New Delhi: With the start of the summer family vacation season in India, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Airlines, in collaboration with their destination partners, have launched an exclusive campaign to welcome back Indian families to the popular island destination - "Enjoy Your Family Times Now in Singapore."The destination, which is a perennial favourite among Indian tourists, offers a variety of reimagined family experiences during the school holiday season.India has been a major source market for visitor arrivals to Singapore, with family travel being a popular audience segment. With the relaxation of travel restrictions to the near pre-Covid situation, fully vaccinated travellers can now travel to Singapore quarantine-free by presenting a negative pre-departure test upon arrival. The city's Covid safety protocols have also been significantly relaxed.The ease of travel to and within Singapore has resulted in a surge in summer travel interest to Singapore. The "Family Times Now" campaign, which will run from mid-April to 30 June 2022, has been designed with the traditional travel peak during school holidays in mind.Indian families can enjoy Singapore's reimagined experiences with an exclusive deal of 50 per cent off airfares for children under the age of 12 years old, available only on Singapore Airlines. The promotion also includes award-winning Singapore attraction partners Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay, Mandai Wildlife Group, Marina Bay Sands, Jewel Changi Airport, and travel experiences platform Pelago, making this summer a great time to visit Singapore with the family.This is STB India's first major tactical campaign following the pandemic, with several fulfilment partners promoting the campaign extensively across India, including Pelago, Make My Trip, EaseMy Trip, Thomas Cook, SOTC, and FCM.Speaking about the family-focussed promotions, GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East &amp; South Asia, said, "Singapore is a top-of-mind family destination among Indian travellers. We are happy to welcome them back to Singapore during the peak summer travel season to enjoy their family times."Together with our tourism partners, we have curated a variety of family experiences at half price for children under 12 years. After a hiatus of two years, we are excited to invite Indian travellers to a reimagined Singapore with new and familiar favourite experiences with top-notch hygiene and safety standards."Sy Yen Chen, General Manager India for Singapore Airlines, added, "With international travel having resumed from India, it is once again possible for families to plan a summer vacation together, and what better destination than Singapore? The Garden City has always been among the preferred international family-friendly destinations for the Indian market, simply because it offers something for all age groups. We are seeing strong demand for travel to Singapore, and our special 50 per cent discount on airfares for children is our way of welcoming our youngest customers back on board for a fun-filled holiday."Singapore Airlines currently operates 66 flights weekly from 8 cities in India - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Mumbai.(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

With the start of the summer family vacation season in India, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Airlines, in collaboration with their destination partners, have launched an exclusive campaign to welcome back Indian families to the popular island destination - "Enjoy Your Family Times Now in Singapore."

Singapore invites Indian Families to reimagine their summer vacations with exclusive promotions

New Delhi: It has been nearly two weeks since the Mundka fire tragedy but the families of many victims are still awaiting a closure as the remains of their loved ones are yet to be handed over to them. At least 27 people were killed and many others injured in the massive blaze that ripped through a four-storey building in outer Delhi's Mundka on May 13.The Delhi Police had earlier said it has collected biological samples of 26 people, whose family members are believed to be killed in the fire, for DNA profiling.Of the 27 bodies that were recovered, only eight bodies have been identified.The family of 22-year-old Monika, one of the victims of the tragedy, said since the remains of her body has not been handed over to them, they don't know when they will be able to perform rituals and say their "last goodbye" to her. Family members of many other victims said they have become "exhausted" as despite their countless visits to hospitals and police stations, they are yet to get remains of their loves ones. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Sameer Sharma said they are expecting the results of forensic tests by next week.Monika's father said they have accepted the bitter fact that their daughter is not with them anymore."Now we are being forced to fight for her remains," he said."We want to say goodbye properly to her and perform all the rituals so that her soul can rest in peace," he added.Monika was the eldest daughter of the Vijayalaxmi Tiwari and Ram Tiwari (name changed). The couple has four more children -- three sons and one daughter.Monika joined the factory in Mundka in Feburary and was earning Rs 7,500 per month.Her father said they gave their blood sample for DNA profiling on May 14, but since then, have not received any update."We are still waiting to hear from authorities. We have been paying visits to hospitals and police stations every day and nobody is ready to help. So many days have passed. We haven't gotten the remains of Monika," said her father who did not wish to be named.Monika's mother hasn't slept properly ever since her daughter went missing. She just cries and longs for one last glimpse of her daughter, says Monika's father."Her mother is depressed, and her condition is not good. She is not eating and only when somebody forces her, does she take one or two bites. Every day and night, she cries and she is broken. During nights she goes out to cry as we all are sleeping. We find her sitting on the road inconsolably crying," the victim's father, who also broke down, said."My daughter was a great helping hand. She was earning Rs 7,500 which is not much. I am an e-rickshaw driver. Since the incident, I have lost interest in work. I haven't earned a penny since then," he said.Similar reactions were echoed by the family of Asha, another victim of the fire tragegy. As soon as the fire broke out her family rushed to the spot to save her.However, they failed to find her. Since then, the family has been visiting the city hospital and police station to get her remains.Asha's brother broke down sharing his family's plight."It is very difficult every day. We are worried. We also need some kind of peace. The home doesnt feel like home," he said."At least we should get the bodies of our loved ones so that we can perform the last rights to let her soul rests in peace. Everyday, we are running here and there impatiently to receive the body," he added.A senior official from Forensic Science Laboratory in Rohini here said the examination time for forensic sample is longer in "such cases"."We have received over 100 samples and they have been taken up for examination. The examination time is longer is such cases," the official said"Multiple samples are under examination currently and it may generate many reports. It is being done as per protocol and it is a multi-step procedure be it isolating it or further cleaning the samples, it takes time," he added. However, all this delay in getting the body of their loved one has left Sweety's family frustrated. Her husband Manoj Kumar said they have lost a member of their family and now they are being "tortured""We are still trying to overcome her loss. But they should understand that we are going through a lot. I dont know why no body is listening to them," he added.—PTI

