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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Political slugfest erupts in Rajasthan after 9,350 goats sent to Gulf for Eid
JAIPUR: A fresh controversy has erupted in Rajasthan just around the occasion of Eid ul Azha (Bakrid), as 9,350 goats have been exported from the state to Gulf countries via air cargo — a first for the desert state. Goats, belonging to the Shekhawati, Sirohi, and Bikaneri breeds, have been sent for ritual sacrifice, triggering a heated political exchange between the ruling BJP and the Opposition. Animal Husbandry and Devasthan Minister Zoraram Kumawat expressed concern over the export. 'Eid ul Azha may be important for any religion, but in our culture, animal sacrifice is not acceptable. These animals are not just livestock; they are a source of livelihood for breeders and contribute to Rajasthan's GDP,' Kumawat said. When asked if the government plans to restrict goat sacrifice during Bakrid, the minister clarified, 'There is no such plan at the moment. But killing animals is wrong.' His remarks invited a sharp rebuttal from Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, who accused the BJP of communal bias and double standards. 'The BJP only sees goats during Bakrid but remains silent on cow protection and beef exports. India is the world's top beef exporter today, but BJP leaders don't talk about that,' the Congress leader said. Taking a jibe at Kumawat, Jully added, 'The minister is a good man, but he has been misinformed. If he had seen the actual data, he wouldn't have made such a statement.' The Leader of Opposition also alleged that the BJP is once again trying to stoke religious sentiments. 'They use cows and goats as tools to divide communities. First ban beef exports, then talk about goats,' he said. The issue has quickly gained traction on social media, with religious and cultural organisations weighing in. Some criticized the government for allowing the export, while others condemned the political narrative being built around the festival. Each of the cargo flights to the Gulf transported between 450 and 950 goats, with individual shipments weighing between 500 kg to 15,000 kg. The first consignment departed on May 1, marking the beginning of this year's export activities. The increasing frequency of direct flights from Jaipur to Gulf destinations is positioning the city as a pivotal hub for the export of sacrificial goats.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
To examine norms on export of goats to Middle East, says min
1 2 Jaipur: Devasthan and animal husbandry minister, Joraram Kumawat, Friday expressed strong disapproval over the export of goats from the state for Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) celebrations in Gulf countries. Around 9,350 goats, primarily from the Shekhawati, Sirohi, and Bikaner breeds, were airlifted from Jaipur to meet the sacrificial demands of the festival abroad recently. Kumawat said his department will examine the central govt guidelines governing the export of goats to other countries, as this issue came to light for the first time. "If the guidelines permit such exports, they must be carried out strictly as per the rules. If any rules were violated, appropriate action will be taken," said Kumawat. Minister Kumawat emphasised that such practices are contrary to India's cultural ethos. "Our culture operates on the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world is one family. We revere cows as mothers and worship elements of nature, including animals, birds, fire, water, mountains, and stones. In this context, the killing of any living being, even a goat, is not acceptable in our Sanatan tradition," he said. Echoing his concerns, social justice minister Avinash Gehlot said that animal sacrifice is not permissible within the broader Indian cultural framework. "It could be done in an environment-friendlier manner," said Gehlot. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Trade Arabia
12-02-2025
- Trade Arabia
Preferred Hotels & Resorts adds 10 new member properties
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, has added 10 new member properties to its global portfolio between October 1 and December 31, 2024. To celebrate this, I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating locations for a limited time. Ranging from a restored mansion set in the heart of Santiago's historic centre to an Austrian alpine retreat, each of these unique properties offer a host of memorable guest experiences designed to inspire travellers as they embark on new adventures across the world in 2025 and beyond, with highlights including: • Gamboa Rainforest Reserve (Gamboa, Panama) – Lifestyle Collection: Located deep within the lush Panama jungle along the banks of the Chagres River, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve offers an immersive escape in the heart of nature. This rainforest retreat features 166 elegantly designed rooms and suites with private balconies, offering panoramic views of the verdant jungle and winding waterways. Guests can unwind in the resort's pool or indulge in locally inspired cuisine at a variety of dining options. Activity highlights include