessary and I’ve embedded that into the company DNA,” explained GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho.

The 2021 Asian Green Building Commission (AGBC) Leadership Award winners reflect the finest of the organization’s network of professionals responsible for developing real estate projects across Asia. A review of past winners such as GCG Asia Founder Edmund Ho stands out as outstanding examples of sustainable leadership among a robust and expanding network of projects, businesses, and people.

GCG Asia is a rising star in sustainable construction. GCG Founder Edmund Ho said he has plans to expand its flagship brand Capital Asia to other markets and into other sectors such as co-working spaces and eventually larger township development.

Company Information

GCG Asia is a leading boutique green developer based in Kuala Lumpur.

(L) Shri Surendra Kandhari and (R) Dr. Jitendra Matlani

Dubai [UAE], July 13: Dubai-based Indian business tycoon, Dr. Jitendra Matlani once again came forward and sent a big help to India. He sent 50 oxygen concentrators of 10 litres to India. Recently, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan had online video conferencing with Dr. Jitendra Matlani. During this, Matlani had informed that he would send 50 oxygen concentrators from Dubai to India. 40 Oxygen Concentrators for Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Office in Bhopal, 5 Oxygen Concentrators for Rotary Club Gwalior, and 5 Oxygen Concentrators for Rotary Club Gorakhpur.

In this way, Dr. Jitendra Matlani arranged for sending a total of 50 oxygen concentrators. Shri Surendra Kandhari, the President of Guru Nanak Darbar of Jabel Ali, fully supported him. The consignment was sent to Mumbai-based Guru Nanak Quinn Centenary Memorial Hospital Trust for customs clearance and GST exemption from the Government of India.

It was well handled by the Chairman of the Trust Mr. Sarabjit Singh and Mr. Tony Kohli and handed over to the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Office Bhopal Madhya Pradesh for logistics and transportation to Madhya Pradesh Public Health Services Corporation Limited. Dr. Jitendra Matlani said, will always be available to serve the motherland.

Last year during the lockdown Dr. Jitendra Matlani understood the pain of stranded Indians in UAE. He booked a charter flight in his name and repatriated almost 350-400 Indians from UAE. They were mainly from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 era, he has stood strong and helped people as much as humanly possible.

For the people going to Dubai to work, live or buy a property there, Danube Group presents an excellent opportunity to choose from the choicest range of options offered by the conglomerate.

 New Delhi [India], July 7: Dubai with its shiny skyscrapers, picturesque locations, and beaches has already gained limelight among the ex-pats looking to move somewhere they can get an abundance of success and growth not only professionally, but personally too.  Considering that Dubai is a fantastic place to live and work, Danube Group, the Dubai-based multi-billion-dollar conglomerate has a lot to offer to people to move to Dubai for a variety of reasons.

Already there is a long history of celebrities and eminent people living in Dubai, but that’s not all about rich and famous, many others also choose to move to Dubai for a rewarding and fulfilling life.  While Dubai with its thriving business economy presents abundant employment opportunities in various fields and industries, it also offers tax-free income to its residents, besides providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be exposed to not only the traditional middle-east culture, but a global lifestyle as Dubai is a melting pot of globalisation with a real community feel.

Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, and Founder of Danube Group said, “While the people of Dubai are very warm and friendly, one can find a mix of cosmopolitan and traditional culture in Dubai with people always with a smile on their face and willing to help each other. Moreover, the cost of living in Dubai is also very-very reasonable if you compare it with any other cosmopolitan city across the globe. Pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, an abundance of entertainment, and above all tax-free income are the other attractive reasons for the people to move to Dubai for a rewarding and fulfilling life.”

Rightly so, Dubai is known for its pleasant weather, even during the so-called winter months, Dubai boasts its clear blue sky perfect for going to the beaches and for all kinds of outdoor activities. The people in Dubai are also very warm, helpful, friendly, and welcoming. The biggest attractive factor is that there are dozens of nationalities living here, so everyone gets fit in wherever he comes from. Moreover, the law-and-order situation in Dubai is exemplary and it ensures the safety, security, and well-being of all. Low interest and mortgage rates, a highly effective COVID-19 vaccination drive, and new visa rules for investors introduced by the UAE authorities present a favourable scenario for anyone keen to live, work, or trade in Dubai.  The way that the COVID-19 crisis has been handled by the Emirate sends out a strong message to the world that Dubai continues to be a flourishing hub of business.

As Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai of Dubai Land Department and Senior Advisor- Dubai Government, Global Goodwill Ambassador, Ecosystems builder, and SDGs leader aptly puts it, “Dubai real estate market has been booming recently due to keen participation from foreign investors. The market is looking up and it’s time to invest in Dubai, as this will definitely be an investment of a lifetime.” He added that in the last five months, Dubai has witnessed the influx of foreign investors with the following investment in US dollars: 6 billion (India); 2.9 billion (UK), 1.4 billion (China); 1.3 billion (France); 1.26 billion (Pakistan); 1.18 billion (Russia); 1.07 billion (Iran); 1.04 billion (Canada) and 720 million from Saudi Arabia, to name a few.

Even though property prices over the past six months have gone up by 30-35 percent, property in Dubai is still cheaper compared to many other major international hubs such as Hong Kong and London. While villa prices have gone up and will continue to do so in the coming months, apartment prices are still low and make for an attractive investment. The luxury property market in Dubai has already started recovering, and the affordable property market will follow.

Depending on all these factors, Dubai is even witnessing an increasing number of investors from India expressing interest in coming and opening their business in the city, or purchasing their choicest property there. According to Danube Group, Dubai enjoys the confidence of global investors. Not just investors from India but a lot of European and Chinese ex-pats are also looking to purchase property in Dubai, and the city continues to be a flourishing hub of business and living.

