Latest news with #GajendraSinghShekhawat
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Onus on youth to make India addiction-free: Shekhawat
Varanasi: Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasised role of youth in achieving the goal of a developed India, stating that addiction was not a personal issue but a factor in destruction of collective consciousness. He highlighted need to free misguided youth from addiction and integrate their energy positively. During a technical session at Youth Spiritual Summit held in Varanasi on Saturday, Shekhawat said India was moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation and role of youth in this journey was extremely important. He highlighted addiction as major obstacle in way to a developed India and said youth needed to work towards eradicating this epidemic. He said that under leadership of PM rime Minister Narendra Modi, India was progressing rapidly with a collective resolve and it was essential to free youth from addiction and bring them into mainstream and harness their energy. He said India's influence was such that every event here impacted the entire world. "Within 30 years of India's Independence, world saw end of colonialism," said Shekhawat, adding, youth could contribute to making India addiction-free and thereby inscribe their names in the pages of history. TNN
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab governor discusses pending issues of Chandigarh with Union ministers in Delhi
1 2 Chandigarh: Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria met Union ministers in Delhi on Friday and took several pending issues of Chandigarh with them for early resolution. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (minister for tourism) and Bhupender Yadav (minister for environment, forest and climate change) were in New Delhi to discuss critical developmental issues concerning Chandigarh and Punjab, particularly in the areas of public transport, tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. In his meeting with Manohar Lal Khattar (minister for housing and urban affairs), the governor raised the pending matter regarding the sanctioning of 328 electric buses for Chandigarh under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. He urged early approval of these buses on the GCC model to replace the aging fleet of CTU and CCBSS, most of which will complete their operational life between 2025 and 2027, in line with the 15-year cap on diesel vehicles as notified by the ministry of road transport and highways. The governor also requested the expedited issuance of the letter of award for the 100 electric buses already sanctioned in Oct 2023, emphasising the need for their delivery before Nov 2025 to ensure continuity in public transport services. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Trend Is Changing Bridal Beauty vividtrendlab Undo He assured that necessary vehicle scrapping certificates would be provided through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) in support of the ministry's green mobility efforts. In his meeting with the Union minister of civil aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the governor discussed the need to strengthen both domestic and international air connectivity from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, in view of the growing demand from residents of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the UT. He highlighted that Chandigarh airport serves as a crucial gateway for the entire northern region, especially for the people of Punjab and the adjoining areas. Kataria emphasised that enhanced connectivity — particularly direct international flights — would significantly boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and support the economic aspirations of the region. The Union minister assured that the ministry would actively explore possibilities and work with all stakeholders, including airlines and airport operators, to improve connectivity and upgrade passenger facilities at the airport. Kataria also called on Union minister for tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss tourism development projects in Chandigarh. The governor stressed the need for strategic investments to strengthen the city's tourism infrastructure in alignment with its heritage, environmental values, and rising tourist footfall. He underlined the importance of bolstering tourism and transport links to religious, cultural, and administrative hubs to support regional growth and ease of travel. In a separate meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw (minister for railways), the governor highlighted the need to enhance rail connectivity between Takhat Sachkhand Hazur Sahib, Nanded, and Punjab-Chandigarh, including Tarn Taran Sahib, to meet increasing passenger demand and facilitate pilgrim travel. He also called for improved rail links between Udaipur and Chandigarh, which would significantly benefit passengers traveling between Rajasthan and the UT. As part of his engagements in the capital, the governor also paid a courtesy call on Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change. Discussions focused on environmental priorities and sustainable development issues relevant to Chandigarh and Punjab, in light of the growing emphasis on climate-conscious governance. Chandigarh: Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria met Union ministers in Delhi on Friday and took several pending issues of Chandigarh with them for early resolution. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (minister for tourism) and Bhupender Yadav (minister for environment, forest and climate change) were in New Delhi to discuss critical developmental issues concerning Chandigarh and Punjab, particularly in the areas of public transport, tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. In his meeting with Manohar Lal Khattar (minister for housing and urban affairs), the governor raised the pending matter regarding the sanctioning of 328 electric buses for Chandigarh under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. He urged early approval of these buses on the GCC model to replace the aging fleet of CTU and CCBSS, most of which will complete their operational life between 2025 and 2027, in line with the 15-year cap on diesel vehicles as notified by the ministry of road transport and highways. The governor also requested the expedited issuance of the letter of award for the 100 electric buses already sanctioned in Oct 2023, emphasising the need for their delivery before Nov 2025 to ensure continuity in public transport services. He assured that necessary vehicle scrapping certificates would be provided through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) in support of the ministry's green mobility efforts. In his meeting with the Union minister of civil aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the governor discussed the need to strengthen both domestic and international air connectivity from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, in view of the growing demand from residents of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the UT. He highlighted that Chandigarh airport serves as a crucial gateway for the entire northern region, especially for the people of Punjab and the adjoining areas. Kataria emphasised that enhanced connectivity — particularly direct international flights — would significantly boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and support the economic aspirations of the region. The Union minister assured that the ministry would actively explore possibilities and work with all stakeholders, including airlines and airport operators, to improve connectivity and upgrade passenger facilities at the airport. Kataria also called on Union minister for tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss tourism development projects in Chandigarh. The governor stressed the need for strategic investments to strengthen the city's tourism infrastructure in alignment with its heritage, environmental values, and rising tourist footfall. He underlined the importance of bolstering tourism and transport links to religious, cultural, and administrative hubs to support regional growth and ease of travel. In a separate meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw (minister for railways), the governor highlighted the need to enhance rail connectivity between Takhat Sachkhand Hazur Sahib, Nanded, and Punjab-Chandigarh, including Tarn Taran Sahib, to meet increasing passenger demand and facilitate pilgrim travel. He also called for improved rail links between Udaipur and Chandigarh, which would significantly benefit passengers traveling between Rajasthan and the UT. As part of his engagements in the capital, the governor also paid a courtesy call on Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change. Discussions focused on environmental priorities and sustainable development issues relevant to Chandigarh and Punjab, in light of the growing emphasis on climate-conscious governance.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Government aims to raise share of tourism in economy to 10%: Union Minister Shekhawat
