New Delhi: As the world eagerly anticipates the upcoming G20 summit in India, the spotlight is not only on the high-stakes diplomatic discussions but also on the incredible exhibitions hosted at the Bharat Mandapam, the convention centre set to host key G20 meetings. These exhibitions are poised to highlight India's technological innovation, cultural richness, and financial prowess while offering an array of unique experiences to visitors.
The centrepiece of these exhibitions is the 'Culture Corridor - G20 Digital Museum,' a tribute to the shared heritage of G20 member countries and invitee nations. This cultural extravaganza will feature iconic artefacts and historical treasures from participating countries and nine invitee nations. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions, promote knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and equality, and ultimately create a sense of shared identity among all attendees.
One of the standout attractions within Bharat Mandapam is the 'Digital India Experience Zone,' spanning across halls 4 and 14. This zone promises to provide visitors with a captivating glimpse into India's technological advancements. It serves as an informative platform to showcase the pivotal initiatives of the Digital India program, including Aadhaar, Digi-Locker, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), e-Sanjeevani, DIKSHA, Bhashini, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), and Ask GITA (Guidance, Inspiration, Transformation, and Action).
Ask GITA, a fusion of ancient wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita with cutting-edge AI technology, stands out as an innovative tool aimed at inspiring and guiding individuals. This initiative reflects India's commitment to harnessing the power of technology for the greater good.
Within the 'Digital India Experience Zone,' visitors will also discover a comprehensive showcase of transformative government initiatives like MyGov, CoWIN (COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network), UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance), JanDhan (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana), e NAM (National Agriculture Market), GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network), FastTag, and other ground-breaking projects.
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The exhibition's financial technology prowess takes centre stage at the 'RBI's Innovation Pavilion.' Here, the Reserve Bank of India unveils cutting-edge financial technologies with the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape. These innovations include the Central Bank Digital Currency, a futuristic vision of currency; the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit, which aims to simplify the loan application process through digital means; and Unique Payment System products like UPI One World, Rupay on the GO, and cross-border bill payment via Bharat Bill Payments.
One particularly noteworthy offering within the RBI's pavilion is the UPI One World. Designed to cater to inbound foreign travellers without Indian bank accounts, this initiative enables foreign nationals to open a prepaid payment instrument linked to UPI. This allows them to experience seamless and secure payments during their stay in India. Delegates attending the G20 Summit will have their UPI One World accounts prefunded with Rs. 2,000, providing them with flexibility and convenience during their visit.
Meanwhile, the 'Crafts Bazaar' located in hall 3 of Bharat Mandapam is a celebration of India's rich heritage in craftsmanship. This exhibition will feature a wide array of handicraft products sourced from different regions of India, with a special focus on 'One District One Product' and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items. Delegates and visitors will have a unique opportunity to purchase these locally sourced, exquisite products, thus promoting the livelihoods of artisans across the country.
The Crafts Bazaar will see the active participation of approximately 30 Indian states and union territories, along with central agencies like the Khadi Village and Industries Commission and TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India). To truly showcase the skills and craftsmanship of artisans, special live demonstrations by master craftsmen have been organized, adding an immersive and educational aspect to the exhibition.
As the G20 Summit approaches, the exhibitions at Bharat Mandapam are poised to provide a holistic experience, offering insights into India's technological advancements, financial innovations, and rich cultural tapestry. These exhibitions not only serve as a testament to India's progress but also as a platform for global engagement, fostering collaboration and understanding among nations. The stage is set for a memorable and enlightening G20 summit experience in India.