About Danube Group

Established in the year 1993, Danube Group was founded and cultivated under the leadership of Rizwan Sajan, the Founder, and Chairman of the Group. Starting as a small trading firm, the company is moving from strength to strength, expanding its foothold in the region, and has established itself as the No. 1 building materials company along with other branches under its vast umbrella. In 2019, the company recorded a turnover of USD 1.3 billion and has been growing ever since. Rizwan Sajan was ranked 12th among the ‘Top 100 Indian leaders in the UAE’ List by Forbes Middle East. As one of the largest suppliers in the region, Danube Group’s operations are dominated by two main segments – Building Materials FZCO and Danube Home (Home Interior/ Décor Solutions), which brings together a variety of state-of-the-art products available at showrooms strewn across the MENA region.

World-renowned IVF expert Dr. GautamAllahbadia has received the UAE’s coveted ‘Golden Visa’. The Golden Visa is granted to people in the fields of arts, creative industries, entrepreneurs, bright students with promising scientific capabilities, and specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge.

Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 6: Dr. GautamAllahbadia, Consultant Reproductive Endocrinology, a well-known name in the field of medical sciences and research, was recently awarded the UAE Golden Visa. He is a leading medical expert in ARTs and IVF. He has been providing fertility solutions for almost the past three decades to couples from across the world.

“I am honored to have received the Golden Visa. This marks a milestone in my life. Rewards and appreciation like these are what keeps me motivated, extremely glad, and elated for this massive token of recognition.”

Dr. GautamAllahbadia is famous for his prowess in Ultrasound-guided embryo transfers and physician-guided success in Minimal Stimulation (IVF Lite), in South-East Asia. He’s famously considered the most successful Assisted Reproduction expert with over thirty years of experience. He’s also known as the founding father of IVF Lite. With numerous feathers to his hat and several awards and recognitions, he has been behind numerous new lives that have given the chance to more than 10000 couples across the world to experience parenthood.

The United Arab Emirates implemented a new system in 2019, for long-term residence visas; The Golden Visa. Since then many Indians have received its benefits.  It enables foreigners to live, work and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their businesses.

This amendment was brought forward in a bid to attract new foreign residents to the emirate of Dubai.

The reason for introducing the golden visa was to project the UAE as a destination for business investment and encourage business development in the region. The visa was introduced to recognize residents who have been here for the long term and their contribution to their country’s development.

The golden visa is a means to recognize their contribution and to thank them with a long-term visa that is valid for ten years and can be renewed.

Dr. GautamAllahbadia said “I was delighted to hear that I was selected for the Golden Visa. It feels good to know that my dedication, contribution, and commitment have been recognized by the UAE government.”

The Golden Visa essentially offers long-term residency- 5 and 10 years to people belonging to the following groups: investors, individuals with outstanding talent and researchers, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, those within the scientific and knowledge fields, and exceptional students.

One of the major benefits of attaining this visa will be security as the UAE government has made it clear that they are committed to providing investors, expatriates and essentially everyone looking forward to making the UAE their home as an added reason to feel secure about their future.

“I have always considered Dubai as my home. This visa has provided me with more stability and security to continue and fulfill my long-term career goals here in the UAE.” –  ART and IVF expert Dr. GautamAllahbadia.

Some of the famous personalities who also have the UAE Golden Visa: Cristiano Ronaldo, Novak Djokovic, MiralemPjanic, Paul Pogba, LuísFigo, and Bollywood celebrities: Shahrukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt are also part of the list.

Expressing his gratitude for the UAE golden visa, Dr. GautamAllahbadia also said “I will definitely give my best to contribute towards the growth and development of this nation. My commitment and dedication to the UAE have been greatly strengthened. I thank the UAE leadership for their trust in me.”

Afghanistan’s fresh fruit exports to India increased by over 250 percent in 2020

 Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 29: The Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Mumbai, in association with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), World Trade Center Kabul, World Trade Center Mumbai, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and Indian Chamber of International Business (ICIB) hosted the Afghan Fresh Fruits – Virtual B2B Matchmaking Event on June 28, 2021. The program focused on promoting the trade of Afghan fruits to India among those already experienced in international trade; 46 Indian importers and 36 Afghan exporters participated in the session.

Consul General of Afghanistan in Mumbai Ms. Zakia Wardak, the first woman to hold her post, shared that “Surprisingly, even amidst the pandemic, bilateral trade is growing significantly. Last year, overall trade increased by five percent. Afghanistan’s fresh fruit exports to India increased by over 250 percent in 2020. Fresh and dry fruits contribute over 50 percent of Afghan exports to India. By hosting these types of business matchmaking events, we are determined to increase the trade between both sides to US$ 2 billion over the next three years.”

During the keynote address, Mr. Shah Masood Arghandabi, Director of Export Promotion, Minister of Industry and Commerce from Afghanistan, remarked, “Last year. trade between both sides reached nearly US$ 1.33 billion (with India’s exports to Afghanistan worth US$ 858 million, and imports from Afghanistan worth US$ 514 million). Significant progress has come as a result of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements signed between both countries. Afghanistan annually produces over 1.5 million metric tons of fresh fruit, including apples, apricots, pomegranates, grapes, cherries, and melons. India, as the world’s fastest-growing economy, is the best market for Afghanistan quality products.”

The Consulate of Afghanistan in Mumbai is planning a similar virtual dry fruit business matchmaking event towards the end of August 2021.