Search and rescue personnel in Kuala Lumpur looking for the Indian woman who fell into the sinkhole. Photo courtesy: Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department
An Indian woman, reportedly from the state of Andhra Pradesh, had a freak accident in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a sinkhole opened up on a pavement, and she disappeared into it, getting swept into the sewer line underneath the pavement.
An NDTV report identified the woman as Vijayalakshmi, aged 45, from Animiganipalle village in Chittoor district.
As per reports, she was walking down the pavement when it collapsed beneath her feet and a large sinkhole opened up. Her family — husband and son — were with her, but they managed to escaped falling into the sinkhole.
For several hours following this bizarre accident on Saturday, Vijayalakshmi could not be located, even though search and rescue operations were launched by the Kuala Lumpur civic authorities almost immediately.
According to the NDTV report, the missing woman was a frequent traveller to Malaysia and Singapore on business trips.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked office-bearers from the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society to support the search and rescue mission.
A BBC report quoted the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Mohd Riduan Akhbar as saying that 15 fire firemen had been sent to the scene as soon as the distress call was received.
“The Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) and the K9 unit are at the location,” he said.
In addition, there were 90 personnel from other agencies engaged in the search and rescue, said local police Chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman. CCTV footage was being examined.
US expands efforts to reduce visitor visa wait times for Indians,us passportIANS
The call for a more efficient US tourist visa process for Indian nationals has been recently highlighted by Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism. Speaking at the Indo-US Tourism & Hospitality Summit, Billa emphasized the importance of a smoother visa process and more direct flights between the two countries to boost tourism and strengthen the bilateral partnership.
Despite the US visa being valid for 10 years and not requiring frequent updates, the process of obtaining it is considered cumbersome and tiresome. This, Billa argues, acts as a disincentive for people wanting to travel, thereby hindering the growth of tourism between the two nations.
Billa also underscored the need for more direct flights between India and the US. He pointed out that a large share of the market is currently going through third countries, such as those in the Middle East or Europe.
This not only benefits the airlines of these regions but also makes travel less cost-competitive and less convenient for people traveling between India and the US. Billa believes that introducing more direct flights would not only make travel more cost-competitive but also significantly enhance convenience, thereby encouraging more travel between the two countries.
However, the process of expanding international flights, particularly to the US, is not without its challenges. For instance, Air India, the country’s flag carrier, is in the process of enhancing its fleet and services to be more competitive in the premium market.
The airline has plans to introduce new routes to the United States, but the exact details of these plans, such as the destinations, launch dates, and the scale of the expansion, are yet to be finalized.
Air India is in the process of enhancing its fleet and services to be more competitive in the premium marketIANS
The expansion of international flights is part of a broader effort by the Indian aviation sector to increase its global presence. This effort, however, is likely to be gradual and involve a series of strategic decisions and actions. For instance, airlines like Air India are likely to focus on enhancing their services and introducing new routes to key destinations.
This could involve launching new services to cities like Los Angeles, New York, and potentially other US cities, as well as enhancing existing services to make them more competitive and attractive to passengers.
The call for a faster US tourist visa process and more direct flights between India and the US is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader trend in the global tourism industry, where countries are increasingly recognizing the importance of facilitating travel to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral partnerships. This trend is particularly evident in the context of the growing travel between
The call for a faster US tourist visa process and more direct flights between India and the US highlights the potential for growth in tourism between the two countries. It also underscores the need for strategic actions and decisions to facilitate this growth, such as expediting the visa process and introducing more direct flights.
While these efforts are likely to involve challenges, they also present opportunities for the Indian aviation sector to enhance its global presence and contribute to the growth of tourism between India and the US.
The Uttar Pradesh man with the snake that he caught after getting bitten. Screenshot courtesy: X/@navalkant
An Indian man in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, arrived at the hospital yesterday in the strangest company: a snake in a plastic jar.
Hariswaroop Mishra, 40, had been bitten by the snake, a cobra, and though he was in a state of panic, as a cobra is one of the most venomous snakes in India, he managed to capture the snake and bring it with himself.
