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India Today
30-06-2025
- India Today
Drones, bomb squads, e-IDs: Amarnath Yatra's security vigil after Pahalgam attack
Following the recent attack in Pahalgam, authorities have rolled out a comprehensive security framework for the Amarnath Yatra starting on July 3. The objective is clear: protect pilgrims and thwart any potential threats along the pathway. Security arrangements have been devised with precision, marshalling significant resources and strategies to counter any menace commandos, distinguished by their notable performance in Operation Sindoor, are part of the security detail safeguarding Yatra routes. Their inclusion marks a strategic pivot towards a more varied and effective security system, offering holistic protection during the pilgrimage. This not only fortifies the security measures but also represents women's advancing roles in essential security to these security strategies is the deployment of 'Marksman' bulletproof vehicles accompanying pilgrims throughout their journey. These vehicles act as both a physical shield and a psychological deterrent to threats. Their presence underscores the authorities' dedication to a quick and efficient response to any breaches, thus reinforcing the safety perimeter around the Yatra. National Highway 44, a vital artery for the pilgrimage, is under constant watch by the Valley Quick Action Teams (QAT) and further scrutinised through live drone surveillance. This intricate security setup is geared to identify and neutralise threats with speed, providing pilgrims an added layer of security. Utilising advanced monitoring technology enhances the ability to effectively oversee the route, ensuring a protected passage for Yatra participants. Moreover, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has initiated 'Operation Dal' to safeguard Dal Lake, a favoured destination for tourists, after the Yatra. This operation involves CRPF's specialised water wing, maintaining safe tourist activities and supporting the local economy while prioritising security. Such operations showcase a broad approach to upholding safety beyond the immediate context of the year's Yatra has been trimmed to 38 days, a strategic move to lessen threat exposure while retaining the pilgrimage's essence. This decision has led to the formation of a detailed joint security plan involving CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Indian Army. Enhanced safety measures, such as digital mapping and thorough route audits, have been put in place to ensure a secure and uninterrupted further strengthen security, pilgrims and pony riders will receive digital ID cards. These IDs are part of a wider strategy to enhance tracking and management of the pilgrimage. Additional steps include blocking all approach routes during convoy movements and employing jammers and escort vehicles. These initiatives are designed to efficiently manage potential risks and ensure seamless logistics throughout the security blueprint also involves the deployment of Quick Action Teams, Bomb Disposal Squads, drones, and K9 units along the pilgrimage paths. Joint Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles will be strategically positioned to handle and respond to any incidents, ensuring rapid intervention capabilities. This deployment highlights the authorities's proactive strategy in preventing incidents, preserving the sanctity and security of the Yatra.- EndsMust Watch
Observer
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Al Rawahi holds second place at the Jordan Rally
JORDAN: Oman Rally Team star Abdullah al Rawahi delivered one of the best performances of his career on the first day of the Jordan Rally. After six demanding gravel stages in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas, the Autotek Škoda Fabia driver trailed the 19-time FIA Middle East champion Nasser Saleh al Attiyah by just 13.5 seconds. This was despite a slow puncture towards the end of the last stage. Al Rawahi and his Jordanian co-driver Ata al Hmoud are bidding to win the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title for a second time, as well as trying to win the event in Jordan once again. The performance today also netted them the win in the opening round of the Jordan National Championship. At the end of a dramatic day, where Al Attiyah and Al Rawahi were the class of the entire field. Al Rawahi said: 'I think this rally overall is very tough and it is not easy to challenge Nasser over these stages. He has won it 16 times. Being just behind him and able to take some time, I am very happy. Tomorrow, is another day. We must also remember that I have an older car. I think we should be happy with the result today. I think we are on the limit. I don't think we can push any harder and we don't want mistakes.' Al Rawahi was in scintillating form on the opening loop of three stages where he was more than a match for the road-sweeping Al Attiyah. The duo was separated by just 0.6 seconds on the 32 km opening speed test at Tal Hilali and then by a mere one-tenth of a second on stage two. But Al Rawahi was faster than his Qatari rival on the third stage of the loop at the