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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Majority of Indian Travellers Embrace Sustainable Tourism in 2025, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App With sustainability rising as a central theme in global travel behaviour, latest Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 highlights a strong shift among Indian travellers towards more responsible tourism. Published ahead of World Environment Day, the 10th annual edition draws on insights from over 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, including to the report, 87 per cent of Indian travellers intend to travel more sustainably over the next year, emphasising habits such as waste reduction, greener modes of transport , and minimising energy consumption. About 52 per cent aim to use more eco-friendly transportation, 51 per cent plan to reduce waste, and 50 per cent are focused on conserving energy, while 45 per cent are also conscious of water usage during is also increasing sensitivity around food and wildlife impact. Nearly half (49 per cent ) of Indian travellers say they prefer sustainable accommodations, while 48 per cent intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities. Another 49 per cent are actively considering more mindful food now appears to be an expectation rather than a preference. data shows that 75 per cent of Indian travellers would like to filter tours and activities based on sustainability, followed by 74 per cent for stays, 72 per cent for car rentals, and 69 per cent for flights. However, while 61 per cent feel certified sustainable options may be more expensive, many are still likely to opt for them when clearly report also lists top Indian and global destinations offering credible third-party sustainability certifications, suggesting a rising demand for eco-verified travel Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at said, 'Indian travellers are demonstrating a clear and growing commitment to sustainable travel — not just in their intentions, but in their actions. From opting for greener transport and reducing waste, to actively seeking accommodations with credible sustainability credentials, Indians today are looking to make a meaningful difference.'
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Business Standard
87% of Indians choose eco travel: Here's top sustainable travel spots
As World Environment Day (June 5) approaches, Indian travellers are showing a remarkable shift in how they holiday, with sustainability becoming a top priority. According to 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report, 87 per cent of Indian tourists plan to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months, reflecting a rising awareness of eco-conscious tourism among Indians. Mindful travel choices take centrestage From cutting down on waste to choosing eco-friendly transport, Indian travellers are rethinking their vacation habits. found that: · 51 per cent aim to reduce waste · 50 per cent want to conserve energy during travel · 45 per cent are conscious of water usage · 48 per cent plan to avoid wildlife-harming activities · 49 per cent will prioritise stays with sustainability certifications · 49 per cent are open to making mindful food choices 'Indian travellers are demonstrating a clear and growing commitment to sustainable travel, not just in their intentions, but in their actions,' said Santosh Kumar, country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Demand grows for transparency and tools Travel platforms play a major role in guiding these choices. Indian users want sustainability details upfront: · 75 per cent want filters for sustainable tours and activities · 74 per cent seek eco-friendly accommodation options · 72 per cent prefer low-emission rental cars · 69 per cent want greener flight options Interestingly, while 61 per cent believe sustainable choices may be more expensive, many are still willing to pay more when the options are clearly labelled. Sustainable destinations in India also highlighted Indian cities that offer a higher share of accommodations with third-party sustainability certifications. These include Kanha and Khawasa (Madhya Pradesh), Panaji and Candolim (Goa), Agra, Jodhpur, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune. These cities are paving the way for greener tourism by making sustainable lodging more accessible. The bigger picture With climate concerns rising and plastic pollution in focus this year, India's travel habits signal a positive shift. As Kumar notes, 'At we aim to make every step of the travel journey more meaningful and aligned with the values of today's conscious Indian traveller.'
