Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah village, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh’s journey epitomized dedication, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to public service. He earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and went on to complete his doctorate at the University of Oxford.

Dr. Manmohan Singh served as Prime Minister from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, heading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for a remarkable 3,656 days. This tenure established him as India’s third longest-serving Prime Minister, following Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Before stepping into the political spotlight, Dr. Singh had a distinguished career in public service. His journey began in 1971 as the Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade, followed by his appointment as Chief Economic Advisor in 1976. He went on to hold key positions such as Director of the Reserve Bank of India, Alternate Governor for India at the Asian Development Bank, and Member (Finance) at the Atomic Energy and Space Commissions.

However, Dr. Singh’s most enduring legacy remains the landmark economic reforms of 1991, initiated during his tenure as Finance Minister. These reforms deregulated India’s economy, opened up foreign investments, and set the nation on a path to rapid economic growth and globalization.

During his time as Prime Minister, Dr. Singh championed inclusive growth, social welfare, and foreign diplomacy. He skillfully navigated India through global economic crises and strengthened the country’s strategic global partnerships.

India today mourns not just a leader but a statesman whose vision and dedication laid the groundwork for the nation’s economic resurgence. His loss marks the end of an era, but his contributions will continue to inspire generations.

According to a statement released by Tata Group and reported by Reuters, Ratan Tata died in a hospital in Mumbai after a brief illness. His health had been in decline, leading to critical conditions that eventually resulted in his demise.

Ratan Tata’s journey with Tata Group was nothing short of legendary. Under his leadership, the company not only expanded its global footprint but also emphasized ethical leadership and corporate responsibility. His approach to business was deeply intertwined with philanthropy, earning him a revered place in the hearts of many.

His last days were spent at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted on October 7 following a sudden drop in blood pressure. Earlier reports of his hospitalization led to confusion, but Tata himself had dismissed them as unfounded. He confirmed that he was undergoing routine check-ups for age-related issues, assuring the public of his stable condition at the time.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Harsh Goenka, an industry peer, expressed his sorrow on X, a social media platform, noting, “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories.”

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also mourned Tata’s loss, stating, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata. He was a Titan of the Indian industry known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade, and industry. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”

The legacy of Ratan Tata will continue to inspire future generations. His visionary leadership and commitment to societal welfare have left an indelible mark on the corporate world.

How It Works?

The FTI-TTP leverages advanced biometric technology to simplify and speed up the immigration process. Registered passengers can use automated gates (e-gates) to bypass regular immigration queues. Upon reaching the e-gates, travellers scan their boarding passes and passports, and their biometrics are authenticated. Once verified, the e-gate opens automatically, granting immigration clearance.

Eligible individuals can apply for the programme online through the official FTI-TTP portal. After submitting the required details and undergoing verification by the Bureau of Immigration, applicants receive a notification to schedule an appointment for biometric enrolment at either international airports or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The registration is valid for five years or until the passport’s validity expires, whichever comes first.

Expansion Plans

Following its successful implementation at Delhi Airport, the FTI-TTP is set to expand to 20 other cities, including major airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. This expansion aims to make international travel more seamless and efficient across India.

Benefits and Impact

The FTI-TTP offers numerous benefits, including faster immigration processing, reduced congestion at airports, and a more secure travel experience. By automating the immigration process, the programme not only saves time for travellers but also addresses staffing issues at immigration counters. As of now, 18,400 individuals have registered for the programme, highlighting its growing popularity and effectiveness.

The programme’s implementation is particularly timely, given the increasing volume of international travellers. The traditional immigration process often involves long queues and significant waiting times, which can be stressful for passengers. The FTI-TTP aims to alleviate these issues by providing a more efficient and user-friendly alternative. The use of biometric technology ensures that the process is both secure and swift, reducing the risk of human error and enhancing overall security.

Moreover, the programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It is available free of cost to all eligible travellers, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike. The online application process is straightforward, and the requirement for biometric enrolment ensures that only verified individuals can benefit from the expedited service.

In addition to its immediate benefits, the FTI-TTP is expected to have a long-term positive impact on India’s aviation sector. By improving the efficiency of immigration processes, the programme can enhance the overall passenger experience, potentially attracting more international travellers to Indian airports. This, in turn, could boost the country’s tourism industry and contribute to economic growth.

