Category Archives: News

India Must Shift From Tourism Promotion to Destination Competitiveness: Official

Thiruvananthapuram, June 5: India must move beyond a promotion-driven tourism strategy and focus on building globally competitive destinations that offer high-quality visitor experiences, Union Tourism Additional Secretary and Director General Suman Billa said on Thursday.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

Addressing the Global Travel Mart (GTM) 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, Billa said India’s strong economic growth, rising incomes, expanding infrastructure, and digital connectivity have created a strong foundation for tourism expansion. However, he noted that the sector is still operating below its full potential.

He said growing aspirations among India’s expanding middle class, combined with easier travel access and the influence of social media, have significantly increased demand for travel and new experiences. At the same time, he added, the country must now focus on converting this demand into sustained destination-led growth.

Highlighting structural changes in the sector, Billa pointed out that India’s airport network has more than doubled in the past decade to over 150 airports, while highways and expressways have significantly improved domestic connectivity. Despite this, he said, tourism growth has not kept pace with the country’s broader economic expansion.

He noted that while international tourist arrivals have nearly doubled to around 20 million in the last decade, outbound travel by Indians has grown much faster, making India a net spender in global tourism flows.

At the same time, he described domestic tourism as a major success story, with Indians undertaking nearly four billion domestic trips annually, making it one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the world.

Billa emphasized that tourism remains one of the most powerful employment-generating sectors, supporting not only hotels and transport services but also farmers, artisans, local entrepreneurs, and small businesses across the value chain.

Calling for a strategic shift, he said the future of tourism lies in creating meaningful, high-quality experiences rather than simply increasing room capacity or visitor numbers. He stressed that travellers today seek authenticity, culture, and emotional connection with destinations.

“Visitors should leave with a lasting impression of India’s culture, values, and hospitality,” he said, adding that destinations must focus on end-to-end experience design.

He also observed that Indian states, including Kerala, now compete with global destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, making quality and competitiveness more important than ever.

Billa suggested that Kerala focus on strengthening infrastructure such as airport connectivity, public transport, sanitation, water supply, traffic management, and overall destination cleanliness to improve visitor experience. He also proposed developing at least ten world-class tourism destinations in the state over the next five years, along with new signature tourism products.

The remarks were made during the second edition of GTM 2026, a major travel trade event bringing together more than 1,000 domestic and international buyers, including tour operators, hotel groups, airlines, and travel technology companies.

The three-day event, organised by industry bodies in association with Kerala Tourism and India Tourism, features over 200 exhibitors showcasing hospitality services, wellness tourism, wedding tourism, cruise offerings, homestays, and experiential travel products. Dedicated zones highlight Ayurveda, yoga, culture, and heritage experiences, along with business networking and B2B meetings aimed at strengthening India’s tourism ecosystem.

The event is expected to generate new partnerships and enhance India’s positioning as a competitive global tourism destination.

Amdavad Hosts Historic First World Yogasana Championship as Yogasana Takes a Major Step onto the Global Sporting Stage

 Amdavad, June 5: Amdavad etched its name in sporting history on Thursday as the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 got underway at EKA Arena TransStadia, bringing together more than 500 athletes from 78 countries for the first-ever global championship dedicated to Yogasana sport.

Declaring the championship open, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described the event as the beginning of a new era for Yogasana. “Today, from the land of Amdavad, in the sports legacy of the world, a new chapter has been joined. Today, the first World Yogasana Sports Championship has begun,” the Prime Minister said while welcoming athletes from across the world.

Expressing confidence in the future of the discipline, Shri Modi said, “I am sure that in the future, Yogasana will also make its place in international sports. This World Yogasana Championship happening in Amdavad is going to be a stepping stone in helping Yogasana be part of major sporting events like Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”

The championship marks a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana, transforming an ancient Indian practice into a globally competitive sporting discipline and strengthening its pathway towards international sporting recognition.

Calling the occasion historic, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said the scale of participation demonstrated the growing global appeal of Yogasana. “When the first football World Cup took place, only 13 countries participated. Today, in the first edition of World Yogasana Championship, 78 countries from all over the world are present,” he said.

Emphasising the values that Yogasana represents, Dr. Mandaviya added, “When the world talked about Shakti, India talked about balance.” He further noted that, “Through Yogasana, we are spreading it in the form of sports around the world.”

Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the sport’s growth, stating that Yogasana is set to be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Amdavad while efforts are underway to strengthen its pathway towards future Olympic inclusion.

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel welcomed athletes, delegates and dignitaries from around the world and expressed pride in Amdavad hosting the inaugural edition of the championship. “It is a matter of great pride that Amdavad is hosting the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026. I welcome athletes, dignitaries, guests and media representatives from across the world who have gathered here for this historic occasion. Together, your presence adds great significance to the inauguration of this championship. This event will be a great spectacle for the world and I extend my best wishes for the championship to be fruitful and a grand success,” Shri Patel said.

Yogrishi Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj, Honourable President, World Yogasana said, “Today marks an important occasion as participants from across the world come together for the first World Yogasana Championship. Millions of young people are embracing Yogasana as a sport and as a path to personal growth. While this championship is a competition, it is also a journey of self-discovery, self-discipline and self-improvement. Today, a new chapter has been written in the history of Yogasana.”

Dr Jaideep Arya, Secretary General, World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat said, “We have to master our posture, but we have to master ourselves also. This is yoga. Yoga is a journey from the outside world to inside. Through Yogasana sport, we are creating a platform where athletes can showcase not only physical excellence, but also balance, discipline and mental strength. We must not only improve our posture, but also train our minds to remain balanced and adaptable in every situation.”

Udit Sheth, President, Yogasana Bharat, said “The world is ready for Yogasana sport. This championship is not merely a competition. It is about showcasing discipline, excellence, balance, focus and the limitless potential of the human spirit. Through Yogasana sport, we are creating a new avenue for young people across the world to embrace the yoga way of life through sport, aspiration and excellence. Today, with athletes from 78 countries gathered in Amdavad, we are witnessing a historic moment in the global journey of Yogasana.”

Hosts India have fielded a 122-member contingent, with athletes competing across six age categories in Individual Events, Artistic Events and Traditional Group categories over the next five days.

The championship will also feature an Electronic Scoring System at the global level for the first time, enhancing transparency, consistency and judging standards, while 32 international judges and 51 national judges will officiate during the competition.

With athletes from 78 nations converging in Amdavad, the inaugural World Yogasana Championship has not only created history for the city and the country but has also signalled the arrival of Yogasana as a truly global competitive sport.

How to Dress for & Host in Soccer Summer Sustainably, Affordably, and Full of Team Spirit

Seattle, WA June 2, 2026. With global excitement building around the FIFA World Cup, fans everywhere are getting ready for watch parties, international pride, and nonstop soccer energy. Whether you’re gathering friends at home or heading out to celebrate with fellow fans, you don’t need an official jersey—or a big budget—to get into the spirit. Thrifting offers a creative, sustainable way to show your team pride and host memorable match-day gatherings.

What to Wear When You Don’t Have a Jersey

No official kit? No problem. Thrifting makes it easy to show your team pride with creative, one-of-a- kind looks:

• For Team USA: Look for white and red striped shirts—an easy, recognizable nod to national colors that’s simple to thrift.

• Retro soccer jerseys: Keep an eye out for vintage international kits or local club gear—they add authenticity and a unique edge.

• Color blocking: Build an outfit around your team’s palette using basics like tees, jackets, and accessories.

• Athletic wear: Tops, hats, sneakers, and other pieces can mirror team colors and styles. Pair bold colors with classic denim or neutral basics for a balanced, wearable look.

Style tip: Balance bold colors with neutral staples like denim or solid basics to keep the look wearable beyond match day.

Thriftable Hosting Essentials for Match-Day Watch Parties

Hosting a World Cup watch party? Skip disposable décor and build a reusable, visually striking setup with secondhand finds:

• Serveware in team colors like red, white, and blue—or mix and match pieces to reflect the countries playing that day.

• Platters and bowls for passing and sharing snacks like chips, fruit, or sliders.

• Glassware, mason jars, or reusable cups for beverages that minimize waste.

• Table linens or scarves in bold colors that can double as décor and conversation starters.

Pro tip: Choose a versatile color theme you can reuse throughout the tournament—or adapt it as different teams play.

Why Thrifting Matters This World Cup

Celebrating the World Cup through secondhand finds isn’t just cost-effective—it’s impactful. When you thrift your outfits, décor, and hosting supplies, you help reduce waste and extend the life of quality goods. With Evergreen Goodwill, you also support community programs that create pathways to jobs and economic mobility.

