Latest news with #rope
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mamata inaugurates first Rath Yatra, sweeps path, pulls chariots: ‘Soul-stirring experience'
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday inaugurated the first Rath Yatra from the newly constructed and inaugurated Jagannath Dham temple in Digha, in the Purba Medinipur district and participated in all the ceremonial rituals. Several cabinet ministers also participated in the festivities. Around 2 pm, the Chief Minister began the festivities by ceremonially sweeping the road in front of the three chariots with a golden broom. She performed the aarti and then pulled the ropes of the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings — Balabhadra and Subhadra. Appealing to the devotees through a public address system, CM Banerjee stated that they could touch the ropes of all three chariots from inside the barricades along the 750-metre procession route, from the main temple to the sibling deities' aunt's place. The pilgrims were asked to stand behind barricades along the procession route and were not allowed to spill onto the streets to pull the ropes of the chariots. On Thursday, the chief minister had said that no one would be allowed to spill onto the street to pull the ropes of the chariots of the sibling deities. Following this, a group of children of ISKCON devotees from abroad performed to the music by Madhab's rock band. Earlier in the day, nearly 40 ISKCON devotees, mostly international, danced for hours in front of the chariots to the devotional chants of 'Hare Ram, Hare Krishna.' Banerjee said people across different communities, religion, caste and creed have participated in the festival. 'I extend my sincere love and greetings to everyone on the occasion of the holy Rath Yatra. May everyone's life be blessed and happy by the grace of the eternal, eternal Lord Sri Sri Jagannath. Thousands of pilgrims from home and abroad have taken part in the holy Rath Yatra today. I too pulled the rope of the chariot from among the people at Jagannath Dham in Digha. On this auspicious occasion of the auspicious time, people of all religions, castes and communities of Bengal have taken part in the holy pilgrimage. Devbhoomi Digha has become the heart of spirituality today. May the message of unity, equality and peace resonate in every corner of Bengal. May glorious Bengal remain bound in the bond of harmony. I once again congratulate everyone on a happy Rath Yatra,' Chief Minister Banerjee wrote on her social media page. In another post on X, the chief minister described the atmosphere in Digha as divine and spiritually unifying. Banerjee praised the district administration for their planning and thanked the devotees for their presence, concluding with a prayer for peace, prosperity, and protection for the people. 'It was a profoundly emotional, soul-stirring, and awe-inspiring experience to be part of the Rath Yatra celebrations at the newly consecrated Jagannath Dham in Digha. The sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense wafting through the air, and the resonant chants of 'Joy Jagannath' created an atmosphere of divine grace and spiritual unity. As a humble servant of the Lord of the Universe, I swept the streets in a gesture of reverence. With deep devotion in my heart, I offered aarati, seeking blessings for peace and harmony. It was deeply moving to witness Lord Jagannath's chariot roll forward for the very first time in Digha. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the District Administration for the meticulous planning, ensuring the safety and seamless participation of thousands of devotees. I am deeply grateful to our Maa, Mati, Manush whose presence enriched the occasion with love, warmth, and spiritual fervour. On this sacred day, I pray to Prabhu Jagannath to bless our land and its people, to fill every life with peace, prosperity, and strength, and to protect us from those who seek to divide, deprive, and oppress. Joy Jagannath! Joy Bangla,' Banerjee wrote on X.
NDTV
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Manali Zipline Mishap: Is Adventure Tourism In India Worth Your Money?
