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Delhi coronavirus fears mount as hospital beds run out

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Ashwani Jain succumbed to the coronavirus in an ambulance as his family pleaded with several hospitals to take him in, the latest victim of the pandemic sweeping through the Indian capital and exposing a deadly shortage of hospital beds.

“They don’t care whether we live or die,” said his 20-year-old daughter Kashish, whose uncle, Abhishek, sat with Ashwani in the back of the vehicle on its desperate journey across Delhi.

“It won’t matter to them but I have lost my father, he was the world to me,” she said, tears welling up as she showed a photo of him.

All of the hospitals the 45-year-old businessman’s family tried refused to admit Ashwani, even though an app set up by the city government indicated Covid-19 beds were free, Abhishek told AFP.

With surging infections highlighting the precarious state of the Indian healthcare system, the death of Jain and others like him have heightened anxiety in Delhi over the growing threat.

Kashish Jain (R) lost her father to the coronavirus as his family pleaded with several hospitals to take him in. PHOTO: AFP / Sajjad HUSSAIN

More than 1,200 have died from the virus in the Indian capital and more than 1,000 new cases are being reported each day.

Mortuaries are overflowing with bodies and cemeteries and crematorium staff say they cannot keep up with the backlog of victims. Some local Delhi councils say the real death toll is twice the number given by the regional government.

Indian media has been full of tragic stories of people dying after being turned away by hospitals.

One pregnant woman died as she was being shuttled between hospitals. A 78-year-old man petitioned the Delhi High Court for a ventilator bed but died before the matter could be taken up.

India has now recorded more than 300,000 coronavirus cases with nearly 9,000 fatalities.

High price for rare beds

Several families have used social media to recount their harrowing experiences after being refused hospital beds.

Jain’s family had joined a noisy, nationwide tribute to health workers, banging pots and pans from rooftops and balconies after a nationwide lockdown started in March. Now they feel abandoned.

“The government is doing nothing. They are just playing with our feelings,” Kashish said.

The city government has estimated that it could need 80,000 beds by the end of July. PHOTO: AFP/File / XAVIER GALIANA

Jain’s devastated relatives are now waiting to get tested themselves but the Delhi government allows that for only high-risk and symptomatic family members.

The city government has estimated that it could need 80,000 beds by the end of July, and warned hotels and wedding venues that they are likely to be turned into hospitals.

Currently government hospitals have 8,505 designated pandemic beds while private hospitals have 1,441.

But families say they are being forced to spend a small fortune for the few beds that are available.

Suman Gulati, whose father is a coronavirus patient, said she was asked for one million rupees ($13,200) by a private hospital for a bed.

“Once I paid the money getting a bed was not a problem. But arranging such a huge amount of money at such a critical time was,” she told AFP.

“What if I fall sick next, what will I do? Should I sell my property, my jewellery?”

A sting operation by the Mirror Now TV channel showed five Delhi hospitals asking coronavirus patients to pay up to $5,250 in order to be admitted.

Families say they are being forced to spend a small fortune for the few beds that are available. PHOTO: AFP / Sajjad HUSSAIN

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused private hospitals of lying about available beds and promised tough action if they were found extorting money.

On Sunday, Home Minister Amit Shah said 500 of some 20,000 train coaches reserved as coronavirus wards would be “immediately” allocated to the state by the national government, adding some 8,000 beds.

Experts are questioning the city’s handling of the pandemic however.

Virologist Shahid Jameel said Delhi, like other major cities, has not tested enough people. So far, it has covered just one percent of its population.

“At the moment Delhi government is doing everything to make people panic,” he told AFP.

“It should be testing aggressively. I don’t understand the logic of testing only people who are symptomatic. How will you find how much the infection has spread in the community if you don’t test them?”

Shah said after a meeting with the Delhi government Sunday that testing for the virus would be stepped up.

Reporting and photos: AFP

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JOALI BEING reimagines family travel through immersive summer experiences

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JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ well-living island where guests come to feel lighter, happier and more energised, has unveiled the 2026 edition of its annual B’Kidult Summer Programme, taking place from 1 July to 31 August 2026. Centred around the narrative of Transform, Recharge & Flow, this year’s programme reimagines family travel as a meaningful journey of movement, discovery and shared well-living.

Designed as a playground for curiosity, connection and self-discovery, the B’Kidult Summer Programme encourages young guests to explore the world around them through immersive, hands-on experiences. From ocean adventures and mindful movement to culinary exploration, artistic expression and sport, each activity is thoughtfully designed to nurture confidence, independence and joyful living.

Offered complimentary, the Summer Programme features immersive three-day journeys for children and teens, with thoughtfully curated morning and afternoon sessions.

Highlights from this year’s programme include:

  • Kitchen Quest: Young chefs explore mindful cooking and global flavours through hands-on culinary experiences designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in the kitchen.
  • Padel Champs: Young players develop coordination, technique and teamwork through dynamic padel sessions, progressing from fundamentals to friendly matches.
  • Football Camp: Young athletes develop teamwork and football skills through engaging drills, friendly matches and family tournaments designed around connection and fun.
  • Tennis Academy: Aspiring players build resilience, coordination and confidence while learning the fundamentals of tennis through engaging coaching sessions.
  • Muay Thai: Young guests discover the discipline of Muay Thai while developing confidence, agility and strength in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Fitness Academy: Children discover joyful movement through dynamic fitness, Pilates, yoga and mindfulness sessions designed to inspire balance and wellbeing.
  • Mini Marine Biologist: Through hands-on conservation experiences, children explore marine life, coral planting and turtle rescue efforts alongside the island’s marine experts.
  • Ocean Heroes: From snorkelling and kayaking to Seabob adventures and marine discovery, young explorers connect with the ocean through immersive water experiences.
  • Swim Stars: Guided by certified lifeguards from the Maldives Swimmers Association, children build confidence in the water through playful swim sessions focused on safety, technique and endurance.
  • Art Explorers Club: Guided by resident artist Kurahaa Rappe, young guests explore painting, paper art and nature-inspired expression through immersive artistic experiences.

