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4th G20 tourism meet to be held in Goa

The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministers meeting in Goa aim to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region…reports Asian Lite News

The concluding and last G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting along with the Tourism Ministers Meeting will be held in Goa from June 19 to 22.

Side events on fluvial initiatives of Cruise Tourism, Global Tourism Plastic Initiative & Public Private Sector are being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, GOI on the sideline of the main Tourism Working Group meeting, involving delegates from G20 member countries, central govt ministries, various State Governments and international organisations. Secretary Tourism, GOI, V Vidyathi said, “We have five major interconnected priority areas on which the Tourism Working Group discussions are centred. The idea is to work on these challenges and see how best we can move tourism towards a more sustainable development model, which will benefit all countries and the world. Towards that, the idea is to hear from other countries, share their experiences with us, share our own experiences with them, and then we emerge richer in terms of learning and understanding of the sector itself.”

She said that the five interconnected priority areas are Green Tourism, destination management, tourism MSMEs, Skills, and Digitalization.

“Now, these are areas which are interconnected which we had mentioned and the idea is that when we discuss these priority areas and see how they impact and impinge on each other, the discussions being held and that is what is now going to get incorporated the roadmap which all the countries are discussing and probably will be finalized in the next two days, she said.

The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministers meeting in Goa aim to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region.

A special Yoga session has been planned on the occasion of the ‘International Day of Yoga’ on June 21. Besides, an Art and Craft Bazaar is being organised by the state government, showcasing local handicrafts and artisans, signifying the importance of community participation. (ANI)

‘Successful deliberations will promote growth’

Goa is one the best-known global tourist destinations and is the perfect grand finale for the Tourism Working Group meeting of G20 said Secretary, Tourism, V Vidyavathi at a media briefing in Goa on Sunday.

She said that Goa offers a host of experiences including beaches, heritage monuments, ecotourism, beautiful landscape, and rich culture and therefore is the best location to host the final meeting of the tourism working group. She also added, “Under India’s G20 Tourism Track, the Tourism Working Group is working on five inter-connected priority areas, which are Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management. These priorities are key building blocks for accelerating the transition of the tourism sector and achieving the targets for 2030 SDGs. During the concluding meeting, G20 member countries, invited countries and international organizations would welcome and endorse the nearly finalized versions of both the document.”

The two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group are GOA Roadmap for tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration. The Ministry of Tourism has made positive progress in finalizing the two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group. The focus of the discussions at the working groups has remained Sustainable Tourism, Smt V Vidyavathi reiterated.

Speaking on the side events she said that interesting side events on cruise tourism are planned on the theme ‘Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable & Responsible Travel’ is being organized on 19th June 2023, focusing on strategies to promote cruise tourism.

She added “The event will see the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. The event will witness deliberations on the challenges and opportunities in the growth of cruise tourism globally. A panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers from G20 Member countries and guest countries will shed light on country-specific policies and initiatives on varied aspects of cruise tourism, its growth and the need to make cruise tourism sustainable and responsible.”

Along the sidelines of the main event on 20th June 2023, a national-level side event is being organized which will focus on ‘Making India a Hub for Cruise Tourism’, to deliberate on various challenges and opportunities for developing Cruise Tourism in the country following the principles of sustainability. Multiple facets of Cruise Tourism (Coastal, Island, Regional and Yachting), perspectives from the Coastal States, private and public stakeholders in inland waterways, and perspectives from riverine States will be the focus areas of discussion during the event.

She also added that focusing on the environment a side event ‘Towards a circular economy of plastics in tourism – the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative’ in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is being held on 19th June.

The side event will focus on encouraging the engagement of tourism stakeholders to address plastic pollution through circular approaches across the tourism value chain. The event will encompass high-level introductory remarks and a keynote presentation on the action framework proposed by the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). These interventions will be followed by a panel discussion with tourism stakeholders and a signing ceremony to welcome the adherence of several organizations to the GTPI.  (ANI)

‘Successful deliberations will promote growth’

Goa is one the best-known global tourist destinations and is the perfect grand finale for the Tourism Working Group meeting of G20 said Secretary, Tourism, V Vidyavathi at a media briefing in Goa on Sunday.

She said that Goa offers a host of experiences including beaches, heritage monuments, ecotourism, beautiful landscape, and rich culture and therefore is the best location to host the final meeting of the tourism working group. She also added, “Under India’s G20 Tourism Track, the Tourism Working Group is working on five inter-connected priority areas, which are Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management. These priorities are key building blocks for accelerating the transition of the tourism sector and achieving the targets for 2030 SDGs. During the concluding meeting, G20 member countries, invited countries and international organizations would welcome and endorse the nearly finalized versions of both the document.”

