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<ul><li>The Municipal Corporation in Ambikapur, Chattisgarh launched the country’s garbage cafe scheme. </li><li>The scheme offers ragpickers and homeless people free meals in exchange for plastic or any kind of trash. </li><li>The authorities have dedicated funds to the tune of ₹550,000, towards the cafe.</li></ul>Chattisgarh is offering a unique solution for two burning issues in the country — hunger and plastic waste. It introduced a ‘Garbage cafe’ where people can bring in plastic trash and get a free meal in return, <a href="https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/bring-plastic-waste-and-eat-full-meal-at-india-s-first-garbage-cafe-in-chhattisgarh-371570.html" data-type="tilCustomLink">reported </a>India Times Ambikapur, a city which is home to 200,000 people, launched the country’s garbage cafe scheme which offers ragpickers and homeless people free meals in exchange for plastic or any kind of trash. The scheme also aims to provide shelter to at least 100 homeless people. The municipal corporation has math in place on the food scheme. Every one kilo of trash earns a full meal, while 500gms earns a breakfast. The authorities have dedicated funds to the tune of ₹550,000, towards the cafe. The scheme has an ambitious plan to build greener roads using plastic waste. There are many such cafes across the world however India's plan to build roads through a garbage cafe makes it unique. Ambikar is the second cleanest city in India, <a href="https://swachhsurvekshan2019.org/Rankings/Morethan1Lakh">according to Swachh Survekshan 2019 </a>— a national ranking that determines the level of cleanliness in different cities across India.

