New Delhi, April 25 The contribution of core digital sectors like information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), digital communications, and electronics manufacturing to India's gross domestic product (GDP) may increase from seven per cent in 2017-18 to eight to 10 per cent in 2025, says a new report from McKinsey Global Institute.
India's core digital sectors accounted for about $170 billion - or seven per cent of GDP in 2017-18, said the report titled "Digital India: Technology to transform a connected nation".
Out of this $170 billion, $115 billion came from IT-BPM, $45 billion from digital communications, and $10 billion from electronics manufacturing.
Based on industry revenue, cost structures, and growth trends, McKinsey Global Institute estimates these sectors could contribute between $355 billion and $435 billion, accounting for 8 to 10 percent of India's 2025 GDP.
For the study, the researchers analysed 17 mature and emerging economies across 30 dimensions of digital adoption since 2014 and found that India is digitising faster than all but one other country in the study, Indonesia.
India had 560 million Internet subscribers in September 2018, adding that the country has the potential to add about 275 million Internet subscribers by 2023, taking the total number of Internet subscribers in the country to 835 million.
While the public sector has been a strong catalyst for India's rapid digitization, private sector innovation has helped bring Internet-enabled services to millions of consumers and made online usage more accessible, the research showed.
"For example, Reliance Jio's strategy of bundling virtually free smartphones with mobile service subscriptions has spurred innovation and competitive pricing. Data costs have plummeted by more than 95 percent since 2013 and fixed-line download speeds quadrupled between 2014 and 2017," the report stated.
As a result, mobile data consumption per user grew by 152 per cent annually -- more than twice the rates in the United States and China, it added.
New Delhi, April 25 France tops the European destinations for Indian tourists, with the number of travellers from this country expected to cross 8 lakh as of 2018, French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said here on Thursday.
He said over 7 lakh Indian tourists visited France in 2017, twice the number as compared to 2014.
Visa applications over the past five years registered an increase of over 180 per cent, the envoy said at a seminar here on tourism cooperation between India and France.
In 2018, the number of visa applications grew by 15 per cent as compared to 2017, underpinned by an over 43 per cent increase in applications from south India (Consulate of Puducherry), he said.
Noting a "striking upsurge", Ziegler said it demonstrates that France is ever growing in popularity and that the country is "now the number 1 European destination for Indian tourists".
Describing it as "just the beginning of a trend", he said: "We are very honoured to witness this upward trend and it is a priority to facilitate Indian tourism in France."
He said since 2015, the Embassy has been issuing visas within 48 hours.
"In fact, last December, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs himself highlighted that our priority was to build up French expertise on welcoming Indian tourists in France," the Ambassador said.
A seminar with French professionals will be held soon in Paris, with a special focus on welcoming MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) trips and Indian weddings, he said.
"Indeed, professional trips account for over 30 per cent of Indian tourists and we know that France has all it takes to attract more Indian weddings," he added.
Referring to last week's fire incident at Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, in which one of the most visited monuments in France was badly damaged, he said many Indian people expressed their solidarity and sadness on seeing the iconic building burn.
"I was moved to see that one of my favourite monuments in Paris was also deeply loved by people in India. It also highlighted that Paris is a much-loved destination for Indian people, and others across the world," the envoy said.
Mumbai, April 25 With speculations doing the rounds on Internet that Arjun Kapoor will exchange vows with Malaika Arora this year, the actor has cleared the air saying he is in no hurry to get married.
In an interview with DNA, Arjun spoke about how special Malaika is for him and why he does not want to get married soon.
"I am 33 and you have to take my word when I say, I am in no hurry to get married. The subject of my wedding is not something that I would like to talk about. Frankly, if I was tying the knot, people would know about it. Today, nothing stays or needs to be hidden beyond a point," he said.
On rumours, Arjun said he does not like to respond to the scuttlebutt everytime.
