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Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 set to have fun Buddhist legacy, tradition, international connections

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Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 set to have fun Buddhist legacy, tradition, international connections

Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 29 (ANI): The Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 is all set to happen from February 1 to three, 2026, consistent with the celebrations of Maghi Purnima. Organised collectively by the District Administration, Mahasamund, and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA), it will likely be held at Sirpur – one among India’s most vital historical Buddhist studying centres, famend for its wealthy cultural, architectural, and non secular heritage.

‘Sirpur occupies a distinguished place in Buddhist historical past. Once a flourishing monastic and mental hub, it’s believed to have hosted greater than 10,000 Buddhist monks at its peak. The celebrated Chinese scholar and pilgrim Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang), who visited Sirpur round 630-645 CE, documented the area’s vibrant monasteries, realized students, and dynamic mental life. In his accounts, Xuanzang additionally referred to Acharya Nagarjuna, the good Buddhist thinker related to the Madhyamaka custom, who spent important time in Sirpur and made profound contributions to Buddhist philosophy, significantly the Middle Path (Madhyam Marg) and the idea of Sunyata (Emptiness). These historic references proceed to form Sirpur’s id as a centre of Buddhist thought and observe,’ as per a press launch.

With this legacy at its core, Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 goals to Establish Sirpur on the nationwide and worldwide cultural map, strengthen its place throughout the international Buddhist Circuit, and promote consciousness of its excellent common worth.

The pageant can be aligned with ongoing efforts to organize Sirpur for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its archaeological significance and residing cultural traditions.

The pageant is being organised on a grand scale with worldwide participation, Delegates from bhutan, South Korea and representatives from Japan are anticipated to attend, reflecting Sirpur’s rising recognition amongst Buddhist communities throughout Asia and past.

Academic Dialogues and Heritage Discourse

Each morning session throughout the pageant will characteristic educational talks and thematic discussions by students, consultants, and practitioners on key topics equivalent to tracing the Buddhist legacy of Chhattisgarh, the philosophy of Madhyam Marg, the idea of Sunyata, the significance of Dhamma in up to date society, ‘stone as storyteller’ in Buddhist structure, and Buddhist visible traditions.

A particular high-level panel dialogue on ‘UNESCO Aspirations for Sirpur’ might be held with eminent dignitaries and heritage consultants, specializing in conservation, international recognition, and sustainable cultural tourism.

Grand Cultural Evenings: Tradition Meets Celebration

The pageant evenings may even showcase a vibrant mix of classical, folks, non secular, and up to date performances. On February 1, the opening night will characteristic Chhattisgarhi folks dances, Kathak, the Tathagat drama, Dhrupad efficiency, displays by college students of Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, and a particular efficiency by famend singer Baba Hansraj Raghuvanshi.

The night of February 2 will proceed the cultural celebrations with Sufi non secular music by Ustad Vusat Iqbal Khan of the Delhi Gharana, a Kabir musical night, the Therigatha drama highlighting voices of early Buddhist nuns, and a efficiency by Indian Idol fame singer Hemant Brijwasi.

The pageant will culminate on February 3 with an excellent bigger celebration that includes artists from throughout Chhattisgarh, together with Panthi dance, Danda dance, Bastariya dance, and a grand finale efficiency by in style Bollywood music duo Meet Brothers.

Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 is envisioned not merely as a cultural occasion, however as a significant convergence of historical past, philosophy, artwork, and residing traditions. By bringing collectively students, artists, non secular thinkers, and guests from India and overseas, the pageant seeks to have fun Sirpur’s timeless legacy whereas paving the best way for its future as a globally recognised centre of Buddhist heritage and cultural trade. (ANI)

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Central Japan Aichi Pref.’s startups on manner of enlargement

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Central Japan Aichi Pref.’s startups on manner of enlargement

Tokyo [Japan], January 29 (ANI): Central Japan Aichi Pref.’s startups are on the way in which of enlargement and advancing corroboration with Tokyo and Osaka.