India’s first ‘Garbage Cafe’ offers free meals in exchange for plastic waste

<ul><li>Situated in a valley flanked by majestic pine-covered <keyword id="28910" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mountains">mountains</keyword> with the Beas River meandering through, Manali offers truly idyllic views and a chill atmosphere to boot.</li><li>The thrill-seekers out there also have a plethora of adventure sports activities to choose from, including paragliding, trekking and rafting.</li><li>An excellent option for those seeking out seclusion is a day trip to Sissu village and Keylong.</li></ul>The scorching plains, inevitably, have people craving for an easy trip to a mountainous destination. But if you wish to be nestled amidst snow-clad peaks with a gushing river piercing through the terrain, you will need to travel farther, navigate not-so-great roads and will definitely need more time and patience. No, we are not talking about a trip as arduous as a road trip to Leh; we are talking about a much more manageable road trip to Manali and nearby places. <div type="image" title="Manali mountainscapes" msid="82002884" hostid="261"></div>Situated in a valley flanked by majestic pine-covered mountains with the Beas River meandering through, Manali offers truly idyllic views and a chill atmosphere to boot. With superb panoramas of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges from all directions, it is hard not to fall for Manali's evergreen charm. However, with a massive influx of tourists, most of whom have little regard for the environment, the city and most places around have garbage blemishing both the riverside and the mountainside. But the true magic of the place powers through and despite these eyesores, a quick pan up to see the mountains in their majestic glory compensates for the heartache the litter causes. That said, there are plenty of brilliant treks that take you to tiny brooks amidst conifer-clad valleys in and around Manali should you wish some time away from the manic crowds. The thrill-seekers out there also have a plethora of adventure sports activities to choose from, including paragliding, trekking and rafting. But do note that these activities are weather dependent, so it's best to check in advance. In general, rafting takes place all year round excluding the monsoon periods. The months of May, June and September are supposed to be the best time for paragliding. Skiing opens in Solang Valley soon after the first snowfall in January and continues till March. Other popular tourist spots in Manali include the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Bhima's demon wife. Sporting a multi-tiered pagoda, the temple is set amidst towering deodars, and the complex also has a shrine dedicated to their son Ghatotkacha. <div type="image" title="Old Manali" msid="82002929" hostid="261"></div>Apart from a very chill atmosphere, Old Manali also hosts the age-old Manu Temple dedicated to the sage Manu who penned the Manusmriti. Oozing with character and old-world charm, Old Manali is truly a must-visit. Please note, there is nothing much to see here, but the place gives you a laid-back feeling. Walk uphill through the narrow lanes, watch the stray dogs just lay there in absolute bliss, witness the locals tending to their cows, indulge in a bit of shopping at some very kitschy shops lining both sides of the lane and then head straight to the pub to rest those tired feet. <div type="image" title="Jogini Falls" msid="82002970" hostid="261"></div>Those with a religious inclination should also visit the Vashisht Temple and so should those who don't, mainly because this is the starting point of the hike to the spectacular Jogini Falls. The walk to the falls takes around an hour and makes for a great place to picnic while soaking in the views. (Please note: Do take all essentials like water and food with you but more importantly, take an extra bag to dump your garbage in and bring it back with you for proper disposal.) Beyond city limits The 3977-metre high snow-cloaked <keyword id="391219" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohtang-Pass">Rohtang Pass</keyword> is an obvious choice for those scoping out breathtaking views. However, as is the case with most popular places, the <keyword id="43735" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pass">Pass</keyword> has been defiled by an endless barrage of tourists, trash and traffic. Thankfully, now, only a small number of vehicles are allowed to visit, and a permit must be obtained to do so. Also, note that the Pass is only open from June to October. <div type="image" title="Manali Leh Road" msid="82002997" hostid="261"></div>An excellent option for those seeking out seclusion is a day trip to Sissu village and Keylong. This epic drive involves crossing the newly-constructed <keyword id="8486907" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-tunnel">Atal Tunnel</keyword> and gasping with disbelief when you see what's in store at the end of the tunnel. The terrain is nothing short of magic. The snowy mountain peaks, the river accompanying it on one side, countered by barren -- but just as majestic -- mountainscapes, on the other. The drive to Keylong should take around 2 hours, from Manali. You can also venture further to Udaipur (3 hours from Manali), a town on Chandrabhaga River bank in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. But remember that since this is a day trip, you should account for the time it will take to get back. Also, there are not many places to stop for grub or the toilet apart from a few loosely-termed 'hotels' splattered along the way. <div type="image" title="Welcomheritage Urvashi Retreat" msid="82003009" hostid="261"></div>Places to stay From budget no-frills hotels to spectacular heritage properties, the town has a place for everyone. The <a href="https://www.urvashisretreat.com/">Welcomheritage Urvashi Retreat</a> is a fabulous option for those who want gorgeous views along with all the creature comforts. The property is secluded from the hustle and bustle and the staff is delightful and eagerly tell you about the best places to visit nearby. Should you be looking for something more affordable, you can opt to stay at <a href="https://www.sterlingholidays.com/resorts-hotels/manali">Sterling Manali</a>. The rooms have beautiful views, but the upkeep is a little lacking. <div type="image" title="Il Ferno" msid="82003033" hostid="261"></div>Places to eat and drink Manali has a bunch of brilliant places to eat and drink. Serving up various cuisines, Manali also has quite a few resto-pubs with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Travel and food writer, Pallavi Pasricha, tells us, "I always make it a point to visit Johnson's Cafe to have their legendary trout. On my last trip, I discovered two new places – Il Forno which has excellent pizzas and Rocky's Café, a 10-minute walk from the Old Manali market – both have stunning views of the mountains. Sipping a beer from there will now always be on my agenda whenever I visit Manali next." Old Manali also has the Dylan's Toasted &amp; Roasted Coffee House, where you can soak in the laid-back atmosphere while sipping on excellent coffee accompanied by hot-out-of-the-oven cookies. Another well-known pub in Old Manali is The Lazy Dog. The riverside outdoor seating area here is the perfect place to wind down with a glass of hot toddy and snacks. Another place to check out if you wish to chill by the river is Cafe 1947, which is a slightly pricier option, but the ambience and the food are certainly worth experiencing. <div type="image" title="Jibhi" msid="82003043" hostid="261"></div>Veer off the highway Should you wish for an even more secluded location, Shweta Andrews, who runs a Delhi-based bakery called Bakes Ahoy, recommends a tiny village called Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh. It is just a 3-hour drive from Manali. Andrews says, "This is an off-beat travel destination in its true sense. It's a place for people who are looking to detox -- digitally, physically and mentally." Andrews and friends opted for an Airbnb called <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/45643018?check_out=2021-05-05&amp;adults=2&amp;check_in=2021-04-30&amp;s=13&amp;unique_share_id=D25340A4-9FFD-44D0-9E7F-2E8486D2DF7D&amp;_branch_match_id=908942267948210284&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1617946965_i%2BsKhQcTG4duws7Y">Sunny Cottage Near The River</a>, situated on a farm right by the river. "The hosts truly went out of their way to make our stay most enjoyable. Bonfires by night and picnics on the banks by day are things that one cannot enjoy in crowded or commercial holiday destinations. Plus the food was genuinely a farm-to-plate experience as well," Andrews adds. A must-visit from here is the Jalori Pass, where one can experience incredible views of the <keyword id="52569" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword>. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nokia-x20-specifications-nokia-new-phones-price-in-india/articleshow/81981039.cms">SIx new Nokia smartphones announced – price, specifications and availability details you should know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/founders-take-note-heres-why-most-startups-fail/articleshow/81981138.cms">Founders, take note: here’s why most startups fail</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-phone-app-now-lets-you-record-calls-automatically-from-unknown-numbers/articleshow/81982791.cms">Google Phone app now lets you record calls automatically from unknown numbers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/adar-poonawalla-serum-institute-of-india-has-bought-stake-policybazaar/articleshow/81985425.cms">Serum Institute of India buys into IPO-bound insurance unicorn PolicyBazaar, as True North sells part stake in secondary sale</a>