AI Must Complement, Not Replace Journalists, Say Experts at Digital Pahchan Event

New Delhi: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, a special dialogue and panel discussion on “New Technologies, AI, and the Future of Agriculture and Health Journalism” was recently organized by Digital Pahchan. The event brought together media professionals, communication experts, and thought leaders to discuss the transformative role of AI in journalism and its broader impact on society.

The discussion extended beyond technology, focusing on how AI is influencing agriculture, healthcare, media, and the overall information ecosystem. Speakers highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies and emphasized the need for responsible adoption.

Addressing the gathering, a keynote speaker spoke about the growing influence of AI in journalism and its implications for the future of newsrooms. He noted that AI is increasingly being used in content creation, research, data analysis, translation, fact-checking, and audience engagement.

“Learning AI is not merely about mastering new tools. It is about understanding when, why, where, and how these tools should be used effectively,” he said.

He emphasized that AI is not a replacement for journalists but a powerful collaborator that can enhance their capabilities and productivity. At the same time, he cautioned against challenges such as bias, misinformation, deepfakes, lack of transparency, and accountability issues. According to him, every AI-generated output must undergo rigorous ethical review, bias assessment, and fact-checking before publication.

The event featured insightful contributions from several distinguished speakers. Veteran journalist Uday Kumar shared valuable perspectives on editorial practices in the evolving media landscape. Amitabh Agnihotri discussed the changing nature of media and its growing responsibilities in the digital age, while Raja Ram Tripathi highlighted critical issues related to agriculture, environmental sustainability, and grassroots India.

Participants agreed that achieving the vision of a Developed India by 2047 will require a robust, trustworthy, and technology-driven information ecosystem. They stressed that while AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future, its success will depend on responsible use, human judgment, and ethical standards.

The speakers also expressed gratitude to the Digital Pahchan team for organizing the event and creating a platform for meaningful discussions on the intersection of technology, journalism, and social development.

The discussion concluded with a shared understanding that the future of AI is not solely about technological advancement but also about responsibility, credibility, and human wisdom—qualities that will be essential in building an informed and resilient society.

TERI, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Sign MoU to Strengthen Indo-Swedish Sustainability Collaboration

New Delhi, June 4: In a significant move to deepen Indo-Swedish cooperation in the field of environmental sustainability, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 3, 2026, at TERI’s India Habitat Centre office in New Delhi.

The agreement establishes a strategic framework for collaboration on key areas including sustainability, climate action, resource efficiency, circular economy, and environmental innovation. The partnership is expected to foster knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and the development of scalable solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

Welcoming the Swedish delegation, Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, TERI, underscored the significance of the partnership in advancing shared sustainability goals.

“Through this partnership, we aim to co-create tangible, impactful, scalable, and inclusive solutions. The collaboration aligns closely with India’s ambitious sustainability agenda and Sweden’s global leadership in environmental innovation,” Seth said.

Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Anna Söderholm, Executive Vice President, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, said the MoU marks the beginning of a promising long-term engagement between the two institutions.

“We are delighted to begin this cooperation through the MoU and look forward to expanding our collaboration across diverse areas in the future,” Söderholm stated.

The partnership reflects the growing strategic relationship between India and Sweden in the areas of climate resilience, sustainable development, and green transition. By combining TERI’s extensive experience in sustainability research and policy advocacy with IVL’s expertise in environmental science and innovation, the two organizations aim to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and the implementation of practical solutions for environmental challenges.

Officials from both institutions noted that the collaboration will focus on developing research-driven approaches that support sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, and inclusive growth while strengthening international cooperation on environmental issues.

The MoU is expected to pave the way for joint projects, expert exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative studies that contribute to a sustainable, climate-resilient future for both countries and the global community.

El Niño Threat Looms Large: June–August Period May Witness Drought-Like Conditions

Bhubaneswar, June 4 (BNP): Concerns are mounting over the possible impact of El Niño on weather patterns this year, with meteorologists warning that the climate phenomenon could trigger drought-like conditions across several regions between June and August. The development has raised fresh apprehensions about rainfall deficiency, agricultural productivity, and water availability during the crucial monsoon season.

Representational image

El Niño, a naturally occurring climate event, is marked by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Though it originates thousands of kilometres away from India, its influence extends globally, often disrupting rainfall patterns and intensifying extreme weather events.

