162 passengers feared dead after AirAsia flight QZ8501 goes missing

An AirAsia plane with 162 people aboard went missing en route from Indonesia to Singapore on Sunday morning shortly after the pilots requested a change of flight plan because of weather, the third major aviation incident this year involving a Malaysian carrier.

AirAsia Flight QZ8501 with 155 people on board -- including one British, one Malaysian, one Singaporean, three Koreans, -- and seven crew members lost contact with air traffic control at 07.24 am local time Indonesia.

Sixteen children and one infant were among the passengers on board the AirAsia Airbus A320-200 that went missing on the flight from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore.

At a press conference this morning, Indonesian officials said the plane was several hours past the time when its fuel would have been exhausted.

There were unconfirmed media reports that a aircraft crashed in the waters of East Belitung, off the east coast of Sumatra.

The exact location of the crash site has not been identified, media reports said.

The aircraft was in the Indonesian flight information region, more than 200 nm southeast of the Singapore -- Jakarta FIR boundary, when contact was lost, civil aviation authority of Singapore said.

Contact with the plane was lost 42 minutes after takeoff. There were no Indian nationals on board.

The plane took off from Surabaya (Indonesia) at 5:20 am local time and was scheduled to land at Singapore's ChangiAirport at 8.30 am.

A statement on AirAsia's Facebook page said: "AirAsia Indonesia regrets to confirm that flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control at 07.24 am."

"At the present time we unfortunately have no further information regarding the status of the passengers and crew members on board, but we will keep all parties informed as more information becomes available," the Malaysia-based carrier said in a statement.

The aircraft was an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC.

"At this time, search and rescue operations are in progress and AirAsia is cooperating fully and assisting the rescue service," the statement said.

Indonesian Transport Ministry official Hadi Mustofa said the plane had asked for an unusual route before it lost contact, local media reported.

Air Asia said the pilot had requested "deviation" from its flight plan because of bad weather.

"The aircraft... was requesting deviation due to en route weather," it said.

Indonesia's national search and rescue agency bangka belitung said it has dispatched one vessel to search for AirAsia flight QZ8501.

"We received information from Basarnas in Jakarta that contact had been lost with an AirAsia flight over Bangka Belitung waters...We then dispatched a vessel with a search and rescue team of 22 members to check the information," Febi Imam Saputra, an information official at Basarnas Bangka Belitung, was quoted as saying by the Indonesian Antara news agency.

"If we look at the map, these coordinates refer to an area around 20 nautical miles from East Belitung," said Febi.

Search and rescue operations have been activated by the Indonesian authorities from the Pangkal Pinang Search and Rescue office.

Indonesian authorities have mobilised search and rescue operation near BelitungIsland, deploying five ships and a surveillance aircraft carrying 15 Indonesian Air Force personnel.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has confirmed that it is linking up with Indonesian authorities to help locate the missing plane. Australia and Malaysia have also offered assistance.

A massive search is underway for the missing plane. The last detected position of the missing AirAsia Indonesia Flight QZ8501 is believed to be between Tanjung Pandan on BelitungIsland and Kalimantan, Indonesia, according to Indonesia's Director of Air Transport, Djoko Murjatmodjo.

"The position where contact was lost was between Tanjung Pandan and Pontianak, about 100 nautical miles south-east of Tanjung Pandan," said Djoko.

The pilot Captain Iriyanto has an experience of 6,100 flying hours.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes has asked his company to stay strong. "Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. We must stay strong," tweeted Fernandes, an ethnic Indian, who set up the budget airlines which now flies to several countries.

Fernandes has said that he is heading to Indonesia.

Malaysia has also offered assistance in the search operation.

AirAsia is popular in the region as a budget carrier. It has about 100 destinations, with subsidiaries in several Asian countries.

The loss of contact with the AirAsia plane comes nearly 10 months after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which went missing on March 8.

Searchers are yet to find any debris from Flight MH370, which officials believe crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

Another Malaysia Airlines plane MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July, killing all 298 on board. 

Cricket world mourns loss of Phillip Hughes

The cricket community worldwide is in mourning today following the death of Phillip Joel Hughes, aged 25.

Cricket Australia announced the news with a statement from team doctor Peter Brukner.

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Dr Brukner's statement read. "He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday.

"He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends."

Australia captain Michael Clarke, who was commended for his efforts in supporting the Hughes family since Tuesday's incident, read out a brief statement on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia and siblings Jason and Megan Hughes.

"We're devastated by loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip," Clarke read.

"It's been very a difficult few days and we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as family share that love of game with him.

"We would like to thank all medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket NSW medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip.

"We love you."

Clarke bowed his head momentarily to compose himself before exiting.

Hughes was struck on the head while batting for South Australia during a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG on Tuesday, and underwent emergency surgery shortly after being rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.

He had since been in an induced coma in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, a long-time teammate and friend, was among the many from within Australian cricket to visit Hughes and his family at the hospital, offering support and well wishes.

The Australian team was due to assemble in Brisbane this weekend for next Thursday's first Test against India. Instead players from around the country flew into Sydney as the cricket family drew strength from the company of one another.

Hughes, who hailed from Macksville on the New South Wales mid north coast, was struck by a ball below the helmet while attempting to play a hook shot to a short-pitched delivery at 2.23pm Tuesday, the opening day of his team's match against NSW.

He was 63 not out at the time and pushing his case for a recall to the Australian Test team.

Music and Dance as an Important Cultural Aspect of Jammu and Kashmir

Since we understand that the music
and dance is an integral part of anyone culture and Kashmir is not an exception when it comes to display its inspiring tradition. To understand the historical background of the musical tradition of the Kashmir than traveler would require walking back to the days of human civilization. It is believed that the evolution and the spark of music were initiated by the Brahman communities who used to play sitar and their music portrayed the melodies of Indian classical music.

