Category: Life & Style

Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi, sent a congratulations message to Navin Rmgoolam on Wednesday, who is now the Prime Minister of Mauritius from this month.

As per the Saudi Press Agency, the prince conveyed “his sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the premier and wished “the friendly people of the Republic of Mauritius further progress and prosperity.”

Ramgoolam was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Mauritius a week ago after his win in the general election. The 77 years veteran politician has reclaimed his fourth term in office. He was previously the Prime Minister between 1995 and 2000 and then consecutively from 2005 to 2014.

As per a report published by the Saudi Press Agency, the International Maritime Organization on wednesday accepted the credentials of Saudi Arabia’s new permanent representative.

During an ongoing meeting in London, the IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed Kamal Bin Mohammed Al-Junaidi. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, the Saudi deputy transport minister, also attended the event.

The UK-based UN agency sets the international standards for designing and ensuring safety and security standards. It is also the global maritime authority for building safety protocols for maritime transport.

It aims to reduce pollution through ships while implementing initiatives that preserve the maritime environment while protecting nature.

In December, Saudi Arabia won the majority and became a member of the IMO’s 40-member council for 2024 and 2025.

Representing Saudi Arabia during the IMO events was held by Al-Junaidi, including the signing of the maritime agreements, codes, and treaties.

He will also be putting forward the plans and efforts to develop the maritime transport industry and international trade. By 2030, Saudi Arabia plans to process 40 million containers annually, streamline cargo-handling operations, and promote marine tourism through cruise ships and coastal transportation.

According to the London-based residential developer Barratt London, Indians form the largest group of property owners in London. This group includes individuals who have lived in the UK for generations, as well as non-resident Indians (NRIs). It also comprises investors from other countries, students, and families who travel to the UK for education.

The English and Pakistani people are next in number. It was also noted that Indian investors, who reside in both UK and India are prepared to spend anywhere between GBP 290,000 to GBP 450,000 for a one, two or three-bedroom property in London. Statistically in London 30 percent of sales are made to those investors who use the apartments as rentals in which 30 percent of those buyers come from foreign markets.

A Knight Frank survey revealed that 10% of India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) planned to purchase a new home in 2022. While domestic real estate remains their top choice, their preferred international markets include the UK, UAE, and US. London is preferred by Indian investors because it is regarded as a hub for finance and education and as one of the major international entry points for investors.

Indian homebuyers are validly deciding to invest in the London real estate market because the cost per square foot is very similar between London and Mumbai. Indian buyers are much more interested in the UK residential market because of the higher rate of returns and because it is a safer market in comparison to the UAE or other countries.

Denmark is the first ever country to impose a carbon tax on agriculture. Under the deal, the country aspires to plant one billion trees on farmland over the next 20 years, as stated by the Ministry of the Green Tripartite agreement.

In August, the Ministry incorporated a green deal reached in June between farmers, labor unions, industries, and environmental groups.

One of the major hurdles for lawmakers in Denmark is reducing agriculture emissions, which contribute to the country’s biggest source of greenhouse gases. This aims to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 from 1990 levels.

Oxygen levels in Danish waters have plummeted to critically

PM presented with ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja on arrival in Nigeria

It is PM Modi’s first-ever visit to the West African Region. He is currently on his five-day trip to Nigeria, Guyana and Brazil. From Nigeria, he will be traveling to Brazil.

The Prime Minister arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, his first leg of the three-nation visit. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the invitation, and it is the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in the course of 17 years.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), – “Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Abuja, Nigeria. Warmly welcomed by Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who presented the prime minister with the ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja. The key symbolizes the trust and honor bestowed on the prime minister by the people of Nigeria.”

In a post by the Nigerian President stated, “Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors. Welcome to Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi.” Responding to a message on the post by Tinubu

Prime Minister Modi shared pictures of himself deplaning upon his arrival and greeting the dignitaries and the people who had gathered at the airport. In his post, he stated, “Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations,” Later, Prime Minister Modi shared more pictures of his welcome in Abuja.

Denmark’s Victoria Kjr Theilvig is crowned Miss Universe 2024, becoming the first ever Dane to win the title. The 21-year-old is a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer who won the race against 120 contestants. The annual pageant was held in Mexico City on Saturday night.

