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Indian expatriate wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free jackpot just days after his 79th birthday | World News

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Indian expatriate wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free jackpot just days after his 79th birthday | World News

Indian expatriate wins $1 million Dubai duty-free prize just days after his 79th birthday
Indian expatriate Rajan Lall wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free at the age of 79 / Picture: @DubaiDutyFree

For Emirati businessman and Bollywood producer Rajan Lall, the number 79 will always be synonymous with luck. Lal celebrated his 79th birthday on February 8, and just six days later, Lal received a life-changing phone call. He was announced as the winner of US$1 million (approximately AED 3.67 million) in the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw.The draw is being held at Dubai International Airport during the celebrations of Chinese New Year (Year of the Fire Horse). Lall won the lottery number 3099 in series 535, which he bought online on January 30 when he went to Mumbai to meet an old friend. Interestingly, Lal was in Saudi Arabia when the news broke, which made the surprise even more surreal. He described the victory as “the best 79th birthday present ever” and attributed the luck to divine timing.

Who is $1 million winner Rajan Lall?

Rajan Lall is no stranger to the spotlight. Known by the industry as the “King of Indian Dubbing”, he has been a pivotal figure in Bollywood for decades. In 1971, he moved to the United Arab Emirates with only 90 dirhams in his pocket but a strong desire to rebuild his life. Over the years, he balanced a successful clothing trading business with his passion for films, producing and dubbing films that bridged the gap between South Indian cinema and Hindi audiences.His circle of friends reads like a ‘who’s who’ of Bollywood and includes legends like Anupam Kher, Shatrughan Sinhaand Shashi Ranjan. Although he has a business empire worth millions of dirhams and owns a sea-facing mansion on Palm Jumeirah, Lal remains deeply connected to his roots and the community that supported him during his early days eating Maggi noodles and hitchhiking to work.

Victory years in the making

Lal told Gulf News that the victory felt like “Sai Baba’s best 79th birthday present ever,” referring to the spiritual blessings he believes shaped his luck.Despite living in a mansion on Palm Jumeirah, the multi-millionaire joked that winning such a large prize was still a big deal and that he had yet to decide what to do with the money. He is looking forward to watching the next cricket match between India and Pakistan.What makes this win remarkable is that Lal has a long history with lottery draws: He bought a ticket every year for 25 years before finally winning the jackpot.

Beyond the jackpot

While Rajan Lall’s story stole the show, he wasn’t the only one celebrating. The draw also honored Oliver, an Austrian living in Portugal, who won his own $1 million prize in Series 534. Additionally, the Best Surprise Raffle also awarded luxury vehicles to a few lucky participants:

  • Walid El-Murr (Lebanese National) won a Mercedes Benz S500.
  • David Duppa-Miller (UK) won a BMW F 900 GS motorcycle.
  • Rasheed Pambil Abdul Kader (Indian national team) wins APRILIA SUNAO v4 championship

What does victory mean?

The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw is one of the most popular promotions in the UAE, regularly offering jackpots of US$1 million.Over the years, winners such as Lal and other Indian expatriates have highlighted the sweepstakes’ broad appeal among residents and visitors. Previous winners include groups who bought tickets en masse, as well as repeat participants who worked hard for years to finally win.Dubai Duty Free’s draws, held at Dubai International Airport, often coincide with major celebrations, Lal’s example being the “Year of the Fire Horse” Chinese New Year celebrations, adding to the excitement and publicity of the event.

‘Associated with anti-India forces’: BJP MPs move motion to revoke Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary membership India News

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‘Associated with anti-India forces’: BJP MPs move motion to revoke Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary membership India News

'Associated with anti-India forces': BJP MPs move motion to revoke Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary membership

