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Kuwait increases aid to tsunami-hit nations

     New Delhi: State of Kuwait in its ongoing effort of lending a helping hand has decided to increase its aid to the tsunami-hit nations in South East Asia to 100 million dollars. According to a press release, out of which 30 million dollars will be handed in cash and 70 million dollars would be assigned to finance infrastructure projects to be carried out by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) in the affected countries. This is a prelude of a general relief campaign to be carried out by Kuwaiti state bodies, society and organisations in order to show the real feelings of Kuwaitis in sympathy with those affected by the disaster, and to soothe the suffering. Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs and Labour and Acting Information Minister Faisal Al-Hajji has been assigned to coordinate popular efforts in cooperation with all concerned authorities, and to prepare for a national campaign in which charitable and civil organisations as well as individuals will take part, to offer the necessary support to affected populations and help them to over come this ordeal.

     Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has been assigned to ensure transport of aid to those in need in coordination with international organistions. Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates have been urged to extend a helping hand to the affected people and help support this national campaign, to reflect the real humanitarian face of the Kuwaiti society. Kuwait Red Crescent Society and National Bank of Kuwait announced an online donations campaign to benefit the tsunami victims through direct deposits in KRCS's account. Earlier His Excellency Khalaf Abbas Khalaf Al-Foudari the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to India handed over to Hon'ble E. Ahmed the Minister of State for External Affairs a cheque of 400,000 dollars, as a donation offered from Kuwait Red Crescent Society to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

Punjab celebrates Makar Sankranti (Go To Top)

     Amritsar: Hundreds of devotees thronged the Golden Temple in Amritsar to celebrate Makar Sankranti. The devotees who converged from across the nation took holy dip in the sacred tank of the Gurudwara and offered prayers for the wellbeing of their loved ones. "We have come here to offer special prayers in the month of Sankrant. It is an auspicious month. We also want to greet people on the auspicious day," said Rajinder Singh, a devotee. The festival, held during the winter harvest, is known in different parts of the country by different names. While it is known as Makar Sakranti in parts of north and northwestern parts, it is celebrated as "Pongal" in the south. The festival of Makar Sankrant itraditionally coincides with the beginning of the Sun's northward journey when it enters the sign of Makar. The day has a special significance in so far as it is believed the day and night on Makar Sankrant are of exactly equal hours.

TN police orally withdraws summons to Kanchi Seer (Go To Top)

     Kanchipuram: The Tamil Nadu Police have 'orally' withdrawn the summons issued to Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi to appear before them by 1030 Thursday morning, said Mutt advocate A Shanmugam. Shanmugam had earlier during his meeting with officers of the Special Investigation Team probing the cases, informed them that the summons were not legally enforcable under the CrPC. He had also cited a Supreme Court judgement, in this regard. He further added that he had during his meetings with police officials, pointed out that Kalavai, where the seer is presently staying, was outside the jurisdiction of Kancheepuram police and hence the summons issued by the SIT were not enforcable. He said that the police had also on their part agreed on the legality of the points put forth by Shanmugham, adding that they would consult their prosecution lawyer in this regard.