Category Archives: community

Body recovered off Donegal coast in search for missing fisherman

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An extensive search coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard for a missing fisherman in Donegal Bay has concluded with the recovery of a body off Teelin on the Donegal Coast.

A local fishing vessel involved in the search made the discovery just before 6 pm on Saturday. The search ended after three days of intensive efforts, coordinated by the Coast Guard at Malin Head Maritime Rescue Sub Centre.

The Coast Guard extends its deepest sympathy to the family during this time of sadness. They also thanked all the search units, local fishing vessels, An Garda Síochána, and the community for their support throughout the search.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/body-recovered-off-donegal-coast-in-search-for-missing-fisherman-1811974.html

Mumbai News: BMC Launches Special Cleanliness Drive To Remove Floating Waste From Nullahs Across City

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**BMC Launches Special Cleanliness Drive to Tackle Waste Dumping in Mumbai’s Nullahs**

*Mumbai:* After multiple unsuccessful attempts to curb waste dumping in nullahs, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a new citizen awareness and cleanliness drive. A special campaign will be conducted across the city and suburbs from September 29 to October 13, aiming to remove floating waste from nullahs with active community participation.

### Systematic Cleaning Operations

As part of this drive, the BMC will carry out systematic cleaning of major nullahs (excluding mangrove areas), surrounding localities, and open drains across all civic wards. The operation will run daily from 11 AM to 1 PM and will involve staff from the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Storm Water Drain (SWD) departments, voluntary workers, and citizens.

Engineers will identify priority nullahs, with cleaning teams focusing on the removal and proper disposal of floating waste. To ensure efficient execution, mechanised equipment such as dumpers, JCBs, water tankers, and Firex tools will be deployed during the drive.

### Activities During the Drive

Key activities during the campaign include clearing vegetation, removing discarded items, collecting waste, and thoroughly washing the surrounding areas. Floating waste extracted by the SWD Department will be handed over to the SWM Department for proper disposal.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Dr. Ashwini Joshi, stated, “Garbage dumped by citizens into various small and large nullahs across Mumbai is a key cause of waterlogging. Despite regular cleaning efforts, illegal dumping continues to choke the drains.”

She appealed to residents to refrain from throwing waste into nullahs and instead use designated bins. “Proper disposal of waste will prevent clogging, ensure smooth water flow, and reduce the risk of flooding,” she emphasised.

### Measures to Curb Nullah Dumping

Over the years, the BMC has introduced several measures to reduce dumping in nullahs, including:

– Placing dustbins along drains
– Covering drains with nets
– Conducting awareness campaigns
– Appointing clean-up marshals
– Imposing fines on violators

It is important to note that clogged drains—mainly due to plastic bags—were among the main contributors to the catastrophic 26/7 floods in 2005, which claimed over 1,000 lives.

Mumbai currently has 309 major nullahs and 1,508 minor nullahs across the city, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the importance of sustained community efforts.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-launches-special-cleanliness-drive-to-remove-floating-waste-from-nullahs-across-city

Nashik: SMBT Hospital’s ‘Arogya Sadhana’ Completes Decade, Treats Over 40 Lakh Patients

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SMBT Hospital’s ‘Arogya Sadhana’ health camp, which recently completed a decade, has provided treatment to more than 40 lakh patients, according to Chief Administrator Dr. Meenal Mohagavkar.

Of these patients, over three lakh were admitted for treatment, and more than two lakh surgeries were carried out. Dr. Mohagavkar shared that approximately 1,000 patients visit the hospital daily from across the region.

Under various government health schemes, patients receive free services. For those requiring treatment for conditions not covered under these schemes, charges are applied only for pathology and radiology tests, as well as medicines, all offered at discounted rates.

The hospital offers 26 super speciality services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, urology, general surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, and dialysis.