New Delhi: BJP MP Nisikant Dubey on Thursday said he has moved a substantive motion in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhiaccusing him of misleading the country with the help of “anti-India forces”.Dube said he was seeking to terminate Gandhi’s parliamentary credentials and ban him from contesting elections for life.“I moved a motion in the Lok Sabha today against Rahul Gandhi alleging how he was misleading the country with the help of forces like Soros who wanted to harm the country. In the motion I moved, I demanded termination of Rahul Gandhi’s membership and life-long ban on him from contesting elections,” ANI quoted Dubey as saying. When asked about the motion against him, Rahul replied: “Did they give you some keywords?”The motion came a day after Gandhi addressed the Lok Sabha in which he accused the Center of harming the national interest.In his speech, Gandhi said the government recognized that the world was undergoing a transformation marked by the end of the era of a single superpower, the intensification of geopolitical conflicts and the weaponization of energy and finance. He claimed that the government had nonetheless allowed the United States to weaponize energy and financial systems in ways that affected India.“By your own admission, we are facing a global storm, the era of one superpower is over, geopolitical conflicts are intensifying, and energy and finance are being weaponized. Yet, despite your acknowledgment of this reality, you have allowed the United States to weaponize our energy and financial systems in ways that affect us. When the United States says we can’t buy oil from a particular country, what it actually means is that our energy security is being dictated from the outside and that energy itself is being weaponized against us. Aren’t you ashamed of this? I am saying you are damaging India’s interests,” Rahul said.

Priyanka Gandhi Attack in the center

Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi slammed the BJP for moving a motion against the BJP and said “Rahul Gandhi will not be affected by all this.”“Whatever they will do – privilege notices, FIRs, cases – let them do whatever they want. Rahul Gandhi will not be affected by all this.”“Whatever they do is completely wrong. They have betrayed farmers. The trade deal they signed will cause pain to farmers. We support the union’s strike today,” she added.

Candace Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claims Charlie Kirk ‘took off wedding ring’ the night before murder

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Candace Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claims Charlie Kirk ‘took off wedding ring’ the night before murder

Candace Owens continues to comment Erica Kirkthis time reacting to claims that Erica may have removed her, Charlie Kirk’s Wedding photos on the bookshelf. Responding to a post on social media, Owens also claimed that Charlie took off his wedding ring the night before he was assassinated. Taylor Robinson In Utah.

Candice Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claiming Charlie Kirk
Candice Owens attacks Erica Kirk again, claiming Charlie Kirk “took off her wedding ring” the night before murder (Reuters/Rebecca Cook, mrserikakirk/instagram)

It all started when netizens started comparing the two videos. In one of Charlie’s older videos, there’s a framed wedding photo of him and Erica on a shelf behind him. However, in a new video, Erica is seen sitting in front of the same shelf, but the photo is missing.

Responding to a social media post claiming Erica must have taken the photo off the shelf, Owens wrote, “It’s entirely possible that Charlie took it away when he took off his wedding ring the night before. When they had a priest come and pray for them and their marriage…”

Owens, who previously raised questions about Charlie and Erica’s marriage during Erica’s interview with Jesse Waters, said she wanted Charlie to take a break before the event and let him sleep in their young daughter’s room.

Owens said of Erica’s interview, “I also want you to know that when you said in the Jesse Waters interview that you wanted Charlie to have a good night’s sleep, I found it weird that he was so excited that you sent him to his daughter’s room to sleep. You know, just signing up to me was a little backwards.”

Learn more | Candace Owens’ fiery message to TPUSA and those around Charlie Kirk’s murder: ‘I want to go to war with all of you’

“If I want my husband to get a good night’s sleep because of what he has to do the next day, I might let him sleep in the room and I’ll sleep in my daughter’s room. Mark that.”

Owens also talked about the wedding ring, saying, “I also think it’s interesting that you said the next morning when he snuck in, he grabbed the wedding ring. Again, small detail, but I ask myself, why did his wedding ring fall off?”

Laura Loomer urges Erica Kirk to get restraining order against Candace Owens

As Owens continued to discuss her theories about Charlie’s death and attack Erica, Laura Loomer called on Erica to take legal action against Owens. Loomer called out Owens by name and shared a clip from Owens’ podcast in which she said Erica “should be dragged into the police station.”

Loomer called Owens’ behavior “extremely depraved.” She later tagged Erica, saying she should get a restraining order against Owens.

Learn more | ‘My favorite love story’: Charlie Kirk’s wife shares video of him telling daughter how they met | WATCH

Loomer write on X,” Candace Owens continues her suggestion that @MrsErikaKirk played a role in her husband’s assassination. Candace now says “Erika should be dragged into the police station. “

“This is so depraved. How can anyone defend it?” she added.

exist another postLoomer slammed Owens for his “crazy behavior,” adding, “@MrsErikaKirk needs to get a restraining order against Candace Owens.”

