"Our Kids Loved It": JD Vance Visits Akshardham Temple With Family
New Delhi:
US Vice President J D Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children began their India trip on Monday with a visit to the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple near the banks of the Yamuna.
The Vances, who are here for a four-day visit during which they are also scheduled to travel to Jaipur and Agra, were at the temple complex for about an hour.
The children -- Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, all three dressed in Indian attire -- were the cynosure of many an eye.
"Thank you all so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place. It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids, in particular, loved it. God bless," the vice president wrote in the temple guest book.
Once done, the family posed for camera crews outside the imposing facade of the temple.
"They were given a traditional welcome after which they had 'darshan'. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Delhi Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family," a priest at the temple told PTI.
Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar added that the vice president was especially captivated by the intricately sculpted Gajendra Peeth, a plinth adorned with carvings of elephants that symbolises strength and wisdom.
"He was shown the entire Akshardham complex and was deeply moved by the experience. He said he felt a sense of peace here," she said.
The temple also put out a post on X about the visit.
"The US Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi 'their first stop in India' experiencing its majestic art, architecture and timeless values of faith, family and harmony."
"The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus," it added.
Inaugurated in 2005, the temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan is a must see for most visitors to the capital. Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism in 18th century India. He established a spiritual way of life and code of conduct to be followed, according to the website of BAPS Swaminarayan.
Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the temple during their India tour last year.
The Vance family arrived in Delhi to a warm reception earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to host a private dinner for the Vances following bilateral talks.
Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India. The two sides are currently working to seal a bilateral trade pact focused on tariff relief and enhanced market access.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
23 minutes ago
- NDTV
Planning A Trip To Singapore? These 10 Strange Laws Might Surprise You - And Save You From Trouble
We all love to travel. There is something magical about boarding a plane and stepping into a country that feels like a different world. For Indian travellers especially, Singapore is often high on the bucket list. The country is close, clean and packed with futuristic gardens, street food wonders and enough shopping to keep your bags – and heart – full. But before you start planning your picture-perfect Singapore itinerary, here is something you should definitely know: in this squeaky-clean, ultra-safe country, there are rules. Quite a few of them. And some may sound so unusual that you will do a double-take. But break them, and it is not just a warning you will get. We are talking fines, jail, and yes – even caning. Here is a simple rundown of ten laws that might sound bizarre but are taken very seriously in Singapore. Bookmark this before you go! 1. Leave the chewing gum at home If you are someone who cannot go a day without a minty chew, Singapore is not the place for it. Since 1992, chewing gum has been banned. Chewing gum in public isn't illegal, but littering is strictly enforced. Fines apply to anyone who discards gum improperly. Why so serious? Because the law was introduced to stop people from sticking gum on subway doors, public spaces and lift buttons. And honestly, that is partly why Singapore stays so pristine. 2. Drugs? Just don't If you think you will be fine with just 'a small amount,' think again. Singapore's drug laws are among the harshest in the world. Even trace amounts of drugs in your system – including substances you consumed before arriving – can get you in trouble. Possession? Long-term jail. Trafficking? Death penalty. It's not just a scare tactic – it is strictly enforced. In some cases, even medicinal CBD oil products could land you in hot water. 3. Don't even think about vandalism That doodle on a wall? Or a sticker slapped on a lamppost? Singapore sees that as vandalism – and it is punishable. Jail, hefty fines and caning (yes, physical caning with a rattan stick on your backside) are very real consequences. 4. Mind that smoke You cannot light up just anywhere. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas – and that includes cigarettes and e-cigarettes. In fact, owning a vape can land you in legal trouble too. Smoke near bus stops or building entrances? You could be fined. Most indoor places are strict no-go zones. 5. Flushing Under Singapore's Environmental Public Health (Public Toilets) Regulations, anyone using a public toilet with a flushing system must flush after use—it's a legal requirement. Additionally, owners or occupiers of buildings must ensure these toilets are properly maintained, with essentials like toilet paper, soap or detergent, litter bins, and clean towels or hand dryers always available. 6. Jaywalking is a big no-no Unlike cities where darting across the road is a sport, Singapore wants you to cross only at designated spots. Fines for jaywalking in Singapore typically range from SGD 20 to SGD 50 (Rs 1,200-3,000). This rule helps keep things orderly and avoids unnecessary accidents. Pedestrian crossings are everywhere – so it is easy to follow. 7. No protests without permission Want to start a rally or join a protest? You will need a police permit. Spontaneous gatherings – even peaceful ones – can get you arrested. The government keeps a tight rein on public order, and unauthorised demonstrations, no matter the cause, are treated as criminal offences. 8. No spitting. Anywhere. Ever. It is unhygienic, it is rude – and in Singapore, it is illegal. If you are caught spitting in public, expect a fine. It is part of the country's strict commitment to cleanliness. 9. No booze in public after 10:30 PM You might be the life of the party, but if you are drinking in a public space after 10:30 PM, you are breaking the law. Drinking is restricted in public areas overnight – though licensed venues are exempt. Planning a beachside beer? Just make sure it's not during restricted hours. 10. Don't feed the wildlife Under Singapore's Wildlife Act, feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited unless you have written approval from the Director-General. Even with approval, you must follow all stated conditions. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to SGD 5,000 for a first offence, and up to SGD 10,000 for repeat offences. Final Word: Singapore Is Worth It Yes, the laws are strict. But they are also the reason this country is one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient places you will ever visit. Want to marvel at Gardens by the Bay, sip laksa in Chinatown, and stroll through Little India without worry? Just follow the rules. It's not hard – be respectful, stay informed and keep your gum at home.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