It has been nearly two weeks since the Mundka fire tragedy but the families of many victims are still awaiting a closure as the remains of their loved ones are yet to be handed over to them.

Mundka fire tragedy: Families still wait for remains of loved ones

Panaji:&nbsp;Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that families of 30 martyr's from more than 20 states and 41 from Goa who had participated in 'Satyaghraha' held on 15 August 1955 to liberate Goa, will be given 'Certificate of Honour' on Independence day."These freedom fighters who came from other states along with our Goans developed pressure on then central government and hence 'Operation Vijaya' was launched, which gave us liberation," Sawant said during a press conference."We can't forget the sacrifice of these freedom fighters who came to Goa to fight against the Portuguese and around 30 of them were shot dead by the Portuguese," Sawant said.In June, Sawant had laid the foundation stone for upgrading the martyrs memorial in the memory of Hirve Guruji and Sheshnath Wadekar at Terekhol (Tiracol) fort in North Goa. They both hailed from Maharashtra and were shot dead by the Portuguese for unfurling the national flag on the fort on August 15, 1955.Sawant also urged people of Goa to put 'Tiranga' as profile picture on their social media accounts on August 2, which marks the birth anniversary of late Pingli Venkayya, who he said had designed the national flag."I request all the people of Goa to put Tiranga as their DP on social media accounts," he said.He said that to mark the 75th anniversary of India's Independence a special campaign 'Har Ghar Tiranga' under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being organised from August 13 to 15.Sawant urged people to display the national flag at their homes during the campaign. "Tirangas are made available in schools, colleges and panchayats for sale," he said.He said that under the 'Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' vivid programmes like Ideas at 75, Resolves at 75, Action at 75 and Achievement at 75 will be celebrated for next one year. "Central government in association with the state government will organise these programmes," Sawant said."Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting on its implementation on August 6 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Chief Ministers, Governors and Cabinet Ministers will be present for this meeting," he said.He said that the journey of the next 25 years of India will also be discussed in this meeting.—IANS

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that families of 30 martyr's from more than 20 states and 41 from Goa who had participated in 'Satyaghraha' held on 15 August 1955 to liberate Goa, will be given 'Certificate of Honour' on Independence day.

 Goa to honour families of martyrs from more than 20 states

Chennai: <span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">The families of people working in various parts of Kerala who had left their native villages for seeking better jobs are returning to their respective villages after cases of human sacrifice were unearthed.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Padma (52), one of the victims of the twin sacrifice in Kerala, was a native of Erapetty in Dharmapuri of Tamil Nadu and had gone to Kerala 15 years ago seeking better fortune. It may be noted that the wages in Kerala are more than double than what they were getting in Kerala.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Several people in Dharmapuri and other parts of the state are now moving back from Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kottayam districts of Kerala where a large number of Tamil people are working.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Shanthi (42), a vegetable vendor in Ernakulam along with her husband, Saminathan at Kaloor market has come back to Erapetty in Dharmapuri. While speaking to IANS, Shanthi who is fluent in Malayalam said, “We have been working in Ernakulam for the past 18 years and the city has given us everything. But the brutal human sacrifice in which a Tamil woman was murdered and chopped into pieces is haunting me. We can’t stay anymore in Ernakulam and we think that even if we get half the wages, we have decided to settle in our home town.”
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Two women, Padma and Roslyn were lured by Mohammed Shafi alias Rasheed promising them a huge amount if they worked in a movie. Roslyn was the first to be killed after luring her to Elanthur at the residence of Bhagaval Singh and Laila. Her body was chopped to pieces and blood splattered in all corners of the home as part of Arabic Black magic for getting fortune and wealth. This incident occurred in June and in September Padma was also brought to the same place, brutally killed, and her body chopped into pieces.&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Krishnaveni, (36) along with her husband Sukumaran was into ironing at Thiruvananthapuram and are natives of Theni. Sukumaran while speaking to IANS from Theni said, “Thiruvananthapuram was more than a home to me, but I am fed up now and will not stop there again. Will do some small menial jobs here in Cumbum and Theni and will survive. I will stay in my hometown along with my relatives and family rather than in a place that is not safe for us.”&nbsp;
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, the family of Padma has petitioned the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to take efforts to bring her mutilated and chopped body parts back home. Her elder son, R. Seddu, who is a lecturer at government polytechnic, requested the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to bring her body back to her hometown.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Padma’s husband, Ranga, was at Erupetty, Dharmapuri for the past few months, as he was not keeping good health, and Padma, was also to join the family after working for a few more months in Ernakulam when the tragedy struck her.
<span style="color: rgb(44,47,52);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 20px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">It may be noted that from Erupetty village only nine families were living in Ernakulam and all of them are back home now. Sunitha Mani, (48), a manual labourer in Ernakulam while speaking to IANS said, “I am from Dharmapuri and have been living at Ernakulam for 15 years. Now I want to go back. Better to be at home with poor funds rather than getting killed in unknown places.”&nbsp;
—IANS