What happened in Speaker Om Birla’s room on February 4? Kiren Rijiju posts video clip|India News

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What happened in Speaker Om Birla’s room on February 4? Kiren Rijiju posts video clip|India News

What happened in Speaker Om Birla's room on February 4? Kiren Rijiju posted video clip

New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kieron Rijiju A video clip was released on Thursday which he claimed was recorded by MPs in the chamber of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.Rigiju reiterated earlier accusations, accusing MPs of breaking into the speaker’s chamber, behaving inappropriately and using abusive language towards him.

Kiren Rijiju slams Congress, shares video of woman MP taking PM Modi’s Lok Sabha seat

“This is an illegal video shot by an MP when 20 to 25 MPs entered the speaker’s chamber, insulted him and threatened the prime minister. Our party believes in debate and discussion and never encourages physical threats by MPs,” Rijiju posted on X.Rijiju’s remarks came a day after he alleged that a group of MPs entered the Speaker’s Chamber and behaved unruly.“At least 20-25 MPs entered the Lok Sabha Speaker’s room and abused him. I was also present. The Speaker is a very weak person, otherwise strict action would have been taken. Senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal were also present and encouraged them to fight,” Rijiju told reporters.“They went to the speaker’s chamber to insult him and say bad things. Then the speaker made a ruling but it was not followed and then Rahul Gandhi That he didn’t need anyone’s permission to speak. He will speak as he wishes, without any rules…A Member cannot speak in the House except with the permission of the Chairman. Even the Prime Minister can speak only with the permission of the Chairman. Everyone can speak only with permission,” he added.The accusations surfaced amid a deepening confrontation between the government and the parliamentary opposition. Earlier this week, the opposition parties filed a notice seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, accusing him of “blatant partisanship”. The opposition leader also claimed that Birla had made “false accusations” against the MP after referring to some “unexpected action” of the Lok Sabha and demanding the Prime Minister. Narendra Modi Not come to the House to reply to the motion of thanks for the President’s speech.The BJP has strongly opposed the opposition’s move against the Speaker, saying it is an attempt to weaken the parliamentary institution.Earlier, Rijiju claimed that tensions in the Lok Sabha could escalate further if BJP MPs confront Congress MPs on the day the Prime Minister is scheduled to respond to the debate.He also shared video footage from the February 4 meeting, which showed opposition female lawmakers walking towards the finance minister’s table amid a heated exchange. Rijiju questioned this behavior and accused the opposition of disrupting parliamentary proceedings in an unprecedented manner.The minister said the BJP and NDA MPs were “very angry” over the MP’s behavior but chose to exercise restraint.The Congress has faced several disruptions since February 2 after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was blocked by the chairman from quoting an article based on excerpts from the “unpublished memoirs” of former Army Chief MM Naravane.The situation escalated on February 4, when the Prime Minister was unable to reply to the motion of thanks due to opposition protests. The motion was passed on February 5, but did not receive a reply from the Prime Minister as is customary. The Speaker read out the motion, which was passed by voice vote amid sustained chanting by opposition MPs.

Oman officially confirms Ramadan 2026 to start on February 19 | World News

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Oman officially confirms Ramadan 2026 to start on February 19 | World News

Oman officially confirms Ramadan 2026 will start on February 19
Oman uses scientific lunar data to set first fasting day of Ramadan for February 19, 2026/Image: AI

In a landmark announcement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Sultanate of Oman became the first country to officially announce the start date of Ramadan. The Main Committee for Lunar Observation under the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) confirmed that Thursday, February 19, 2026 will be the first day of Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar. This early announcement provides citizens and residents with clear information, allowing families to begin their mental and logistical preparations with certainty.

Ramadan 2026 dates confirmed

The Main Committee for Moon Observation in Oman has officially declared Thursday, February 19, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar. The decision was based on astronomical calculations showing that the crescent moon (new moon) would not be visible on Tuesday, February 17, as the moon would set before sunset across the country, making visual observations impossible.Since the new moon will not be visible on February 17, the Islamic month of Shaban will end on Wednesday, February 18 for 30 days, and Ramadan will begin the next day, Thursday, February 19.This makes Oman one of the first GCC countries to officially declare the start of the holy month using scientific lunar data – a combination of tradition and astronomy.

