The prestigious 55th GST Council Meeting was hosted by Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa from December 20th to 22nd, transforming the venue into a hub of luxury, culture, and collaboration. The three-day event, organized by the GST Council Secretariat in partnership with the Rajasthan Government, brought together over 150 distinguished attendees, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Ms. Diya Kumari.

Reflecting on the event, General Manager Mr. Shiv Bose said, “It was an honour to host the 55th GST Council Meeting. Our team took immense pride in showcasing the culture and hospitality of Jaisalmer while providing an exceptional experience to the nation’s dignitaries. This event reinforces Jaisalmer’s reputation as a premier destination for high-profile events.”

A Grand Welcome

Delegates received a royal Rajasthani welcome upon arrival, featuring a shower of floral petals, captivating folk performances, and personalised bouquets. Bespoke amenities awaited each guest, reflecting the royal heritage of Jaisalmer and setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Culinary Masterpieces

The event’s culinary offerings became a talking point, showcasing the richness of Rajasthani and Indian cuisine. A specially curated Rajasthani Thali was presented to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, featuring delicacies like Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Bajra Roti, Bhuna Saag, Bajre Ki Khichdi, and Coconut Barfi.

In addition, the “Taste of India” menu delighted attendees with regional specialties, including Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Chicken Chettinad, Chole Kulche, and Sorakaya Pulusu, blending authenticity with culinary artistry.

Cultural Immersion

The cultural richness of Rajasthan was at the forefront of the event. A private performance by Padmashri Anwar Khan Manganiyar and his troupe enchanted the dignitaries, offering a glimpse into the vibrant traditions of the desert state.

An Unforgettable Experience

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa delivered an impeccable experience through meticulous planning and execution. The 55th GST Council Meeting was not just an event but a celebration of India’s heritage, hospitality, and collaborative spirit. From the grand welcome to the curated culinary delights and cultural performances, the resort set a new benchmark in hosting high-profile events, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

Air India has become the first Indian airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services on domestic flights, setting a new benchmark in aviation connectivity. Passengers flying on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft can now enjoy complimentary internet services during an introductory period.

This service is available on both domestic and international routes, allowing travelers to browse, stay active on social media, complete work tasks, or stay connected with loved ones while flying. Accessible on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the Wi-Fi also supports multiple device connections at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, stated, “Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever the purpose, we are confident that our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoy the new Air India experience on board these aircraft.”

The introduction of Wi-Fi on domestic routes follows a successful pilot program on international flights to destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Air India plans to progressively expand the service across its fleet in the near future.

To access the service, travelers simply:

1. Enable Wi-Fi on their device.
2. Select the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network.
3. Enter their PNR and last name on the redirected Air India portal.
4. Enjoy complimentary internet access.

In-flight Wi-Fi performance may vary based on factors like satellite connectivity, bandwidth usage, and route-specific restrictions. With this innovative step, Air India continues to enhance the travel experience, combining connectivity with comfort and convenience.

The Nuts and Dry Fruit Council of India, NDFC(I), has launched a groundbreaking walnut plantation initiative in Chakrata, Uttarakhand. Aiming to bolster domestic nut production and reduce dependency on imports, the project introduces grafted walnut plants to India for the first time, with 300 saplings planted across three villages in the region.

This initiative marks the beginning of an ambitious three-year project designed to involve over 1,000 cultivators. Currently, more than 70 farmers are participating in the program, receiving comprehensive training on optimal plantation techniques, care, and maintenance of these high-yielding saplings during critical growth stages.

The saplings, sourced from Turkish horticultural company AGRONOM and imported by Kalason Nursery in India, promise higher yields and quality. This initiative sets the stage for India’s second MEWA (Middle East, Europe, West Africa, and Asia) event in February 2025, reinforcing efforts to popularize and expand nut cultivation in the country.

A Collaborative Effort for Growth

In partnership with the Walnuts and Other Nut Fruit Growers Association of India (WANGAI), NDFC(I) aims to position India as a significant producer and exporter of walnuts. This initiative is expected to expand to the Tuni region and include an additional 1,000 farmers, laying the groundwork for increased nut production and innovation.

Speaking on the initiative, Achin Aggarwal, Chair of the Committee for Agriculture and Farmers Connect at NDFC(I), shared:
“With this initiative, we hope to cater to the growing popularity and demand for walnuts. As India and the world move towards healthier lifestyles, we aim to expand the walnut production base. Beyond enhancing production, this initiative will support the regional economy, and in the coming years, we hope Chakrata becomes a hub for walnut exports. The introduction of grafted walnut plants should also drive innovation and research for even greater yields.”

Sustainability and Long-term Vision

The project emphasizes sustainability with plans to establish world-class nut plant nurseries in India. These nurseries will ensure farmers have access to high-quality grafted plants, fostering a robust local economy through increased walnut production and job creation.

About NDFC(I)

NDFC(I) represents the unified voice of the nuts, dry fruits, seeds, raisins, berries, and dates industry in India. Its mission is to empower and uplift every segment of this vibrant sector, from growers to distributors, through collaboration and innovation.