The two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group are GOA Roadmap for tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration. The Ministry of Tourism has made positive progress in finalizing the two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group. The focus of the discussions at the working groups has remained Sustainable Tourism, Smt V Vidyavathi reiterated.

Speaking on the side events she said that interesting side events on cruise tourism are planned on the theme ‘Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable & Responsible Travel’ is being organized on 19th June 2023, focusing on strategies to promote cruise tourism.

She added “The event will see the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. The event will witness deliberations on the challenges and opportunities in the growth of cruise tourism globally. A panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers from G20 Member countries and guest countries will shed light on country-specific policies and initiatives on varied aspects of cruise tourism, its growth and the need to make cruise tourism sustainable and responsible.”

Along the sidelines of the main event on 20th June 2023, a national-level side event is being organized which will focus on ‘Making India a Hub for Cruise Tourism’, to deliberate on various challenges and opportunities for developing Cruise Tourism in the country following the principles of sustainability. Multiple facets of Cruise Tourism (Coastal, Island, Regional and Yachting), perspectives from the Coastal States, private and public stakeholders in inland waterways, and perspectives from riverine States will be the focus areas of discussion during the event.

She also added that focusing on the environment a side event ‘Towards a circular economy of plastics in tourism – the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative’ in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is being held on 19th June.

The side event will focus on encouraging the engagement of tourism stakeholders to address plastic pollution through circular approaches across the tourism value chain. The event will encompass high-level introductory remarks and a keynote presentation on the action framework proposed by the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). These interventions will be followed by a panel discussion with tourism stakeholders and a signing ceremony to welcome the adherence of several organizations to the GTPI.  (ANI)

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Sadiq meets Mahant Swami Maharaj

The Mayor extended his gratitude to the leadership and elders at Neasden Temple for their warm welcome and hospitality, and thanked Hindu Londoners for enriching our city socially, economically and culturally…reports Asian Lite News

London Mayor Sadiq Khan met prominent Hindu spiritual leader, His Holiness (HH) Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj during his UK visit. Sadiq Khan, said: “I was privileged to welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to London and truly honoured to be among the many thousands to receive a blessing from him.

His Holiness is one of the most respected and significant Hindu leaders in the world, and his dedication to both his faith and community service are truly inspiring. As someone who’s pledged to be a Mayor for all Londoners, I will always celebrate the vital contribution Hindu communities make to our great city and its rich diversity.”

On Sunday 21 May the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden (also commonly known as the Neasden Temple), to formally welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to London. The Temple is currently hosting His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who is global spiritual leader to the many hundreds of thousands of Hindus in London and more than one million in the UK.

The Mayor had a private audience with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj who offered him and the city of London blessings and well wishes. More than 3,000 worshipers were in attendance on that evening, where the Mayor made a short speech to the congregation.

The Mayor extended his gratitude to the leadership and elders at Neasden Temple for their warm welcome and hospitality, and thanked Hindu Londoners for enriching our city socially, economically and culturally. He particularly highlighted the tireless work of BAPS volunteers to serve diverse communities across London, from their efforts to increase vaccination uptake to breaking down barriers through interfaith work.

The Mayor last attended Neasden Temple in November 2022 for Diwali celebrations.

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MeitY to organise G20 digital economy meet in Hyderabad

Global experts will share their experience in emerging & telecom technologies and on technology-led inclusive development, the officials said…reports Asian Lite News

Making progress on the ‘G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG)’, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will organise the second in-person meeting of DEWG in Hyderabad from April 17-19, 2023, said the MeitY officials in a press conference here on Sunday.

The press briefing jointly done by Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, MeitY and K. Rajaraman, Secretary (Telecom) was organised as a part of the curtain raiser event. “The first day of the second meeting of DEWG will begin with side events on April 17, 2023. The inaugural address will be given by Union Minister of State of Communication, Devusinh Chauhan and Union Minister of State of Social Justice & Empowerment, A. Narayanaswamy”, said the officials.

The side events will focus primarily on Digital Connectivity and will comprise three-panel discussions on the thematic areas namely, ‘High-Speed Mobile Broadband and its Impact on Lives, Society and Industry’, ‘Digital Inclusion: Connecting the Unconnected’, and ‘Sustainable, Green Digital Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities’. Global experts will share their experience in emerging & telecom technologies and on technology-led inclusive development, the officials said.