"Speculation is harmless. But I admit, I don't like to respond to it all the time. Also, it gets tiring for the people involved to constantly react. There has been so much gossip on this subject that even the people who earlier tended to believe it are no longer doing so. I don't have anything against anyone," he said.
Asked if Malaika, 45, was special to him, Arjun said: "Yes, she is. I have nothing to hide. What the world is seeing, they are seeing. However, I have no desire to justify my personal life beyond a point. It's important to have good people around and I feel fortunate that I have such individuals in my life."
It was earlier reported that the couple would tie the knot by the end of April this year. Their Maldives visit even generated rumour that they had gone there for their pre-wedding bash.
Malaika was earlier married to actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan, separated in May 2017. They have a son together.
Mumbai, April 25 Actress Ankita Lokhande got intimate with her boyfriend Vicky Jain and kissed him passionately at a friend's wedding. Actor Arjun Bijlani has posted a video of the couple on Instagram in which they can be seen an intimate kiss.
In the video that went viral, Ankita and Vicky -- in white ethnic wear -- can be seen dancing at the wedding of a common friend. Ankita then holds Vicky tightly in her arms and kisses him.
The actress was earlier in a romantic relationship with actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
On the work front, Ankita of "Pavitra Rishta" fame made her Bollywood debut with "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi" this year.
"I am glad that I am here at the right time, when it's not about Bollywood or television. It's about talent, concept and story. People want to see good work and talent," Ankita earlier told IANS.
Mumbai, April 25 A police complaint has been filed against Bollywood star Salman Khan for snatching a journalist's mobile phone while he was trying to shoot a video of the actor.
The complaint was filed at the D.N. Nagar Police Station, Andheri West, Mumbai, on Wednesday evening by journalist Ashok Shyamlal Pandey.
According to Pandey, he and his cameraman Syed Irrfan were travelling from Juhu to Kandivali around 4.40 p.m. They saw Salman riding a bicycle. They asked the star's bodyguard if they can make a video of the actor. The bodyguard agreed.
"We took out our mobile phones and started shooting. Suddenly, Salman turned around and gestured to his bodyguards. After that bodyguards riding motorcycles approached us.
"My cameraman was pushed by one of the guards and he even pushed our car with force. We ended up having an argument with them. Salman turned his cycle and came to us. We told him we were from the press. Salman said 'It doesn't matter'. Then he snatched our mobile phones and left."
While the journalists were dialling 100, Salman's bodyguards returned their phone.
But Pandey, who asserted that he and his cameraman had taken permission from the bodyguard before shooting his video, wondered if his celebrity status gives Salman the right to snatch someone's phone.
According to a source, a cross-complaint has also been lodged by Salman's bodyguard alleging that the person took the video without permission.
Mumbai, April 25 Actress Dia Mirza, who has wrapped up the first schedule of drama series "Kaafir" helmed by Sonam Nair, says that working with a female director has great perks.
As the lady at the fore in "Kaafir", she plays what she terms as one of her career's "most challenging roles". The first schedule of the shoot in Himachal Pradesh recently came to an end.
"The first schedule has been a wonderful experience. I have had the chance to meet so many people, and learn so much from them. The locals have been so welcoming towards the entire crew and they have also fed us amazing food," Dia said in a statement.
"Working with a female director has great perks. We cuddle in the cold, we cry together but most of all, we get each other. I am so glad I have found a sister in Sonam Nair. She makes work such a joy," she added.
Dia is playing the lead actor alongside Mohit Raina in the series.
Mumbai, April 25 Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan recently opened up about her struggling days and how her husband and actor Saif Ali Khan's support changed her outlook towards life when she was dealing with a rough professional phase.
"It started out great. I did amazing films. But then for a year, I didn't work. I felt like my career was over. I was told to ‘reinvent', become size 0. Everyone goes through a lull in the career. But as an actor, it's worse -- there are so many eyes on you!
"Somehow through my life, I've been blessed with people who have supported me thoroughly! Just when I thought I was falling, Saif caught me. I'd met him before, but while we were filming 'Tashan', something changed," Kareena said in an interview to social media portal Official Humans of Bombay.
