Hey, monsoon is here! Well, well, well, dear readers if you belong to the Northern part of India, you should be glad that you are experiencing what monsoon meant to be! But, what about the states in the Eastern and far-flung North-eastern regions? Yes, these states are almost in contrast with the states in the North. It seems that the rain God’s not been kind to them, whereas India’s Northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi have been experiencing the wettest monsoon over the last half decade.

Not only Northern states, Western and Southern regions of India have also been receiving enough of rainfall this monsoon. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the few states that have been lucky to get the pretty much sufficient annual rainfall. On the other hand, various districts of West Bengal are in a situation that the next thing we could imagine there is ‘famine’. Is not it quite disappointing on part of the Eastern states to be cursed with less than necessary rainfall, while the Northern and Western states are witnessing one of the best monsoon in the last five years?

The deficiency in rainfall is of course going to have a greater impact on the economy of these states. Or, better to say they have already been facing drought-like situation, which definitely spells into famine. Take the example of West Bengal. The state comprises of eighteen districts and out of that eleven have already been hit by drought. Being a major rice producing state of India, West Bengal requires a lot of rainfall, but the cursed monsoon (for the state) is quite an irony! This year, the state has received about thirty percent less downpours, making districts like Bankura and ten other districts drought-affected. Reports say that the Central Government of India has announced more than forty-five crores to aid the farmers in the drought-affected districts of West Bengal.

The situation is no better in the neighboring state of West Bengal. As per the reports, the state of Orissa has been witnessing rainfall deficit of more than fifty percent. Apparently, the state fears a drought-like situation and would probably seek the Central Government’s aid. Bihar and Jharkhand can also be counted as some of the drought-affected states.

It is quite unlikely that the Northeaster region of India has received more than normal rainfall before the monsoon hit. It was almost a flood-stuck situation, but at the time when the states need rainfall the most, it is lacking it badly! It is also unlikely that there is such a great disparity of rainfall in the same country. Certain regions have been blessed with more than normal downpours, while on the other hand, people at some parts of the country are in a desperate need of the heavenly drops.

We just hope that the rain God be kind and pour some drops where they are needed the most!

The doomed flight IX-812 of Air India Express from Dubai-Mangalore, which killed one hundred and fifty eight passengers on the fatal day of May 22, had two passengers in it who were traveling on illegal passports. The same has been confirmed by the inquiry committee which has been involved into the investigation.

Venkatesh Prasanna from the Crime Investigation Bureau has confirmed the names of the two fliers who committed the passport crime. Abdul Samad who belongs to Kochipalli which is located in Kannur district which is located in Kerala, and another Mohammad Ashfaq who is from Mumbai, both died in the crash, the same source affirmed the news.

A complaint on an official basis has been filed in the Kerala Passport Office as well as the one located in Mumbai. Venkatesh has also provided indication that some other people are suspected to have acquired fake passports too, but their bodies and other documents are destroyed to such an extent that nothing can be confirmed as yet. Till now, no claims have been done for 12 bodies who were buried in Mangalore.

In another case of the same incident, records found out that a passenger had made a call from his mobile phone and had used an international Sim card. Arun Kumar Shetty is the concerned man in question here and the call was made half an hour before the fatal accident occurred.

It has been said that the court of inquiry would have some meetings with the aviation officials in Delhi on this matter.

In a recent instance, a Bangladeshi individual was detained by the immigration officials at Kolkata airport in India. The man has been charged with allegations that he has connection with al-Qaeda, the Islamist terrorist organization.

Nawaz Abdur Rahim, the man in question had landed in India, who was traveling to India with his father in an intention to attend a wedding in Southern state, Kerala. They were flying on a Jet Airways plane and after they landed at Kolkata airport, the immigration personnel put the man from Bangladesh into detention. While Nawaz was put into immigration detention, his father was permitted to move to Kerala to attend the ceremony.

It is learnt that the US’ FBI has suspect on the Bangladeshi man regarding his connections with terrorists and it has been looking for Nawaz. However, the Indian immigration officials have not confirmed yet that Nawaz has been detained for his terror links. As said by the officials, Nawaz was obstructed at the Kolkata airport, because he did not have sufficient travel documents with him.

