New Delhi, May 14: In a heartbreaking incident, a three-and-a-half-year-old child died after a fire broke out in a house near the Kasara Bypass in Shahapur village, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district.

The fire reportedly started around 8 a.m. on Tuesday in the residence of Dattatray Bule.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed by a group of boys heading out to play cricket on their two-wheelers. Spotting smoke and flames, the boys immediately stopped and attempted to douse the fire with whatever water they could find in the vicinity.

Due to a shortage of water, they struggled to contain the blaze. While trying to extinguish the fire, one of the boys realised that a child was trapped inside the house.

Without wasting a moment, the boy entered the burning structure and managed to pull the child out. The child, identified as Krishna Bule, was immediately rushed to the Kasara Primary Health Centre, and later referred to Kharadi Rural Hospital for further treatment. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

The fire had already engulfed the entire house by the time private water tankers arrived to assist. According to the Kasara Police, the initial investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.

Upon receiving information, the Thane Disaster Management team promptly arrived at the scene. Team members bravely entered the burning house wearing wet blankets and tried to put out the fire and rescue anyone who might be trapped inside the burning house.

The Kasara Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the local community is in shock over the tragic loss of such a young life.

Authorities are expected to further assess the cause of the fire and determine if any safety protocols were violated.

New Delhi, May 14: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the apex body representing traders across the country, on Wednesday called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their open support for Pakistan.

Turkey received around 62.2 million foreign tourists in 2024, with approximately 300,000 tourists arriving from India alone. This marked a 20.7 per cent increase in Indian tourists compared to 2023.

Turkey’s total tourism revenue stood at $61.1 billion last year, with each Indian tourist spending an average of $972, amounting to a total estimated Indian expenditure of $291.6 million, according to data shared by CAIT.

The traders’ body said it has long been running a nationwide campaign to boycott Chinese products, which has had a considerable impact, and it now intends to extend this movement to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The organisation will coordinate with travel and tour operators and other relevant stakeholders to intensify this campaign.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal emphasised a travel boycott by Indian citizens to Turkey and Azerbaijan, in protest against their support for Pakistan, could significantly affect the economies of these countries, particularly their tourism sector.

He stated that if Indian tourists boycott Turkey, the country could suffer a direct loss of approximately $291.6 million.

In addition to this, the cancellation of Indian weddings, corporate events and other cultural programmes would cause even further indirect economic losses, Khandelwal added.

Azerbaijan received about 2.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, of which around 250,000 were Indians. The average spending by an Indian tourist was 2,170 Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which is approximately $1,276, leading to a total Indian contribution of roughly $308.6 million.

A boycott by Indian tourists could, therefore, result in a direct loss of this magnitude.

As Indians mainly visit Azerbaijan for leisure, weddings, entertainment and adventure activities, a large-scale decline could cause a noticeable economic slowdown in these sectors, said CAIT in its statement.

Thousands across the country have already cancelled their travel plans to these two countries while ticket booking platforms and travel operators have stopped bookings to these countries.

The Department of Tourism, Ankara, has urged Indian travellers to visit the country. “The vast majority of the local population is unaware of the conflict taking place between India and Pakistan, and it has no bearing on daily life or the tourism environment here,” it said in a statement.

According to Khandelwal, the economic pressure could force both Turkey and Azerbaijan to reconsider their policies towards India.

New Delhi, May 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning visited the Adampur Airbase in Punjab to meet Indian Air Force personnel and express the nation’s gratitude for their courage and fearlessness in defending the country.

His visit comes just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a major anti-terror operation conducted by Indian forces targeting high-value terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

At the base, the Prime Minister interacted with the soldiers, praising their bravery and valour.

Soldiers present at the interaction described the visit as a morale booster, noting how the Prime Minister’s presence uplifted the spirit of the troops, according to sources.

The soldiers were seen smiling in their combat uniforms, a symbol of their constant readiness.

Sharing his experience on X, PM Modi wrote, “Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation.”

Adampur Airbase was among the targets of Pakistan’s retaliatory attempt during the night of May 9 and 10, following India’s strike on terrorist infrastructure across the border.

Pakistani drones and missiles were intercepted and neutralised by India’s air defence systems, showcasing the preparedness and effectiveness of the Indian armed forces.

The visit also coincided with PM Modi’s recent address to the nation where he commended the armed forces for the execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, stating that it had achieved its objectives with precision and resolve.

“I salute the armed forces, Intelligence agencies and scientists for their grit that helped ‘Operation Sindoor’ achieve its objective,” the Prime Minister said.

Reaffirming India’s new doctrine in its fight against terrorism, PM Modi had said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was dedicated to the nation’s collective spirit, particularly to the women of India, whose safety and honour were at the heart of the mission.

He underlined that the operation had sent a clear message to terrorist organisations and their backers — that any attack on India or its citizens would be met with decisive and powerful retribution.

“The world has seen India’s capability and it is clear terrorists will no longer be spared,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister stressed that ‘Operation Sindoor’ marked a new and unwavering chapter in India’s counter-terrorism strategy — one that is relentless, precise, and uncompromising.

He emphasised that India’s military carried out highly targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, reinforcing the country’s resolve to safeguard its citizens and national values.