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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (April 25, 2026 - May 1, 2026) May 1, 2026 1 8 India JAINA Mourns The Passing Of Padma Shri Acharya Shri Chandanaji (Tai Ma), A Beacon Of Compassion and Service T he Federation of Jain Associations in North Ameri- ca (JAINA) expresses profound grief on the sad de- mise of Padma Shri Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji (Tai Ma), the revered founder of Veerayatan. She passed away on April 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of compassion, service, and spiritual leadership. Acharya Shri Chandanaji’s life was a shining embodi- ment of “Compassion in Action.” A devoted follower of Bhagwan Mahaveer, she dedicated her life to transform- ing spiritual values into impactful humanitarian initia- tives. Through Veerayatan, she established and nurtured institutions focused on education for underprivileged children, accessible healthcare services, eye care and hospitals, vocational training, women empowerment, and large-scale disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in times of crisis. Her work reached some of the most underserved communities, restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity to countless lives. Under her visionary leadership, Veerayatan grew into a globally respected organization rooted in the pillars of seva (service), shiksha (education), and sadhana (spiritu- al growth). Affectionately known as “Tai Ma,” she was not only a spiritual luminary but also a compassionate guide and motherly figure to millions around the world. JAINA also reflects with deep gratitude on the close association it was blessed to share with Pujya Tai Ma. She graced multiple JAINA Conventions with her presence, offering guidance, wisdom, and blessings to the commu- nity. Her constant encouragement and spiritual support strengthened JAINA’s mission and inspired generations of volunteers and leaders. “Acharya Shri Chandanaji’s life is a beacon of selfless service and spiritual strength,” said Atul Shah, President of JAINA. “Her contributions to humanity and her un- wavering blessings to our community will forever remain a source of inspiration.” JAINA extends its deepest condolences to the Veeray- atan family, her disciples, and the global Jain community during this time of immense loss. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her enduring legacy will continue to guide and inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide. The Government has directed that the last rites of Pad- ma Shri Acharya Shri Chandanaji Maharaj be conducted with full state honours, a fitting tribute to her unparal- leled contributions to society and humanity. From Press Release Tai Ma. JAINA President Atul Shah receiving blessings from Acharya Shri Chandanaji. PHOTOS: JAINA A s the two-week ceasefire window inWest Asia inches closer to the end on April 22, India has evacuated over 11 lakh passengers from the re- gion through continuous flight ops from various countries in the region, to alternate routes. The details were shared by AseemMahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, during an inter-ministerial press briefing here in the national capital on Monday. Mahajan said that flights continue to operate from the region to India from countries where airspace is open. “Since February 28th, around 11,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. Around 110 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India today.” He added that flights are operating from various air- ports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. With the Qatar airspace partially open. Today, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 to 11 flights to various destinations in India. He said that while Bahrain airspace is open, Gulf Air of Bahrain has announced that they are planning to start limited flight operations from Bahrain to India. Gulf Air is operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dam- mam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India. Mahajan told the media during the briefing that the Iranian airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. “Our embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate the movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. So far, 2,423 Indian nationals have moved out of Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan. This includes 1,091 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen”, he said. Mahajan also informed that the Iraqi airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the re- gion, which can be used for onward travel to India. With the Kuwait airspace closed, he said that Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways continue to operate non- scheduled commercial flights from Dammam airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India. The Joint Secretary said that the Israeli airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. He informed during the briefing that India continues to facilitate travel of Indian nationals from Israel through Jordan and Egypt to India. Underlining that India continues to monitor the de- velopments in the Gulf andWest Asia region, he said that efforts focus on ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the large Indian community in the region. Mahajan told the media that a dedicated special con- trol room in the Ministry is operational and is working in close coordination with our missions and posts that are operating round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance and address queries. Mahajan assured that high priority is being given to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. “Our missions are extending all assistance to them, including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting with requests to return to India,” he said. As the security situation continues to evolve in the region, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the inter-ministerial briefing, informed about the visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Saudi Arabia, and said that a positive meeting was held on regional issues and enhancing bilateral ties. With millions of Indian expatriates living in the Gulf and a heavy reliance on the region for energy imports, the MEA highlighted that active contact with stakeholders, including Israel, Palestine, and Iran, is essential to protect India’s “strategic and economic interests” during this unprecedented period of geopolitical realignment. - ANI Diaspora: Over 11 Lakh Passengers Travel Back To India During West Asia Conflict Passengers from the Middle East disembarking at IGI Airport, Delhi. PHOTOS:ANI