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
Martyr Santosh's 4-yr-old son lights funeral pyre amid rich tributes from villagers
1 2 3 Bhagalpur: Tributes poured in as the body of Army Havildar Santosh Kumar, wrapped in a tricolour, reached his native Bhitha village under Ismailpur police station in Bhagalpur's Naugachia on Thursday morning. As the shell-shocked family members received the body, the martyr's wife and children broke into inconsolable wails. His grieving wife, Gudia Devi, alias Sapna Kumari, who had neither eaten nor drank anything since she heard about the martyrdom, took water from her dead husband's hands, as she had insisted on drinking water only from his hands. Army officers and fellow personnel gave a ceremonial guard of honour to Santosh, who was in his 40s, besides handing over his dress and other belongings to his eldest daughter. An army personal, expressing deep sorrow, said that they are proud of Santosh who sacrificed his life for the nation. The martyr's four-year-old son Lakshya Kumar lit the funeral pyre amidst chanting of "Shahid Santosh Kumar amar rahe" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" by the villagers, while his three daughters — Diksha Kumari, Dipti Kumari and Ishika Kumari (all between nine and 14 years of age) saluted their father, sobbing uncontrollably. Santosh attained martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists near Naushera sector in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir late on Monday night, when he, along with his troop, were commuting in an Army vehicle. Santosh had served the Army for close to 24 years at different places, including Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, before being transferred to Naushera in 2022. Santosh had just returned after a holiday back home in Feb-March. He was about to be promoted, but destiny had other things in store for him and the family, said his ailing father Chandradev Yadav. Santosh's widow Sapna said that her husband was about to be promoted to the post of junior commissioned officer. Now she would like her son and daughters to join the Army, and make their father proud, she added amid sobs. Earlier rich tributes were paid by Bihar and central ministers among others, including CM Nitish Kumar, after the body of martyr Santosh reached Patna airport on Wednesday night from J&K. Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan and Gopalpur MLA Narendra Kumar Niraj, aka Gopal Mandal, among others also visited the home of martyr Santosh, and consoled the family members. Khagaria MP Rajesh Verma, Bhagalpur MP Ajay Kumar Mandal, former MP Shailesh, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain and others assured the family all help they needed. Bhagalpur district magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary had directed the executive officer of Naugachia Nagar Parishad to receive the body of the martyr, and accompany the convoy to his native place, where he directed the district and Naugachia subdivisional officials to remain present during the cremation, as per protocol. Bhagalpur: Tributes poured in as the body of Army Havildar Santosh Kumar, wrapped in a tricolour, reached his native Bhitha village under Ismailpur police station in Bhagalpur's Naugachia on Thursday morning. As the shell-shocked family members received the body, the martyr's wife and children broke into inconsolable wails. His grieving wife, Gudia Devi, alias Sapna Kumari, who had neither eaten nor drank anything since she heard about the martyrdom, took water from her dead husband's hands, as she had insisted on drinking water only from his hands. Army officers and fellow personnel gave a ceremonial guard of honour to Santosh, who was in his 40s, besides handing over his dress and other belongings to his eldest daughter. An army personal, expressing deep sorrow, said that they are proud of Santosh who sacrificed his life for the nation. The martyr's four-year-old son Lakshya Kumar lit the funeral pyre amidst chanting of "Shahid Santosh Kumar amar rahe" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" by the villagers, while his three daughters — Diksha Kumari, Dipti Kumari and Ishika Kumari (all between nine and 14 years of age) saluted their father, sobbing uncontrollably. Santosh attained martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists near Naushera sector in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir late on Monday night, when he, along with his troop, were commuting in an Army vehicle. Santosh had served the Army for close to 24 years at different places, including Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, before being transferred to Naushera in 2022. Santosh had just returned after a holiday back home in Feb-March. He was about to be promoted, but destiny had other things in store for him and the family, said his ailing father Chandradev Yadav. Santosh's widow Sapna said that her husband was about to be promoted to the post of junior commissioned officer. Now she would like her son and daughters to join the Army, and make their father proud, she added amid sobs. Earlier rich tributes were paid by Bihar and central ministers among others, including CM Nitish Kumar, after the body of martyr Santosh reached Patna airport on Wednesday night from J&K. Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan and Gopalpur MLA Narendra Kumar Niraj, aka Gopal Mandal, among others also visited the home of martyr Santosh, and consoled the family members. Khagaria MP Rajesh Verma, Bhagalpur MP Ajay Kumar Mandal, former MP Shailesh, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain and others assured the family all help they needed. Bhagalpur district magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary had directed the executive officer of Naugachia Nagar Parishad to receive the body of the martyr, and accompany the convoy to his native place, where he directed the district and Naugachia subdivisional officials to remain present during the cremation, as per protocol.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC upholds amendments by govt in rules prior to appointments
