Author: none@none.com (AFP)

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly cracked down on 16 tourism companies for illegally facilitating pilgrims’ travel to Makkah, resulting in over 1,100 deaths during this year’s Haj. Arab diplomats revealed that Egyptians made up a majority of the deaths, with 630 unregistered pilgrims among them. The companies used personal visit visas to organize Haj programs, preventing pilgrims from entering Makkah via official channels, ultimately leading to the tragic deaths. Saudi officials defended their management of the pilgrimage, citing difficult weather conditions and harsh temperatures during key rituals. Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires all Muslims with the…

On the occasion of the 10th International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led hundreds of people in a yoga session in India-held Kashmir, showcasing the importance of physical wellness and strength. Despite the rain moving the event indoors, Modi emphasized the benefits of incorporating yoga into daily routines for overall well-being. While yoga itself is not a religious practice, its roots in Hindu philosophy can cause cultural tension in regions like Kashmir. Some residents view it as a form of cultural imposition, fearing the influence on future generations. Modi’s visit to Kashmir comes in the wake of recent attacks…

In a tragic incident in Tamil Nadu, India, at least 34 people have lost their lives after consuming toxic illegal alcohol, with over 100 others rushed to the hospital, as reported by state officials. The locally brewed arrack drink was contaminated with poisonous methanol, leading to this deadly outcome. Chief minister M.K. Stalin expressed his concern over the incident and emphasized that those responsible for this crime will face severe consequences. This revelation sheds light on the rampant issue of cheap alcohol production in India, often resulting in fatal consequences due to the addition of harmful substances like methanol. While…

Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities are set to join the United Nations-hosted talks in Doha, marking a significant step in engaging with the international community. This move comes after the Taliban snubbed previous invitations, showing a willingness to participate in shaping Afghanistan’s future. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres initiated these talks in May 2023 to form a unified approach towards working with the Taliban. The upcoming conference in Doha on June 30 and July 1 will address crucial issues like aid, investments, and opportunities for investors in Afghanistan. Despite criticism from women’s groups, the Taliban spokesperson emphasized the importance of participating in discussions…

The Taliban authorities have confirmed their attendance at the upcoming third round of United Nations-hosted talks on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. This decision comes after initially snubbing an invitation to the previous round, raising doubts about their participation. The conference, scheduled for June 30 and July 1, will see a delegation from the Taliban government representing Afghanistan and expressing its position on various topics. The agenda includes discussions on aid for Afghanistan, opportunities for investors, and financial and economic issues. Despite some reluctance in the past, the Taliban government has agreed to engage in dialogue and exchange views with foreign…

Far away from the bustling high-rises of Mumbai, India’s impoverished villages supplying water to the megacity are facing a severe crisis as resources run dry. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, with erratic rainfall and extreme heat leading to dwindling water supplies. Lacking basic infrastructure, rural villages rely on traditional wells that are struggling to meet the increasing demand. Residents like Sunita Pandurang Satgir spend hours each day fetching water, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in the scorching summer months. Government tankers provide irregular supplies of untreated water, posing health risks to the villagers. Water Woes Despite being the source…

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Muslims gather in Makkah for the annual Haj pilgrimage, a sacred and essential practice in Islam. This year, the pilgrimage is taking place amidst the backdrop of the Gaza conflict, adding a layer of tension to the proceedings. With more than 1.2 million pilgrims already arrived from around the world, the Haj is a significant event for Muslims globally. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has stirred emotions among the Muslim community, making this year’s pilgrimage a test for Saudi leaders. Pilgrimage Politics The recent attacks in Gaza have amplified tensions, with Saudi Arabia’s…

Saudi Aramco, the oil giant, announced that international investors have overwhelmingly purchased shares in its latest offering, raising $11.2 billion. This move will provide a financial boost to Saudi Arabia as it focuses on large-scale projects like resorts and stadiums in line with its reform agenda for a post-oil future. With the majority of shares going to investors outside the Kingdom, Aramco’s stock closed at 28.60 Saudi riyals per share, underscoring its market capitalization of about $1.85 trillion. Notably, 58 percent of shares were snapped up by international investors, a significant increase from the 2019 IPO which was the largest…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently revealed his coalition government lineup, which includes 71 members taking the oath of office following a surprise election setback that cost his party an overall majority. Despite this setback, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) old guard still dominates the government, with key posts remaining unchanged to ensure policy continuity. While some positions were given to coalition allies in exchange for their support, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) receiving the civil aviation ministry, the majority of crucial posts remain with BJP loyalists. Notably, there are no Muslim lawmakers among the new lineup, a…

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third term after unexpected election results forced him to rely on coalition partners to govern. Modo appointed a 71-member cabinet, including 11 NDA ally ministers. Despite his party’s ten-year rule, Modi’s BJP did not secure a clear majority this time. The 15-member coalition NDA offered the parliamentary numbers needed for governance. Various South Asian leaders attended the ceremony, but notable absentees were China and Pakistan. The crowd included BJP loyalists, Bollywood figures, and key Modi allies like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Reports suggest that top government positions will remain…