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Good News

7 Jailed Navy Veterans Return From Qatar In Big Diplomatic Win For India

In a major diplomatic win for India, seven Indian Navy veterans who were jailed in Qatar on alleged spying charges have returned to their homeland after an 18-month ordeal. The release of these veterans marks a significant achievement for India's diplomatic efforts and the successful resolution of a sensitive international issue. The Release and Homecoming Early this morning, the government announced that eight Indian Navy veterans, who were detained in Qatar, have been released. Seven out of the eight veterans have already returned to India, expressing their gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for securing their release. The Ministry of External Affairs appreciated the decision of the Amir of the State of Qatar to facilitate the release and homecoming of these nationals. Unplanned Release and Quick Return The veterans were not informed in advance about their release and were taken away by embassy officials shortly after being freed. They boarded an IndiGo flight and arrived in India after 2 am. The suddenness of their release and their prompt return added to the emotional significance of their homecoming. Background of the Case The seven Navy veterans, namely Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Commander Amit Nagpal, along with Sailor Ragesh, were arrested in August 2022. They had been working for the Dahra Global company in Qatar, assisting with the introduction of Italian U212 stealth submarines into the Qatari Emiri Naval Force. Legal Battle and Commutation of Capital Punishment The veterans faced a severe setback when a Qatari court sentenced them to death on October 26, 2023. However, India expressed deep shock at the verdict and explored all legal options to secure their release. The capital punishment was later commuted in December, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the COP28 summit in Dubai. Gratitude towards PM Modi and the Government Upon their return, the Navy veterans expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for their personal intervention and efforts in securing their release. They acknowledged that their release would not have been possible without the strong relationship between PM Modi and Qatar. A Diplomatic Triumph for India The release of the seven Navy veterans from Qatar not only brings an end to their harrowing ordeal but also serves as a significant diplomatic victory for India. The successful resolution of this sensitive issue demonstrates the effectiveness of India's diplomatic channels and showcases the country's commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens abroad. Looking Ahead The safe return of the Navy veterans from Qatar serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomatic engagement and the protection of citizens' rights in the international arena. The Indian government's proactive approach in resolving this case sets a positive precedent for future diplomatic challenges and reinforces India's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens worldwide.

15 Feb 2024
Good News

As FIFA Progresses, Tamil Nadu Continues To Reap the Benefit of Eggsport

Did you know that Tamil Nadu, the land of beautiful temples also happens to be a major supplier of eggs? Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu and its surrounding area are home to over 700 of the state’s 1,100 chicken farms. With its daily production of roughly 60 million eggs, it supplies eggs to Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengal. Other than that, Namakkal also exports eggs to Gulf countries. Of late there has been an over two-fold increase in the export of eggs to Qatar owing to the increased demand for eggs as the country plays host to the FIFA World Cup. While egg prices increased globally in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tamil Nadu continues to provide eggs at a reasonable price without compromising on the quality of eggs. According to K Singaraj, president of the Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers' Association, the world cup has caused the demand for eggs to rise to 20 to 25 million per month from the usual 10 million during the past two months. The poultry farmers reported losses over the past two years as a result of Covid-19's crippling effects on exports. According to V Subramani, head of the Tamil Nadu Egg Poultry Farmers' Marketing Society, many farms had to shut down due to the soaring prices of raw materials. He lamented that eggs are still sold at Rs 5 despite our high manufacturing costs. The surge in the export of eggs will bring a smile to the faces of these hardworking poultry farmers.

5 Dec 2022
Good News

Wanderlust

The Amazing Architecture of the National Museum of Qatar Is Inspired by a Rock!

Nestled in the heart of Doha, the National Museum of Qatar is an architectural marvel. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, its interlocking disks mimic the desert rose crystal, creating an awe-inspiring visual journey.  When sand binds to crystals that emerge during the gradual evaporation of salt basins, it gives rise to the exquisite structure known as a desert rose. The resulting clusters take on the appearance of interlocking discs. The museum's distinctive design attracts visitors to the museum which showcases the rich tapestry of Qatar's past and present. Qatar's Heritage: The Museum traces Qatar's evolution from its nomadic past to its present as a thriving nation. With artifacts dating back centuries, the museum acts as a captivating time capsule, preserving and sharing the nation's heritage Interactive Learning Spaces: Breaking the stereotype of conventional museums, the National Museum of Qatar employs cutting-edge technology to engage visitors. More than a repository of artifacts, there are interactive exhibits and immersive installations that breathe life into history, making learning a vibrant and dynamic experience for all ages. Celebrating Qatar's Cultural Mosaic: Beyond historical artifacts, the museum celebrates Qatar's diverse cultural heritage. From traditional clothing to contemporary art installations, it paints a vivid picture of a nation proud of its roots yet embracing global influences. Underwater Marvels: Explore Qatar's underwater world at the Marine Life exhibit. See a variety of marine life in different ecosystems, showcasing the country's diverse plants and animals. This exhibit highlights the importance of taking care of the environment and preserving Qatar's unique biodiversity. Nestled in the heart of Doha, the National Museum of Qatar goes beyond being a mere building; it serves as a gateway to the essence of Qatar. As visitors explore its halls, they go on a captivating journey through time, culture, and the resilient spirit that defines this extraordinary nation.