Dr. Mohagavkar emphasized that SMBT Hospital is making services accessible that are often unavailable at many rural healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing healthcare reach and quality in the region.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-smbt-hospitals-arogya-sadhana-completes-decade-treats-over-40-lakh-patients

MP News: ‘I Love Mohammad’ Banners Sparks Communal Row In Jabalpur; Hindu Outfits Responds With ‘I Love Shri Ram’ Posters

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**Communal Tension Surfaces in Jabalpur Over “I Love Mohammad” Banners**

Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): A fresh wave of communal tension was witnessed in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur following the appearance of massive banners bearing the slogan “I Love Mohammad” in several Muslim localities across the city.

A large poster prominently displayed at Mohammadi Gate in the Naya Mohalla area caught the attention of residents, while similar banners were spotted on a mosque under the jurisdiction of Hanuman Tal police station. These banners, with the message written in English, quickly became a hot topic of discussion not only within Jabalpur but also nationwide.

Reports indicate that more such posters may soon be put up across various Muslim-dominated areas throughout the city. Images circulating on social media showed members of a community standing in rows, holding “I Love Mohammad” posters, further fueling discussion and reactions.

The display of these banners has prompted the Hindu Seva Parishad to file a formal police complaint at Omati police station. In response, Hindu organizations have put up posters with slogans such as “I Love Shri Ram,” “I Love Mahakal,” and saffron flags at various locations throughout the city. These groups have stated that they are fully prepared to maintain peace and will not allow any untoward incident to disturb the harmony of Jabalpur.

It is noteworthy that similar “I Love You Mohammad” posters have been reported not only in Jabalpur but also in other parts of India. Police complaints regarding this matter have also been filed in cities like Kanpur.

Meanwhile, the Jabalpur administration and police are closely monitoring the situation to ensure law and order is maintained and to prevent any escalation in tensions.

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-i-love-mohammad-banners-sparks-communal-row-in-jabalpur-hindu-outfits-responds-with-i-love-shri-ram-posters

Surviving the Nova Massacre and battling cancer: Raz Peri on pain, healing, and hope – interview

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Surviving the Nova Massacre and Battling Cancer: Raz Peri on Pain, Healing, and Hope

“Every donation, every share, every kind word, saves lives,” Raz Peri told the Post.

Raz Peri (photo credit: Courtesy)

By Mathilda Heller

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868519

American Jewish summer camps offer Israeli teens a break from pressures at home

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American Jewish Summer Camps Offer Israeli Teens a Break from Pressures at Home

This past summer, 770 Israeli teens from the Gaza Envelope region participated in Campers2Gether, a Jewish Agency initiative that began in 2024. The program provides these young individuals with a much-needed respite from the ongoing challenges they face due to the conflict.

The Jewish Agency partners with North American camps and Jewish federations to offer this unique opportunity. By attending the camps, Israeli teens gain a safe and supportive environment where they can relax, connect, and recharge away from the stresses of war.

(Photo credit: Jennifer Roman/Jewish Agency for Israel)

By MADELEINE KASHKOOLI/JTA
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-868491

Delhi BJP MLA Ravinder Singh Negi Asks Meat Shops To Close On Tuesday During Navratri

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New Delhi: BJP MLA from Patparganj assembly constituency, Ravinder Singh Negi, on Tuesday urged meat shops located near temples to remain closed on Tuesdays and during the Navratri festival.

Negi expressed his concerns after noticing a meat shop open right in front of a temple on a Tuesday. Speaking to ANI, he said, “A few days ago, when I went to the temple on Tuesday, I saw that a meat shop was open right in front of the temple. I felt very bad seeing this, so I requested the traders to close the shops outside the temples on Tuesday. They readily accepted, and now shops have started closing on Tuesday in Patparganj.”

He further added, “We would like the meat shops in front of temples to remain closed during the holy fast of Navratri. I will also write a letter to the District Magistrate about this. I will try my best to keep meat shops closed on Tuesdays in my assembly.”

In addition to appealing to the shopkeepers, Negi also plans to formally write to the District Magistrate to ensure that this practice of closing meat shops near temples continues.

Similar initiatives have been observed in other states as well. Last year, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that efforts are underway to preserve the sanctity and blessings of the Narmada River by banning liquor and meat shops in religious towns across the state.

Speaking to ANI, CM Chouhan said, “By bringing together all state government departments, we have made an effort to maintain the sanctity and blessings of Maa Narmada. We will aim to ban meat and liquor shops in religious towns. I hope the decisions taken will be reviewed in November. This is not a one-day process; it is an ongoing one.”

