Iconic Filmmaker Wim Wenders To Visit India For A-First-Of-Its-Kind Retrospective

Not-for-profit organisation Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) in association with the Wim Wenders Stiftung (Wim Wenders Foundation) and in collaboration with Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai announce ‘Wim Wenders – King Of The Road – The India Tour’.

A comprehensive retrospective celebrating the extraordinary career of Wim Wenders, this landmark event marks the 79-year-old acclaimed German filmmaker, photographer and author’s inaugural visit to India, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of his cinematic artistry.

From February 5th to 23rd, 2025, cinephiles in 5 major Indian cities – Mumbai, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata and New Delhi – will have the unparalleled pleasure of witnessing 18 of Wenders’ most significant works, spanning feature films, documentaries and short films. This meticulously curated selection will showcase Wenders’ prolific career spanning over half a century, from his early groundbreaking New German Cinema pieces to his recent critically acclaimed works. This event is poised to be more than just a film screening; offering audiences a first-of-its-kind intimate cinematic pilgrimage. The master of world cinema will personally attend screenings in each city, engaging with audiences, participating in Q&A sessions and fostering meaningful dialogue with film students and industry professionals alike.

Wim Wenders states, ““In all my travels around the world over the years, it seems astonishing that somehow, India fell off the map, not just because it is a country with an abundance of landscapes and images to explore, but also because it is a country where cinema is like a religion. I have known of Film Heritage Foundation’s dedication to preserving, restoring and bringing India’s precious film heritage back to contemporary audiences, so I was very happy when Shivendra invited me to come to India for a retrospective of my films. I am excited to have the opportunity to travel across the country and present my films, and who knows what will emerge from my time on the road in India.”

The retrospective will run from February 5th, 2025 to 23rd, 2025. However, the renowned director, celebrated for his improvisational and often location-driven filmmaking style—a style aptly described as “on the road”—will be extending his stay in India. He will use this opportunity to film new material across the diverse landscapes of Rajasthan and Kerala as part of his debut India tour, continuing his creative process until March 1st, 2025. This demonstrates not only Wenders’ dedication to his art but also a fascinating juxtaposition between a retrospective celebrating established cinematic works and the ongoing creation of new film within the same cultural context.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Filmmaker And Director, Film Heritage Foundation states, “It’s a dream come true for Film Heritage Foundation to have Wim Wenders, one of the greatest masters of world cinema come to India to support the foundation and to be able to mount a retrospective on a scale that attempts to showcase the breadth and depth of a career of over 50 years in almost every form of cinema from shorts to features, documentaries and 3D films. Wim Wenders is not just a filmmaker, but a poet and a thinker of cinema who has influenced generations of filmmakers including myself. He is truly the King of the Road, but he has never been to India – and it is going to be the adventure of a lifetime to travel across the country with him and show his films. He is also a champion of film heritage – recipient of the 2024 International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) Award – having made some of the most remarkable films on filmmakers besides having archived and restored his films, thanks to which audiences in five cities in India will have the extraordinary opportunity to watch these beautiful restorations presented by the master himself.”

Bjorn Ketels, Director, Goethe Institut Mumbai states, “The films of Wim Wenders have played a pivotal role in the cultural work of the Goethe-Institut (The cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany). We are therefore thrilled to join hands with the Film Heritage Foundation and Wim Wenders Foundation in welcoming Wim Wenders to India. He is one of the pioneers of the New German Cinema (Neues Deutsches Kino) and is considered to be one of the most important representatives of contemporary cinema. The programme includes showcasing 18 of his most acclaimed films in 5 cities in India. This is the first time that such a substantial offering of his work and a chance to interact with the legend himself is being presented in India and we hope that film lovers, students and professionals will enjoy the opportunity and find the experience enriching.”

With a long-term vision to celebrate the legacy of doyens of cinema and exhibit restored film classics from over the past decades, Film Heritage Foundation has brought icons such Giuseppe Tornatore and Sir Christopher Nolan to India in the past.