Sharing how her love story with Saif started on the sets of "Tashan", Kareena said: I wore my heart on my sleeve! He was so charming; I fell for him hook, line and sinker. I remember while shooting in Ladakh and Jaisalmer, we'd go on long bike rides for some alone time. We'd enjoy the beauty, have great conversations and just bond."
The "Veere Di Wedding" actress married Saif in 2012. Saif was previously married to actress Amrita Singh and they had two children -- daughter Sara Ali Khan and son Ibrahim Ali Khan.
"He's 10 years older than me and has two kids. But for me, he was just Saif who helped me heal and love myself. Maybe it was the fact that we're so different -- he's more private and not 'Bollywoodised'. I imbibed that from him. I learnt to balance things and not let them get to me," she said.
The couple was blessed with a son, Taimur, in 2016. "Taimur is a part of me. I can't go an hour without him. He's always with me wherever I am. He makes me want to work harder every day," she said.
Kareena is gearing up for the release of "Good News" and will also be seen in multi-starrer "Takht".
Mumbai, April 25 Actress Kriti Sanon, who will be seen playing the role of a crime journalist in "Arjun Patiala", says that the upcoming film will be a "spoofy kind of a comedy".
Talking about "Arjun Patiala", Kriti said here at the GeoSpa Global Spa India Awards on Wednesday: "It is releasing on July 19 and of course, the trailer will be out accordingly. I feel it's a completely different kind of a comedy. It's a slightly spoofy kind of a comedy. I don't think that kind of a take on comedy has been done before."
"It has shaped up pretty well. I am still in the middle of dubbing of the film. It has got amazing music. I am also looking forward to the release of the film because I had shot that film before eLuka Chuppi' and eHousefull 4' so, when I was doing dubbing of 'Arjun Patiala', I forgot the dialogues of the film."
On her fondness for comedy films, she said: "I think I love comedy. I feel it's very difficult to make people laugh and it's very important also... the kind of stress that we all have in our lives in general. When the audience goes to the theatre and if you can manage to make them laugh then, there is nothing better than that."
"In this film, I am playing role of a crime journalist who is serious about her profession but in a comic environment. We have tried to give a bit of Punjabi flavour to the film."
Kriti and actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh have collaborated for the first time in "Arjun Patiala".
Sharing her experience of working with Diljit in the film, Kriti said: "It was really nice experience shooting for the film. We have shot major portions of the film in Chandigarh.
"I feel Diljit is a brilliant actor. What really amazed me was that we had not really met before so much and when we did our first scene together on the film's set that time, that scene didn't have any dialogues.
"We shot together for a song's montage but in that scene also, we felt the chemistry between us because that scene required action and reaction between both of us and nothing was planned so, I feel when you have brilliant actor acting opposite you and if chemistry gets set from the first scene, I don't think you have to worry for the film at all and then you just have to have fun and that's what we did."
"Arjun Patiala" also features Varun Sharma.
"I had worked with Varun in eDilwale'. He is like a brother," she said.
Mumbai, April 25 Actress Priya Anand gave a befitting reply to a social media user for labelling her a symbol of bad luck for her co-stars Sridevi and J. K. Rithesh, who are no more.
The Twitter user wrote: "Sridevi acted with Priya Anand in 'English Vinglish'. Sridevi is no more now. J.K. Rithesh acted with Priya Anand in 'LKG'. J.K. Rithesh is no more now.
"Whoever acts with Priya Anand, they are dying. Is Priya a symbol of bad luck for her co-stars?"
The tweet did not go well with Priya as she found it "insensitive". Priya played the role of Sridevi's niece in Gauri Shinde's film "English Vinglish".
Life Can Be Soo Illogical At Times. Soo Soft Spoken And Respectful. It Was Such A Pleasure Getting To Know Him During The Shoot Of #LKG. Such A Generous Man! #RIPJKRitheesh Sir!