Why February 19th?

Traditionally, the Islamic month begins with the new moon visible to the naked eye after sunset on the 29th of the last month. If the moon is not seen, the month ends at 30 days and a new month begins the next day.Take Oman as an example:

  • Astronomers calculated the moon’s position and determined that the new moon set too early and was not visible on February 17.
  • This scientifically proven impossibility means Oman can confidently designate February 19 as the first fasting day.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, including the Emirates Astronomers and Lunar Observation Center, also predict February 19 as the most likely start date, unless observations on February 17 or 18 change the decision.

Working hours reduced in Oman

To ensure communities are able to balance their professional responsibilities with worship and family time, the Department of Labor has announced significant reductions in working hours for both sectors:

  • Public Sector: The official working hours of administrative units are five consecutive hours, usually 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. However, the flexible system allows some employees to start working as early as 7:00 AM, provided the total duration remains 5 hours.
  • Private sector: For Muslim employees, working hours are reduced to a maximum of 6 hours per day and a maximum of 30 hours per week. These adjustments are designed to maintain business continuity while respecting the physical demands of fasting and the importance of evening prayers.

expect

As the countdown to February 19 begins, the mood in Oman turns to reflection and generosity. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq extends his most sincere congratulations to the citizens of Oman and the wider Muslim world, wishing this month to be filled with prosperity and divine blessings.In addition to work schedules and dates, this period is characterized by an increase in charitable activities and community “Eids”. Local authorities are also preparing to increase traffic around mosques for tarawi prayers. Whether you’re looking for the best Iftar buffets in Muscat or preparing your home for the month, the ministry’s official confirmation ensures everyone can move forward together.

‘India have two, Canada have theirs’: Namibia captain questions lack of night training, highlights disparity | Cricket News

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‘India have two, Canada have theirs’: Namibia captain questions lack of night training, highlights disparity | Cricket News

'India have two, Canada have theirs': Namibia captain questions lack of night training, highlights disparity
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus (ANI photo)

New Delhi: Captain Namibia Gerhard Erasmus Ahead of the high-profile T20 World Cup against hosts India, he expressed disappointment with the arrangement of training sessions and revealed that despite the match being a night match, his team was not given any opportunity to train under lights. Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The would-be nation played a day match against the Netherlands earlier this week and subsequent training sessions also took place during the day – in stark contrast to India, who had two night training sessions in the run-up to the match.

T20 World Cup | Tilak Varma provides update on Abhishek’s fitness and mindset during recovery

“Yes, we didn’t have night training before this game, I don’t know why,” Erasmus said on Wednesday, hinting at the discrepancy. “I think India have had two night training sessions and I see outside Canada will have one night training session now as well, so do what you want but we’ll pick ourselves up and do our Namibian way, which is fight.”This issue is particularly important for Namibia, which rarely experiences day and night conditions due to limited domestic infrastructure. Erasmus admits adapting to floodlights is not a regular part of their preparations.

polling

How important do you think night training is for the teams participating in the T20 World Cup?

“We don’t have any lights in Namibia…infrastructure-wise, which can be a challenge for us, so yes, it’s not a casual thing for the inexperienced,” he explained, noting that only players participating in overseas leagues such as the Nepal Premier League or the ILT20 are exposed to such conditions on a regular basis.Namibia comes into the match looking to bounce back from their opening loss to the Netherlands, while India are overwhelming favorites in front of their home fans. With upcoming matches against the United States and Pakistan scheduled for the afternoon, Erasmus admitted that adapting quickly to night conditions will be a challenge, but insisted his side will embrace the battle regardless of the odds.

Lance Twiggs has long, shaggy hair; where does Taylor Robinson’s partner live now? | View photos

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Lance Twiggs has long, shaggy hair; where does Taylor Robinson’s partner live now? | View photos

charlie kirk’s murderer Taylor Robinson partner Lance Twiggs He was found months after fleeing his hometown of St. George, Utah. According to the Daily Mail, he settled in Texas with his Mormon family and lived a quiet life.