The families of people working in various parts of Kerala who had left their native villages for seeking better jobs are returning to their respective villages after cases of human sacrifice were unearthed. 

 TN families return from Kerala areas after human sacrifice cases

Aizawl (The Hawk): The next of kin of each person killed in the Mizoram stone quarry collapse will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.A PMO tweet attributed to Modi quoted him as saying, "My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones due to the tragic stone quarry collapse in Mizoram. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be given from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured would be given Rs 50,000."After a significant portion of a stone quarry collapsed on Monday afternoon at Maudarh village in southern Mizoram's Hnahthial district, a total of 11 bodies have been discovered as of Wednesday.Vijoy Gurung, additional superintendent of police for the Hnahthial district, reported that intensive search efforts were being made to find one more body.He claimed that late on Wednesday night, an excavator's cabin buried in debris was where the body of Ajoy Chakma, 25, was discovered.The rescue operation is becoming very challenging as stone boulders, mudslides, and other obstacles are seriously hindering them, according to Gurung, who spoke to IANS. "The search operation team members are confident that they would be able to recover the body," Gurung said.Twelve workers, the majority of whom were not from Mizoram, have been officially counted as having died in the accident that happened on Monday afternoon.Five of the 12 workers, three from Assam, two each from Jharkhand and Mizoram, and three from West Bengal were reported in a report by the Deputy Commissioner of the Hnahthial district.At least five earth excavators, a stone crusher, and a drilling machine, according to some residents of Maudarh village, were also completely buried beneath the debris.The stone quarry has been in operation for 2.5 years and is situated about 160 km from the state capital Aizawl.The State Disaster Response Force, Mizoram Armed Police, Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Young Mizo Association volunteers are all taking part in the rescue effort.Stones are taken from the quarry by a private company named ABCI Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, which is building a road between Dawn village and Hnahthial.(Inputs from Agencies)

The next of kin of each person killed in the Mizoram stone quarry collapse will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.

PM announces ex-gratia for victims' families of the Mizoram stone quarry collapse

Chennai (The Hawk): Three Tamil Nadu sailors are among the 16 Indians aboard the Norwegian oil tanker MT Heroic Idun detained by the Nigerian government on charges of oil theft and other violations. Their families are eagerly awaiting their return.
The three sailors are Thoothukudi native Prispan Xavier, Ambur native Ramapuram Sukumaran Harsha, and Chennai native Deepan Babu.
The crew was reportedly brought before a Nigerian court in Port Harcourt, where they pled not guilty and were sent back to the oil tanker.
Salo, the wife of Prispan, told the media on Wednesday that they anticipate an early release of the Indian sailors from Nigerian authorities' custody. She stated that the family was concerned about Xavier's fate and pleaded with the Indian authorities to secure her husband's release.
Soumya, Deepan's wife, stated that her husband's parents were not informed of the incident.
Notably, an application has been filed with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea pursuant to Article 292 of the United Nations Convention for the release of the tanker and its 26 crew members, including 16 Indians.
Since August, Equatorial Guinea has had custody of the oil tanker, which was recently transferred to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has accused the ship's crew of making false accusations that they were attacked by pirates.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Three Tamil Nadu sailors are among the 16 Indians aboard the Norwegian oil tanker MT Heroic Idun detained by the Nigerian government on charges of oil theft and other violations. Their families are eagerly awaiting their return.

