Two women navy officers script maritime history after successful navigation of globe
Aboard were Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K, from Kozhikode in Kerala, and Puducherry native Roopa Alagirisamy, who had successfully navigated over 25,400 nautical miles over eight months in a voyage around the world — part of the Navy's ambitious Navika Sagar Parikrama expeditions.
With their arrival in Goa, the two naval officers made history, becoming only the ninth and tenth Indians to have circumnavigated the globe. They are also the first all-woman pair to accomplish the feat in a double-handed mode.
Such was the magnitude of the occasion that even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stood waiting on the pier to receive them. Speaking as the chief guest, he said, 'The duo has made the nation proud by waving the tricolour across the globe.'
'This miraculous voyage is not only your achievement — it is ours as a nation,' he added, also acknowledging the many men and women who enabled the mission.
Rajnath urged the officers to document their experiences 'with the same spirit with which [they had] completed it.' 'Record your bittersweet experiences and learnings, so the future generation, especially young women, can draw inspiration,' he said.
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News18
a day ago
- News18
Why It's Time To Focus On Foreign Tourist Arrivals Too
Our destinations are second to none, but India has to get its act together to maximise their appeal as viable choices for foreign holidayers To counter US President Donald Trump's increasing efforts to corral and penalise India economically while soft-pedalling America's real threat, China, some are suggesting India must increase foreign tourist arrivals. That is a brilliant idea: not only does it earn forex and create jobs, but a lot of people from around the world planning to holiday in the US are looking for alternatives, as are lakhs of Indians who go there every year. So why not divert US tourism traffic? After all, barring Disneyland and Yellowstone National Park's 'Old Faithful", there are hardly any lures the US can offer for which India does not have an alternative, although the size and scale may not be identical. After all, the US is three times the size of India area-wise, although its population is one-fourth that of India's. Our destinations are second to none, but India has to get its act together to maximise their appeal as viable choices for foreign holidayers. The US has Niagara Falls, India has Chitrakoot Falls. The US has the Empire State Building, India has the Taj Mahal. The US has the Rockies, India has the Himalayas. The US has the Statue of Liberty, India has the Statue of Unity. The US has the Grand Canyon, India has Gandikota Canyon. The US has Hollywood, India has Bollywood, Mollywood, Tollywood, etc. Not to mention beaches, adventure sports, sand dunes, forested vistas, architecture, and even casinos and shopping. But what India boasts by way of tourism assets is, sadly, offset by wide gaps in supporting infrastructure. To overcome that lacuna as fast as possible requires political will as well as public participation, as there is more to a holiday than just the place; it is the entire experience. If India sets its mind to it, there is no reason why travellers thinking of an American holiday won't seriously consider an Indian one instead, even if Trump might prefer to visit Balochistan. Roads and air connectivity have improved immensely in India, especially in the past decade. Although there are complaints about delays and airport glitches, these are no different from the usual operational snafus in European and American airports during peak season or extreme weather. Train services, often seen as a more eco-friendly way to travel, are not, however, comparable to those in Europe and the US, either in speed, punctuality, or onboard facilities. With a majority of Indians already using the railways for internal journeys, the pressure to provide upgraded services of international standards across the board is a tough ask—but it is not impossible. State-of-the-art, maybe even seasonal, foreign tourist-specific trains (perhaps with hard currency fares) on certain routes are an easy first step, with airport-like hubs in major metros, perhaps. That would take some pressure off airports and airline seats at peak times. Roads, airports, etc, being the responsibility of governments, the main stumbling block for entrepreneurs is the sheer number of permissions required to set up new hotels and other private tourism facilities. On average, there are twice as many permissions required from government departments in India than in our closest tourist-magnet neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia. That hindrance can and should be speedily addressed by the government. Yet, given that India has a high population density and pressure on land, permissions for new tourism infrastructure have to be targeted, keeping ecological concerns in mind. More hotels and resorts cannot be allowed to encroach on farmlands or undisturbed biodiversity hotspots in the name of development and jobs. One solution could be to offer government incentives to upgrade thousands of existing tourism-related properties to international standards. Once tourism infrastructure, both the government and private components, is complete, then—and only then—there must be a renewed publicity campaign in major international markets (especially those considering the US as an option!) spearheaded by the government, using all the new media tools now available, including influencers. Campaigns have to include not only information