Scientists explain that under normal conditions, strong trade winds push warm ocean waters toward Asia and Australia while allowing cooler, nutrient-rich waters to rise near the South American coast. During an El Niño event, these winds weaken or reverse, causing warm waters to shift eastward and altering atmospheric circulation patterns worldwide.

The resulting changes can significantly affect monsoon systems. In India, El Niño has historically been associated with weaker southwest monsoons and below-normal rainfall. Experts caution that a prolonged El Niño phase could reduce precipitation during the June-August period, increasing the risk of drought conditions in several states and impacting crop yields.

Beyond India, El Niño often causes severe droughts and heatwaves across parts of Asia and Australia, while bringing excessive rainfall and flooding to regions of North and South America. The phenomenon also contributes to a temporary rise in global temperatures by releasing vast amounts of heat from the Pacific Ocean into the atmosphere.

Agriculture experts are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation, as any significant shortfall in rainfall could affect sowing activities, water reservoirs, and food production. Authorities have also been urged to strengthen drought preparedness measures and promote efficient water management practices.

Climate scientists note that while El Niño is a natural part of Earth’s climate cycle, its impacts can be amplified by ongoing global warming, making weather extremes more intense and unpredictable.

With the southwest monsoon season approaching, weather agencies continue to track Pacific Ocean conditions closely to assess the extent of El Niño’s influence on India’s rainfall outlook in the months ahead.

Paradip Port Hospital Conducts Ebola Awareness and Preparedness Workshop

PARADIP, India — Paradip Port Hospital conducted an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) sensitization workshop aimed at enhancing awareness and preparedness among healthcare professionals and key port stakeholders.

The workshop focused on strengthening disease surveillance mechanisms, infection prevention and control measures, emergency response protocols, and public health safety practices. Participants were briefed on the identification, reporting, and management of potential Ebola cases, as well as strategies to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.

Officials said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to reinforce health security and emergency preparedness within the port ecosystem.

The programme underscored Paradip Port’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of employees, healthcare workers, and the wider port community through proactive public health measures and capacity-building initiatives.

World Environment Day: Rethinking Sustainability in the Built Environment

By:- Mr. Aakash Patel, Director, Atul Projects

The World Environment Day is a reminder sustainability within the built environment goes beyond having green features. It starts with good planning and design. As the world continues to urbanize and environmental problems become more apparent, developers are tasked with creating spaces where residents can use fewer resources while enjoying a higher quality of life. Things like natural ventilation, maximizing natural light, and integrating features like rainwater tanks, energy-efficient utilities, water-saving plumbing fixtures are now expected to be included in a developer’s plans as well as the greater landscape. Sustainable development can reduce the environmental impact and reduce the cost of operating a community; at the same time, it helps create a more liveable and resilient urban community. The future of real estate is going to be defined by how we manage growth and the environment with a focus on both long-term sustainability.

Kesari Home Launches Flagship Store at Kunj Mall, Vasant Kunj – Celebrating Heritage, Craftsmanship & Handmade Luxury

“At Kesari Home, we believe that every handcrafted piece should embody the spirit of the artisan and become a meaningful part of the customer’s journey, our flagship store is not merely a retail destination, but a tribute to India’s timeless craftsmanship and the artisan communities that preserve these invaluable traditions.” said Archana Nirula, Founder of Kesari Home.

“Curating this evening for my community was truly special because Kesari Home beautifully represents the soul of Indian craftsmanship and the stories woven into every handmade piece, It was wonderful to bring together people who genuinely appreciate heritage, artistry, and conscious luxury in such an intimate and inspiring setting. “Said Sunayana Chibba.

Cabinet Approves INR 3,936 Crore Four-Laning of Khagaria–Purnea Highway in Bihar

June 3: The Union Cabinet has approved the construction and upgradation of the Khagaria–Purnea highway corridor in Bihar into a four-lane road, with an estimated investment of ₹3,936 crore.

The project aims to significantly improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity across northern Bihar. Once completed, the upgraded highway will enhance road safety, facilitate smoother freight movement, and provide better access to key urban and rural areas along the route.

Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s broader infrastructure development push to strengthen national highways and improve last-mile connectivity. The project is also expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases.

The Khagaria–Purnea corridor is considered a crucial link for trade and transportation in the region, and its expansion is expected to support agricultural supply chains, local industries, and overall socio-economic development in Bihar.