Such moves reflect a broader attempt by political leaders to respect religious sentiments and promote cultural harmony in their regions.

*(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/delhi-bjp-mla-ravinder-singh-negi-asks-meat-shops-to-close-on-tuesday-during-navratri

‘False Hindu God’: Republican Leader Alexander Duncan Faces Criticism For Controversial Post On Lord Hanuman Statue In Texas

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**Texas Republican Leader Sparks Controversy Over Lord Hanuman Statue**

A Texas Republican leader has ignited a controversy with his remarks about a Hindu deity. Alexander Duncan, a Republican Party Senate candidate, called Lord Hanuman a “false god” in a statement concerning a statue of the deity located in Sugar Land, Texas.

Duncan’s comments, made in an X post, read: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!” These words drew strong criticism from Hindus living in the United States and prompted widespread backlash.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” In response, the HAF urged the Republican Party to take disciplinary action against Duncan. They questioned the party’s commitment to its own anti-discrimination guidelines, stating on X:

*”Hello, TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination—displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate — not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause.”*

### Public Reaction on Social Media

Many netizens voiced their opposition to Duncan’s statement, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom in the United States. One user wrote, “We are a nation full of people who hold different religious beliefs. It’s called freedom of religion. If the followers of a religion are not harming or oppressing others then their religion is protected under our U.S. constitution.”

Another user commented, “What do you mean by ‘false Hindu god’? All gods are equally false. I understand you dislike having foreign symbols build up like that, but do not portray others’ gods as being more false than yours—that is preposterous.”

A third user highlighted the ancient origins and significance of Hindu texts: “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there’s obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the ‘religion’ that predates and influences yours.”

### Duncan’s Response to Critics

In his defense, Duncan cited Bible verses, responding directly to his critics on X. He wrote:

*”I’m just calling it what it is, an IDOL. ‘You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.’ Exodus 20:3-4″*

*”They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” Romans 1:25*

In a separate post, Duncan urged Americans to “preserve” Western culture.

### About the Statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas

The statue in question, known as the **Statue of Union**, was unveiled in 2024. It is a 90-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. The statue stands as a significant cultural and religious symbol for the Hindu community in the region.

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The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious symbols in public spaces and the broader dialogue about religious tolerance and freedom in the United States.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/false-hindu-god-republican-leader-alexander-duncan-faces-criticism-for-controversial-post-on-lord-hanuman-statue-in-texas

Mumbai News: Celebrity Stylist Thompsun Fernandes Gives 150 Free Haircuts At Bandra Fair

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Celebrity stylist Thompsun Fernandes gave nearly 150 free haircuts over the two Sundays of the annual Bandra fair, which ended on September 21. The fair is held after the feast of Mother Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount.

Fernandes, who owns a hair and make-up salon on Chapel Road, said the free service is intended for those who cannot afford a visit to a hair salon. “It is thanks to Mother Mary for helping me succeed in the profession,” he said.

In 2024, Thompsun gave 60 free haircuts, while the year before, 120 people received the service. To accommodate this free initiative, Thompsun creates a temporary shed outside his salon for the haircuts, explaining that the salon itself could intimidate people who think it is expensive.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-celebrity-stylist-thompsun-fernandes-gives-150-free-haircuts-at-bandra-fair

Mikoshi Splashes into Sea in Wakayama Festival

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The festival began with a lively parade through the port town, setting an energetic tone for the day’s events. Participants then moved into the sea, where they offered prayers for a bountiful catch and safe voyages, honoring the traditions of their community.

Following the prayers, the mikoshi—a sacred portable shrine—was carefully placed onto a boat. Young men took on the responsibility of rowing the mikoshi back to the shrine, demonstrating strength and unity.

At the port, another small boat crewed by young men awaited the arrival of the mikoshi. The celebration reached its climax as the mikoshi arrived at the pier and was plunged into the sea. This dramatic splash elicited loud cheers from spectators, marking a memorable and spirited conclusion to the festival.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146963.php