Scientists uncover game-changing link between obesity and type 2 diabetes

Science and Health

Published in Cell Reports, the study could pave the way for innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases by promoting the differentiation of fat stem cells into smaller, healthier fat cells. Researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) were the first to reveal that obesity hampers the body’s ability to produce essential cellular components known as ribosomal factors.

Updated On – 25 November 2024, 05:06 PM

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New Delhi: The US scientists have decoded why obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by targeting the fat cells.
The study, published in Cell Reports, may advance new treatments for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases that work by helping fat stem cells differentiate and make new, smaller fat cells.

In a first, the team from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) showed that obesity can make it difficult for the body to produce key cellular building blocks called ribosomal factors.
Without sufficient ribosomal factors, fat stem cells cannot produce functioning fat cells. Their energy gets trapped and they become enlarged and play a crucial role in diabetes development.
While fat tissue has been blamed for long, it’s “actually essential for maintaining normal glucose metabolism,” said Dr. Claudio Villanueva, Associate Professor of integrative biology and physiology at the University of California-Los Angeles.
Villanueva explained that people with obesity carry “too much fat tissue which is also not functioning optimally”.
Fat tissue stores energy from food. However, when not functioning properly, the excess energy gets rerouted to be stored elsewhere in the body like in the liver — leading to fatty liver disease; or in the heart — leading to atherosclerosis or stroke.
The study included obese and diabetic mice. The fat cells of these mice were four to five times larger than those found in lean mice. The team administered them with rosiglitazone.
The results showed that their ribosomal factors increased to normal levels, which triggered their fat stem cells to differentiate to produce new, smaller fat cells. Further, this enabled the mice’s fat tissue to function properly in storing energy. These also generate key hormones that regulate metabolism.
However, the scientists found that although the mice remained obese after taking the drug, their “type 2 diabetes essentially disappeared,”.

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‘Activates my lizard brain’: why Alita: Battle Angel is my feelgood movie

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

When I’m in a truly bad mood, about the state of the world or just the state of myself, traditionally uplifting movies (or music, or TV) don’t cut it for me. It’s not the movies’ fault, necessarily; it’s the act of pressing play on even a feel-great movie like His Girl Friday or Toy Story 2 that nags at me as overly self-conscious. It’s hard for the movie to have its desired effect when I’m giving it such a personal, specific mandate to make me feel better – a truly impossible form of video on demand. Instead, I need something that activates my lizard brain, something that goes straight to the pleasure center of my imagination, rather than engaging directly with my emotions. In recent years, that movie is Alita: Battle Angel.Part of it is probably a form of penance for slightly underrating Alita when it came out. I gave this Robert Rodriguez-directed, James Cameron-produced (and co-written!) manga adaptation a measuredly positive review back in early 2019, clearly still processing my surprise, even confusion, that it was so much better than most were expecting. Another half-dozen viewings later, many on sick days, have worn away my initial resistance to the movie’s slightly distended shape, corny dialogue and jostled-together plot. The movie follows the reawakening of Alita (a digitally augmented Rosa Salazar), a cyborg whose body has been trashed and whose memory has been erased. Partially repaired by the kindly but overprotective Dr Ido (Christoph Waltz), Alita eventually explores the dystopian Iron City, takes up a violent cyborg sport called Motorball, becomes a well-paid bounty hunter, falls in love with a human who yearns to escape for a better life, and rediscovers her past as a powerful warrior.It’s a lot, and also, in its way, just the right amount. At a time when sci-fi and fantasy films often feel stingy, holding back key characters or set pieces for sequels or budget restrictions, Alita boasts Cameron’s characteristic generosity – like his better-loved Avatar movies, the frame is often filled with inventive digital characters and sets – and Rodriguez’s boundless energy. Salazar’s Alita is a plucky badass whose earnestness in both love and war makes her a lovable resident of the uncanny valley, anchoring the overstuffed action. She’s also, as others have explored with greater expertise than mine, readable as a trans hero – a woman who finds her agency by eventually switching to a different, better-fitting body.Maybe that’s what makes this particular entry in the digital-cinema canon of gonzo sci-fi (fellow inductees: your Avatars, your Jupiter Ascendings, your Star Wars prequels) seem especially contemporary and vibrant, in addition to the excitement of its colors, designs and rapid pace. Released halfway through the first Trump term and rewatched heavily during a global pandemic, Alita has been accidentally battle-tested by real-world horrors. Like so much big-budget sci-fi, it predicts a bleak future while also making that future look, well, if not exactly fun, certainly a place where the pure-of-heart can still survive and find themselves, possibly through murderously extreme sports. Though some of the film’s side characters will be brutally dispatched, there’s something touching about how ridiculously extra they all are – and there’s catharsis in seeing sweet-natured, curious, open-hearted Alita go absolutely nuts beating them down in a barfight (a Rodriguez specialty that gets a great sci-fi makeover here, complete with literal junkyard dogs). It’s not as bloody or unsparing as an ultraviolent thriller, nor as gentle as a children’s fantasy. It’s something the inner child, outer adult and forever dork can all agree on – perfect for representing a character who occupies a liminal space between childlike wonder and embattled badass.So yes, my feelgood movie for when humanity lets me down is Alita: Battle Angel, a movie where much of humanity hangs out in a city-sized junkpile. And though I don’t press play with this aspect particularly in mind, it’s nice to imagine a future where things have gone terribly wrong (that just seems realistic at this point) yet unforeseen triumphs still emerge from the tech-nightmare garbage heap. There are plenty of more time-honored films that take a more direct path to temporary bliss, including sci-fi movies better-equipped to restore faith in humanity. (I know many people were appropriately moved by Arrival, opening days after Trump’s 2016 victory; I love that one, to.) But for me, it’s hard to beat the comfort of a weird, fantastical world populated by sci-fi creations that hustle and bustle with such clamor that they threaten to spill out of the widescreen frame. Alita may be cobbled together from the parts of other movies as well as its famous source material, but it’s a beautiful salvage job. That’s been a huge part of my life with movies: turning trash into treasured memories.