Lance Twiggs spotted: Where is Tyler Robinson's partner now? The 22-year-old sports long, unkempt hair (Lance Twiggs/TikTok)
Lance Twiggs spotted: Where is Tyler Robinson’s partner now? The 22-year-old sports long, unkempt hair (Lance Twiggs/TikTok)

The 22-year-old was spotted with long, unkempt hair, a Taco Bell T-shirt and a hardcover fantasy novel in his hand. He filmed it in a quiet suburb.

Twiggs, who authorities say was a male-to-female transition, left the secluded desert town near the Arizona border amid speculation that he was involved in Kirk’s murder. However, he has not yet been charged with a crime. There is no indication that he knew of Robinson’s plan to assassinate Kirk.

Sources told the outlet that Twiggs now spends most of his time at home playing games and reading fantasy novels. He sometimes goes out to buy takeout and run errands for his parents.

Learn more | Tulsi Gabbard holds back tears as she honors Charlie Kirk, ‘The time we have on this world is temporary’ | Video

Close friends told the New York Post that Twiggs moved in with Robinson after his parents kicked him out of their home. he has Describes the difficulties he experienced He transitioned from male to female in social media posts, saying he was told he was “possessed by a demon” and “thrown out of his home,” the BBC reported.

Utah State Attorney Jeff Gray said at an earlier news conference that Robinson was in a “romantic relationship” with his roommate, who was “a biological male … undergoing gender transition.”

Tyler Robinson admits to killing Charlie Kirk in text message to Lance Twiggs

Robinson admitted to killing Kirk in a shocking text exchange with Lance. According to the indictment, Twiggs found a note from Robinson that read: “When I get the chance to kill Charlie Kirk, I’m going to take it.”

After Twiggs discovered the note, he texted Robinson and asked him if it was a “joke.” Robinson wrote back: “Dear, I’m okay, but I’m going to be stuck in Orem for a while. It shouldn’t be too long before I can get home, but I still have to pick up my rifle. To be honest, I was hoping to keep this a secret until I die of old age. I’m sorry you got involved.”

Learn more | Tyler Robinson’s chilling texts to Lance Twiggs about Charlie Kirk murder revealed, ‘Wanted to keep this a secret until…’

Robinson was charged Sept. 16 with aggravated murder, discharging a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice (weapons), obstruction of justice (clothing), witness tampering (text messages), witness tampering (silencing) and committing a violent crime in the presence of a child.

‘Be prepared for exemplary costs’: SC rebukes Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for questioning Centre’s office memo India News

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‘Be prepared for exemplary costs’: SC rebukes Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for questioning Centre’s office memo India News

'Be prepared for exemplary costs': SC condemns MP Jairam Ramesh's office memo challenging Center

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for challenging an office memorandum issued by the Center to implement the Supreme Court judgment on retrospective environmental cleanup.Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said since the purpose of the office memorandum was to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment, the challenge was actually against the judgment itself.“Be prepared for model cost. We know the design behind this,” a committee headed by CJI Surya Kant said.“Can the judgment be challenged through a writ petition? This is only for media consumption,” the bench added.When the Supreme Court warned of the model costs, Ramesh withdrew his plea.In May last year, the Supreme Court had dismissed the Centre’s office memorandum allowing ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearance for projects violating norms, holding that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is part of the fundamental rights.“The federal government, like individual citizens, has a constitutional duty to protect the environment,” the court said, adding that it “must come down hard” on the Center for trying to do “something that is wholly prohibited by law”.It further stated that “cleverly, the words ex post facto” were not used, but if these words were not used, there would be a provision that would effectively grant an “ex post facto EC”. The issuance of OM 2021 is contrary to the ruling of this Court…”Accordingly, the Center is prohibited from issuing directions for granting ex post facto permission in any form or manner or regulating violation of environmental impact assessment notifications.

