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The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
News in Frames: Wular back in the pink
The sight of dew droplets dripping down large lotus leaves in the morning enhances the bewitching charm of the Wular lake in the Kashmir Valley these days. Waxy green leaves and pink lotuses now embellish the large surface of the freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains, after a gap of three decades. 'It is the Almighty's miracle that lotuses are a reality on the lake again. The lake had turned barren more than three decades ago for our own sins. For local farmers, it means more money and happier times ahead this year,' says Bashir Dar, a local fisherman. Over the years, farming practices and rising population had increased nutrient pollution load and silting into the lake waters, which saw an extraordinary increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Lotus, being a deep lake plant, only blooms in water with low phosphorus. Also, with large amounts of silt added to the lakebed, which acts as an absorption basin for floodwaters, the lotus plants could not survive. 'Lotus blooming [at present] is the result of ongoing de-siltation carried out after the 2014 floods in Kashmir,' says Khursheed Khan, a teacher. The lake, once considered among Asia's largest freshwater lakes, tells a sad story of ecological degradation. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department, the area of the lake was 217.8 in 1911 and included 58 of associated marshes. However, it was reduced to an alarming 86.71 by 2007. The main cause of this shrinkage was conversion into agricultural land, thus reducing the lake area by 28% and its fauna by 17%, an official survey suggests. In 1992, lotuses in the Wular stopped blooming after floods in the Jhelum river damaged the ecosystem. At present, the lake is surrounded by 31 villages and home to over 12,000 households. The Wular lake is also home to folklore, with mythology and legends woven around gods and kings of the past. The local communities are overjoyed by the pink blooms today. Lotuses act as a barometer of the ecological health of the lake. The lotus stems are collected through an arduous exercise as they are considered a delicacy. Traditionally cooked with freshwater fish, the stems are a must-have item at weddings in Kashmir. (Text by Peerzada Ashiq) Wular back in the pink Rosy picture: A big lotus in full bloom at the Wular lake in Bandipora district. Lotuses have bloomed again in the freshwater lake, one of the largest in the Indian subcontinent, after nearly three decades. Nothing goes to waste: People on boats collect the weed growing in the Wular lake, located 60 km from Srinagar, to feed their cattle. Walk by the lake: The lake is a crucial habitat along the Central Asian Flyway for migratory geese, ducks, shorebirds, cranes as well as local birds. It attracts 213 waterbird species. Season to flourish: The return of the lotus in the lake has sparked hope among communities as it brings economic benefits. Means of sustenance: A farmer on his boat harvests water chestnuts. Chestnut collection is one of the many activities that sustains families living close to the lake. Lakeside life: Women gathering water chestnuts. Lotus flowers and stems, chestnuts and fish from the lake benefit the local community. Heap of feed: A man on a boat transports a pile of weed from the lake. Farmers use the weed as cattle fodder. Blurred yet distinct: Revived through desilting and conservation efforts, the lake now has lotuses along vast stretches. Sight to behold: With mountains and vast stretches of largely unblemished nature all around, Wular lake is a picture-perfect locale. It is a sprawling lake, but the area fluctuates seasonally.