The officials further added, “On the second and third day of the meetings, G20 Members, invited guest countries and International Organisations will have an extensive discussion on the actionable deliverables in priority areas namely ‘Digital Public Infrastructure’, ‘Cybersecurity’ and ‘Digital Skilling’.”

As per the press conference, the delegates will visit the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad to gain first-hand knowledge of India’s expertise in emerging digital and telecom technologies viz. 5G-i, 6G, Internet of Things (IoT) and the various uses cases pertaining to the welfare of citizens. A workshop titled ‘Multi-stakeholder Consultation for Mutual Recognition of Digital Skills’ will also be held on April 18, 2023.

The ‘Stay Safe Online (SSO)’ campaign and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA)’ have been launched under Indian Presidency to engage with common people especially youths and entrepreneurs in G20 Member States. So far, under the Stay Safe Online campaign, 1,58,000+ persons have participated in the national level Cyber Quizzes. Under DIA, 1600+ Startups have applied for the contest, informed the officials. (ANI)

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Pakistan’s Chief Justice to skip SCO meet

India is the current president of the SCO, which also comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan on Thursday announced it’s decision to skip the meeting of Chief Justices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) scheduled in New Delhi from March 10-12.

“As one of the active members of the SCO, Pakistan regularly participates in all SCO activities and constructively contributes to their outcomes,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement. Pakistan is the only country now that will be skipping the SCO Chief Justice meet hosted by India. All other members, including new member, Iran will be attending the meeting in person.

“Due to his unavoidable commitments on the scheduled meeting dates, the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan will not be able to participate in the SCO meeting of the Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts scheduled from 10-12 March, 2023. He has accordingly conveyed his regrets to his Indian counterpart, who is the current chair/host of the meeting,” the statement added.

India extended the invitation to the Pakistani chief justice, but Islamabad took the decision at the last minute about the country’s top adjudicator.

India is the current president of the SCO, which also comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

As president of the regional forum, India is set to host a series of events, including the meeting of chief justices of the member states.

Though the Foreign Office statement cited unavoidable commitments of the chief justice, observers believe that the current state of the relationship between Pakistan and India played a part in Islamabad’s decision.

India has also invited Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for the SCO foreign ministers meeting to be held in Goa in May this year. Pakistan has yet to decide whether the foreign minister will attend.

“Regarding participation in the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, as I have said earlier, the matter is under consideration and, as and when this decision is taken, we will share it with everyone,” she told reporters at the weekly news briefing.

India will also host the SCO summit meeting this year. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will send its foreign minister in May or if the prime minister will join the SCO leaders later in India.

Relations between the two countries have been precarious for many years with regard to issues of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, even as Islamabad has been seeking the restoration of Article 370 for the former Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir for any talks. (ANI)

ALSO READ-India invites Pak Chief Justice, Foreign Minister for SCO meetings

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Lavrov to attend G20 FMs meet in New Delhi

India assumed office from December 1, 2022 for a one-year period for the G20 chairmanship…reports Asian Lite News

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be taking part in the G2O Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi from March 1-2, Russian news agency TASS reported citing Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko on Monday.

The G20 presidency of India, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be inclusive, ambitious, definite, and action-oriented. “Our foreign minister will take part in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi on March 1-2,” Russian Deputy FM Rudenko told reporters, according to TASS.

This year, the G20 presidency is being held by India. The annual G20 summit is slated to take place in the Indian capital on September 9-10 and New Delhi plans to showcase its cultural history in more than 200 meetings in 55 different sites across the nation as part of the group’s activities.

“The sense of ownership over natural resources is giving rise to conflict today and has become the main cause of the plight of the environment. For the safe future of the planet, the sense of trusteeship is the solution. LiFE i.e. ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ campaign can make a big contribution to this. Its purpose is to make sustainable lifestyles a mass movement,” Modi said, during his address at the G20 Summit that took place in Indonesia in 2022.

India assumed office from December 1, 2022 for a one-year period for the G20 chairmanship.

Talking further about India’s presidency of the G20 summit, PM Modi said that the country is taking charge of the G20 at a time when the world is simultaneously grappling with geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown, rising food and energy prices, and the long-term ill effects of the pandemic. And at this time “the world is looking at the G20 with hope,” he added.

The cooperation between India and Russia in the military-technical sector remains huge. The production of T-90 tanks, Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jets, AK-203 assault rifles, and other weapons in India is in full compliance with the requirements of the government program “Make in India,” the Russian Embassy in India, stated earlier in an official statement.

Space, scientific and technological cooperation continue to remain a priority of India and Russia. The two nations continue to hold cooperation in the fields of quantum and biotechnology, artificial intelligence, fundamental and applied physics and medical science as well. (ANI)

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