At central Japan Aichi Pref.’s startups competition ‘Tech GALA’ was held. Not solely Japan’s but in addition abroad startups participated to introduce its’s expertise and search cooperative alternative. To this occasion 6,000 folks participated and 250 firm cubicles have been exhibited. Year by 12 months functionality and affect are rising.

Governor of Aichi Pref. Hideaki Omura emphasised space benefit ‘Aichi Nagoya is world prime degree industrial accumulation web site be represented by Toyota. Products delivery quantity from Aichi rose in these 12years from 37 trillion yen to 58 trillion yen. It is outstanding extension. Based on industrial accumulation, digital expertise, AI and leisure will probably be added. It will speed up innovation dynamically.’

This occasion pays consideration to India. Producer of this occasion Hiromi Okuda who was graduated from Mumbai University talked about ‘I count on Indian robust factors IT and digital expertise merge to Japanese conventional manufacturing talent. It will provoke innovation vitality. To this occasion Japanese enterprise firms joined. If they’re fused to Aichi’s and abroad startups its motion will increase past space border.’

From India AI platform firm for inexperienced and low carbon trade exhibited the sales space. Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi evaluated its expertise and achievement.

Aich Governor Hideaki Omura talked about to different metropolis’s startups occasion. ‘In Tokyo SusHi Tech Tokyo will probably be held in April. From Aichi some startups be part of. It is the corroboration to increase the loop of startups. Also with Osaka, triggered by Osaka Expo, we deepened cooperation. 3 cities corroboration Tokyo , Osaka and centered Aichi will speed up startups motion. ‘

Center of Japan Aichi Pref. is known as ‘Deserted land of startups’. But it’s renewed to progressive startups spearhead space. 3 huge metropolis’s corroboration will speed up its motion.(ANI)

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APCC President Gaurav Gogoi sounds the election bugle in Barak Valley

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APCC President Gaurav Gogoi sounds the election bugle in Barak Valley

Guwahati (Assam) [India], January 29 (ANI): Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday declared {that a} decisive political battle could be fought within the Barak Valley. Addressing a regional Congress assembly held in Cachar district of the Barak Valley, Gogoi stated it’s now sure {that a} Congress authorities will probably be fashioned in Assam this time.

He stated the individuals of the Barak Valley are immediately remembering late Tarun Gogoi, who had personally visited the area and considered its growth in shut session with the native inhabitants.

‘Tarun Gogoi had spoken about granting sub-divisional standing to Katigorah Mouza and had labored to make sure political safety for everybody. He had clearly said that every one these whose names have been included within the voters’ listing as much as 2014 are Indian residents. He had additionally targeted on guaranteeing that representatives from the Barak Valley gained enough political energy. Tarun Gogoi sought recommendation from senior Congress leaders like Santosh Mohan Dev and Ajit Singh and held discussions on what wanted to be completed for the event of Barak,’ he stated.

Gaurav Gogoi additional stated that immediately, no severe dialogue is going down on the event of the Barak Valley.

‘Since Himanta Biswa Sarma grew to become Chief Minister, Barak has ceased to be a valley of growth and has as an alternative changed into a valley of syndicates. There isn’t any discuss of honouring the language martyrs, no dialogue on railway connectivity or nationwide highways,’ he stated.

‘Health centres in Barak are going through an acute scarcity of medical doctors, and authorities colleges in tea gardens have been shut down, but the federal government reveals no concern for these issues,’ he added.

According to Gogoi, the Chief Minister is barely targeted on how you can permit betel nut to enter Assam via the Barak from exterior the state.

He alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma has overtly boasted of being a ‘vote thief’ and has himself admitted that he desires to steal votes. The individuals of Assam, he stated, have realised that the BJP is a celebration of thieves and looters. He alleged that the BJP authorities has not solely stolen votes however has additionally stolen cattle belonging to indigenous individuals in Upper Assam. Referring to incidents in Tinsukia, he stated cattle theft has begun straight from cowsheds. In Kokrajhar, Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, he alleged that makes an attempt are being made to seize land from the Bodo, Rabha and Karbi communities.

Gogoi additional alleged that the BJP is stealing votes from spiritual minorities, land from tribal communities, cattle from indigenous individuals and even water from tea gardens. He stated individuals in tea gardens now say, ‘There is a faucet however no water,’ including that the Jal Jeevan Mission has changed into ‘cash in Jayanta’s pocket.’

Questioning the federal government, Gogoi requested whether or not the issues of D-voters have been resolved, whether or not the NRC-related points have been addressed, and whether or not ration distribution issues have been solved. He stated this is the reason Bengali-speaking individuals didn’t vote for the BJP within the current BTC elections. In Kokrajhar, he claimed, individuals don’t like Himanta Biswa Sarma. He accused the Chief Minister of trying to query the citizenship of Bengali individuals in Assam, even though they establish themselves as Indians.

Gogoi stated that ‘since Himanta Biswa Sarma grew to become Chief Minister, Bengali individuals in Assam are being portrayed not as Indians however as Bangladeshis.’ He termed it shameful that individuals who have lived in Assam for generations, constructed their properties right here and educated their kids at the moment are being labelled as Bangladeshis. He accused the BJP of not understanding Bangladesh or the Bengali language, citing the current incident in Karimganj the place a case was filed in opposition to an individual for singing ‘Amar Sonar Bangla.’

‘The BJP doesn’t perceive the historical past of Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ throughout the Bengal Partition with nationalist beliefs,’ he stated.

Referring to discussions on ‘Vande Mataram’ in Parliament, Gogoi stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to venture the slogan as if it have been a creation or property of the BJP, with out as soon as mentioning that Rabindranath Tagore first sang ‘Vande Mataram’ at a Congress session. He stated freedom fighters chanted ‘Vande Mataram’ whereas going through bullets and lathis throughout the wrestle in opposition to British rule, whereas the ideological predecessors of the BJP by no means opposed the British nor participated within the freedom motion. Yet immediately, he stated, the BJP seeks credit score for the liberty wrestle.

Gogoi alleged that for the reason that BJP got here to energy, just one household has seen progress — the household of Himanta Biswa Sarma. He claimed that tea gardens and land have been bought within the title of the Chief Minister’s spouse throughout the state and that 18 corporations are registered within the title of his son. He stated there isn’t any district in Assam — together with Tinsukia, Majuli, Dibrugarh and Guwahati — the place land has not been bought within the title of the Chief Minister’s spouse. He introduced that the Congress would quickly launch a web site detailing all such land purchases district-wise and make the data public. He added that when a Congress authorities involves energy, such land could be reclaimed and distributed among the many poor.

He accused the BJP authorities of insulting and making derogatory remarks in opposition to spiritual minorities, whereas asserting that the Congress takes delight in Assam’s custom of concord. He stated Congress follows the inclusive Hindu beliefs of Swami Vivekananda and seeks to construct a greater Assam impressed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Questioning Himanta Biswa Sarma’s declare of being a Hindu chief, Gogoi requested how one could be known as a Hindu chief when ministers within the authorities are allegedly concerned in cattle syndicates. He described the Chief Minister as a fearful and opportunistic politician who switches events when confronted with bother, stating that he lacks agency ideological floor.

Gogoi recalled that Himanta Biswa Sarma joined Congress when he confronted difficulties within the Asom Gana Parishad, and later jumped to the BJP when he encountered bother in Congress. He stated Rahul Gandhi has said that if a Congress authorities involves energy, Himanta Biswa Sarma’s deal with will probably be in jail. He alleged that Sarma believes he can at all times escape accountability by switching events, however asserted that Congress won’t ever settle for him once more.

