Latest news with #RCU
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
RCU professor suspended for sexual, mental harassment of research student in Vijayapura
Following a complaint of sexual and mental harassment by a research student, Head of the Department of History at the Postgraduate Centre of Rani Channamma University (RCU) in Vijayapura K.L.N. Murthy has been suspended. In his order issued on Monday, RCU Registrar Santosh Kamagouda has said that as the charge against Prof. Murthy appears to be true prima facie, as per the report of the Internal Grievances Redressal Committee, he has been suspended under the provisions of Section 10 (1)(D) of Karnataka Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeals) Rules 1957. The research student had, on November 4, 2024, orally made the complaint of sexual and mental harassment by her research guide (Prof. Murthy) before the vice-chancellor and registrar of the university and in the presence of Prof. Murthy. The complainant was asked by the authorities to submit a written complaint and evidence and also the progress of her research work to the university within seven days thereof. Accordingly, the aggrieved research student submitted a handwritten complaint along with evidence to prove her charge. Subsequently, the university asked the Internal Grievances Redressal Committee to inquire into the complaint of the research student and submit a report. The committee which submitted its report on July 14 this year said that Prof. Murthy misused his position and his acts amounted to sexual harassment as per the provisions of relevant Act. And, the committee recommended disciplinary action against him, saying it was justified to prevent the recurrence of such acts. The committee in its report said that the teacher accused of sexual and mental harassment prima facie violated Rule 3(1)(i), 3(iii), 30(1) and Rule 33(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) (prohibition of sexual harassment) of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 2021. Based on the committee report, Prof. Kamagouda passed the suspension order and Prof. Murthy has been directed not to leave the headquarters without the permission of the competent authority.
Asharq Al-Awsat
14 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
AlUla Launches Summer Fruits Season as Part of 'Khayrat AlUla' Initiative
The Summer Fruits Season started in AlUla on Tuesday as part of the 'Khayrat AlUla' initiative implemented by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The initiative aims to showcase the region's agricultural diversity and reinforce its connection to the cultural and economic identity of the area. The season is taking place at Al Manshiyah Farmers' Market from July 22 to 28, where local farmers are presenting a variety of fruits for which AlUla is known, including mangoes, grapes, and figs. The event also features participation from local productive families in a festive atmosphere that highlights the authenticity and economic importance of agricultural heritage. The Summer Fruits Season is one of AlUla's most prominent agricultural production periods, with over 4,900 tons produced annually from around 216,000 fruit-bearing trees. The event is part of the broader Khayrat AlUla series, which includes seasons for dates, grapes, citrus fruits and honey. These efforts align with RCU's goals to strengthen food security and develop agricultural communities in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The season contributes to empowering farmers, expanding marketing channels for their produce, and developing sales outlets connected to visitors, fostering long-term sustainability for the region's agricultural sector.
Saudi Gazette
14-07-2025
- Saudi Gazette
AlUla's families at the heart of Vision 2030: A model for regenerative growth
Culture is a fundamental pillar for understanding the history and identity of peoples. Those who trace the roots of Saudi Arabia's interest in history and culture will find that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is the cornerstone upon which the progress we see today across all fields has been built. Saudi Vision 2030 is a natural outcome of King Salman's dedication, guided by the stewardship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Consequently, the Kingdom's focus on this area led to the establishment of the Ministry of Culture in 2018, marking a qualitative transformation in the cultural sector. In the windswept desert valley of AlUla, Saudi Arabia's plans for cultural reinvention is taking shape. Where millennia-old tombs are etched into sandstone cliffs and fertile oases once served as waystations along the Incense Route, a new vision is transforming this once-quiet town into a global centre of tourism. Central to this 2030 vision is AlUla, a region the size of Belgium with archaeological riches. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has been tasked with leading this process. Its remit is vast, combining archaeological conservation with job creation, infrastructure development, education and community empowerment. The target is to attract two million visitors annually by 2035 and creating 38,000 new jobs, all while preserving AlUla's historical integrity and ecological balance. At the heart of AlUla lies Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved by the Nabataeans in the first century CE. Its monumental tombs lie largely undisturbed, offering an archaeological time capsule of ancient Arabia. French archaeologists, Saudi researchers, and international heritage experts have joined forces to map and protect over 200,000 years of human history in the region. Indeed, culture is the fulcrum on which AlUla's future pivots. Prince Badr bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and the leader of the cultural file in Saudi Arabia, champions an approach grounded in tangible achievements in AlUla and across the Kingdom. Indeed, the Ministry has achieved remarkable figures within just seven years of its inception, whether in cultural tourism or through the accomplishments of the various bodies operating under the Ministry's umbrella. The realisation of the leadership's vision and the