In 2011, when director Zoya Akhtar released a movie about three male friends, intertwined in their own lives and taking a three-week-long trip, it not only became a commercial hit but also inspired many Indians to think differently about travel. You see, the movie titled (if you haven't guessed it yet), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, revolves around Kabir, Imran and Arjun, and their once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Spain before Kabir's wedding. The trip was essentially meant to help them combat their deepest fears through three adventure sports, each chosen by one of them. The trio explores Spain in a full-on desi way and eventually faces their fears through scuba diving, skydiving and running of the bulls. After facing each challenge, they experience a sense of gratification that makes many of us want to try at least one of the ourselves. Often, Bollywood and social media have glamorised adventure sports and the adrenaline rush that comes with them, turning it into something everyone wanted to chase post the film's release. Today, the Indian adventure tourism market is experiencing significant growth, fuelled by a young, thrill-seeking demographic and rising disposable incomes, all wanting to live life like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (quite literally). The market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 46.731 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 19.6% over the next five years. However, unlike Kabir, Imran and Arjun—who underwent proper training before each sport—India's growing demand is being met without the same level of infrastructure and safety precautions. The Rise In Fatal And Serious Incidents Ft Adventure Sports This boom, however, has been a double-edged sword. As more Indians seek thrill-filled holidays, the infrastructure, regulatory mechanisms and safety checks haven't always kept up. Not everyone goes the ZNMD route of professional preparation and certified guides (Remember Laila from ZMND?). The latest incident occurred in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, when a 12-year-old girl from Nagpur, Maharashtra, fell from a zipline, sustaining serious injuries. A close associate of her family revealed on Sunday that she has been receiving medical care at a hospital since the accident last week. Family sources disclosed that Trisha Bijwe was enjoying a vacation in Manali with her loved ones when the accident happened. The rope attached to her harness reportedly broke, causing her to fall while riding the zipline. A video of the incident has gone viral on X. This is why adventure sports aren't safe in India. In Manali, a young girl fell from a zipline—nearly 30 feet—and is now seriously injured. Anyone without proper experience starts these activities, and there's no one to check. Action is only taken after a fatal accident happens. — Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) June 15, 2025 Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO of Travomint, a travel agency, points out, 'There's been a clear rise in incidents — due to unregistered operators, lack of training, and failure to meet safety standards.' He further lists some incidents: Puri Beach, Odisha - A boat capsize incident happened at the Puri Beach involving Snehasish Ganguly, elder brother of Indian Cricket Team captain Sourav Ganguly, and his spouse, Arpita. Following this incident, the Puri district administration officially suspended all water sports activities in the region, pointing out the critical need for stronger safety measures. While many licensed vendors agree to worldwide norms, some continue to struggle with lack of regulations. Manali: Tadi Mahesh Reddy, a 32-year-old, at Manali was attempting to take off (during paragliding) at Raison when a sudden gust of wind caused his glider to descend instead of ascend, leading to his death. Goa - In January 2025, Shivani Dable, a 27-year-old girl from Pune lost her life during a paragliding activity in Keri Village, North Goa. Her glider crashed into a ravine soon after taking off from a cliff, and even the instructor did not survive. This incident raised concerns over safety practices, unlicensed operators and safety checks in adventure sports. Bir Biling, Himachal Pradesh - A tragic incident happened during paragliding in 2023, when a tourist's safety harness malfunctioned mid-air, raising concerns about unlicensed operators and outdated equipment. After thorough investigation, it was revealed that the flight was operated by an unregistered operator. This tragedy led to widespread public outcry and renewed regulations along with better standards for paragliding operators. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Several cases of rafting accidents were reported due to overloading and untrained guides during river rafting. One such case occured in 2017, when a Delhi tourist tragically died after a raft capsized near Garud Chatti bridge. After this incident, local authorities launched safety audits, however, implementation is still not consistent. Common themes? Unlicensed operators, untrained staff, and inadequate equipment. Today, Adventure sports in India vary in price depending on the location and season. Scuba diving costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000 per dive, with Andaman and Lakshadweep on the higher end. River rafting in places like Rishikesh can range from Rs 499 to Rs 2,999 per person, depending on the stretch covered. Paragliding prices start at Rs 1,800 and can go up to Rs 5,500 in top spots like Bir Billing. But are they safe? Shreya Chawla* (name changed as per request), a 23-year-old professional from Noida, who loves adventure sports shares, 'They make you sign a waiver. If something happens to you, it's your fault. But the training is almost non-existent. During paragliding in Bir, I was just asked to run at a certain speed. When I went scuba diving in Goa, they dropped me into the water without any special preparation.' Louis D'Souza, Managing Partner at Tamarind Global, a focused destination and event management company, tells NDTV that adventure tourism isn't inherently dangerous, but lack of regulation makes it so. 