Category: International

International

All Saint’ Day: Why Is It Celebrated Next Day To Halloween?

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November 1 is Halloween but how not many people know that the holiday precedes a religious festival celebrated as All Saint’ Day that comes just after the spooky day.

UK has been celebrating All Saint’ Day for centuries. Historians coincide the festival with the ancient Celtic festival Samhain that is considered the inspiration behind modern Halloween celebrations.

What is All Saint’ Day?

It is a tradition of honouring the all known and unknown religious saints throughout the history of Christianity. The root of the festival can be traced back to the 4th Century but it developed into a festival only 7th Century when Pope Boniface IVincluded all martyrs in the commemorations. 

In earlier times, All Saint’ Day was celebrated in the month of April but the date was changed to coincide with Halloween in the mid-9th Century. The objective of this day is to strengthen the bond between those in the heaven and those on the Earth. And for this reason, the people commemorate the departed souls by paying their tributes. This day is followed by All Souls’ Day on which people pay tributes to their family members and friends.

All Saint’ Day celebrations

It is a public holiday in Portugal and Spain. Portuguese children go door to door to receive cakes and sweets according to “Pao-por-Deus” tradition. In Mexico, the day is dedicated to children that spend the day in celebrating the departed souls. Other European countries like Italy, Germany, Poland and Sweden have developed a custom of visiting graves of deceased relatives and lighting candles on this day.

https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/all-saints-day-2019-what-meaning-when-date-meaning-halloween-824391
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International News & Politics

Turkey Blew The Lid From Pakistan’s Nuclear Proliferation Strategy

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Pakistan’s nuclear strategy is once again under the scanner after Turkey, the new ally of Pakistan, displayed its interest in acquiring nuclear arms. The issue resurfaced after 15 years of Pak nuclear smuggler AQ Khan admitting to smuggling of nuclear arms and having illicit exports.

What did Turkey say about nuclear armament?

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a strong appeal to go nuclear at a party convention. He said that the West had nuclear arms but they wanted Turkey to remain non-nuclear. He further said that this unbalance wasn’t acceptable to Turkey. This has triggered a restudy and relook of Nuclear Black Markets of AQ Khan’s network.

What is Nuclear Black Markets?

It is a study by the London think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies. The institute published its report with the name “Nuclear Black Markets” and it believes Turkey to the be the fourth client of AQ Khan. The other three clients are Libya, Iran and North Korea.

The study revealed that Turkey firms helped Khan in obtaining nuclear material from Europe, producing centrifuge parts and shipping finished products to buyers. The report says that Turkey possesses a considerable number of centrifuges of unknown origin. AQ Khan is said to be the man behind those centrifuges.

When was the last time Pakistan was faced nuclear proliferation charges?

It was in 2004-2005 when Pakistan was charged of nuclear proliferation but he got away with the charges with the help of Bush administration who needed Pakistan’s help in its war on terror in Afghanistan.

Source: https://bit.ly/32HUvuU

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Devotional International

Trump Would Celebrate Diwali Three Days Ahead In The White House

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US President Donald Trump will celebrate Diwali in White House three days ahead of the festival. He would mark the beginning of Diwali festival in America by lighting a ceremonial “diya” on Thursday. No other details of the celebrations were shared by the White House spokesman.

Who started the tradition of celebrating Diwali in White House?

Barack Obama started the tradition of celebrating Diwali by lighting a ceremonial lamp in the US. It was in 2009 when Obama then the US President first lit a lamp to celebrate Diwali in his office. Trump is the second US president to celebrate the festival of lights in White House.

It is Trump’s third Diwali celebration in White House

Trump celebrated his first Diwali in 2017 in his Oval Office in the presence of a select group of Indian-American community leaders. He hailed the contribution of Indian community in the development of America after lighting the ceremonial lamp.

In 2018, Trump invited then Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna for Diwali celebrations. It is third time that Trump will celebrate Diwali by lighting a ceremonial lamp in White House. But it isn’t known whether he would invite members of Indian-American community.

Both in 2017 and 2018, Trump referred to his good friendship with Indian PM Narendra Modi while lighting the ceremonial lamp. It is to be seen how he addresses the Indian community in the US.

Meanwhile, Diwali celebrations in the US have already begun. The Indian-American community has started preparations for celebrating the festival of light.

Source: https://bit.ly/2pIOq2G

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International News & Politics

Turkey Suspended Assault On Syria In A Forced Deal With The US

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Turkey will suspend its Syria offensive for five days but the assault would end only after the Kurdish-led forces withdraw from a safe zone along the border. US Vice President Mike Pence reached an agreement with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a marathon debate between the leaders.

What was the deal between US and Turkey?