directives of the Minister of Culture is driven by young men and women, deeply immersed in the cultural vision and its objectives, working tirelessly in teams with ongoing dedication, propelled by the guidance of his deputy, Hamed Fayez. In this research, the stories and interview of locals provide a vivid window into how government policy and deep-rooted heritage combine to create a new model for regional development in the Kingdom. The RCU's vision extends to education as well. In collaboration with the University of Paris and other international institutions, AlUla has launched archaeology and heritage management programmes for Saudi students. Young people are being trained as conservators and cultural managers, ensuring that the knowledge transfer is both international and locally embedded. This commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in the architecture and urban planning. Designs by studios such as Atelier Jean Nouvel and Foster + Partners who employ modern aesthetics with the natural contours of the desert. The Sharaan Nature Reserve, for instance, integrates eco-tourism with conservation, protecting native wildlife while creating jobs in biodiversity research and sustainable hospitality. Under the RCU's AlUla Inclusive Community Development Framework, local residents are being integrated into every phase of the transformation. This includes targeted skills training in areas like hospitality and eco-tourism with financial support for SMEs and new roles in cultural production. One striking example is the revival of traditional crafts. With support from international NGOs such as Turquoise Mountain and The King's Foundation (formerly The Prince's Foundation), AlUla's artisans are reclaiming heritage techniques in weaving, and palm frond basketry. These crafts are being preserved and also redeveloped for contemporary markets. Artisans receive training in design and business management, creating new income streams and promoting a sense of pride in cultural identity. The RCU's tourism development follows a circular economy approach, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, AlUla launched the AlUla Sustainability Charter, a regulatory framework that governs land use and waste management among other variables. Developers must adhere to strict guidelines that prioritise renewable energy and minimal ecological disruption. The goal is to protect AlUla's ecosystem and set a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the Middle East. AlUla is becoming a soft power asset for Saudi Arabia. Cultural diplomacy initiatives such as international artist residencies, archaeological missions, and partnerships with institutions like the Louvre and the British Museum connect the Kingdom further on the cultural world stage. Tourism, of course, is an important part of the economic engine of the AlUla. Events such as Winter at Tantora, Desert X AlUla, and the AlUla Arts Festival draw visitors from across the globe. In 2023 alone, AlUla hosted over 200 cultural events, including concerts by Andrea Bocelli, exhibitions curated by Saudi and international artists, and culinary experiences with Michelin-starred chefs. Each event serves a dual purpose: to elevate the region's profile and to support cross-cultural exchange. The role of women in AlUla's transformation is emblematic of broader social changes in the Kingdom. From artisan cooperatives to executive roles in the RCU, women are increasingly visible in all sectors. Government scholarships and training programmes have accelerated this shift, as have changes in public perception. While conducting interviews in AlUla a young craftswoman from AlUla shared how she now runs a workshop that employs women. "Before this, I never thought our traditions could become a successful profession," she says. "Now, I feel we are part of something bigger". One of the most prominent themes emerging from interviews with AlUla's residents is the pride they take in promoting their role 'We used to come back only for special occasions,' explained one cultural entrepreneur whose family recently moved back to their ancestral home. 'Now half the family has relocated here so we can oversee the thriving businesses we are establishing.' Families that had moved away for education or work are now returning, often reviving farms and old homes. The types of businesses range widely from hospitality and artisanal food production to agriculture, health, sports, and local art. Another interviewee highlighted the appeal of cultural tourism: 'We enjoy welcoming international tourists to our farm and sharing the story of our town and its history.' Repurposing land and assets The innovative use of land and natural resources mean that many entrepreneurs are utilizing inherited family farms as the foundation of their new ventures. This continuity of ownership has alleviated startup costs and created deep emotional ties to their businesses, which is seen as vital to the town's long-term economic resilience. 'This farm belonged to our father and now to us,' said a resident whose family has farmed the area for generations. 'We know all the stories here, and we want to share that with visitors' The RCU also emphasizes commercialization with authenticity. 'The women in our family have been making natural products for generations,' said a local entrepreneur. 'I took courses through the RCU and started a soap business from natural resources' New career paths and economic opportunities At the heart of AlUla's development is the RCU's inclusive development model, focused on investing in human capital and creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Education and innovation are prioritized alongside tourism development to ensure the benefits reach the local community. Since its inception, the RCU has facilitated overseas scholarships for over 1,000 AlUla residents, supporting studies in cultural tourism, heritage management among other fields. Meanwhile, employment opportunities in ongoing projects and events further anchor locals in the economic uplift. The results are visible: unemployment in AlUla dropped to a rare negative rate of 2% in under three years. The creation of 'Vibes AlUla,' an entrepreneurship platform supported by the RCU, provides mentorship and business services, critical support for small businesses and startups. Access to legal guidance and scholarships has also empowered local entrepreneurs. 