'We always advise travellers to check if the operator is certified, whether there's insurance, and how trained the guides are,' he adds. Where The Law Stands In 2023, India's Ministry of Tourism laid out formal 'safety guidelines' for adventure tourism. These included age limits, mandatory insurance for operators, and penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for safety breaches. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across states. Mind you, these are just guidelines and not laws. Now, even though states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have issued more stringent region-specific guidelines, insiders say, many operators continue to flout the rules — either due to lack of awareness or because enforcement agencies lack manpower. Like Shreya's case, any first-timers trust operators blindly, not knowing what questions to ask or red flags to spot. How Industry Experts Are Tackling The Crisis Trishal Rao, Chief Sales Officer at SKIL, a travel management company, believes stronger checks are non-negotiable. 'We work only with ISO-certified or Adventure Tour Operators Association of India-affiliated operators. Our checks include reviewing guest feedback, auditing sites like TripAdvisor, and even demanding references for group trips,' he says. Rao adds that clients sign waivers, but it doesn't absolve the vendors of accountability. 'We ensure insurance is in place, and we expect partners to conduct drills, have evacuation plans and keep ambulances accessible. You can't compromise on safety,' he adds. D'Souza agrees and adds, 'Yes, there are more incidents — but mostly from unregulated players. We advise travellers to ask: Does the operator have certification? Is there insurance? Are the guides trained? Our role is to ensure transparency and accountability.' Even equipment matters, says D'Souza. 'We personally review activities before adding them to itineraries. Adventure stalls are everywhere now — not all are reliable,' according to him. But on ground level things are different. Not everyone is authorised, or trained enough. Trekking is one such activity that remains highly unregulated. Often people are misguided. Treks are made to sound 'easy' to appeal to the participants, but the reality might be different. This lack of information is consistent in the other adventure sports as well. Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures and senior VP of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), says, 'Adventure tourism is gaining popularity due to the physical and mental thrill. But gear, guides and guidelines are critical. We need stricter enforcement and national registration for operators.' Kala is also part of a core team pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. 'We want a national register for operators and stricter controls. Currently, anyone with a few rafts or parachutes can open shop. That's dangerous,' says Kala. Who's At Fault, Really? While most operators make clients sign disclaimers, legally and ethically, both sides hold responsibility. Experts say that while tourists must be cautious, it's primarily the operators' duty to uphold safety norms. But many small vendors still operate in the grey zone. Scuba Diving is also gaining popularity in India. Photo: Unsplash Rakesh, the owner of a similar adventure sports establishment in Manali, has been in this business for almost 10 years. In Himachal Pradesh, he says, many individuals, especially the inexperienced ones, are able to enter the adventure sports market as obtaining a licence is "pretty easy". According to Rakesh, officials conduct quality checks on equipment used in these activities only twice a year. Kala further notes that unregistered operators shouldn't be allowed to run at all. 'The National Tourism Board for Adventure Tourism is pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. That will be the game-changer,' he says. The debate on disclaimers and liability is far from settled. While many operators use waivers to shift responsibility, legal experts say they are not foolproof. How Can You Stay Safe? India's potential to lead in adventure tourism is undeniable. The geography, biodiversity and growing youth population make it a natural fit. But the foundation has to be solid. Till then, if you want to stay safe follow Kala's advice, 'We need three pillars — enforcement, education and ecosystem. Only then will we stop reading about unnecessary tragedies.' Before committing to an adventure, individuals should ask these key questions, says Kala - Have they researched the outfitter's (elaborate) credentials? Is the company registered with relevant tourism authorities or industry associations? Are the guides certified, trained in first aid and CPR, and experienced? What is the emergency exit plan? Rao adds that educating tourists needs to be a priority. 'At the point of sale, operators should hand out safety checklists. Digital platforms could include reviews specific to safety. Insurance should be offered as standard, not optional.' Remember, adventure tourism, by its nature, involves risk, but that risk can and must be managed. For India to become a world-class destination, safety should not be an afterthought. Until then, maybe watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara again — but think twice before trying to recreate the thrills without asking the right questions first.
