Ending every month on a positive note requires taking stock of what we have to be grateful for, and what better way is there than traveling?
East Africa is in full bloom when it comes to safari travel – this time of year sees millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles make their annual journey into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve for their annual migrations.
Who is Wagner’s Prigozhin accused of planning a coup by Russia?
On Friday, Russia’s Wagner private military contractor intensified its feud with the Kremlin by calling for an armed rebellion to punish Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for an alleged rocket strike on one of his field camps in Ukraine. Security services responded in kind by opening up criminal investigations against Yevgeny Prigozhin and ordering Wagner contract soldiers not to obey his orders; additionally, an anti-terror committee within FSB warned Prigozhin’s actions as incitements towards violent uprisings.
Since last year, when Prigozhin publicly denounced Moscow’s attempts to dismantle his paramilitary force, his relationship with the Russian government has been in public conflict. Since then, he has threatened war along Russia’s border with Ukraine as well as to march on Moscow if Moscow does not adhere to his demands.
On Saturday, however, Putin claimed his forces had captured Rostov-on-Don, the primary operations base for Ukraine’s civil war, as well as taking control of military facilities there and another in Voronezh halfway to Moscow. He warned that they would blockade this city before moving forward towards Moscow.
State-run TV interrupted regular programming to broadcast a news segment alleging Prigozhin of inciting rebellious activity, with the Federal Security Service Bureau urging his troops not to obey his “criminal and treacherous orders”. Tass also reported that FSB warned that his statements are an attempt at undermining Russian forces.
Tatiana Stanovaya, founder of R Politik political analysis firm, predicted this was the end of Prigozhin and Wagner. “Prigozhin and his group must go,” wrote Tatiana on Telegram. The only possible outcome now would be their total destruction. Prigozhin’s involvement could damage Putin further as his administration already struggles to stem violence in Ukraine and has lost some domestic support over its failure to stem it; earlier this month one top army officer denounced Prigozhin’s actions as “madness” which threatens civil war.
Vikram’s upcoming film ‘Thangalaan’
Chiyaan Vikram is an impressive actor who has quickly built up a substantial fan base through his acting. After numerous supporting roles, he eagerly anticipates becoming the lead in one or more films.
He is currently keeping himself busy with upcoming films and has multiple projects lined up. He recently made an appearance opposite Suriya in Kanguva and will star as himself in director Siruthai Siva’s project ‘Thangalaan’; both movies will see him take on different roles that have already left audiences breathless! He was recently seen making an impressionful cameo appearance alongside Pa Ranjith’s ‘Thangalaan’, featuring in which he’ll play an unexpected part that has left people impressed and amazed.
After sharing a small glimpse of an actor from their film ‘Thangalaan’ a few days back, which revealed him to look very raw and rustic, the makers decided to release another special video glimpse on April 18th (his birthday).
In this clip, an actor is seen standing atop of a mountain and gazing upon all those below him while wearing a loin cloth and holding onto a long cane – giving viewers an impression of what the film entails in one minute’s worth of video.
According to reports, ‘Thangalaan’ will take place against the backdrop of Kolar Gold Fields and will tell the tale of an untouchable tribal community living there during British rule. Vikram plays the lead role and underwent significant body modifications for this particular film.
K E Gnanavel Raja’s film will be distributed under Studio Green and Neelam Productions and features an all-star cast including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan Pasupathy and Hollywood actor Daniel Caltagirone. Set for release this year; music composer GV Prakash Kumar composed its score while A Kishor Kumar cinematographs it and Selva RK will edit.
Dehradun traffic police take a unique approach to engage young individuals in traffic management
Dehradun home guard and traffic policeman Mr Kumar has become the recipient of much praise after video footage showing him controlling traffic was shared online. Mr Kumar can be seen standing in the middle of the road gesturing to cars and two-wheelers to move either left or right with dance-like movements – an unusual approach which has won over Twitter users who love his passion and dedication towards his job.
According to Uttarakhand Police’s official website, ASI Harpreet was inspecting vehicles with constable and home guard on Friday when he saw an SUV with tinted windows speed away when signaled by ASI Harpreet to stop. When they ignored him and continued driving away, leading him on a chase until ASI Harpreet finally caught it and brought it back to police station without arresting the driver due to their inability to provide identification papers or proof.
Uttarakhand traffic department officials have taken several precautions to effectively manage traffic during Jhanda Mela, scheduled to start this Sunday. Public advisories were issued, routes diverted in order to prevent congestion jams, parking facilities were set up for visitors as well as commercial establishments instructed to make their own arrangements.
Dehradun Traffic Police Department recently introduced a drone monitoring system, offering real-time updates of traffic jams, diversions and no-vehicle zones in Dehradun. This will enable commuters to plan their travel accordingly and reduce congestion within the city.
Anurag Doval (UK07 Rider), in collaboration with Dehradun traffic police and Uttarakhand police, recently launched a small yet impactful initiative to promote road safety awareness within Dehradun city limits. By providing helmets free to individuals throughout Dehradun city limits, this commendable effort highlighted its significance and highlighted how everyone needs to prioritize road safety as a matter of personal responsibility. We encourage readers of all kinds to heed its important message and prioritize road safety!
Char Dham yatra largely remains “voluntary”
millions of Hindu devotees participate each year in the spiritual tour or yatra to Char Dham, known as ‘Four Abodes’ in Uttarakhand state of India. It involves visiting four sacred temples known as Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath which are believed to provide relief from sin and offer Moksha as liberation through Hinduism.
Yatras are considered among the most significant pilgrimages and can bring peace to both body and mind. Furthermore, these trips provide an ideal opportunity to build bonds between family members while spending quality time together – especially with one of our Char Dham yatra packages which ensure you make the most of this spiritual trip and leave feeling rejuvenated and revitalized in spirit!
This pilgrimage marks the pinnacle of their journey and represents Moksha (liberation from birth and death), thus drawing thousands each year to these sacred destinations.
Though the government has taken numerous steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage experience, much remains voluntary, according to one senior police official. They noted that police officials are dedicated to making this pilgrimage journey an effortless journey for every pilgrim that makes up its audience.
Police officials noted that over 30 lakh devotees had visited Kedarnath thus far and over 10 lakh pilgrims. They requested public cooperation in avoiding nuisances that might lead to unruly behaviour or delay in pilgrimage.
Noteworthy is the fact that national media have mostly overlooked the reality that thousands of families rely on pilgrimages like this one for significant parts of their annual income, particularly families in Uttarakhand’s upper reaches who rely solely on this pilgrimage as their source of livelihood – until its revival, these families risk falling below poverty line.
