Somerset accident: Multiple casualties in U.K. school bus crash, say police
Avon and Somerset Police said the bus was carrying 60-70 people and was heading to Minehead Middle School at the time of the crash, and that the "large majority" of passengers had been taken to a nearby rest centre.
Police declared the collision a major incident, meaning an event with serious consequences that requires special arrangements from emergency services.
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Passport index: India makes strongest jump to rank 77th
The Indian passport has made a strong recovery, climbing eight spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, its strongest jump to date. India now holds the 77th position, an improvement from its 85th ranking last year, this comes after last year saw India drop five places in ranking. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Henley Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa or with visa-on-arrival privileges. This year's advancement signals a positive shift in global mobility for Indian passport holders. The latest improvement comes on the back of 59 destinations Indian passport holders can get a visa free entry to, adding two more destinations to its roster. Some countries which offer visa-free access include Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, whereas countries that give visa-on-arrival facilities include Sri-Lanka, Macau, Myanmar and others. The latest index highlights a shift in global mobility trends, with Asian nations emerging as the new leaders. India's rise in the rankings comes amid a gradual decline in the strength of traditionally dominant passports like those of the United States and the United Kingdom. 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned - and must be maintained - through active and strategic diplomacy. Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to rise, while the opposite applies to those that are less engaged in such efforts,' said Dr Christian H Kaelin, inventor of the passport index concept. According to a statement issued by Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, this shift reflects a major transformation in global migration patterns, largely influenced by evolving political dynamics and diplomatic realignments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally. As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security,' Steffen said in a press release. He went on to emphasise upon the importance of passport rankings as more than just travel ease and convenience. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document - it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever,' While Asian countries like India, UAE, China and Saudi Arabia are steadily improving their mobility scores, the United States and United Kingdom are experiencing a gradual decline. The UK has fallen to sixth place, while the US has dropped to tenth and now sits on the edge of dropping out of the top 10 for the first time in the index's 20-year history. Whereas UAE has jumped 34 spots to enter top 10 at number eight in the last decade, also the only country to break into top 10 in the same duration. China has improved its ranking from 94 in 2015 to 60th this year. Singapore retains its position as the world's most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 193 destinations. On the other end, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with its passport holders able to travel visa-free to just 25 countries. While there's been some movement at the top, European nations continue to dominate global mobility rankings. Japan and South Korea hold second place with access to 190 destinations, followed by seven EU countries, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Finland, Denmark, and Ireland, tied for third with 189 destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden share fourth place with visa-free access to 188 destinations, while New Zealand, Switzerland, and Greece round out the top five.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- First Post
'Culture, life and football': Ed Sheeran says Shillong is his favourite Indian city
When asked to name his favourite place in India, Sheeran responded without hesitation: 'Shillong' read more International pop icon Ed Sheeran said Shillong is his favourite Indian city, months after performing here as part of his global '+ ' = í· x (Mathematics) Tour'. 'Shillong just felt very different,' the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter said during a candid segment titled 'Spin the Wheel with Ed Sheeran' hosted by content creator Shabaz Says. When asked to name his favourite place in India, Sheeran responded without hesitation: 'Shillong'. On February 12, Sheeran had performed to a crowd of over 30,000 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'You guys are the loudest,' he had told the audience that night, but it now appears that the sentiment was more than a polite compliment. The British artist's affection for the city did not end with the performance. Shillong featured prominently in his music video for the chart-topping single 'Sapphire', with 27 scenes filmed in and around the hill station. In the video, Sheeran is seen sipping local 'sha' (tea), buying fruit from roadside vendors, relaxing on a swing in Mattilang Park, and playing football with local children. One of the most talked-about sequences shows him riding the iconic 'Bus Smit', a symbol of the city's public transport heritage. Released earlier this year, the 'Sapphire' video has already garnered over 12 crore views on YouTube. In the same interview, the singer spoke of India's diversity, noting how every place offered a different language, cuisine, and rhythm. 'Shillong just felt very different,' he reiterated. A football enthusiast, Sheeran even compared the city's energy to that of a high-octane football match between Newcastle United and Plymouth County. True to form, he also played a casual football match with local kids during his stay over ahead of his February 12 concert. Shillong, often referred to as the 'Rock Capital of India', is also gaining recognition as an emerging sporting and football hub. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has frequently voiced his ambition to position it as the football capital of India. As fans hope for his return, Sheeran's bond with Shillong continues to inspire. For now, the city proudly holds the top spot in his heart — a rare honour from one of the world's most loved musicians.