Families of TN sailors are awaiting their return on a Norwegian oil tanker

Guwahati (The Hawk): Hagrama Mohilary, the leader of the Bodoland People's Front (BPF), claimed in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that there have been numerous reports of Bodo tribal families in Assam being persuaded to become Christians by offering them easy access to government facilities, sometimes against their will.
In a letter that was also addressed to the president of the BJP, J.P. Nadda claimed that Pramod Boro, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), was in charge of the religious conversion.
According to Mohilary, who recently met senior BJP leaders in Delhi and allegedly made a promise to the saffron party's central leadership, his party would refrain from fielding candidates for Lok Sabha seats. Mohilary also reportedly asked for BPF's entry into the NDA as well as a cabinet berth for the party in the Assam Council of Ministry and CEM position in the BTC.
"Since 2015, my party, the BPF, and I have worked closely with the BJP to support the NDA in Assam. I also backed the NDA's presidential candidate and other Rajya Sabha candidates.
"Thanks to our assistance, the BJP won the 2016 election for Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal. I don't see any distinctions or inconsistencies between the ideologies and goals of the BJP and the BPF. The BPF leader wrote in his letter, "I fully trust and believe in your leadership.
The 126-member Assam assembly currently has three members of the BPF.
Mohilary claimed that despite his best efforts to form a pre-election alliance with BJP, BJP in Assam decided to become friends with the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) led by Pramod Boro in 2020.
BPF, a former ally of the BJP but now an enemy, rejoined the party in the state assembly in January of this year.
The sixth schedule council of the BTC is under the control of the BJP and UPPL.
In Assam's first BJP-led administration, which was led at the time by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the BPF had three members on the council of ministers.
The five districts of Tamulpur, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri, and Kokrajhar make up the Bodoland Territorial Region in western Assam, which is bordered by Bhutan and West Bengal.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Hagrama Mohilary, the leader of the Bodoland People's Front (BPF), claimed in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that there have been numerous reports of Bodo tribal families in Assam being persuaded to become Christians by offering them easy access to government facilities, sometimes against their will.

Conversions to other religions by force in Assam's BTC regions

Jaipur (The Hawk): Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, stated on Monday that LPG cylinders would be made available to BPL (below poverty line) families for 500 rupees each.
Gehlot made this statement while speaking to a crowd during the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY), which arrived in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Monday. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, was there.
"Starting on April 1, people in Rajasthan who qualify for the BPL and Ujjwala schemes will receive an LPG cylinder for Rs 500. The people in this group will receive domestic cooking gas cylinders worth Rs 1,050 for Rs 500, he said.
Additionally, he called the Ujjawal Yojana the "BJP's theatre" and claimed that "the tanks are lying empty."
"These LPG cylinders now cost Rs 1,040 instead of Rs 400. We will do a study on BPL and the poor, and in a year, 12 cylinders that are currently available for Rs 1,040 apiece will be accessible for Rs 500. I want to make this commitment to you. This would be remembered as Rahul Gandhi's BJY, added the seasoned Congressman.
Gehlot continued to address the crowd, saying, "We will offer a plan to distribute cooking kits to lessen the burden of inflation for poor and BPL since flour, daal, rice, etc., have become more expensive in our budget to be presented next year.
He continued, "We will take actions to lessen the threat of inflation on impoverished households.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced that LPG cylinders would be available for Rs 500 starting on April 1 in front of Yuvraj Rahul Gandhi. However, Rajendra Rathore, the deputy leader of the opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, claimed in a tweet that "this announcement will also prove to be false like the promises made to youth regarding employment and loan waiver promises made for farmers."
(Inputs from Agencies)

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, stated on Monday that LPG cylinders would be made available to BPL (below poverty line) families for 500 rupees each.

LPG cylinder at a price of Rs 500 for BPL families: Gehlot

New Delhi: A man was arrested for cheating innocent people by projecting himself as a rich bachelor on a matrimonial site, and used expensive cars to impress his victims, a Delhi Police official said on Friday.

The accused identified as Vishal, a resident of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, further duped the victims by offering iPhones at cheaper rates and got the money transferred.

According to police, the complainant, a 26-year-old woman, reported to the police that her parents made her profile on a matrimony site, and she came across Vishal's profile.

"He projected himself as a HR professional having an income of Rs 50-70 lakh per annum. He won over her trust and convinced her to purchase iPhones at cheaper rates for her relatives and friends. She transferred a total of Rs 3,05,799 in eight transactions," said Jitendra Kumar Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north-west).

"After blocking her on social media platforms, he informed her that he met with an accident and was admitted to a hospital in Jaipur, and stopped attending her calls," said the DCP.

"After some days of incident, posing as a decoy a request on the same matrimonial site was sent to the alleged man. He accepted the request and started influencing her in a similar manner, by projecting himself as a HR professional and rich bachelor. The decoy female asked him for a meeting and when he came to meet her, he was nabbed," said the official.

During interrogation, Vishal confessed to his involvement in this cheating and disclosed that after completion of his studies of BCA and MBA from Delhi, he worked as a HR professional in a MNC in Gurugram in 2018.

"Vishal left his job in 2021 and started his business by opening a restaurant in Gurugram, which was not successful. He made a profile on a matrimonial site -- Jeevnasathi.com -- and projected himself as a rich bachelor," said the official.

In order to create an impression, he hired an expensive car for 15 days through an app and paid Rs 2500 per day. He showed some villas and farmhouses as his properties in Gurugram and also projected his well-off business of a food chain in Gurugram, in order to win over the trust of families looking for suitable matches.

"He offered iPhone-14 pro max at a cheaper rate and convinced the victim to buy it, in order to earn profit," said the official, adding that further efforts are being made to trace his possible involvement in other similar complaints also and his bank account details are further being scrutinised. IANS

A man was arrested for cheating innocent people by projecting himself as a rich bachelor on a matrimonial site, and used expensive cars to impress his victims, a Delhi Police official said on Friday.

