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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Sun blotted out as sky above Greek islands turn orange after two earthquakes hit
A cloud of Saharan dust hung above the Greek island of Crete over the weekend, causing an eerie hue to fall over Heraklion and Chania. The weather event is called Calima Things have been feeling a little Biblical in Crete, where the skies have turned orange a week after a strong earthquake hit. A cloud of Saharan dust hung above the Greek island over the weekend, causing an eerie hue to fall over Heraklion and Chania. The stretched-out, dreary sunset feeling doused the island before a blanket of orange dust began to cover rooftops, cars and the heads of holidaymakers. Combined with heat and rainfall, the dust created a stifling atmosphere. The Civil Protection Authority of the Region of Crete urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. A particularly urgent plea to stay inside was issued to people with respiratory or heart conditions, as well as children and the elderly. Hellenic National Meteorological Service warned that there were: 'Approximately 21 kilograms of dust per acre were recorded in Heraklion in just one day." The worst of the weather event was over by Sunday evening, when the southeastern winds responsible for carrying the dust to Crete weakened. The meteorological phenomenon is a regular one and is known as Calima or Kalima. It takes place when fine sand and dust particles from the Sahara are lifted into the atmosphere and transported by prevailing winds. The Canary Islands are most frequently impacted by it. In 2002, the Santa Cruz International Airport in Tenerife had to be closed because visibility fell to less than 50 meters. Five years ago, 2,000 people were forced to evacuate Tenerife and Gran Canaria due to the terrible air quality. It was measured to be the worst air quality in the world that weekend, with about 40 times the particle density considered safe by the World Health Organization. As a result, 745 flights were canceled and 84 others diverted. Depending on the direction of the wind, the Saharan dust clouds can also reach mainland Europe and northeast to the Greek islands, such as Crete. A point of particular concern for those reliant on tourism on Crete and other holiday islands impacted by Calima is that it is likely to increase in regularity and intensity. 'We have seen such phenomena before, but the increasing intensity is deeply concerning," a local official in Crete told Agrophillia. Last year New Scientist reported: "Recently there has been an eightfold increase in these dust intrusions – even during colder months when they are unusual – and the spike in frequency and intensity has researchers concerned they are becoming more common." The culprit is, of course, climate change and rapidly rising global temperatures. The island has been metaphorically in the wars these past few weeks. Prior to the dust cloud, Crete was hit by two earthquakes. Last Thursday it was rocked by 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck just off the coast, with locals and tourists were urged to stay away from coastal areas. Aftershocks were ongoing for some hours amid fears that a tsunami could hit the islands. Thankfully, the offshore location of the epicentre meant the impact from the seas was limited. A week prior to that a similarly strong earthquake struck. Claire Gibson, 49, from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, had been holidaying with her family at a plush resort in Crete when the second earthquake hit. The flooring and furniture retailer was staying at Hersonissos, and she described the terrifying moment the seismic waves hit the island. "My phone just woke me up. There was an earthquake notification. The alert went off, woke us up and the whole room was shaking. It was my first experience of an earthquake. The floor was shaking - it was an unsettling experience. The wardrobe doors were banging like mad and we could feel the whole building shake. Thankfully there was no damage. It was my first experience of an earthquake."
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
The world has stakes in India. It cannot afford to ignore the terror strike
The horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, in which 26 innocent people — 25 Indians and 1 Nepali — were brutally gunned down, stands as one of the darkest moments in recent memory. The attackers, who had crossed over from Pakistan, singled out their victims based on religion, asking them to recite the Kalima to confirm if they were Muslim. Those who could not were executed on the spot. This was not just a massacre — it was a cold, calculated act, and a grim reminder of Pakistan's deep-rooted links to terrorism. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a calibrated and precise strike on nine known terrorist hubs within Pakistan. These were not random targets — they were operational bases for recruitment, training, and leadership of militant groups with a long and well-documented history of violence. When Pakistan escalated militarily, India responded effectively but with great restraint, targeting key military installations involved in the aggression. Eventually, Pakistan's DGMO sought a ceasefire — an implicit acknowledgement of the consequences of its provocative stance. What stood out in India's response is the use of cutting-edge technology that enabled precision strikes on carefully selected terrorist targets inside Pakistan. It also sent a strong message — that Pakistan lies well within the reach of India's missile systems, and any provocation will invite a swift and decisive response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear to Pakistan that Operation Sindoor has only been paused but not concluded, and any future act of terrorism emanating from Pakistan will be treated as an 'act of war'. He has also categorically called out Pakistan's longstanding tactic of nuclear blackmail, stating that such threats will no longer deter India from defending its sovereignty. India has been a victim of terror for far too long, with a history marked by brutal attacks like the 2001 Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, the Pathankot and Uri attacks in 2016, and the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019. These attacks, executed by Pakistan-based terror outfits, have repeatedly targeted civilians and security forces, highlighting the persistent threat India faces from across the border. The time has come for the world to acknowledge what India has endured for decades, and that Pakistan is the architect, enabler, and exporter of terror as a state policy. With this context, a high-level Indian delegation comprising members from across the political spectrum, representing diverse