India.com
20 hours ago
- India.com
Harry Potter Vibes? These Darjeeling Legends Feel Straight Out Of A Fantasy Movie
When the first light of dawn touches the rolling hills of Darjeeling, something ancient stirs. The lush tea gardens glow emerald, the toy train's whistle carries on the crisp air, and if you listen closely, you might hear stories whispered by the wind—tales of yogis, warriors, and even creatures that hide beyond snow-capped peaks. Most visitors flock to Tiger Hill for sunrise or ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. But Darjeeling's true magic lies in its myths—those hidden stories woven into every corner of this hill station. Let's step off the beaten path and follow the trails where legends still live. What makes Darjeeling more than just a view of Kanchenjunga? It's not just the height or the scent of first-flush tea. It's the collision of cultures—Tibetan monasteries and colonial bungalows, Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas. It's a place where British-era rail tracks cross ancient mountain passes, where every stone seems to hold a secret. Unlike busy markets or crowded viewpoints, Darjeeling's legends unfold in silence, in moments between train whistles and clinking teacups. Here, the mundane slips away, and the border between history and myth grows thin. 1. Ghoom Monastery – Home of the Snow Lion Perched just above Darjeeling, the Yiga Choeling Gompa is said to guard the pass with the roar of the mythical Snow Lion. Monks whisper that at dawn you can glimpse its shadow dancing on prayer flags. Inside, the giant Maitreya Buddha smiles as if he knows the monastery's oldest secret: centuries ago, a lama tamed a malevolent spirit of the mountains and bound it here forever. 2. Batasia Loop – Where Love Echoes in the Wind This spiral rail track offers panoramic views of Darjeeling town and Kanchenjunga. But locals say it also holds a tragic love story. Two young train drivers, divided by caste, worked here in the 1920s. Forbidden to marry, they vowed their love at midnight beneath the loop's arch. It is said that on clear nights, if you listen closely, you can hear their laughter mingling with the steam whistle. 3. Observatory Hill – The Seat of the Mahakal Above the Mall lies a cluster of shrines dedicated to Shiva as Mahakal, the Lord of Time. This site was once the stronghold of the Lepcha people, who called it 'Dorje Ling' or 'Thunderbolt Commune.' Legend tells of a Lepcha priest who vanquished a demon that shook the very hills with its tantrums. Today, pilgrims light butter lamps in honor of that ancient victory. 4. Lloyd's Botanical Gardens – The Whispering Ferns These manicured gardens were established by the British botanist William Lloyd. What most tourists miss are the stone markers deep among rhododendrons. They commemorate local healers who once foraged rare plants here. An old tale claims that anyone who gathers the ghost orchid at twilight will be granted a single healing wish—if they can find their way back without a guide. 5. Cab Ride to Mirik – The Lake of Tears Mirik Lake, framed by pines and cardamom farms, seems serene. Yet, its name translates to 'mirror of tears.' Centuries ago, a queen wept here for her lost lover, a prince who vanished on a dragon's back. Even now, some say the water shimmers red at dusk, as though soaked by her sorrow. 6. Tinchuley – The Valley of the Invisible Yeti A two-hour drive north lies the hamlet of Tinchuley, where trekking paths wind through bamboo forests. Local guides speak of footprints in the mist—hulking, three-toed tracks that vanish at creek crossings. They say the Yeti is a guardian of the forest, appearing only to those who respect the land. 7. Happy Valley Tea Estate – The Ghost of the Planter This estate dates back to 1854. Workers claim that at moonrise, the ghost of the original British planter strolls the rows of tea bushes, inspecting the leaves. Some say he's still searching for the 'perfect harvest' that was lost when he vanished without a trace during a storm. Why follow Darjeeling's myths instead of just its landmarks? Because these stories give the hills a heartbeat. They remind us that travel is more than photos—it's a conversation with time itself. Each legend you uncover connects you to the people who have called these mountains home for centuries. Practical Tips: How to Discover Darjeeling's Legends Rise before sunrise. Catch the toy train at Darjeeling Railway Station and ride to Ghoom. The early hours are when whispers feel loudest. Talk to locals. Taxi drivers, tea pickers, and monastery caretakers each have a favorite tale. They'll share it best over a cup of masala chai. Pack light layers. Hill weather changes fast. A warm scarf and a flashlight help you explore gardens and shrines as dusk falls. Respect sacred spaces. Remove shoes at temples, heed monks' requests, and walk softly—these places are alive with reverence. The Hidden Economy of Legends: Why This Journey Matters When you explore beyond the Mall Road and Tiger Hill, you support family-run homestays in Beltangadi, roadside stalls in Lebong, and tea estates in Happy Valley. You ease pressure on crowded spots like Chowrasta and give value to villages that preserve these stories. In short, your footsteps ensure that Darjeeling's myths continue to live, whispered by every leaf and stone. So what's holding you back? A winding hillside? That's part of the charm. A forgotten shrine? That's where the magic hides. Darjeeling doesn't just offer tea or mountain views. It invites you into its legends. And while the toy train puffs through emerald hills, somewhere not far off, an old monk chants a blessing over a hidden shrine. A breeze stirs the prayer flags, and a story waits to be heard. Not for a selfie. Not for a for the journey. Final Thought Don't just visit Darjeeling. Wander into its stories. The next time you see the Kanchenjunga glow at dawn, don't just snap a picture—pause, breathe, and listen. Because history doesn't shout. It whispers. And here, in these mist-kissed hills, every whisper is a door to another time.