A video of the man holding the snake in the plastic jar while sitting on the hospital bed has gone viral on social media.
Strange as it seemed, bringing the snake along was the smart move for Hariswaroop, because identifying the snake species helped the hospital doctors quickly find the right antidote for the venom.
Snakes slithering into houses to seek shelter from the rain during peak monsoon is not uncommon in the hinterlands of India. An accidental snakebite can be remedied with the right antidote, if given quickly enough.
The entry of Hariswaroop into the hospital was quite dramatic. He rushed in, screaming, “Isi naag ne kaata, jaldi se ilaaj kar do! (This is the snake that has bitten me, treat me quickly!)”
Those present at the hospital praised the man’s courage in catching the snake and securing it in the plastic jar.
मिश्रा लोगों का अलग एक अलग टशन है। ये हैं लखीमपुर के हरि मिश्रा। इनको सांप ने डस लिया। बस क्या था, मिश्रा जी ने सांप को पकड़ा। एक डिब्बे में बंद किया और पलिया सीएससी पहुँच गए। बोले इसी सांप ने काटा है। मेरा इलाज कर दो।#AmaJaneDo 😘#MishraJipic.twitter.com/xUPFghgvtf
In the viral video, a person can be heard saying, “Very good, very good, bahut achchha,” and asking his name, to which he replies, “My name is Hariswaroop Ramchandra Mishra.”
The person then says, “Arey, Pandit Ji, chha gaye yaar tum toh. Aur koi aadmi yeh kaam kar nahi sakta. (Wow, Pandit Ji, you’ve become a hero. No one else could have done this.)”
Hariswaroop showed his hand where the snake had bitten him and explained that he had immediately caught the snake after being bitten.
The hospital authorities recorded the video, which is now circulating on social media. In the video, a hospital staff member can be seen preparing an injection to administer to the patient.
US rate cut announcement: Indian markets set to respond positivelyIANS
The Indian stock markets are bracing for a positive response following the anticipated rate cut announcement by the US Federal Reserve. This development is expected to be welcomed by the market in the short term, with the S&P 500 index posting gains that brought it closer to a fresh record high. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s statement that the time has come for a monetary policy adjustment has further fueled this optimism.
The rate cut, most likely to occur in September, is expected to boost sectors like Information Technology (IT), Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), automotive, and real estate in India. Experts suggest that the rate cuts will be positively received by the Indian markets as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been following the US Federal Reserve’s lead when it comes to interest rates.
The Indian markets have been on a recovery rally, buoyed by positive US economic data and other global cues. The positive global sentiment from ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, along with a decline in crude oil prices, has contributed to this rally.
Inflationary pressure in Japan and the appreciation of the Yen tempered the market’s gains at the endIANS
However, inflationary pressure in Japan and the appreciation of the Yen have tempered the market’s gains at the end. The IT stocks, which are reliant on the US market, ended marginally flat due to profit booking post the initial rally. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks fully recovered losses from the last week, while mid- and small-cap indices outperformed the broader market.
On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), 2,061 shares were in the green and 1,878 shares in the red, with 109 shares closing without change. The foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 1,371 crore on August 22, while domestic institutional investors also bought equities worth Rs 2,971 crore on the same day.
Speculation has been rife over the possibility of a rate cut in the US at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting slated for September 17-18. The US key rate has remained unchanged at the range of 5.25 to 5.50 per cent since a quarter percentage point increase to the current level in July last year.
India Is The Most Expensive Stock Market In The WorldIANS
Despite the positive outlook due to the US rate cut, the Indian stock market may face several risks and challenges. These include global economic uncertainty, domestic inflation, a potential widening of the Current Account Deficit (CAD) due to a stronger US dollar, and the global interest rate environment. Domestic policy and political factors can also disrupt market stability.
To mitigate these risks, investors can diversify their portfolios, the government can maintain fiscal discipline, the RBI can adopt a cautious approach to monetary policy, and focus can be placed on improving domestic economic indicators.