Man posed as rich bachelor to cheat people on matrimonial site, held

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families of the seven women who died in a road accident at Tirupattur earlier in the morning.  The victims from Perambut in the Vellore district who were on a pilgrimage to Karnataka, died on the spot when the van they were travelling in was hit by a truck.  Ten others, including the driver of the van, were injured and admitted to the Krishnagiri Government Medical College Hospital.  The victims were identified as M. Meena (50), D. Devyani (32), P. Saittu (52), S. Devika(51), V. Savitri (42), K. Kalavathi (50) and R. Geetha (35).  The Chief Minister also announced Rs 50,000 for the injured persons.
—IANS

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families of the seven women who died in a road accident at Tirupattur

Stalin announces compensation for kin of Tirupattur accident victims

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday approved the ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore each to 17 families who were deployed for COVID-19 duties by the Delhi government and lost their lives while performing the duties. “I believe that till their last breath, these employees served the citizens of Delhi. The Delhi government salutes such workers who have served relentlessly the citizens of Delhi. There is no compensation for anyone's life, but I am hopeful that this financial assistance will provide some ease to their families,” Kejriwal said.
Working in government hospitals/health facilities where employees were at high risk of infection due to COVID-19 patients visiting such health facilities is a COVID duty. Therefore, the doctors and paramedical staff working in Govt. health facilities in treating the patients or involved in the treatment of Covid patients would be considered on Covid duty. Such doctors and paramedical staff would, therefore, be entitled to benefit under the scheme.
Likewise, doctors and paramedical staff working in non-government health hospitals which were designated by the government as Covid hospitals/facilities or whose beds were officially requisitioned/reserved by the government for managing Covid would also be considered on Covid duty. Covid management also involved COVID-19 vaccination or distribution of rations to the people through special distribution centres established in the context of COVID-19 or enforcement in containment zones, and therefore, the staff specifically deployed by an order for aforesaid work are also to be considered on Covid duty. Such duty should be supported by contemporaneous records/orders relating to deployment for such duty.
—IANS

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday approved the ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore each to 17 families who were deployed for COVID-19 duties

Kejriwal approves Rs 1cr honorarium to families of 17 corona warriors who lost their lives

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday announced that the state would provide state honours for the funeral of organ donors.
In a social media post on microblogging site X on Saturday, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said, "In order to honour the sacrifice of those who donate their organs and save many lives, the funeral of those donating their organs before their deaths will be conducted with state honours."
He also said that the state of Tamil Nadu continues to be a pioneer in the country in giving life to the hundreds of patients through organ donation, the Chief Minister said that the achievement has been made possible by the selfless sacrifices of families who come forward to donate the organs of the family members who suffer brain death under tragic circumstances.
Tamil Nadu has recently won the award for the best State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).
As per the official data, since the inception of the deceased organ transplantation programme in 2008, the state of Tamil Nadu had 1,706 donors.
A total of 786 hearts, 801 lungs,1566 livers, 3047 kidneys, 37 pancreas, six small bowels, two stomachs and four hands have been transplanted. At present, there are 40 government hospitals in Tamil Nadu that have organ retrieval licenses in the states.
—IANS

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday announced that the state would provide state honours for the funeral of organ donors.

TN announces funeral with state honours for brain dead organ donors

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Actor Salman Khan unveiled his niece Alizeh Agnihotri’s much-anticipated teaser of her debut movie 'Farrey'. Taking to Instagram, Salman shared a teaser of ‘Farrey’.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxnIVMnyS_i/ The teaser began with the sound of a clock ticking, students taking exams, filling up their OMR sheets, making ‘farrey’ and then getting caught. In the film, Alizeh plays a student. ‘Farrey’ is a word used by students for small chits of paper bearing answers, that they sneak into exam halls. Sharing the teaser, he wrote, “Main toh yeh F word ki baat kar raha tha, aapne kya socha!#FarreyTeaser Out Now!” As soon as Salman posted the video, fans and followers flooded the comment section with heart and fire emojis.  One of the users wrote, “Kiyaa bhaii maine socha tha Tiger 3 ka trailer aiyega.” Another commented, “Waiting For Tiger 3 .” The thriller, directed by national award-winning filmmaker Soumendra Padhi and stars Alizeh, Zeyn Shaw, Sahil Mehta, Prasanna Bisht, Ronit Bose Roy and Juhi Babbar Soni. Padhi is known for his much-acclaimed film, 'Budhia Singh: Born to Run', which received a national award. Apart from that, Padhi also helmed the web series 'Jamtara' seasons 1 and 2 which streamed exclusively on the OTT platform Netflix. Earlier today, Salman shared the title of Alizeh’s debut film ‘Farrey’ and wrote, “Subha subha ek Naya ‘F’ word seekha. Char baje bataunga.” Alizeh Agnihotri is the daughter of actor and producer Atul Agnihotri and Salman Khan's sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri. Farrey is set to release on November 24, 2023. Meanwhile, Salman is gearing up for the release of 'Tiger 3', which will hit the theatres this Diwali. The film also has Katrina Kaif. In October, Salman will be seen hosting the 17th season of 'Bigg Boss'. —ANI

Actor Salman Khan unveiled his niece Alizeh Agnihotri’s much-anticipated teaser of her debut movie 'Farrey'.