Alita: Battle Angel is available to watch on Hulu in the US and on Netflix and Disney+ in the UK

Integrating Workforce Planning with Business Strategy: Al…

Business News

New Delhi: Effective workforce planning is essential for aligning talent with organisational objectives; ensuring businesses can meet immediate and long-term goals. No longer confined to traditional human resources tasks, workforce planning is critical in achieving strategic business outcomes. As organisations face technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, and shifts in market dynamics, integrating workforce planning with business strategy has become crucial for sustaining growth and adaptability. By doing so, companies can anticipate talent needs, bridge skill gaps, and foster agility in response to industry challenges. Vishal Chaudhary, Executive Director – India Sales, Dexian India Solutions and Consulting, shares his thoughts on how businesses can align their talent strategies with core objectives supported by recent trends, data, and emerging best practices.The Strategic Importance of Workforce Planning

Workforce planning, when aligned with business strategy, is a proactive approach that anticipates an organisation’s talent needs and addresses skill gaps and shortages. This alignment is crucial, ensuring that the right talent is in place to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Without this alignment, organisations risk talent shortages, skill mismatches, and disengaged employees, which can significantly impede their ability to scale, enter new markets, or adopt new technologies. A cohesive workforce strategy bridges the gap between talent capabilities and business goals, supporting sustainable growth and agility. By proactively managing workforce dynamics, companies can better navigate evolving business demands and maintain a competitive edge.

“Dexian India’s workforce strategy is built on adaptability and foresight. By continuously aligning our talent with the future direction of the business, we can not only meet our current goals but also position ourselves for long-term success,” says Vishal Chaudhary, Executive Director – India Sales, Dexian India Solutions and Consulting. “Our ability to anticipate and act on future talent needs gives us a competitive advantage in a fast-changing market.”

The Future of Workforce Planning: Key Trends

AI and ML in Workforce Management: AI tools are revolutionising workforce planning by predicting skill demands and identifying talent gaps, with global investments expected to rise by 25% over the next three years (ILO, 2023).

Hybrid Work Models: Hybrid work, adopted by 40% of companies in India (Ministry of Labour, 2022), is reshaping talent strategies, requiring new roles and skills.
Remote Work Impact: Flexible work arrangements drive the need for adaptable workforce planning to maintain employee engagement and productivity.
Reskilling and Upskilling: By 2025, 50% of employees will need reskilling (WEF, 2023), making continuous skill development essential for business success.
Digitalization and Automation: Increased automation requires organisations to realign workforce strategies to meet evolving technological demands.