Saudi Arabia advances Hajj 2026 visas explained: Deadlines, vaccines, biometric rules, 8 things pilgrims need to know

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Saudi Arabia advances Hajj 2026 visas explained: Deadlines, vaccines, biometric rules, 8 things pilgrims need to know

Saudi Arabia advances Hajj 2026 visas explained: Deadlines, vaccines, biometric rules, 8 things pilgrims need to know
Going for Hajj in 2026? These new Saudi visa dates may affect your plans (representative image)

Saudi ArabiaThe Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially started issuing visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH), with the process launching on February 8, 2026, several months ahead of the expected Hajj in late May 2026. This early rollout is part of the Kingdom’s proactive efforts to streamline planning, improve coordination with the Office of Global Hajj Affairs, and ensure a smooth, well-organized experience for millions of pilgrims from around the world.

Why to perform Hajj in advance in 2026 visa Saudi Arabia issuance matters

Traditionally, the Hajj visa window opens closer to the Hajj period. This year’s February 8 start date gives pilgrims more time to complete necessary documentation before departure, organize travel and health care requirements and coordinate with the national Hajj mission. Officials have linked this timeline to the official operating calendar issued to the Office of Global Hajj Affairs, aiming to keep logistics on the ground running smoothly months in advance.The early issuance also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader focus on strategic planning and service readiness as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes strengthening pilgrim services, improving infrastructure and using digital platforms such as Nusuk and Masar for seamless processing and coordination.

What pilgrims should know about Hajj 2026

  1. Application opening hours and deadlines: Visas will officially start being issued on February 8, 2026, and pilgrims can start uploading the required data and Biometrics Get the details and get permission well in advance of your trip. In many countries, pilgrims must also complete biometric verification before applying for a visa; some departments have extended biometric deadlines to mid-February to give everyone time to comply. Officials said final processing deadlines and submission deadlines are typically set to ensure visas are fully completed by March 20, providing ample time for flight arrangements and accommodation.
  2. pilgrimage Estimated arrival after April: Although visas have now been issued, the actual arrival of pilgrims is expected to begin around April 18, 2026, 1 Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH, well before the peak Hajj period after May. This schedule provides sufficient time for groups and Hajj missions to arrange travel, transportation and accommodation before the main ceremony begins.
  3. Technology and Organization: Saudi authorities are relying on digital tools such as Stab Masalan online platform that centralizes pilgrim data, hotel bookings, transportation and service contracts. These integrated systems help plan bulk arrivals, allocate campsites, and coordinate services at multiple holy sites. Mecca and Mina.

Pilgrims are encouraged to complete documents and verify personal details on the platform as early as possible to avoid delays or last-minute issues.

Number of global hajj registrants and Muslim hajj quotas in 2026

According to reports, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have signed up to participate in the 2026 Hajj through official channels. In some countries, such as India and Bangladesh, a large number of citizens have already registered and are completing the visa and health verification stages.

Saudi Arabia opens 2026 Hajj visas early: What’s the real reason?

Saudi Arabia opens 2026 Hajj visas early: What’s the real reason?

Saudi Arabia typically manages country-specific quotas, allocating a fixed number of pilgrims to each country to maintain crowd control and security during the peak ceremony. Early visa processing helps missions coordinate within these quotas and make travel arrangements for large groups of pilgrims.

Health, biometric and documentation requirements for Hajj 2026

Before a Hajj visa is finalized, pilgrims must meet several prerequisites:

  1. Biometric verification: Most countries require pilgrims to complete a biometric registration (fingerprints, photo) before visa approval. This process is sometimes facilitated through mobile apps or visa support centers.
  2. Health Checks and Vaccinations: In many countries, a medical examination and necessary vaccinations (such as meningitis vaccine and other immunizations prescribed by Saudi Arabia) are prerequisites for the issuance of a visa.
  3. Accurate documentation: Pilgrims must ensure that their passport details, package registration and travel plans comply with visa documentation requirements to avoid delays.

How does this year’s Hajj preparations compare to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s early issuance of 2026 Hajj visas is part of a growing model for front-loaded Hajj logistics. Preparations, including planning the calendar and cooperating on global Hajj missions, began as early as mid-2025, when initial guidelines were shared with partner offices and accommodation contracts locked in.

2026 Hajj visas released in advance: Are pilgrims ready for change?

2026 Hajj visas released in advance: Are pilgrims ready for change?

This pre-emptive strategy helps reduce congestion at visa processing offices and provides pilgrims, especially those in remote areas, with timed flight, transportation and prayer arrangements, resulting in a smoother and safer experience.