Salman Khan unveils teaser of niece Alizeh Agnihotri’s debut film 'Farrey'

New Delhi: Land subsidence has affected around 65 per cent of the houses in the pilgrimage town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, according to a report by government agencies. Starting January 2, a number of houses and civil structures in an area located near Joshimath-Auli road began to display major cracks due to land subsidence, prompting the relocation of 355 families. According to local residents, land subsidence had been noticed over several years but became increasingly severe from January 2 to January 8. A 35-member team conducted a “Post Disaster Needs Assessment” from April 22 to April 25 to assess the damage caused and to identify the assistance required for the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected sectors. The team consisted of professionals from the National Disaster Management Authority, UN agencies, Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other agencies. According to the assessment report, 1,403 of the total 2,152 houses in Joshimath have been affected due to land subsidence and these need immediate attention. “A total of 472 houses need to be reconstructed and 931 houses need to be repaired/retrofitted. It is important to note that the partially damaged houses must be retrofitted in line with ‘build back better’ principles in order to enhance their resilience against not just landslides, but also other disasters,” the report read. The report said the main causes of damage to buildings in Joshimath include the use of weak building materials, insufficient reinforcement, structural flaws, and the location of buildings on steep slopes. It highlighted that the buildings suffered more damage, even when subjected to minor ground subsidence, due to the use of weak mud-based mortar to hold the bricks or stones together. Some buildings do not have strong support structures like reinforced concrete (RC) or wooden bands to keep them stable. The agencies said some buildings have very long walls that aren’t well supported and light roofs which cause the building to expand and contract, leading to damage when the ground moves. They also urged the state government to completely ban new construction in the town till the end of the monsoon season and allow relaxation only for light-weight structures after post-monsoon reassessment of ground conditions. The report highlights that although building bylaws exist, they are not mandatory for residential buildings. “People obtain permits only when they need a loan or for other government requirements. One of the primary reasons for Joshimath’s current situation is the absence of a building permit system. Had there been risk-based building bylaws in place and existing buildings were in compliance with them, the extent of damage would have been less, and retrofitting would have been less expensive,” the report said. Another issue of concern identified in the report is the “lack of town planning and absence of risk-informed land use maps”. “The roads are too narrow, and there are hardly any open spaces in the neighbourhoods. This makes the town highly unsafe since access in emergency situations is almost impossible,” it said, emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive development plan. The agencies emphasised the immediate need for the development of a prospective plan with the objective of creating a safe and resilient Joshimath for the next 10-15 years. Incidents of land subsidence in Joshimath were reported in the 1970s too. A panel set up under the chairmanship of Garhwal Commissioner Mahesh Chandra Mishra submitted a report in 1978, stating that major construction works should not be carried out in the city and the Niti and Mana valleys as these areas are situated on moraines, a mass of rocks, sediment, and soil transported and deposited by a glacier. The Himalayan town lies in seismic zone V (the region most vulnerable to earthquakes) and is prone to landslides and flash floods. —PTI

Land subsidence has affected around 65 per cent of the houses in the pilgrimage town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand

65% Houses In Joshimath Impacted By Land Subsidence: Govt Report

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Star couple Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu's daughter Inaaya turned six today. Marking the little one's special day, Kareena Kapoor Khan dropped a cute birthday wish for her niece.
"Happy birthday our little princess …most beautiful in every way ..love, chocolate cake and happiness always …❤️❤️@sakpataudi @kunalkemmu," she wrote. Kareena also dropped adorable images of Inaaya with her brothers Taimur and Jeh.
Take a look at the pictures loaded with cuteness. Soha's sister Saba Pataudi also wished Inaaya in the most special way. "My ♥️ Jaan....turns 6! 🧿 Happy Birthday! Wishing you..life's best of the best! Keep shining my wonder baby...I LOVE YOU...Always n forever. #innijaan #auntlove #my #jaan #alwaysandforever," Saba captioned the post, adding a few pictures of holding Inaaya in her arms.
Soha and Kunal got married in 2015 and welcomed their daughter Inaaya in 2017. Meanwhile, on the work front, Kunal will be soon making his directorial debut with the upcoming film 'Madgaon Express'.The film is headlined by Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwari, Nora Fatehi and Divyendu. The film is said to be a comedy-drama. The official release date of the film is still awaited. Soha, who was last seen in the web series 'Hush Hush' alongside Juhi Chawla, Kritika Kamra and Karishma Tanna, will be seen in 'Chhorii 2'.
—ANI

Star couple Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu's daughter Inaaya turned six today.

