The Indus Training and Research Institute (ITARI) announced a collaboration with Keele University (KU) of UK to launch a professional teachers’ training diploma programme in international education, at a press meet held in Pune recently.

Besides the many fairs and festivals being hosted in the city this winter, comes the rare opportunity to witness Dolls of Japan, an exhibition of unique traditional Japanese dolls.

This year, the Festival (established in 2007) played host to nearly 2,000 artistes in 27 venues spread over 10 days. “I want to place this Festival as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international tourism,” says Prathibha Prahlad, celebrated dancer and Festival director.

India's annual convention to connect with its 27-million strong diaspora in over 150 countries concluded Sunday with President Pratibha Patil honouring 14 individuals for their achievements and enhancing India's image globally.

India will set up cultural centres in five more countries to showcase its soft power and acquire a global footprint for its rich diversity, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Saturday.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired the second meeting of the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians on 7 January, 2011. Fourteen eminent overseas Indians from across the world attended the meeting. The External Affairs Minister, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and senior officials also attended the meeting.

Westerners watching keenly for how India will align itself in international affairs found reason to cheer at the start of the year.

Alena Adamkova, the Executive Director of the International Roerich Memorial Trust, has been decorated with the Russian order of Friendship for her contribution into the development of the Russian-Indian cultural ties. Slovakian Adamkova, who is a specialist in Indian Studies, lived for many years in the USSR and India.