about the destinations but also the quality of the infrastructure and safety. Incredible India was an incredible success, but it must be reworked to address a new generation of travellers. Not all of them are only attracted by the 'exotica" aspect of India, from fortresses and coconut palm-fringed beaches to Mughal monuments. India's wildlife sanctuaries—the only place to see, say, Asiatic lions or the one-horned rhino—to golf and wellness retreats are a powerful draw. But only if a comfortable journey and a safe sojourn can be ensured. But even the best efforts can fail due to misinformation campaigns about India, probably at China's behest. Negative publicity, especially on safety and security issues, is endemic. The US, however, is spared. It is seen as safe, though the FBI's crime statistics estimates for 2024 released last week say that a violent crime occurred every 25.9 seconds: a murder every 31.1 minutes and a rape every 4.1 minutes. And yet this actually marked a 4.5 per cent drop from 2023! Terrorist attacks in India are far less than the number of mass shootings in the US per year—Pahalgam in 2025 versus 270 mass shootings up to mid-August. But warnings for tourists are routinely issued, particularly by Western nations, only for India. Visitors to the US, including Indians, are undeterred by those scary rape and shooting statistics, but a single well-chosen terror attack on an Indian tourist spot queers the entire pitch. Conspiracy theories are warranted. More so, as even a casual perusal of the internet will throw up plenty of 'news" about rapes of tourists in India, but only concerted digging will unearth instances of similar violence against female tourists in any European country or the US. The suppression of some news and highlighting of others to exaggerate the prevalence of rapes in India versus the rest of the world points to manipulation. Experts need to be roped in to counter algorithmic disinformation. If properly planned and implemented, there is no reason why upgrading India's tourism assets and amenities will not tempt visitors from all over the world, including those intending to holiday in the US, and even Americans used to domestic vacations, within the next couple of years. Then, after his White House stint ends and when Mar-a-Lago becomes a bit boring for a retired President, Trump himself may want to vacation in India too, rather than Pakistan. The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. tags : bollywood hollywood Taj Mahal tourism view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 20:24 IST News opinion Opinion | Why It's Time To Focus On Foreign Tourist Arrivals Too Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian man who helped countless people land UAE jobs returns after 51 years, greeted by roaring busload of people
An Indian expatriate from Kerala, who spent over five decades in the United Arab Emirates assisting thousands with employment visas and personally guiding dozens from his hometown into jobs, has now returned home. The man, identified as Thayyil Abdul Gafoor, received a grand welcome as a roaring busload of people greeted him in Kerala, a moment that has since gone viral. The Indian expat known as the 'real-life Gafoor' left UAE after decades of helping jobseekers and received a grand welcome in Kerala.(Instagram/siyotechtravel ) Check out the clip here: Fondly called the 'Real-life Gafoor' Thayyil Abdul Gafoor, 64, is widely known as the 'real-life Gafoor' among Malayalis, a name earned for his generosity in securing jobs for others. The title draws a contrast with the fictional conman Gafoor from the 1980s Malayalam cult comedy classic Nadodikkattu. According to a Gulf News report, Gafoor bid farewell to Dubai last week after multiple parties organised by his friends and colleagues. Upon arrival at Calicut International Airport, he was greeted by a surprise reception. A busload of well-wishers shouting slogans rented a state-run KSRTC bus to carry him to his village, Maruthinchira, in Malappuram district. A celebration fit for a local hero As Gafoor entered his village aboard the bus, an escort vehicle announced through loudspeakers, 'Our own Gafoorka has landed.' His arrival was marked by a drum ensemble, followed by a public reception attended by local officials and residents. A tribute video highlighting his life's journey was also screened. The reception was organised by members of his neighbourhood group, the KKB Group, to honour the man who, unlike his on-screen namesake played by the late comedian Mamukkoya, truly changed lives. 'It is all thanks to Dubai' Speaking from Maruthinchira, Gafoor told Gulf News he was overwhelmed by the grand welcome. 'It is all thanks to Dubai,' he said. 'I reached heights that I had never imagined I would because of Dubai's generosity. If anyone's life has changed because of me, it is all thanks to Dubai. I have only been a catalyst.' He added, 'I am always grateful to Dubai and the UAE for providing livelihood to not just me, but millions of Indians, especially those from Kerala. In my case, it is the fourth generation that is calling the UAE home now.' Looking ahead in Kerala Community members said Gafoor personally helped dozens from his town with paperwork and references for employment in Dubai. While he admitted he never kept count, he credited his wife of 45 years for connecting many job seekers through her network. Now back in Kerala, Gafoor plans to enjoy his homeland, reconnect with people, and oversee a company producing Arabic breads, which he had started 15 years ago. 'I've spent a lifetime building a career and helping others. Now it's time to explore life in Kerala,' he said.
