Page 46 - Human Interest

End of an era as Japan's emperor abdicates

Emperor Akihito of Japan formally stepped down Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the world's oldest monarchy, as his son Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era. In the "Room of Pine" in Tokyo's Imperial Palace, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial regalia -- an ancient sword and sacred jewel that are considered to legitimise an emperor. In his final speech, Akihito offered his "deepest heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan" and said he would "pray for the peace and happiness of all the people in Japan and around the world." Despite near-constant rain in Tokyo, several hundred wellwishers congregated outside the Palace during the historic ceremony attended by around 300 people, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and around a dozen members of the royal family. "I feel overwhelmed emotionally," said a tearful Yayoi Iwasaki, a 50-year-old bank employee, standing outside the ...

Japan's Heisei era culminates as Emperor Akihito abdicates

Fondly referred to as the "people's emperor," Japan's Emperor Akihito participated in his abdication ceremony on Tuesday, making way for his 59-year-old son, Crown Prince Naruhito, to take over the Chrysanthemum throne as Japan's 126th Emperor from Wednesday.Japan will usher in the Reiwa era when the clock strikes 12 at midnight today, marking the start of the new Emperor's reign in the constitutional monarchy.The abdication ceremony, or the "Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi", was held at the State Room in the Imperial Palace here on Tuesday. The long-reigning monarch is the first to abdicate his throne in nearly 200 years."Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the Emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so. I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the State," the 125th Japanese Emperor said during the abdication ceremony.Prime ...

Japanese Emperor Akihito declares historic abdication

Japan's Emperor Akihito on Tuesday declared his abdication and delivered his last public address as emperor, in a historic ceremony in Tokyo.

Japan's emperor performs main abdication ceremony

Outgoing Japanese emperor Akihito on Tuesday performed the main ritual to hand over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Naruhito -- Japan's first abdication in more than two centuries. Akihito technically remains emperor until the stroke of midnight when the country ushers in the new imperial era of Reiwa, or "beautiful harmony", that will last as long as Naruhito reigns. In a brief speech, the 85-year-old said he had spent the 30 years of his reign performing his duties with "deep respect and love for the people." "That has been a great blessing," he added. And he offered his "heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan who accepted me as the symbol of the state and supported me." The brief ritual in the sumptuous "Room of Pine" in Tokyo's Imperial Palace saw the outgoing emperor turn over the throne in the presence of the imperial regalia -- an ancient sword and sacred jewel that are considered to legitimise an emperor. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thanked the emperor, who took the ...

Amit Panghal nominated for Arjuna award once again

Asian Games 2018 gold medal-winning Indian boxer Amit Panghal was on Tuesday nominated for Arjuna awards by the Boxing Federation of India. Amit, who claimed the light flyweight (49kg) category gold after defeating reigning Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan in the Asiad final at Jakarta, was nominated last year as well for the second highest sporting honour after the Khel Ratna. However, he was not considered due to a failed dope test in 2012, for which he served a one-year ban. He started the year with a gold at Strandja memorial tournament in Bulgaria before moving up to 52kg. He clinched a gold in his new weight category in the Asian championship, beating Dusmatov again. BFI has nominated Panghal yet again after taking into consideration his remarkable performances this year.

End of an era: Japan's emperor kicks off abdication rites

Draped in ornate golden-brown robes and wearing a towering black hat, Japan's Emperor Akihito on Tuesday kicked off ceremonies for his abdication, the first in 200 years for the world's oldest monarchy. Akihito is handing over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his eldest son, 59-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, in a series of solemn rituals that also usher in the new imperial era named "Reiwa" - meaning beautiful harmony - that will last throughout the new monarch's reign. As crowds began to gather early Tuesday in drizzle outside the sumptuous Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, Akihito performed a ritual to "report" his abdication to his ancestors and the Shinto gods at several "sanctuaries". But the main event will be at 5:00 pm local time, when the 85-year-old Akihito will formally step down in a 10-minute ceremony in the "Matsu-no-Ma" ("Room of Pine"), considered the Imperial Palace's most elegant hall. The ritual will be conducted in the presence of the imperial regalia - an ancient ...