The screenings are free of charge and available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wim Wenders’ career demonstrates a remarkable versatility, spanning fictional features and documentaries, photography, and authorship. His films are characterized by a distinctive style blending poetic realism with introspective characters navigating existential themes against the backdrop of evocative landscapes. Wenders’ early work, including Alice in the Cities (1974) and Kings of the Road (1976), established his place within the New German Cinema movement. His international breakthrough came with Paris, Texas (1984), followed by the visually stunning and philosophically profound Wings of Desire (1987). His documentaries, such as Buena Vista Social Club (1999) and Pina (2011), showcase his ability to capture both artistic lives and cultural phenomena. His most recent film, Perfect Days (2023), garnered an Oscar nomination. Recurring themes in Wenders’ work include identity, memory, the search for meaning, and a fascination with the American West. His melancholic moods and exploration of alienation are complemented by his artistic innovations. The breadth of his achievements has led to numerous awards, including prizes from Cannes, Venice, and Berlin film festivals, a BAFTA award, and multiple Academy Award and Grammy nominations.

Brahmakumaris to organise series of program starting tomorrow till Sunday

Hyderabad, January 10, 2025: Minister Thummala Nageswar Rao, the Minister for Agriculture, Govt of Telangana to grace Brahma Kumaris Business conference organised for for the benefit of micro, small and medium business owners to help them harness their inner strengths, powers, empowering them to achieve success

The program will be held at Ramoji Film City on 11th January. A lot of attendees are expected to participate in the same.

The Secretary General of Brahma Kumaris headquarters Rajyogi Brij Mohan ji and a host of Senior Rajyogis… Rajyogini BK Santosh Didi, Jt Chief of Brahma Kumaris, Rajyogi BK Mruthyunjaya, Addl Chief of Brahma Kumaris, Rajyogini BK Yogini, Chairperson, Business & Industry Wing, Brahma Kumaris, Rajyogini BK Santosh, Director, Brahma Kumaris Russia besides a host of dignitaries and celebrities are expected to grace the Conference.

Second phase of Brahmakumaris Silence Retreat was inaugurated on Friday at Mahadev Pally, Bibinagar Mandal in Yadadri Bhuvaniugiri District. It is a free Residential Spiritual Training Complex. It is named as Prabhu Leela Bhavan. It is located in the 3 acre plot of Silence Retreat which has observed its second anniversary. The five floor complex is spread over 27000 sft and expected to organise 30 plus residential training programs a month benefiting 36000 people a year. The facility is inaugurated by Secretary General of Brahmakumaris Shri Brij Mohan Bhai. The center will help enhance Spiritual and Social skills required along with the changing time.

The other highlight of the series of programs planned is unveiling of a novel and first of its kind of a project “United Minds For a Brighter Bharath”. This program is unveiled at the Silence Retreat. Over 200 representatives of various NGOs operating in areas such as Spiritual, Social, Religious, in Public Sector and Private Sectors. Many retired bureaucrats, people working in social impact participated.

A Special Program on Harmonising Relationships Through Spiritual Wisdom is planned on 12th January at 5.30pm at Imperial Gardens, Sikh Village Road in Secunderabad. Motivational speaker and spiritual mentor Sis BK Shivani Behnji will address the gathering.

Sister Shivani tours around the world spreading awareness on the need of spiritual wisdom for peaceful, healthy and happy living. Thousands and lakhs of people around the globe benefit out of her talks, relieved from their lifestyle issues through easy spiritual solutions.

Bhoomi Pooja programme for a New Brahma Kumaris Centre at Shamirpet, Silence Retreat Centre at Ghatkesar, Shanti Sarovar, Gachibowli are also lined up

Brahma Kumaris is an internationally renowned Spiritual Organisation embarked on a spiritual movement for the past 95 years and spread to over 110 countries. It has more than 1000 centres and 30000 gita patashala with lakhs of followers. Brahma Kumaris enjoys United Nations’ consultative status in around 7 different wings of UNO. All the programs offered by Brahma Kumaris are free of cost.

Brahmakumaris has 6000 branches across Indias, and 70 in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, The silent retreat at Mahadev Pally is the second biggest in the Telangana.

BK Manju behnji, Secunderabad Sub Zone and BK Satyanarayana, Senior Rajyogi have made elaborate arrangements for these series of programs to be held over next three days.

Finova Capital hands over keys of Royal Enfield to outstanding winners

Jaipur, January 10, 2025 – At a ceremony held at the Jaipur Head Office of Finova Capital, outstanding winners were felicitated with awards in the presence of the company’s leadership team. The highlight of the ceremony was 103 Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles. The winners were presented with the keys of the Bullet for their outstanding performance and dedication.

Mr. Mohit Sahni, Managing Director and CEO, Finova Capital said that we have always felicitated employees who perform outstandingly and innovate. “Finova Capital believes in recognizing and rewarding excellence. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team members. We are proud of their achievements.