The Kurdish forces will have to vacate an area 32 kilometers (20 miles) deep making a safe zone long sought by Turkey. Here it is necessary to mention that Ankara brands the Kurdish fighters as terrorists. US President Trump is behind this deal as he forced Ankara to accept the deal or face sanctions. It is widely known that President Trump threatened to destroy the economy of Turkey who’s an important NATO ally.

Highlights of the US and Turkey deal

  • 120-hour pause by Ankara
  • Pullout of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
  • Withdrawal of sanctions by the US

What are the repercussions of the deal in the US?

President Trump is facing strict criticism for this deal. James Jeffrey, the US pointman on Syria, called it a “carrot and stick” policy. He said that the US used sanctions to force Ankara to accept the deal. The safe zone is the carrot in the deal. The deal is said to be a betrayal for Kurdish fighters that helped the US fight against Islamic State group in recent years.

What the world has to say about Syrian assault?

Turkey faced criticism and condemnation for its assault on Syria that displaced more than 300,00 civilians. Many European countries even imposed arms imbroglio on Turkey.

Source: https://bit.ly/2oRowtH

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International National News & Politics

SpiceJet Flight SG-2 Sent Alarm Bells Ringing In Pakistani Airspace

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The Pakistan air force swing into action on seeing Kabul bound commercial flight from New Delhi in its airspace. It pressed to jets into action to escort the commercial out of its airspace.

What was the commotion in Pakistani airspace?

The Pakistani aviation authorities failed to recognize the scheduled commercial flight’s call sign and took a passenger airplane to be a military jet. It was a SpiceJet plane flying from New Delhi to Kabul that entered the Pakistani airspace on a scheduled flight. It all happened amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan on September 23.

What was the incident?

SpiceJet flight SG-2 was flying over Pakistani airspace when the Pak authorities took “SG” to be an Indian Air Force aircraft. And they took no time in sending two F-16 jets to escort the Boeing 737 with 120 passengers on board. The PAF jets could see that it was a commercial flight but they order the plane to come to a low altitude and escorted the plane to Afghanistan airspace.

How did the passengers react on seeing PAF jets?

There was nervousness in the plane. The passengers were frightened on seeing F-16s. They were asked to roll down the widow panes to avoid contact with PAF jets. But nothing untoward happened and the SpiceJet flight exited the Pakistani airspace safely. On return, the same flight was delayed for five hours to complete the paper work and obtain permission of Pak authorities to fly safely from their airspace. The flight didn’t report any untoward incident on return.

Source: https://bit.ly/2pvxw7J

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Hot News International News & Politics

Sanctions on Turkey- Donald Trump Inflict Sanctions on Turkey for Syria Offensive

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The President of US Donald Trump has thrust sanctions opposed the chief person of Turkey’s administration in retaliation to their invading against the Kurds in Syria, and make a small footprint of US mob or troop in-country.

The President of the US said that the steel toll would be raised to 50 percent and consultations over $100 billion craft deals should put on hold. He signed a law-making order inflicting the sanctions of Monday night. 

Words of US President

His words that: ” The circumstances in and in relative to Syria, and in certain the current actions by the executive of Turkey to lead a military invasion into northern Syria, diminished the offensive to conquer the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq, imperil civilians, ISIS, and more endanger to damage the security, stability and peace of state, and create so many more problems to the United States.”

This Government order will authorize the US to impose vigorous supplementary Sanctions on those which are seriously involved in human rights abuses, block a ceasefire, intercept dislodge persons from going back home, forcefully reconstruct the displaced persons, or intimidating the security, peace, and stability in Syria.

Source: https://bit.ly/35yQxXq

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International National News & Politics

Malaysia And Turkey To Face Import Restrictions For Their J&K Stand

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India is mulling over import restrictions on some products from Malaysia and Turkey over their official stand on J&K. These countries criticized New Delhi for removing Article 370 and 35A from Kashmir.

What did Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohammad say about J&K?

Speaking at UN, Mahathir Mohammad angered New Delhi by calling India’s action in Kashmir as “invaded and occupied”, the Modi government is contemplating serious action to reveal its displeasure over the Kashmir stand of Malaysia.

What import restriction would Malaysia face in India?

The government is planning to limit the import of palm oil from Malaysia. A discussion held by the commerce and industry ministry suggested restriction over palm oil import on Malaysia. India buys more than 9 million tons of palm oil annually from Malaysia and Indonesia.

How would the import restrictions affect Malaysia?

India imports the largest amount of edible oils and the palm oil accounts for close to two-thirds of its total import of edible oil. In the first nine-months of 2019, India emerged as the biggest buyer of palm oil from Malaysia. India is looking at Indonesia, Argentina and Ukraine for palm oil imports.