Making of a monarch: King's image peppers Thailand ahead of coronation

It took USD 6,400 and a 12-hour drive for the local mayor to pick up the shrine and towering portrait of Thailand's king which will stand in the centre of town -- a small part of a massive palace publicity campaign for this weekend's coronation. "Every government office across the country will do the same," said Aunchalee Chamchang, the mayor of Thungkhanan, a clutch of villages east of the capital. Portraits of King Maha Vajiralongkorn often dressed in a golden robe and staring inscrutably forward have been in place at many state offices since he ascended the throne in 2016. But imposing new images, some several-metres high, and decorations are mandatory at every state office ahead of his three-day coronation, which begins Saturday. The most elaborate set-ups include the gilded-framed portrait, a large pedestal, flags, cone-shaped "pan phum" floral tributes and bunting in various shades of yellow -- the colour of Thailand's monarchy. They can cost thousands of dollars, paid for ...

Japanese Emperor Akihito begins historic abdication

Japanese Emperor Akihito will step down from the throne on Tuesday, which will make him the first monarch to abdicate in more than 200 years.

Dehradun bizman is a proud owner of over 250 rare cameras

Local businessman Amar Dhunanda is a proud owner of over 250 cameras including antique ones.Dhunanda says: "I have over 250 cameras of different companies and models. Some of these are 75-80 years old. I have no other interest. It is my only hobby."When asked what made him keep collecting cameras, he adds: "It is an effort to preserve the legacy so that new generations know about these cameras. How these cameras were used by their ancestors."He also has a collection of other antique products including a black conch shell among other things."I have a very old hand-written Ramayana. I have a table which is about 175 years old. It was auctioned during the First World War in Burma. It passed generations before the table was gifted to me," says Dhunanda.Dhunanda is not all alone in taking care of the wonderful collection of antiques he has. He also receives the support of his family members, who encourage and help him in more ways than one."This is a great way to preserve the heritage, ..

Not gay, says Faulkner after 'boyfriend' post causes frenzy on social media

The cricketer, who turned 29 on Monday posted a picture of him with his housemate Jubb and his mother Roslyn Faulkner celebrating his birthday with the hashtag #togetherfor5years

Ice slabs, fruits, glucose keep animals cool at Gujarat zoo

In view of the sweltering heat, animals at the civic-run zoo in Vadodara district of Gujarat are being provided ice slabs and given diets rich in fruits and glucose to keep them cool and hydrated, officials said. As the mercury soared over 44 degree Celsius in the district, four sparrows lodged at the Sayaji Baug Zoo here died due to heat wave in the last few days, zoo curator Pratyush Patankar told PTI on Monday. To prevent such incidents, special summer sheds equipped with straws and nets have been put up to regulate the temperature of the animal enclosures, he said. "Ice slabs are being kept in the enclosures of bears and water sprinklers are being used to keep all animals cool," he said. The concrete floors of the animal enclosures were being washed twice a day, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Ajay Bhadoo said. "To prevent heat-related stress and dehydration, the herbivorous animals are being served watermelon, sugarcane and papaya. The animals are also being given ..

I am not gay, clarifies James Faulkner

Australian pacer James Faulkner, who spread widespread speculation that he is in a same-sex relationship with a social media post, has clarified that he is not gay.

Animal activists slam 'double standards' as Shanghai dog show opens

Shanghai hosts one of the world's biggest dog shows beginning on Tuesday but animal activists and online critics are condemning the event due to the widespread consumption of dog meat in China. The four-day World Dog Show comes for the first time to China, which consumes around one-third of the estimated 30 million dogs eaten for their meat worldwide by humans each year, according to Humane Society International. Britain's The Kennel Club, which calls itself the world's oldest such organisation, has already announced it was snubbing the event, citing the sometimes "brutal" methods used in China to slaughter canines. "The Kennel Club will not be attending the show with its roadshow stand," it said in a statement on its website. Various animal rights organisations have launched campaigns against the decision by the Belgium-based World Canine Organisation, known by its French acronym FCI, to award the event to China, and a petition on social-action site Care2.com condemning the show has .

Akihito begins abdication rituals as Japan marks end of era

Emperor Akihito began his abdication rituals at a Shinto shrine Tuesday morning as Japan embraces the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era. Television images showed Akihito in a traditional robe entering the main Shrine of Kashikodokoro to report his retirement to the gods. The shine is where the goddess Amaterasu, said to be the direct ancestress of the imperial family, is enshrined. Only part of Akihito's shrine ritual was released to the public. In a palace ceremony later in the day, Akihito will announce his retirement before other members of the royal family and top government officials. His reign runs through midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes new emperor and his era begins. Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne Wednesday. In a separate ceremony, he will inherit the Imperial regalia of sword and jewel, as well as Imperial seals as proof of his succession as the nation's 126th emperor in the world's oldest hereditary monarchy from the

Charlize Theron's mother influenced her to act

Actress Charlize Theron's mother influenced her to pursue acting after her career as a ballerina did not work out the way she had planned.