At Finova Capital, we are committed to supporting and empowering micro and small businesses, as we believe that by doing so we can enrich lives and transform communities. We have a clear vision to revolutionize credit delivery to the unorganized, underprivileged and unserved segments of the population. Mr. Sawhney congratulated the winners and emphasized Finova’s commitment to foster a culture of excellence and motivation among its team members. He also encouraged everyone to aim high and excel in the future.

The keys of the Bullet were handed over to the winners by Mr. Sawhney and members of the leadership team in an atmosphere of pride and camaraderie. The winners expressed their gratitude with joy and pledged to continue their hard work.

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya Actress Aabha Parmar on World Hindi Day: Hindi Has Played a Vital Role in My Career

In a world where globalization often makes English the preferred medium of communication, Aabha Parmar, who portrays the cherished character of Dadi in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, shares her heartfelt thoughts on the significance of our mother tongue, Hindi. She passionately highlights the need to honor and embrace our native language, reminding us that while it is essential to appreciate and learn other languages, our roots and identity are deeply intertwined with Hindi.

Sharing her views, Aabha Parmar says, “My biggest message on Hindi Day is that we should respect our mother tongue. Hindi is not just the language of our homes but also the soul of our nation. While we must respect all the languages of the world, we must prioritize our own language. Just as we respect our mothers first, respecting our language elevates our identity, earns us praise, and strengthens our position globally. Hindi is our identity, and we should take pride in speaking it.”

The Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actress further expressed her concern over the diminishing focus on Hindi, particularly among the younger generation, saying, “It pains me to see that many parents today prioritize English-medium education for their children while neglecting to teach them our mother tongue. I understand the importance of English for global communication, but we should not forget our roots. Even on set, I notice that some young actors struggle with Hindi dialogues because they don’t understand the language’s depth. My message is simple: respect and learn Hindi first, as it is integral to who we are.”

Reflecting on her personal connection with Hindi, Aabha Parmar added, “The Hindi language has played a pivotal role in my career. Growing up in a North Indian family where our culture and values were steeped in Hindi, I developed a deep love for the language. I studied Hindi literature, poems, and stories, gaining immense knowledge that enriched my life and career. Whether it was theatre, plays, or films, my command of Hindi has always supported me. Acting becomes more meaningful and enjoyable when you understand the nuances of Hindi, as it allows you to bring depth to your dialogues through idioms and phrases, adding a unique touch to the characters you play.”

Aabha Parmar plays Dadi to Kartik (Ashish Dixit), the head of the family, in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. This heartwarming family drama, airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, revolves around Vaishnavi (Brinda Dahal), an orphan who shares an unbreakable bond with Chhathi Maiyya, whom she reveres as her mother.

Porsche partners with Liter of Light to light up dreams in India

Mumbai. Porsche has partnered with non-for-profit organisation Liter of Light to ‘lighten up’ the homes of residents in rural villages of India this Diwali. The local manufacture of 1963 hand-crafted lamps were made by previously unemployed women in Mumbai. Before their donation, the lamps were laid out in a spectacular light installation at the famous Gateway of India in Mumbai. Once the installation was complete, the lamps were carefully packed and taken to the villages in the Maharashtra and Gujarat regions of India, where they were donated with assistance from community organisations including Rotary Club of Bombay Juhu Beach.

 Those receiving the lamps live without reliable electricity and are often dependent on hazardous lighting methods such as burning coal or kerosine. The solar-powered lamps will now bring light to their homes.

 “We are thrilled that we could produce such a spectacular display, and at the same time contribute to an improvement in the lives of those involved in this project, from the women cooperatives we’ve employed with green skills to the families who will ultimately benefit from these solar lamps,” said Illac Diaz, founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light.

 The ‘festival of light’ Diwali is the annual festival of light and one of India’s most significant annual celebrations. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. This made it a fitting occasion to celebrate the project at the famous Mumbai tourist site.

 The installation set a new Guinness World Record for the largest display of solar powered lamps. The 1963 lamps a nod to the birth year of the Porsche 911 Each lamp was hand-crafted by previously unemployed women in Mumbai, including hand painting each in a colour similar to the new Provence look of the all-new electric Porsche Macan.

 The lamps were then laid out in the shape of the Porsche crest in the shadow of the famous Gateway of India. Members of the public gathered at the 26-metre tall structure to observe the spectacle and even assist laying out the lamps as the sun began to set. The lights were laid out by volunteers as well as visitors to the monument, with assistance from school students and members of Rotary Club of Bombay Juhu Beach.