historic Baptism Site and edged into a slender 0.8-second lead at the midday point. Ata al Hmoud and Abdullah al Rawahi (R) Al Rawahi said: 'It was a good day for us so far. The stages are quite tough and very tricky. We had a few moments but the times are good overall and we are leading after the first loop. I think we just need to keep focused and try to do our best. We need to be very consistent with our performance. You have no other choice but to go flat out. This afternoon, the same.' Saturday's remaining three stages are repeated twice with action getting underway with a run though the Panorama stage of 17.12 km. The first passes through the Suwayma and Wadi Nar specials complete the morning's loop. The three timed tests are repeated in the afternoon before the post-event press conference and traditional ceremonial finish at the Dead Sea. 2025 Jordan Rally — positions after SS6 (unofficial): 1. Nasser Saleh al Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 1 hr 16 min 10.7 sec 2. Abdullah al Rawahi (OMA)/Ata al Hmoud (JOR) Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2 1 hr 16 min 24.2 sec 3. Abdulaziz al Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL) Citroën C3 Rally 2 1 hr 18 min 29.6 sec 4. Rakan al Rashed (KSA)/Hugo Magalhães (POR) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 1 hr 23 min 46.9 sec 5. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN) Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2 1 hr 27 min 24.3 sec 6. Abdullah al Zubair (OMA)/Taha al Zadjali (OMA) Subaru Impreza N14 1 hr 27 min 43.4 sec 7. Nasser Khalifa al Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN) Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2 1 hr 28 min 01.5 sec 8. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 1 hr 28 min 47,6 sec 9. Zakariya al Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed al Mazroui (OMA) Subaru Impreza N14 1 hr 31 min 25.9 sec 10. Ihab al Shurafa (JOR)/Ahmad Jankhout (JOR) Škoda Fabia Evo Rally 2 1 hr 32 min 51.6 sec 11. Rashid al Muhannadi (QAT)/Gary McElhinney (IRL) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 1 hr 32 min 57.0 sec 12. Sheikh Bader al Fayez (JOR)/Vili Oslaj (SLO) Škoda Fabia Rally 2 1 hr 33 min 42.4 sec 13. Shadi El Fakih (LBN)/Joseph Kmeid (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 1 hr 45 min 00.1 sec 14. Jassim al Muqahwi (KUW)/Suleiman al Helal (KUW) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 1 hr 46 min 32.3 sec
Observer
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Al Rawahi finishes Rally Saudi Arabia in 5th position
JEDDAH,SAUDI ARABIA: Abdullah al Rawahi overcame a series of flat tyres to finish fifth overall in the inaugural Jeddah-based Rally Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The Omani teamed up with British co-driver Ross Whittock and tackled two days of demanding action across new special stages to the east and north of the Red Sea city. The Oman Rally Team driver's progress in his Autotek Škoda Fabia RS was hampered by a series of flat tyres on Friday and more time lost on the penultimate stage on Saturday. But he was regularly third quickest on individual gravel stages behind eventual winner Nasser Saleh al Attiyah and Finnish runner-up Juho Hänninen. The points haul keeps him in contention for the Drivers' Championship as the 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship reached its halfway point. Al Rawahi said: 'It has been a disappointing rally for us. A lot of punctures. We are not sure why because we are not hitting rocks sideways. I don't know if it is luck or something to do with the tyres. We have a different compound tyre to Nasser but this is all we have. Today's stages were a bit more open but everyone was cutting.' The second day of Rally Saudi Arabia used three special stages to the north of Jeddah that were repeated twice. Al Rawahi began the day in fifth overall and consolidated that position after the opening Al Ghulah stage. He set the fourth fastest time on the first pass through Asfan and closed in on fourth-placed Abdulaziz al Kuwari, who sustained a puncture. The Omani was third quickest through the Thahban special and headed back to the service point in Jeddah well clear of sixth-placed Hamza Bakhashab and still within striking distance of Al Kuwari in fourth. Oman Rally Team's Abdullah al Rawahi in action at Rally Saudi Arabia. He was third quickest again on the re-run of the Al Ghulah stage but further tyre woes cost him vital time in the penultimate stage. But Al Rawahi finished the event on a high note with the second quickest time on the concluding Power Stage to secure additional points towards his regional championship campaign. The Oman Rally Team has received vital backing from Al Manar Investments, the Oman Automobile Association, WMS, Zamakan, OQ, Strike, Size, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and National Finance. Round four of the 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship takes place in Jordan on May 29—31. 