Kareena Kapoor's birthday wish for niece Inaaya is all things cute, check out

Tel Aviv: Yoni Katz Asher, whose wife and two daughters have returned from the captivity of Hamas, has said that he won't celebrate their release until the last of the hostages is back home.  Speaking to IANS, he said, "My family - Doron, Raz, and Aviv have returned home from captivity. I am determined to help my family recover from the terrible trauma and loss we went through, for my daughters and my wife's future. Difficult days are still ahead of me."  "This is a moment of celebration but I will not do that until our last hostage is back home," he said.  He further said that he must express thanks and appreciation to the brave sons of the IDF who were risking their lives to protect the nation.  Asher also thanked the Israeli government and the War Cabinet who are engaged in the task of protecting the nation.  He said, "Thank you to the wonderful Israeli people for the support. Great thanks to the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters who work to return them all."  "I am happy that I received my family back, it's allowed to feel joy and it's allowed to shed a tear. That's a human thing. But I am not celebrating, I will not celebrate until the last of the hostages returns home."  He said that he wanted to emphasise that the Israeli children, fathers, mothers, and sisters are currently hostages, there are people whose hearts are breaking at this time and wanted to ensure that each and every hostage returns home.  He said, "The families of hostages are not posters, they are not slogans, they are real people."  Yoni also added that the families of the hostages were his new family and that he would do everything to ensure the last hostage returned home safely.  His family was released as part ofpart of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas that includes the release of at least 50 Israeli hostages overall. Israel will release 150 Palestinian women and children from its prisons under the deal.
—IANS

Yoni Katz Asher, whose wife and two daughters have returned from the captivity of Hamas, has said that he won't celebrate their release

Won't celebrate until the last of the hostages returns: Family member of freed hostages

New Delhi: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to get caught up in routines and lose out on spending some quality time with your little ones. One of the most enriching ways to foster a strong parent-child relationship is by embarking on a journey of shared experiences together. With holidays around the corner, it is the perfect opportunity to plan an exciting holiday with your kids. South Africa is one of the popular destinations to explore with your children. The picturesque landscapes, rich cultural tapestry and thrilling adventures of this country are sure to spark the imaginations of young explorers.

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 This diverse Rainbow Nation is a treasure trove when it comes to exciting wildlife encounters, immersive cultural experiences, and an abundance of kid-friendly attractions that promise both entertainment and education. Moreover, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and trying new activities together can be incredibly enriching. Whether it's hiking through scenic trails, tasting local cuisine, or marvelling at historical landmarks, every adventure becomes a shared experience that strengthens your bond. Here are five must-visit destinations that will surely be enchanting and educative for the entire family. Witness the Majestic African Wildlife at Kruger National Park Prepare for an unforgettable safari adventure at Kruger National Park, South Africa's premier wildlife sanctuary, where the iconic Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes – roam freely in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September). Listen to the distant roar of lions and the gentle rustle of the grass as you spot herds of elephants and graceful giraffes, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Explore the Enchanting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Immerse yourself in a world of botanical splendour at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a celebrated gem among Africa's botanic gardens. Boasting an impressive collection of over 7,000 indigenous plant species, including the iconic silver tree, Kirstenbosch offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Explore the themed gardens, such as the Medicinal Plant Garden and the Fragrance Garden, where children can discover the region's diverse biodiversity while delighting in the scents and sights around them. Pro-tip for families: Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by the sweet fragrance of native blooms. Don't miss the treetop canopy walkway, offering a bird's-eye view of the lush gardens, and providing a magical experience for nature lovers of all ages. Say hello to the Adorable Penguins at Boulders Beach Prepare to be captivated by the charm of Boulders Beach, where a thriving colony of African penguins delights visitors with their playful waddles along the pristine shores. Their distinct braying calls fill the air with a symphony of joy, creating a heartwarming encounter for the whole family. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the penguins are most active, offering delightful entertainment as they dive into the ocean and frolic on the beach, leaving children mesmerized by their delightful antics. Take a Thrilling Cable Car Ride Up Table Mountain Embark on a panoramic journey to the top of Table Mountain, South Africa's iconic landmark, via an exhilarating cable car ride. Before you go, be sure to check the weather forecast and aim for a clear day to ensure stunning views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. Marvel at the rugged cliffs and sprawling cityscape below as the cable car ascends, offering a breathtaking perspective of the natural beauty that surrounds you. Children will relish the excitement of the ride and the panoramic vistas from the mountaintop. Delve into the Marine Wonders at Two Oceans Aquarium Immerse yourself in the secrets of the underwater world at Two Oceans Aquarium, where a mesmerising array of marine life from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans awaits. Children will be captivated by the vibrant colours and diverse creatures, from playful penguins and graceful sea turtles to majestic sharks and colourful reef fish. Engage in interactive feeding sessions and educational talks that deepen your understanding of the delicate marine ecosystem. Be sure to plan your visit during the morning to witness the vibrant underwater world at its liveliest. Take a Walk-Through of History at Inanda Heritage Route The Inanda Heritage Route will take you on a fascinating journey back in time as it showcases the pivotal role this area played in South Africa’s struggle for freedom and equality. Each step is a lesson in history as you get to explore everything from Mahatma Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement to Ohlange Institute, where Nelson Mandela cast his vote in the first democratic elections. Through engaging and interactive experiences, the kids will get a chance to indulge in cultural experiences as they try their hands at traditional Zulu crafts or participate in cultural workshops. This firsthand experience fosters understanding, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity.
—IANS

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to get caught up in routines and lose out on spending some quality time with your little ones.

