Latest news with #Unesco-recognised
The Star
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Anwar attends preview of Bollywood film with director
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends a special preview of the Bollywood film during which he met the film's director and producer, Akbar Khan (left), who is his long-time friend. Photo: Bernama Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended a special preview of the Bollywood film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story on Monday (Aug 11), during which he met with the film's director and producer, Akbar Khan, who is his long-time friend. Anwar spent about 30 minutes watching the preview of the epic film, which tells the timeless love story of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, leading to the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal monument in Agra, India. The large-scale production by Akbar features original filming locations in India and cinematography that highlights the beauty of Mughal architecture, with a cast of Bollywood stars that included Kabir Bedi, Zulfikar Sayed, Manisha Koirala, Arbaaz Khan and Sonya Jehan. The work also explores themes of sacrifice, true love and cultural heritage, serving as a tribute to one of the Unesco-recognised wonders of the world. Released in 2005, Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story was once considered among the most expensive Bollywood productions of its time and was marketed as a project showcasing India's rich history and architecture to the world. The screening was also attended by Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy, Polish Ambassador to Malaysia Krzysztof Dobrowolski and Deputy Head of Mission of Egypt Fatma AlZahraa Hassan Abdelkawy. – Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Anwar meets Bollywood director Akbar Khan at 'Taj Mahal' film preview
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today attended a special preview of the Bollywood film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, during which he met the film's director and producer, Akbar Khan, who is his long-time friend. Anwar spent about 30 minutes watching the preview of the epic film, which tells the timeless love story of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, leading to the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal monument in Agra, India. The large-scale production by Akbar Khan features original filming locations in India and cinematography that highlights the beauty of Mughal architecture, with a cast of Bollywood stars that included Kabir Bedi, Zulfikar Sayed, Manisha Koirala, Arbaaz Khan and Sonya Jehan. The work also explores themes of sacrifice, true love and cultural heritage, serving as a tribute to one of the Unesco-recognised wonders of the world. Released in 2005, Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story was once considered among the most expensive Bollywood productions of its time and was marketed as a project showcasing India's rich history and architecture to the world.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Tour boats in Ha Long Bay to complete AIS installation by Aug 15
A cruise boat taing tourists on a scenic tour of Hạ Long Bay. VNA/VNS QUANG NINH: About 80 per cent of tour boats operating in northern Quang Ninh Province's Ha Long Bay have been equipped with AIS (Automatic Identification System) and positioning devices as of Aug 6, with full installation expected by Aug 15. AIS is an automatic tracking system that allows vessels to exchange information, including identity, location, direction, speed and other data, with other ships and onshore stations. According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety. On Aug 2, the provincial Department of Construction led an inter-agency inspection team to assess the effectiveness of AIS equipment on tour boats and identify additional temporary storm shelters on Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays. By integrating AIS with the existing VHF radio system (channel 16), authorities aim to ensure seamless communication and rapid response during emergencies. The provincial inland waterway port authority is set to inspect vessels' communication equipment before issuing departure clearances. In order to enhance safety for tourists visiting and staying overnight in Ha Long Bay, a Unesco-recognised natural heritage site, the Military Command of Quang Ninh Province has deployed a ship designated for medical service and two boats to conduct patrols on the bay around the clock, starting Aug 6. Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top Island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the vessels return to Tuan Châu Island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety of sightseeing boats and reinforcing tourists' confidence. Deputy Commander Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Sơn stated that each duty shift has six to eight personnel, including a communications team and a medical team. The medical ship is equipped with four stretchers, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment to be ready for search and rescue operations in the event of any unexpected incidents. In addition to the provincial Military Command, relevant authorities in the northern province have strengthened safety inspections at ports and wharves. Multiple task forces have been deployed to conduct closed-loop patrols along navigational routes, in coordination with port authorities. Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Construction has conducted unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with inland waterway traffic safety regulations on tourist boats while they are anchored at sightseeing spots awaiting passengers. The provincial People's Committee had previously held a working session with the Institute of Earth Sciences (under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) to implement the installation of an early warning system for meteorological phenomena like thunderstorms, tornadoes and rainstorms at key locations, particularly in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and coastal areas. This initiative plays an important role in ensuring the safety of people and vehicles engaged in tourism, and in supporting the overall socio-economic development of the province. Through these concrete efforts, Quang Ninh aims to safely welcome 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million foreigners. Total tourism revenue is expected to reach VNĐ50 trillion (US$1.9 billion). In the first six months of this year, the local tourism sector welcomed approximately 12.1 million visitors, including around 2.3 million foreigners. The province has also introduced a range of new tourism products, developed and expanded high-value, competitive services and continuously improved the quality of cruise services for Hạ Long Bay tours, with a strong focus on tightening safety standards. — Vietnam News/ANN