Aligning Workforce Planning with Business Strategy

Understanding Business Goals: By identifying the critical skills needed, workforce planning can be aligned with the company’s objectives, such as expansion or digital transformation.
Workforce Gap Analysis: Identify skill gaps by evaluating current talent and future business needs to target recruitment and training efforts.
Strategic Talent Acquisition: Implement a data-driven hiring strategy to attract talent that supports long-term business goals, focusing on skills and diversity.
Upskilling and Reskilling Initiatives: Invest in continuous employee development to keep pace with technological changes and business needs.
Scenario Planning: Prepare for future uncertainties by aligning workforce strategies with potential business challenges.
Monitoring and Measuring Performance: Track workforce performance using KPIs and analytics to ensure alignment with evolving business objectives.

Workforce Planning as a Competitive Advantage

Alignment with Strategy: Workforce planning that is aligned with business strategy is crucial for staying competitive and ahead of the curve.
Talent Forecasting: Companies that can anticipate future talent needs and invest in relevant skills are better positioned to succeed in a dynamic global economy.
Agile Workforce Strategies: Agile workforce strategies help organisations quickly adapt to market shifts, improve operational efficiency, and foster innovation.
Government Support and Leveraging Programs for Growth: Initiatives like Skill India, NAPS, and NSDC are crucial in shaping India’s future workforce by offering essential skill development opportunities. Businesses that leverage these government programs, combined with strategic workforce planning, can align talent capabilities with long-term objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and success.

At Dexian India, workforce planning is more than meeting immediate demands—building a future-ready team. We ensure our workforce strengthens our competitive edge by anticipating talent needs, fostering continuous learning, and keeping pace with industry trends. This alignment is key to long-term success in an era of rapid technological change and evolving customer expectations. As India rises as a global innovation hub, Dexian India’s strategic focus on workforce planning positions us to lead in technology, customer experience, and operational efficiency, maintaining our advantage in the global market. – Vishal Chaudhary – Executive Director- Dexian India Solutions and Consulting – India Sales

Challenges in Integrating Workforce Planning with Business Strategy

While the benefits of aligning workforce planning with business strategy are clear, organisations often face several challenges in this integration:

Talent Shortages: Despite efforts to reskill and upskill employees, many industries need more talent, especially in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering. Organisations must continuously innovate their talent acquisition and development strategies to attract top talent.
Rapid Technological Change: The pace of technological change can make it difficult for organisations to predict their future workforce needs. Companies must embrace agile workforce planning strategies that allow flexibility and adaptability.
Employee Resistance to Change: Reluctant employees may resist reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Building a culture of continuous learning and offering incentives for professional development can help mitigate this challenge.
Cost Management: Workforce planning can be resource-intensive, particularly when implementing new technologies, training programs, and recruitment efforts. Organisations must balance workforce planning costs with the long-term benefits they deliver.

Conclusion

At Dexian India, workforce planning is a strategic imperative that is fully integrated with our business goals. By aligning talent with organisational objectives, we ensure that we meet our current needs and are prepared for future challenges. As technological advances, hybrid work models, and evolving market conditions reshape industries, Dexian India remains agile, innovative, and forward-thinking in its approach to workforce planning. Through targeted talent acquisition, continuous upskilling, and collaboration with government initiatives, Dexian India is building a workforce ready to drive the company’s success well into the future.

About Dexian India

Dexian, a global leader in IT solutions and consulting since 1994, empowers businesses to innovate and lead in their industries. With over 12,000 employees spanning 70+ locations worldwide, Dexian is renowned for its customer-centric approach. We have built enduring partnerships with 250+ Fortune 500 companies, delivering valued experiences across various sectors. Specialising in IT consulting and solution sales, Dexian has supported numerous retail enterprises like yours, optimising IT frameworks to elevate customer experience, operational efficiency, security, and scalability. We understand your implicit needs and aim to collaborate closely, leveraging our expertise in talent engagement and innovative IT solutions to safeguard and enhance your investments.

Contact

Vishal Chaudhary – Executive Director- Dexian India Solutions and Consulting – India Sales

With over 16 years of experience in recruiting, selling, and managing multiple large MSP enterprise clients for IT and Professional Services, Vishal S. Chaudhary stands as a pivotal figure at Dexian. As the Director of Staffing and Placements, he is responsible for strategic new-client acquisition, managing overall MSP alliances, centralised MSP client operations, and supporting the expansion of Regional and Fortune 500 BFSI clients.

