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News18
26-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Centre To Hold High-Level Tourism Meeting In Pahalgam In Confidence-Building Push
Last Updated: The meeting, officials say, is intended not only to serve as a roadmap for tourism revival but also send a clear message---Kashmir is safe, open, and ready to welcome the world In a significant outreach to restore confidence in Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Centre is set to hold a high-level review meeting in the hill town on July 7 and 8. The meet, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, will bring together tourism secretaries from all states, who will pitch proposals to develop one globally iconic tourist destination each. The initiative follows a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other senior officials discussed strategies to reinvigorate tourism across the country. The Centre has since directed states to identify and submit detailed proposals for key destinations, with a focus on international appeal, local uniqueness, and sustainable infrastructure. To support the drive, the government has also roped in a panel of tourism and heritage experts to offer technical and professional guidance. While states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are already in advanced stages of proposal development, others such as Bihar have requested additional support. The initiative aligns with the Union Budget 2025's goal of creating 50 iconic tourism sites and complements the recent call by the prime minister during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting for each state to develop one standout destination capable of drawing global tourists. The government is also exploring plans to host international delegations in J&K as part of its confidence-building efforts. The choice of Pahalgam for the high-profile meeting is deeply symbolic. Known as the 'Valley of Shepherds', Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's most-visited destinations, famous for its alpine meadows, the Lidder River, and its role as the gateway to the Amarnath Yatra. But the area's reputation as a peaceful tourist haven was shaken on April 22 when terrorists attacked tourists, killing 26 people. The fallout has been immediate. Tourist arrivals in Pahalgam nosedived from 18,000 in April to just 3,000 in June, ringing alarm bells in the hospitality sector. To honour those killed in the attack and reassure future visitors, the Jammu & Kashmir administration has discussed plans with the Centre to build a memorial near the site of the incident. The design is currently being finalised, and the structure is expected to be completed within six months. Officials say the memorial will stand as a symbol of resilience and remembrance—a permanent tribute to the lives lost. Shekhawat, who visited J&K recently, reiterated the Centre's commitment to ensuring safety and rebuilding trust among travellers. The upcoming meeting in Pahalgam, officials say, is intended not only to serve as a strategic roadmap for tourism revival but also to send a clear message: Kashmir is safe, open, and ready to welcome the world.
United News of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
PM: Pahalgam attack an onslaught on India's unity, Op Sindoor was befitting reply
Gangtok May 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to those who unleashed terror in India and challenged the country's unity and integrity. Modi was addressing virtually to mark Sikkim Statehood Day after his scheduled Gangtok visit was cancelled owing to worsening weather condition for flying helicopter. The PM said Operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to those who unleashed terror in India. He said the Pahalgam terror attack was an onslaught on India's unity as the terrorists gunned down 25 vacationers and a local at J&K's Pahalgam on April 22. He said the landlocked Sikkim's increasing organic exports were a big achievement for the state and for this, the connectivity was the main focus of the Centre to make it a success. He said the Sevoke-Rangpo project linking Sikkim with the nearest railway link in Siliguri would pave the way for huge development. Modi said Sikkim's rich biodiversity has set examples in nature conservation for the nation. The PM said the NDA government has dedicated itself to making India a sports superpower and "we want Northeast to move in this direction", referring to the outstanding improvement in sports and games which hugely contributed to the country winning laurels at the global sporting events. The PM, for his inability to remain physically to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood, said he wanted to be a part of this celebration with the Sikkimese people, who gathered in thousands in Palzor Stadium to listen to him. "I left Delhi early in the morning and reached Bagdogra, but the weather prevented me from going further," Modi said virtually from Bagdogra airport. "I apologise to all of you," Modi reiterated on his inability to be physically present in Sikkim. " But as the Chief Minister has invited me, I assure you that whenever the state government decides, I will come to Sikkim and attend the celebrations of Sikkim completing 50 years of statehood," Modi said as the people thunderously applauded of his assurance. During the NITI Aayog Governing Council's meeting in Delhi, Modi said that every state should develop such tourist destinations that can establish themselves internationally. "The time has come for Sikkim to become a global tourist destination as Sikkim has a vast potential for adventure and sports tourism," he said. "Our dream is to make Sikkim a hub of conferences, wellness, and concert tourism. I want the world's biggest artists to perform in the valleys of Gangtok. We conducted G20 meetings in Sikkim so the world could understand the state's potential. I am glad that the NDA government in Sikkim is making this vision a reality," PM Modi said. "Today, I want to show appreciation to the farmers of Sikkim with an open heart. Sikkim is at the forefront of the new trend of agriculture towards which the country is moving today," he said. To promote Sikkim's organic basket, the Centre was constructing the country's first Organic Fishery Cluster in the state, he said. This will generate new opportunities for the youth of Sikkim, the PM said. Welcoming the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood will continue for a year. He requested the PM to attend these celebrations "at least once; we will be very grateful." UNI PC PRS
Mint
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
