Tamils in Singapore to kick off Pongal festival
Singapore, Jan 5: A heritage trail around Little India, a bevy of cultural performances and activities will be witnessed at the annual Pongal Open House as Tamils across Singapore mark the harvest festival this month. Organised by the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC), the festivities will be held across two weekends — January 6-7 and January 13-14, The Straits Times newspaper reported on Friday. On the heritage trail to Little India, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the festivities and learn about various foods and decorations related to Pongal. In addition, they can also look forward to seeing live cattle on display along the trail at the 2024 edition of the Pongal Open House. The 1.1 sq km Little India district, comprising a large Tamil population, is the hub of ethnic shops, desi restaurants, temples and mosques. Pongal, heralding the onset of spring, will be celebrated from January 15 to 18 in Singapore. (IANS)
Japan quake toll spikes to 92
Tokyo, Jan 5: The death toll from the series of powerful earthquakes that struck the central Japanese prefecture of Ishikawa earlier this week, increased to 92 on Friday, with at least 242 persons reportedly missing as rescue and search efforts intensify amid concerns of escalating damages. Of the total missing persons, the worst-hit city of Wajima has reported 40, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo. The Self-Defense Forces have also expanded their efforts with approximately 4,600 personnel involved, collaborating with the police and fire departments to expedite search and confirmation of the safety of the missing people, reports Xinhua news agency. An area of about 48,000 square meters, equivalent to the size of 4.5 football fields, was destroyed after a massive fire broke out in the centre of Wajima city during the temblors, Kyodo reported, citing the latest estimates from Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. Meanwhile, over 700 people are stranded in isolated communities across the prefecture. (IANS)
1 killed, 5 injured in Iowa school shooting
Chicago, Jan 5: A shooting that happened at a high school in Perry Town, Iowa, killed a 6th-grade student and injured five others, while the shooter, a 17-year-old student, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to US law enforcement officials. The five injured, including four students and an administrator, are in Des Moines hospitals for treatment, Xinhua news agency reported, citing local media. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante said at a news conference that local authorities were called to Perry High School at 7:37 a.m. Thursday on the report of shooting, and there was no further danger. In response to the shooting, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called on Congress to pass legislation to combat gun violence. The President is tracking the shooting, and senior White House staff has been in touch with the Iowa Governor’s office, she added. Thursday was the first day back to school for Perry students after the winter break, and the shooting happened before the school day began, local media reported. Several nearby school districts have taken security precautions. (IANS)