Under Vishal’s leadership, Dexian India has experienced remarkable growth, achieving a 100% increase in resource headcount and a 250% surge in gross profitability across various client engagements. His expertise is backed by a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Information Technology and extensive experience with renowned multinational corporations such as Randstad, Allegis Group – TEKsystems, and Collabera Technologies. Vishal’s contributions and strategic vision continue to drive Dexian’s success, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

Kumbaro: Albania Aims for Elite Tourism Amid Challenges

Travel

In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, discusses how tourism has evolved into an industry and spread across almost the entire country, operating throughout the year. She anticipates a rise in foreign tourist numbers but acknowledges that Albania was unprepared for the tourism boom in recent years.
She emphasizes that the goal is elite tourism, while also promising positive news for those seeking more public beach spaces. Among the key challenges the country faces with increasing tourism, Kumbaro highlights waste management and public transport.
Radio Free Europe: According to a report by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Albania ranks second globally and first in Europe for the highest growth in tourism. How significant is this indicator for the country?
Mirela Kumbaro: This is crucial for both Albania’s reputation globally and its economic development. Tourism is undoubtedly the most important sector of our economy. For the past two years, we’ve begun talking not just about tourism as an economic sector, but as an industry. This means that what we forecast about eight years ago, that tourism would be Albania’s future and key to economic development, is now tangible. International organizations, like the UNWTO, have also recognized this progress.
UNWTO’s barometer for the first half of the year ranked Albania second globally for international tourist growth and first in Europe, compared to the pre-pandemic period. Albania has not only recovered but exceeded expectations. We predicted we would reach 10 million tourists by 2027 or 2030, but we’ve already hit that target in 2023.
This success is the result of consistent work starting back in 2014, which we conceptualized under the “Urban Renaissance” program. It brought about psycho-aesthetic and psycho-architectural transformations, as well as a new synergy in the relationships between private and public sectors.
Two key trends that have emerged in the past two years are the spread of tourism across the country and year-round tourism. These developments make tourism sustainable, create new maps, and encourage tourists to explore destinations beyond the coast.
Radio Free Europe: The same report ranks Albania as the country with the greatest increase in tourism revenue globally. What impact has this had on the tourism business chain?
Mirela Kumbaro: This is one of the best things for the economy. Tourism-related income has grown significantly. In 2022, tourism revenue reached 2.8 billion euros; in 2023, it was 4.2 billion euros. According to the Bank of Albania, the first half of this year saw 500 million euros more than the same period last year. It’s not enough to just count the number of visitors—what matters is the revenue they generate.
Radio Free Europe: The 2024-2030 tourism strategy plans to divide the country into six tourist regions. What will this plan bring?
Mirela Kumbaro: We have a big job ahead of us to further formalize Albania’s economy in terms of tourism. That’s why, with the new strategy we’re proposing to the Government, “Tourism in Albania 2030,” which is set to be approved in the coming weeks, we anticipate interventions in the fiscal system, information, and reforms in agencies like the Albanian Investment Corporation, the Investment and Development Agency, and the National Tourism Agency.
This represents a form of soft diplomacy, a benefit for the nation and Albanians wherever they are.
Radio Free Europe: In presenting the strategy, you stated that “every 1 km of beach will have at least 300 meters of public beach.” How achievable is this promise, as you’ve also described it as a major challenge?
Mirela Kumbaro: The Albanian coast is one of the main attractions in our tourism offer. However, our experience over the years has taught us to manage this space better, aiming to create a fair balance between the beach as a public space that must be accessible to the public and the need to maintain a balance that serves the interests of the private sector.
The new beach regulations take this balance into account, focusing on sustainable, serious, long-term, and consolidated investments in the hospitality sector.
/a.p./

