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Srinagar to host ‘3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting’ from 22nd to 24th May

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#SRINAGAR: The ‘Third G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting’, will be held from 22nd to 24th May 2023 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This was informed by Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,  Arvind Singh while addressing a press conference at SKICC Srinagar today.

Giving details, Arvind Singh said, the stage is set for discussions and deliberations on final deliverables and there are two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group, which include GOA Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration.

This is the only working group meeting taking place in Srinagar as part of G20 effort with excellent response from all the member countries, all the invited countries and the international organisations, having the highest participation registered compared to the first two Tourism Working Group Meetings at Rann of Kutch and Siliguri.

Arvind Singh further said, G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations will give valuable inputs and feedback on these two draft documents and after negotiations with G20 Member Countries on these drafts, final versions will be placed in the ‘Fourth Tourism Working Group Meeting’.

Singh informed, the ‘3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting’ will deliberate on the five key priority areas namely Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. These priorities are key building blocks for accelerating the transition of the tourism sector and achieve the targets for 2030 SDGs.

Arvind Singh said that a side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ will be organized on 22nd and 23rd May 2023, focusing on strategies to promote film tourism in J&K. The event will witness the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. He also said that a draft ‘National Strategy on Film Tourism’ will be unveiled to provide a roadmap for harnessing the role of films in promoting tourist destinations.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator G20 said, that it is the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that the message of India’s G20 Presidency is taken to the grassroot level through active Jan Bhagidari . Shri Shringla appreciated the efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Government to sensitise the people about goals and purpose of G20 through multiple public activities.

Chief Secretary J&K, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta said, the change in J&K is evident on ground with the arrival of highest number of tourists (18.8 million) in 2022.

300 new tourist destinations will come  come up in Jammu and Kashmir seeing the influx of tourists with each destination providing enough to the tourists, said Dr. Mehta.

Dr. Mehta further said, the influx of highest number of foreign tourists to Jammu and Kashmir is a healthy sign for tourism in J&K.

During the 3rd Tourism Working Group meeting, the delegates will also visit the Art and Craft Bazaar organized by the State Government showcasing local handicrafts, work of artisans, signifying the importance of community participation. The delegates will also have ‘hands-on’ experience through DIY Activities at the Craft Bazaar.

During the press conference, it was also informed that the Ministry of Tourism is also promoting local products of Jammu and Kashmir by handing below souvenirs to delegates from ODOP like Paper Mache Box, Saffron from Pampore, Kawa Cups and Brass Spoon, Walnuts from Anantnag, Shopian and Kupwara.

This G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, welcomes the participation of delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations to collectively work towards advancing the tourism sector and achieving the UN sustainable development goals 2030.

The G20 event presents a unique opportunity to highlight the tourism potential and cultural richness of the region. A detailed presentation about the event was also made by Additional Secretary, Rakesh Verma, Additional Director General PIB Region, Rajinder Chaudhry and Secretary Tourism J&K, Syed Aabid Rasheed Shah were also present at the media briefing.

NTA defers CUET-UG examinations in Manipur, J&K

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NEW DELHI: The Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG) examinations were deferred by The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday deferred in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir

The exam was deferred to May 29 in Manipur in view of the law and order situation and to May 26 in Jammu and Kashmir to set up temporary centres to ensure that applicants do not have to go outside the Union territory to take the test, the NTA stated.

‘Twitter Blue Verified subscribers can now upload up to two-hour videos,’ says Elon Musk

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BUSINESS NEWS: Elon Musk on Thursday said Twitter Blue Verified subscribers will now be able to upload up to two-hour videos of up to 8 GB size on the social media platform.

“Twitter Blue Verified subscribers can now upload 2 hour videos (8GB)!” tweeted Musk on Thursday.

Arrangements for annual Kheer Bhawani Mela finalized at Ganderbal

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#GANDERBAL: The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Ganderbal, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah today convened a meeting of officers to finalize arrangements for annual Kheer Bhawani Mela which is being celebrated on May 28.

At the outset, discussions were held on lodging, bedding, repairing works, sanitation, barricading, establishment of joint control room, health facilities, parking of vehicles, fool-proof security and availability of essential commodities besides decoration of the temple.

The ADC directed the departments concerned for making necessary arrangements for uninterrupted power and drinking water supplies, transport, security, fire tenders, ration, bedding, medical camps, additional accommodations, medical facilities and other requisite arrangements.

The Municipality officials were directed to start intensive sanitation drives as well as approaching road stretches to the temple prior to Mela besides installing dustbins at appropriate places in the market.

The ADC discussed department-wise facilities provided for the devotees. He stressed on the concerned authorities to be proactive and make every possible effort for smooth conduct of the Mela.

He also directed the concerned to ensure intensive market checking at Tullamulla and inspection of langers is ensured.

While reviewing the arrangements for accommodation of devotees, it was informed that sufficient space has already been made available within the premises besides Government schools for additional accommodation are also identified for which the ADC directed for making all arrangements including bedding, water, electricity, cleanliness, etc well in advance.