A journey for young explorers

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's daughter Suhana Khan has entered the film industry with a bang. Her debut film 'The Archies' got a grand premiere on Tuesday night, where the who's who of Bollywood marked their presence. Suhana's closest friend and actor Ananya Panday, too, came to the screening to root for her.
Ananya also dropped an appreciation post for Suhana on her Instagram Story. Sharing a candid picture of Suhana from the screening, Ananya wrote, "My baby sister is the brightest spark to ever be @ I love Ronnie and I love you and I can't wait for the world to see all ur hard work that's manifested into this magic @suhanakhan2."

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Malaika Arora, who also attended the screening, gave a shout-out to Suhana and sent best wishes to SRK and Gauri. "Oh my dear VERONICA ... simply va va vooomm. Pure delight to watch on screen @suhanakhan2 congratulations proud parents @gaurikhan @iamsrk," she wrote.

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Helmed by Zoya Akhtar, 'The Archies' also marks the debut of late Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor's daughter Khushi Kapoor, Shweta Bachchan and Nikhil Nanda's son Agastya The film is a coming-of-age musical, which follows the lives of Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, Ethel and Dilton who will take audiences to the fictional hilly town of Riverdale. The film explores friendship, freedom, love, heartbreak and rebellion.
—ANI

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's daughter Suhana Khan has entered the film industry with a bang. Her debut film 'The Archies'

Ananya Panday gives a shoutout to "baby sister" Suhana over her acting debut

Lucknow: Nearly 50,000 weddings are scheduled to be held between December and January in Uttar Pradesh under the chief minister’s Community Wedding Programme. A target of 1,09,883 weddings has been set for 2023-24, against which 11,489 weddings have already taken place this year. "We have received 68,825 applications so far and another 1,000 applications are being received online each day. Under this scheme, the government organises weddings for needy, underprivileged families, which include widows, divorced and abandoned women. Those from SC and backward communities are also benefitted under this scheme. At each such function, a government representative like MLAs, ministers and MPs are present," said a government spokesperson. Under a community wedding programme, the government deposits Rs 35,000 in the account of the girl getting married. Goods worth Rs 10,000, which include clothes, jewellery, utensils, etc, are given separately to each couple. For widows, abandoned and divorced women, goods worth Rs 5,000 and another Rs 6,000 are given to each couple. Recently, social welfare minister Asim Arun announced that in order to maintain transparency in the programme, all applications under the scheme are to be made online and offline applications have been stopped. While the problem of middlemen has been addressed through this system, details of the wedding, including date and time, are communicated through SMS. "Since August, the department has received 68,825 online applications. It is also compulsory for all girls participating in the scheme to have bank accounts which are now being linked with their Aadhaar," said the spokesman. —IANS

Nearly 50,000 weddings are scheduled to be held between December and January in Uttar Pradesh under the chief minister’s Community Wedding Programme

50K Weddings To Be Held In UP Under CM Community Wedding Prog

Tel Aviv: In the aftermath of the Oct 7 Hamas offensive that shook southern Israel, the echoes of tragedy persist three months later. The air in the cramped concrete bomb shelter, once a place of refuge, still carries the haunting scent of blood. Rampaging Hamas fighters, in a ruthless assault, tossed grenades and opened fire, leaving dozens of trapped Israelis in their wake.  Tali Kizhner, a grieving mother, knelt down in one such shelter, caressing the foot of a bullet-and-shrapnel-scarred wall. The wall, now painted white to conceal the bloodstains and scorch marks, bore witness to the horror that unfolded within. Among the victims was Kizhner's 22-year-old son, Segev, who sought safety after fleeing a music festival on the fateful morning.  "I wanted to know where his last moments were, whether there was anywhere to hide. What happened there. To feel it," she said.  The bomb shelters along Road 232 have transformed into canvases of bereavement, adorned with inscriptions, drawings, prayers, and poems that commemorate the lives lost. One poignant message reads, "This is where the dream of peace died."  Segev and numerous other young Israelis had sought refuge in these shelters, designed to protect against incoming Gaza rockets. However, these tiny rooms, measuring barely 6 square meters, offered scant protection when gunmen, under the cover of rocket barrages, infiltrated Israel, storming towns, villages, and ambushing roads. The toll: 1,200 lives lost, and 240 hostages taken, according to Israeli tallies, setting the stage for a war that has claimed over 23,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by Gaza's health ministry.  Segev, along with his friends, found themselves packed inside a shelter near Kibbutz Re'im, where some of the carnage was captured on camera. Dashcam footage revealed gunmen tossing grenades inside, countered by desperate attempts to throw them back out, followed by relentless gunfire into the shelter. Separate videos showed the evacuation of bloodied captives, including at least two men and a woman.  For four agonizing days, Kizhner remained in the dark about her son's fate until the family received the devastating news. Seven people, including one of Segev's wounded friends, survived the ordeal, bringing back a bloodied Star of David pendant given to Segev by his grandparents on his bar mitzvah.
—Input from Agencies

Discover firsthand accounts of the harrowing aftermath post-Oct 7 Hamas offensive: survivors' stories, grieving families, and the impact of carnage in Southern Israel.

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Tag : Families

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