Nearly 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia so far for annual Hajj pilgrimage
Mecca (AP): Saudi officials say close to 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country so far for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the vast majority by air.
This year's pilgrimage will be the first without the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, starting in 2020. More pilgrims are expected to arrive before the start of the Hajj on Monday.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able. It is one of the world's largest religious gatherings.
The Saudi media ministry Thursday that more than 1.49 million foreign pilgrims had arrived through its international ports up to Wednesday, with 1.43 million travelling by air.
Saudi officials have said they expect the number of pilgrims in 2023 to reach pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, more than 2.4 million Muslims made the pilgrimage.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
KSRTC orders removal of tobacco-related advertisements from buses, bus stands in 15 days
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has directed that all advertisements promoting the use of tobacco products, either directly or indirectly, be removed from its buses and bus stations within 15 days.
In an official release issued on Saturday, KSRTC Chief Traffic Manager (Commercial) S. Rajesh said that such advertisements should no longer be displayed on KSRTC buses, bus shelters, or at bus stations, including hoardings and glow sign boards.
The directive clearly states that no advertisements encouraging tobacco consumption, whether explicit or indirect, should be installed or exhibited on corporation property in the future.
Rajesh also instructed officials to issue notices to authorized license holders who have been permitted to install advertisement hoardings and glow sign boards at bus stations under the transport corporations. These license holders have been warned against promoting tobacco-related advertisements in any form.