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Hans India
Illicit affair leads to husband's brutal killing
Chikkamagaluru: In a chilling case of murder driven by an illicit affair, Chikkamagaluru police have arrested three accused, including a 33-year-old man allegedly involved in a relationship with a 55-year-old woman, who is now accused of conspiring to murder her own husband. The incident came to light in Kadur taluk near Kansagara Gate, where the burnt body of a man was found a week ago. The deceased has been identified as Subrahmanya, a resident of Kadur town. Police say the murder was part of a premeditated plan hatched by the woman and her lover. Subrahmanya had been reported missing by his wife Meenakshamma, who lodged a complaint at the local police station. Investigating teams, led by PSI and special squads, began probing both the missing person's case and the discovery of a charred body in the area. Technical analysis and clues led to the conclusion that both cases were linked — the missing man and the burnt body were the same. Police interrogation revealed that Pradeep Achaar, a resident near Pleginamma Temple in Kadur, was having an illicit relationship with Meenakshamma, the victim's wife. As Subrahmanya was reportedly opposing their affair, Pradeep, along with his friends Siddesh and Vishwas, decided to eliminate him. On the day of the crime, the trio allegedly strangled Subrahmanya with a rope inside a Maruti Omni van, then took the body to a remote location, poured petrol mixed with sawdust, and burned the body near Kansagara Gate to destroy evidence. All three accused have now been taken into custody. Police have also seized the Maruti Omni used in the murder. The murder was carried out in exchange for money, police say, as Pradeep had allegedly lured his friends with financial offers. The gruesome nature of the crime and the twist of an older woman–younger man relationship behind it has stunned the region. Chikkamagaluru police have intensified their probe and are preparing to file a charge sheet.
Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Squid Game spin-offs possible after hit Netflix series ends, says creator
It may be the end of Squid Game when the final chapter of the global phenomenon premieres on June 27 on Netflix. However, creator-director Hwang Dong-hyuk is not closing the doors to the Squid Game universe that he introduced in 2021. While he confirmed that there would not be a Season 4, he suggested there was room to explore the backstories and lives of the characters he created. 'I get curious myself when I write the story. What are the characters up to during the years between the seasons?' said the film-maker, 54, at a press conference held in Seoul on June 9. He added: 'I could do Squid Game spin-offs or a prequel if the opportunity allows.' Since its debut on Netflix on Sept 17, 2021, the fictional South Korean survival series – where contestants battle one another in gruesome games to be the last man standing to win 45.6 billion won (S$43 million) – remains the streamer's most popular show to date. When Season 2 started its run in December 2024, it broke the record for most views of a show in its premiere week and made it to Netflix's global Most Popular Non-English TV list in just three days. Season 2 ranks second on the list with 193 million views, second only to Season 1's 265 million views. Fronted by actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, Squid Game also won several Hollywood accolades in 2021 and 2022, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Picking up from Season 2's cliffhanger, Season 3 thrusts Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), aka Player 456, back into the brutal heart of the games after a failed rebellion. Having witnessed the death of his best friend at the hands of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), the games' mastermind, Gi-hun is even more determined to take down the Front Man once and for all. Season 3 also stars Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Yim Si-wan and Lee Jin-uk as some of the surviving contestants, while Wi Ha-jun and Park Gyu-young reprise their police and games guard characters respectively. Calling his Squid Game journey a 'miracle', Hwang admits he never expected the series would receive such a reception. 'Everyone wants to have a successful career and a project, but nobody would have expected this much success from one project,' says Hwang, adding he particularly treasured the time spent on set with the actors and the interactions with international fans. Lee Jung-jae, 52, says the series' strength stems from its ability to explore universal themes about humanity, capitalism and social inequality. Cast of Squid Game 3 attending a press conference in Seoul on June 9. PHOTO: NETFLIX He also appreciates how the show balances timeless themes with well-written individual character stories and relationships. Hwang hinted that viewers will see more 'twisted and fatal' games in Season 3, a highlight of the series. The new spins on childhood games include a jump rope contest where the penalty will lead participants to fall to their death from a height. Another game is a deadly hide-and-seek set in a maze, where contestants will find themselves in life-threatening situations. Lee Byung-hun, whose role in Season 2 saw him infiltrating the game as Player 001, says closing the final chapter 'is bittersweet'. 'I remember we started filming in May 2020. It's been five years and I can't remember how the years have flown by,' says the 54-year-old. 'I'm so honoured to be able to show the power of South Korean content through this series,' adds the veteran actor, expressing his gratitude for being a part of a series that has created such a global phenomenon. Lee, who has starred in several Hollywood projects such as G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra (2009), Red 2 (2013) and The Magnificent Seven (2016) and has been on the films' promotional events, said he had never felt 'so much passion' from fans before Squid Game's tours in the United States. 'I'm really grateful to have so many fans rooting for us,' he adds. Joanne Soh is a lifestyle correspondent at The Straits Times, with a special interest in entertainment and pop culture. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighter in daring Harlem rope rescue given FDNY's most prestigious award