regions of the country, united in their purpose to present India's case to the world, has set out to engage with global stakeholders — including leaders of governments, policymakers, and diplomatic representatives. The following objectives guide the delegation's mission: First, to highlight and document Pakistan's sustained role as a state sponsor of terrorism. This includes exposing not only its inaction in dealing with terror emanating from its soil but also the deep-rooted nexus between its government, its army and the terrorist organisations. Its establishments provide not just ideological but material support — safe havens, weapons, training, and funding — to internationally banned terror groups. Second, to urge the international community to re-examine diplomatic engagements with Pakistan, especially in light of repeated global incidents where investigative trails have led back to Pakistan. Third, to emphasise that this is not just India's concern. Pakistan's unchecked extremism endangers global stability, investor confidence, and the safety of democracies worldwide. In an interconnected world, one nation's inaction on terror becomes every nation's threat. Fourth, to showcase India's commitment to peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies and a trusted global partner, India is making the case that peace in South Asia is not possible without global pressure on Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure. Fifth, to seek collective accountability. The delegation will advocate for greater collaboration among nations to counter this common threat emanating from Pakistan. India's warning is unambiguous: Terrorism cannot be fought in isolated compartments. For decades, Pakistan has wielded terrorism as an instrument of state, poisoning South Asia's security environment. It is time for every nation and multilateral forum to speak in one resolute voice and apply relentless pressure on Islamabad to dismantle its terror machinery and abandon the politics of bloodshed. India today is a rising technological and economic powerhouse — home to 1.4 billion aspirations and the lynchpin of countless international investments. Each strike on Indian soil tears at this social fabric and endangers the global stakes intertwined with it. Safeguarding India's ascent is therefore a shared obligation. The moment for mere condemnation has passed; coordinated action is the only credible response. The cost of silence is far too great. The writer is BJP MP for Bengaluru South, and member of the government delegation to the Americas after Operation Sindoor
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No closure till Pahalgam guilty hunted down: Behala widow
Kolkata: It has been exactly a month since 51-year-old lost her husband, senior statistician , in the terrorist attack at Baisaran Valley. However, Guha is still far from finding closure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "What has been snatched away from us will never come back. My daughter has lost the man she saw as her role model. I have lost the man around whom my life revolved. But the closure is still far away. A lot has happened since then. India launched Operation Sindoor. The tensions between both countries and the war that followed are now chronicled. The govt responded as required. But there is still no update on my husband's killers. I do not know if they were captured or whether they are alive. We want those men to be punished. That will bring some solace," said Guha. This one month, says Guha, has changed her role within the family, especially concerning her daughter. "I was a homemaker. I never had to think of managing house loans before. Neither did I need to plan for my daughter's future. Samir used to manage them effortlessly. But now these roles have been thrust on me," recalled Guha. Her daughter, Subhangi, is also trying to concentrate on her future. Having performed well in her class XII board exams, she has even started collecting her college admission forms. Her first preference is to study psychology at Loreto College, she has told her family and former schoolteachers. The family had just reached Baisaran Valley and was clicking photographs on April 22 when Samir, a central govt employee, heard gunshots. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One of the terrorists came and separated the Muslims from the Hindus and ordered everyone to recite the Kalima. "We were lying down when suddenly a terrorist shot my husband. After killing him, the terrorist – dressed in a military outfit and with faces covered – said to another, 'Yeh Modi ka Aadmi Hai," recounted the mother of 17-year-old Subhangi. "I now want action on the killers. It is for the central govt to decide how to go about it. I am hopeful since they have been identified. But I want the culprits punished, and I want a permanent solution so that no one faces the fate of my husband or the 25 others who lost their lives there," she said. Guha said she followed details of the conflict daily. "While the talk revolved mostly around drone warfare and how many targets we were hitting, I wanted to know the names and the roles of the terrorists killed during our befitting reply," said Guha. Earlier, speaking to TOI on the day Operation Sindoor was launched, Guha said, "This was a targeted killing. In any terror attack, there is random firing. It was not done here. If we are not safe in our own country, where will we find security?" she asked. The family said they also received Rs 10 lakh from the central govt, another Rs 10.2 lakh from insuranceand another Rs 10 lakh from the state govt as compensation so far.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Innocent lives will be spared but no closure for us: Pahalgam widow
Kolkata: Fifty-one-year-old Sabari Guha, wife of the senior statistical officer Samir Guha (52), seemed confused on Saturday evening, moments after hearing about the that was brokered by US President Donald Trump."It Tired of too many ads? go ad free now is a relief that several innocent lives will be saved. I am against any form of war," said Guha, but added quickly, "there is hardly any sense of closure given that the job we set out to achieve is not accomplished. The job, at this moment, looks unfinished.""We still have no clarity on who the men on the ground were who carried out the Pahalgam attack. The NIA has been unable to arrest anyone directly involved. We do know that several terrorist hotspots in PoK were hit by our armed forces. But are we sure that such terror attacks will not be carried out tomorrow where innocents lost their lives? We too were innocent tourists out there at Baisaran Valley. Will we be assured of justice through this ceasefire? Do you think the terrorists will keep silent now that they know they are safe?" asked said she