Mike Downey, acclaimed Film Producer, Author, Journalist, and an activist, known for his remarkable contributions to the world of cinema, unveils his passion for literature with the launch of his debut novel, “Istria Gold.” The book is set against the backdrop of Croatias Istrian peninsula, delves deep into the regions rich history, culture, and traditions, offering readers a captivating narrative that echoes the works of esteemed authors such as Martin Walker and his Bruno Courreges series. Published by Calm productions and MPress in UK and Ireland, Istria Gold in India is being distributed by AuthorsUpFront.

Book Cover of Istria Gold by Mike Downey

“Istria Gold” marks a significant milestone in Mike Downeys career as he transitions from the world of film to the realm of literature. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge and experiences, Downey weaves a compelling narrative that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes of Croatias Istrian peninsula, immersing them in a tale that intertwines history, culture, and mystery.

Commenting on his debut novel, film producer and author Mr.Mike Downey expressed his excitement, stating, “Istria Gold has been an immersive journey. Exploring its complexities has been a captivating endeavour, one that has inspired the creation of a narrative that I hope will capture the readers. Venturing into this new field has been nothing short of exhilarating; it has pushed me to expand my creative boundaries and explore untapped potentials. As we unveil Istria Gold to the Indian audiences, I am filled with anticipation, hoping that its pages resonate deeply with them. I cannot wait to see the reactions, and I am eager to witness the impact of this novel that has been both a personal and professional triumph.”

“Istria Gold” stands as a testament to Mike Downeys unparalleled storytelling prowess and his unwavering commitment to showcasing the beauty and intricacies of diverse cultures. As audiences embark on this literary journey, they can expect a narrative that transports them across time and space, leaving a lasting imprint on their hearts and minds.

Mr. Downeys illustrious career spans across various domains, from his notable roles as Chairman at the European Film Academy and council member for BAFTA, to his collaborations with renowned figures like James Ellroy, Colm Tibn, and David Grossman. His commitment to the art of cinema earned him the prestigious OBE award in 2021, solidifying his influence and expertise in the global film industry.

“Istria Gold” will be available for purchase online through Amazon.

Link: www.amazon.in/dp/9394887830

About the Author, Mike Downey

Mr. Mike Downey is a multifaceted talent, excelling not only as a writer of fiction and non-fiction, but also as a film producer, author, journalist, and activist, Istria Gold marks his debut as a novelist. Currently holding the esteemed position of Chairman at the European Film Academy and serving as a council member for BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Downey has been for over three decades been deeply entrenched in the heart of the film industry. Furthermore, in September 2020 Mr. Downey was announced as the Honorary President of the 2020/2021 jury for the revamped LUX Prize, renamed LUX – the European Audience Film Award by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy (also known as LUX European Audience Film Award).

With an impressive portfolio, he has collaborated with renowned literary figures such as James Ellroy, Colm Tibn, and David Grossman. His dedication to World Cinema was recognized in Queen Elizabeth’s 2021 Birthday Honours List with the prestigious OBE award (Order of the British Empire) which he received from the future King Charles. Moreover, Mr. Downeys influence extends beyond accolades; he has lent his expertise to numerous boards, charities and NGO’s and assumed the role of artistic director for some of the worlds most esteemed film festivals and organizations.

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“In diversity, there is beauty and strength,” remarked Maya Angelou, encapsulating the profound nature of universities as hubs for global immersion and comprehension. In the realm of universities playing a pivotal role in fostering global engagement and mutual understanding, the recent visit to India by 16 HSDC students (Havant & South Downs College, UK) through the UK Elite Sports Group (UKESG), and hosted by Manav Rachna Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) stands as a testament to international cooperation and exchange.

Rendezvous with legendary Kapil Dev

The UKESG visit emphasized Manav Rachna’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic atmosphere, aligning with its commitment to advancing global citizenship. This interaction highlighted the transformative power of international exchange programs in molding individuals into empathetic and globally aware citizens.

During their 17-day sojourn from February 20 to March 7, 2024 at the Manav Rachna campus, 16 HSDC students and faculty members including Team Leader Julio alongwith Mr Aaron Butson – Assistant Principal HSDC, Ms Bobbie Crown – Educational Visit Coordinator HSDC, and Mr Lakhbir Singh – COO UKESG, participated in a meticulously curated activities designed to imbue with not only domain specific knowledge but also a profound appreciation for kaleidoscopic tapestry of the Indian culture to provide them with domain-specific knowledge and a deeper understanding of Indian culture. From intensive football, cricket and shooting training sessions to engaging cultural immersion activities like bonfires musical evenings, and visits to historical monuments, the itinerary was packed with enriching experiences.

Upon their arrival in India on 20th February 2024, the delegates seamlessly transitioned into a series of activities, including culinary sessions, media workshops, shooting, creative workshops, bhangra sessions, and sports assessments at Manav Rachna Sports Science Centre. Moreover, the visit extended beyond the confines of Manav Rachnas campus, offering the delegates an opportunity to delve into the local milieu through visits to local markets, interactions with villagers, and much more. During their stay, the visiting students also forged lifelong bonds with Manav Rachna students.

