Second edition of three-day India Paddle Festival at M'luru's Sasihithlu beach to begin from March 7
Mangaluru: The India Paddle Festival, an international Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) event, is set to return for its second edition being held at the Sasihithlu Beach in Mangaluru for three days from March 7.
The festival, organised by Surfing Swami Foundation and presented by Karnataka Tourism, is expected to see the participation of top international SUP athletes, regional competitors and water sports enthusiasts.
The event will showcase top-level competitions, community races, and workshops, catering to both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts.
Surfing Swami Foundation Director Dhananjay Shetty stated that last year’s event was a turning point for their paddlers, providing them with invaluable exposure to international competition. "Bringing back the India Paddle Festival is a testament to the growing SUP and surfing culture in India,” he added.
Tristan Boxford, CEO of the APP World Tour mentioned that India has immense potential for stand-up paddling, with its massive coastline and growing community of passionate athletes. “We look forward to seeing top-tier talent from around the world compete in Mangaluru, further inspiring the next generation of paddlers in India,” Boxford said.
For registration and event details, visit https://indiapaddlefestival.com/
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25 killed in lightning strikes, hailstorms in several districts of Bihar
Patna, Apr 10 (PTI): At least 25 people were killed in lightning strikes and hailstorms in several districts of Bihar on Thursday, officials said.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Nalanda reported 18 deaths, followed by two in Siwan, one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Jehanabad.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, however, claimed in a post on X that over 50 people died on Thursday.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of more than 50 people in various incidents of storm, rain, lightning, tree and wall collapse in Bihar. I express my deepest condolences. May God provide strength to the families affected by the disaster in this hour of grief,” he wrote in Hindi.
He also said that the state government should compensate farmers for their crop loss due to the sudden rain and give them proper compensation.
Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.
On Wednesday, 13 people had died in lightning strikes in four districts of Bihar.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an ‘orange alert’ (be prepared) for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada and Patna.
It has also forecast heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday in these districts.
"Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at few places over Madhubani, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna," the IMD said in a bulletin.
Water-logging was also reported on Thursday from several parts of Patna following heavy rain.
The state capital recorded an average of 42.6 mm rainfall till 5.30 pm.
Officials of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and district administration, however, claimed that rainwater was drained out in the shortest possible time despite the downpour.
