• Varanasi city has been nominated as the first cultural and tourism capital during 2022-2023at the 22nd meeting of the SCO council in Samarkand.
• The 22nd meeting of the SCO council in Samarkand was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization 2022 was the first in-person meeting of the regional group after the Covid-19 pandemic which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Points related to Varanasi

• Varanasi will get a boost in tourism and cultural and humanitarian exchanges between India and SCO member countries after it is nominated as the first SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital.
• It will emphasize India’s ancient civilizational links with member states of SCO.
• Various events will also be organized under the framework of a major cultural outreach program in Varanasi during 2032-2023.
• During the culture several guests will be invited to participate from the SCO Member State.

About Varanasi

• Varanasi is also known as Banaras or Kashi. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is known for Hindu mythology and history. The city is linked with spiritualism, yoga, Hindu mythology, culture, and the Sanskrit language.