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Turkmenistan: Things that make it so unique and bizarre at the same time

Turkmenistan, nestled in Central Asia, is a land shrouded in mystery and contradiction, boasting vast deserts, ancient Silk Road cities, and impressive monuments. Despite its familiar features, its true strangeness lies in its peculiarities, from bizarre rules to extravagant displays of power. The country was established in 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and since then, Turkmenistan has been ruled by authoritarian leaders, first Saparmurat Niyazov and then Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. The current president is Serdar Berdymuhamedow. Today, Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries in the world. Those who have visited, are often left flabbergasted by some of the most unusual rules that are in place in the country. It’s these unusual rules and regulations that make Turkmenistan such a unique country to visit. Close the Darwaza! In 2018, the former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov renamed Hell's Gate as the 'Shining of Karakum'. However, four years later, he reversed his decision and ordered his Cabinet ministers to find a way to close the fiery crater. Reason: the carter was causing negative health effects and also it was causing damage to the environment. The iconic Hell’s Gate is still open and accessible to visitors. Nothing but white marble Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, made a significant mark in 2013 by entering the Guinness Book of World Records. The city earned this distinction for its impressive collection of 543 white marble buildings, spanning an area of 4.5 million square meters. Despite many of these buildings remaining uninhabited, Ashgabat's achievement adds to its already impressive list of records, including the world's tallest flagpole and largest fountain complex. Turkmenistan's knack for setting Guinness records is evident, often spearheaded solely by the country itself. President of Life Saparmurat Niyazov, who led Turkmenistan from 1991 to 2006, held absolute power as an autocratic ruler. He even proclaimed himself the President of Life and authored a book titled Ruhnama (The Book of the Soul) in 2001. Niyazov mandated the study of Ruhnama in schools, universities, and government institutions, going as far as to test job applicants on its contents during interviews. Furthermore, he enforced the prominent display of Ruhnama in local bookstores and government offices. Niyazov even required locals to recite passages from Ruhnama daily, consolidating his ideology and influence over the populace. Ruhnama all the way! Niyazov mandated the presence of Ruhnama in mosques, threatening demolition for non-compliance. President Niyazov also had a statue of Ruhnama erected in Ashgabat. Every evening at 8 pm, the statue's covers would open, accompanied by an audio passage of Ruhnama played for the citizens. The statue remains in place today. The autocrat even launched the book into space in August 2005, aiming for its conquest beyond Earth's bounds. It's said to orbit the planet for the next 150 years. However, in 2013, after the demise of Niyazov, the now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov ordered the removal of Ruhnama from all schools and universities. Not old? Can’t keep a beard In Turkmenistan, only men above the age of 70 are allowed to keep a beard. Young men are not allowed to keep a beard or have long hair.

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India Charts New Course With INS Jatayu; Lakshadweep Welcomes Naval Base Expansion

The Indian Navy is set to commission a new naval base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island on March 6, marking a significant step in enhancing security infrastructure in the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands. This move is part of the government’s plan to incrementally boost military presence and security infrastructure in the region. According to The Economic Times, Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, holds immense importance due to its location along vital sea lines of communication. The establishment of INS Jatayu will not only enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities but also serve as a pivotal point for anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the western Arabian Sea. The timing of this announcement also fits in with the government’s larger strategy to gradually strengthen the military presence and security framework in the area. The development of a dual-use airfield at Minicoy is expected to increase the Indian Navy’s presence in the region. It will also reaffirm its dedication to defending India’s maritime interests. The navy said in a statement late Saturday that the new base will expand New Delhi’s “operational surveillance” of the region. India is wary of China’s expanding presence in the archipelago nation, which straddles important east-west international shipping routes. To operate reconnaissance aircraft, Muizzu has requested that India remove 89 security personnel stationed in the Maldives. The first group of personnel is scheduled to depart by March 10. The remaining personnel will reportedly leave within two months afterwards. According to The Economic Times reports, the new base will transform an existing small detachment into an “independent naval unit”. It will open on March 6 on the Lakshadweep islands in India. INS Jatayu’s commissioning is in line with the government’s emphasis on the all-encompassing development of islands. Lakshadweep gained prominence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s January visit, which brought attention to the islands’ strategic significance. China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region coincides with the Indian Navy’s expansion into Lakshadweep. To counter these threats, the Navy has increased its surveillance efforts and sent out task groups. Over time, it is anticipated that INS Jatayu will grow into a larger base big enough to run aircraft car

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170 Passengers Stranded For 2 Days As Air Arystan Flight KC-7858 Faces Technical Turmoil