He stated the current authorities has did not uplift the individuals of Assam and has as an alternative promoted syndicate operators. Referring to inside BJP developments, Gogoi alleged that Siddhartha Bhattacharyya was humiliated after being introduced into the occasion. He predicted {that a} political tsunami would start in Upper Assam, sweep via Lower Assam, and be welcomed by the individuals of Barak as effectively.

He introduced that Congress mandal committees in Barak have already begun wall-writing campaigns and reiterated {that a} Congress authorities would resolve NRC-related points. He promised to revive the political energy of Barak by reclaiming the 2 Assembly seats that have been taken away.

‘The individuals of Assam are now not afraid of BJP ‘thieves and looters’ and at the moment are standing up like police themselves to carry them accountable. He added that the Congress would play the position of the prosecution,’ Gogoi said.

Addressing the assembly, Congress observer for Assam Bandhu Tirkey uncovered what he described because the BJP’s falsehoods and termed Himanta Biswa Sarma a ‘mendacity Chief Minister.’ He stated the individuals of Assam should resolve to free themselves from corruption and syndicate rule within the coming election. AICC secretary in command of Assam Vikas Upadhyay, Assam Youth Congress observer Mitendra Darshan Singh and Dhubri Lok Sabha MP Rakibul Hussain additionally addressed the gathering and known as upon the individuals to unite and overthrow the corrupt Himanta Biswa Sarma authorities. (ANI)

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India-EU FTA most forward-looking, wide-ranging concession package deal for India thus far: EY report

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India-EU FTA most forward-looking, wide-ranging concession package deal for India thus far: EY report

New Delhi [India], January 29 (ANI): The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents one of the forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated thus far, highlighted a report by EY (Ernst & Young).

According to the report, the India-EU FTA really represents an settlement between two financial giants.

It acknowledged ‘The India-EU FTA represents one of the forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated this far’.

The report famous that the settlement has the potential to considerably impression a number of key sectors, together with cars, defence, aerospace, textiles and knowledge know-how.

In the auto sector, the FTA proposes a phased discount of import duties on utterly constructed models (CBUs) from round 110 per cent to roughly 10 per cent, with an annual quota of 250,000 autos.

EY mentioned this transfer might encourage larger competitors and innovation within the Indian auto sector, benefiting customers via extra selections and probably decrease costs.

Additionally, decrease import duties on utterly knocked down (CKD) models, at round 15 per cent, are anticipated to assist continued investments by European, Japanese and Korean producers in native meeting operations. This is more likely to strengthen home manufacturing, generate employment and assist preserve worth stability for customers.

On strategic defence integration and industrial collaboration, the report highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership framework underneath the settlement.

EY mentioned the framework lays the muse for deeper industrial collaboration between Indian and European aerospace and defence corporations, enabling know-how trade and enhancing interoperability.

Lower tariffs are additionally anticipated to enhance the value competitiveness of EU aerospace exports to India, whereas supporting Indian unique tools producers (OEMs) in constructing built-in provide chains with European companions.

The report added that the broader financial opening, together with defence cooperation, may speed up localisation of important aerospace applied sciences, equivalent to complicated radar techniques or structural assemblies, via international direct funding and joint ventures.

In the textile sector, the settlement gives zero responsibility entry to the EU market from Day 1. EY famous that this restores India’s competitiveness, totally neutralising the impression of the sooner withdrawal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This will enable Indian textile merchandise to enter the EU market at considerably extra aggressive costs.

For the IT sector, the report mentioned that seamless motion of execs and employees throughout EU nations might present sooner and simpler entry to new markets, notably within the period of latest AI applied sciences.

The settlement additionally creates a pathway for structured engagement on Social Security Agreements over the subsequent 5 years, addressing a long-pending business demand to scale back twin social safety contributions. India already has Social Security Agreements with 12 EU nations, the report added.