Ranchi: The Jharkhand high court has held that appointed candidates cannot claim for changes made by the authority prior to appointments. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) had issued an advertisement for appointment of compounders and pharmacist in the scale of Rs 5,200 to 20,200 and at a grade pay of Rs 2,800. The eligibility criteria for appointment of compounders and pharmacists was kept similar. However, the state govt made an amendment in the rules prior to the appointment and reduced the grade pay for compounders from Rs 2,800 to Rs 1,900. Santosh Kumar and several other candidates, who had been appointed as compounders, challenged the amendment before the high court. Kumar, in his petition, said that the grade pay for compounders should not have been reduced by the govt as the eligibility criteria for compounders and pharmacists were the same. The govt, on the other hand, argued before the court that the amendment was made prior to the appointments. The candidates were aware of the amendment and have accepted their appointment. Challenging the amendment after the appointment by the candidates cannot be allowed at this stage, the govt contented before the high court. A division bench of Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Pradeep Kumar Srivastava passed their order upholding the decision of the govt.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bihar t conduct civil defence mock drills in 7 cities including Patna
The state administration will conduct a civil defence mock drill simulating a crash blackout during an air raid scenario in seven cities across six districts from 7:00 PM to 7:10 PM on Wednesday, following directives from the Union ministry of home affairs. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and dog squad jawans check passengers and everywhere following the Pahalgam terror attack at Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna on Tuesday. (Santosh Kumar/HT) According to top officials, power supply will be suspended for 10 minutes in Patna, Purnia, Katihar, Begusarai, Barauni, Araria, and Kishanganj during the exercise. Warning sirens will be activated prior to the blackout to alert citizens. Chief secretary Amrit Lal Meena issued instructions to all concerned District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) after a high-level meeting with the Director General of Police, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), and senior officials from the Civil Defence Directorate. The mock drill is part of a nationwide preparedness initiative in light of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. 'This drill aims to raise public awareness about civil defence roles during wartime or emergencies. The blackout will be simulated across seven cities for ten minutes. Civil defence volunteers from the Disaster Management Department will also conduct awareness drives and training sessions for residents throughout the day,' Chief Secretary said. Officials clarified that the mock drill is meant to train citizens to respond effectively during air raids and evaluate the state's civil defence preparedness. Hospitals and essential services will remain unaffected. Efforts will be made to minimise inconvenience for commuters and the general public. Paresh Saxena, ADG and Commissioner of the Civil Defence Directorate, stated that 12,000 trained civil defence volunteers will be deployed across the six districts. These volunteers will educate the public on precautionary measures and appropriate responses during aerial threats. 'Similar drills were conducted in 1971 during the Indo-Pak war to prepare citizens for emergency situations,' Saxena noted. Fire services, police, and other administrative departments will work in coordination during the blackout simulation. School students will also be sensitised on emergency preparedness. Reassuring the public, Meena and Saxena stressed that there is no need for panic, as the drill is a precautionary and evaluative measure aimed at identifying gaps in the civil defence system and strengthening administrative response. However, public reactions were mixed. Rajeev Kumar, a resident of Jagdeo Path in Patna, said, 'It's a good initiative. People should know how to react in case of an air raid. But I'm not sure how effective these drills will be. The government should've acted more strongly against terrorists after the Pahalgam attack.' Another resident, Ramesh Kumar Sinha, felt that the drill would be better conducted in the morning. 'We don't fully understand what this is about. I just hope it doesn't disrupt daily life too much,' he said. Meanwhile, the Patna administration has mobilised fire tenders, police forces, and other emergency services for the successful execution of the mock drill. .
