Category: Life & Style

Good news for Indian Muslims planning to go on Haj and Umrah! Smriti Irani, India’s Minister for Minority Affairs, recently travelled to Saudi Arabia for a special conference. This conference was all about making Haj and Umrah, two important pilgrimages for Muslims, easier and more comfortable for Indians.

At the conference, Minister Irani met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Governor of Makkah and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah. They talked about how the two countries can work together to improve things for Indian pilgrims. This could mean better hotels, smoother travel arrangements, and more help with language and customs.

Remember, Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many Indian Muslims. It’s a powerful experience that brings people together in faith. Umrah is also a special pilgrimage that can be done any time of year. Having good facilities and support makes these journeys even more meaningful.

Minister Irani said that she is committed to making sure that Indian pilgrims have a safe and fulfilling experience in Saudi Arabia. She wants to make sure that everyone who wants to go on Haj or Umrah can do so easily and comfortably.

This is good news for the 200,000 or so Indians who go on Haj every year, and the many more who do Umrah. With India and Saudi Arabia working together, hopefully, the pilgrimage will be even smoother and more special for

In a momentous ceremony on January 5, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the reopening of the Palace of Aigai, a fourth-century BC site where Alexander the Great was crowned King of Macedonia. The €20 million, 16-year restoration project aimed to revive the palace’s past glory and reinforce its status as a “monument of global importance.”

Situated near the modern Greek village of Vergina, the 15,000 sq m Palace of Aigai was the capital of the dominant Macedonian kingdom, boasting a spiritual significance. Built by Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, the palace and nearby tombs, including that of Philip, were crucial components of classical Greece.

The restoration, initiated in 2007 with support from the European Union, brought back the royal palace, colonnade, and agora—the space where ancient Macedonians debated important matters. The courtyard, where Alexander was proclaimed king with an 8,000 capacity, is a historic site marking the launch of his military campaign.

Despite the Romans destroying the palace in 148 BC, extensive excavations from 1865 onwards revealed its historical significance. The site, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reaffirms Greece’s identity throughout the centuries.

Greece’s increased investment in its antique sites, a significant tourist revenue source, underscores its commitment to preserving and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The Palace of Aigai’s reopening adds another jewel to the country’s cultural crown, inviting visitors to explore the legacy of Alexander the Great.

India and the United Arab Emirates have commenced a two-week-long mega military exercise in Rajasthan, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations. This joint exercise, conducted in the vast terrains of Rajasthan, aims to enhance interoperability and understanding between the armed forces of India and the UAE.

The exercise involves complex military maneuvers, counter-terrorism operations, and strategic planning in desert conditions, reflecting the commitment of both countries to address common security challenges. The initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership that India and the UAE have been cultivating over recent years, encompassing defense, trade, and cultural ties.

The military exercise includes joint operations involving infantry, armored, aviation, and special forces elements from both nations. This collaboration is an opportunity for the armed forces to share best practices, develop joint operational strategies, and enhance tactical skills in a diverse range of combat scenarios.

The choice of Rajasthan as the location for the exercise is strategic, given its challenging desert terrain, which provides an ideal environment for testing the capabilities and readiness of the troops. The harsh conditions and vast landscapes offer a unique training opportunity, especially in conducting operations in arid and semi-arid sectors.

This military exercise is also significant in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. By strengthening military ties, India and the UAE are demonstrating a united front in maintaining regional stability and security. The exercise underscores their commitment to combating terrorism and other security threats.

The India-UAE military exercise is not just a demonstration of military strength and cooperation but also a symbol of the deepening ties between the two countries. It highlights their dedication to peace and stability in the region and their willingness to work together to address global security challenges.

Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar’s compelling speech on the ‘Era of Vishwa Mitra’ has emerged as one of the United Nations’ most-viewed videos of 2023. The address, highlighting India’s commitment to global partnerships and diplomacy, resonated with audiences worldwide.

Jaishankar’s ‘Era of Vishwa Mitra’ speech outlined India’s vision for fostering collaboration and mutual understanding on the global stage. The term ‘Vishwa Mitra’ translates to ‘Friend of the World,’ emphasizing India’s aspiration to play a crucial role in promoting international cooperation.

