Mukul Arya, India's representative at Ramallah, died of natural causes: MEA
New Delhi, Mar 8: The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that Mukul Arya, India's representative at the Palestinian city of Ramallah, died of natural causes and slammed "irresponsible comments" on his passing away.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had on Sunday expressed shock at Arya's demise.
Responding to media queries regarding Arya's death, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have seen some irresponsible comments on the passing away of Shri Mukul Arya, Representative of India in Ramallah."
"He died of natural causes. We urge that the tragic demise of a young diplomat be treated with decency and respect," he said.
The official spokesperson made the assertion over speculative comments on the diplomat's demise.
Arya had served in the Indian embassies in Kabul, Moscow as well as at the MEA headquarters in Delhi.
He also served at India's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris.
Arya studied economics at the Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University before joining the Indian Foreign Service.
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TN govt reaffirms 21-yr age limit for liquor sales
Chennai (PTI): Seeking to curb rising alcohol consumption among minors in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has reinforced the legal age requirement of 21 for all liquor purchases and consumption.
The government has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor outlets across the state and warned of strict action against those who violate the new directives.
The state-owned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the agency which holds a monopoly on sales of liquor, will be shutting 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 outlets near bus stations.
A senior TASMAC official on Thursday said that the staff at liquor shops have been instructed to check identity proof, including Aadhaar card, for all customers whose age is in question.
The official also said that the state government is considering a reduction in operational hours.
Currently, the liquor shops across the state operate from 12 noon to 10 pm.
"They are weighing a proposal to move the closing time to 8 pm," he added.
At present, the TASMAC operates a total of 4,765 liquor shops across the state. After the closure of 717 shops, it would come down to 4,048 outlets.
In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales stood at Rs 48,344 crore, which is the second highest after the registration department.