The government is committed to raising the contribution of tourism in the country's economy to 10 per cent by 2047, in line with global levels, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday He said that at present, the tourism sector contributes between 5-6 per cent to India's economy. 'The growth in India's economy is expected to double every 8 years. Today, the size of our economy is $4 trillion, and it is likely to reach close to $32 trillion by 2047. When the economy reaches around $32 trillion, our commitment is that the contribution of tourism should become 10 per cent, which would be equivalent to the global parameters. This is inevitable,' Shekhawat said in his address at CII YiFi Entrepreneurship Summit 2025. He said the tourism sector in the country is going to witness a compounded annual growth rate of 24 per cent. The minister said that every state in India, with its rich diversity and unique cultural identity, offers varied experiences to tourists from around the world. He said that nearly a decade ago, the biggest challenge to the development of tourism in the country was inadequate infrastructure, he said. 'The Narendra Modi-led government has addressed infrastructure in such a manner that it has opened a wide horizon for the growth of tourism in our country,' Shekhawat said. He said in the last one year, close to one crore global tourists have arrived in India. This number may look smaller as compared to the number of tourists visiting countries such as Thailand (4 crore), Switzerland (3 crore) and Dubai (2.5 crore), annually. However, unlike India, these new tourist destinations have zero potential to attract domestic tourists. He stated that when it comes to spiritual tourism, India has no competition. The minister also emphasised that while the sector should focus on growth, it should be done in a sustainable manner.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
India and Russia reaffirm commitment to strengthen cultural ties
Delhi: India and Russia on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cultural and tourism ties during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi between Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Denis Alipov, the Ambassador of Russia to India. The discussions were focused on enhancing India's participation in upcoming cultural events in Russia, and broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian realm. Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), were also present at the meeting. "On July 18, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov met with Indian Minister of Culture and Tourism G S Shekhawat. During the conversation, issues of bilateral humanitarian cooperation and intercultural dialogue, as well as prospects for expanding tourist exchange between the two countries were discussed," the Russian Embassy in India posted on X. The meeting was part of a broader diplomatic agenda to deepen cultural dialogue and facilitate greater people-to-people ties between the two nations. Both the sides expressed their interests in developing sustained engagement through joint cultural initiatives as well as boosting bilateral tourism. A nine-day 'Bharat Utsav' – or Festival of India - was recently held in Moscow's Manezhnaya Square from July 5-13, celebrating India's rich culture, yoga, cuisine and crafts. The event was held as part of the major project 'Summer in Moscow', that brought together the Russian capital's most vibrant events – more than 1,000 festivals and cultural events, workshops, sports and educational activities. India and Russia have deep and historic cultural linkages. The famous Russian artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich eventually settled in Himachal Pradesh. Writers like Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin had a profound influence on Indian literature and thought. Leading Russian universities and institutions teach Indian languages. Indian cinema was especially popular in the Soviet period with screenings in most major cities and urban centres. The popularity and ubiquity of Indian movies and actors is remembered fondly even today. Yoga is also immensely popular across Russia.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bastille Day in Delhi channels Cannes glamour
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism, with French Ambassador Thierry Mathou Inspired by the French Riviera, the French Embassy's Bastille Day celebration brought a touch of Cannes glamour to Delhi. Guests walked the red carpet, posed at a Cannes-style photo station, and soaked in the atmosphere as a live jazz set played timeless classics like Fly Me To The Moon. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, posed with his wife Sarah Watterson at a Cannes-style photo station, striking a pose on the red carpet rolled out for the French Riviera-themed evening; EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin 'India and France are both committed to accelerating partnership' You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The evening opened with soulful renditions of the Indian and French national anthems by the Neemrana Foundation, followed by an address by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou. Highlighting the South of France, he referred to the recent political visits, high-level summits, and Cannes, which saw strong Indian representation this year. He started his address with a 'namaste' and said, 'Both the nations are committed to accelerating partnership across three pillars of India-France Horizon 2047 roadmap. The first pillar is security and sovereignty, the second is the partnership for the planet, and the third is for the people… The agenda is to diversify and intensify cooperation in fields like scientific exchanges, student exchanges and culture. Long live India-France friendship.' In 2026, innovation will be the mantra defining the next chapter of Indo-France partnership, while culture remains the bedrock on which our strategic partnership is built. Vive la France. Jai Hind Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli; German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann with the French Ambassador 'Culture is the living bridge between our people' Gajendra Singh Shekhawat , Minister of Culture and Tourism, who was the chief guest at the event, remarked, 'Culture is the living bridge between our people. Festivals like Bonjour India and Namaste France are not just events but celebrations of the dynamic cultural fusion, bringing our traditions, cinema and culinary arts closer to each other's shores.' Emily in Delhi: Orphée from Agence Française de Développement brought a dash of Emily in Paris flair to the celebrations Guests savoured French breads and ballotines, which added to the evening's Riviera charm. Chetan Seth; Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner with husband Sean Reynolds Chilean Ambassador Juan Angulo, Cécile Mathou, Mexican Ambassador Federico Salas Lotfe Ambassador of Malta Reuben Gauci with Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk; Belgian Ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt
