220 pilgrims dead in hajj stampede
220 pilgrims dead in hajj stampede
Saudi Arabia says 220 pilgrims dead in hajj stampede & 400 wounded in a Hajj related stampede in Saudi Arabia. So tragic. The stampede occurred on the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice.
Saudi Arabia says 220 pilgrims dead in hajj stampede & 400 wounded in a Hajj related stampede in Saudi Arabia. So tragic. The stampede occurred on the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice.
Eid is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia today.
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Highlights from the local media of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka |
| September 24th, 2015 | Volume: 1 – 18/9 |
| BANGLADESH
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina leads biggest entourage to UN
The Daily Star | 23rd September The delegation includes nine ministers and PM’s advisers, 17 “eminent personalities”, 15 officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, 12 foreign ministry officials, three officials from Bangladesh missions in the US, 11 from different ministries, 28 security personnel, a 10-member media team, four media personalities and 119 business representatives.
The Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (TICFA) with US will be meaningless if Generalised System of Preference (GSP) not revived for Bangladesh, Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed says
bdnews24 | 24th September The Awami League government in 2013 signed the Ticfa agreement with the US. Soon afterwards, the Obama administration suspended GSP facility over dangerous work conditions in the garment industry. The US gave Bangladesh a 16-point action plan at the time to get back the preferential trade privilege. Although Bangladesh claims to have fulfilled most of the clauses, Washington did not include Bangladesh in its updated list of eligible countries for GSP facility last August.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects 6.7pc growth for Bangladesh
UNB / Prothom Alo | 22nd September The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected that Bangladesh may achieve 6.7 per cent GDP growth in the current fiscal (2015-16) year. “For the 2016 fiscal year, the GDP growth is projected to further accelerate to 6.7 per cent,” ADB country director Kazuhiko Higuchi said at a press briefing at its Dhaka office.
Inclusive growth and Bangladesh Bank – Opinion
The Financial Express | 24th September Bangladesh Bank has recently unveiled a new five-year strategy aiming to achieve inclusive growth that combines price stability (the traditional function of central bank), gear up supervision (another traditional role) and push for sustainable development (a new emphasis). It is the last objective that embodies the essence of inclusive growth,according to an Opinion published in The Financial Express. BHUTAN
Engineers leaving not a worrying issue: PM Tshering Tobgay
KUENSEL | 22nd September Although it was a concern, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay clarified that engineers leaving the civil service to join the private sector is an indication of private sector development and not a worrying issue.
Bridge construction over Gongri river begins
KUENSEL | 22nd September The construction of a bailey suspension bridge over Gongri river at Shingphurtuma, Trashigang began with the installation of a sachu bumter during the groundbreaking ceremony on September 20. The 360feet long bridge would connect Udzorong gewog of Trashigang to the Trashigang-Mongar highway at about three kilometers beyond Dremitse (Mongar) zero point.
MALDIVES
Health Protection Agency urges caution amid rise in dengue spread
Haveeru Online | 23rd September In a statement, Health Protection Agency (HPA) noted that statistics have shown an increase in dengue cases due to continued bad weather in the Maldives for the past few weeks. HPA urged public to take preventive measures to curb the spread.
PAKISTAN
Kashmir issue to be raised at every forum, says Pakistani PM
The Express Tribune| 23th September Describing Kashmir as a ‘core issue’ between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday urged the need for early resolution of the longstanding dispute between the hyphenated but hostile neighbours.
Pakistan can ‘strike’ Terrorists on Afghan Soil: Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan
Pakistan Observer| 23th September Dropping a hint that a surgical strike inside Afghanistan was not a problem for Pakistan, Federal Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Tuesday, warned Kabul against jumping to ‘accusatory’ conclusions whenever terror visits the war-torn country.
Sons of ex-Lal Masjid cleric arrested with weapons, military uniforms
Geo.tv| 23th September In a joint action on Wednesday, Rangers and police in Islamabad recovered weapons and military uniforms from Haroon and Haris Rasheed—the two sons of former Lal Masjid cleric Ghazi Abdul who was killed in a military operation in 2007.
The new political (dis)order – Opinion
Dawn| 23th September
HOW does one describe the present political power structure? Diarchy? Not really. Some call it a hybrid or more precisely a civil-military partnership, according to Pakistani author and journalist, Zahid Hussain.
SRI LANKA
Jayalalithaa writes to Modi again on Sri Lanka
Colombo Gazette | 23rd September Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to secure the release of 15 Indian fishermen and 28 fishing boats from Sri Lankan custody, the Indo-Asian news service reported.
Northern fishermen protest in Jaffna against Indians
Colombo Gazette | 23rd September Northern fishermen staged a protest in Jaffna today against Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
China puts its weight behind Lanka on draft
Colombo Gazette | 23rd September China is putting its weight behind Sri Lanka and pushing for amendments to the first text of the draft resolution to be tabled at the UN Human Rights Council this week, demanding that it reflect the positive changes in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, India defense chiefs discuss enhancing Defense and Security ties
Colombo Page | 23rd September India and Sri Lanka discussed enhancing ties and cooperation in Defense and Security relations between the two countries during the 3rd India-Sri Lanka Defense Dialogue. |
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Performax, a sportswear brand by Reliance Trends with Protons sports
Cordially invites you to
the Press conference to introduce
‘Scott Jurek’
(The world’s renowned ultra-Marathoner and International best-selling author of the book EAT & RUN)
The ultra-night with Scott will showcase a new social angle to the “Tour of India 2015” and will be followed by buffet dinner.
Date: Sunday, September 27th, 2015
j
India, September 24th 2015.
Nestled well away from the crowds and overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea, Keemala’s 38 sumptuous pool cottages, tree houses and villas will welcome guests for the first time on October 1st 2015.