'Karara Jawab': Operation Sindoor was India's stern answer to Pakistan, says PM Modi on Sikkim statehood day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India gave a stern answer 'karara jawab' to Pakistan and the teerrorits through Operation Sindoor. Modi, addressing a rally in Sikkim virtually, said that in Pahalgam attack, terrorists did not just target India but the whole humanity. 'We send a clear message to terrorists and their patrons. In Operation Sindoor we gave a 'karara jawab' stern answer to them. Frustrated Pakistan tried to attack our citizens and soldiers. But Pakistan was exposed and we destroyed their airbases,' Modi said. PM Modi was scheduled to visit Sikkim to participate in the 'Sikkim@50: Where Progress meets purpose and nature nurtures growth' programme at around 11 AM. But he could not travel due to inclement weather. Modi, however, spoke to the gathering virtually. 'Tourism is not just entertainment but a celebration of diversity. But what terrorists did in Pahalgam, that was not just attack on India but an attack on humanity's soul. It was an attack on brotherhood. They tried to divide Indians. But, today the world is watching that India is united than before,' he said. Two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, India on 7 May conducted precision strikes on at least nine terror camps in Pakistan in what is now known as 'Operation Sindoor'. India and Pakistan indulged in four days of military action post Operation Sindoor. The two nations agreed on an understanding to halt military action on 10 May. Modi also laid the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects in Sikkim on the occasion of statehood day. Modi virtually lays the foundation and inaugurates multiple development projects in Sikkim, including a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over ₹ 750 crore in Namchi district, Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District, and the statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District. "50 years ago, Sikkim chose a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim felt a deep desire to connect with the soul of India, along with its geography. There was a belief that when everyone's voice is heard and everyone's rights are protected, equal opportunities for development would follow. Today, I can confidently say that the faith of every family in Sikkim has grown stronger," Modi said on the occasion. Modi said that during the NITI Aayog Governing Council's meeting in Delhi, he had said that every state should develop such tourist destinations that can establish themselves internationally. "The time has come for Sikkim to become a global tourist destination... Sikkim also has a vast potential for adventure and sports tourism... Our dream is to make Sikkim a hub of conferences, wellness, and concert tourism... I want the world's biggest artists to perform in the valleys of Gangtok. We conducted G20 meetings in Sikkim so the world could understand the state's potential. I am glad that the NDA government in Sikkim are making this vision a reality."
The Print
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
BJP slams CM Siddaramaiah for skipping NITI Aayog meeting, says Karnataka deserves better
He accused Siddaramaiah of desperately clinging to a slipping chair and focusing more on appeasing the Congress high command. Bengaluru, May 25 (PTI) Slamming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for not attending the 10th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council in New Delhi, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP on Sunday said Karnataka deserves better. Sources close to the Chief Minister cited a 'prior engagement' in the state as the reason for Siddaramaiah skipping the meeting in New Delhi on Saturday and said he had sent his speech to be read out at the council. They clarified that the Chief Minister did not 'boycott' the meeting. 'The Congress government in Karnataka, unable to hide its complete lack of development work, keeps harping about what the Centre owes, as if blaming Delhi will somehow cover up its failures. But governance is not a blame game or a chorus of complaints; it is a shared responsibility built on cooperation and commitment to the people,' Vijayendra posted on 'X'. Noting that when Narendra Modi invites every Chief Minister for the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council to shape the shared vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, CM Siddaramaiah chooses to skip, he said, 'This isn't just one leader missing one meeting—it's a deliberate withdrawal from opportunities that could shape Karnataka's future.' 'A Chief Minister desperate to cling to a slipping chair, more focused on appeasing his high command than uplifting his people, continues to place politics over progress. But can true governance ever succeed when politics is prioritised above the people?' he asked, adding that Karnataka deserves better. Later, speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Vijayendra urged Siddaramaiah to tell the people of the state why he did not attend the NITI Aayog meeting. 'Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states like Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin attended the meeting, but, unfortunately, our CM Siddaramaiah did not. He should tell the people why he did not attend or whether he boycotted it,' he said. 'This Chief Minister and government, along with its ministers and MLAs, can stage protests in Delhi against the central government, but cannot attend such an important meeting. It seems doing politics is more important to this CM than the development of the state,' the state BJP chief added. 'This is an injustice to the state. Since becoming Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah has chosen a path of confrontation with the central government, which will do no good for Karnataka,' he said. Pointing out that the CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar have time to hold the government's two-year celebration in Hosapete, attend the IPL match at Chinnaswamy Stadium, and go to Delhi to knock on the high command's door when their chair is in trouble, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Assembly R Ashoka said they don't have time or interest to attend the NITI Aayog meeting, which was attended by the PM and CMs of all states. He also noted that the CM and Deputy CM did not attend the World Economic Forum meeting held in Davos. 'Why do people like you need politics and public life? For the Congress party, politics is just about having fun and enjoying power; it has no interest or commitment to public welfare or development,' Ashoka added. PTI KSU SSK ADB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
PM Modi lauds Andhra Pradesh growth blueprint; urges states to study CM Naidu's reforms
VIJAYAWADA: Impressed with the growth blueprint presented by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that all the states study the reforms of Andhra Pradesh. 'There could be a lot of inputs in the AP's blueprint for growth for other states also, he said. While explaining the state government's ideas, plans and goals in detail, Naidu highlighted the objectives of Swarnandhra Vision, which is part of achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. 'There is a favourable atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh for investments, and for the overall development of the State,' he said. He particularly highlighted the available natural resources, geographical advantages, the power of youth, the urban and rural synergy model, and technology, which he termed the most advantageous issues of the State. He told the NITI Aayog meeting that besides the available advantages of AP, plans are also being implemented to reach the target of $2.4 trillion GSDP by 2047 through new policies, data-centric planning and governance.