He directed the officers concerned and representatives of Dharmarth Trust to ensure that the devotees coming to pay obeisance are provided with requisite facilities and foolproof mechanism should be put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the Mela.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Irfan Ahmad Giri, DYSP HQ, ACD, ACP, CMO and other district officers. Besides, representatives of Dharmarth Trust also attended the meeting.

Lt Governor interacts with the members of civil society groups

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#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with the members of civil society groups, members of PRIs, representatives of various organizations and discussed the upcoming G20 meeting at Srinagar.

 “G20 meeting is a historic opportunity for J&K UT to showcase its vibrant culture, traditions and tourism potential. It belongs to all the citizens and they should come forward and be a part of this historic event,” said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor also urged the civil society members to take advantage of this opportunity and encourage citizens, tourism and industry stakeholders to contribute to its grand success.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for providing a powerful platform of G20 meeting for connecting local and global aspirations.

“G20 meeting will give a new height to J&K’s growth, boost to limitless potential of tourism & hospitality sector and enhanced economic prosperity to all sections of society. It is also an opportunity for handicraft sector to script a bright future,” the Lt Governor said.

Addressing the members of civil society groups, the Lt Governor also talked about J&K’s journey on the path of accelerated development and the remarkable progress registered in various sectors since 2019.

“Never before had infrastructure development taken place at the kind of speed witnessed in the past 4 years. We are marching forward with the common vision of peace, progress and prosperity. Let us all re-dedicate ourselves to make this event a memorable one with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” said the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the revival of the Tourism sector, the Lt Governor said the sector was affected adversely due to covid pandemic but now it is recovering fast. We are making several interventions to give new momentum to tourism and hospitality sector, he added.

 Connectivity is the most important aspect not only for the tourism but also for overall development. More than 1.50 lakh crore rupees worth highways & tunnel projects are being executed and the improved road & rail connectivity have brought J&K closer to the world, the Lt Governor further added.

The Lt Governor also commended the contribution & cooperation of all stakeholders, civil society groups, eminent citizens in the preparations of the upcoming G20 event starting from 22nd May in Srinagar.

On the occasion, Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC;  Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Ms Safina Baig, DDC Chairperson Baramulla & Chairperson J&K Haj Committee; DDC Chairpersons, civil society members, representatives of various organizations and religious heads shared their valuable suggestions for making the G20 event at Srinagar a grand success. They also assured their support and cooperation in the smooth conduct of upcoming Mela Kheer Bhawani, Haj pilgrimage and Shri Amarnathji yatra.

Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, KVIB; R K Goyal, ACS, Home Department;  Dilbag Singh, DGP, senior officials of civil administration and Police were also present.

Sports has power to bind all: Secretary Sports Council

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SRINAGAR: The sports fields in J&K remained abuzz with activities both organized by J&K Sports Council and local clubs with a greater number of players adding to the aggregate of participants.

The number of activities held under My Youth My Pride module at Polo Ground Srinagar, today. The activities included Pencak Silat, Judo, Taekwondo, Kabaddi, and Rugby. The Sports Officer of Kashmir, Nuzhat Farooq presided over the function as the chief guest.

The event kicked off with a nail-biting Kabaddi match between J&K Police and ACME Sports Academy which the former won by a score of 23:19. In the Handball match played between J&K Police and Al-Murad Baramulla, J&K Police triumphed with the scoreboard reading 31:25 in their favour. Khelo India Girls Team and got better of Hoopstar Club by a narrow margin of 15:13 points in the Basketball clash. In another encounter in the same discipline which went down to the wire, the Khelo India Center Boys emerged as the winner over their opponents MET Warriors by a score of 53-:8.

Even as My Youth My Pride activities continue to attract huge crowd, the players equally receive due praise and support for their respective performances. Pertinently this module of activities is organized to promote sports in J&K and encourage youth to take part in sports activities.

Meanwhile, District Anantnag Rugby Championship-2023 was held at Delhi Public School, Anantnag in which more than 200 participants of different age groups from different areas of district Anantnag participated.

Apart from the regular coaching and training classes, various sports activities are taking place under floodlights to further the scope of sports in J&K. The events held during the night especially see a huge participation from the athletes. The activities of Football, Handball, Basketball and Lawn Tennis are adding vibrancy to the ambience and making venues the happening places.

Speaking on the sidelines of the events, Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull said that sports is emerging as the prime choice for the recreation of youth. The visuals from district Shopian in South Kashmir the other day where participants swelled in large numbers in the district stadium under Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign makes one realize the power of sports which binds all, she added.

The Volleyball Association of J&K during a Volleyball event in M.A Stadium Jammu today organized volleyball-exhibition matches for boys and girls. During the concluding ceremony Sports officer Jammu, Ashok Singh presided over the function and distributed prizes among the participating clubs. While speaking on the occasion he stressed upon the need to get involved in the sports activities for fitness and wellbeing.

Meanwhile, early in the morning a meeting convened by Ashok Singh Sports Officer pertaining to smooth functioning of Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Fencing was held in the meeting hall of MA Stadium Jammu. The selected athletes along with their parents, and KISCE staff was part of the meeting during which performance of each player was analyzed besides providing a weekly training schedule and stressing upon the punctuality for higher performance.

The participants were apprised about the guidelines of the programme besides discussion on hostel facilities and school admissions.

Pertinently the KISCE is an inhouse training facility where all the expenses of boarding and lodging of selected candidates including education is borne by the government.

Dogra Art Museum celebrates International Museum Day

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#JAMMU: Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir today celebrated International Museum Day 2023 here at #Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi.

 Every year 18th May is celebrated as International Museum Day across the world. The day is observed to celebrate the diversity of the cultural heritage and the efforts required for the preservation of our tangible and intangible heritage. The theme for this year’s International Museum Day was Museums, Sustainability and Well being.

Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Rajinder Sharma was the Chief Guest on the occasion. On the Special event, Rajinder Sharma unveiled the collection of Indian Postal Stamps of pre 1947 era that have been added to the collection of Dogra Art Museum and put on display for the first time.

Sharma, while interacting with the visiting students, reiterated the importance of heritage conservation and lauded the role of museums in heritage management and conservation.

The event started with lighting of the traditional lamp by Rajinder Sharma, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Assistant Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums Jammu and  Mukul Magotra,  Curator, Dogra Art Museum Jammu.

A powerpoint presentation on various monuments of Jammu division, describing their historical significance was also shown to the visitors as a special attraction to the event.

 Pardeep Kumar, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K is very keen and particular about spreading the awareness of Art and Culture to every nook and corner of the union territory. To give fillip to this objective, instructions have been imparted from the Director to make the event a grand success by inviting more and more people and institutions for the occasion so that a comprehensive awareness about Art & Cultural heritage is generated.

Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Assistant Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums Jammu, while speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of museums in imparting Cultural and non- formal education.

To mark the occasion a number of schools/colleges of Jammu have been invited to come to the Museum for familiarization and awareness about Dogra Art and Culture. A number of schools have visited the Museum where they have shown keen interest in craft, objects and artifacts which are on display inside the Museum. Students of Department of History, Cluster University of Jammu also participated in the event. The children of various schools are taken for a guided tour of various galleries of the Museum where they are made aware of history and significance of various art objects by well-trained guides. The event is curated and supervised by Mukul Magotra, Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Jammu.

Rana takes up with LG issue for conduct of CUET within J&K

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JAMMU: Sharing the concern of Jammu and Kashmir students appearing in the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) about their Centres being located outside the Union Territory, Senior BJP leader Mr Devender Singh Rana today sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Mr Manoj Sinha for setting up of the centres within J&K.

In a statement, Mr Devender Rana said the Lieutenant Governor has been kind enough to assure that the issue will be taken up at an appropriate forum for redressing the genuine grievances of the aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Rana expressed surprise over the decision of the National Testing Agency for allocating the J&K students centres outside the UT and not having made any arrangements for conducting tests locally at District or Tehsil levels. The move will discourage students belonging to financially disadvantaged families to undertake journeys outside the UT for appearing in the test. This is illogical and the decision needs to be reversed in the large interest of the candidates, he said, adding that the candidates had not preferred centres outside Jammu and Kashmir while exercising their options.

He expressed solidarity with the protesting students and hoped that the concerned agency will take a considerate view over the issue and have an adequate number of centres set up in Jammu and Kashmir for the convenience of the aspirants.

 

Sebi issues Rs.5.35-cr demand notice to Choksi

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#MUMBAI: Sebi on Thursday sent a notice to fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi asking him to pay Rs 5.35 crore in a case pertaining to fraudulent trading in the shares of Gitanjali Gems Ltd and warned of arrest and attachment of assets as well as bank accounts if he fails to make the payment within 15 days.

The demand notice came after Choksi failed to pay a fine imposed on him by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). Choksi, who was the chairman and managing director as well as part of promoter group of Gitanjali Gems, is the maternal uncle of Nirav Modi.

Div Com, ADGP review law & order situation in districts of Jammu division

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JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, along with Additional Director General of Police Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh today chaired a meeting to review the law and order situation in districts of the Jammu Division.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Avny Lavasa; Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu, Chandan Kohli; Deputy Director Intelligence Bureau were present in the meeting, while other Deputy Commissioners along with Senior Superintendents of Police participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

The meeting deliberated on a range of issues related to the security, law and order situation in the districts. The DCs and SSPs informed the chair about the measures put in place for maintaining peace and order to ensure security of the people.

The Senior Superintendents of Police were directed to strengthen nakas, keep check on suspicious movements and ensure there was no law and order situation in the districts. The SSPs were further instructed to stay vigilant against any attempt by any person or group to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the districts or indulge in any illegal activity.

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