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Which Country Welcomes New Year 2025 First? The Last Is…

December 16, 2024, 3:18 pm

As 2024 winds up, the world says goodbye to the old year, embracing fireworks, countdowns, family get-togethers, and bright parties welcoming in 2025. Yet time zones will have others celebrating a New Year‘s beginning in this region versus others already doing so when people toast into January 1, with others still counting the last hours of December 31. See how the world is embracing this New Year beginning, first to last.

The First to Usher in 2025: Kiribati

The tiny island nation of Kiribati, in the Pacific Ocean, is going to be the first to celebrate the New Year. As it is placed a full 24 hours ahead of New York and six and a half hours ahead of India, Kiribati will greet2025 at midnight local time, while it will still be 3:30 PM on December 31 in India.

South Pacific‘s Turn: Tonga and Samoa

An hour later, Tonga and Samoa join in the celebrations. Like Kiribati, these islands are in the South Pacific and have an early start on New Year‘s celebrations.

New Year‘s Cheers in New Zealand and Australia

Soon after, New Zealand and parts of Australia such as Sydney will welcome their New Year with their own characteristic fireworks. These events broadcast around the world as one heralds the start of the global countdown.

Asia Welcomes the New Year

Asia’s turn comes next, with Japan, South Korea, and China welcoming 2025 an hour after Australia. Then come the South Asian countries of Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka, which usher in the New Year with cultural festivals and community celebrations.

Europe and the Middle East Join the Party

As the night falls, countries in the Middle East welcome the New Year, beginning with the UAE and Turkey. Then it is the turn of the European nations such as Germany, France, and the UK, whose boisterous countdowns and jubilant atmosphere illuminate the night.

The latecomers in the Americas

Other countries, such as Brazil and those across the Americas with different time zones, celebrate their hours. Even within America, NewYork celebrates on Times Square to Hawaii with the last festivities.

Last to Celebrate: Baker Island and Howland Island

The global race ends with Baker Island and Howland Island, two uninhabited territories in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are 26 hours behind Kiribati, making them the last to greet 2025. At their midnight, it will already be 5:30 PM on January 1 in India.

A United Celebration Across Time Zones

Regardless of the time difference, people across the globe welcome the new year together. No matter how early or late it is, these celebrations are a reminder of what unites us all–the shared excitement, hope, and anticipation for what comes next. Happy and prosperous 2025 to everyone!

No other Country has so many Festivals

September 10, 2024, 2:24 am

There is a scientific basis behind every festival in India, and all of them carry significant message and the power to bring people closer.

I recently observed the Paryushan Parva and now find myself immersed in the joy of Ganeshotsav. Would I have experienced this happiness if I had been born in any other country? This question fills me with pride, as it makes me realise how fortunate I am to be born as an Indian. My culture fills me with a sense of pride.

I have had the opportunity to visit numerous countries across the world, and I have friends in many of them, belonging to different cultures, religions and beliefs. They often ask me one question: “How many festivals are celebrated in India, and why do Indians celebrate so many of them with so much love and enthusiasm?” I tell them that it is difficult to keep count of all the festivals we celebrate. Some are observed on a national level while others are purely local. But one thing is certain that our festivals are deeply connected to nature.

Each one of them stands the test of science. On the last day of the Paryushan Parva, during Samvatsari, I performed Pratikraman, a ritual where I sought forgiveness from 84 lakh living organisms for any harm caused to them, knowingly or unknowingly. If I had harboured ill thoughts or spoken harshly, I bowed and folded my hands to seek forgiveness — not only from my elders but also from those younger than me, including my colleagues and even those who clean my house. Our culture teaches us that there is nothing greater than the ability to seek and offer forgiveness. Lord Mahavir gave us the mantra of forgiveness, non-violence, non-possession and truthfulness, emphasising that the world would become a symbol of humanity if everyone followed these principles. Lord Mahavir introduced the idea of ‘Anekantavada’ — the notion that there are multiple perspectives to everything. You may be right from your point of view and I may be right from mine. In scientific terms, this is akin to a three-dimensional approach. If everyone adopts this thinking, all conflicts could be resolved. Lord Buddha also spoke of awakening consciousness. Imagine if we all became more conscious, how much more rational and wise our society would become!

