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Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India wraps up mass Hindu pilgrimage
Hindu pilgrims gesture as they begin their pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath from a base camp in Pahalgam on June 28, 2024. (File) AFP More than 400,000 Hindus took part in a month-long pilgrimage in contested Indian-run Kashmir, authorities said, shrugging off security worries weeks after conflict with Pakistan. The pilgrimage began on July 3 and closes officially on August 9, but organisers said that lashing rains had damaged narrow paths forcing a premature end. Official Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said in a statement late Saturday that 415,000 pilgrims had taken part. Many of the faithful began their trek to the Amarnath ice pillar from near Pahalgam, where gunmen on April 22 killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists in the Muslim-majority region. New Delhi said the gunmen were backed by Pakistan, claims Islamabad rejected — triggering a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures that escalated into a four-day conflict. It was the worst standoff by the nuclear-armed nations since 1999, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides, before a May 10 ceasefire. AFP
The Star
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Mass Hindu pilgrimage wraps up in contested Kashmir
More than 400,000 Hindus took part in a month-long pilgrimage in contested Indian-run Kashmir, authorities said, shrugging off security worries weeks after conflict with Pakistan. The pilgrimage began on July 3 and will officially close on Aug 9, but organisers said that lashing rains had damaged narrow paths and forced a premature end. Official Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said in a statement late on Saturday that 415,000 pilgrims had taken part. Many of the faithful began their trek to the Amarnath ice pillar from near Pahalgam, where gunmen on April 22 killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists in the Muslim-majority region. New Delhi said the gunmen were backed by Pakistan, claims Islamabad rejected – triggering a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures that escalated into a four-day conflict. It was the worst stand-off by the nuclear-armed nations since 1999, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides before a May 10 ceasefire. New Delhi last week said that three Pakistani men who carried out the Pahalgam attack were killed during a gun battle on July 28 in forests adjacent to the hills where the cave shrine is located. Officials appealed to Hindus to undertake the pilgrimage, ramping up security for the event by deploying 45,000 troops with high-tech surveillance tools overseeing the gruelling trek to the cave, dedicated to Shiva, the deity of destruction. Yesterday, Indian forces and gunmen exchanged fire for a third day in Kulgam, far from the Amarnath pilgrimage route. Soldiers have killed two militants, a senior police officer said. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, with both administering it in part and claiming in full. Rebel groups have fought Indian forces for decades, demanding Kashmir's independence or its merger with Pakistan. — AFP
New Straits Times
03-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
India wraps up Kashmir pilgrimage early after violence and storm damage
SRINAGAR: More than 400,000 Hindus took part in a month-long pilgrimage in contested Indian-run Kashmir, authorities said, shrugging off security worries weeks after conflict with Pakistan. The pilgrimage began on July 3 and closes officially on August 9, but organisers said that lashing rains had damaged narrow paths forcing a premature end. Official Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said in a statement late Saturday that 415,000 pilgrims had taken part. Many of the faithful began their trek to the Amarnath ice pillar from near Pahalgam, where gunmen on April 22 killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists in the Muslim-majority region. New Delhi said the gunmen were backed by Pakistan, claims Islamabad rejected – triggering a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures that escalated into a four-day conflict. It was the worst standoff by the nuclear-armed nations since 1999, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides, before a May 10 ceasefire. New Delhi last week said that three Pakistani men who carried out the Pahalgam attack were killed during a gun battle on July 28 in forests adjacent to the hills where the cave shrine is located. A few devotees may still visit the cave, but the numbers this year fall short of the estimated half a million devotees who took part in 2024. Officials appealed to Hindus to undertake the pilgrimage, ramping up security for the event by deploying 45,000 troops with high-tech surveillance tools overseeing the gruelling trek to the cave, dedicated to Shiva, the deity of destruction. On Sunday, Indian forces exchanged fire with gunmen for a third day in Kulgam, far from the Amarnath pilgrimage route. Soldiers have killed two militants, a senior police officer said. Kashmir has been divided between the India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, with both administering it in part and claiming in full.