guided aerial tram rides through the forest canopy, visits to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, kayaking on the Panama Canal, tours of the nearby Soberanía National Park to spot exotic wildlife, and enriching cultural experiences with indigenous communities. • Hotel Magnolia (Santiago, Chile) – L.V.X. Collection: Set in the heart of Santiago's historic district, Hotel Magnolia seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. Housed in a historic building converted into a contemporary hotel, this boutique retreat boasts 40 elegant rooms featuring bespoke furnishings, wooden accents, and stained-glass windows. Designed to honour its rich heritage, the hotel captivates guests with an intimate restaurant and innovative menu of locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the essence of Chilean roots. Additional highlights include a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of downtown, a wine cellar for special occasion dining, tranquil library lounge, and curated cultural experiences, such as guided city tours and exclusive wine tastings showcasing Chile's renowned vineyards. • Aurika Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels (Udaipur, India) - Lifestyle Collection: Perched on a hilltop overlooking the 'City of Lakes', Aurika Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels offers an opulent retreat steeped in Rajasthani grandeur. This regal resort has 139 elegantly appointed rooms and suites featuring marble accents, modern amenities and private balconies with unparallelled panoramic views. The property enchants guests with its tranquil swimming pool, grand courtyards, terraced gardens, and a signature restaurant serving both regional and international cuisine. Additional highlights include immersive cultural experiences such as traditional folk performances, a welcoming bar with authentic Shekhawati mural paintings adorning the walls, a serene library, and bespoke wellness treatments inspired by traditional Indian therapies in the on-site spa. • Hotel Kitzhof – Mountain Design Resort (Kitzbühel, Austria) – L.V.X. Collection: Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Hotel Kitzhof – Mountain Design Resort offers a blend of alpine charm and contemporary elegance. Located just a short stroll from the picturesque town of Kitzbühel, this authentic Tyrolean lodge features 160 thoughtfully designed guestrooms, studios and suites, each showcasing natural wood finishes, rustic modern design, and breathtaking views of the stunning scenery. Guests can savour local Austrian ingredients and regional cuisine at one of the lodge's five dining venues, unwind at the spa with an indoor pool, Swiss stone pine sauna, sanarium and steam room, or sip après-ski cocktails by the roaring fireplace in the chic lounge. With activities like skiing, hiking, lake swimming, and mountain biking, this resort provides an idyllic year-round escape. • César Lanzarote (La Asomada- Lanzarote, Spain) – L.V.X Collection: Found in the heart of La Geria Natural Park, César Lanzarote is a chic boutique hotel offering an idyllic escape inspired by nature. This tranquil adults-only retreat offers 20 stylish guestrooms and suites, each featuring panoramic views of either the ocean or nearby volcanoes. Guests can immerse themselves in adventure with activities such as hiking, sunrise yoga, horseback riding, and boating, or explore the hotel's own vineyard and wine production facility. For a taste of the island, the on-site restaurant serves modern interpretations of Canarian cuisine, and guests can experience a range of rejuvenating wellness treatments that harness the geothermal energy of lava stones, embracing the volcanic landscape. 'We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional properties to our global portfolio of luxury independent hotels, as part of our largest year of growth since 2019,' said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. 'Each new member delivers an unparalleled travel experience that celebrates the essence of its location and allows us to connect discerning travellers with distinctive hotels that offer unforgettable stays in some of the world's most inspiring destinations.' Other member properties to have joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts' global portfolio from October 1 through December 31, 2024, include: • Appenzeller Huus – Huus Loewen (Gonten, Switzerland) – Lifestyle Collection • Aurika Mumbai International Airport (Mumbai, India) - Lifestyle Collection • Das Achental (Grassau, Germany) - L.V.X Collection • Hotel Las Islas (Cartagena, Colombia) – L.V.X. Collection • L'Ermitage Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills, California) – Legend Collection Many of these new member hotels participate in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand's points-based loyalty program with 5 million travellers enrolled globally. Complimentary to join, members of I Prefer earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Titanium status, and other value-rich benefits from eligible stays at over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. Travellers seeking memorable independent hotel experiences are invited to sign up at
