Latest news with #MallikaSoni
News18
3 days ago
- News18
‘Treated Like Criminal': Pakistani Man Alleges Georgia Denied Him Entry Despite Valid UAE Residency
Last Updated: Georgia permits visa-free entry to UAE citizens and allows UAE residency holders to stay for up to 90 days. A Pakistani national with valid UAE residency alleged he was denied entry into Georgia without explanation, despite carrying all necessary documents. In a viral Reddit post, the traveller recounted being detained for over 12 hours in what he described as a 'prison-like" room at Kutaisi Airport, where he claims he was humiliated and mistreated by immigration officials. Georgia permits visa-free entry to UAE citizens and allows UAE residency holders to stay for up to 90 days. The man, who had planned a short vacation to the country with a friend, shared his experience, saying, 'We flew in from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi on Wizz Air. We had our hotel bookings, return tickets, travel insurance — everything in order. But as soon as we said we were Pakistani nationals, the officers pulled us aside." According to the post, immigration officers took their passports and photographed them in front of other passengers. The two travellers were then taken to a separate room and denied basic information. 'When we asked why we were being held, one officer just said: 'We cannot tell you,'" the man claimed, adding, 'No reason, no documentation, no violation — just a vague statement and dismissive attitude." He said they were detained for over 12 hours in a locked room with no access to proper food, clean water, or a sanitary bathroom. 'It was like a prison," he wrote, adding that efforts to contact the UAE or Pakistani embassies were met with hostility. 'They tried to snatch our phones when they saw me trying to call the embassy." The man also shared that he holds a senior position in Abu Dhabi, has no criminal record, and possesses a strong travel history. 'We were not misbehaving. Our paperwork was complete. Still, we were treated like criminals," he wrote. 'The loss isn't just financial," he continued, referring to expenses on flights, accommodation, insurance, and rental cars, adding, 'It's the psychological toll — the humiliation, the anxiety, and the sheer helplessness." He concluded his post by calling out the officers' behaviour as 'rude, racist, and unjust," saying, 'We feel dehumanised. We will never forget this." About the Author Mallika Soni Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Georgia First Published: June 06, 2025, 21:59 IST
News18
5 days ago
- News18
Dancing Before Heist: Thief Caught On Camera Looting Laptops From Australian School
Last Updated: As per the police, the thief broke into one of the school buildings and stole three laptops and a projector. In a bizarre twist to a school burglary, CCTV footage from an Australian school captured a thief dancing energetically in the parking lot before breaking in and stealing over $5,000 worth of computer equipment. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 23 in Sunbury, Victoria, Sky News reported, when a silver Holden Commodore pulled into the school's car park. Moments later, the man behind the wheel emerged and began dancing, spinning, and jumping before climbing onto school property, as seen in the CCTV footage. As per the police, the thief broke into one of the school buildings and stole three laptops and a projector. The man is described as white, in his 30s, with a medium build and long, dark brown hair. At the time of the burglary, he was wearing a red and black hooded jumper, black runners, a red headband and blue gloves, the police said. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: June 04, 2025, 22:53 IST
News18
5 days ago
- General
- News18
This German City Is Evacuating 20,000 People To Defuse Massive World War II Bombs
Last Updated: The American-made bombs prompted emergency officials to seal off a 1,000-meter (3,280-foot) radius in the heart of the city. In one of the largest postwar evacuations in its history, the city of Cologne in Germany is relocating over 20,000 people after three massive unexploded bombs from World War II were discovered in a shipyard. The American-made bombs prompted emergency officials to seal off a 1,000-meter (3,280-foot) radius in the heart of the city, affecting parts of both the Old Town and Deutz. Following this, authorities are conducting 'the largest operation since the end of World War II" under which businesses, hotels, schools and even hospitals have been ordered to evacuate. 'Will Escort You Out' Authorities have said that refusal to comply could result in forced removal and heavy fines. 'If you refuse, we will escort you from your home — if necessary by force — along with the police," officials warned as per BBC. The evacuation has caused widespread disruption as 58 hotels, nine schools, major government buildings and cultural landmarks like the Philharmonic Hall and several museums were closed while road closures and train cancellations paralyzed transport in the area, it was reported. advetisement The bomb disposal squad is expected to defuse the explosives on Wednesday but the delicate work can only begin once the entire evacuation zone is cleared, authorities said warning residents. Bomb Discoveries In Germany Bomb discoveries aren't rare in Germany where remnants of Allied air raids still turn up during construction. This time the size of the devices and the densely populated area affected has raised alarm. About the Author Mallika Soni Location : Germany First Published: June 04, 2025, 23:34 IST
News18
5 days ago
- Climate
- News18
Massive Saharan Dust Cloud Headed For US, Florida Warned Of ‘Dirty Rain': What's Happening?
Last Updated: A smaller plume reached Florida over the weekend and lingered into Monday while a more intense wave is now approaching. A massive Saharan dust plume, the largest of the year so far, is currently blanketing the Caribbean and is expected to reach the southeastern United States by the end of the week. Stretching nearly 2,000 miles from Jamaica to beyond Barbados and around 750 miles from the Turks and Caicos Islands down to Trinidad and Tobago, the huge plume has already led to reduced visibility and deteriorating air quality in affected areas. At present, the dust cloud covers large portions of the Caribbean, including Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. US To Be Hit By Saharan Dust Plume Forecasters said that the plume is drifting northwest and will begin impacting Florida by mid-week. By Friday this week, the dust is expected to spread further inland, reaching states such as Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. A smaller plume reached Florida over the weekend and lingered into Monday while a more intense wave is now approaching and is forecast to affect a much wider region, forecasters warned. Weather and health officials advise people in affected areas, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activity as the dust cloud moves through. What Is The Saharan Air Layer? The dust cloud is part of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) which is a dry, dusty mass of air that typically travels from North Africa across the Atlantic between April and October. These plumes often reach their peak intensity in June and July and travel at altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 feet. While the dust can reduce air quality and visibility, it also plays a role in suppressing tropical storm development which helps during the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 to November 30. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: June 04, 2025, 23:19 IST