An Insightful and Memorable Escapade

Delegates had the opportunity to visit iconic Indian landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and Akshardham, participate in design thinking session led by Adobe Expert and Sports Journalism workshops with India’s leading Sports Journalist, explore the local villages, trek in the Aravali range, and engage in yoga and meditation sessions. This intermingling of minds not only facilitated cross-cultural dialogue but also catalyzed the recognition of Manav Rachnas innovative educational practices on the global stage.

Dr. Amit Bhalla championed the vision of promoting international collaborations, while Dr. Hanu Bhardwaj, Director – Career Development, CRCDC, Ms. Ambika Vasudev, Head – Career Advancement, CRCDC and Mr. Agam Talwar – Administrator, Manav Rachna Sports Academy MREI, played pivotal roles in conceptualizing and executing the project.

Through such endeavors Manav Rachna has reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to cultivating cosmopolitan individuals endowed with the erudition, capabilities, and empathy requisite for flourishing in an interlinked world. As Manav Rachna navigates towards a brighter tomorrow, it remains resolute in its mandate to nurture a dynamic educational environment that empowers individuals to catalyze positive transformations in an ever-evolving global panorama.

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TiDB, the leading and advanced open-source distributed SQL database developed by PingCAP, participated in the 3rd edition of FinTech Festival India (FFI) at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), New Delhi. As a leader in open-source technology and a modern distributed SQL database compatible with MySQL, TiDB fostered collaborative discussions and showcased its innovative solutions to demonstrate the power of open-source platforms in driving advancements in the FinTech space in India.

Bhanu Jamwal, APAC Head of Presales and Solution Engineering at PingCAP, wins the Fintech Festival India 2024 award for TiDB in Remarkable Banking Software Infrastructure

Aligned with Indias vision for technological advancement and financial inclusion, PingCAP’s participation at FFI underscored its commitment to helping FinTech companies focus on growing their business without worrying about complex data infrastructure management. With a focus on scalable, reliable, and agile data infrastructure, TiDB developers PingCAP, from 6 to 8 March, engaged with the Indian FinTech community and highlighted the need for the FinTech industry to embrace modern database solutions. With the development of technology, the core banking system has evolved – from a traditional centralized system to a distributed, service-oriented architecture (SOA). The FinTech industry needs a robust system to support their complicated transactions. With data complexity rising, the need of the hour is a distributed SQL database which is highly available, scalable, resilient, and secure. It also delved into TIDB’s ability to solve the pain points seen with traditional database systems as well as enabling more agile development and faster go-to-market processes with a simplified architecture for data management.

TiDB emerged as a winner in the Remarkable Banking Software Infrastructure category at the FinTech Festival India (FFI) Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to PingCAPs outstanding contributions and excellence in the development and implementation of highly scalable financial software infrastructure solutions.

Honourable Cabinet Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendara Pradhan visited the PingCAP booth at the Festival and interacted with the PingCAP team

Speaking at the keynote session, Bhanu Jamwal, Head of Presales and Solution Engineering, APAC, PingCAP, the company behind TiDB, said, “Data explosion is a key factor impacting the FinTech sector today, demanding instantaneous scalability and reliability for uninterrupted customer services. TiDBs distributed SQL database is leading the charge by revolutionising how FinTech players can seamlessly manage their data while scaling their services and operations. It also enables them to maintain a high availability and deliver prime performance even under the most demanding workloads, making it an ideal solution for FinTechs fast-paced and data-driven world. Not to forget, maintaining consistency in financial data is of paramount importance for FinTech companies, ensuring they can provide customers with the most up-to-date snapshots of their financial status. TiDB offers that assurity on data consistently at all times.”

As part of the event, Sreedharma Vijayan, India Director of PingCAP, participated in a panel discussion on “Collaborative ecosystem propelling digital lending revolution” alongside industry experts and reflected on the bright future for open-source innovation in shaping tomorrow’s FinTech landscape. “At PingCAP, we recognize the imperative for an agile and scalable infrastructure to support the burgeoning digital lending revolution. Our cloud-native architecture and Kubernetes compatibility empower FinTech institutions to seamlessly adapt to evolving market demands. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, TiDB is at the forefront of propelling the digital lending revolution forward, ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and innovation for all stakeholders,” he added.

About PingCAP and TiDB

PingCAP was founded in 2015 by three software engineers from Global 5000 companies who wanted to build a new database system more scalable and reliable than MySQL.

The company’s flagship product, TiDB, is the most advanced, open source, distributed SQL database for building modern applications that are relentlessly elastic, versatile, and reliable. PingCAP is backed by Sequoia Capital, GGV Capital, Access Technology Ventures, Coatue Management, and others to help realize its mission: empower developers everywhere to distribute their data with speed, agility, and scale.

For more information, please visit www.pingcap.com.

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