For the achievement, she was applauded by her fellow participants. The title was presented to her by Tiara from the reigning title holder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. The finale event, hosted by “Saved by the Bell” star Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, also featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke.

The pageant started by narrowing down the contestants list to 30 based on Thursday’s preliminary event, including a flamboyant national costume confest. Continuing the semi-finale event, the 30 participants then paraded in swimwear, out of which 12 were asked to advance to the gown contest evening.

After going through all the rounds, the top five contestants have to answer questions based on resilience and leadership. Theilvig was asked how she would live life differently if nobody judged her; she answered, “I live by each day.” Finally, when asked what she would say to all of them watching her at the moment, she said, “Keep fighting … no matter where you come from. I stand here today because I want a change; I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar unveiled his latest book, Why Bharat Matters, in a grand event in Dubai, drawing significant attention from diplomats, and the Indian diaspora. The book mentions about India’s rising global stature, its strategic priorities, and its evolving role in shaping a multipolar world.

The launch event highlighted the growing relevance of India, in global geopolitics, economics, and cultural diplomacy. Dr. Jaishankar, known for his astute diplomatic acumen and strategic vision, shared his insights on how India is navigating contemporary challenges while leveraging opportunities to enhance its global influence. In Why Bharat Matters, the leader provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s policy shifts, its deepening engagement with the world, and its aspiration to become a significant player in international affairs. The book also sheds light on India’s historical legacy, economic potential, and its contributions to solving pressing global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and digital transformation.

Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza has added another feather to her illustrious cap by being named Dubai Sports Ambassador, a prestigious recognition of her immense contribution to sports and her global influence. This honour cements Sania’s legacy as a trailblazer, not only for Indian tennis but also for women in sports across the world. Sania — a six-time Grand Slam winner, has been a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes throughout her career. Her association with Dubai, a hub for international sports and events, underscores her pivotal role in promoting athletic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration. Sania’s selection as a Sports Ambassador reflects her ability to transcend borders and unify communities through sportsmanship and perseverance.

Dubai, known for its world-class sporting infrastructure and events, sees Sania as a natural choice for this role. Her involvement is expected to further elevate the city’s status as a global sports destination. Sania has expressed her gratitude for this honor, reaffirming her commitment to mentoring young athletes and fostering the spirit of sports globally. As Sania transitions from an active playing career to broader roles in the world of sports, her influence continues to inspire the next generation, showcasing the power of dedication and breaking barriers in the international arena.

Sweden is taking a fun but firm approach to preserving its identity, becoming the first country to file for a trademark for its name. Sweden hopes that by making this change, it will avoid misunderstandings among international travellers who want to visit genuine Sweden but wind up in other areas with that name. Sweden has launched an online petition to support its application, inviting people all across the world to back the notion.

The trademark application, submitted with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, focuses on a common problem: travellers mistaking named destinations for the actual thing. There are presently eight “Swedens,” multiple “Germanys,” dozens of “Americas,” and even 34 “Londons” worldwide, which could lead to travel difficulties.

Visit Sweden, the country’s official tourism organisation, believes it is time to correct the record, guaranteeing that no one books a trip to “Sweden” only to find themselves far from Nordic scenery and fika culture.

According to a recent Visit Sweden poll, 45% of travellers have encountered duplicate place names while arranging vacations, and 8% have arrived at the wrong location entirely.

Singapore has pledged up to US$500 million (669 million Singapore dollars) in support to boost Asia’s decarbonisation efforts, as revealed at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan. This considerable pledge intends to encourage climate finance in the region through concessional funding, which includes grants and loans delivered on favourable terms and at below-market rates. Singapore’s contribution will match concessional finance from partners such as governments, international banks, and philanthropic groups, reducing investment risks in green initiatives that are frequently deemed financially unsustainable.

This money is part of Singapore’s national blended finance project, Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (Fast-P), which the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) unveiled at COP28 in 2023 with the goal of mobilising up to US$5 billion. Fast-P will prioritise early coal phaseouts, renewable grid upgrades, and industrial decarbonisation. The initiative’s three pillars are energy transition, green investments, and industrial transformation, which target areas where high capital costs and long payback times discourage private investment.

Minister Grace Fu and Climate Action Ambassador Ravi Menon announced the changes, emphasising Fast-P’s role in attracting business investments to help Asia’s green transition.