- Gujarat’s Dhordo Awarded UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village 2023 –
- The beautiful village of Dhordo in Gujarat has garnered international recognition after it secured a place on the list of the 54 best tourism villages announced by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the recognition of Dhordo as the “best tourism village.” He lauded the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the village and emphasized its potentials to attract visitors from around the world. Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the achievement, acknowledging the PM’s efforts to transform the area into a world-class tourism site.
- Dhordo village situated in the heart of Gujarat, has come a long way to earn its place on the global stage as a premier tourism destination. It recently hosted the inaugural Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G20, during India’s presidency of the influential group. This gathering of global leaders in the enchanting landscapes of Dhordo showcased the village’s capacity to host international events and highlighted its growing importance in the world of tourism.
- The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages 2023 accolade is a tribute to villages leading the way in nurturing rural regions, preserving landscapes, upholding cultural diversity, safeguarding local values, and celebrating culinary traditions. Launched in 2021, this initiative is a vital component of the UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development program, which aims to promote sustainable tourism practices.
- In its third edition, the UNWTO’s initiative selected 54 villages from diverse regions out of nearly 260 applications. The announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20, where leaders and experts gathered to discuss the future of global tourism.
- Alongside Dhordo, several other villages from around the world achieved recognition, including Barrancas in Chile, Biei in Japan, Cantavieja in Spain, Dahshour in Egypt, Dongbaek in the Republic of Korea, Douma in Lebanon, Ericeira in Portugal, and Filandia in Colombia, among others.
- India’s First Semi-High-Speed Regional Rail Service ‘Namo Bharat’ –
- India’s expanding transportation infrastructure is set to reach new heights with the country’s first semi-high-speed regional rail service, Namo Bharat. Previously known as RapidX, this innovative project is on the cusp of revolutionizing regional connectivity. This also marks the introduction of the Regional Rapid Train Service (RRTS) in India.
- The RRTS (Revolutionizing Regional Transit) is a cutting-edge regional transportation system that can compete with the world’s best. RRTS is a new kind of train system that’s faster than regular ones and runs frequently. It is a big plan to make intercity travel faster and more convenient. Trains will run every 15 minutes, and they can even run more often, every 5 minutes, if needed.
- The Namo Bharat trains are designed with the utmost passenger convenience and safety in mind. Each coach is equipped with six CCTVs, an emergency door-opening mechanism, and a communication button to connect with the train operator. Moreover, these trains offer features such as overhead luggage racks, Wi-Fi connectivity, and mobile and laptop charging outlets at every seat. A dedicated train attendant is present in the premium coach, ensuring a comfortable and secure journey.
- Safety is a paramount concern for Namo Bharat, and this is evident through the implementation of platform screen doors (PSDs) at every RRTS station. These PSDs are integrated with a signaling system, further enhancing passenger safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Namo Bharat offers various ticketing modes to cater to the diverse needs of passengers. Commuters can opt for QR code-based one-time tickets or a card-based transit option for all their journeys. QR code-based tickets can be generated via ticket vending machines (TVMs) or purchased from ticket counters. The TVMs are UPI-enabled, ensuring a seamless and digital ticketing experience.
- Fare structures for Namo Bharat have been meticulously designed, taking into account the distance or stations covered. The minimum fare for the premium coach is set at Rs 40, with a maximum fare of Rs 100. For the five standard coaches operating on the priority section, fares range from a minimum of Rs 20 to a maximum of Rs 50.
- The Namo Bharat trains will offer a remarkable average speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
- Arunachal Cabinet approves formation of Special Tiger Protection Force For 3 Tiger Reserves –
- The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet gave the green light to a host of transformative measures aimed at safeguarding the state’s biodiversity and promoting the preservation of indigenous languages. Among the notable decisions were the establishment of a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for three tiger reserves, the allocation of honorariums to third language teachers, the amendment of the state’s industrial and investment policy, and the formulation of the Arunachal Pradesh Home Guard Rules for 2023.
The establishment of the STPF involves the creation of 336 regular posts, which will be dedicated to ensuring the protection of these magnificent creatures and their environments. This initiative aims to reduce poaching and illegal activities in the tiger reserves, ultimately securing the future of these critically endangered big cats.