2026 Hajj Hajj Travel and Ceremony Schedule

While the exact dates for Hajj inspections and main rituals depend on the Islamic lunar calendar (the pilgrimage usually takes place at Dhu Al-Hijjah), officials have set visa issuance and early arrival windows several months in advance –

  • Visa issuance: February 8 to March 20, 2026 (estimated)
  • The first pilgrims arrive: From April 18, 2026
  • Main Hajj rituals: Late May 2026 (exact date depends on lunar observation conditions)

Pilgrims planning to travel should make reservations according to this schedule to ensure continuity between visa approval and arrival. The early issuance of Hajj visas in early February, nearly four months ahead of pilgrims’ expected arrival in Saudi Arabia, signals a more strategic, organized and pilgrim-focused approach to one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.The Saudi authorities aim to reduce administrative bottlenecks while enhancing security, logistical coordination and service quality in the Holy Land. For Hajj missions and travel agencies, this early window provides greater planning flexibility and less stress than the last-minute visa rush of previous years. For pilgrims, this means more time to arrange travel, health and accommodation, a vital advantage for families and first-time attendees.Saudi Arabia has announced that it will begin issuing Hajj 2026 visas on February 8, 2026, marking an important milestone in the Hajj cycle, marking early preparations, improved global coordination and enhanced services for the millions of Muslims intending to undertake this holy journey. With the issuance of visas ahead of schedule, with arrivals expected in April, the kingdom continues to refine its approach to hosting one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.

IPL: Rajasthan Royals await BCCI approval for home matches Cricket News

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IPL: Rajasthan Royals await BCCI approval for home matches Cricket News

IPL: Rajasthan Royals await BCCI approval for home games

Jaipur: What should be a stable base rajasthan royals Instead, it has become a source of continued uncertainty. The Jaipur-based franchise is yet to decide whether to host most of its home matches at the Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Stadium, awaiting clearance from the top brass intense pulsed light and BCCI Officials raised concerns about unresolved security, infrastructure and administrative issues at the venue.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!“The Royals, while agreeing in principle to hold the match at the SMS Stadium, have written to the IPL chairman, BCCI secretary and CEO seeking clarification on the lack of fail-safe measures at the Jaipur stadium,” a source said.

Why Ahmedabad could become the sports capital of India? |Mumbai Sports Exchange Center

The SMS Stadium was renovated in 2006, but the venue has not received any upgrades since then, and although it continues to be used for IPL matches, it feels somewhat like it is frozen in time. Concerns remain over whether its infrastructure and safety measures, including evacuation norms and operational readiness, are adequate to handle the large crowds expected at modern IPL matches. The venue last hosted a T20I on November 17, 2021, and it has been more than a decade since it last hosted an ODI on October 16, 2013.The Royals are understood to have highlighted serious deficiencies in the stadium’s infrastructure. “From civil work to emergency evacuation, there are serious public safety concerns and the royal family has conveyed all information to the RSSC, BCCI and IPL Governing Council,” the source added.Since June last year, the franchise has repeatedly raised concerns regarding public safety (particularly life safety, structural integrity and statutory compliance) in all areas of engineering and operations with the RSSC, BCCI and IPL authorities in compliance with prevailing regulatory norms and standards.As RCA continues to be disbanded, the Royals, through a letter to the BCCI, requested guidance from the governing body and received approval. The last time Royals were forced to move their home games out of Jaipur was during the 2014 and 2015 IPL seasons. This was due to the RCA’s notorious governance volatility, internal friction and leadership gridlock.RCA downturnGovernance at the RCA has been in a downward spiral, with no elected body under a series of ad hoc committees for nearly two years. While the IPL Governing Council has allowed Jaipur to host the tournament in previous years, it has issued a stern warning: the city will lose its right to compete in the 2026 IPL if the RCA fails to hold elections.Despite the ultimatum, RCA remained mired in internal strife. A leadership vacuum has also hampered the development of the RCA’s own stadium, which is expected to be the third largest in the world. The previous regime under Vaibhav Gehlot received a grant of Rs 100 Cr from BCCI in 2023, but after his resignation and temporary takeover, the construction work was abandoned. Dedicated cricket grounds remain the only long-term solution as multi-purpose SMS stadiums become obsolete.

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