I am currently basking in the joy of Ganeshotsav, and one beautiful message has caught my attention:

Hey riddhi-siddhi ke data,
Prem se bhari hui aankh dena,
Shraddha se jhuka hua sir dena,
Sahyog karte hue haath dena,
Sanmarg par chalte hue paon dena,
Sumiran karta hua mann dena,
Satya se judi hui jivha dena,
Hey ishwar,
Apne sabhi bhakton ko apni,
Kripadrishti se nihaal kar dena.

The beauty of our culture is that we pray not only for ourselves but for everyone. Such broad thinking is a gift of our culture, which sees life in every animate and inanimate being. We not only worship animals and birds but also revere stones because we believe that everything in the universe is worthy of respect. For us, the five elements of life — earth, sky, air, water and fire — are all sacred.

As Ganeshotsav is in full swing, I recall an incident. A foreigner friend of mine happened to visit Mumbai during the festival. He was astonished by the enthusiasm and could not understand the depiction of Lord Ganesh, with a human body and an elephant’s head. “Is this even possible?” he asked. I narrated the mythological story behind Lord Ganesh’s head and explained that in our culture, this symbolises the equal respect we give to all living beings. That’s why we also worship the mouse, which is Lord Ganesh’s ‘vahana’ (vehicle)! I told him stories about Holi, Dussehra and Diwali festivals. I shared the personality of Ravan, how he was a learned and powerful individual, even feared by gods. Yet, his arrogance made him an evil person. In Indian culture, Ravan ‘dahan’ (burning) represents the destruction of evil within ourselves. I shared stories from festivals like Pola, Lohri and Bihu. As a result, my foreigner friend was so impressed that he folded his hands in reverence. He acknowledged that Indian festivals carry messages of respect for nature, human welfare and deep-rooted humanity. We have a flowing stream of harmony. As a child, I used to dress as a lion and dance before Tazia during Muharram. Christmas filled our home with joy, and to this day, we celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm. This is the strength of our culture.

It fills me with pride when foreigners acknowledge the greatness of our culture, but it also saddens me when I meet Indians who, swayed by the winds of modernity, feel that our traditions are backward. These individuals are not introducing their children to our culture properly. They need to understand that a society distanced from its culture weakens the very foundation of its existence. As the festive season begins, I urge you all to embrace the spirit of festivals. Festivals bring people closer, unite them and provide economic opportunities too for everyone. Turn the celebration of festivals into a celebration of life and you will feel energised! That is the true purpose of festivals.

The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.

Technologically advanced military crucial to protect nation’s interests: Defence Minister

May 25, 2023, 4:37 pm

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that a technologically advanced military is crucial to protect the interests of the nation.

During the inauguration of the two-day ‘DRDO-Academia’ conclave in New Delhi, he delivered a speech to the scientists and senior officials of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He emphasized the crucial necessity of a strong military for a country like India, which confronts a dual threat on its borders.

“In today’s world, we possess one of the largest armed forces globally, acclaimed for their bravery and valor. Numerous countries express their interest in conducting joint military exercises with us, highlighting the need for our military to be technologically advanced in safeguarding our nation’s interests. Given India’s situation, it becomes highly significant as we face the challenge of a double threat on our borders,” stated Singh.

He expressed confidence that as the partnership between DRDO and Academia reaches new heights, the fruits of this partnership will unlock the potential of many new resources, which will benefit the entire country.

Israel changing electric appliance standards to help lower prices

May 7, 2023, 4:27 pm

On Wednesday, Israel Katz, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, submitted a proposal to the Knesset’s Economy Committee. The proposal aims to adopt the European standard as the sole regulation for the import of electrical appliances into Israel, and to repeal the current Israeli regulation which imposes more rigorous standards. This move would expand the range of models that can be imported into the country.

The proposed action aims to achieve two primary goals: to promote competition and reduce prices in Israel’s electrical appliance market, which is valued at over 10 billion shekels (USD 2.72 billion) annually. By replacing the existing regulation with the European standard, the cost of importing electrical appliances will decrease, providing a boost to competition in the sector. Additionally, the reform will facilitate parallel imports of appliances, further reducing prices and benefiting consumers in the country.

In addition, electrical appliances with a higher level of energy efficiency will arrive in Israel, which will lead to a reduction in household electricity consumption, a reduction in the cost of living, and a reduction in pollution and emissions.