 “Porsche India is honoured to partner with Liter of Light to create a truly meaningful impact this Diwali, celebrating the Festival of Lights by bringing solar-powered light to communities in need,” said Manolito Vujicic, Brand Director for Porsche India.

 ‘Lighting up dreams’ with Liter of Light Liter of Light aims to provide employment opportunities, in particular to women, by involving them in the manufacturing of its lights, thereby offering them a source of income. For this project, ceramic lights powered by a simple-yet-effective solar-set-up.

 “We thank Liter of Light and our colleagues at Porsche India for bringing together this amazing project,” said Manfred Braeunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE. “The spectacular display at the Gateway of India has created amazing images that will be seen around the world. But the real lasting impact of this effort is that we have improved lives of people in a meaningful way.”

Liter of Light
A global ambassador for UNESCO’s International Day of Light, Liter of Light teaches skills and creates jobs for communities. It offers a unique model for community empowerment through its ’net zero initiatives’ for climate action, where it integrates technical knowledge with hyper local production and green skills.

 Liter of Light works with families, local co-operatives, volunteers, and partners to build simple solar reading lights, mobile charging systems, and street lights using readily available materials.
Liter of Light’s programs amplify voices from the most climate vulnerable communities. Through its interactive campaigns that invite everyone to do their part, the social enterprise creates space for new voices to be heard. Liter of Light has illuminated one million lives a year across more than 30 countries since 2013, working with over 650 women’s cooperatives and thousands of volunteers.

Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand opens DEFSAT 2025 with a call for Defence-Driven Innovation

New Delhi, India – 10 January 2025 – Day 2 of DEFSAT 2025, India’s premier defence and space forum, witnessed a remarkable turnout, reinforcing the nation’s resolve to advance its defence and space modernization agenda. It began with an enriching inaugural session featuring a keynote address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who articulated a compelling vision for strengthening India’s defence and homeland security.

The Governor echoed the optimism, stating:

“In 2025, we stand at a pivotal moment of transition and innovation, with technology in full bloom. The dynamics of robotics in defence are undergoing a transformation. We have entered an era where defence and space are intricately interconnected… DefSat 2025 represents our commitment to harnessing the potential of the defence space industry.”

A major highlight of Day 2 was the session on Homeland Security, where experts emphasised the critical role of space technology in disaster management, border protection, and law enforcement. This is the first time at our editions of DefSat highlight the convergence of space technology and homeland security, paving the way for a safer and interconnected future. Discussions also addressed the demand for advanced security technologies to protect critical infrastructure.

Mr Rajeev K. Sharma from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) highlighted the urgent need for millimetre wave imaging and algorithm-driven solutions to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats.

“Innovation in airport and critical infrastructure security is crucial to staying ahead of modern threats while ensuring convenience and efficiency,” he noted.

Other sessions focus on Investment Ventures, with over 50 prominent investors slated to discuss emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Space Tech, and Cybersecurity. The forum also explored how new policies and defence initiatives are creating opportunities for both domestic and global investors.

A major highlight of DefSat 2025 is the Defence Innovation Ventures, which aims to kickstart partnerships with the private sector, enabling innovative defence solutions to thrive. Despite a decline in India’s space industry funding by 55% in 2024 to $59.1 million, compared to $130.2 million in 2023, the conference emphasised the need for renewed focus and targeted policies to attract global and domestic investment. In a broader context, global investments in space companies have totalled $28 billion over the past five years, while India’s space industry raised $354 million during the same period.

“India’s defence sector requires patience, strategic capital and a stronger focus on R&D to strengthen innovation and scalability. With limited innovation premiums and challenges in delivery reliability, the government alone cannot address these gaps. Primes and the private sector have to take the lead to create collaborative funding opportunities and investment in RnD. Through SIA-India, it will be a road to reach the vision of collaboration investment opportunities in RnD.”

– Ms Kriti Upadhyaya, Founder, IndUS Tech Council

As pointed out by Anil Prakash, DG SIA-India, “Long gestation periods in space innovation demand collective funding and collaboration, as it is through unified efforts that we pave the way for pioneering advancements and secure a future where satellite technology continuously shapes industries and empowers nations.”

AI and Data in 2025: Emerging Trends of the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science have become transformative forces in the tech industry, reshaping how businesses operate and innovate. According to industry estimates, organizations leveraging AI in their operations have seen a 20-30% increase in efficiency, and the global AI market is projected to grow to $190 billion by 2025.

