000-tobecategorised

Can Ladakh Embrace Tourism While Protecting Its Fragile Ecosystem? https://www.outlooktraveller.com/destinations/india/can-ladakh-embrace-tourism-while-protecting-its-fragile-ecosystem Kunzang Deachen of Local Futures & Ashish Kothari 
Ladakh's tourism has boomed in recent decades but faces challenges like waste and environmental damage. Locals are pushing for responsible tourism practices to preserve Ladakh's unique culture and ecosystem

On the 50th anniversary of Ladakh being opened of tourism, several local civil society and tour operator organisations are discussing the pros and cons of what has become an exploding sector (from 500-odd tourists in 1974 to over 500,000 now).

. The entry of a commercial, competitive, and individualistic mindset that was relatively rare in Ladakhi has begun to displace aspects of traditional life crucial to well-being, such as the economy and social life centred around the gift economy and self-sustainability.

Several civil society and trade association groups have already demonstrated the possibilities of responsible tourism in Ladakh. Amongst the earliest of these was the innovation of homestays,

The NGO Local Futures has focused on preserving local food systems and protecting related traditional practices through activities like hosting workshops and dialogues on food, farming and traditional knowledge to promote more responsible tourism and produce short films on the significant issues facing Ladakh today. The Ladakh Art and Media Organisation (LAMO) holds art exhibitions, residencies, festivals, workshops, music performances, film screenings, and other activities and events featuring artists from Ladakh and worldwide. In collaboration with the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), it documents cultural practices and historical sites along Nubra Valley's silk route and proposes measures for more sustainable tourism there.

Other initiatives include Ladakh Environment and Health Organisation (LEHO) 's Ladakh Ecotourism, Thinlas Chorol's Ladakhi Women's Travel Company, Tsetan Dolma's De Khambir as a restaurant specialising in local cuisine, Soljacafé started by Spalzes Angmo, Dolkhar & Lchang-nang establishments promoting locally inspired architecture, cuisines, and cultural experiences, and enterprises like Ladakhi Basket, Siachen Naturals, NimaGoosGoos, Organix Ladakh and Reetsot.

Hotel Association president Skarma Tsering Dehlex spoke of the norms that hoteliers have set for themselves, e.g. only Ladakhis are allowed to set up hotels, and no one is allowed more than 35 rooms. The taxi association has resolved that no one should own more than 2-3 vehicles and that it will oppose the entry of companies like Ola and Uber.

The Need For Paradigm Shifts
Tourism cannot be seen in isolation from the economic, political and socio-cultural transformations Ladakh is facing. While it was a district within J&K state, there was already a feeling of neglect and alienation. Since it became a Union Territory in 2019, this has increased since most decision-making is happening at the best of the central government. The way New Delhi looks at this region is how it has looked at India as a whole: promoting a model of development based on unending economic growth, mega-infrastructure, and meeting consumerist demand with no consideration of impacts and supply-side constraints (including environmental). Its hold on Ladakhi policies and programmes is vice-like, with little genuine attempt to provide a meaningful voice to Ladakhis themselves.

Election Commission का बड़ा खुलासा |https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CoeKcYDwCw  Newsnasha  May 1, 2024 Figures released after a four days, with 5% variance from immediate figures? 

Congress, TMC critique EC over delay in sharing phase 1, 2 voting data  https://www.business-standard.com/elections/lok-sabha-election/congress-tmc-critique-ec-over-delay-in-sharing-phase-1-2-voting-data-124050100015_1.html  Yechury alleged that apprehensions of manipulation of results continue as total voter numbers can be altered at the time of counting. Total number of voters in each constituency was always available on ECI website till 2014 and the commission must be transparent and put out this data, he said

'Unusual & worrying': EC finally reveals turnout figures for phase 1 & 2; opposition sees red https://www.moneycontrol.com/elections/lok-sabha-election/unusual-opposition-sees-red-article-12712056.html 
Earlier, the Election Commission used to release the final data of voting percentage immediately after the polling or within 24 hours, says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

‘https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/split-sena-or-face-arrest-modi-government-had-warned-eknath-shinde-sanjay-raut-9285777/  , Aditya Thackeray: “On May 20, 2022, Eknath Shinde had come to ‘Varsha’ bungalow. This was after the Income Tax department had seized his cash godown. Eknath Shinde was given the offer of either joining hands with BJP or go to jail. Scratching his beard, Eknath Shinde started crying. Even as he was crying, he told Uddhav Thackeray that he was being threatened…