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Time of India
20 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
From crisis to conservation: The inspiring revival of Manas National Park
1 2 Guwahati: Manas National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, stands as a shining beacon of what can be achieved through dedicated, science-driven, and community-focused conservation efforts. Once teetering on the edge of wildlife collapse, this park has transformed into a thriving habitat for tigers, serving as a global symbol of hope, resilience, and the responsible care of our natural world. Nestled in the Chirang and Baksa districts of western Assam, Manas shares its borders with Bhutan. Back in 1972, the park boasted a robust tiger population of around 82. However, the park faced severe challenges due to militancy, poaching, forest encroachment, and habitat loss, which led to a dramatic decline in wildlife numbers. By 2010, the tiger population had dwindled to a mere eight, sparking fears of local extinction. In response to these ongoing threats, Unesco, which had recognized Manas as a World Heritage Site in 1985 for its extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty, placed it on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This was a wake-up call, highlighting the risk of losing the very values that warranted its protection. By 2011, thanks to concerted efforts, Unesco removed Manas from the "in danger" list, applauding the park's remarkable recovery and the dedication invested in its restoration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Newham: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo C Ramesh, field director of the Tiger Project at Manas, expressed optimism about the park's journey, noting that it has become a national exemplar in tiger conservation. "From the top level in the govt, staff in the jungle to the community, it has been a collective effort over the decades for which Manas now has over 60 tigers," he said. Ramesh added that the key to this success lay in bolstering wildlife protection against poachers and encroachers, enhancing monitoring through both manual and technological means, and conducting regular surveys. The tiger conservation initiatives gained momentum following the Bodo Accord in Feb 2003, an agreement between the central and state governments and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) to address the Bodo people's autonomy demands. Senior conservation biologist Dipankar Lahkar, assistant director of wildlife conservation NGO Aaranyak, highlighted the organization's relentless collaboration with the forest department in tiger conservation at Manas since 2010. "Manas has set a global example in tiger conservation since the historic commitment made by the leaders of 13 tiger range countries at The Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010," he said. Lahkar added that Aaranyak provided rigorous training to Manas's forest staff in equipment handling, camera trapping, map reading, and data analysis from 2010 to 2021, enabling them to independently manage these tasks. He also pointed out that Manas's proximity to Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park facilitates the natural movement of tigers between the two regions. "During our continuous monitoring and analysis from 2010 to 2021, 24 tigers were captured on camera traps in both Manas in Assam and Royal Manas in Bhutan," he added. Discussing the factors behind the success in tiger conservation, Lahkar mentioned that an 85% recapture probability (the same tiger being spotted in a camera trap each year) was observed from 2010 to 2021, which is crucial for the growth of the tiger population. "We refer to these as resident tigers. The presence of more resident tigers in a forest increases the likelihood of a growing tiger population," he explained. Beyond the cessation of political violence and poaching, Lahkar highlighted the shift in social behavior among the people in and around Manas, driven by awareness campaigns, as a significant factor in the tiger population's resurgence. Around 2005, local community organizations, supported by park managers and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), were established to protect Manas's sanctity, yielding positive results over time.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Big challenges ahead for new DIG Vartika Katiyar
Ballari: Vartika Katiyar, a 2010-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the deputy inspector general of police (DIG) of Ballari zone. She previously served as the DIG of the State Home Guards and Civil Defence Corps. Following the retirement of BS Lokesh, the former Inspector General of Police of Ballari zone on April 30, Vartika assumed the position that remained unfilled since then. The Ballari zone encompasses Ballari, Vijayanagara, Koppal, and Raichur districts, featuring significant locations including the Unesco World Heritage Site Hampi, iron ore mines at Ballari and Sandur, Tungabhadra dam in Koppal, thermal power stations in Ballari and Raichur, and lengthy borders with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. As a result, there was a rise in interstate traffic, attracting tourists and workers from both India and abroad. Naturally, this led to an increase in crime cases, with the highest number reported in the Hampi Development Authority. The new DIG is also tasked with managing the multitude of unauthorised resorts and the range of illegal activities taking place there. In the first week of March this year, incidents such as the sexual assault of an Israeli tourist and a local resort owner in Sanapur, located in the Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district, the murder of a tourist from Odisha, and the assault on an American national were highlighted in both national and international media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I'm retiring! Last chance to enjoy 80% OFF all my jewellery! Wendy Clarke Shop Now Undo "Despite this, the law and order situation in the region has not seen significant improvement," accuses Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy. In this context, R Hithendra, the additional director general of police (Law & Order), sent a letter to Koppal SP Ram L Arasiddi on June 30, directing him to take immediate action to safeguard foreign tourists. Nevertheless, issues such as illegal mining, unauthorised resorts, gambling, and illegal sand smuggling persist without interruption. In the meantime, the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) scheduled an eviction operation for July 16 to remove illegally constructed resorts at various locations along the Tungabhadra River, including Sanapura in Gangavathi. This sparked curiosity among the local residents regarding how the new DIG will tackle this seemingly insurmountable challenge. Additionally, Vijayanagara district also underwent administrative changes with Jahnavi S, a 2019-batch IPS officer previously serving as DCP in Mysuru, being appointed as the new superintendent of police. She replaces Dr Srihari Babu BL, who served as SP for 2.8 years and was transferred to Bengaluru as CCB DCP.