Many of us believe that the AI wave is all set to reduce dependency on humans. But that is not true. AI has consistently been increasing efficiency and creating new opportunities. But to harness these opportunities, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to the future of AI.

The 5 AI and Data Trends to Watch for 2025

Quantum computing and Convergence of AI
Quantum AI results in the merging of two revolutionary domains: quantum computing and artificial intelligence. By leveraging both the domains we can solve problems beyond the ability of classical systems. In the upcoming year quantum computing and AI will make a breakthrough in the areas of climate optimization, drug findings and financial management. And Google is already demonstrating a 70x speedup in AI training through quantum computing in 2024.

2. Cybersecurity and AI Enabled Threat Detection

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the fear of cyberattacks grows in parallel. This escalating concern calls for advancements in cybersecurity, leveraging the power of AI, because AI driven systems can detect unusual behaviours to a greater extent. Those behaviours include unauthorized access or abnormal data traffic. AI can respond to these threats in real-time to mitigate risks. Hence, AI-driven security solutions are expected to reduce the cost of data breaches by 35% by 2025, according to an industry report. This makes AI a critical tool for businesses looking to enhance their security infrastructure.

3. Explainable AI – XAI

Explainable AI is the bridge that builds trust between the world of technology and humans. One such example is fair lending practices used by banks, in this XAI can provide banks with clear explanations for loan denials. While AI is now into every sector, the demand for transparency in AI decision-making is also growing – XAI ensures that. By 2025, XAI will be a standard in industries like medical diagnostics and finance, where understanding how decisions are made is crucial.

4. Automated Data Processing Powered By AI

AI-based data processing has a significant potential to streamline workflows and generate greater profits for businesses, irrespective of its industry. AI-powered tools automate data collection, cleaning, and integration, significantly speeding up the analytics process and improving accuracy. According to an industry report there is a prediction that by 2025, 70% of organizations will adopt AI-driven data processing solutions. IBM’s tools have already reduced data preparation times by up to 80%, and this trend is expected to continue as AI tools become more advanced and widely adopted.

5. Edge AI

Edge AI is transforming how AI interacts with data. Rather than sending data to centralized servers, edge AI processes information directly on devices like smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and smart sensors. This enables real-time decision-making, which is especially important for applications like self-driving cars, where instant analysis of data is essential for safety. By 2025, it’s expected that 75% of enterprise data will be processed at the edge, compared to just 10% in 2020. This trend is especially significant in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, where real-time processing can enhance efficiency and security.

The future of AI and Data science in 2025 holds immense potential to reshape the way we live and work. From AI-driven cybersecurity to the convergence of quantum computing and AI, the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that will redefine industries and create exciting opportunities.

Igniting the Spirit of Sportsmanship: UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 Inaugurates Tomorrow

Agra, Uttar Pradesh (9th January 2025): The Badminton Association of Agra is proud to host the UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025, a celebration of skill, determination, and the enduring love for badminton. Scheduled from 10th January to 12th January 2025, the tournament will take place at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, and is dedicated to the memory of the late Shri Vijay Sharma Ji, whose legacy continues to inspire the sporting community.

This championship brings together over 300 veteran players from across Uttar Pradesh, competing in age categories ranging from 35+ to 70, for both men and women. It’s not just a competition; it’s a stage where seasoned players come to relive their passion for the sport, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on 10th January 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, graced by Smt. Anupam Kulshreshth, IPS, Additional Director General, Agra Zone, as the Chief Guest. The tournament will conclude with a Closing Ceremony on 12th January 2025, at 3:00 PM at the same venue, with Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Government of India, honoring the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The championship will also welcome some of the most distinguished names in Indian badminton, including Arjuna awardees and renowned national players, whose presence will serve as a beacon of inspiration for both participants and spectators.

A Message from the President

Speaking about the event, Dr. Beena Lawania, President of the Badminton Association Agra, shared: This championship is more than just a tournament. It is a tribute to resilience, a platform for veterans to showcase their talent, and an opportunity to rekindle the camaraderie that sports bring to life. Hosting this event in memory of Shri Vijay Sharma Ji is our way of honoring his immense contribution to the sport and to our community. We invite everyone to be a part of this remarkable journey and cheer on these exceptional athletes.”

Join Us

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 is not only a competition but also a testament to the timeless spirit of sportsmanship. We warmly invite media personnel to cover this inspiring event, as we celebrate the unwavering dedication of these remarkable players and shine a spotlight on their extraordinary stories.