While the anticipated US rate cut is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian stock markets, the markets will also be influenced by a range of domestic and global factors. Investors and market experts will be closely watching the developments in the coming weeks, with a focus on maintaining a balance between growth and inflation, and looking for signs of a sustainable global economic recovery.
The 90ft tall Hanuman Murti in Texas, United States. Photo courtesy: X/@aaronofthewild
A 90ft tall bronze murti (idol) of Lord Hanuman, unveiled near Houston, symbolising “a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of America,” has become the latest landmark in Texas, visible from miles away.
The “Statue of Union”, as it has been named, is the tallest Hanuman Murti outside India; the tallest in Texas; and the third tallest statue in the United States, surpassed only by the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Florida (110 feet), said the organisers.
The Hanuman Murti was unveiled at Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, about 35-odd km from Houston, during a grand Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam ceremony from August 15 to 18.
The statue symbolised “selflessness, devotion, and unity,” the organisers said, adding that the murti was so named to “honour Hanuman’s pivotal role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita”.
“This awe-inspiring structure is the result of the visionary efforts of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee, and a renowned Vedic scholar, who envisioned the project as a spiritual epicentre for North America,” said the organisers in a statement.
The festivities commenced on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, and the core of the celebrations unfolded on August 18, with the grand Pran Prathistha ceremony.
A helicopter showered flowers upon the Hanuman Murti and a 72ft long garland was placed around Hanuman’s neck. Thousands of devotees chanted the names of “Shri Ram” and “Hanuman” in unison.
The statue stood tall not only as a symbol of Hanuman’s indomitable spirit, but also as a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of America, embodying the principles of devotion, strength, and unity for all who would come to witness its grandeur, said the organisers’ statement.
Indian Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said an Indian will land on the surface of the Moon in 2040.
Addressing an event marking the first-ever National Space Day, Singh highlighted the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s South Pole, a feat that astonished the world and established India as a leader in space exploration.
“In the last six decades, India has not only touched the lives of its citizens but also reached the Moon,” said Jitendra Singh.
He emphasized the significant progress made in the past decade, including the successful Mars Orbiter Mission, the launch of AstroSat, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3, the upcoming Aditya-L1 solar mission, and the XPoSat, an X-Ray astronomy mission.
Jitendra Singh traced India’s Space journey beginning only 55 years back in 1969 when the US astronaut Neil Armstrong had already set his foot on the Moon.
He lauded the scientific community for their unwavering dedication, which culminated in India becoming the first nation to land on the Moon’s South Pole.
The Minister of State for Space credited the policy support and leadership provided by Prime Minister Modi since 2014 for accelerating scientific missions and unlocking the potential of India’s scientific community.
He also noted the significant increase in Space startups, now numbering nearly 300, following the opening of the Space sector to private participation.
He echoed the Finance Minister’s projection that India’s space economy will grow from $8 billion to $44 billion in the next decade.
Jitendra Singh praised PM Modi for “unshackling” the space sector and making it more accessible to the public, as evidenced by the over 5,000 spectators and nearly 1,000 media personnel who witnessed the Chandrayaan-3 launch live at Sriharikota.
Looking ahead, Jitendra Singh outlined the Space Vision 2047, which includes the commissioning of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and Indian astronauts landing on the Moon by 2040.
He expressed confidence that what begins with human spaceflight in Low Earth Orbit will expand to India’s own scientific activities onboard an indigenous space station, leading to further lunar exploration and beyond.
Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s end-to-end capabilities in Space transportation, platforms, and ground stations were highlighted as a key aspect of the country’s self-reliance in the space sector.
Singh also underscored the impact of space applications on sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, natural resource management, disaster management, and satellite communication, which have all benefited from India’s space advancements.
What did Narendra Modi say on the National Space Day celebration?
In a message shared on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Ukraine, expressed immense pride in India’s remarkable achievements in the space sector.
“Greetings to everyone on the first National Space Day. We recall with great pride our nation’s achievements in the space sector. It is also a day to laud the contributions of our space scientists,” Prime Minister Modi stated.
