Latest news with #Imran
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Four injured in attack on FBR team
A group involved in the sale of non-custom paid foreign cigarettes attacked a team from the FBR and Customs Inland Revenue in the Ganjmandi area of Rawalpindi, injuring four officials before fleeing the scene. A case has been registered. According to police, Assistant Director Shujaat from the Regional Tax Office stated that while patrolling in the Namak Mandi area, a suspicious vehicle was stopped and found to be loaded with illegal foreign cigarettes. As no one claimed ownership of the vehicle, officials began transferring the cigarettes into a government vehicle. At that moment, around 30 to 35 individuals, appearing to be of Pashtun origin and reportedly coming from Bajaur Plaza, launched a violent attack on the team. More than 10 of them were armed with iron rods. During the assault, an officer named Imran sustained a severe head injury, the government vehicle's windows were smashed, and the attackers took the cigarettes before escaping. The suspects are believed to be linked to shopkeepers at Bajaur Plaza, including a man named Zar Gul. Police said the attackers can be identified if presented. A case has been registered under multiple sections, including attempted murder, obstruction of official duty, assault, and damage to government property.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Gulf crisis: Imran defers protest for 2 weeks
In view of an ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, PTI Parton-in-Chief Imran Khan has decided to defer his party's planned protest movement by two weeks, said the former prime minister's sisters on Tuesday after a meeting with him at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. "Imran Khan has postponed the protest movement for two weeks in light of global circumstances," said Noreen Khanum and Uzma Khan while talking to the media outside the prison. According to them, the nation is awaiting statements from the prime minister, the president, and the field marshal regarding Pakistan's policy on the conflict. On June 1, Imran announced the launch of a nationwide protest movement against the PML-N-led ruling coalition, declaring that he would lead the campaign from behind bars. The announcement was conveyed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar following his meeting with Imran. Addressing the media outside the prison, the senator had said the former PM had decided that the waiting game was over and the party would now take to the streets in a well-organised countrywide campaign. However, he had not disclosed when the movement would be started. Noreen noted that although the PTI founder had not met anyone for a week, he was well-informed about international affairs. "He said global developments will affect Pakistan and that all Pakistanis must unite at this time," adding that Imran is concerned over both internal and external situations. She said Imran Khan called the proposed budget elite-culture-driven and pro-rich. "Conditions for the poor have deteriorated significantly. The salaried class is bearing the entire tax burden, and poverty will further increase. "33 lakh (3.3 million) educated people have left Pakistan in the past three years. Each person who leaves takes about $30,000 with them, causing also a loss of foreign exchange." She said Imran Khan has instructed that K-P's budget will only be passed after his consultation with K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur and other PTI leaders who are scheduled to meet him.
NDTV
4 days ago
- 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.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
Karnataka Dalit woman sexually assaulted, robbed, accused shot during arrest
A 60-year-old differently abled Dalit woman was allegedly raped and robbed by a person with a known criminal record in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. The accused, identified as Fairoz Yasin Yaragatti, 23, was later shot in the leg by police during an encounter after he allegedly attacked officers while attempting to incident occurred on June 12, when the woman, a resident of Dandeli, was walking to a relative's house. She was abducted and assaulted, following which she lodged a complaint at the Dandeli Town Police Station. During the course of the investigation, the police showed her photographs of nearly 100 suspects, and she identified Yaragatti as the Yaragatti, a resident of Bailpar in Dandeli, is a history-sheeter with a criminal background with recorded offences related to illegal liquor trade, ganja peddling, and abuse and assault of police officers. He was reportedly working as a driver and sand transporter. Police teams were formed under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivananad Madarkhandi, with personnel drawn from Dandeli, Haliyal, and Joida stations to trace the accused. Acting on a tip-off, the police located Yaragatti near Kulgai Road along the Dandeli-Yellapur Sub-Inspector (SI) Kiran Patil and his team, including officers Imran and Krishnappa, attempted to apprehend the accused, Yaragatti fled into a nearby forest and allegedly attacked the officers with stones and a knife. Officer Krishnappa sustained injuries from a stone and a stick, while officer Imran suffered a knife injury to his hand. Yaragatti also attempted to stab SI Kiran during the firing two warning shots, SI Kiran shot Yaragatti in the left leg, below the knee. The injured police personnel and the accused were taken to Dandeli Government Hospital and are currently undergoing of Police M Narayan visited the hospital to meet the injured officers. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Kutbah Shaadi: Hyderabad women married without papers, abandoned later
A Hyderabad woman, the eldest of the five siblings, married a small-time trader "off the record". No one in the family objected as the woman was supposedly way past the "ideal" marriage age and was often discreetly ridiculed among relatives for her "ordinary" physical attributes, reported TOI. Imran (name changed) assured a Mehr (gift given by husband to the wife at the time of a wedding) of Rs 50,000, got two witnesses and the marriage was done. There was neither a Qazi nor a nikah nama (a formal marriage contract as per Islamic tradition). Three months later, the woman, Rabia (name changed) was abandoned. She is now back to her daily wage worker parents' home, hiding from the man she thought she would spend her life with. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ponta Grossa: Liquidação de SUV, clique aqui para ver os preços Ofertas de SUVs | Links Patrocinados Busque agora Though beaten and bruised, she has no locus standi to drag Imran to the police or court. "Without a nikah nama, there is no official proof of marriage. How can I take any action against him? My parents are too poor. They married me off, knowing this was illegal, only because they thought they'd have one less mouth to feed. Now, if he doesn't give me any money for sustenance what will I or my family do?" Rabia told TOI. Live Events Marriage without documents have became a menace alive and thriving in the alleys of Hyderabad's Old City for years now . It has pushed a number of poor Muslim women into a state of absolute helplessness. Locally referred to as 'Khutbah ki shaadi' (Khutbah is one of the religious sermons recited during an official nikah), these illegal weddings have become frequent in recent times, TOI reported citing social activists. Most of the instances are similar. The woman is past her "prime", taken in by the husband for a few months and then abruptly dumped, usually for another woman. Unfortunately, none of the victims have legal documents to prove their nikah. TOI investigated this issue and found that there are marriage bureaus operating in Hyderabad, clandestinely arranging such illegal marriages , for a fat commission.