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Whether old or new, these hotels bring something fresh to the table
Set in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage City of Melaka is Malaysia's first ever Dusit International hotel. Dusit Princess Melaka, a 5-star property, opened on May 29. It boasts of the state's deepest swimming pool, and has a few dining venues such as Long Feng Chinese Restaurant and Zest Restaurant. Offering Thai-inspired hospitality in an upscale setting that blends modern elegance with historical charm, the hotel is well-positioned to welcome the influx of travellers expected in the state throughout 2025-2026. Melaka will not only be hosting World Tourism Day 2025 on Sept 27, but it has also extended its Visit Melaka Year campaign through 2026. And of course, Melaka is gearing up to welcome more visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's first Park Hyatt property is set to open its doors in August. The hotel will occupy the top floors of the iconic Merdeka 118, the second-tallest skyscraper in the world. The hotel is already taking advance bookings on its official website. In the future Malaysia will be home to a lot more high-end accommodations within the next couple of years. RJJ Hotels has recently partnered with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, which is part of the second largest hotel group in the world, Jin Jiang International Group. The partnership, marking Jin Jiang Hotels' first large-scale international expansion, grants RJJ Hotels licensing rights to manage five of Jin Jiang Hotels' brands across South-East Asia. The first of these brands to enter the region will be Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels. Properties under the brand comprise upscale 4- and 5-star city hotels. Luang Prabang in Laos will be the location of the region's first Metropolo hotel, as per the recently signed Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Sanher Investment & Development, who will be developing the hotel. Aside from Metropolo, the four other brands that will be introduced in South-East Asia are luxury 5-star resort Ginco Hotel; upscale 5-star resort Renjoy Hotel; midscale business hotel Lavande; and premium economy hotel Jinjiang Inn. Within the next five years, RJJ aims to sign around 200 HMAs and operate over 100 hotels across Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. Over in China, Jin Jiang International Group, together with French hospitality company Accor, will be transforming Shanghai's renowned Fairmont Peace Hotel into Raffles Peace Hotel Shanghai. The hotel will remain open throughout the transformation, and will be making its debut as a Raffles property in 2027. Melia Chiang Mai's executive chef Suksant (Billy) Chutinthratip ensures the hotel's restaurants operate on a green concept. — Handout In other news, Hilton recently signed two landmark properties at GMR Aerocity, India's first global business district located in New Delhi. In partnership with the GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited (Dial), this expansion includes the debut of both Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the Indian capital. Both hotels will anchor GMR Aerocity; the Waldorf Astoria will feature 150 rooms and suites, while the bigger Hilton will have 350 room. India's first Waldorf Astoria will actually be in Jaipur, and is set to open sometime in 2027. Culture and nature Thailand currently holds the largest Hilton portfolio in South-East Asia, as it has 30 properties by the global hospitality company, with 11 more in development. One of the company's upcoming brands in Thailand is its award-winning Hampton By Hilton, set to begin operations in 2026. Aside from being the brand's introduction to the region, it also marks Hilton's ninth brand operating in South-East Asia. Hampton By Hilton is opening a new location in Thailand next year. — Hilton website Hampton By Hilton Phuket Town, as its name indicates, will be set in the capital of the Phuket province. This strategic location will allow patrons to easily explore and discover the town's many charms, such as its Sino-Portuguese architecture, Peranakan culture, and Phuket's largest temple, Wat Chalong. Meanwhile, Krabi, another famous coastal destination in Thailand, is beckoning visitors to step into a dinosaur-themed world. Thanks to its lush jungle, rugged limestone cliffs and emerald waters, Krabi was chosen as a primary filming location for the upcoming Hollywood movie Jurassic World: Rebirth. In conjunction with the movie's release on July 2, Avani is offering a four-night 'Stay in Jurassic Paradise' package at both its Krabi locations. For details on this, check out the official Avani website. Melia Chiang Mai, a 5-star hotel in another Thai province, recently received recognition for its sustainability efforts. Two of the hotel's restaurants, Laan Na Kitchen and Mai Restaurant and Bar, were each presented with the Golden Star Award. This was due to the respective restaurants earning the Chiang Mai Green Kitchen Award for three successive years. Green Kitchen, launched in 2019, is a sustainability project supported by Tourism Authority Of Thailand and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. This year, 44 restaurants and hotels in Chiang Mai participated in the project to promote organic and sustainable food concepts. Melia Chiang Mai emphasises sustainability through its '360° Cuisine' programme. Introduced in 2022, the programme includes efforts like sourcing farm-to-table produce from local farmers and returning plate-to-farm waste to the farms to be used as fertilisers. Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley in the US is full of whimsy. — ERIN KUNKEL On the other side of the world, the opening of Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley last month in Sunnyvale, California gives travellers space to be one with nature – in a carefree way. The first Treehouse Hotels property in the United States is set on a former orchard now dotted with newly planted native trees and preserved oaks. It brings with it the signature whimsy that the playful lifestyle brand is known for, inviting patrons to take a different approach to things.