Snow-covered valleys of Kashmir revive tourist bookings

Travel

Following a recent snowfall in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir,  key tourist destinations in the region began witnessing an uptick in tourist footfall. On Saturday night, a thin film of snow blanketed the tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sadhna Top and Pahalgam. A light snowfall also carpeted the upper reaches of the Chinab Valley’s Bhaderwah area. Following the snowfall, famous tourist destinations have begun witnessing an increase in tourist footfall, with both domestic and international travellers visiting the region. An official told  businessline that the tourist footfall in Gulmarg picked up since the area received the season’s first snowfall on November 16. “Around 2400 to 2500 tourists visit the ski resort daily since the fresh snowfall”, said the official. The official said they were looking forward to a promising tourist season.According to official figures, around  2.6 million tourists, including 35,254 international visitors, arrived in Kashmir between January 1, 2024,  and September 30, 2024. 
Pahalgam has seen over 11.5 lakh visitors this year, while Bhaderwah’s Chinab Valley meadows, blanketed in snow, are drawing travelers from across India. 
Irfan ul Rahim, Managing Director of Discover Gulmarg Adventures, an adventure cum travel company, said that after a recent decline in tourist footfall, the travellers began showing up at the tourist destination again. The snowfall has ended the anticipated booking cancellations at the most sought-after tourist destinations like Pahalgam, signalling the arrival of more tourists.  Since April this year, Pahalgam has received over 11,52,000 tourists. “The expected booking cancellation has ceased as nature began to blanket the Valley in a pristine layer of snow”, said a hotelier at Pahalgam.Jahid Azad, Assistant Director of the Department of Tourism, said that they expected the number of tourist arrivals to exceed previous records.The official said that tourists from the country’s northern parts visited Pahalgam. “We need to develop an adventure-orientated tourism policy to attract more tourists to the destinations like Pahalgam,” Azad said.
Tourist surge in Chinab Valley

A view of the snow-covered areas as Gurez Valley receives fresh snowfall, in Bandipora on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
| Photo Credit: ANI
On Sunday, tourists from different parts of the country flocked to the Guldanda meadows in the Chinab Valley, some 33 kms from Bhaderwah town. Located at an elevation of 9,555 feet above sea level, the meadows received a good snowfall on Saturday night, ending a protracted dry spell.Last year, the awe-inspiring location emerged as a major tourist attraction following almost a snowless winter in Kashmir. During the winter, the destination recorded more than 5 lakh tourists.Bal Krishan, Chief Executive Officer of Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), said the area began witnessing a tourist surge following the season’s first snowfall. 
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Copy linkEmailFacebookTwitterTelegramLinkedInWhatsAppRedditPublished on November 25, 2024

London Rare Book School Announces Summer School 2025 Courses

Arts & Culture, Books

The London Rare Books School (LRBS) at the Institute of English Studies, University of London has revealed details of its courses next summer on a variety of book-related subjects. LRBS summer school 2025 wil run June 16- 20 (Week One) and June 23 – 27 (Week Two) as follows:Week OneMedieval Illumination with Professor Michelle BrownArtists’ Books with Gill PartingtonA History of Maps and Mapping with Katherine ParkerEnglish Bookbinding Styles with David PearsonBookshops and Booksellers: Five Centuries of Selling Books with Rachel Calder and Andrew NashEarly Modern Typography with James Misson Week TwoThe Anatomy of the Book: An Introduction to the Study of Printed Books c.1450-1800 with Michael DurrantEuropean Bookbinding, 1450-1820 with Nicholas PickwoadThe New Trade in Old Books: the Modern Rare Book Trade with Angus O’Neill and Leo CadaganThe Book Historian’s Digital Toolkit with Christopher OhgeThe Book in the Ancient World with Marigold NorbyeModern Political Pamphlets with Pragya DhitalBooks, Bodies and Minds: A special course hosted by the Wellcome Collection with Alexandra Hill and Elma BrennerLRBS short courses will also be on offer in 2025 including Digital Editing with Dr Christopher Ohge (January 29 and 31) and Print and the ascent of magic with Dr Pragya Dhital (Marh 25 – 27). Additional courses will be confirmed in the coming months.Courses are taught in and around Senate House and online so please do check location details before signing up. By using code LRBS10 at checkout you can save 10% on your course fees if you book before January 10, 2025.

Business Bound: Is Portugal the Ideal Spot for UK Freelancers?