The India-EU FTA was concluded on January 27, and it marked a watershed second in India’s international commerce technique. Both sides described this FTA because the ‘mom of all offers.’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa collectively introduced the conclusion of the India-European Union FTA on the sixteenth India-EU Summit, held in the course of the go to of the European leaders to India. (ANI)

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Nifty, Sensex open flat as traders undertake wait-and-watch mode forward of Union Budget, volatility cools

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Nifty, Sensex open flat as traders undertake wait-and-watch mode forward of Union Budget, volatility cools

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 29 (ANI): The share market within the nation opened flat on Tuesday as traders remained in a wait-and-watch mode forward of the upcoming Union Budget this weekend, with market volatility exhibiting indicators of cooling.

The benchmark Nifty 50 index opened at 25,345, registering a marginal acquire of two.25 factors or 0.01 per cent. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex opened at 82,368.96, up by 24.28 factors or 0.03 per cent.

Market individuals appeared cautious as they positioned themselves forward of the Budget announcement, whereas indicators steered a steady however guarded sentiment.

Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, advised ANI, ‘Volatility is cooling because the India VIX settled close to 13.5-14, and the Nifty PCR (Put-Call Ratio) stands at a balanced 0.70, indicating cautious however steady positioning forward of the Union Budget 2026. Investors are eyeing the February 1st announcement with expectations for a 4.2 per cent fiscal deficit goal, continued infrastructure CAPEX, and potential AI-focused incentives.’

He additional added, ‘Currencies, Oil and Metals are the tales of the day. US Dollar strikes are roiling coverage makers’ outlooks, Oil is surging as a result of excessive chance of a becoming a member of Israeli-US assault on Iran and Metals are seeing a bumper 12 months.’

In the broader market on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), indices confirmed blended tendencies. The Nifty 100 slipped by 0.19 per cent, whereas the Nifty Midcap 100 edged up by 0.10 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap index outperformed, gaining 0.51 per cent.

Sectoral indices on the NSE opened principally within the pink, aside from the Nifty Metal and PSU Bank indices. The Nifty Auto index declined by 0.70 per cent, Nifty FMCG fell by 0.54 per cent, and Nifty IT was down by 0.95 per cent in early commerce.

Global markets mirrored a mixture of warning and resilience following the primary US Federal Reserve assembly of the 12 months. The Fed stored rates of interest unchanged at 3.5 per cent to three.75 per cent and signalled a data-dependent strategy as inflation stays sticky.

In the US, the S&P 500 briefly crossed the historic 7,000 mark however closed flat, whereas the Nasdaq gained 0.17 per cent, supported by robust shopping for in AI chip shares.

Commodities remained in focus, with gold hitting a file excessive and nearing USD 5,600 per ounce in some markets amid safe-haven demand and a weakening US Dollar. Oil costs additionally climbed to a four-month peak, with Brent settling close to USD 68.40 on account of rising geopolitical tensions within the Middle East and a shock attract US inventories.

In different Asian markets, a blended pattern was seen. Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened with a marginal acquire of 0.03 per cent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose by 0.6 per cent, South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.98 per cent, whereas Taiwan’s weighted index declined by 0.48 per cent. (ANI)

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nineteenth Asian Financial Forum Concludes with Strategic Collaborations – Japan Industry News

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nineteenth Asian Financial Forum Concludes with Strategic Collaborations – Japan Industry News

The nineteenth Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), efficiently ended with over 4,000 leaders from greater than 60 nations and areas in attendance. The occasion included participation from monetary officers, leaders of multilateral organizations, and representatives from monetary establishments, with discussions specializing in fostering innovation and financial progress.

Keynote speeches included that by Dr. José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, who mentioned Hong Kong’s position in regional cooperation and drew parallels with Europe to intensify financial integration. Dr. Zhu Min, from the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, highlighted alternatives arising from the internationalization of the renminbi, emphasizing Hong Kong’s pivotal place in offering liquidity and a bond market.

