New Delhi, Aug 01: Prioritising life over job, a couple has quit their high-paying jobs in Singapore to embrace a simpler life in India. A video of the said couple is going viral on social media platforms.

Shared on Instagram by a user named Sharmilaa, the clip offers a glimpse into their peaceful new lifestyle – children laughing and playing in open spaces, lush green fields, and a home nestled near the hills. It’s a stark contrast to the fast-paced city life they left behind. The woman revealed that three years ago, they made the bold decision to choose freedom over hustle and moved back to India with their little daughter, reports NDTV.

“3 years ago, we made a big decision – we left our high-paying jobs, moved back to India, and chose freedom over the hustle. Not a perfect plan… just a quiet decision to prioritise life over work,” she wrote in the caption of the post.

Sharmilaa revealed that she was tired of the fast-paced life and long work hours, so they decided to build a slower, peaceful life. Now, she works as a virtual assistant and mentors others interested in the field.

“I thought I’d earn Rs 20K a month doing something flexible as a Virtual Assistant. That was the only goal,” she said. But that small step turned into a steady business that brought both income and peace of mind. “A business that brings financial stability and lets me work a few hours a day, from anywhere… even from our little hill-view farm,” she wrote in the post.

Since being shared, Sharmilaa’s video has accumulated nearly 500,000 views and over 7,800 likes. In the comments section, users called the couple’s journey inspiring.

“Im also thinking to come back to home for this peace,” shared one user. “Its one best decision you made,” wrote another.

“such bliss. I’m glad many are taking a chance at life,” commented a third user.

New Delhi, Aug 01: Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, having an illustrious career spanning more than 35 years, including serving in India’s key military operations, on Friday took charge as the new Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

The general officer was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) in December 1987.

During his illustrious career spanning 38 years, he has held various command and staff appointments.

He commanded a Special Forces Unit in the Kashmir Valley and along the Line of Control, the Defence Ministry said.

The general officer later commanded an infantry brigade and a mountain division in ‘Operation Snow Leopard’ along the Line of Actual Control, it said in a statement.

He has served in ‘Operation Pawan’, ‘Operation Meghdoot’, ‘Operation Orchid’ and has had multiple tenures in ‘Operation Rakshak’, officials said.

“Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff, #VCOAS of the #IndianArmy today. In a solemn ceremony, he along with #VeerNaris and family members of the bravehearts who fought under his command during a daring counter-terror operation in OP PAWAN in Sri Lanka on 22 July 1989, laid wreath and paid homage at the National war Memorial, #NewDelhi,” the Army said in a post on X.

“#VCOAS, then a young 2nd Lieutenant led a 13-member Quick Reaction Team that was fired en route from Iranamadu to Kilinochchi. Displaying exemplary leadership, he spearheaded a counter-assault that neutralised four LTTE terrorists and injured several others, despite the loss of five valiant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice,” it said.

The Army also shared some photographs of the wreath-laying ceremony at the National war Memorial and Guard of Honour accorded to him at the lawns of the South Block.

Prior to being appointed the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, the general officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement at Army Headquarters, the ministry said.

Lt Gen Singh is an alumnus of Lucknow’s La Martiniere College, the Lucknow University and the prestigious Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

He has also served as the General Officer Commanding of a Corps headquartered in Himachal Pradesh and responsible for sensitive Jammu, Samba and Pathankot areas.

The general officer has insightful knowledge and deep understanding of operational dynamics on both western and northern borders, the ministry said.

He has attended the prestigious Staff Course at Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course at CDM, Secunderabad, and Advance Professional Programme in Public Administration at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi, it said.

Lt Gen Singh holds a master’s in management studies from the Osmania University and a master’s in philosophy from the Panjab University.

For his distinguished service to the nation, he has been awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Bar to Sena Medal.

He succeeds Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, who superannuated on July 31 marking the conclusion of an illustrious military career spanning thirty-nine years.

“The Indian Army extends its heartfelt appreciation for his exemplary service spanning nearly four decades and extends its best wishes for continued success and distinguished accomplishments in all his future endeavours,” the ministry said on Thursday.

Ahmedabad, Aug 01: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for the restoration of security responsibilities to the elected government in the Union Territory. Speaking during his Gujarat visit, Omar Abdullah said it was unjust for elected representatives to be denied full authority, including over law and order.

Addressing a press conference at the Hyatt Hotel in Ahmedabad after attending the Travel Expo in Gandhinagar, Abdullah strongly criticised the continued Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir. “We are not some worthless people,” he remarked. “If people elect us to govern, then we must be entrusted with full responsibilities.”

His remarks came just days after he skipped a security review meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister in Delhi. When asked about his absence, Omar Abdullah responded, “Security falls under the domain of the Lieutenant Governor. That’s the reality. Still, I stay informed, I know where security forces are deployed and what steps are being taken. We are reopening tourist sites gradually and carefully.”

Omar Abdullah as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also expressed frustration over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “We are the only unfortunate people in the country whose state was downgraded to a Union Territory. Everywhere else, UTs are being granted statehood, but we are still waiting,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister between 2009 and 2015, Abdullah said that his government had made significant strides in improving the security situation. “Militancy incidents and casualties among security forces had dropped. If we are given full charge again, we will make Kashmir safer than before,” he asserted. [KNT]

New Delhi, August 01: The proceedings in Lok Sabha began on Friday with a ruckus as the Opposition resorted to sloganeering against the on-going Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the assembly election in the state.

The Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house minutes after it convened.

Before adjourning the house, Lok Sabha Speaker said, “You are not representing the public by sloganeering. People have given you an opportunity to put their issues in the House.”

“This is wrong behaviour. You should follow parliamentary rules. If we have to strengthen democracy, issues have to be raised,” he added.

The Lok Sabha will now resume at 2 pm today.

Earlier in the day, INDIA Bloc MPs protested in front of Makkar Dawar in Parliament, demanding a discussion in both Houses on SIR of electoral rolls.

On Thursday, the INDIA bloc parties, in a unanimous decision at their meeting, resolved to intensify their protests against the ongoing SIR both inside and outside Parliament.

The INDIA bloc’s protest comes as the Election Commission is scheduled to publish the draft electoral rolls of Bihar today.

“The draft electoral rolls of Bihar are being published on Friday, August 1, at Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, said in a message to voters.

“Physical as well as digital copies will also be given to all recognised political parties in Bihar in all 38 Districts by all the 38 District Election Officers (DEOs) of Bihar.”

Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to move the Readjustment of

Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, for further consideration and passing.

Additionally, Sarbananda Sonowal will move the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, to update and unify existing law to align with international maritime treaties.