As we know evolution is a part of every element and an advent of development of the new musical era in Kashmir was brought by Sufism with their arrival the tradition of Sufiana Kalam came into picture. Sufiana Kalam gave rise to other musical instruments like Santoor and Saz which later on became the main elements of their musical chronicles.

Apart from music the tradition of Kashmir is very much defined by its famous dance forms called Rouf. This dance forms according to people welcomes the advent of spring season and the particular dance form is practiced by girls during the carnival of Eid.

Before we talk about their cultural importance and influence of music in shaping their tradition it becomes very important for us to understand the narrative background of the musical heritage. According to folklore the musical transmission of Jammu and Kashmir reflects the civilization of India and Pakistan. They believe that their traditional approach carries an essence and influence of Central Asia, Eastern Asia and Southern Asia but the aspect of their music comprise and constitute the measures of Central Asian music and evidently they use traditional Central Asian instruments and Central Asian scales.

Chakri

Chakri is amongst the most renowned folk music of Kashmir. This folk music in particular connotes the glory of history and the same is used to tell the stories of Yousuf-Zulaikha, Laila-Majnun etc. beside that the music is used to score the fairy tales one must understand that it requires ample experience and devotion to play Chakri musical instruments like Harmonium, Rabab, Sarangi and Nout. Chakri on a fast note is often called Rouf but one must not dilute the confusion between musical notes Rouf and distinct dance form which is also famous as Rouf.

Some of the renowned Chakri players are Gulam Hassan Sofi, Abdur Rasheed Hafiz, Gulam Nabi Sheikh and Gulam Mohammad Dar.

Rouf or Wanwun

As mentioned above the Rouf is generally performed by girls and owing to its importance the Rouf is performed only during the significant occasions like Eid, marriage and other functions. The dance form of Rouf is very simple and it illustrates the core of dance and songs respectively. While performing Rouf no instruments are required because the tempo of songs keeps the momentum and the girls organize themselves in two or three rows and each of the rows comprises 5-6 girls. As said before the dance form is very simple because each rows steps forward and backward in a swaying motion to decorate the beauty of the art.

Ladishah

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When we talk about Ladishah we must remember to understand its sarcastic form which is generally delivered while singing. Ladishah singers are veteran in terms of evaluating social, political and economic condition of the state and while singing from one village to other they illustrate the dilutive and inefficient administration of the government. To understand it in simple measures Ladishah is generally associated with criticism because they take active participation to analyze the role of the government in developing the social status of the state. Ladishah is a hilarious form of Kashmiri culture and the singers are experienced because they are more into criticizing ongoing issues. Ladishah is performed during the phase of harvesting period.

Sufiana Kalam

It is a classical form of Kashmiri music and can be considered as one of the most traditional and historical strings of melody. It comprises ragas and the instruments which are used to perform Sufiana Kalam are Santoor, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool, Tabla and Sitar. Sufiana Kalam shares its history with the notes musical notes of Iran and it is believed that it arrived here during the course of 15^th century. Sufiana Kalam is famous amongst the Kashmiri Sufi mystics and the dance form that compliments the scale of it is renowned Hafiz Nagma.

Classical

Egypt: Suzanne Mubarak detained in corruption probe

Suzanne Mubarak will be held in a Cairo prison, Egypt's Mena news agency says.

Mrs Mubarak, 70, and her husband have been questioned over allegations of "illegal acquisition of wealth".

The former president, who held power for 30 years, stepped down in February after weeks of protests.


He has since been detained by Egypt's Illicit Gains Authority, on charges he abused his position to illegally acquire wealth. He is also accused of involvement in the killings of anti-regime protesters.

The 83-year-old is currently under arrest in a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, after suffering heart problems. His detention was extended by 15 days early on Friday morning.

The military council which has been in power since Mr Mubarak stepped down has vowed to bring to justice all those accused of corruption.

The former president, his wife, their two sons Alaa and Gamal and their wives have been banned from travel and had their assets frozen by general prosecutor Abdel Magid Mahmud.

More than 20 ministers and businessmen linked to Mr Mubarak's regime have been detained since his departure from office.

Last week, former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly was sentenced to 12 years in jail on charges of money-laundering and profiteering.

Adly also faces separate charges of ordering troops to fire on demonstrators. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Manali

Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travellers. The annual State level Winter Carnival was celebrated from 23rd to 27th January, 2011.

Approach

Rail: Nearest convenient rail head are at Chandigarh and Pathankot. Manali can be reached from road from these stations.

Road: Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses ply between these stations. It is connected with Leh during July to October.

Map of places to visit in Manali

• Distances from Manali

  Places to visit	Km
  Arjun Gufa	4
  Club house	2
  Hidimba Devi temple	2.5
  Jagatsukh	6
  Kothi	12
  Manu temple	3
  Mountaineering Institute	3
  Nehru kund	5
  Rahala water falls	16
  Rohtang pass	51
  Solang valley	13
  Tibetan monasteries
  Vashisht hot water springs and temples	3
  Mandi	110
  Keylong	120
  Trilokinath	152
  Kaza	200
  Kangra	240
  Shimla	260
  Chhatru (L&S)	81
  Batal (L&S)	110
  Kunzum Pass	122

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Alappuzha Beach

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of Kettuvallams of olden times. The original Kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only.

Of late, houseboats come with all creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. And one can always enjoy uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying in a houseboat.

DTPC House boat Pre-paid Counter
For booking houseboats, travelers can make use of the House Boat Pre-paid Counter 'Trusted Service, Trusted Rates' managed by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).