Latest news with #Kuna
New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
'Main pagal nahi hoon': How an Indian student's deportation shook the US citizen in me
A few hours ago, as I waited at Newark Airport to board a flight to Delhi, I witnessed something that deeply scarred me. It wasn't just a scene, it was a moment that shook me as both an Indian at heart and a U.S. citizen by passport. Right in front of me, two officers were escorting a young Indian man onto the same flight. He looked like a student: lost, broken, visibly resisting. Over and over he pleaded in Hindi, 'Main pagal nahi hoon… yeh log mujhe pagal sabit karna chahte hain'. ('I'm not mad… they're trying to prove I'm mentally unstable.') His eyes were wide with fear and confusion; his desperate attempt to make someone, anyone understand was haunting. I stood frozen in the boarding line, unable to look away. He was restrained, wrists bound, and at one point both officers physically pinned him down. I took photos and video not out of voyeurism, but to document something that shouldn't have happened this way. Then, something even more heartbreaking occurred: the pilot stepped out, saw the situation, and refused to allow the young man to board. And just like that, the drama ended for everyone else. But not for me. I boarded with a heavy heart, full of questions, shame, and helplessness. As someone who's lived in the United States for over 22 years, building businesses, creating jobs, and calling this country home, this moment was deeply unsettling. I felt like a spectator to my own internal conflict. My heart bleeds for India, yet my mind operates within the U.S. system. What do I do in such moments? What should any of us do when our identities split, compassion versus compliance? This wasn't just one person being deported. It was a collective failure. I thought of all the young Indian students who come to America with big dreams, often paying triple what domestic students pay in tuition. They arrive with hope, ambition, and their families' trust, yet, if they can't secure a job after graduation, their visa expires. Many become undocumented, trapped in a legal limbo where they're no longer welcome, yet have nowhere else to go. Is this the justice they deserve? That young man, you could tell from his accent he was from Haryana. Maybe his parents sold land or borrowed money to send him here. Maybe they still believe he's pursuing his dreams. Instead, he was dragged out like a criminal, publicly humiliated, treated as a security threat. And I ask, where is our support system? What is the Indian embassy doing to protect our citizens from such indignity? Why does the U.S. system welcome people with open arms only to close the door when it matters most? I don't have all the answers. But I know what I felt. As someone who has proudly contributed to both nations, by promoting Indian talent and creating American jobs, I left that airport deeply humiliated and heartbroken. One young man's pain became a symbol of a much larger tragedy. I hope we can all pause and reflect on what this means, for immigration, for justice, and for our shared humanity. Kunal Jain is the President of Health Bots AI and philanthropist who runs Son of India foundation in Florida, US.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait commences merger of state oil firms KNPC and KIPIC, Kuna reports
DUBAI: Kuwait has begun taking executive steps to merge two of its state-owned oil firms, news agency Kuna reported on Tuesday, as the OPEC producer seeks to restructure its energy industry. Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) plans to acquire Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), Kuna reported citing KNPC Chief Executive Officer Wadha Al-Khateeb. KNPC is in charge of Kuwait's refining industry while KIPIC is responsible for facilities at the Al Zour refinery. The rapidly evolving global oil and gas industries place a great responsibility on the country's energy sector to adapt and enhance to such changing dynamics, Kuna cited Al-Khateeb as saying. She also reaffirmed the sector's commitment to fulfilling obligations to clients while sustaining growth in line with Kuwait's position in the international energy industry, Kuna reported. Concern about the impact of U.S. trade tariffs have created uncertainty for global oil markets, pushing Brent crude prices down by more than 20% within a week to a four-year low. Prices have since recovered some ground to about $66 a barrel from below $60. Kuwait's production capacity is over 3 million barrels per day, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud al-Sabah told reporters in January. The wealthy Gulf state last year said it made a giant oil discovery with estimated reserves of 3.2 billion barrels. (Reporting by Jana Choukeir and Hadeel Al Sayegh; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Christopher Cushing)
Morocco World
28-02-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Kuwait Confirms March 1 as First Day of Ramadan 2025
Rabat– Kuwait has officially confirmed that March 1 will mark the beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan for the year 2025. The country's Moon Sighting Authority announced the news today, according to Kuwait's news agency Kuna. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed globally by Muslims as a time of fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and community gathering. In Kuwait, where about 85% of the population follows Islam, Ramadan holds special significance. The rest of the population mainly consists of non-Kuwaitis residing in the country. The Kuwaiti people are known for their long-standing traditions and customs. Before the start of Ramadan, women head to the markets to purchase diverse kitchenware, which they proudly showcase during family gatherings and Ramadan evenings. After a full day of fasting, Kuwaitis gather in large numbers around the Iftar cannon near the historic Souq Al-Mubarakiya in the heart of the capital – a popular destination during Ramadan. Once the cannon fires and the call to Maghrib prayer is heard, Kuwaitis break their fast with dates and milk. The traditional Ramadan 'Ghabqa' remains a cherished custom among Gulf communities. Held between evening prayers and Suhoor, the gathering features a variety of dishes, including sweets, 'Jareesh,' 'Harees,' and 'Luqaimat.' Women take pride in showcasing their culinary skills by preparing homemade dishes, which are then shared during family gatherings. Ramadan in Kuwait is also marked by the vibrant 'Diwaniya' social gatherings, where people come together in traditional meeting halls. These gatherings host communal Iftar meals, featuring popular Kuwaiti dishes such as rice with meat, fish, 'Harees,' 'Tashreeb' with meat, and 'Majboos.' Traditional desserts like 'Luqaimat,' and 'Muhallabiya,' are accompanied by popular Ramadan drinks, including 'Qamar Al-Din,' Vimto, saffron lemonade, as well as Arabic coffee and tea. Beyond food, Diwaniyas serve as a hub for lively discussions on daily life issues and light-hearted competitions, creating a joyful and communal atmosphere throughout the holy month. Tags: kuwait Ramadanramadanramadan 2025
Trade Arabia
05-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Turkey's Proyapi wins Kuwait rail project design contract
Kuwait's Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) has awarded the tender for conducting the study and detailed design for first phase of Kuwait-Saudi railway project to Turkish engineering and consulting company Proyapi, reported Kuna. The 111-km rail track will connect Kuwait to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, passing through the rest of the Gulf countries with Kuwait serving as the northern station. The Kuwaiti part of the railway network - a single track which will run between the Kuwaiti cities of Al Nuwaiseeb and Al Shadadiya and connect to the Saudi border - will be used by freight and passenger trains. According to Kuna, the scope of work for Proyapi includes providing detailed design services and preparing the railway tender documents. This initial phase is set to last for 12 months, after which the tender for the construction phase will be launched. The passenger station will be located in the Shadadiya area, covering 2 million sq m area. Once completed, the Gulf railway network will span 2,177 km, linking Kuwait City in the north to Oman in the south, passing through several other Gulf countries. According to senior sources, CAPT had evaluated bids for the tender for the study, design, and preparation for the first phase of its portion of the GCC railway back in November, which saw Turkish firm Proyapi offering the lowest bid of KD2.47 million ($8 million). The project, part of the broader GCC railway network, is expected to be completed by 2030, it added.