But the Malaysian PM said that he hadn’t received any official communication from India regarding restrictions on palm oil import. On the other hand, the Indian government officials are also tight lipped on the import restriction being imposed on Malaysia.

What is the result of declaration of import restrictions on Malaysia?

As expected, the Malaysian palm oil futures recorded a sharp decline after five days of gains on Friday evening.

Source: https://bit.ly/315td09

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International News & Politics

World Celebrates The World Post Day And 145 Years Of UPU On 9 October

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The Universal Postal Union (UPU) observes 9 October as World Post Day. Started in 1874 in Switzerland, UPU was the beginning of the revolution of global communication. The revolution is about the ability to write to others all over the world.

The start of World Post Day

The first World Post Day was declared at the 1969 UPU Congress in Tokyo Japan. And the proposal for starting a day for World Post was mooted by Shri Anand Mohan Narula, a member of the Indian delegation. And his proposal for declaring 9 October as the World Post Day was accepted by the congress.

Celebrations of the World Post Day

Every year, over 150 countries across the globe celebrate the World Post Day on 9th October. Some countries observe 9th October as a working holiday for their postal staff while others award the promising employees for commendable service.

Objective of the World Post Day

According to the UN, the World Post Day is celebrated to highlight value of the postal sector in everyday life for both individuals and businesses and its contribution in developing countries on both the social and economic front. The day is observed to encourage the member countries generating a broader awareness on the role of Post.

UPU Director General Bishar Abdirahman Hussein’s message

The DG thanked to the world citizen on the 145 years of UPU and called on the people to remember the role Post played in helping humanity across the globe. He further said the best way to celebrate the past is to work for the future.

Source: https://bit.ly/30Y8Xxe

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Hot News International National News & Politics

The Second US Presidential Candidate Sounds Concern Over Kashmir

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US Senator Elizabeth Warren voiced concerns over the communication lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir after the center revoked the Article 370 and 35A and bifurcated Kashmir into two Union Territories on August 5.

What did Ms. Warren say?

Elizabeth Warren is the second presidential candidate for the Democratic Party to raise the Kashmir issue. Her statement came almost a month after the fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders expressed concerns over Kashmir.

An influential American politician, Ms. Warren said that India-US ties were rooted in their shared democratic values and that she was concerned about the recent events in Kashmir leading to restrictions and continued communication blackout.

One of the fiercest critics of US President Donald Trump, the Massachusetts senator often accused Trump of undermining democracy through his acts.

What did Senator Bernie Sanders say?

Bernie Sanders said he was deeply concerned about the Kashmir situation at a campaign rally last month. He said that the communication blockade must be lifted immediately and the US government must speak boldly in support of international humanitarian law and UN backed peaceful resolution.

The Vermont Senator earlier raised the Kashmir issue during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the US last month. He wrote an op-ed in a local newspaper criticizing the deafening silence of Trump after the lockdown in Kashmir. The same day President Trump shared sated with PM Modi at the mega “Howdy Modi” … Read the rest

International News & Politics

Home Tours Was The Biggest Attraction Of The Architecture and The City Festival In San Francisco

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Recently the AIA SF concluded the 16th Architecture + The City Festival. It was a month-long festival. This year’s these was “We the City.” Leading designers were called for panel discussion and tours of opulent hillside homes were organized for guests. Also, prominent Bay Area Artists showcased their work to the guests.

Home tours component was the biggest attraction of the festival

Sponsored by Room & Board, the home tours attracted and entertained the guests more than other activities. The highlights of home tours component are as follows.

  • Five unique and modern residences in various neighborhoods throughout San Francisco
  • Former 1930’s warehouse on Natoma Street turned into a modern, multifaceted residence and working space by MAK Studio
  • Rodgers Architecture turned a traditional residence into a 21st-century urban living space called Eureka Valley home with ample open space and a three-story floating staircase

Other noted architects participated in the festival include Winder Gibson Architects, Schwartz and Architecture, and Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture.They also highlighted the city’s contemporary leanings with their work.

Panel discussion with designers and authors

The biggest highlight of panel discussion was the changing landscape of San Francisco and authors elaborated the topic through moderated lectures. PierluigiSerraino, the San Francisco–based architect and educator, explored the history of 20th-century modern American architecture through the lens of Ezra Stoller.

Festival’s gallery exhibit

The gallery was at the center of the theme “We the City.” It exhibited work of the local artists Thomas Heinser, David Irwin, Henrik Kam, and others. Also, people were allowed to send their pictures to enrich the festival with the work of locals. AIASF is the largest chapter of the AIA nationwide. It … Read the rest