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Oppn for master plan to protect Old Goa's Unesco sites
Porvorim: The legislative assembly witnessed heated discussions on Wednesday over the urgent need for a comprehensive master plan to safeguard Unesco world heritage sites at Old Goa. A calling attention motion, tabled by opposition leader Yuri Alemao along with MLAs Viresh Borkar, Carlos Ferreira, and Venzy Viegas, pointed to growing concerns over illegal constructions threatening the heritage sites despite existing protections given by the ASI under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Alemao drew the attention of the House to a news report revealing the presence of 54 illegal structures within the heritage area. He demanded immediate action to address these violations that persist despite established zones around the 14 protected monuments and sites. TCP minister Vishwajit Rane assured the House that govt has prioritised the protection of Unesco-recognised sites. 'No violations will be allowed,' Rane said. MLA Viresh Borkar criticalling the TCP minister a 'U-turn master' for failing to fulfil his earlier assurance of marking the buffer zone on the Regional Plan within three months. This infuriated Rane, who accused Borkar of vitiating the sanctity of the House. 'He can point out specific violations, but he can't be calling names. He will only get replies that are required to be given by law, nothing more,' Rane said. MLA Vijai Sardesai too called for a comprehensive master plan to address frequent violations of the regional plan affecting these protected areas. Rane assured to consult with the conservation committee on the opposition's demand.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ruling Shiv Sena, BJP divided over ‘aspirational toilets' project in Mumbai
Mumbai: The ruling Shiv Sena and BJP seem to be divided over 'aspirational toilets'. After the state govt ordered a stay on BMC's Rs 12 crore aspirational toilets construction contract and sought a report in 30 days, BMC officials said that the contract for aspirational toilets was granted in 2023 and it was funded by the Mumbai City District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) fund. In 2023, the project was sanctioned by then Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar of the Shiv Sena, and the present set of officials had nothing to do with it. Interestingly, the project that was pushed by then Sena Minister Kesarkar was exposed by BJP MLA Ameet Satam through a calling attention motion. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar also slammed the project and asked how the BMC was spending over Rs 1.5 crore per toilet. BJP Minister Ashish Shelar too criticised the project, questioning if approval for the toilets was obtained from the heritage committee, as the sites include Unesco-recognised heritage sites and precincts. Shelar, who is the culture minister, said there are strict regulations governing construction in such areas and emphasised that the aesthetic integrity of Mumbai must be preserved, and pedestrian rights should not be compromised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Many of these toilets are in the heritage precincts of Colaba and Fort areas. The aspirational toilets incorporate smart features like automatic flushing, sensor-based lighting and ventilation, and even voice assistance. These toilets have a European-style design and these toilets are part of a broader initiative to improve public amenities, maintain cleanliness, and provide better sanitation for residents and visitors. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai They are equipped with amenities such as hand sanitizers, toilet paper dispensers, and adequate lighting, promoting hygiene and user comfort. Officials pointed out that the project was planned and approved during the Mahayuti govt when Eknath Shinde was CM and Kesarkar the guardian minister for Mumbai City, indicating that there was friction between the ruling Sena and BJP over the project. Shinde is now the guardian minister of Mumbai City. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, who is also from the BJP, ruled that the state govt must direct Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to conduct a probe against Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi, who is pushing the aspirational toilet project, and take action against her if any irregularities are found in the probe. BMC has claimed that three tenders were floated for 13 toilets worth around Rs 21 crore. Each toilet costs around Rs 1.65 crore. However, three aspirational toilets were proposed on open spaces, so they were dropped. One toilet was in Dharavi, which was dropped since the area is now part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. For the toilet near Sion Fort, BMC couldn't get permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it was dropped. The toilet at VB Worlikar Marg in Worli was cancelled after orders from the municipal commissioner. At the moment, work is going on only for seven toilets that cost around Rs 12 crore. Just last week, Makarand Narwekar, former BJP corporator from Colaba, wrote to municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani demanding a vigilance probe into the aspirational toilets scam, but didn't get any response from BMC.