This yr’s AFF launched the Global Business Summit to emphasise the mixing of finance with key industries. The summit featured discussions on matters like Chinese Mainland enterprises increasing globally and strategic collaboration for mutual progress, offering insights into market growth alternatives and overseas funding methods.

One important consequence of the discussion board was the signing of a cooperation settlement between the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange. This initiative goals to reinforce the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shanghai gold markets, reinforcing Hong Kong’s standing as a global gold buying and selling hub.

The discussion board facilitated deal-making via initiatives like AFF Deal-making, which related over 280 buyers with greater than 600 funding initiatives, leading to over 800 conferences. HKTDC’s strategic strategy enabled enterprises to search out international companions, as exhibited by constructive outcomes reported by members like an Australian meals processing venture proprietor.

Additionally, the occasion showcased thematic zones akin to FutureGreen Showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon, and Global Investment Zone, that includes roughly 150 exhibitors. The FutureGreen Showcase, a brand new addition this yr, promoted inexperienced finance and know-how functions, reflecting a rising demand for sustainable options throughout varied sectors.

Hong Kong’s position as a monetary hub was additional underlined by the International Financial Week 2026, internet hosting 14 business occasions on matters akin to ASEAN alternatives, digital finance, and inexperienced finance. The discussion board set the stage for Hong Kong’s continued growth as a big participant in international finance, demonstrating its strategic significance to each regional and worldwide financial landscapes.

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School woman, 14, lacking in Niigata – TokyoReporter

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School woman, 14, lacking in Niigata – TokyoReporter

NIIGATA (TR) – Niigata Prefectural Police are searching for the whereabouts of a third-year center faculty woman from Tokamachi City who went lacking earlier this week.

According to police, Marin Higuchi, 14, was final seen in the lounge of her dwelling at round 7:30 pm on Monday.

Her smartphone, pockets, footwear and jacket have been left behind at dwelling.

Marin Higuchi (X)

With a slim construct, Higuchi stands roughly 154 centimeters tall. She has semi-long black hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was carrying a navy blue sweater and lightweight blue denim pants.

Higuchi lives in an space that features Shinza Station, one station northeast of the city heart.

“The day she disappeared, there wasn’t any special note or anything like that. I thought she’d cleared away the dishes, prepared the bath as usual, and then taken a bath. But I hope she’s safe and that we’ll find her somewhere,” her father stated to Fuji News Network (Jan. 28).

According to the police, Higuchi had been spending time along with her household in the lounge of their dwelling till round 7:20 p.m. on Monday.

However, 10 minutes later, round 7:30 p.m., she disappeared. About 20 minutes later, her household known as police to report that she had gone lacking.

According to her father, Higuchi had been recuperating at dwelling as a result of sickness since across the finish of 2025.

Police are checking safety digital camera footage and conducting searches across the dwelling.

Persons with data on the case are suggested to contact the Niigata Tokamachi Police Station at 025-752-0110.

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From wartime diary to lasting friendship: a British household’s Lisbon Maru story

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From wartime diary to lasting friendship: a British household’s Lisbon Maru story

Andrew’s warfare diary contains a number of hand-drawn illustrations of the Lisbon Maru. Pointing to one of many sketches, Kenneth stated his father had been held in No. 3 maintain, which was closest to the strike level and flooded quickly.

By Xinhua Writer Yu Aicen, Zheng Bofei

LONDON, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) — Seventy-two-year-old Briton Kenneth Salmon lives together with his spouse in a modest however cozy bungalow in southern England. Among the couple’s fastidiously displayed assortment of cherished objects, Kenneth’s most exceptional possession is his late father’s warfare diary, which information how the British Royal Artillery sergeant was taken prisoner by Japan, boarded onto a hell ship named Lisbon Maru, and rescued by Chinese fishermen when the ship sank off the coast of jap China.

