Deadly Stampede at Tirupati Temple on Vaikunta Ekadasi
A stampede at the Tirupati Temple resulted in six deaths and numerous injuries. The tragedy occurred as thousands gathered for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, an event marking an auspicious time for darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Overcrowding and the rush for tokens caused the fatal incident, leaving the community and authorities to grapple with the repercussions.
Such incidents highlight the need for better crowd management and safety measures during large gatherings.
P. Jayachandran, Revered Playback Singer, Dies at 81
P. Jayachandran, affectionately known as “Bhava Gayakan,” died at the age of 81. His voice, known for its heart-touching renditions of love and longing, graced over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Battling cancer, Jayachandran’s contributions to Indian music earned him enduring fame and accolades. He is survived by his wife, Lalitha, and children, Lakshmi and Dinanath.
Sir Mo Farah to Represent Tata Mumbai Marathon as Ambassador
Sir Mo Farah, famed long-distance runner, will serve as the International Event Ambassador for the 20th Tata Mumbai Marathon on January 19, 2025. This landmark event will host a record-breaking 60,000 participants. Farah’s illustrious career includes four Olympic and six World Championship gold medals, bringing immense inspiration to runners. The marathon will commence at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, marking a significant celebration for the running community in India.
H Lakshmanan, Former TVS Executive Director, Dies at 91
H Lakshmanan, the former Executive Director of Sundaram-Clayton (now TVS Holdings Ltd), passed away at 91. Known for his strategic vision and leadership, Lakshmanan played a critical role in TVS’s growth into a global automotive giant. He was instrumental in forging key alliances with global partners, transforming TVS’s operations and market reach. His contributions to the industry and dedication to the company’s core values leave a lasting legacy. Lakshmanan is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
General Joseph Aoun Elected President of Lebanon, Ending Two-Year Stalemate
Lebanon’s parliament elected General Joseph Aoun as the new president, concluding a two-year political deadlock. Aoun, the Lebanese Army Commander, secured 99 votes in the second round of voting. His presidency aims to focus on unity, justice, and institutional reform, with a commitment to rebuilding trust in the Lebanese state. This election is seen as a pivotal moment for Lebanon, addressing the country’s financial crisis and enhancing its sovereignty and security.
Catastrophic Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles
Southern California faces one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in history, particularly in Los Angeles County. Fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, numerous fires including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have wreaked havoc, causing extensive evacuations and significant property damage. At least five lives have been lost, with thousands of residents affected and nearly 2,000 homes destroyed. With firefighters battling around the clock, the scale of devastation is still unfolding, leaving communities in a state of crisis.