As per the information provided by the Intelligence Bureau, Nawaz Abdur Rahim was also detained by the Bangladesh officials earlier from going to Malaysia. However, it is yet to know whether the allegations of terror links attached to the name of the Bangladeshi man are true or not. But, it is risky on part of every country to let a terror suspect to roam freely.

Kerala can earn a lot in the name of medical tourism. The Indian state boasts great resource through which the state can enrich its tourism industry. Kerala can earn big foreign exchange, if it promotes its quality health care sector, given the state is known for providing excellent health care facilities.

If the health care sector in the state is promoted in an intention to attract more and more people, including overseas patients, it will definitely make big money. Medical tourism is the kind of tourism where people visit across the borders for obtaining medical and relaxation needs. It is a multimillion-dollar industry in the world. In India also it is the fastest growing industry in the recent times. Even though it is growing, proper promotion of the sector is needed on the international level.

Kerala offers some of the world-class medical facilities, including Ayurvedic treatments. Another factor that will attract visitors from all over the world is the cost involved in the medical care. The medical cost in Kerala is less as compared to many other countries. Take the example of Canada, where people have to wait for long time in order to get treatments. Along, the country lacks inadequacy of trained medical professionals. As a result, today many Canadians rely on the foreign nations to get their medical treatments.

Kerala has the potential to attract foreigners to obtain its one-of-its-kind medical facilities.

Most of you sitting out there must have dreamt about looking as gorgeous as one of those actresses on the television set. Be it consciously or unconsciously, the thought must have definitely crossed your mind. And there are obviously others who have a fetish for fair skin.

Fairness creams have always been popular in the Indian market with many takers from the consumer end. Having the flawless white skin is the ultimate dream for most Indian women, and yes, MEN too! I am sure there are quite a few out there who have spent more than a decent amount on such products with no results in the end. Only pure disappointment on no effects and the sheer wastage of money!

Did you know that thanks to all the wannabe beauties, the manufacturers of these products are raking in on constant increase in profits? Consumer brands such as Fair & Lovely, L’Oreal’s White Perfect are cashing in the entire mullah and are growing at the rate of eighteen percent each year. This market is further expected to grow up till 25% this year itself. This clearly means a humungous stake of 430 million dollars in the market. Now, can you beat that?

In a country where major part of the population is still living in below the poverty line, we have people who can spend as they wish and are still not happy with what they have! Indeed quite sad and rather unfortunate that people don’t know their true worth…only to end up dreaming about superficial beauty. But then beauty automatically cuts-out when the tongue wags…it portrays the true individual behind the physical persona.

Commonly known as the “Snow White Syndrome”, it applies to both the sexes in this age of metrosexuality. As per a survey conducted by Hindustan Lever, men from southern India such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were found to be in awe of these products. Also, Chandigarh and Jharkand as per the reports in Economic Times!

Isn’t it basic common sense that what we acquire genetically cannot be changed by some random fairness cream? All it does is give a chance to be duped by these organizations. It is hard to understand why only people with fair skin are considered to be attractive. Dark and sun-tanned skin is equally gorgeous…it all lies in how we perceive it!

In between the prejudice, many fail to realize that it is actually harming them. In order words, this obsession is a clear sign of inferiority complex which they develop over a period of time.

Many don’t even know that these creams have the ability to further damage the skin and can have side effects causing skin ailments. They contain chemicals which can be very harmful. Since many of these contain bleaching agents, their constitution has to be appropriate. The fact here is that most products don’t mention the exact constitution on their covers or leaflets. Hence, it would be more like taking a chance and putting yourself in danger.

So, how to deal with all the misconceptions? Since people use these creams to be in-tune with the latest fashion trends, it thus, becomes the responsibility of the fashion industry to generate awareness. More so, it’s better to wake up before its too late only to find that you have completely lost your natural beauty.

Recently five people were arrested for carrying fake passports at the Bengaluru International Airport. Prasad Kumar Sanjeev Rai (35), Stephen Raj (28), Jagbaar Saadiq (30), Mohammed Noorullah Hodha (42) and Bilal (30) were amongst the accused migrants. Interrogations are going on as it has been confirmed that the concerned men had moved to Saudi Arabia and were planning to return to their home country for individual reasons.

