The Tajikistan government, under the leadership of President Rahmon, has banned hijab in the country in an effort to promote Tajiki culture and limit religious influence. The move has sparked controversy and criticism, with some seeing it as a way for Rahmon to maintain his power. Those who violate the ban could face hefty fines.
Tajikistan Bans Hijab: A Move to Promote Culture or Limit Religious Influence?
Background:
The government of Tajikistan, led by President Emomali Rahmon, recently imposed a ban on the wearing of hijabs in public places. This decision has sparked significant controversy and criticism, with many questioning the motives behind the move.
Stated Reasons for the Ban:
The government has justified the ban by claiming that it is necessary to promote Tajiki culture and traditions. They argue that the hijab is a foreign symbol that does not reflect the country's heritage. Additionally, they assert that the ban is intended to limit religious influence and prevent the spread of extremism.
Controversy and Criticism:
Critics of the ban have denounced it as a violation of religious freedom. They argue that the hijab is a personal expression of faith and that women should be free to choose whether or not to wear it. Additionally, they have raised concerns that the ban could lead to discrimination and social stigma against Muslim women.
International Reactions:
The ban has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and certain foreign governments. A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office stated that "restrictions on religious expression, including clothing, can only be justified in very limited circumstances."
FAQs:
1. Why has Tajikistan banned the hijab?
2. What are the consequences of violating the ban?
3. How has the ban been received by the public?
4. Are there any exceptions to the ban?
5. What is the long-term impact of the ban likely to be?
Harpreet Singh, a known terrorist wanted for multiple terror attacks in Punjab, India, has been arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. He was linked to two international terrorist agencies and entered the US illegally, using burner phones to evade capture. Singh, also known as Happy Parsia and Jora, fled to the US from Mexico in 2021 and had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on him in India. He was also named as one of the operatives in the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack, for which four others have been charged by the NIA.
An alleged terrorist known as Happy Passia has been arrested in Sacramento, California by the FBI and ERO. The gangster, wanted in 17 criminal cases, used burner phones and entered the US illegally to evade capture. He was recently named in a NIA chargesheet for a grenade attack in Punjab, in which he and another terrorist provided logistical aid and weapons to ground operators.
The FBI and ERO have arrested Harpreet Singh, a known terrorist responsible for multiple attacks in Punjab, India. Singh, who was recently named in the chargesheet for the 2024 Chandigarh hand grenade attack, was living illegally in the US under the aliases Happy Parsia and Jora. The NIA had previously announced a bounty for Singh and his links to two international terrorist groups have been confirmed.
Every year on April 18, the world comes together to celebrate World Heritage Day, recognizing the importance of protecting and conserving our unique and valuable heritage. This global event, initiated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites, aims to raise awareness about the need for safeguarding our cultural and natural heritage for future generations. This year's theme, "Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage," highlights the importance of preserving heritage sites in the midst of adversity. With involvement from experts in various fields, World Heritage Day serves as a reminder to cherish and protect these irreplaceable treasures.
Areas across Chennai experienced a much-needed respite from the summer heat as heavy rainfall brought down temperatures. However, the downpour also resulted in waterlogging and traffic disruptions in multiple neighborhoods. While civic authorities worked to clear clogged drains, the IMD has issued warnings for above-normal temperatures and possible thunderstorms in the coming days. Neighbouring states such as Karnataka are also expected to receive some rain, but residents are advised to remain cautious.
A series of earthquakes shook Myanmar, India, and Tajikistan on Sunday morning, causing panic and reminding the region of its volatile tectonic landscape. These quakes, which occurred in a span of an hour, follow a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar last month. Thankfully, there were no reports of major damage or casualties. However, the frequency and intensity of these recent earthquakes have raised concerns about a potential seismic unrest in the region.
In light of the ongoing trade war between the US and China, the Chinese government has issued an order for its airline carriers to halt any new orders of aircraft from American manufacturer Boeing. This comes as a response to President Trump's recent decision to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. China has also instructed its carriers to avoid buying any equipment related to aircraft from American companies. This latest move escalates the tension between the two countries, following China's decision to disrupt the US production of key materials.
Amidst the ongoing border tensions between India and China, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume in 2025, with its modalities yet to be finalized. This was stated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in his weekly media briefing, where he also highlighted the constructive engagement between the two countries at various levels since the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2024. The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, had also met in February to discuss the resumption of the yatra and other bilateral issues.
After a long wait, the Ministry of External Affairs has finally announced the opening of a new route to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar this year. This comes as great news for enthusiasts and aspirants who were eagerly waiting for the application process. With this development, individuals can now plan and embark on their pilgrimage to this holy site in a more convenient and efficient manner.
As part of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully launched the indigenous ASTRA missile, showcasing its precision and beyond-visual-range capabilities. The missile, which can engage targets over 100 km away, has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF). The successful test-firing marks a significant step towards the induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant and has been lauded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.