'The rules are clear now, and our society embraces the changes,' noted one female business owner. 'We are supported in education and entrepreneurship thanks to recent reforms. There is a Scenes of collective optimism' The new opportunities have altered residents' career plans and lifestyles. One young man explained how his original plan to become a car mechanic changed after the RCU's announcements, instead, his family started multiple businesses together. 'I work with the RCU and run my own businesses,' said another. 'The support, especially through scholarships and training, is unparalleled.' Community engagement and development A hallmark of the RCU's approach is deep engagement with the local community. Before launching projects, the RCU routinely holds focus groups, surveys and participatory activities to gather input. 'We were asked to recall old smells, sounds, and shops during the rejuvenation of the old town,' recalled a resident. 'This allowed our stories to be woven into the plans.' The RCU also invites locals to tour heritage sites and participate in preservation efforts. Tourism projects generate a virtuous cycle, with events such as the AlUla Dates Festival supporting local farmers and businesses. The festival, located near the iconic Elephant Rock, includes organized transportation and online registration to maximize accessibility. The broader impact has been significant, locals express pride and optimism. 'Everything changes overnight,' one respondent said. 'The RCU prepares sites quickly, activates them, and people are excited. Families are changing plans to seize these new opportunities'. A Microcosm of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 The experiences of AlUla's residents illuminate how Vision 2030's goals play out on the ground, through cultural entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Four key facets emerged from the interviews: Locals are actively preserving heritage and revitalizing the town's legacy. Repurposing land and natural resources promotes resilient businesses rooted in tradition. Access to education and training enables local entrepreneurship and attracts investment. Continuous engagement between the RCU and residents ensured a community-centred growth. AlUla offers a model of how heritage-led regeneration can drive inclusive economic development. Its trajectory under Vision 2030 demonstrates the power of investing in local capacity and place. By embedding sustainability and community engagement at its core it sets a clear benchmark for long-term national progress and for other regions seeking resilient, locally rooted transformation.— Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @GhadahWA
Irish Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Investigation launched after teenage girl sexually assaulted near Irish school
Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault on a teenager near a school in Co Down. Detectives from the Police Service Rape Crime Unit (RCU) in Northern Ireland are investigating the assault on a teenage girl in the Samson's Lane area, off the Ardglass Road in Downpatrick, shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday, June 24. No exact details have been released by the PSNI in relation to any suspects at this time, reports Belfast Live. Local District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "I want to reassure the community that a dedicated, skilled and specialist trained team of Detectives are working at pace to support the victim of this crime and to progress the investigation. "I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area yesterday morning (Tuesday, June 24), or who has any information that could help our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please bring it to us by calling 101, quoting reference 353 24/06/25 or online at "If you would prefer to provide your information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity, you can do so by calling 0800 555 111 or via "I want to further reassure the community that there will be a noticeable increase in police patrols in the area in the coming days and weeks." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
CairoScene
18-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia & France Launch Cultural Hegra Villa Project in AlUla
This marks the latest collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development. During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to AlUla, Saudi Arabia and France launched the Hegra Villa project, a cultural initiative aimed at strengthening the Saudi-French partnership. This marks the latest collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development, focusing on enhancing cultural diplomacy and creativity. Hegra Villa will serve as the first Saudi-French cultural institution in Saudi Arabia, designed to promote joint cultural initiatives and foster global creativity. The project is part of a broader effort to empower communities, support cultural dialogue, and introduce sustainable development practices. During the visit, President Macron toured the Saudi-French Partnership Exhibition, held at Maraya Hall in AlUla, which showcased models of several projects, including the preservation of AlUla's heritage. The exhibition highlighted the strategic areas of partnership between the two nations, focusing on cultural heritage, sustainable agriculture, filmmaking, tourism, and more. The exhibition also focused on ongoing developments in AlUla, including the Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre, which are being designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. These projects aim to blend innovation with environmental and cultural considerations, incorporating cutting-edge design and technology. Furthermore, the academic collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University was showcased, offering new opportunities for young people in AlUla in fields like tourism management, archaeology, and cultural heritage.