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Go nuts with pecans beyond pies and brownies
I took my first bite of a raw pecan and thought—this is exactly what you'd get if a cashew and a walnut had a baby. Pecans take the best from both: the sweet butteriness of a cashew and the earthy nuttiness of a walnut. Until now, my encounters with pecans had been in pecan pies or a brownie, but this is one nut that scores a perfect ten, even when raw and untoasted. It also has an inherent crisp texture that avoids one of the most annoying traits of most nuts when eaten raw—that tendency of getting stuck between your teeth. For years, nuts have been high on the shopping list of Indians visiting the US—and I'm clearly not alone in thinking so. When I asked my Instagram audience what tops their 'must-buy" list from the US (given that you can find almost everything here these days), pecans and walnuts emerged as clear favourites. And with good reason: the quality is excellent, and the prices can be far more attractive than in India. I picked up a two-pound bag of fresh pecan halves at Costco in US for $12.99—about ₹1,200 per kilo. A quick online check back home showed Indian retailers selling pecans for anywhere between ₹3,300-5,000 per kilo. While almonds and cashews might sometimes be better value locally, pecans are still something of a niche nut here. With nuts, freshness matters. Long import journeys and months on store shelves can dull their flavour and texture, which is why a bag hand-carried by a friend or family member from abroad will almost always trump anything you can order online. That said, if there's no travel on the horizon, a small pack from a reliable local source can still be worth it, if only to enjoy the distinct buttery sweetness that makes pecans so special. But are pecans truly 'cheap" in the US? Climate change and global exports mean that even the locally grown nuts are no longer super-affordable. I read this interesting piece on how pecan has become way too expensive for their own Thanksgiving pecan pie. Historian James McWilliams recounts in The Pecan: A History of America's Native Nut (2013), it took just one tasting at a Paris trade show in 2006 for a group of curious Chinese buyers to set off a chain reaction. Within a few years, China went from having no word for 'pecan" to importing a quarter of the US crop. Brined, roasted, and marketed as an antioxidant-packed luxury snack, they went from unheard of to being available in local gas stations. Add to that Texas droughts, late frosts and the fact that bakers prize only the freshest, prettiest halves for pies, and you have the perfect recipe for expensive pecan pie. I have a bit of a hoarding tendency when it comes to exotic ingredients, saving them for a 'special" day or dish. I'm sure some of you reading this will relate. But after too many rounds of clearing out expired treasures from the back of my freezer, I've resolved to use these pecans in the here and now. Beyond eating a few raw to savour their flavour and roasting some for snacking, I've used pecans in muffins—a perfect grab-and-go snack for kids. My kitchen notebook is filling with ideas: Sunday banana pecan pancakes, quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and pecans, pecan-and-chilli crusted paneer, homemade granola with dried fruit and coconut flakes and a chocolate bark with sea salt for a healthy-ish treat. At this rate, my two-pound stash will vanish sooner rather than later. I'll be hoping a travelling friend steps in and gets me a bag. HOT MAPLE PECANS Makes 1 cup Ingredients 1 cup pecan halves 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey) 1 tsp olive oil Half tsp salt Half tsp red chilli powder Preheat the airfryer to 160 degrees Celsius Method In a bowl, whisk the maple syrup, olive oil, salt and chilli powder together. Add the pecans, tossing well to coat. Line the airfryer basket with parchment, transfer the nuts and roast for 5-6 minutes, shaking once midway. Watch closely as nuts can burn quickly. Serve once cooled or store in an airtight container and use them to top salads and grain bowls. PECAN APPLE OAT MUFFINS Makes 9 Ingredients Half-cup whole wheat flour 1 cup oat flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon Half tsp salt Half cup brown sugar 1.5 tsp baking powder Half cup milk Half to three quarters cup of milk 1 egg 4 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp apple cider vinegar Half tsp vanilla extract 1 red apple, coarsely grated Quarter cup chopped pecans Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a 9-cup muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oat flour, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla and grated apple until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for up to a week. Tip: You can make oat flour by blitzing rolled oats in a blender until finely ground. Double Tested is a fortnightly column on vegetarian cooking, highlighting a single ingredient prepared two ways. Nandita Iyer's latest book is The Great Indian Thali. She posts @saffrontrail on Instagram and X.