New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Life & The Afterlife
I am constantly reminding myself that these are random occurrences. But, the frequency and regularity with which these grotesque deaths are happening is making me feel that some other sinister events are in play. It is like the earth is swallowing up all our young people! And I am talking about the young people who are hale and hearty, take care of their health, non-smokers, and I could go on and on. They are going to sleep one night and not waking up the next morning! As Indians we are very accepting about the death and its repercussions on the unfortunate families left behind. We have our culture, prayers, and a strong belief in the Almighty and a huge support system in the form of family, friends and neighbours. There are no words or deeds one can offer or do to a devastated mother or a young wife or husband that is left behind. Sometimes, even as a words-smith, I am bereft of anything to say. Chef Anuj Sood was a bright young star at the ITC Gardenia who helped open up their specialty restaurant Cajsa (meaning pure). I remember going there for an intimate pre-opening and meeting up with the very talented Anuj . His excitement was infectious! On my subsequent visits I would always see him hard at work behind the counters, encouraging the staff with a pat or a kind word. A young father who's eyes would light up when he spoke of his daughter and wife in Australia. To him cooking was an art form and he literally conjured up magic with his gastronomy skills winning the admiration of his peers and seniors in the industry. An avid traveller, a passionate singer and dancer, Anuj was the life of every get-together. Yet, one morning he never woke up. He just slipped away after wishing his still shell-shocked mother goodnight. R.I.P. Anuj. I never imagined that after that warm hug we shared when I congratulated you on your superb dinner barely three months ago would be the last. Gone much too soon…
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan offers condolences over death of 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq gas incident
Pakistan has expressed its deepest condolences on Tuesday after 12 Turkish soldiers lost their lives following exposure to methane gas during a search mission in northern Iraq. In a statement on Tuesday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan conveyed the nation's grief over the tragedy. "We are deeply saddened to learn that 12 Turkish soldiers were martyred after being exposed to methane gas during a search mission in the Claw-Lock Operation zone," he said. He prayed for the Almighty's mercy upon the fallen soldiers and extended heartfelt condolences to their families. We are deeply saddened to learn that 12 Turkish soldiers were martyred, after being exposed to methane gas during a search mission in the Claw-Lock Operation zone. We wish Allah's mercy upon the martyrs and express deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Pakistan 🇵🇰… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 8, 2025 Khan also reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for Turkey during this difficult time, offering solidarity with the brotherly nation. The Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency reported that the soldiers were exposed to the methane gas while carrying out a sweep operation in a cave located at an altitude of 2,795 feet in the Claw-Lock Operation zone. Read: Turkey evacuates over 50,000 as wildfires rage in Izmir province The Turkish defence ministry said the incident took place on Sunday during a mission to locate the remains of a Turkish soldier killed during a military operation against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in May 2022. Eleven other soldiers, who were also exposed to gas in the cave have been shifted to the hospital, the ministry said. Millî Savunma Bakanı Yaşar Güler ve beraberindeki TSK Komuta Kademesi'nin, Pençe-Kilit Harekâtı bölgesinde metan gazından zehirlenerek GATA'da tedavileri devam eden kahraman Mehmetçiklerimizi ziyaretinden görüntüler…#MillîSavunmaBakanlığı#YaşarGüler — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) July 7, 2025 The incident comes at a sensitive time with Turkey in talks to end the conflict with the Kurds after the PKK militant group agreed to end its decades-long armed struggle. The conflict, which began in 1984, has cost more than 40,000 lives.
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Together By Emma Hercus
With kind wide faces and a washy layering of colour, Together by Emma Hercus reminds us that we are social creatures, bound to one another through shared conversation and a day spent giggling side by side, Kuaka flying above. Each canvas rendered with folkloric care, a charming naïvity and distinctly Aotearoa quality that Hercus uses to hold the breath of an intimate scene and nail it to the wall. A yearning to document our affections, to be wrapped up and absorbed by in years to come. Together centres on the scenes we share amongst friends. Amongst family. The warmth from your lover next to you in bed, the dance of after dinner dishes, and the hum of a communal flat in the evening. The moments where eyes meet over laughter that force our hand to a camera and are talked about fondly in reminiscence. Leading ponies around a paddock, lighting a secret shared cigarette. Eye-contact, joy, tears, touch, presence and shared silence. Hercus reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves, larger than tall Kauri trees and our long coastlines, something beating and belonging - community, family, and togetherness. Join us for the opening celebration on Friday evening, 11th July, from 6pm. Kindly sponsored by Almighty, Rock Ferry Wines, Newday Coffee, and Arobake. ARTIST BIOGRAPHY – EMMA HERCUS Emma offers glimpses into a whimsical world shaped by her rural upbringing and coastal surroundings. Her playful yet complex narratives are filled with relatable figures, native plants and animals, with a sense of care for Aotearoa's whenua and its creatures. Known for her distinctive figurative and naïve paintings, the Plimmerton-based artist builds up colour and texture through layers of pigment, often scratching back the surface to reveal a sense of history beneath. Emma's love of people—their stories, energy and shared moments—deeply informs her practice, as the characters she paints often echo aspects of herself. Vague memories, folklore, and everyday scenes emerge and intertwine in her richly embellished works. EXHIBITION DETAILS Together Emma Hercus 12 July – 2 August 2025 Opening Night Friday, 11 July 2025, 6pm Twentysix Gallery 26 Constable Street Omārōrō Newtown Pōneke Wellington Opening Hours Thurs/Fri 12 – 6 Sat 10 – 4 And by appointment