Kenneth stated he wouldn’t be right here at present with out the Chinese fishermen who rescued the prisoners of warfare (POWs) onboard the Lisbon Maru, together with his father, Andrew Salmon.

Andrew was captured by Japan after the autumn of Hong Kong in December 1941 and was later boarded onto the Japanese-requisitioned Lisbon Maru certain for Japan, together with greater than 1,800 different British POWs.

“He did not talk much about his war experience, and that is quite common among people who survived the war,” Kenneth stated. “But he kept a diary. My first knowledge of the Lisbon Maru came from reading his diary.”

In October 1942, the unmarked ship was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine close to Dongji, Zhoushan, in jap China. While Japanese troops had been evacuated from the sinking vessel, the POWs had been left locked inside battened-down cabins. Some managed to flee, whereas others drowned.

Andrew’s warfare diary contains a number of hand-drawn illustrations of the Lisbon Maru. Pointing to one of many sketches, Kenneth stated his father had been held in No. 3 maintain, which was closest to the strike level and flooded quickly.

Andrew was amongst those that managed to leap into the ocean, however quickly discovered himself beneath hearth from Japanese troopers making an attempt to cease the escapees.

It was at that second that Chinese fishermen from Dongji got here to the rescue, rowing out with paddles, fishing junks and sampans. Historical information present that 198 Chinese fishermen introduced 384 POWs to security, together with Andrew.

“When my father got off the Lisbon Maru, he was swimming in the sea and was eventually picked up by a Chinese fisherman,” Kenneth stated. “The fishermen were remarkably friendly. They gave them food, drink and clothes.”

“He was very grateful,” Kenneth continued, “because they had not eaten for so long. They were on a starvation diet under the Japanese.”

Kenneth described the Chinese fishermen as “very courageous” and stated he want to categorical his heartfelt thanks.

“If you didn’t save the POWs, and in particular if you didn’t save my father, I would not be here today,” he stated.

Kenneth believes his father suffered from what’s now generally known as “survivor’s guilt,” a situation by which survivors of traumatic occasions battle to grasp why they lived whereas others perished.

He stated this will likely clarify why his father determined to jot down a e-book after retirement in reminiscence of the comrades he misplaced on the Lisbon Maru. Although the e-book, titled Remember My Face, was by no means actually printed, Kenneth has been exploring the potential of its publication.

In the summer time of 2024, 24 years after his father handed away, Kenneth and a bunch of different descendants of British POWs visited Dongji, generally known as “the easternmost island of China.”

They took a ferry to the waters the place the Lisbon Maru sank. After a memorial ceremony that includes poetry recitation and a second of silence, Kenneth solid a crimson poppy wreath bearing his father’s {photograph} into the ocean.

The wreath was the identical one positioned on his father’s coffin throughout the funeral. Kenneth stated he needed to depart it on the website of his father’s most defining life expertise.

Kenneth stated he felt a powerful sense of friendship with the descendants of the fishermen he met in Dongji and has since shaped lasting bonds.

“The descendants of the rescuers were very friendly,” he stated. “To this day, we stay in touch by email.”

Kenneth stated he hopes extra “Lisbon Maru relatives” in Britain will go to Dongji to honor their ancestors and meet the descendants of the rescuers.

“As I am quite an expert on the Lisbon Maru now, I would be happy to offer my services as a kind of ‘tour guide,'” he stated. “My background as the son of a survivor and the friendship I share with Chinese families make me somewhat uniquely qualified.”

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Kobe Luminarie Lights Up Ahead of Heartful Day on January 30

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Kobe Luminarie Lights Up Ahead of Heartful Day on January 30

KOBE, Jan 29 (News On Japan) –
The Kobe Luminarie gentle competition, now in its thirty first 12 months, was illuminated forward of its public opening on January 30 with a particular preview inviting folks with disabilities to benefit from the show in a relaxed setting.