— Priya Anand (@PriyaAnand) April 13, 2019
She said: "I usually don't respond to people like you. But I just want to let you know that it is a very insensitive thing to say. I get that it's easy to get away sounding dumb on social media but you my friend have it an all time low! I'm not going to respond by bringing you down."
I usually don't respond to people like you. But I just want to let you know that it is a very insensitive thing to say. I get that its easy to get away sounding dumb on social media but you my friend have it an all time low! I'm not going to respond by bringing you down...
— Priya Anand (@PriyaAnand) April 21, 2019
But please know that what you say can really trigger a lot of pain in people. So before you make such comments I hope u take a second and practice having some empathy and restrain from such petty frivolous behavior
— Priya Anand (@PriyaAnand) April 21, 2019
After Priya's reply, the troller apologised to her saying: "Today I was watching both your films 'LKG' and 'English Vinglish'. You are the common factor in both the films and such a question popped up. So I tweeted just like that. I thought you will never read tweets. Sorry to hurt you."
Funny your handle is all about Love. I hope you can truly experience ur someday cause Loves the only thing that makes the world go around.
— Priya Anand (@PriyaAnand) April 21, 2019
This is just the saddest news to wake up to! Heartbreaking. Fan girl for life! pic.twitter.com/IuFM8nmEIg
— Priya Anand (@PriyaAnand) February 25, 2018
Priya even asked the netizen to "take a second and practice having some empathy and restrain from such petty frivolous behaviour".
Sridevi died from accidental drowning in February 2018 in Dubai, while J. K. Rithesh, who is a known face in south Indian films, died earlier this month due to cardiac arrest.
Mumbai, April 25 Actress Archana Puran Singh says she is glad that she got a chance to play the flirtatious college professor Miss Braganza in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" -- which went on to be the inspiration behind Kareena Kapoor Khan's role in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...".
Archana opened up about the 1998 film when filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Kajol appeared on Sony Entertainment Television's show "The Kapil Sharma Show".
"Playing Miss Braganza in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' was one of the most memorable roles I have ever played. Karan Johar played a big part in giving substance to the character in terms of her style, gesture and posture," Archana said in a statement.
To this, Karan added: "Kareena Kapoor's character 'Poo' in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...' was inspired by Miss Braganza."
While talking about the memories associated with the film, Archana said: "Playing Miss Braganza was one of the breeziest and fun time for me, all thanks to the director, Karan Johar."
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Ishant Bhanushali excited about his outing as Piplad
Child artiste Ishant Bhanushali is happy to be back in the mythological space with "Vighnaharta Ganesha", and says it helps him understand the story behind Indian mythology.
After his outing as Lord Hanuman, he will be seen essaying the character of Shiva's first avatar Piplad in the show. The upcoming track will see an enthralling turn bringing the 19 avatars of Shiva alive on the small screen.
"I will be playing the role of Piplad, which is one of the avatars of Lord Shiva. I have always seen devotees worshipping peepal trees and not many devotees know why do we worship it including me," Ishant said in a statement.
"I am very lucky that I got this role as the stories of Lord Ganesha and Shiva not only interest me, but with this show I get to understand those stories deeply and this track will also help everyone understand the hidden story behind worshipping the peepal tree."
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Mohit Malhotra helps her maid's son's education
Actor Mohit Malhotra has a soft corner when it comes to children, and has been helping his maid by funding her son's education.
"I am very fond of kids. I have expressed my emotions earlier as well that I find peace and calmness when I am around kids. It was one of my off days when I noticed that my domestic help was stressed and tensed and was continuously forgetting things which she usually did not.
"Checking with her, she told me that she was in financial trouble which was also affecting her son's education," Mohit said in a statement.
"With the new batch of classes starting, she was not able to manage the money to pay her son's fees. Touched by the emotions of a mother desperate for her son's education, I decided to fund her son's education," he added.
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