Saba Yemen
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Million-person marches in capital & provinces bless Iran's victory & reaffirm steadfastness with Gaza
Sana'a - Saba: Al-Sabeen Square in the capital, Sana'a, and public squares across the provinces were packed on Friday with massive million-strong crowds, affirming their continued steadfastness alongside the Palestinian people and celebrating the great victory achieved by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Zionist enemy. The marches, which raised the slogan "Blessing Iran's Victory... Steadfastness with Gaza Until Victory," also extended congratulations to all Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of the new Hijri year. They emphasized that this religious occasion demands unity among the Ummah's sons to confront the threats facing their peoples, primarily the forces of evil led by America and the Zionist entity. The massive turnout of the Yemeni people, coinciding with the beginning of the new Hijri year, reflects their continued mobilization and commitment to the path of jihad, relying on God and trusting in His victory and support. They considered the Islamic Republic's triumph over the enemy of the Ummah a result of reliance on God and adherence to His command in preparation, steadfastness, and resilience against adversaries. The events began in the capital, Sana'a, which witnessed a major mass rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people and in celebration of the Iranian people, their leadership, and their army for their great victory over the American-Zionist enemy—a victory for the entire Ummah and all free people of the world. The crowds renewed their pledge to Almighty God, His Noble Messenger, and the leader of the Quranic march, vowing to remain steadfast in their supportive stance for Gaza and the Palestinian people , in defending the causes of the Ummah and Islamic sanctities. They stressed that this religious occasion marks a pivotal moment to continue the path of jihad, sacrifice, and devotion in the cause of God, supporting Islam and holy sites, and deterring the enemies of the Ummah. The crowds hailed the legendary resilience of the heroes of the resistance in the Gaza Strip and their high-quality operations and painful strikes against the criminal Zionist enemy, inflicting heavy losses in lives and equipment. In Sa'ada province, 36 massive marches were held, with participants congratulating the Islamic Republic of Iran on its great victory over the criminal Israeli enemy and its accomplices and supporters. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, Quds against the crimes of the Zionist-American enemy and their systematic starvation war against the Palestinians. The people of Sa'ada vowed to continue supporting the Palestinian people and their just cause, backing the Palestinian resistance until the defeat of the enemy entity from all occupied lands. They celebrated the precise strikes of the Palestinian resistance, which have punished the criminal Zionists and inflicted heavy losses upon them. Similarly, Al-Hodeida province witnessed massive public marches across 235 squares in its districts, expressing pride in Iran's victory over the Zionist entity and renewing their steadfastness and support for Palestine. The people of Al Hodeida pointed out that the failure of the American-Zionist enemy to achieve any of its objectives against Iran opens the door for the countries and peoples of the region to reshape their reality from a position of strength. They emphasized that the daily genocide faced by the Gaza Strip cannot be separated from the arrogant project itself, and that the response to these crimes can only be through jihad and continuous struggle. They affirmed that the Yemeni people will remain at the forefront in defending the causes of the nation and the impenetrable fortress against any threat targeting its peoples, reiterating their readiness to confront any escalation imposed by the enemy. Meanwhile, Al Mahwit province witnessed 75 mass marches, where participants congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on its victory against global arrogance. They reaffirmed their steadfastness with the oppressed Palestinian people and continued support until victory is achieved and their land is liberated from Zionist occupation. The people of Al Mahwit reiterated that the Yemeni people will remain at the forefront of free nations opposing the Zionist enemy and that supporting the Palestinian cause is not a passing stance but a firm ideological choice that will not be abandoned, no matter the challenges. They praised the honorable and faith-driven positions of the revolution leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi, which embody the meanings of dignity in supporting the nation's causes, foremost among them Palestine. They affirmed their commitment to the path of jihad until victory is achieved for Palestine and the projects of arrogance in the region are defeated. In turn, the people of Sana'a province took to the streets in massive rallies in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their mujahideen heroes, and to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran—its leadership and people—on its great victory over the Zionist enemy. Participants in the marches called on all countries and peoples of the world to break their silence and take action in support of their brethren