Straits Times
03-08-2025
- Straits Times
India wraps up mass Hindu pilgrimage in contested Kashmir
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The pilgrimage began on July 3 and closes officially on Aug 9, but organisers said that lashing rains had damaged narrow paths forcing a premature end. SRINAGAR - More than 400,000 Hindus took part in a month-long pilgrimage in contested Indian-run Kashmir, authorities said, shrugging off security worries weeks after conflict with Pakistan. The pilgrimage began on July 3 and closes officially on Aug 9, but organisers said that lashing rains had damaged narrow paths forcing a premature end. Official Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said in a statement late on Aug 2 that 415,000 pilgrims had taken part. Many of the faithful began their trek to the Amarnath ice pillar from near Pahalgam, where gunmen on April 22 killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists in the Muslim-majority region. New Delhi said the gunmen were backed by Pakistan, claims Islamabad rejected – triggering a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures that escalated into a four-day conflict. It was the worst standoff by the nuclear-armed nations since 1999, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides, before a May 10 ceasefire. New Delhi last week said that three Pakistani men who carried out the Pahalgam attack were killed during a gun battle on July 28 in forests adjacent to the hills where the cave shrine is located. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am Singapore Despite bag checks and warnings, young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore Singapore President Tharman meets migrant workers who saved driver of car that fell into sinkhole Singapore Now flying solo, Acres CEO Kalaivanan Balakrishnan presses ahead with wildlife rescue efforts Opinion The charm – and drawbacks – of living in a time warp in Singapore Singapore Ong Beng Seng to plead guilty on Aug 4, more than 2 years after trip to Qatar with Iswaran Business Decoupling to save on tax? You may lose right to property if ties go awry Singapore NDP 2025: Veteran Red Lion says each leap 'feels like 5km run' A few devotees may still visit the cave, but the numbers in 2025 fall short of the estimated half a million devotees who took part in 2024. Officials appealed to Hindus to undertake the pilgrimage, ramping up security for the event by deploying 45,000 troops with high-tech surveillance tools overseeing the gruelling trek to the cave, dedicated to Shiva, the deity of destruction. On Aug 3, Indian forces exchanged fire with gunmen for a third day in Kulgam, far from the Amarnath pilgrimage route. Soldiers have killed two militants, a senior police officer said. Kashmir has been divided between the India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, with both administering it in part and claiming in full. Rebel groups have fought Indian forces for decades, demanding Kashmir's independence or its merger with Pakistan. AFP
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From minimum wage to tax-free income: How Qatar is helping Indian expats grow in 2025
Indian expat families in Qatar are building stable lives through work, education, and community/ Representative Image TL;DR Qatar is attracting Indian professionals with career growth, safety, and family-friendly living. Indian-run businesses are growing, with fewer barriers to ownership than before. Legal reforms have improved job flexibility and worker protections for Indian expats. For many Indians moving to Qatar, the goal isn't just to earn more money, it's to build a better life. Whether it's a stable job, a safer place for family, or the freedom to start something of their own, Qatar has become a practical choice for long-term living. As per Indian Embassy in Qatar, more than 800,000 Indians live and work in the country today, making them the largest expat group. They're not only filling roles across healthcare, education, and engineering, but also starting businesses, buying homes, and sending their children to local Indian schools. Qatar's promise isn't flashy. It's steady. And for many, that's exactly what matters. Jobs That Go Beyond the Basics More opportunities, fewer dead ends. Qatar's economy has been growing fast, new roads, hospitals, metro lines, and entire cities are taking shape. With that comes real demand for skilled workers. Indian expats are working in areas like: Construction and engineering Hospitals and healthcare Schools and universities Retail, hospitality, and domestic work Tech, logistics, and energy In the past, many came on short-term contracts. Now, more are choosing to stay longer. Career paths are more stable, and switching employers has become easier. For professionals and skilled workers, that flexibility is helping turn jobs into careers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Online & Flexible degrees BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo Life Beyond Work: A Place to Settle More than 60,000 Indian students are enrolled in Indian curriculum schools in Qatar, as per Indian Embassy, Qatar. That number tells a story, families aren't just surviving here, they're choosing to stay. The essentials are in place: Reliable healthcare Safe neighborhoods Good schooling options A strong Indian community Several well-known schools offer the CBSE curriculum, popular with Indian expats. These include Birla Indian School, which has been providing quality Indian education since 2004, Doha Modern Indian School, a top choice for many families, and MES Indian School, another trusted option in the community. Cultural associations, cricket clubs, and regular festivals make day-to-day life feel familiar. Newcomers often say it's easier to adjust here than in other Gulf countries. The country's stability helps too and that's a big deal for families. From Workers to Business Owners Qatar has opened the door to more Indian entrepreneurs. According to Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Indian investors contribute to more than 20,000 companies and projects in the Qatari market. Recent changes have made it easier to register a business, and in many sectors, Indian expats don't need a local sponsor to own their company. That's a major shift. For longtime residents, starting a business often feels like the next step, a way to grow roots and build something for the future. Reforms That Make a Difference Job rules are fairer now, especially for low-wage workers. In recent years, Qatar has made several legal changes to support migrant workers. Some key updates: No more exit permits for most job categories Workers can switch jobs without needing employer permission Minimum wage introduced Better ways to file complaints and get support A simpler visa process that makes moving to Qatar easier Tax-free salaries, which increase take-home income compared to many other countries These changes matter most to workers in domestic, cleaning, and service roles, many of whom are Indian. They now have more control over their work and lives, making Qatar more accessible than many Western countries. Big Companies, Strong Networks Indian firms like TCS , Wipro, L&T, and Shapoorji Pallonji have built strong bases in Qatar. So have retail giants like Lulu Group and Malabar Gold. For young professionals, joining one of these companies often means easier relocation. HR teams help with housing, school admissions, and visa paperwork. Work culture is more familiar too, making the adjustment smoother. These firms are also hiring in new areas like fintech, digital services, and logistics, giving more Indian expats access to future-focused roles. A Community That Grows With You Qatar isn't just a job market for Indians, it's a place where many feel they belong. People talk about how easy it is to find Indian food, speak their language, or celebrate festivals together. These small comforts add up. They make it easier to imagine a long-term life here, not just a short stay. Qatar's efforts to stay open to diversity, while keeping its own identity, also help Indians find balance. You can settle here without feeling like you're letting go of who you are. FAQs 1. Why do so many Indians choose Qatar over other Gulf countries? Because Qatar offers a mix of career options, family-friendly living, legal stability, and a strong Indian community. It's seen as more livable, not just profitable. 2. Can Indians start their own business in Qatar? Yes. In many sectors, Indian expats can fully own their business without needing a local partner. The registration process has also become more streamlined. 3. Is it easy to bring your family to Qatar as an expat? It depends on your job and salary, but many professionals do bring their families. The country has Indian schools, family housing, and services that make settling in easier.