While younger guests explore and grow through immersive experiences designed around discovery, connection and joyful well-living, parents are invited to reconnect and recharge through JOALI BEING’s philosophy of well-living. This balance between family connection and personal restoration lies at the heart of the island’s summer storytelling, creating space for shared moments alongside individual renewal. Guided by a team of wellbeing experts, personalised journeys allow adults to embrace restoration, reconnection and renewal while children discover the island’s many wonders.

The “Kids of JOALI” Offer invites families to create meaningful moments together, with up to two children aged 2–11 staying and dining with our compliments, alongside special rates on return seaplane transfers. Available for bookings made by 31 August 2026 for stays until 10 October 2026, the offer complements the B’Kidult Summer Programme.

The B’Kidult Summer Programme coincides with an year-round calendar of B’Kidult experiences, with all activities offered with compliments for guests of JOALI BEING. More information on the activities and schedule can be found here.

A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative escape where guests return home feeling lighter in body, mind and spirit. Villas start from USD 1,928 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis. For bookings and further information, please visit www.joali.com/joali-being or contact reservations.being@joali.com.

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Sunny Leone and family experience island adventures at The Standard, Maldives

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International actress, entrepreneur, and style icon Sunny Leone recently chose The Standard, Maldives for a relaxing and memorable family getaway, creating cherished moments alongside her husband Daniel Weber and their children. During their stay, Sunny and family enjoyed a range of signature experiences that highlight the resort’s appeal as an ideal destination for families. From an idyllic picnic on Baby Island, where pristine beaches and untouched nature offered a sense of discovery, to a quintessential Maldivian lagoon lunch set against crystal-clear turquoise waters, each moment reflected a blend of authenticity, relaxation, and adventure. These experiences allowed the family to connect not only with each other, but also with the natural surroundings that define the Maldives.

Adding a sense of excitement to the getaway, the family enjoyed exhilarating water activities, including Fun Tube rides across the lagoon, an adrenaline-filled yet accessible experience that brought laughter and energy to both adults and children alike. Snorkelling sessions further introduced them to the vibrant underwater world just steps from the shore, offering a glimpse into thriving marine life and colourful coral reefs, making it both an educational and awe-inspiring experience for all ages. The family also explored the resort’s floating water park, where endless hours of fun unfolded in the middle of the lagoon. Designed to cater to guests of all ages, it perfectly captures the playful energy that defines The Standard, Maldives, offering a seamless balance between relaxation and recreation for families travelling together.

Culinary experiences also played a memorable role throughout their stay, offering the family a journey through diverse flavours and settings across the island. At Onda, the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, they indulged in a refined menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours, where fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold culinary techniques come together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. With its open-air design and sweeping ocean views, Onda provided the perfect backdrop for leisurely family dining, turning each meal into a shared experience to remember. The family also embraced the island’s cultural roots at Guduguda, where they discovered authentic Maldivian cuisine rich in tradition and local character, offering a deeper connection to the destination through its flavours. Meanwhile, at BBQ Shak, they enjoyed a more casual dining experience with their feet in the sand, savouring freshly grilled dishes in a laid-back beachfront setting. Together, these culinary moments reflected The Standard, Maldives’ ability to cater to every mood and preference, making dining an integral part of the family’s unforgettable island escape.

Blending playful energy with laid-back island luxury, The Standard, Maldives continues to position itself as a leading destination for families, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to every generation. From tranquil nature encounters and cultural dining moments to adventurous water activities and vibrant social spaces, the resort creates an environment where meaningful family connections and unforgettable memories naturally unfold.

Known for its distinctive approach to lifestyle hospitality, The Standard, Maldives continues to attract global travellers seeking enriching experiences, wellness, adventure, and above all, quality time together in paradise.

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Amilla Maldives expands spa programme with natural therapies expert residency

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Amilla Maldives has introduced a thoughtfully curated wellness offering at Javvu Spa, led by Dr Shagnika Pradhan, a certified doctor in natural therapies and a dedicated scholar of yogic philosophy.

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Shagnika brings a gentle, integrative approach to well-being, supporting guests through pain, stress, and sleep-related concerns. Her work weaves together Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal remedies, lifestyle practices, and yoga therapy, creating personalised pathways that address the root of imbalance while nurturing long-term vitality and ease.

Dr Shagnika will be in residence from 22 May to 7 June 2026, offering guests the opportunity to experience her integrative approach within the calm, natural rhythm of island life, including during the Eid Al Adha celebrations from 27 to 30 May.

A curated menu of experiences includes Elemental Balance Acupuncture, Naturopathy Manipulative Therapy, Toksen Therapy, Cupping Therapy, Reiki Chakra Sound Healing, and Aqua Yoga. Each session is tailored through a private consultation, ensuring that every guest’s individual needs and natural rhythms are honoured. Set within the quiet rhythm of island life, these therapies invite guests to slow down and reconnect, guided by treatments that are both considered and restorative.

For those seeking shared moments of stillness, group sessions in chanting and sound healing meditation offer a gentle space for connection and reflection.

For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.

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