The reform also allows any importer of an electrical appliance to Israel. To do so without the mandatory physical inspection in a certified laboratory to check for conformity to the Israeli standard before importation.

Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels tracked near Taiwan

April 25, 2023, 4:51 pm

As per the news reported by Taiwan News, Taiwan monitors 13 Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels around the country between 23 and 24 April.

13 military aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and three ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) had been tracked over Taiwan, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND). One of the detected aircraft entered the southeast section of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), reported Taiwan News.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said that 13 People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military aircraft and three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels had been tracked around Taiwan.

In the southeast area of ADIZ, a Harbin Z-9 anti-submarine warfare helicopter was tracked.
According to the MND, it kept an eye on the situation and responded by deploying land-based air defence missile systems, sending out navy boats, and scrambling combat patrol aircraft.

6.3 magnitude quake jolts Indonesia

April 14, 2023, 4:49 pm

On Friday, An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck 573km east of Java, Indonesia, reported the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
The quake was at a depth of 600 km, the NCS said. “Earthquake of Magnitude: 6.3, Occurred on April 14, 2023, 15:25:45 IST, Lat: -6.35 and Long: 112.03, Depth: 600 Km, Location: 573km E of Java, Indonesia,” tweeted NCS. No tsunami warnings have been posted until now. More details are awaited.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis frequently strike Indonesia, a country of more than 270 million people, because of its location on the “Ring of Fire.”

Freedom House Index: Tibet ranked world’s least free country

April 10, 2023, 6:08 pm

According to the Freedom in the World Index for 2023 published by international watchdog Freedom House, Tibet is the least free nation in the world, according to a report by Tibet Press.

On 9 March, Freedom House, a global watchdog of human liberties, published its study titled “Freedom in the World 2023 Report.” According to the news story, Freedom House listed Tibet, South Sudan, and Syria as the “world’s least-free countries” in its report. After Freedom House surveys in 2021 and 2022 rated Tibet at the bottom of a community of nations, the report was released for the third year in a row. In its study, Freedom House said that Tibet’s residents lacked both Chinese and Tibetan basic rights. However, the Chinese government is stern in crushing any indications of dissent among Tibetans.

While this is going on, the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights underlined in its Third Periodic Review report on March 6 that a number of concerns pertaining to the human rights of the Tibetan people require the international community’s serious and immediate attention.
The rest of the world is intently watching every action the CPC takes to Chineseize Tibet. According to the news article, what counts is the extent to which action is made to stop the assault upon Tibetan culture and identity.

The CCP’s attempts to simirise Tibetans have taken one step ahead with the inauguration of a `Chinese Nation Community Consciousness Building Research Centre’ in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) to promote “national consciousness,” Tibet Press reported, citing the Tibet Rights Collective (TRC).

PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah applaud the NDRF personnel’s bravery

January 19, 2023, 1:22 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded NDRF personnel for their commendable efforts in assisting people and said “to strengthen disaster management apparatus” in the country, India is making many efforts.

On the Raising Day of the NDRF, PM Modi tweeted, “Raising Day greetings to @NDRFHQ.They are making commendable efforts to assist people in the most challenging circumstances. Their bravery is admirable. India is making many efforts to strengthen the disaster management apparatus including building disaster resilient infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, the NDRF, which came into existence on 19 January 2006, is a specialized force capable of responding to any disaster in the country.

Moreover, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his best wishes to the NDRF personnel.

Taking to Twitter, Shah tweeted, “My best wishes to the Bravehearts of the @NDRFHQ on the occasion of their Raising Day. The journey of the NDRF abounds with exemplary acts of courage and commitment to professional excellence. I salute them for all the lives they saved imperilling their own.”

Massive flight disruptions due to dense fog

December 28, 2022, 12:25 pm

Due to dense fog, almost 100 flights have been disrupted in Delhi on Wednesday. “Due to bad weather (fog) for three days, over 100 flights are reported delayed from and to Delhi airport, some have also been diverted to the nearest airport,” a Delhi airport official said. Amid a busy year-end holiday season, the congestion at the airport in New Delhi was being tackled. In most parts of North India, there is dense fog due to which problems of air travelers increased. Over the past few days, poor visibility is affecting the northern parts of the country.

‘Be it the Center or State government, unemployment should be everyone’s priority’, says Rajasthan CM

November 30, 2022, 4:06 pm

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at a mega job fair said the biggest problem in the country after inflation is unemployment.