15 Jan 2024
Wanderlust

Global News

The Greatest Messi Wins Argentina Their Third World Cup After Maradona in 1986

On December 18th, 2022, the world watched in awe as the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi, led Argentina to victory in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup against France.  From the opening whistle, it was clear that Argentina was the stronger team. Messi was in top form, weaving through the French defense with ease. He scored the first goal of the match from the penalty spot. His teammates were equally impressive, working tirelessly to support him and keep the pressure on the French side. By the 80th minute, Argentina was leading 2-0. France seemed like a no match for Argentina's attacking prowess. It took a valiant effort from the French star Kylian Mbappe to level the game in the dying minutes, forcing it to extra time. In the next 30 minutes, Messi & Mbappe rose to the occasion again for their national side with a goal each, making it 3-3 on paper. Finally, the game went to a penalty shootout to have a winner.  In the end, Argentina emerged as the deserved winners, with their goalkeeper Emi Martinez making two Herculean penalty saves, who also went on to win the Golden Glove trophy for being the best goalkeeper in the World Cup. The penalties ended 4-2 in Argentina's favor.  Messi was named the tournament's Best Player, having won the Golden Ball for the second time after 2014. Mbappe won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals in the World Cup. It was a momentous occasion for the Argentine team and Messi, who has always dreamed of leading his country to victory on the world stage like the great Diego Maradona did in 1986. As he lifted the trophy, tears of joy streamed down his face, a testament to the hard work and dedication that had brought him to this moment. It was a moment that will be remembered for years to come, as Argentina and Messi cemented their place in the annals of football history.

20 Dec 2022
Global News

Positive Reads

Japan Won Millions of Hearts the World Over Even After They Exit the FIFA 2022 Cup

The Japanese fans’ cleaning up of stadiums and the coach’s humble gesture even after their defeat and exit from the FIFA World Cup have left a lasting impression on the world. Japan lost to Croatia in a penalty shootout causing heartbreak for the fourth time in six tries, in the Round of 16.  The score remained tied at the end of the game, so the two teams lined up to take penalty kicks to determine the outcome. However, the Europeans scored three of their penalties while Japan missed three of its own, eliminating the Asian giant.  However, even though the Cup eluded Japan, the country returns home having won innumerable hearts. Japan not only excelled on the field, but the team and its fans also served as excellent role models off the field. The Japanese players cleaned up their locker area and left it nicer than when they found it after pulling off an amazing 2-1 comeback victory against the powerful Germans. In the spotless locker area, the players also wrote a note of gratitude in Arabic and kept a sweet piece of origami art. The Japanese spectators weren’t far behind when it came to the cleaning act. The Japanese supporters picked up the trash left behind after every game they went to, whether it featured their team or not. They again displayed heart, when, after losing to Croatia in the cruelest of ways, Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu bowed in gratitude to the devoted traveling supporters who made the trip to Qatar to cheer on their team.

8 Dec 2022
Positive Reads

Not To Be Missed: Japanese Fans Teach the World an Inspiring Lesson

Remember being told that Cleanliness is next to Godliness? But very few seem to be following this adage, especially in public places. However, Japanese fans have taken this proverb to heart and abide by it wherever they go. In a recently concluded FIFA match, one could see Japanese fans carrying big blue bags to collect litter. They picked up all the waste left in the stadium by the spectators.It was heartening to know that it was not even their match, yet they did it. Shinto, the Japanese belief system holds that cleanliness is godliness. In Shintoism, kegare (impurity or dirt) is the opposite of purity. They have a reputation for performing frequent rites of purification to ward off kegare. The Japanese think that even a single person suffering from kegare can have an impact on the entire society. And it's something like this that encourages individuals to keep their surroundings tidy. Generally speaking, they hold the view that disasters can be avoided through routine purification. Anand Mahindra, an industrialist from India who is renowned for offering his distinct viewpoint on current events, shared a video of the Japanese cleaning up the stadium on his Twitter account. He said that they were not doing it for the camera, but he was glad that their selfless act was captured by the camera so that the world gets to learn a universal lesson.  

24 Nov 2022
Positive Reads

Star Citizens

From Kerala to Qatar: This Mom of Five Sets Out on a SUV To Watch Football World Cup

Kannur native Naaji Noushi, 34, is a mother of five but that won’t let her dampen her adventurous spirit. The blogger is on a solo road trip to Qatar in a Mahindra Thar SUV that was flagged off by state Transport Minister Antony Raju in mid-October. She will reach Qatar in December to join the football frenzy. She asserts that it is her family’s support that fuels her daring journeys. Her husband gives all the assistance that she needs and her mother looks after her five children while she is away on her adventurous trips. She will drive her Mahindra Thar which she has affectionately dubbed Ollu (a colloquial word meaning woman), from Kerala to Mumbai. Following that, Ollu will be shipped to Oman, where Naaji will re-enter the road. Once there, she will travel through Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates before arriving in Qatar in the first week of December. She has equipped the SUV with a kitchen and plans to sleep there as well. Naaji had taken multiple solo journeys through India and Nepal in the past. When asked about her transition from a housewife to a traveler, Naaji recalled that she had not even been on a study excursion when she was a student in Kerala. She believes that no matter how women are brought up, there is always scope to change for the better in the future. She wanted to show that women can travel alone in India without fear. She also wishes that when her kids grow up they can look back and be proud of their mom’s achievements.

15 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

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