Mountains, rivers, trout and toddy — Manali offers you all these and more

Uttar Pradesh has created a record of sorts by hosting the country's biggest girl '<keyword id="1580449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kanya-pujan" source="Orion">Kanya Pujan</keyword>' ceremony in Gonda district. The programme was held on Sunday under the Chief Minister's Mission Shakti Abhiyan and 11,880 young girls of different sections from different development blocks of the district participated in it. The grand 'Shakti Vandan' ceremony was organised by the district administration in the Shaheed Azam Bhagat <keyword id="366223" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="singh-college" source="Orion">Singh College</keyword> campus. Mission Shakti Cafe and Mission Shakti Wall, symbols of women's self-reliance and motherly power, were also inaugurated in the ceremony. On this occasion, nine women of the district who have done excellent work in various fields were also honored with the Navdevi Award. The specialty of the entire program was that it was organized as a zero-waste event. During this entire event, 138 kg of wet waste and about 70 kg of dry waste were generated. Its complete disposal was ensured. A compost pit was prepared at the program level for the disposal of wet waste. This garbage is being converted into fertilizer. Executive Officer <keyword id="62834" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sanjay-mishra" source="Orion">Sanjay Mishra</keyword> said that the dry garbage has also been divided into four parts -- glass, plastic bottles, paper waste and polythene. Their segregation was ensured at the event venue itself and the waste has been sent to the dry waste unit. Sanitation kits and nutrition bundles were distributed along with the worship of the girls who came from different blocks of the district. Additionally, the women power who raised the prestige of India in the country and the world through Mission Shakti Wall were honored in a new way by the district administration. Built with the message of Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, this wall is dedicated to the women of the country who have excelled in different fields in the country and the world. Nine '<keyword id="19240500" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="matri-shaktis" source="Orion">Matri Shaktis</keyword>' of the district were also honoured for their excellent work in the Shakti Vandan ceremony. To make this country's biggest <keyword id="7511776" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kanya-puja" source="Orion">Kanya Puja</keyword> program 'Shakti Vandan' grand, a target was set to organise Kanya Puja of 11,000 girls. But, as a result of the efforts of the district administration, 11,888 girls were worshipped beyond the target.