in Gaza, where the Zionist entity commits all forms of crimes in full view and hearing of the world. The people of the province renewed their pledge to continue on the path of jihad, support the noble Prophet, and never abandon the Palestinian people, no matter the challenges. Meanwhile, the districts of Damt, Al Hasha, Waqtabah, and Jubin in Al Dhale' province witnessed massive rallies, celebrating Iran's victory and standing firm with Gaza until victory over the usurping enemy is achieved. The people of Al Dhale' reaffirmed their unwavering and escalating stance in support of the people of Gaza, who are facing the most horrific genocide by the criminal Zionists without any international move to stop these brutal massacres, which are a stain on humanity's conscience. They celebrated the great victory achieved by the Islamic Republic over the aggressive Israeli enemy and the foiling of its schemes, considering it a deterrent to the forces of evil and hegemony led by "America." Similarly, Al Bayda province witnessed massive rallies where participants celebrated Iran's victory over the Zionist enemy and condemned the horrific massacres and genocidal crimes committed by the enemy entity in the Gaza Strip. They affirmed that the million-strong rallies were in support of the Palestinian people and against American-Israeli tyranny over the Islamic nation, as well as in celebration of the Islamic Republic of Iran's victory over the Zionist enemy. They emphasized that Yemen will continue its battle of dignity and honor against the usurping entity until the aggression is stopped and the siege on Gaza is lifted. To Taiz Governorate, which witnessed 57 mass marches affirming solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine against the tyrants and evildoers of the earth—America, Israel, and their tools. The crowds participating in the marches chanted slogans expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and celebrating the great victory achieved by the Islamic Republic against the Zionist enemy. The people of Taiz emphasized that the anniversary of the Prophet's migration is a great occasion to strengthen unity and steadfastness in confronting the enemies of the nation and defending oppressed peoples, foremost among them the brotherly Palestinian people, who are facing genocide at the hands of the criminal Zionist enemy. In Dhamar province, massive public marches took place in 46 squares, reaffirming their unwavering stance with Gaza and celebrating Iran's victory over the Zionist entity. The people of the governorate chanted slogans condemning the ongoing Zionist aggression and the international stance that aligns with the enemy, while celebrating the great victory achieved by the Iranian people over the Zionist entity—a victory that proved this entity's inevitable demise. The participants renewed their pledge to God and His Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) to remain steadfast on the path of faith and jihad, supporting the Prophet, his message, and Islam. Meanwhile, in Raymah Governorate, massive public marches were held in 70 squares, where participants raised banners in solidarity with the people of Gaza and rejoiced at the great victory achieved by the Islamic Republic over the Zionist enemy, breaking its will. They affirmed the Yemeni people's steadfast support for the Palestinian people until the aggression on Gaza stops, condemning the ongoing Zionist-American crimes against the people of Gaza amid shameful silence from Arab and Islamic countries and humanitarian organizations. The people of Raymah called for continued confrontation against the enemies of the nation and humanity, renewing their mandate to the leader of the revolution to take all necessary measures to support the Palestinian people and their resistance until the downfall of the temporary entity. In Hajjah Governorate, the people gathered in 240 mass marches, reaffirming their continued steadfastness and support for the oppressed Palestinian people in Gaza and confronting Zionist aggression until the assault is stopped and decisive victory is achieved. They congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran—its people, leadership, and army—on the great victory achieved over the American-Zionist enemy following the devastating strikes that targeted the strongholds of the usurping entity deep inside the occupied Palestinian territories. The people of Hajjah reiterated their full readiness to make sacrifices in support of the oppressed and vulnerable in Gaza, defending land, honor, and national sovereignty, and engaging in the decisive battle between truth and falsehood. Similarly, in Ibb Governorate, 190 massive marches were held to celebrate the great victory achieved by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Israeli and American enemy and to reaffirm Yemen's unwavering stance with the Palestinian people in Gaza. Participants in the marches considered the crimes committed by the Zionist enemy in the Gaza Strip a blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws, requiring the international community to swiftly hold the leaders of the occupation accountable as war criminals. They emphasized that Iran's response to Zionist aggression is a message to all the people of the nation that resistance is the only path to liberate occupied lands, calling on the international community to take responsibility for the crimes committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people. The people of Ibb expressed their readiness to confront any escalation by the Zionist enemy and to continue supporting Gaza, renewing their mandate to the leader of the revolution to take appropriate measures in support of Gaza and the defense of Yemen's sovereignty. In Lahj Governorate, two marches and a massive rally were held in Al-Qabbaytah District, where participants chanted slogans celebrating the victory of the Iranian people over the Zionist enemy, which shattered the arrogance of the American-Zionist enemy and marked a victory for all the people of the nation. The crowds participating in the marches and rally