The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme is a ground-breaking initiative that promises to transform the travel experience for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. With its expansion to more cities, the programme is set to enhance the efficiency and security of international travel across India. The FTI-TTP represents a significant step forward in modernizing India’s immigration processes and ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable journey for all travellers.

Pal was in Chennai to participate in an official event, which was to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Tragically, he suffered a cardiac arrest at the Chennai airport while welcoming the Minister. Despite immediate medical attention and swift transportation to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) at around 3:30 p.m., his condition rapidly deteriorated.

Dr. E. Theranirajan, Dean of RGGGH, recounted the intense efforts to save Pal. “In the ambulance, we applied a defibrillator five times, but unfortunately, there was no pulse or blood pressure when he arrived at the hospital,” Dr. Rajan explained. Further medical interventions briefly revived his heart, but a massive cardiac arrest later in the evening claimed his life.

The left anterior descending artery was found to be fully occluded, leading to an angiogram and subsequent angioplasty. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Pal developed a massive cardiac arrest and passed away at 7 p.m.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. “Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal. He was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the Indian Coast Guard was making significant strides in strengthening India’s maritime security,” Singh stated, extending heartfelt condolences to Pal’s family.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also visited the hospital alongside Singh to pay their respects to the late coast guard chief.

Pal’s sudden death has left a void in the Indian Coast Guard, marking a significant loss for India’s maritime security. His leadership and dedication to the nation’s safety will be remembered by his colleagues and the many lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.

Government Launches Extensive Rescue Efforts

The Indian government has mobilized extensive rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and local authorities. Teams are racing against time to locate and save those trapped under the debris. The disaster has already resulted in multiple casualties and many missing persons.

Immediate Relief Measures

In response to the crisis, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed mobile medical units and ambulances to provide immediate care. Helicopters from the Indian Air Force are also being used to aid in the rescue efforts, despite adverse weather conditions hampering progress.

Ongoing Challenges and Community Response

Communication and power lines have been severely impacted, making coordination challenging. However, local communities are showing resilience, assisting in the rescue efforts and providing support to those affected.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are deploying all available resources to ensure the safety of our people and to bring them to safety as quickly as possible.”

Ensuring Future Safety

Authorities are also looking into long-term measures to prevent such disasters in the future. The immediate focus remains on rescue and relief, but planning for sustainable infrastructure and better emergency preparedness is also crucial.

Latest Update: Death Toll and Missing Persons

Wayanad landslides have resulted in 185 confirmed deaths, with 225 people still missing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Rajya Sabha that Kerala had been given early warnings about the severe weather conditions. This revelation has sparked discussions on the effectiveness and implementation of disaster preparedness measures in the state.

The Wayanad landslide is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of robust disaster management systems. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on saving lives and providing relief to the affected communities.

Wayanad Landslides Cause Widespread Destruction

The Wayanad landslides, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, have led to the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure. The landslides have severely impacted the local communities, with several areas now inaccessible due to blocked roads and damaged bridges. Rescue operations are in full swing, with local authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) working tirelessly to reach those stranded and provide necessary relief.

PM Modi’s Assurance of Support

In a recent conversation, PM Modi assured CM Vijayan that the central government would extend all possible help to the state. Modi expressed his concern over the Wayanad landslides and emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort to mitigate the disaster’s impact. He praised the ongoing rescue and relief operations and promised additional resources to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of affected residents.

Coordinated Relief Efforts

The Kerala government, in collaboration with the NDRF and other agencies, has been working round the clock to manage the crisis. Emergency shelters have been set up, and essential supplies are being distributed to those affected by the Wayanad landslides. The state government has also launched a detailed assessment to evaluate the full extent of the damage and plan for long-term recovery and reconstruction.

Community Resilience and Support

Local communities have shown remarkable resilience in the face of this natural disaster. Volunteers and NGOs are actively participating in relief efforts, providing food, clothing, and medical aid to the displaced families. The solidarity and collective effort of the people of Kerala are proving vital in overcoming the immediate challenges posed by the Wayanad landslides.

Looking Ahead

As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus will gradually shift to rehabilitation and rebuilding. The Kerala government, with the support of the central government and various agencies, is committed to restoring normalcy in Wayanad. PM Modi’s assurance of comprehensive support underscores the collective responsibility to help those affected by the Wayanad landslides and ensure they receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives.

The Wayanad landslides serve as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for robust disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. As Kerala navigates this challenging period, the state’s spirit of resilience and cooperation remains a beacon of hope and strength.