Citing India’s membership of diverse country groupings — including the Quad (India, Australia, Japan and the U.S.), or expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India , China, South Africa) and I2U2 (India, Israel, the U.S. and the UAE), Mr. Jaishankar argued that India had moved from the non-aligned era to one of ‘Vishwa Mitra (a friend to the world)‘.

The Minister highlighted India’s role during its G-20 presidency, advocating for reforms in the U.N. and other multilateral institutions. He called for the inclusion of the African Union in the G-20, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering diversity in international cooperation.

Amidst the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Jaishankar addressed pressing issues, including the prevention of “vaccine apartheid” and the recognition of historical responsibilities in climate action. He also tackled the explosive allegation by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani separatist leader in British Columbia.

Jaishankar urged against allowing political convenience to determine responses to terrorism and extremism, making implicit references to countries like Pakistan, China, and Canada. He emphasized the importance of respecting territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs without cherry-picking.

The most-watched UN video (at the moment) is “Security Council rejects Russian resolution on Gaza.” Jaishankar’s address has secured the 8th position on the list.

In a remarkable celebration of health and unity, Gujarat has secured its place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest simultaneous performance of Surya Namaskar on New Year’s Day.

Over 4,000 participants, spanning 108 locations and 51 diverse categories, actively engaged in the yoga practice, showcasing the state’s dedication to wellness and cultural heritage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the achievement, stating, “Gujarat welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat.” He emphasized the cultural significance of the number 108 and urged citizens to incorporate Surya Namaskar into their daily routines, citing its numerous benefits.

The mega event, held at iconic locations, including the Modhera Sun Temple, attracted participants from various groups, including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and senior citizens. Chief Minister Bhupesh Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi were present at the Modhera Sun Temple, expressing pride in Gujarat’s global recognition.

Bhupesh Patel celebrated the event as a convergence of yoga, spirituality, culture, and health, highlighting the immense public awareness about the holistic benefits of yoga. Harsh Singhvi, expressing pride, noted that Gujarat set a world record with thousands participating in Surya Namaskar at 108 locations in 51 different categories.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar verified the achievement, emphasizing the global embrace of yoga. He declared Gujarat’s feat as a new record, affirming that they successfully set the Guinness World Record for the most people performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously.

In a momentous event that marks the culmination of a decades-long journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with eminent dignitaries, is set to inaugurate the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024. The significance of this event extends beyond the realms of religion, touching the hearts of millions and symbolizing a harmonious blend of cultural and spiritual heritage.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries from various walks of life, transcending political and social boundaries. The presence of spiritual leaders, cultural icons, and political figures underscores the unity and diversity that defines India. The occasion will be a testament to the nation’s ability to reconcile its diverse religious fabric, fostering an environment of coexistence and mutual respect.

The Ram Mandir holds immense historical and cultural significance, not only for the Hindu community but for the entire nation. It is a symbol of India’s ancient heritage and a beacon of unity, echoing the principles of justice and harmony that form the foundation of the country.

As the auspicious date approaches, preparations are in full swing in Ayodhya, with the town adorned with lights and decorations. The ceremony will not only mark the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream for many but also serve as a reminder of the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural and religious diversity.

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is poised to be a historic event, encapsulating the spirit of a united India that cherishes its past while embracing the possibilities of the future. The ceremony on 22 January 2024 is destined to be etched in the annals of history, signifying a moment of pride and communal harmony for the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal YouTube channel has crossed the monumental milestone of 20 million subscribers, solidifying his position as the only world leader to attain this distinction. Modi’s channel boasts an impressive 4.5 billion views, eclipsing his global counterparts by a considerable margin.

Notably, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro trails in second place with around 6.4 million subscribers, less than a third of Modi’s massive following.

In terms of views, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ranks second to Modi with 224 million views, a fraction of the Indian leader’s staggering viewership.

US President Joe Biden, with 789,000 subscribers, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with 316,000 subscribers, pale in comparison to Modi’s YouTube dominance. The ‘Yoga with Modi’ channel, linked to the prime minister, also enjoys significant popularity with over 73,000 subscribers.