UP sets record with 'Kanya Pujan' of 11,880 girls in Gonda district

<ul><li><keyword id="12756474" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="pathaan" source="Orion">Pathaan</keyword>, which led to the reopening of 25 single screens in India, is the latest example of the soft but significant power of movies. </li><li>After Zoya Akhtar’s <keyword id="6373898" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara" source="Orion">Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara</keyword> hit the screens, Spain became such a popular destination among Indian tourists that the country’s tourism increased by 65%. </li><li>However, the other side of the coin is the debilitating effect of massive tourists on preserved ecologies — such as Ladakh, India, or Dubrovnik, Croatia. </li></ul>Though the Indian film industry <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/epaper/delhicapital/2023/jan/24/et-front/at-10kcr-indian-box-office-scripts-a-blockbuster-in-2022/articleshow/97261901.cms">recorded </a>a gross box-office collection of ₹10,637 crore in 2022, the Hindi film industry struggled. While Telugu and Malayalam movies swept the awards and the audience, <keyword id="143" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bollywood" source="Orion">Bollywood</keyword> delivered one dud after another. The year of 2023, however, started with <keyword id="1671" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="shah-rukh-khan" source="Orion">Shah Rukh Khan</keyword> starrer Pathaan heralding the winds of change. In less than a week of its release, Pathaan has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/srks-pathaan-sets-a-new-record-with-box-office-collection/articleshow/97366169.cms">broken multiple records</a> — and led to 25 single screens reopening in India. <a href="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/pathaan-box-office-shah-rukh-khan-starrer-surpasses-kgf-2-emerges-fastest-rs-200-cr-grosser/">Reports </a>state it’s become the fastest Indian film to surpass ₹200 crore in box office collections in four days, beating even KGF 2 (five days) and Baahubali 2 (six days). However, neither is Pathaan the first film nor is SRK the first actor to leave a massive impact on an industry. Movies have long been impacting consumer choices, from fashion looks to tourism. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="From Switzerland to Spain, movies changed the landscape of tourism" comment="subhead2" text="From Switzerland to Spain, movies changed the landscape of tourism">From Switzerland to Spain, movies changed the landscape of tourism</cmsannotation> Yash Raj Films (YRF) was arguably one of the first Indian production houses to incidentally promote a country through its movies — primarily the snow-clad mountains of Switzerland. YRF’s saree-clad heroines may or may not have enjoyed dancing in the snow. Yet, tourists certainly flocked to the locations with gusto. The result — <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/experiences/food-wine/restaurant/restaurant-bollywood/">Restaurant Bollywood </a>at an elevation of 3,454m at Jungfraujoch in Switzerland. It has become a must-visit attraction for all tourists, especially those from India and Hindi movie lovers. A <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Bollywood-and-Indian-tourists-come-knocking">report </a>released in 2016 also indicated that in a decade, there was a 400% rise in Indian tourists in Switzerland. They also shell out an average of $330 per person a day, compared to $192 for all tourists. The trend continued over the years, with popular films becoming mini tourism ads for the place they’re shot in — be it Singapore in Krrish; Corsica in Tamasha; or one of the most popular ones, Spain in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. After Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara hit the screens, Spain became such a popular destination among Indian tourists that a <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/did-you-know-zoya-akhtars-zindagi-na-milegi-dobara-is-a-part-of-curriculum-in-spain-colleges/articleshow/92904017.cms">65%</a> increase in tourism was reported. And the film <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/zindagi-na-milegi-dobara-spain-colleges-zoya-akhtar-195994-2014-06-06">became a case study </a>for a marketing management course. Similarly, after the release of Krrish, the number of Indian tourists grew from 6 million to 7 million in Singapore. Closer to home, Goa’s Chapora fort is famously regarded as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ fort. Even today, you’ll find tourists recreating the iconic scene from the movie — though it’s been 21 years since the film first released. “Murder 2 made the Three Kings Feast church in Cansualim famous, and St Jacinto Island’s popular because of John Abraham’s jumping off the bridge sequence in ‘Dhoom’,” shared writer and director Deepak Lobo with <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/dil-chahta-hai-fort-in-goa-shooting-for-films-in-goa/articleshow/35508306.cms">Times of India</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The two sides of every coin" comment="subhead2" text="The two sides of every coin">The two sides of every coin</cmsannotation> If Jab We Met’s Geet popularised the idea of harem pants with tops, Dil Chahta Hai’s Akash made French beards cool. In other words, from fashion trends to tourist spots, the soft power of movies can’t be ignored. But, there’s another side to it! The massive influence that celebrities and movies hold comes with a price. Like Snapchat experienced in 2018. As per <a href="https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/22/technology/snapchat-update-kylie-jenner/index.html#:~:text=Snap%20(SNAP)%20stock%20closed%20down,else%20not%20open%20Snapchat%20anymore%3F">CNN</a>, reality TV star and socialite Kylie Jenner’s tweet, “Does anyone else not open Snapchat anymore?” led to the Snap (SNAP) stock falling 6%, which wiped about $1.3 billion off the company's market value. Ladakh’s Pangong lake became a national attraction after 3 Idiots, with a ‘3 Idiots cafe’ or ‘Rancho cafe’ greeting tourists at <a href="https://www.tripoto.com/manali/trips/pangong-lake">every corner</a>. However, the jump in tourists (from 400,000 before the film to 16,00,000 in 2011, after the film) also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/ladakhs-ecology-has-been-ruined-thanks-to-aamir-khans-3idiots/articleshow/55581434.cms">ruined </a>Ladakh’s ecology — with plastic bottles, chips wrappers, and other garbage. <div type="image" title="Litter" msid="97442335" hostid="261" sizebytes="45386"></div> After the worldwide popularity of the fantasy series Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik in Croatia saw such a rise in tourism that the city proposed <a href="https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2165976/mass-tourism-threatens-croatias-game-thrones-city-dubrovnik">limiting </a>the number of tourists to 4,000, lest it loses the UNESCO world heritage title. As per a <a href="https://www.hbsp.harvard.edu/product/W19120-PDF-ENG">case study </a>in Harvard Business Publishing, “The popularity of the television series led to overwhelming tourist traffic in the area. During the peak tourist season, the city now suffered from serious overcrowding. In addition, the city was at risk of losing its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In response, the city had begun to engage in demarketing efforts.” SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/srks-pathaan-sets-a-new-record-with-box-office-collection/articleshow/97366169.cms">SRK’s Pathaan sets a new record — over ₹200 crore collections in two day</a>s <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/percentage-of-citizens-likely-to-visit-cinemas-increased-by-150-as-per-report/articleshow/97281514.cms">Percentage of citizens likely to visit cinemas increased by 150%: LocalCircles survey</a>