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia — positions after SS12: 1. Nasser Saleh al Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 1hr 34min 05.5sec 2. Juho Hänninen (FIN)/Janni Hussi (FIN) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 1hr 35min 42.9sec* 3. Rakan al Rashed (KSA)/Hugo Magalhães (POR) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 1hr 39min 08.9sec 4. Abdulaziz al Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL) Citroën C3 Rally 2 1hr 40min 06.4sec 5. Abdullah al Rawahi (OMA)/Ross Whittock (GBR) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 1hr 43min 11.8sec 6. Hamza Bakhashab (KSA)/Marcin Pasek (POL) Can-Am Maverick R (SSV) 1hr 47min 11.7sec 7. Nasser Khalifa al Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN) Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2 1hr 49min 56.9sec 8. Abdullah al Zubair (OMA)/Taha al Zadjali (OMA) Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 1hr 55min 18.9sec 9. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN) Škoda Fabia Rally 2 2hr 00min 43.5sec 10. Rashid al Muhannadi (QAT)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 2hr 02min 18.0sec 11. Shadi El Fakih (LBN)/Joseph Kmeid (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2hr 02min 43.6sec 12. Ihab al Shurafa (JOR)/Ahmad Jankhout (JOR) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 2hr 02min 54.5sec 13. Zakariya al Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed al Mazroui (OMA) Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 2hr 07min 11.5sec 14. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 2hr 11min 38.7sec 15. Mohammed al Marri (QAT)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 2hr 48min 27.0sec
Times of Oman
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Fifth place for Oman rally team's Al-Rawahi in gruelling Rally Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH (SAUDI ARABIA): Abdullah Al-Rawahi overcame a series of flat tyres to finish fifth overall in the inaugural Jeddah-based Rally Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The Omani teamed up with British co-driver Ross Whittock and tackled two days of demanding action across new special stages to the east and north of the Red Sea city. The Oman Rally Team driver's progress in his Autotek Škoda Fabia RS was hampered by a series of flat tyres on Friday and more time lost on the penultimate stage on Saturday. But he was regularly third quickest on individual gravel stages behind eventual winner Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Finnish runner-up Juho Hänninen. The points haul keeps him in contention for the Drivers' Championship as the 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship reached its halfway point. Al-Rawahi said: 'It has been a disappointing rally for us. A lot of punctures. We are not sure why because we are not hitting rocks sideways. I don't know if it is luck or something to do with the tyres. We have a different compound tyre to Nasser but this is all we have. Today's stages were a bit more open but everyone was cutting.' The second day of Rally Saudi Arabia used three special stages to the north of Jeddah that were repeated twice. Al-Rawahi began the day in fifth overall and consolidated that position after the opening Al-Ghulah stage. He set the fourth fastest time on the first pass through Asfan and closed in on fourth-placed Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, who sustained a puncture. The Omani was third quickest through the Thahban special and headed back to the service point in Jeddah well clear of sixth-placed Hamza Bakhashab and still within striking distance of Al-Kuwari in fourth. He was third quickest again on the re-run of the Al-Ghulah stage but further tyre woes cost him vital time in the penultimate stage. But Al-Rawahi finished the event on a high note with the second quickest time on the concluding Power Stage to secure additional points towards his regional championship campaign. The Oman Rally Team has received vital backing from Al-Manar Investments, the Oman Automobile Association, WMS, Zamakan, OQ, Strike, Size, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture of Oman and National Finance. Round four of the 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship takes place in Jordan on May 29th-31st. 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia – positions after SS12 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 1hr 34min 05.5sec 2. Juho Hänninen (FIN)/Janni Hussi (FIN) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 1hr 35min 42.9sec* 3. Rakan Al-Rashed (KSA)/Hugo Magalhães (POR) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 1hr 39min 08.9sec 4. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL) Citroën C3 Rally 2 1hr 40min 06.4sec 5. Abdullah Al-Rawahi (OMA)/Ross Whittock (GBR) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 1hr 43min 11.8sec 6. Hamza Bakhashab (KSA)/Marcin Pasek (POL) Can-Am Maverick R (SSV) 1hr 47min 11.7sec 7. Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN) Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2 1hr 49min 56.9sec 8. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMA)/Taha Al-Zadjali (OMA) Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 1hr 55min 18.9sec 9. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN) Škoda Fabia Rally 2 2hr 00min 43.5sec 10. Rashid Al-Muhannadi (QAT)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 2hr 02min 18.0sec 11. Shadi El Fakih (LBN)/Joseph Kmeid (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2hr 02min 43.6sec 12. Ihab Al-Shurafa (JOR)/Ahmad Jankhout (JOR) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 2hr 02min 54.5sec 13. Zakariya Al-Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed Al-Mazroui (OMA) Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 2hr 07min 11.5sec 14. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 2hr 11min 38.7sec 15. Mohammed Al-Marri (QAT)/Giovanni/Bernacchini (ITA) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 2hr 48min 27.0sec