27 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Indian hospitality companies see little room for growth in FY26: Icra
Growth in the Indian hospitality sector is expected to normalise in this financial year (2025-26/FY26) as revenue growth for listed companies is set to settle between 6 and 8 per cent, largely due to the base effect following three years of continuous double-digit revenue expansion seen by the industry between 2022-23 and 2024-25 (FY25). 'We estimate pan-Indian premium hotel occupancy to hold at 72–74 per cent in FY26, slightly higher than the 70–72 per cent levels witnessed in 2023-24 and FY25. The average room rates (ARRs) for premium hotels are projected to rise to ₹8,200–8,500 in FY26, after ₹8,000–8,200 in FY25,' credit rating agency Icra said in a new note on Monday, while revising the sector outlook to 'stable' from 'positive'. Supply growth is expected to lag demand over the next 12–18 months. Several hotels are undertaking renovations, refurbishment, and upgrades. While the near term may see muted foreign tourist arrivals in the aftermath of the terror attacks, the sector is expected to witness gradual recovery thereafter, along with demand driven by domestic tourism and improvements in infrastructure and air connectivity. Favourable demographics and anticipated growth in large-scale meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) events, with the opening of multiple new convention centres in the past few years, among other factors, will support growth over the medium term. Listed hospitality companies, like Taj parent Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and the mid-scale chain Lemon Tree Hotels, continue to expect double-digit growth in FY26 while undertaking renovation activities across some of their properties. 'We expect to deliver strong growth with sustained margins and continued portfolio expansion, with a target of opening 30-plus hotels in FY26, three of which will be on our balance sheet. We are well on track to achieve our committed guidance of double-digit growth,' Puneet Chhatwal, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer of IHCL, told investors in a post-earnings call after announcing the company's January–March quarter (Q4) results last month. Companies are likely to report range-bound operating margins of 34–36 per cent for FY26, despite lower revenue growth. The margins will remain supported by factors like cost-rationalisation measures and asset-light expansions in recent periods. 'However, within the sample, it is likely to be a mixed bag, depending on renovations and increases in employee expenses amidst growing demand,' the note added. In FY25, IHCL spent over ₹1,000 crore towards capital expenditure (capex), of which half was used for renovations, routine maintenance, and digital initiatives. For FY26, the company has earmarked over ₹1,200 crore. 'There's also large renovations planned in some of our assets, including Taj Palace in Delhi, Fort Aguada in Goa, St James' Court in the UK, and Taj Bengal, Kolkata. So essentially, if you put it all together, 60–65 per cent of the capex would get spent on renovations and digital investments,' Chhatwal added during the analyst call. At Lemon Tree Hotels, meanwhile, renovation costs are expected to impact gross ARR and occupancy in the coming year. 'The timely completion of renovation activities in the owned portfolio will further improve gross ARR and occupancy. Increased investment in renovation expenses will continue into FY26 and a little bit into 2026–27, until the entire portfolio of our owned hotels — about 6,000 rooms — has been fully renovated and refurbished. After this, renovation expenses will close at 1.5–1.7 per cent of revenue on an ongoing basis,' Patanjali G Keswani, chairman and MD at the chain, told investors after announcing the company's Q4 results.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
India's hospitality sector to see revenue grow of 6-8% in FY 2026: ICRA
New Delhi [India], June 9 (ANI): The Indian hospitality sector is projected to see a revenue growth of 6-8 per cent in fiscal year 2026, according to a report by Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA). ICRA also revised its outlook for the sector to 'Stable' from 'Positive' following three consecutive years of double-digit revenue expansion for the industry from FY2023 to premium hotel occupancy is estimated to remain robust at 72-74 percent in FY2026, a slight increase from the 70-72 per cent levels observed in FY2024 and FY2025. Additionally, the average room rates (ARRs) for premium hotels are expected to reach Rs 8,200-8,500 in FY2026, following healthy rates of Rs. 8,000-8,200 in FY2025. This rise in ARRs is attributed to lagging supply additions and ongoing renovation, refurbishment, and upgradation initiatives across several Makkar, Senior Vice President and Group Head - Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited said that, 'After three years of strong demand, driven by favourable domestic leisure travel, demand from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), including weddings, and business travel, the growth in the Indian hospitality sector is forecast to normalise at 6-8% YoY in FY2026.'Although foreign tourist arrivals are expected to remain subdued in the coming months due to the recent terror attacks, a gradual recovery is anticipated. While, domestic tourism, which has been the primary demand driver, is expected to continue leading the way in the near term. Factors contributing to this growth include improvements in infrastructure and air connectivity, favorable demographics, and the projected increase in large-scale MICE events with the opening of new convention growth is expected to lag demand for the next 12-18 months. ICRA's premium room inventory database for 12 key cities indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5-5.0% in room inventory addition from FY2023-FY2026.A significant portion of this new supply is through management contracts and operating leases. Challenges in land availability in premium micro-markets of metros and larger cities are constraining supply, with new premium hotel supply largely coming from rebranding, property upgradation, and greenfield projects in the suburbs. (ANI)
