Latest news with #Urdu-speaking
The Hindu
a day ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Will instruct schools on water bell initiative, says Minister
School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Friday said that circulars will be sent to all the schools on introducing the water bell initiative in Tamil Nadu, like in Kerala. Speaking to reporters, the Minister praised the Kerala government initiative, the water bell, which ensures students drink water at regular intervals. 'The Kerala government has implemented the scheme for the past two years. The Tamil Nadu government is providing morning breakfast to the students. We will send circulars to all the schools in Tamil Nadu regarding the water bell initiative,' the Minister added. Earlier at a function organised at Hosur Government Urdu Higher Secondary School in Krishnagiri district, the Minister inaugurated STEM Innovation and Learning Centres at 16 schools in the district at a cost of ₹4.44 crore under Corporate Social Responsibility funds. Mr. Mahesh said that there are 83 STEM Innovation and Learning Centres across India. Of those, 33 are in Tamil Nadu and 16 centres are in the Krishnagiri district. The American India Foundation, in collaboration with the School Education Department, has set up these centres with the aim of promoting hands-on, inquiry-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students are provided with robotics kits, 3D printers, coding skills, and digital tools to develop critical thinking and innovation skills. Aiming to address early literacy challenges through the Literacy Training Centre, it focuses on basic literacy development among primary school students. It uses structured teaching methods and individualised support to help children achieve grade-level proficiency in reading and writing, he added. Stating that technology is not equal to a teacher teaching a lesson in front of 40 students in a classroom, the Minister said that teachers use various learning tools to make the subjects easy for students to understand. Therefore, students should listen to the instructions given by the teachers and follow them. Parents should not compare their children with other students. Since every student has different talents, teachers and parents should discover and bring out the talents they have, he added. Speaking at the Urdu Teachers' Conference, the Minister said that, as per the 2001 census, in India there are 52 million Urdu-speaking people, which is 6% of the country's population. Urdu is one of the oldest languages. There are many literary works and poems in Urudu. Many Urdu poems explain life's philosophy. Former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had said that Urdu was an Indian language. Government will always protect Urdu-speaking people, the Minister said.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Time Business News
Safe & Affordable 24/7 Service
Arriving at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport and heading straight to Madinah is a common route for many Umrah pilgrims. Whether you're visiting the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) first or heading there after your Umrah in Makkah, finding the right taxi service from Jeddah Airport to Madinah is essential for a smooth, stress-free journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: travel time, costs, how to book, and why a taxi might be your best option. ✅ Direct and door-to-door service ✅ No waiting for buses or trains ✅ Perfect for families and groups ✅ Travel at your own pace and schedule ✅ Private and comfortable ride after a long flight Distance : Approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles) : Approximately Average travel time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic and rest stops Taxis generally use the highway route which is well-paved and has several rest areas and mosques along the way. Available outside the terminal Metered or fixed-price Immediate availability Book online or via WhatsApp Meet-and-greet at arrival gate Fixed price, no surprises Luxury cars (Lexus, GMC, etc.) Professional, multilingual drivers Premium experience for high-end travelers Use official websites or transport service providers with Umrah experience. Confirm vehicle type, timing, and fare. Many local providers now offer convenient WhatsApp bookings with real-time support and confirmation. Located near arrivals, these booths offer taxi bookings on the spot. However, prices may be higher during peak times. Vehicle Type Capacity Estimated Fare (SAR) Standard Sedan 3-4 passengers 500–650 SAR SUV / Family Car 5–6 passengers 650–800 SAR Luxury Car (VIP) 3–4 passengers 900–1200 SAR Shared Ride (per seat) Group basis 100–200 SAR/person Note: Prices may vary during Ramadan, Hajj season, and public holidays. Pickup directly from airport arrival terminal Luggage handling English or Urdu-speaking driver (on request) Air-conditioned vehicle Optional stopovers for prayer or food Some services even include: Wi-Fi on board Baby seat (on request) Snacks and bottled water Pre-book your taxi , especially during Umrah and Hajj peak times , especially during Umrah and Hajj peak times Keep your passport and visa details handy for checkpoints en route handy for checkpoints en route Ask for a fixed price to avoid surprises to