THREE cyclists will embark on a fundraising bike ride from London to Paris this August, aiming to raise £30,000 for Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinaemia UK (WMUK).
The event, titled "Wheels for Waldenstrom's," will cover over 60 miles per day for three days, and starts on August 24.
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinaemia is a rare form of blood cancer, and the funds raised will support the WM community through the charity.
Donations can be made through their JustGiving fundraising page
THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.
Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.
A UK Foreign Office statement last month said Sri Lanka's three military commanders — former Army Commanders Gen Shavendra Silva, Jagath Jayasuriya and former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda — were among those sanctioned and subjected to UK travel bans and asset freezes.
British government also sanctioned Vinyagamurthy Muralidaran, the deputy leader of the LTTE, who later turned a rebel of the group and became a deputy minister in the national parliament.
They were described as people responsible for serious human rights abuses and violations during the conflict with the LTTE.
The current National People's Power (NPP) government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake faced criticism from opposition parties for its lukewarm response to the UK decision. The government blamed the UK for taking action unilaterally.
The UK government's sanctions on General Silva follow a similar action against him by the US State Department in 2020.
In 2023, Canada sanctioned two former presidents, Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The two Rajapaksa brothers led the military campaign which crushed the LTTE, ending their three decades of armed struggle to create a separate Tamil homeland in the north and east regions.
General Silva and Karannagoda were key commanders in the three-year campaign.
The conduct of the government troops during the final military battle became the subject of four UN rights resolutions since 2012.
Blaming both the military and LTTE for alleged war crimes, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) called for international independent investigations.
The LTTE ran a parallel state in the north and east regions of Sri Lanka in their bid to set up a separate homeland for the minority Tamils, claiming discrimination at the hands of the Sinhalese.
On May 18, 2009, the Sri Lankan Army declared victory with the discovery of the body of the dreaded LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran.
According to Sri Lankan government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts, including the three-decade war with Tamil militants in the north and east, which claimed at least 100,000 lives.
(PTI)
The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)
AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.
The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.
"There was a huge blast in the factory, causing the concrete roof to collapse," government spokesman Rishikesh Patel told reporters.
Police officer CL Solanki said the death toll had risen to 21.
Mihir Patel, a senior district official, said, "The explosion was so powerful that body parts of some victims were found scattered in a farm 200-300 metres away."
The factory was operating without a licence, and many of the victims' families lived on the premises, he added.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Fireworks are widely used in India, especially during Diwali and wedding celebrations. Accidents at firecracker workshops are common due to safety violations.
Last year, 11 people were killed in a firework factory explosion in Madhya Pradesh. In 2019, similar blasts killed 18 people in Punjab and 10 in Uttar Pradesh.
(With inputs from AFP)
Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)
MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's director general for customer services, stressed the importance of these payments for household finances: "Extra pounds count and child benefit can give your household budget a boost. Claiming online or managing your Child Benefit payments via the HMRC app is quick and easy so, if you haven't already, go to GOV.UK to start your claim."
The benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months. The High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold was raised from £50,000 to £60,000 in the Spring Budget, with the upper limit increased to £80,000.
This means payments now begin to taper for those earning above £60,000 and cease entirely at £80,000 - widening the eligibility criteria for thousands of families.
Despite these changes, critics argue the system still unfairly penalises single-parent households and families with one high earner. A two-parent household with each earning £60,000 (totalling £120,000) can receive full payments, whilst a single parent earning £80,000 would receive nothing.
In her recent Spring Statement, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to reduce bureaucracy for eligible working parents liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. From summer, families will have the option to report Child Benefit payments and pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code rather than filing a Self Assessment tax return.
HMRC said that over 1.2 million parents have claimed child benefit through the HMRC app or digital service since its launch in May 2023, with more than 87 per cent of claims now processed digitally. The app allows users to make new claims, update circumstances, amend personal details, add additional children, view proof of entitlement, and report on children's education status.
Parents are encouraged to claim as soon as possible after their child's birth, as payments can only be backdated up to three months. To claim, parents need their child's birth or adoption certificate, bank details, National Insurance number, and additional documentation for children born outside the UK.
Child benefit is available for children under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training. Importantly, claiming also provides National Insurance credits that count towards state pension eligibility - particularly valuable for those not in paid employment.
Claims also ensure children automatically receive their National Insurance number upon turning 16.
The upcoming Easter bank holidays will affect payment schedules, with payments due on Easter Monday (April 21) expected to arrive earlier on April 17, as Good Friday (April 18) is also a bank holiday.
Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India
Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.
Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.
Speaking to reporters during the journey, Anant shared his motivation and heartfelt sentiments behind the initiative. “The padyatra is from our house in Jamnagar to Dwarka. It has been going on for the last five days, and we will reach Dwarka in another two to four days,” he explained. Highlighting the importance of faith in his life, he added, “May Lord Dwarkadhish bless us. I would like to tell the youth to have faith in Lord Dwarkadhish and remember Lord Dwarkadhish before doing any work. That work will definitely be completed without any obstacle, and when God is present, there is nothing to worry about.”
The pilgrimage has captured public attention, not only due to Anant’s prominent status but also because of the symbolic message it conveys. Choosing to celebrate a milestone birthday through a spiritual journey highlights his values and devotion, which he hopes will inspire others, particularly the younger generation, to embrace faith and spirituality.
Upon reaching Dwarka, Anant plans to visit the revered Dwarkadhish Temple, where he will offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, holds immense cultural and religious significance. It is one of the four pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham and is considered a vital part of Hindu spiritual tradition.
Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India, where such journeys have been undertaken for centuries as acts of devotion and self-reflection. It also serves to remind people of the value of humility and gratitude, irrespective of status or wealth.
As the youngest son of business magnate Mukesh Ambani, Anant has often been in the public eye, but this personal and spiritual undertaking has added a new dimension to his public image. It showcases his connection to his heritage and his commitment to upholding traditions, even as he occupies a role in the fast-paced world of industry and commerce.
The journey has been met with widespread admiration, both from followers of Lord Dwarkadhish and others who see it as an inspiring example of blending modern life with age-old traditions. Anant’s choice to celebrate his birthday in this manner underscores his belief in balancing material pursuits with spiritual fulfilment.
As Anant Ambani continues his pilgrimage, many await his arrival at the Dwarkadhish Temple with anticipation. The event is set to culminate in a moment of reverence and joy as he celebrates his 30th birthday in the presence of family, friends, and the blessings of Lord Dwarkadhish. This padyatra, steeped in devotion and meaning, is likely to be remembered as a profound personal and public milestone in Anant’s life.
Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)
BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.
In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.
Provisional figures for 2024 indicate a further 13-per cent annual rise to 5,480 cases, reflecting a similar global trend.
The government is in the preliminary stages of preparing its new National Action Plan (2026–2031), which aims to improve the prevention, detection and control of TB in England.
It called for academic, health and social care professionals, public health experts, data scientists and those with lived experience of tuberculosis to share their insights.
"TB is curable and preventable, but the disease remains a serious public health issue in England," said Esther Robinson, head of the TB unit at the Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
While England is still considered a low-incidence country for TB, the rise in cases over recent years means that "we are now just below" the World Health Organization-defined low-incidence threshold of 10 cases per 100,000 population, Robinson said.
The government has said the highest incidence of the disease in the UK, 81.5 per cent, is among people born outside the country.
Research in the UK has shown a clear link between TB and deprivation, including among the homeless, those addicted to drugs and alcohol, and people who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
"This call for evidence will help us develop an action plan that prioritises the most effective interventions to reverse this trend, focusing particularly on the needs of those most affected," Robinson added.
(AFP)