Observer
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Punctures hamper Abdullah's progress in Saudi Rally
JEDDAH: Oman's Abdullah al Rawahi overcame a series of punctures to hold sixth position after the opening three stages of the new Jeddah-based Rally Saudi Arabia on Friday. The opening Buraiman stage of 14.02km was cancelled on safety grounds but the Oman Rally Team driver teamed up with Great Britain's Ross Whittock in an Autotek Skoda Fabia RS and was third quickest on the second stage behind Qatar's Nasser Saleh al Attiyah and Finland's Juho Hanninen. But a series of punctures followed soon afterwards on the demanding terrain and the Omani slipped to sixth place at the midday return to Jeddah for a service and regroup on the third round of the 2025 FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Al Rawahi said: 'We had a puncture. The first stage was cancelled and the second stage we were pushing, the pace was good and I was happy with the car. At the end of the stage, maybe three kilometres to go, we hit a rock and bent the rim. I thought it was a puncture. I lost focus a bit and we lost time. 'The third stage, we were pushing and we hit a rock after 5km and we had to change the puncture immediately. We lost a lot of time because it was very narrow and soft and we had to find a place to stop and change the wheel. Then we had a puncture at the end of the stage but we were happy to make the end of the loop.' The re-run of the Buraiman special in the afternoon was also cancelled and that left just repeat runs of the Wadi Al Matwi and Um Al Jerem stages to negotiate in punishing heat late on Friday afternoon. The Oman Rally Team has received vital backing from Al Manar Investments, the Oman Automobile Association, WMS, Zamakan, OQ, Strike, Size, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth and National Finance. Saturday's stages head north and centre on two runs through the Al Ghulal, Asfan and Thahban stages. The second pass through Thahban also acts as the event's Power Stage of 9.34km. 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia – positions after SS3: 1. Nasser Saleh al Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 22min 06.0sec 2. Juho Hanninen (FIN)/Janni Hussi (FIN) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 22min 15.4sec* 3. Rakan al Rashed (KSA)/Hugo Magalhaes (POR) Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 23min 04.7sec 4. Abdulaziz al Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL) Citroen C3 Rally 2 23min 19.8sec 5. Abdullah al Zubair (OMA)/Taha al Zadjali (OMA) Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 25min 07.0sec 6. Abdullah al Rawahi (OMA)/Ross Whittock (GBR) Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 25min 26.1sec 7. Nasser Khalifa al Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN) Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2 25min 35.2sec 8. Hamza Bakhashab (KSA)/Marcin Pasek (POL) Can-Am Maverick R (SSV) 25min 46.4sec 9. Shaker Jweihan (JOR)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 26min 24.9sec 10. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 27min 28.0sec 11. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN) Skoda Fabia Rally 2 27min 48.3sec 12. Ihab al Shurafa (JOR)/Ahmad Jankhout (JOR) Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 28min 19.5sec 13. Shadi El Fakih (LBN)/Joseph Kmeid (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 28min 28.1sec 14. Jassim al Muqahwi (KUW)/Suleiman al Helal (KUW) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 28min 38.9sec 15. Rashid al Muhannadi (QAT)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 28min 45.3sec 16. Shaikh Bader al Fayez (JOR)/Vili Oslaj (SLO) Skoda Fabia Rally 2 28min 51.9sec 17. Joanna Hassoun (LBN)/Dolyne Schlink (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 29min 49.6sec* 18. Payyaakkal 'Saneem' Panikkaveettil (IND)/Musa Sherif (IND) Ford Fiesta Rally 4 30min 43.7sec 19. Zakariya al Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed al Mazroui (OMA) Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 30min 55.4sec 20. Mohammed al Shorafa (JOR)/Yazan Juma (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 31min 01.1sec* 21. Saad al Harqan (QAT)/Pierre Delorme (FRA) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 39min 37.2sec Mohammed al Marri (QAT)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA) Peugeot 208 Rally 4 RETIRED – SS3 *denotes not registered for the Merc