Australian cricketer James Faulkner reveals he is gay

Australian cricketer James Faulkner on Monday decided to come out of closet to announce that he is in a same sex relationship. Faulkner chose the occasion of his 29th birthday to make his relationship status public. "Birthday dinner with the boyfriend @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner#togetherfor5years," read a caption of Faulkner's Instagram post. England's Steven Davies was the first international cricketer to come out open as gay when he made the revelation in an interview in 2011. Bowling all-rounder Faulkner has represented Australia in one Test, 69 ODIs and 24 T20 Internationals. He last played for his country in October, 2017.

Karna CM revives golden chariot for Kukke Subrahmanya temple

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has revived a long-pending project for building a golden chariot for the famous Kukke Surahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district, a move which has drawn flak even as reports linked it to his astrological belief. He has asked officials to submit a fresh proposal before the state cabinet for the chariot, first taken up by the then Congress-JDS coalition government in 2005, after revising the cost estimate of Rs 15 crore when it was cleared earlier. The fresh initiative, however, has drawn flak from the state unit of BJP while reports in a section of media said Kumaraswamy has taken it up after being advised by astrologers that not completing theproject may have implications on his political future. BJP Spokesperson and MLA Suresh Kumar in a tweet questioned whether Kukke Subrahmanya (reigning deity) will desire for a golden chariot (at such a cost) at the time when the state was facing shortage of drinking water. A release from .

Sunny Deol capable, talented; Punjab needs him: Kavita Khanna

Days after expressing her "disappointment" over the denial of ticket from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, Kavita Khanna, wife of late Union minister and actor Vinod Khanna, dubbed BJP nominee Sunny Deol as "capable and talented" and said Punjab needs him. "Our capable and promising candidate Sunny ji... I am today happy that I can now welcome Sunny ji in Gurdaspur family. For 21-years, they (people of Gurdaspur) showered us their love and supported us," Kavita said at a rally held before Deol filed his nomination papers here. Union ministers Jitendra Singh,V K Singh, Vijay Sampla and many state BJP and SAD leaders were also present at the rally. Kavita Khanna, who was a ticket aspirant from the Gurdaspur seat, said the blessings of her late husband were with him. Vinod Khanna represented the seat four times in the Lok Sabha. "I am sure that Vinod ji is part of this happiness and I am also confident that he is blessing you (Deol)," she said. Kavita further exuded confidence that Deol ...

Mohammed Shami's wife detained for creating ruckus

Cricketer Mohammed Shami's estranged wife Hasin Jahan was detained for breach of peace after she allegedly created a ruckus at her husband's house in Alipur village here, police said Monday. Police said they received a call from Shami's house Sunday night. The cricketer's mother alleged that Jahan had forcefully entered the house and created ruckus, SP (Amroha) Vipin Tada said. Jahan was detained for breach of peace and produced before a sub-divisional magistrate's court. She was later released by the court after depositing bail bonds, the officer said. Talking to reporters after her release, Shami's wife said, "These people are violating my rights. Shami is my husband and I have complete right over his house. But whenever I have tried to stay in that house, my in-laws have tried to throw me and my infant daughter out.

Crawling to extinction: Singapore turtle haven fights for life

Hundreds of turtles and tortoises, including rare and endangered species, face an uncertain future after their Singapore sanctuary -- a Guinness World Record holder -- was forced to relocate due to government redevelopment plans. At its peak around 1,000 of the creatures were housed at The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum, which opened in 2001 at popular tourist spot Chinese Gardens. It also showcased specimens and memorabilia such as figurines and stuffed toys. While the venture built up a loyal following, there had been criticism online of the conditions the reptiles were kept in. Authorities decided to repurpose the area, and evicted them -- leaving owner Connie Tan scrambling to find and finance a new location. "I gave up quite a lot for this, and it's tough. My son's university education fees have gone into keeping this place alive," explains Tan, whose father created the original museum, securing the Guinness World Record for the "largest collection of tortoise and turtle ...