The competition, which started as a tribute to the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and as an emblem of hope for restoration, held its annual “Heartful Day” on January 28, permitting invited company to view the lights at a slower tempo earlier than the overall opening.

Visitors expressed their pleasure, with one saying the show was “incredibly beautiful,” whereas one other shared that lengthy hospital stays had saved them from attending lately, including that they had been decided to go to this 12 months.

The theme for this 12 months’s occasion is “The Pulse of Kobe, a Story of Light,” reflecting a need to convey heat and luxury by means of the illuminated installations.

An official lighting ceremony can be held on January 30, with the competition working by means of February 8.

Source: KTV NEWS

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Brooks Koepka’s return to PGA Tour in highlight at Torrey Pines

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Brooks Koepka’s return to PGA Tour in highlight at Torrey Pines

(Photo credit score: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)

All eyes shall be on Brooks Koepka when he makes his first begin in a non-major PGA Tour occasion in almost 4 years Thursday on the Farmers Insurance Open at La Jolla, Calif., outdoors San Diego.

The five-time main champion parted methods with LIV Golf and was the primary high-profile identify to be accepted again on the PGA Tour. News emerged Wednesday that Patrick Reed will observe Koepka again to the tour later this yr.

Koepka will play his first two rounds at Torrey Pines with Max Homa and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, Thursday on the South Course and Friday on the North Course. After the 36-hole lower, the ultimate two rounds are contested on the famed South Course, web site of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens.

Koepka’s return is such an occasion for the game that ESPN agreed to raise its normal streaming-only ‘PGA Tour Live’ protection to linear tv on Thursday and Friday afternoon. It’s ESPN’s first broadcast of a non-major in almost 20 years.

As for Koepka, 35, will probably be his first begin at a regular occasion for the reason that WGC-Dell Match Play in March 2022. He received 5 occasions on LIV, however that does not make him impervious to nerves.

‘Maybe I’m a bit of nervous about that as effectively simply to see how, I suppose, how the followers reply to it,’ Koepka mentioned. ‘I hope that they are excited. I hope that they are joyful that I’m out right here.’

He additionally has admitted to some nervousness about having conversations along with his PGA Tour friends, given the acrimonious LIV-PGA break up in 2022. Count San Diego native Xander Schauffele amongst those that’d fairly concentrate on the longer term.

‘I believe it helps our tour,’ Schauffele mentioned. ‘… It’s not going to make the tour weaker having a five-time main simply wish to come again and play.’

At No. 6, Schauffele is the highest-ranked participant on this planet on the property as he makes his season debut. No. 7 J.J. Spaun, defending champion Harris English, U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and Sony Open in Hawaii champ Chris Gotterup are amongst different huge names within the area.

Spaun, one other native of Southern California and a San Diego State alumnus like Schauffele, will attempt to construct on his breakout 2025 season that noticed him win the U.S. Open and compete on the Ryder Cup.

‘I received a significant and I really feel like if I hold doing the suitable issues and doing the issues that I did final yr to set myself up for that, like if I’m in rivalry, I actually imagine that I can win one other one,’ Spaun mentioned.

‘So I believe that is the largest purpose that I’ve had since then was simply the truth that I did win a significant. I imagine that I can win one. I really feel such as you bust one door down, you’ll be able to have the proof to maintain going.’

After this week, Koepka plans to play the WM Phoenix Open and the Cognizant Classic within the Palm Beaches as he will get his bearings on tour once more. A powerful efficiency this week may assist him qualify through the ‘Aon Swing 5’ for upcoming signature occasions, just like the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational.

‘That’s the enjoyable half, I like the grind, I’ve at all times loved it,’ Koepka mentioned. ‘I suppose it is a contemporary begin for me, which is cool. It’s simply one other chapter I suppose in my e-book. I’m excited for that. I really feel like my recreation’s in fairly fine condition and I wish to see the place it is at.’

–Field Level Media

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