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be BACK IN TIME I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1 THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all.
Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Ultra rich turn Vietnam into new hot spot for luxury yachts
SINGAPORE – After making a fortune in coal mining and thermal power with his Dong Hai, Pham Van Toan wanted to try something different and shifted his investments towards luxury ventures three years ago. That includes investing in a hotel with nearly 600 rooms, acquiring a golf course and buying a superyacht, which has been his dream for two decades. The yacht, built by Italian shipyard Azimut and officially handed over to Mr Pham in a ceremony earlier in 2025, is the first-ever new 30-metre-plus superyacht sold in Vietnam, according to a spokesperson for the manufacturer. Mr Pham, 59, has a big ambition for his new yacht and the country's tourism. He, in partnership with Azimut's local dealer Tam Son Yachting, plans to develop a luxury marina in the heart of Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay and make the yacht available for private charters. 'Vietnam's yachting industry is still in its early stages, but the potential is immense,' Mr Pham said in an email. While it's still early, he's betting on the rising demand for yachts to be underpinned by the country's wealth boom. Vietnam's dollar millionaire population has grown at the fastest rate in the world, almost doubling between 2013 and 2023, according to a report from immigration consultants Henley & Partners. Yacht makers are now honing in on the relatively untapped market after China's push for common prosperity, and high taxes have posed challenges. While the number of Chinese rich is growing, the new generation of young, wealthy people tend to travel more and don't necessarily buy or use yachts in the country, according to Marco Valle, chief executive officer of Azimut Benetti Group. Vietnam has seen a rapid escalation in demand in recent years, according to Vu Tran, commercial and business development director at Ho Chi Minh City-based Tam Son Yachting. 'In 2018, we had a 60-foot yacht coming to Vietnam and it was considered a big one,' he said. 'Now the market started to have requested for yachts over 85 feet. We're at the state where we're ready to go in bigger scale.' Simpson Marine, which represents Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo in Asia, expanded into Vietnam in 2024, working with local conglomerate S&S Group that distributes luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini. The luxury market has matured to the extent that there are customers looking for 'more ultra-wealthy' experiences such as yacht ownership and private jets, according to Ewa Stachurska, chief marketing and sustainability officer at Simpson Marine. O2H2O, a yacht and jet sales brokerage firm, also opened an office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024 seeing potential from high-net-worth people and the burgeoning middle class. The company currently has seven people in the country and plans to hire two more, said the firm's founder Alexandre Heng. Vietnam's rise as a manufacturing and commodity powerhouse has fueled its economic boom. Gross domestic product grew 7 per cent last year, one of the fastest growth rates in the region. Still, its economic expansion in the first quarter was slower than economists had forecast amid the threat of US tariffs. Asia-Pacific accounted for 18.2 per cent of global yacht sales of US$9.4 billion (S$12.1 billion) in 2023, and is the fastest growing regional market, according to research firm Grand View Research. China, Hong Kong and Singapore are the primary markets in the region. Still, Vietnam is gaining ground. Tam Son has so far sold nearly 40 yachts, ranging from 30 feet to 115 feet, since its start in 2017. 'The most luxury things in Vietnam you could buy before were items like cars or watches,' said Tam Son Yachting's Mr Tran. 'Now, it has changed rapidly. People are spending up to US$15 million on a yacht.' BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