Located within the lush woodlands of Kamala in Phuket, Keemala embraces a Thai cultural philosophy and blends the fictional history of four indigenous clans with the decadence of an upscale resort. Designed by Thailand based talent Architect Space, with Pisit Aongskultong from Pisud Design Company managing the resort’s creative vision and interior designs, the 38 villas have been inspired by stories, cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of these Phuket settlers and is a stark contrast to most hotel accommodation.
Keemala offers four avant-garde villa choices all complete with private pools and offer a range of both sea and mountain views. The sixteen ‘Clay Pool Cottages’ reflect the earthiness of the ‘Pa-Ta-Pea’ (earth) clan who believed in a strong connection to the earth and harnessed agriculture as their trade. With a selection of one and two-bedrooms, the cottages range in size from 126m2to 180m2 and with rates starting from THB 19,050+++ and THB 26,640+++, respectively.
The tent-like structure and wildlife inspired prints and textures of the seven ‘Tent Pool Villas’ reflect the nomadic way of life of the ‘Khon-Jorn’ (wanderer) clan who consisted of foragers, performers and traders. With a master bedroom and separate living space, the villa size is 140m2 and with rates starting from THB 21,200+++.
The seven imaginative ‘Tree Pool Houses’ use building techniques to give the impression that the structures are suspended from trees to represent the ‘We-Ha’ (sky) clan who worshipped the universe. This quirky two-floor villa design is 169m2 and can accommodate up to four guests. Rates start from THB 23,350+++.
The ‘Rung-Nok’ (nest) community inspired the design of the eight ‘Bird’s Nest Pool Villas’. This group enjoyed an opulent way of life, thus the exclusive interwoven design of their homes. This villa offers the most exclusive experience of all the villa types, with a total space of 185m2 and with rates starting from THB 25,500+++.
Keemala offers a range of carefully curated spa treatments, wellness activities and Holistic Living Retreats for those seeking to unwind from the stresses of modern day life. Mala Spa has eight treatment rooms alongside a Thai massage pavilion, steam and sauna rooms, fitness centre, and yoga and meditation spaces. Natural, paraben and cruelty free spa products by VOYA, Siam Botanicals, and Spa Ritual are used for all treatments.
Those wishing to truly immerse themselves in Keemala’s wellness offerings can select from one of our four Holistic Living Retreats packages. Keemala’s Purify, Energise, Unwind, and Rejuvenate packages are available as a three-day and six-day retreat and are personalized to guests’ individual needs. Retreats typically include massages, wellness consultation and guidance, body enhancing exercises, and daily spa cuisine.
Renowned guest practitioners from around the world will take up residency throughout the year and offer truly specialised retreats in sound healing, shiatsu, somato-experiencing and trauma release, traditional Chinese medicine, Mayan traditional massage, aromatherapy, vibrational attunement, Nia martial arts dance, Watsu and Maori traditional healing, to name a few.
As an extension of the wholesome spirit of Keemala, ingredients used in the cuisine are locally sourced and organically grown where possible. The menu incorporates healthy, nutritious and above all delicious meals. Keemala has four outlets for dining, the main restaurant, a pool bar, a comfy lounge and a smaller wine cellar ideal for small parties and meetings, and destination dining will be offered to those guests who would like to enjoy the ambience of somewhere distinct, perhaps beside the waterfall, in a separate pavilion in the grounds or in the comfort of a villa or cottage.
Keemala is the perfect place for honeymooners, couples and guests wishing to get away from it all and welcomes young adults of 14 years upwards.
‘Renault KWID’ launched at Rs. 2,56,968
The Attractive, Innovative and Affordable ‘Renault KWID’ launched at Rs. 2,56,968
· Revolutionizing and redefining the conventional notions of the mini car segment in India
The Attractive, Innovative and Affordable ‘Renault KWID’ launched at Rs. 2,56,968
· Revolutionizing and redefining the conventional notions of the mini car segment in India
· India’s most fuel efficient petrol car delivering mileage of 25.17 kmpl*
· Manufactured with 98% localization at the time of launch enabling a low cost of ownership
· First-in-segment features: SUV inspired design, 7 inch touch-screen, Media-Nav system, digital Instrument cluster, one-touch lane change indicator
· Best-in-class features: Ground clearance of 180 mm, boot capacity of 300 litres, rear knee room – multiple storage spaces,
Narendra Modi 
Swami Dayananda Saraswati ji’s demise is a personal loss. I pray that his soul attains eternal peace.My thoughts are with the countless people inspired by Dayananda Saraswati ji. He was a powerhouse of knowledge, spirituality & service.
Modi’s spiritual guru Dayanand Saraswati, who died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness, will be buried at his Rishikesh-based ashram on Friday, an official said on Thursday.The ashram official said his followers can pay their last respect to the guru on Thursday.Saraswati was admitted to the Swami Ram Medical College in Dehradun on September 13 after complaints of breathlessness and fluctuation in the blood pressure two days after the Prime Minister met the ailing guru.
PM Modi, knew him for two decades, had spent around 40 minutes with the guru on September 11.PM condoled the death of the spiritual leader calling it a “personal loss”.“Swami Dayananda Saraswati ji’s demise is a personal loss. I pray that his soul attains eternal peace,” the Prime Minister said in a tweet.“My thoughts are with the countless people inspired by Dayananda Saraswati ji. He was a powerhouse of knowledge, spirituality and service,” he added.
Octagenarian seer was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday morning and shifted to his ashram. The guru’s disciple Sadhvi Brahma Prakashananda said as his health deteriorated further doctors suggested that he be discharged.
Prakashananda said he died around 10.20pm on Wednesday. However, the announcement of guru’s demise was made around midnight.