Accused were returning back to their home country but were facing difficulties in getting their original passports from their employers. A man from Kerala promised to arrange a duplicate passport but the efforts fell into the well when they were arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport and were taken into custody.

These unwanted situations can be avoided with an expert guidance from an Immigration expert by your side. One must never take chance in critical matters, Immigration being one of them.

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A destination becomes exotic with the presence of your loved ones by your side! I hope you all would agree with me. I have come up with some salacious and romantic places in India. Have a look:

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is a buzzing hill station and is a perfect place for all those couples who love to embrace themselves in the hilly winds of large mountains! The city has a population that forms a mix of Sikkimese, Nepalese and Tibetan people. The adventurous spirit of the city will never allow you and your beau to sit in a dull mood. A calm couple can enjoy their privacy in the soothing surroundings of the Ranipul River and enjoy the camp fire nearby!

Mussoorie, the “Queen of the Hills” is one of my favorites. It always offers a fresh ambiance every time I visit the place. The city is located 34 km from Dehradun, in Uttarakhand and serves as an enticing destination for people from all over the globe. Its cold and windy nights give you a beautiful reason to have a long walk on the Mall road while enjoying some of the mouthwatering street food with your beloved. Take a ropeway to the famous Gun Hill, get cozy with your spouse and enjoy the magical view of the Himalayan peaks. Kempty fall is another reason as to why you should visit Mussoorie. Just go for it.

Goa is next! When I think of Goa, the first thing that comes to my mind is the merge of mind blowing beaches, palm trees, fenny and delicious food! Now with all these things ready to serve you, Goa can be a perfect destination for you and your beau to enjoy those special moments of your life.  The place is divided into north Goa and South Goa and both are applauded for their amazing beaches and beautiful churches!

The God’s Own Country (Kerala) offers enchanting yet spicy feel to your vacation with your spouse. From the beautiful beaches and the backwaters to the coconut trees to the spices to the filter coffee and the sea food – get connected with a whole new world. Hidden in the midst of jungles, experience the peace in a lavish houseboat. More so, treat yourself to the aroma of the spices and the Ayurvedic spa treatments. What else, relax and rejuvenate! The places not to miss include the Athirampalli waterfalls, Wayanad, Allepey, Cochin, the Kovalam beach and much more!

Kashmir, the heaven on earth is another destination for the love birds out there. Explore the shrine of Amarnath cave after witnessing the serenity of Pahalgam with your spouse. Blessing of god are always a must for a true and long-lasting relationship. Ensure that you visit the famous temples of Anantnag, Deviangan, Bijbehara, to name a few. Proceed further to Gulmarg and enjoy its unparalleled beauty! Other places to see are Bandipore, Hazratbal Shrine, Shankarcharya Temple, Leh, Pangong lake, Jama Masjid Shopian, Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Zanskar, and Patnitop. Leh is more of an adventurous place rather romantic, though the scenic beauty will surely bring in the romance. It’s apt for adventurous couple. The list is endless. Go and explore yourself.

Let us move to Manali and Kasol (Parvati Valley)! Nature’s true beauty resides here! Manali is a wonderful destination located in the alluring mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Well known for its scenic beauty, beautiful hills, hot springs, temples, and monasteries, Manali is applauded as a perfect honeymoon destination! Other facets that hold the power to give you goose bumps are icy glaciers, road towards Rohtang Paas, Keylong, Kothi, Triloknath, Udaypur in Pattan Valley and Manali’s Baths! The food is just amazing! From Chinese to Tibetan to Indian, tourists can enjoy all the delicacies at one place.

Kasol, on the other hand, is more towards beauty and alluring tranquility. Situated approx 4 hours from Manali, Kasol offers a brilliant view of nature along with a holy ambiance near the bank of Parvati River. I have no words to describe this place. So it is best advised to visit the place with your beloved and experience it yourself!

Just cuddle in the arms of your spouse and head on towards the most enticing journey of your life!