affirmed their continued support for the oppressed Palestinian people and their valiant resistance, as well as their backing of Al-Aqsa Mosque, renewing their disavowal of the enemies of Islam, traitors, and collaborators. In Amran Governorate, 85 mass marches were held in the governorate center and its districts, celebrating Iran's victory over the Zionist entity and renewing their steadfastness with Gaza. Participants in the marches chanted slogans affirming their readiness to confront any escalation by the Zionist enemy... congratulating the Islamic Republic of Iran on its great victory over the criminal Israeli enemy and its henchmen and supporters. The people of Amran also reaffirmed their steadfast support for the Palestinian people against the crimes of the Zionist enemy and the systematic starvation war waged against the people of Gaza... renewing their mandate to the revolutionary leader to take all appropriate measures to support the Palestinian people and their resistance until the demise of the temporary entity. In Marib province, 17 mass marches and dozens of rallies were held, celebrating the historic victory of the Iranian people and reaffirming solidarity with the Palestinian people. They renewed their pledge to remain steadfast on the path of faith, holding high the banner of jihad in support of the oppressed and confronting global arrogance. The people of the governorate congratulated their brothers in Iran—leadership and people—on their historic victory against the forces of evil and aggression represented by America, Israel, and their allies... pointing out that the new Hijri year begins amid high faith-driven momentum and widespread jihadist mobilization to reinforce the fronts and prepare to confront the enemies of Islam. They called on the peoples of the Arab and Islamic nations to take urgent action in support of the Palestinian people and to halt the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza... blessing the operations of the Palestinian resistance against the occupying Zionist entity. Al-Jawf province also witnessed massive marches in its center and districts, rejoicing in the great victory achieved by the brotherly people of Iran over the enemy of the nation, the Zionist entity, and reaffirming Yemen's steadfast and continuous support for the people of Gaza. The million-man marches in the capital and provinces issued a statement, the text of which is as follows: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Master Muhammad, his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions. Allah the Almighty says: "And those who believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided – it is they who are the true believers. For them is forgiveness and noble provision." (Quran 8:74) In response to Allah the Almighty, His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), and the call of the leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi (may Allah preserve him), we took to the streets today in our million-man marches in support of the Palestinian people and their beloved mujahideen, and to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran—leadership and people—renewing our pledge to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) to remain steadfast on the path of faith and jihad, supporting the Prophet, his message, and Islam... affirming the following: First:We congratulate the Arab and Islamic nation on the advent of the new Hijri year, asking Allah the Almighty to make it a year of jihad, victory, and goodness for the entire nation and the oppressed worldwide. On this occasion, deeply rooted in the consciousness of the Yemeni people and their honorable faith-based history—from their great ancestors, the supporters of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), to their glorious present as the foremost bearers of the Quranic path—we renew our covenant and promise to Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him and his family), and the leader of the Quranic march, the bearer of the banner of jihad, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi (may Allah preserve him). We pledge to continue this march without hesitation, retreat, or cowardice, relying on Allah, trusting in Him, and confident that He will grant our nation the manifest victory and the promised conquest, Allah willing. Second:We congratulate our brothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran—leadership and people—and their beloved mujahideen in the army and the Revolutionary Guards on their great victory over the unjust Zionist-American aggression. The criminal and murderous Trump had set the goal of forcing Iran into unconditional surrender, but after receiving crushing blows, he himself was compelled to announce an unconditional halt to their aggression against Iran—the land of dignity and pride. The enemy entity suffered devastating strikes unlike any in its history stained with shame and disgrace. This is the fruit of reliance on Allah, preparation, strong nation-building, and the choice of jihad and resistance, rejecting surrender, subjugation, normalization, and allegiance to enemies. This should serve as hope, a model, and an example for the rest of the Arab and Islamic world—if only they would reason. Third: We congratulate our beloved brothers in the valiant Palestinian resistance on their painful strikes against the Zionist enemy, which gladden hearts. We commend their steadfastness, patience, and continued jihad despite immense hardships. We renew our promise , pledge to them and to all the Palestinian people in Gaza and across Palestine to continue providing support, standing by their side, and defending the holy sites with all our might until Allah grants them and us imminent victory, Allah willing. We ask Allah the Almighty to hasten relief and victory for the oppressed Muslim Palestinian people and their beloved mujahideen, to grant us victory through His support, to have mercy on the martyrs, heal the wounded, and free the prisoners. He is the All-Hearing, the Answerer of prayers. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