Meanwhile, the job fair was organized by the state government and stated both the governments the Center and State should treat unemployment as a priority.

While addressing the public at the job fair Gehlot said, “The biggest problem in the country after inflation is unemployment. Three-fourths of our population is youth, they should get opportunities for employment whether it is government or non-government job. Be it the Centre or State government, this should be everyone’s priority.”

“It is the responsibility of governments to bring investment and change our economic policies so that youth who wants to start their own work can get a loan. Investment opportunities should increase so that more jobs can be offered to youth. If a government post is created then it should not remain vacant for long,” Gehlot said.

Moreover, Rajasthan CM Gehlot said, the job fair has given opportunities to youth to provide employment and he is very happy with the mega job fair.

However, Gehlot further said, “I am happy that a large number of youths are getting employment through the employment fairs being organized by the state government.”

VP Dhankhar inaugurates exhibition on “Historical and Cultural Heritage of Tripura” in Agartala

November 30, 2022, 2:48 pm

Lauding the rich culture of Tripura Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar complimented the state on its numerous achievements in the field of education.

Earlier, Vice President Dhankhar inaugurated an exhibition on “Historical and Cultural Heritage of Tripura” and presided over a seminar on “New Horizon of Educational Development in Tripura. The exhibition was inaugurated at Maharaja Bir Bikram College in Agartala.

Addressing the occasion Dhankar praised the implementation of the New Education Policy -2020 and said, “It is a well thought out policy aimed at the transformation of our education sector and to make India a Vishwa Guru again.”

Earlier on Tuesday on his maiden tour Vice President, visited Tripura and West Bengal and said, “I share your aspirations and dreams.”

The official statement by Vice President’s Secretariat said, “Praising the glorious history and rich cultural heritage of the state, the Vice President said that Tripura and other North Eastern states are the pillars of India’s Act East Policy. VP Dhankhar also appealed to the students to follow Fundamental Duties as these would help them become better citizens of the country.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Dhankhar also visited and performed puja at Mata Tripureswari Temple at Udaipur, Tripura along with his spouse, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar.

Talking about work done at the renowned Shaktipeeth, Dhankhar said, “The holy Shaktipeeth emanates sublimity and welfare for humanity. Gratifying to note that a well thought out, massive development is taking shape at this revered ancient Temple.”

The statement further read, “Vice President Dhankhar also held an interaction with the Governor, Satyadeo Narain Arya, and other dignitaries at Raj Bhawan, Agartala. The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha accompanied the Vice President during these programs.”

However, the Governor of Tripura, Satyadeo Narain Arya, Chief Minister, Prof (Dr) Manik Saha, and other dignitaries bid the farewell of Vice President Dhankhar.

‘Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ravana is a grave insult’, says Sambit Patra

November 29, 2022, 2:53 pm

Firing a fresh salvo on newly elected Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his derogatory remark on PM Modi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Congress party has insulted every Gujarati.

During an election meeting in Gujarat Congress, President Mallikarjun Kharge made this controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While addressing a press conference BJP’s national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ravana is a grave insult to every Gujarati and it is an insult which is rubbed into every Gujarati which only reflects the mentality of the party (Congress).”

Meanwhile, from time to time BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed Congress top leaders for insulting PM Modi.

“Sonia Gandhi who was the chief of the Congress had addressed PM Modi as a merchant of death (maut ka saudagar). Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay had told PM Modi to die Hitler’s death,” Patra said.

Moreover, BJP spokesperson Patra accused Congress of dividing the country.

“It is an appeal to all Gujaratis that the party whose president has insulted Modi should be taught a lesson. Gujaratis should come out of their homes in a democratic way and take revenge by voting against Congress,” Patra said.

Lauding the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Patra further stated, “PM Modi has been working for the development of the downtrodden and backward section of the society and it has been his constant effort for the last eight years.”

However, more than 80 times Congress has abused the PM, said BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.

“After “aukat dikha denge” by Madhusudan Mistry now Kharge ji crosses the line – calls PM Modi Ravan! Recently he had used more objectionable words. Congress has abused PM and Gareeb Samaj more than 80 times Maut Ka Saudagar to Ravan to Neech to Hitler Ki maut!,” Poonawalla said.