Business News

Business Bound: Is Portugal the Ideal Spot for UK Freelancers?Thinking of starting a business in Portugal? The country offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, but, like any new venture, it also presents its challenges. If you’re a non-Portuguese national looking to start your business, knowing the procedure and requirements will help you get off to a smooth and successful start.
How to Get Your Business Set Up
For UK citizens, launching a business in Portugal begins with securing the necessary documentation. As a non-EU national, obtaining a work visa is a key first step. Portugal’s digital nomad visa (D8 visa) offers an excellent pathway for freelancers, allowing you to live and work legally while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. This visa is especially beneficial for remote professionals, offering flexibility to operate across borders.
After arriving in Portugal, you’ll need to obtain a NIF (Tax Identification Number) and a Social Security Number for tax and social security purposes. You will also need to register a local address and your business. Finally, transitioning from a business visa to a residence permit will ensure legal compliance and smooth operations.
Portugal’s Business Laws
UK freelancers must familiarize themselves with Portugal’s legal and financial framework, which includes understanding local regulations and securing the necessary licenses. Since Portuguese law differs from UK legislation, consulting an international commercial lawyer can help simplify processes like document submission, contract drafting, and tax compliance.
A separate business bank account is required for financial transparency, and you’ll need your NIF and proof of identification to set it up. This account ensures smooth operations and compliance with legal requirements. Portugal’s tax structure includes a 21% corporate income tax and VAT, but the government offers incentives for startups, such as lower VAT rates and deductions. Freelancers and sole traders also benefit from reduced tax burdens in their first year.
Choosing the right business structure is vital to success. Freelancers can operate as sole traders (Empresário em Nome Individual), benefiting from tax exemptions and no minimum capital requirement. Alternatively, partnerships offer shared responsibilities but require more documentation. Your choice should align with your goals, and consulting legal or financial advisors can help ensure long-term success.
Business Perks in Portugal: What’s in It for You?
Operating a business in Portugal offers significant advantages for UK freelancers. Despite no longer being part of the EU, the UK maintains bilateral social security agreements with Portugal, safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring access to healthcare and benefits.
Portugal’s government actively encourages entrepreneurship through tax incentives and programs tailored to small businesses and freelancers. Reduced VAT rates, deductions, and initiatives like the digital nomad visa create a welcoming environment for professionals seeking to relocate and grow their businesses.
Portugal’s government encourages entrepreneurship through tax incentives, such as reduced VAT rates and deductions. Programs like the digital nomad visa make it easier for freelancers to relocate and thrive in the country. The lifestyle perks cannot be overlooked. With a warm climate, rich culture, and a thriving expat community, Portugal offers a high quality of life that appeals to professionals seeking career opportunities and personal fulfillment.

India News | Gujarat’s Tourist Destinations Draws Surge of Visitors in Festive Season; Kankaria Emerges Popular Spot

Travel

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], November 25 (ANI): Gujarat has emerged as a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists, showcasing its unmatched cultural heritage and natural beauty.Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has undertaken significant infrastructural advancements to position Gujarat’s tourism sector on the global map.Also Read | Apple iPhone Production in India Reaches USD 10 Billion in April-October 2024, Tech Giant Creates 1.75 Lakh Direct Jobs in 4 Years: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.These efforts aim to provide an unparalleled experience to visitors, reflected in the steady rise in tourist footfall.During the 20-day Diwali holiday period, from October 26 to November 15, 2024, an impressive 61.70 lakh visitors explored 16 prominent tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites across the state.Also Read | CNG Price Hike: Compressed Natural Gas Prices Surge by INR 2 in Mumbai, Gurugram, Noida and Other Cities; Poll-Bound Delhi Spared.Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lake alone drew over 5.50 lakh visitors, while the Dwarka Temple recorded the highest footfall, with more than 13 lakh devotees.Gujarat witnessed an impressive influx of 61.70 lakh visitors, who explored its 16 iconic tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites, showcasing the state’s growing appeal as a top travel destination during the Diwali holiday period.Popular attractions, including the Statue of Unity, Atal Bridge, Riverfront Flower Park, Kankaria Lake, Pavagadh Temple, Ambaji Temple, Girnar Ropeway, Science City, Vadnagar, Somnath Temple, Dwarka Temple, Nadabet, Modhera Sun Temple, Smritivan Memorial, Gir Safari, and Dandi Smarak, witnessed an overwhelming response from tourists. Meanwhile, the much-awaited Rann Utsav has officially commenced, attracting both domestic and international tourists.During the festival, visitors can enjoy a range of cultural programs along with various adventure sports activities.For the 2024-25 edition, the festival will feature an Adventure Zone offering 20 distinct activities, including paramotoring and ATV rides.Additionally, a Children’s Activity and Fun/Knowledge Park will be set up with 10 different activities, such as games and activities that promote understanding of nutrition, as well as a VR game zone.Recently, Gujarat hosted a series of G-20 meetings as part of India’s presidency. The state government successfully organized these meetings at world-class tourist destinations such as Dhordo in Kutch and the Statue of Unity, providing G-20 delegates with an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Gujarat.Delegates visited notable attractions, including Dholavira, Modhera Sun Temple, Ahmedabad’s historical landmarks, GIFT City, and the Dandi Kutir, and praised the state’s cultural and historical legacy.Their visit to these ancient cities left a lasting impression, with delegates expressing that these sites are a treasure of the world, emphasizing the importance of preserving them for future generations. (ANI)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)