Service Available Through Nusuk App for Added Convenience Authorities in Makkah have introduced a free luggage storage service for Umrah pilgrims, offering greater convenience during their pilgrimage. The storage facilities are located near the Grand Mosque: one to the east, near the Makkah Library, and another to the west near Gate 64. Pilgrims can access the service by presenting their permits via the Nusuk app. The storage service accommodates bags weighing up to 7 kg for a maximum of four hours. However, loose items, valuables, prohibited goods, food, and medicine are not accepted. To retrieve their belongings, pilgrims must present…
Author: Web Desk
Massive Project Set to Triple Capacity of Three Gorges Dam China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, marking the beginning of an ambitious project with far-reaching implications for the region. The dam, located in the lower reaches of the river, is estimated to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—more than triple the capacity of the current world leader, the Three Gorges Dam in central China, which generates 88.2 billion kWh. The new project is set to play a crucial role in China’s push towards carbon peaking and achieving…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has firmly rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s claims regarding the control of the Panama Canal. Mulino denied suggestions that Panama should negotiate with the US over the canal’s operations or reduce tolls for US vessels, following Trump’s remarks about China’s involvement in the canal’s management. Mulino emphasized that the Panama Canal, which was constructed by the United States but transferred to Panama in 1999, remains under Panama’s control and is not subject to external influence. He underscored that the canal’s ownership came at a significant cost and that it belonged solely to the Panamanian people.…
Elections Expected in February 2025 German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has announced the dissolution of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, setting the stage for early elections on February 23, 2025. This decision follows Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s loss of a confidence vote on December 16, and the agreement between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) on the election date. In his speech, Steinmeier emphasized the importance of political stability, stating that it is a “precious asset” for the country. With the elections approaching, opinion polls show a 10-point lead for Friedrich Merz’s CDU over Scholz’s SPD,…
Environmental and Regional Impacts of the Yarlung Zangbo Project China has officially approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, a project that could significantly impact millions of people downstream in India and Bangladesh. The dam, expected to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, will surpass the Three Gorges Dam in terms of capacity, which is currently the largest in the world with a design capacity of 88.2 billion kWh. The construction will aid in China’s efforts to meet its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets while stimulating related industries, including…
Houthi Forces Vow to Respond to Israeli Strikes On December 26, 2024, Israel launched airstrikes targeting multiple facilities linked to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport and military infrastructure in Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib. According to Houthi media, at least six people were killed, and dozens more were injured. The strikes, which also hit power stations in Yemen, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization’s Director-General, was at the airport when the attack occurred and reported that one of the crew members on his plane was…
Fresh Clashes Erupt in Imphal Valley as Violence Persists Ethnic tensions in India’s northeastern state of Manipur remain unresolved after more than a year, with fresh clashes reported in the Imphal Valley between armed groups. The ongoing conflict, primarily between the Kuki and Meitei communities, continues to destabilize the region. Recent reports highlight gunfire exchanges between armed factions using modern weaponry, leading to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local residents. Despite efforts to resolve the conflict, violence persists, with both communities suffering casualties and enduring hardship. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of multiple stakeholders, creating…
A Key Figure in India’s Economic Reforms and Political Landscape Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024. He had been admitted to AIIMS in Delhi earlier in the day after his health deteriorated. Dr. Singh, who retired from the Rajya Sabha in April 2024 after a remarkable 33-year parliamentary career, had been a prominent figure in India’s political and economic landscape. He first joined the Rajya Sabha in 1991, shortly after being appointed Union Finance Minister in the government of PV Narasimha Rao. Born on September 26,…
Global Shifts in Politics and Economy Amid Rising Inflation and Changing Governments Inflation played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of 2024, with rising costs affecting citizens across the globe. Although inflation dropped in most economies, public anger over soaring prices led to significant political changes, with incumbent governments facing backlash in election after election. In the United States, inflation was a key factor in Donald Trump’s return to the presidency after being ousted in 2020. His supporters, who had failed to overturn election results previously, made their voices heard at the ballot box, ushering in a new…
Today marks the 17th death anniversary of Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, observed with great devotion and respect. The main congregation is being held in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the ancestral town and final resting place of the Bhutto family. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and other central and provincial leaders are addressing the gathering. Benazir’s youngest child, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, who serves as Pakistan’s First Lady and the central president of the Ladies Wing, is present at the event. Faryal Talpur, a member of the Sindh Assembly, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah have…
