Tag: Russia

Entertainment

PM Narendra Modi Meets Fauda Team in Israel, Lior Raz Calls It a ‘Huge Honour’

Tanisha Cardozo

In a unique blend of diplomacy and pop culture, Narendra Modi met the team behind the globally acclaimed series Fauda during his recent visit to Israel, creating a memorable moment that resonated across both political and entertainment circles.

The Prime Minister, who returned to India after a historic two-day state visit, took to social media to share a cheerful selfie with the cast and creators of Fauda. Adding his trademark touch of humour, he wrote, “Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work! #Fauda,” referencing the show’s intense espionage theme.

The highlight of the interaction was the response from Fauda’s co-creator and lead actor, Lior Raz, who described the meeting as a “huge honour.” Speaking in an interview, Raz praised the Prime Minister’s support for the arts, noting how significant it was for creators to receive recognition from a leader of such a large and influential country.

Raz also reflected on the show’s strong connection with India, recalling its Netflix premiere at the International Film Festival of India held in Goa. He expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations, stating that the team would love to return to India and engage more deeply with its creative industry.

Fauda, developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, is widely regarded as one of the most gripping political thrillers in global television. The series draws inspiration from their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces and follows the story of Doron, an undercover commander in a special unit, navigating high-stakes missions and personal dilemmas.

Since its debut in 2015, the series has gained international acclaim and a dedicated fan base, including in India, where it streams on Netflix. With four successful seasons already released and a fifth season on the way, Fauda continues to expand its global reach.

Its popularity in India also led to an official adaptation titled Tanaav, which premiered in 2022 and explores similar themes within an Indian context.

The meeting between PM Modi and the Fauda team underscores the growing cultural exchange between India and Israel, where diplomacy extends beyond traditional boundaries into storytelling, cinema, and shared creative aspirations.

Travel

Goa Prepares for 2025–26 Tourism Season with New Flights from Russia and Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to welcome the 2025–26 tourism season with a boost in international air connectivity. Starting October 2, three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk will land at Manohar International Airport in Mopa, further strengthening the state’s appeal to Russian tourists. These new services join the existing Aeroflot flights from Ekaterinburg and Moscow, bringing the total number of weekly Russian arrivals to nine.

The state’s tourism authorities have also confirmed that charter flights from Kazakhstan will begin operating from October 25, adding to Goa’s diverse international connectivity and reinforcing its position as a premier destination for global travelers.

Tourism officials anticipate a significant rise in inbound tourists due to the increased flight frequency, which is expected to benefit local hotels, transport services, and cultural attractions. With seamless connections from major Russian cities and now Kazakhstan, Goa is strategically enhancing its global reach.

The tourism season coincides with the peak festive period, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy Goa’s scenic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. Authorities emphasize that the enhanced air connectivity will also support economic growth and local employment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

As Goa continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, these new flights mark a significant step in strengthening the state’s international tourism footprint and making travel more convenient for visitors from across the globe.

International

Russia Expands Hindi Programs at Universities Amid Growing Student Interest and Strengthening India Ties

Tanisha Cardozo

Russia is taking significant steps to deepen its educational and cultural engagement with India by expanding Hindi language programs across universities nationwide. According to Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky, there has been a sharp rise in the number of Russian students enrolling in Hindi courses — a trend that mirrors India’s growing global influence and population dynamics.

“We want more of our students to study Hindi,” Mogilevsky stated in an interview with TASS. He noted that India, now the world’s most populous country, has a majority of its citizens using Hindi in daily life, often more so than English. “We need to respond to this,” he added.

This strategic educational expansion reflects more than academic interest. It aligns closely with the evolving geopolitical and diplomatic relations between India and Russia. Since 2022, India has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil, maintaining close bilateral ties despite global tensions over the Ukraine conflict. Leaders from both countries continue to emphasize collaboration, especially under multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Universities such as MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), and the Moscow State Linguistic University have seen their Hindi language departments grow substantially, with two to three times more students enrolled in recent years. These trends extend beyond Moscow, reaching institutions in cities like St. Petersburg and Kazan.

Mogilevsky emphasized that young Russians who aspire to engage with India’s culture, politics, and growing economy are increasingly viewing Hindi as a valuable asset. The initiative also signals an effort to foster mutual understanding and closer people-to-people ties through cultural diplomacy.

This emphasis on language as a bridge between nations reflects a broader commitment to long-term cooperation. President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December 2025, further reinforcing bilateral warmth. At the recent SCO summit in Tianjin, Chinese and Russian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin, reaffirmed their dedication to regional peace and prosperity — with language and cultural exchange forming a key part of that vision.

The expansion of Hindi education across Russian universities is a step toward building a generation fluent not only in language but also in cross-cultural understanding. It represents a powerful form of diplomacy — one that educates, connects, and endures beyond headlines.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism honoured with Outstanding MITT Comeback Award at MITT Moscow 2025

allycaralgoa

Panaji, March 26, 2025: Goa Tourism has been recognized with the prestigious Outstanding MITT Comeback Award at the Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT) 2025, highlighting the state’s resilience and dedication to tourism excellence.

Goa Tourism recently participated in the MITT 2025 which took place at Crocus Expo, Moscow. The award was received by Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Shri Pradeep Binnar, and Marketing Manager, GTDC, Shri Harish Satelkar, on behalf of Goa Tourism.

The participation of Goa Tourism at MITT 2025 saw a robust engagement led by Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, along with Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Shri Pradeep Binnar; Manager, Marketing, GTDC, Shri Harish Satelkar; and Shri Mark Mendes, GTB Board Member. The delegation actively interacted with visitors, highlighting Goa’s diverse tourism potential and fostering meaningful collaborations with key stakeholders in the global travel industry.

Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, remarked, “Goa’s recognition at MITT Moscow 2025 reflects our continuous efforts to position the state as a global tourism hub. By showcasing Goa’s rich cultural heritage, wellness experiences, and adventure tourism opportunities, we aim to expand our presence in key international markets like Russia.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated, “This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to promoting Goa as a year-round destination with unique experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers. We remain dedicated to strengthening international collaborations and enhancing our tourism offerings.”

Russia continues to be a vital international market for Goa, and the state’s active participation at MITT 2025 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening tourism exchanges and enhancing the visitor experience. Through this platform, Goa Tourism successfully promoted its cultural festivals, adventure tourism opportunities, and wellness retreats, aiming to attract a diverse spectrum of travellers.

Additionally, in a proactive move to strengthen ties with the Russian travel sector, Goa Tourism successfully hosted an exclusive roadshow in Yekaterinburg on 17th March 2025. This engaging platform provided a unique opportunity to connect directly with prominent industry professionals, showcasing Goa’s latest tourism offerings, sustainable travel initiatives, and upcoming events.

The recognition at MITT Moscow 2025 reflects Goa Tourism’s continuous efforts to innovate and elevate the tourism landscape, reinforcing the state’s position as a premier global travel destination