Why India is celebrating National Space Day?
To commemorate the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission, and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the Moon on August 23, 2023, the Government of India has declared 23rd Day of August of every year as the National Space Day (NSpD).
Success of Chandrayaan 3
In a game-changing feat in India’s space exploration, the country’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the South Polar region of the moon on August 23, 2023, as a nation of 1.4 billion people erupted in joy and pride ending an anxious wait for the moment.
Bengaluru, 23 August, 2024: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has announced the launch of “SATHEE ICAR,” a dedicated platform for students preparing for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) UG entrance exams. SATHEE, an initiative by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is committed to empowering students across India with high-quality, free preparation resources for competitive exams. Building on the success of its platforms for JEE, NEET, SSC, and Banking services exam preparations, this new ICAR-focused addition underscores the government’s commitment to providing accessible, top-tier educational support for a broad spectrum of competitive exams.
SATHEE ICAR offers a comprehensive array of learning resources, including recorded lectures by IIT professors, live interactive classes with subject matter experts, and an extensive library of practice questions categorized by topic. Additionally, aspirant/ students will benefit from AI-based analytics that track learning progress, identify areas for improvement, and suggest personalized study plans. The platform also features a series of mock tests to further enhance the preparation process, enabling students to benchmark their performance against peers nationwide. Aspirants/ students can register for SATHEE ICAR through the website https://icar.iitk.ac.in or by downloading the SATHEE app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
On the launch of SATHEE ICAR, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The expansion of SATHEE to include ICAR exam preparation allows us to further transform education and empower students across diverse fields. By offering specialized learning resources for education in agricultural sciences, we are not only broadening our academic outreach but also making a substantial contribution to the nation’s agricultural development.”
Prof. Amey Karkare, Principal Investigator of the SATHEE project, shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating, “The SATHEE ICAR platform is meticulously designed to address the unique needs of students preparing for agricultural exams. Our comprehensive approach, combining cutting-edge technology with expert guidance, ensures that every student has the tools they need to succeed and excel in this vital field.”
Shri Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, highlighted, “The launch of SATHEE ICAR is a pivotal step in our mission to make high-quality education content accessible to all for preparing entrance examinations of agriculture and allied courses. This initiative will play a crucial role in equipping the next generation of agricultural professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.”
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts entrance exams for admission into undergraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences across various prestigious institutions in India. These exams open the doors to numerous educational opportunities in over 70 esteemed colleges and universities, including top institutions like the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), and Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE). Successful students can pursue degrees in disciplines such as Agronomy, Horticulture, Veterinary Sciences, and Agricultural Engineering, leading to promising careers in research, academia, agribusiness, and government sectors. The scope of ICAR exams extends beyond academia, providing pathways to significant job opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including positions in agricultural extension, research organizations, and agro-industries.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a clarification regarding the ongoing speculation about making Income Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) mandatory for travelling abroad.
Contrary to recent reports, it is not mandatory for all citizens to obtain Income Tax Clearance Certificate before travelling abroad. In fact, a provision in this regard was made through the Finance Act, 2003 and it mentions the circumstances when it becomes necessary for a person residing in India to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate.
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The recent amendment only adds a reference to the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Tax Act, 2015 to ensure that liabilities under this Act will be treated like liabilities under the Income Tax Act. The CBDT has clarified that the ITCC rule applies only under specific circumstances.
Also Read: DA Hike Latest Update: DA of central employees will be announced in September, Know how much the month will increase
According to the current provisions and instructions, income tax clearance certificate will be required only for those people against whom serious cases of financial irregularities are going on or who have a dues of Rs 10 lakh under direct tax and no ban has been imposed on it. This regulation has been in place since 2003 and the recent amendment has not brought any change in it.
It has also been said in the CBDT notification that reasons have to be given for obtaining the Income Tax Clearance Certificate and its approval will be given by the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax or Chief Commissioner of Income Tax. Broadly, CBDT has clearly stated that the Income Tax Clearance Certificate is not necessary for all Indians going abroad, but only those people who are caught in big financial irregularities may need it.