avoid surprises Take breaks during the trip, especially for elderly passengers during the trip, especially for elderly passengers Stay connected using a local SIM card for communication Yes, but with limitations: Not always available for long intercity trips Prices are usually higher than pre-booked taxis Availability depends on the time of day and driver willingness Best for those traveling solo or in an emergency situation. Fastest travel option (~2 hours) Requires taxi or shuttle to/from station Tickets must be booked in advance Affordable, but slower and less comfortable Not ideal after a long international flight Early Morning (6–9 AM): Less traffic, cooler temperature (6–9 AM): Less traffic, cooler temperature After Isha Prayer: Night travel is cooler and quiet, especially for those used to jet lag Yes, many services offer shared rides, especially for those on a budget. No permit is needed for entry, but always keep your Umrah visa and ID with you during travel. Yes, the highway is well-maintained and safe with frequent patrols and rest stops. Definitely. Just inform the driver ahead of time for planned stops. Yes, but it's advisable to use trusted or pre-booked services and share driver details with a family member. A taxi from Jeddah Airport to Madinah is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to start your spiritual journey. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a group, choosing a reliable taxi service ensures peace of mind after a long flight. Book in advance, confirm your driver, and enjoy a smooth ride to the city of the Prophet ﷺ. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India.com
02-06-2025
- General
- India.com
7 Indian Baby Names Inspired By The Word 'Star' In Other Languages
Muskan Kalra Jun 02, 2025 It means a Star. A classic and beloved Indian name, Tara symbolizes brightness, guidance, and feminine energy. Sitara means a Star. Elegant and poetic, Sitara is a popular name in Urdu-speaking cultures and evokes celestial beauty. It means a Star. Used in Muslim Indian communities, Najma has a lyrical tone and symbolizes radiance and aspiration. Sidra is like a star or heavenly tree. Used in Urdu-speaking Indian households. Also refers to the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary in Islamic tradition, a sacred celestial symbol. It means Protector or star. A masculine name used in Hindu tradition, often interpreted as a guiding light, much like a star. It means Star or constellation: In Vedic astrology, nakshatras are lunar mansions—each one influencing personality and destiny. A deeply spiritual and meaningful name. It means Bright star or dawn. Popular in Indo-Persian and Urdu-speaking families. The name of Alexander the Great's wife, adding historical depth. Read Next Story
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh at loggerheads over expansion of defence manufacturer HAL: ‘Inappropriate and worrying'
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain appeals to PM Modi, highlighting Muhajirs' alleged persecution in Pakistan. He urges international support, claiming systemic discrimination, violence, and state oppression against the Urdu-speaking migrant community since Partition.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain's urgent appeal to PM Narendra Modi over Muhajirs
Altaf Hussain, the exiled founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take note of the alleged persecution of the Muhajir community. Muhajirs, who are Urdu-speaking migrants from India that settled in Pakistan post-Partition, were the focus of Hussain's plea, which he delivered during a live broadcast from London. Praising Modi's support for the Baloch people, Altaf Hussain said it is a brave and commendable act. He further urged Modi to voice his support for the Muhajir community, which Altaf claims has faced decades of systemic discrimination, violence and state-sponsored oppression in Pakistan. Highlighting the oppression by Pakistan's military establishment, Altaf Hussain said since Partition, Muhajirs have never been acknowledged as rightful citizens of the country. "The MQM, which has consistently fought for the rights of marginalised communities, has endured multiple military actions,' he said. According to him, these actions have led to the deaths of more than 25,000 Muhajirs and has led to the disappearance of thousands more. He also denounced recent occurrences in the United States, particularly a pro-Pakistan event that took place in Dallas, Texas, on May 23. Hussain mentioned that the Pakistani Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, showcased a video at the event depicting Altaf Hussain and the MQM as Indian agents, a claim the MQM leader argues is part of a wider disinformation strategy designed to undermine the Muhajir cause. Hussain expressed that Muhajirs have been rendered voiceless and powerless in Pakistan. He urged Modi to highlight the struggles of the Muhajirs at international platforms and to collaborate with global human rights organisations to ensure their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. "The Muhajirs are unarmed and endure dire living conditions. For over 61 years, they have faced repeated cycles of economic hardship and physical destruction. Their plight can no longer be ignored," he said. (With ANI Inputs)
