Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Bharat Mandapam and Konark Wheel replica major highlights of G20 summit

Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in July

Bharat Mandapam and Konark Wheel replica major highlights of G20 summit

GLOBAL leaders have gathered in New Delhi for a two-day mega summit, with the G20 summit venue Bharat Mandapam taking center stage.

The venue was officially inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi in July. This impressive convention centre, conceived in line with the prime minister's vision for state-of-the-art infrastructure to host crucial meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, has been developed at a staggering cost of approximately £241 million.


This sprawling complex, covering an extensive 123-acre campus, has been designated as India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. It is equipped to host large-scale international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and other prestigious events.

Inside Bharat Mandapam, there are a multitude of facilities, including numerous meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, a business centre, and an amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 3,000.

The building's distinctive design takes inspiration from the 'Shankha' (conch shell), adorning its walls and facades with various elements representing India's rich traditional art and culture.

Adding to its cultural allure, the convention centre is adorned with paintings and tribal art forms sourced from different regions of India, showcasing the nation's diversity.

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, Bharat Mandapam boasts a 5G-enabled fully wi-fi-covered campus, 10G Intranet connectivity, an interpreter room accommodating 16 languages, advanced AV systems, a building management system ensuring optimal functionality and energy efficiency, light management systems with dimming and occupancy sensors, a state-of-the-art DCN (Data Communication Network) system, an integrated surveillance system, and an energy-efficient centralized air conditioning system.

Furthermore, to cater to the convenience of visitors, the IECC provides more than 5,500 vehicle parking spaces.

The iconic Konark Sun Temple wheel replica was another highlight of the global event. This replica served as the backdrop for Modi's warm welcome to delegates.

One side of the Konark Chakra at the summit venue proudly showcases the G20 logo, while the other side bears the Sanskrit slogan 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (One Earth. One Family. One Future), which serves as the theme for India's G20 presidency.

The Konark Wheel made waves across social media platforms and earned praise as Odisha's timeless wonder from minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The symbol represents India's civilisational, cultural, and architectural excellence, symbolising continuity and progress.

The Konark Wheel, with its 24 spokes, carries deep cultural significance, signifying ancient Indian wisdom, architectural mastery, and advanced civilisation. It has also been incorporated into the Indian tricolor.

Notably, the wheel's 12 pairs of spokes are said to represent the 12 months in a year, making it a symbol of time itself.

As leaders graced the venue, traditional Indian music, including melodies like Vaishnav Jan To, Padharo Mharo Des and Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, played on the shehnai, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi ,Xi & Putin

Narendra Modi talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

SCO declaration slams Pahalgam attack, calls for united action on terror

Highlights:

  • SCO condemns terror attack in Pahalgam and echoes India’s stance on “double standards”.
  • Leaders call for justice for perpetrators of attacks in Pahalgam and Balochistan.
  • Declaration criticises Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties.
  • SCO stresses UN’s central role in global counter-terrorism strategy.

THE SHANGHAI Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and agreed with India’s position that “double standards” in tackling terrorism are not acceptable.

Keep ReadingShow less