Big screen effect: Of French beards, marketing case studies & littered tourist spots

The other day Coldplay’s concert at Mumbai was wrapped up; there were tonnes of leftover plastic bags and bottles at the venue till the next day. After the media reported on the garbage dumped from the evening before, the cleaning process was begun by a handful of volunteers. Interestingly the audiences who attended the fest had pledged to support sanitation, hygiene and malnutrition for which the Global Citizen, the organizers stand for. 
 
Now this is the story of some citizens of India, some of whom won free passes to the musical concert after taking a pledge on sustainable development goals. Now you start worrying about the tourists who never made such pledges and biking on the highest motor able road in the world in Ladakh. For many tourists, who are visiting Leh and Ladakh are littering the place like hell. The pristine water of the lake as shown on the movie 3 idiots is now polluted. 
 
Remember Kareena Kapoor in 3 Idiots? Dressed in bridal saree, Kareena was riding a retro scooter and met Aamir Khan, her estranged lover. This was the climax scene of 2009 blockbuster movie by Raju Hirani. And then it all changed. Having given enough travel goals, tourists started crowding Ladakh like never before. 
 
Before the movie was shot, only 400,000 Indian tourists had visited Ladakh, home to 200,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir. However in 2011, after the movie became a major hit, the number of tourists jumped to 16,00,000, according to <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/arielbardi/what-has-3-idiots-done-to-ladakh?utm_term=.dnn6eE9J9#.tb1bB6YGY">Buzzfeed</a>. 
 
Pangong Lake, where major part of the movie has been shot has gained popularity like never before. But thanks to the crowd of tourists visiting Ladakh, the lake which is connected by several other lakes have plastic bottles, chips packets and other garbage dumped in it. While many volunteers did try to clean it, people clicking selfie and getting drunk on the bank kept littering. And this happens every day. 
 
It’s true that several locals have got a job, thanks to the movie. Anywhere you go, there is one 3 Idiots Cafe or Rancho’s cafe and those are running quite well and supporting the local population. What’s alarming is the callousness of the people. Ladakh is home to some unique floras and faunas. Nature conservationists warn, some rare floras couldn’t be traced since 2 years. If the situation persists, they might need to bring some strict rules in the land like Lakshadweep, where permits are required to visit. 
 
 
 
Moreover, scarcity of water in Ladakh has always been an alarming issue. And now with tourists crowding the place, there is not much alternative water source that has been traced apart from some recycling plants. 
 
Tourists like any other place need to realize the fact, as enjoyment is important for them, so is the survival of the people living locally.

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India’s first ‘Garbage Cafe’ offers free meals in exchange for plastic waste

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Mountains, rivers, trout and toddy — Manali offers you all these and more

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UP sets record with 'Kanya Pujan' of 11,880 girls in Gonda district

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Big screen effect: Of French beards, marketing case studies & littered tourist spots

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Ladakh’s ecology has been ruined, thanks to Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’

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