In a turbulent turn of events, 170 passengers on Air Arystan flight KC-7858 were forced to cope with delays and discomfort after the flight was abruptly cancelled, leaving them stranded in Mumbai since Thursday. Travellers—including tourists and medical students—are now in a state of uncertainty due to this unanticipated setback, underscoring the wide range of effects of such disruptions. Due to a technical malfunction, the flight was abruptly cancelled, leaving passengers confused and inconvenienced. Dr. Tasneem Sakerwala was among the impacted travellers. According to Time Of India reports, she described the agonising experience of staying in unfavourable conditions, such as intense heat and limited access to drinking water. To make matters worse, travellers had to go through immigration processes again. It in order to reverse their first departure from India. Nevertheless, Air Arystan intervened to resolve the stranded people’s immediate housing issues by making hotel accommodations for them in Andheri. An Air Arystan representative has stated that the Airbus A320 aircraft is still grounded while it awaits necessary replacement parts. As a result, a backup aircraft has been sent to take the passengers to their destination. The airline has promised to feed all impacted passengers during this turbulent time. The story began when passengers—who had already boarded—were notified that the flight had been postponed. It left them to wait in uncomfortable conditions for a long time. The inadequate facilities offered during this difficult time are highlighted by Dr. Sakerwala’s testimony. This incident brings up important concerns regarding airlines’ readiness to handle unforeseen technical difficulties and lessen their effect on passengers. Beyond the immediate discomfort of waiting in uncertain conditions, such incidents can have ripple effects on travellers’ schedules, plans, and overall well-being. From missed connections to financial losses and the stress of navigating unfamiliar surroundings, the impact of such experiences can be profound and far-reaching.

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Gulmarg and Gurez in Kashmir experiences fresh snowfall

Fresh snowfall has been reported in Gulmarg, located in north Kashmir's Baramulla, and in Gurez Valley within the Bandipora district. The snowfall began on Friday evening, according to reports. Meanwhile, in lower areas like Srinagar, there has been intermittent rain since Friday morning. The Meteorological department has forecasted more snowfall starting tonight, marking the commencement of a three-day wet spell. According to the weather office, the harsh weather conditions are expected to peak on the nights of 1 and 2 March. News agency KNO reported that various parts of Kashmir, including Gurez, Gulmarg, Sadhna Top, Razdan Pass, Chowkibal in Kupwara, and Machil, experienced fresh snowfall today. While the plains of Kashmir, including Srinagar, witnessed intermittent light rains, the Director of the Meteorological department, Dr. Mukhar Ahmad, informed KNO that widespread moderate rain and snow are anticipated across most regions of Jammu and Kashmir until the afternoon of March 3rd. He highlighted that heavy to very heavy snowfall might occur in certain areas, especially in the higher reaches of north Kashmir, Central & South Kashmir, and the Pir Panjal range of Jammu division from the night of March 1st to late night on March 2nd. In light of the heavy snowfall expected in certain areas, travelers and tourists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow advisories issued by the administration and traffic police. The public in hilly regions is cautioned against venturing into avalanche-prone areas and urged to heed avalanche warnings and advisories. There's also a risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at various location

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Jamnagar airport gets international status for 10-days for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant pre-wedding celebrations

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations and all the eminent personalities attending the celebrations have stirred the whole of the country, especially Jamnagar. Being the host, Jamnagar in Gujarat is drawing famous people from across the globe to its land. International dignitaries such as Rihanna, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are also there. So, to accommodate the needs of international guests, Jamnagar Airport has been designated as an international airport for 10 days. The status is granted by the Indian Air Force on a temporary basis which is from February 25 to March 5, coinciding with the three-day festivities in Jamnagar that are set to be attended by distinguished personalities from both India and abroad. Furthermore, the Union government’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have collaborated to establish a Custom, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facility at the airport. Jamnagar airport, primarily a defense airport, also serves commercial flights. The Airport Authority of India has constructed a passenger terminal building for commercial operations, and for the festivities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has granted access to the sensitive 'technical' area of the airport. This area can accommodate up to three aircraft at a time. To manage the influx of eminent guests, the AAI has enlarged the passenger building from 475 sq m to 900 sq m, now accommodating around 360 passengers. Additionally, 35 housekeeping staff have been added to the existing 16, and the state government has doubled the security personnel from 35 to 70.

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Coming soon! The Rig – world’s first floating theme park

In a bold move that merges innovation with luxury, Saudi Arabia is set to welcome the world's first floating theme park, aptly named The Rig. Spearheaded by the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), this groundbreaking project promises to redefine the concept of entertainment and leisure in the region. Against the breathtaking scenery of the Arabian Gulf, The Rig extends across an impressive expanse of 1.6 million square feet, establishing itself as one of the most expansive floating structures ever constructed. Situated 40 kilometers from the shoreline, in proximity to Al Juraid Island and the Berri Oil Field, it stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's dedication to advancing the frontiers of architectural and engineering prowess. At the heart of The Rig are three luxurious hotels, offering a total of 800 rooms for guests seeking unparalleled comfort and relaxation. From exquisite dining experiences at the 11 restaurants to adrenaline-pumping thrills on massive roller coasters, every aspect of The Rig has been meticulously designed to cater to the diverse tastes of its visitors. One of the most striking features of The Rig is its state-of-the-art marina, capable of accommodating 50 boats, providing easy access for those arriving by sea. Additionally, helipads ensure convenient transportation for guests arriving by air, further enhancing accessibility to this one-of-a-kind destination. But The Rig is much more than just a floating hotel complex—it's a paradise for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. An extreme sports and adventure park offers an array of heart-pounding activities, while an E-sports centre caters to the gaming community. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the multi-purpose arena and immersive theatre promise to captivate audiences with cutting-edge technology and storytelling. Moreover, The Rig boasts a range of water activities, including diving excursions and water sports, allowing guests to explore the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding marine environment.

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