followed details of the conflict daily. "While the talk revolved mostly around drone warfare and how many targets we were hitting, I wanted to know the names and the roles of the terrorists killed during our befitting reply," said says the Indian govt should not think that its job in the Pahalgam incident is over. "I still want action. It is for the central govt to decide how it wants to respond. But I want the culprits punished, and I want a permanent solution so that no one faces the fate of my husband or 25 others who lost their lives there," she speaking to TOI on the day Operation Sindoor was launched, Guha explained how the Pahalgam attack was sinister. "This was a targeted killing. In any , there is random firing. It was not done here. If we are not safe in our own country, where will we find security?" she recalled the day her world turned upside down yet again. "At first, we didn't realise it was gunfire. My husband asked the locals, and they said the forest department guards fire sometimes to drive away monkeys. But then the firing continued, and when we saw other tourists running, we understood it was an attack. Local people repeatedly told us to lie down to avoid being noticed by the militants. One of the terrorists came and separated the Muslims from the Hindus and ordered everyone to recite the Kalima. We were lying down when suddenly someone shot my husband. After killing him, the terrorist – dressed in a military outfit and with faces covered – said to another, 'Yeh Modi ka Aadmi Hai,'" recounted the mother of 17-year-old was a blur before we found locals continuously begging us to flee. As we tried to flee, we were left in the lurch with no one around to help even after a long time. As I slipped while fleeing, my daughter Subhangi kept telling me to flee, or the terrorists might kill us too," recounted family stated they also received Rs 10 lakh from the central govt, another Rs 10.2 lakh from insurance (another Rs 5-6 lakh of final settlement is still pending), and are awaiting the state govt compensation. "I request the central govt to provide me with my husband's job at the earliest as I have a daughter to look after. I also have to pay a home loan. Samir was the only earning member in my family," said Sabari. MSID:: 121059253 413 |
India Gazette
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"High time to end Pakistan-sponsored terrorism": AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 10 (ANI): Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday urged decisive action against terrorism, stressing the need to end Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. On being asked if he agrees with PM Modi's decision to eliminate terror at any cost, Owaisi told ANI, 'Well, it is a challenge for our country, the country headed by a Prime Minister. But we have to save the country. We have to save the people living in our country. We have to save children, women, everyone, the farmers. So it is high time that we put an end to this Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.' Owaisi also expressed shock over Western countries' reluctance to term the Pahalgam attack a terrorist attack, saying 'most unfortunate'. 'Most unfortunate. I mean, I'm perplexed. I'm shocked that how can you use words as militants or gunmen. These are people who came into India and they only shot people who were not Muslims. What would you call them? If a terrorist comes and asks you what is your religion? Can you recite the holy Kalima which is an assertion of our faith and they kill in the name of religion. So they are terrorists only,' he stated. Owaisi also criticised Pakistan's use of religious references in its military operation against India, questioning the consistency of its actions. 'See, they have used a Quranic verse of Surah Saf, verse number four. But they have conveniently forgotten what in that same chapter verse number two says. Oh believers, why do you say what you do not do? Pakistan needs to answer for its actions against Iran, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh,' Owaisi said, calling out Pakistan's approach as hypocritical. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated further on Saturday as Indian Armed forces conducted precision strikes on four airbases in Pakistan, responding to Pakistan's attack on 26 Indian locations. Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that precision strikes were carried out on Pakistani military targets in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, as well as radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation bases, using air-launched weapons from Indian fighter aircraft. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the media about the ongoing developments amidst the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Secretary Misri emphasised that the actions being undertaken by Pakistan against India are being seen as 'escalatory' and 'provocative' in nature. He made the remarks during a press briefing on Saturday, where proofs of Pakistan's escalatory and provocative actions were provided alongside exposing the lies being peddled by Pakistan. While speaking to the media, the Foreign Secretary said, 'Pakistan's actions constituted provocation, escalation. In response, India defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion'. Despite the intensity of the attacks, Indian forces successfully engaged and retaliated, though airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, Bhuj, and Bathinda sustained damage, and personnel were injured. Pakistan's use of high-speed missiles at 1:40 AM to target Punjab's airbase station and the unprofessional targeting of hospitals and schools in airbases in Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur were particularly condemned. India categorically rejected Pakistan's malicious misinformation campaign, which falsely claimed the destruction of critical Indian military assets and infrastructure. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, while addressing the joint press conference, highlighted Pakistan's attempts to spread disinformation about damage caused to the S-400 system at Adhampur, airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, Brahmos space at Nagrota, and artillery-gun positions in Dehrangyari and Chandigarh, among other allegations. Wing Commander Singh emphasised that India unequivocally rejects these false narratives, which are part of a broader strategy to undermine India's military capabilities and instil fear among the public. Meanwhile, the incidents of heavy shelling and cross-border firing were reported from various places aligning with Pakistan border on Saturday. Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7th, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including one Nepali national. (ANI)