An FDNY firefighter who risked it all to rappel down the side of a burning Harlem building and save a man trying to escape the flames will be honored with the department's most prestigious award, officials said Tuesday. During the FDNY's Medal Day celebration Wednesday at City Hall, Firefighter Michael Kotzo will be given the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Medal for being 'instrumental in two of the three life-saving rope rescues' at the dramatic Feb. 23, 2024, fire at St. Nicholas Place and 'acting in the highest traditions of the Fire Department of the City of New York,' FDNY officials said. Several other firefighters who combated the flames and conducted rope rescues during the same fire will also receive Medal Day awards, department officials said. Kotzo, 49, didn't think twice when he saw the stranded building resident crawling out of the top-floor window of the six-story building, gasping for air. 'It really wasn't much of a thought as it was just reaction,' Kotzo told the Daily News. 'It just happened. We train quite a lot, and rope rescues — that's one of those drills we do every week. 'It's nothing out of the ordinary to go to the roof of our firehouse and, one after the other, go down the side. We're doing it all the time,' he said. But there was nothing ordinary at the St. Nicholas Place fire, which officials said was sparked by an exploding e-bike battery. The blaze broke out on the apartment building's third floor, trapping residents on the three floors above. Firefighters arrived within three minutes, but one tenant had already fallen from a window he was trying to climb down from. Kotzo, of Ladder Company 28 on W. 143rd St., nicknamed the 'Harlem Hilton,' drove the ladder truck to the scene and set the aerial ladders to the upper floors, but saw multiple people in the upper windows trying to climb down on their own. The FDNY conducts roughly one rope rescue a year, sometimes none at all. On that frosty day in February, Kotzo and his team conducted three within a matter of minutes, FDNY officials said. In rope rescues, one firefighter is attached to a rope secured from above by another firefighter who lowers them down from the roof. After each rescue, a new line is thrown down, so there's no strain on the ropes and harnesses. Kotzo had just lowered one firefighter down to save someone hanging from a window when he saw another resident poke his head out of the next window over. 'With no other rope yet on the roof, Firefighter Kotzo determined that the victim's only chance of survival was to reuse the rope a second time,' the FDNY said in acknowledging the smoke eater's heroics. 'While attempting to calm the victim at the window, he retracted the rope and transmitted to Battalion 16 that a second rope rescue was being conducted.' Understanding 'the inherent risk of using the same rope a second time,' Kotzo snapped on his personal harness, handed the rope to Firefighter Thomas Morrison to secure and 'bravely dismounted the parapet,' the FDNY said. Lowering himself down to the window, Kotzo realized there was a language barrier between himself and the building tenant, he recalled. 'I tried to make eye contact to give him a sense of security,' he remembered. 'Once I saw my opportunity to make my move, I grabbed [him] in a way that was safe. He had his arms around my neck, but during the descent, he let go of my neck, so I was pretty much carrying all of his weight, so I was like, 'Let's hurry up and let's get down.'' Kotzo handed off the patient to EMS. A moment later, he was back inside the building. 'We still had a fire to extinguish and a lot of work to do,' he said. 'I'm just glad everything ran smoothly. We were really fortunate that everything just clicked.' One resident was killed and 17 others were injured in the blaze, officials said. Fazil Khan, a 27-year-old Columbia Journalism School graduate, died at a hospital after he succumbed to the smoke inside the building, officials said. Kotzo's efforts made it easy to decide who should win this year's Ganci Medal, FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said. 'These stories are incredible, dangerous and technical, the medal recipients put their own lives at risk in service of others,' Tucker said. 'The efforts of Firefighter Michael Kotzo of Ladder Company 28, conducting multiple roof rope rescues, are exemplary, and he is deserving of our highest honor. His success depended on the training, teamwork and bravery that is the trademark of the FDNY.' Kotzo grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to New York just so he could become an FDNY firefighter. 'It was something I've always wanted to do,' he said. 'I'm proud that I'm able to represent the Fire Department and serve the people of this city.' When he receives his award Wednesday, Kotzo will be joined by his wife Wendy, children Kamryn and Gavin and his parents, who still worry about the 21-year FDNY veteran when he goes out on calls. 'I don't think they want to ask too many questions,' he joked.