This digital supremacy extends beyond subscriber counts, as the Narendra Modi YouTube channel boasts an astounding 4.5 billion video views, outpacing global leaders in both quantity and quality of content.

This milestone underscores Modi’s early recognition of the potential of social media, with the prime minister setting up his YouTube channel in 2007 during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister.

The Indian Railways is gearing up to launch the Amrit Bharat Express on December 30, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the groundbreaking initiative. Formerly known as Vande Sadharan, this push-pull train is poised to revolutionize the commuting experience, particularly for the migrant labor force, boasting a remarkable speed potential of 130 kmph.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a thorough inspection of the first Amrit Bharat train, emphasizing the incorporation of innovative push-pull technology. This technology, featuring two engines—one at the front and another at the rear—significantly enhances speed, passenger comfort, and safety. Notably, a semi-permanent coupler minimizes jerks during starts and stops, ensuring a smoother operation compared to older technologies.

Designed with a strong focus on safety and efficiency, the non-air-conditioned Amrit Bharat Express includes features such as covered spaces between coaches to minimize air pressure, water-saving toilets, and enhanced amenities like charging points. Even the general coaches prioritize passenger comfort with cushions, wheelchair-accessible ramps, and improved toilet facilities.

Following a successful trial run that surpassed Railway expectations, the Amrit Bharat Express will undergo a four to five-month general run to address any potential technical challenges. Subsequently, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai will produce 20 to 30 trains monthly, with configurations extending from general class to AC-II, aiming to elevate the travel experience for non-AC passengers. Comprising 22 coaches with various accommodations, the Amrit Bharat Express is poised to set new standards in Indian rail travel.

The recent UNESCO listing of traditional North African metal craftsmanship has cast a new spotlight on this ancient art form, bringing international recognition and revitalizing interest in a cultural heritage that spans centuries. This acknowledgment by UNESCO underlines the significance of metal art in North Africa’s cultural and historical identity and promises to breathe new life into these traditional practices.

Metal art in North Africa, a skill passed down through generations, is a testament to the region’s rich history and artisanal ingenuity. The art form, encompassing intricate metalwork in gold, silver, copper, and brass, is renowned for its elaborate designs and detailed craftsmanship. It forms an integral part of the cultural fabric in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, where artisans create everything from jewelry and household items to ornamental architectural features.

The UNESCO listing is not just a nod to the artistic value of these works; it’s a crucial step in preserving a craft at risk of fading into obscurity. In recent years, the traditional metalworking techniques have been threatened by mass production and a dwindling number of skilled artisans. This international recognition aims to revitalize the craft, encouraging the younger generation to learn and preserve these age-old techniques.

Furthermore, this recognition is anticipated to boost tourism and local economies. It draws global attention to the unique cultural offerings of North Africa, inviting tourists and art connoisseurs to explore the region’s heritage. For local artisans, it provides a much-needed platform to showcase their work on an international stage, potentially opening up new markets.

In summary, UNESCO’s listing of North African metal art is a significant milestone. It not only celebrates a rich cultural heritage but also offers hope for the preservation and continuation of this exquisite art form.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been honored with the esteemed Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum, recognizing ISRO’s unwavering commitment and substantial contributions to lunar exploration.

The accolade specifically acknowledges the success of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023, establishing India as the first country to accomplish such a feat.

Chandrayaan-3’s triumph is attributed to key technological advancements, including software enhancements that improved navigation algorithms, guidance systems, and fault tolerance mechanisms, crucial for ensuring a flawless descent and lunar surface landing.

The mission’s lander, Vikram, equipped with the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), provided valuable data on lunar surface temperature, reaching a depth of 10 centimeters below the surface. The Pragyan rover conducted in-situ experiments, further enriching our understanding of the Moon.

Expressing gratitude for the honor, ISRO Chairman Mr. S. Somanath highlighted the international recognition of India’s growing expertise in space exploration.

The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize, named after Norse explorer Leif Erikson, is presented by the Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland, to those who have made remarkable contributions to lunar exploration.