Authorities in the US have arrested an Indian doctor and placed him in jail on a USD 2 million bond after he was charged with multiple sex crimes. The doctor, identified as 40-year-old Oumair Aejaz, allegedly clicked and recorded hundreds of nude images and videos of children and women over several years.
A representational image of a jail. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash
As per reports, Aejaz was arrested on August 8. He allegedly planted hidden cameras in bathrooms, change rooms, hospital rooms, and even his own home. Reports said the doctor would secretly film children as young as 2 years old.
Law enforcement authorities received information about Aejaz after his wife made a complaint.
The doctor also allegedly recorded sexual encounters with many women who, as per the Oakland County Sheriff, were either unconscious or asleep.
Police said that the crime is so broad that it’ll take months to fully investigate it. Aejaz stored the videos in external devices and may have used cloud storage as well.
The doctor was charged on August 13 with one count of child sexually abusive activity, four counts of capturing an image of an unclothed person and five counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He is currently in the Oakland County Jail.
Aejaz went to the US in 2011 on a work visa from India.
Indian Railways has launched an innovative ‘water level monitoring system’ aimed at enhancing the comfort of train passengers. The first installation of this system has been carried out on the Brahmaputra Mail Express, which will conduct trial runs. This initiative represents a significant leap in water management for long-distance trains, ensuring consistent and reliable water availability for rail passengers.
The water level monitoring system is a real-time water monitoring system installed as a pilot project on one rake of the Brahmaputra Mail Express at Kamakhya Railway Station. The system offers continuous and accurate monitoring of water levels in the train’s water tanks. It utilizes LoRa and GPRS-based communication, enabling long-range, low-power wireless transmission of data, making it particularly suitable for remote locations.
The system features programmable real-time data logging and storage, with data captured and transmitted through a Hydrostatic Pressure Sensor that measures water levels with an accuracy of 0.5 per cent across a range of 1m to 5m. The system also includes a built-in real-time clock to synchronize data logging with precise time stamps, thereby aiding in accurate data analysis and ensuring efficient water management.
The successful implementation of the pilot project could lead to broader applications across other trains, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of water management systems during train journeys. The initiative was led by General Manager of NFR, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava at the Kamakhya Railway Station which is located near the headquarters of Northeast Frontier Railway. It is the second-largest railway station of Guwahati after Guwahati railway station.
indian railways
“Passengers travelling on the Brahmaputra Mail Express can now enjoy a more comfortable journey, with the assurance of reliable water supply throughout their trip,” Sharma said. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is constantly making dedicated efforts to integrate modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and IOT-based devices into its operations, to improve both safety and passenger convenience.
This innovative system marks a major step forward in water management on long-distance trains, designed to ensure continuous and reliable water availability for passengers. The advanced solution offers continuous and accurate monitoring of water levels in the train’s water tanks. It utilizes LoRa and GPRS-based communication, enabling long-range, low-power wireless transmission of data, making it particularly suitable for remote locations.
The system features programmable real-time data logging and storage, with data captured and transmitted through a Hydrostatic Pressure Sensor that measures water levels with an accuracy of 0.5% across a range of 1m to 5m, even in temperatures from 0 degree C to 70 degree C. The system also includes a built-in Real-Time Clock to synchronize data logging with precise time stamps, thereby aiding in accurate data analysis and ensuring efficient water management.
This initiative reflects Northeast Frontier Railway’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the travel experience for passengers. By ensuring round-the-clock water availability, the Water Level Indicator is set to be an essential tool in maintaining high standards of service on long-distance routes. NFR in line with Indian Railways, emphasized the importance of such innovative implementations in its long-distance trains, noting that successful implementation of such pilot project could lead to broader applications across other trains, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of water management systems during train journeys.
This initiative underscores NFR’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance passenger experiences. The successful implementation of this system could pave the way for similar technological advancements in the Indian Railways, thereby setting a new benchmark in passenger comfort and convenience.
