Tag: ireland

  • 40 countries to hold elections in 2024, including Pakistan

    40 countries to hold elections in 2024, including Pakistan

    The new year is just over one month away and it is going to be the biggest election year in history yet.

    40 countries are scheduled to vote in 2024 across the globe which, as calculated by Bloomberg Economics, represent 41% of the world’s population and 42% of its global GDP.

    The marathon will begin with Taiwan in January and end with the US in November.

    Here are some of the prominent countries lined up for elections: Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Gambia, and Libya in Africa; Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, the United States, and Venezuela in the Americas; Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Australia, and Pakistan in Asia and Oceania; Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom in Europe.

    There are, however, four elections that the world has eyes on — elections that are expected to alter geopolitics in the next decade.

    Russia will elect the new president in March who will govern until 2030, putting Russia-NATO relations at the forefront.

    In April-May, India will hold elections and as per analysts, Modi’s loss can push back investors.

    The European Union will conduct bloc-wide polls in June to appoint members of the European Parliament for the 2024-2029 which will be pertinent for the increasing friction between right-wing and left-wing policymakers on issues like immigration and Ukraine.

    The United States will hold legislative and presidential elections in November for 2025-2028, while everyone curiously waits whether Republicans will return to the White House or not.

  • Irish author Paul Lynch wins 2023 Booker Prize

    Irish author Paul Lynch wins 2023 Booker Prize

    Irish author Paul Lynch won the 2023 Booker Prize for fiction on Sunday for his novel Prophet Song, a dystopian work about an Ireland that descends into tyranny.

    The 46-year-old pipped five other shortlisted novelists to the prestigious award at a ceremony in London.

    He becomes the fifth Irish writer to win the high-profile literary prize, which has propelled to fame countless household names, including past winners Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood and Hilary Mantel.

    “This was not an easy book to write,” Lynch said after collecting his award, which comes with £50,000 (around US$63,000) and a huge boost to his profile.

    “The rational part of me believed I was dooming my career by writing this novel. Though I had to write the book anyway. We do not have a choice in such matters,” he added.

    Lynch’s book is set in Dublin in a near future version of Ireland. It follows the struggles of a mother of four as she tries to save her family from totalitarianism.

    There are no paragraph breaks in the novel, which is Lynch’s fifth.

    Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan, who chaired the five-person judging panel, called the story “a triumph of emotional storytelling, bracing and brave”.

    “With great vividness, Prophet Song captures the social and political anxieties of our current moment,” she said.

    “Readers will find it soul-shattering and true, and will not soon forget its warnings.”

    The Booker is open to works of fiction by writers of any nationality, written in English and published in the UK or Ireland between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.

    None of this year’s six finalists – which included two Americans, a Canadian, a Kenyan and another Irish author – had been shortlisted before and only one had previously been longlisted.

    The shortlisted novels, announced in September, were chosen from a 13-strong longlist that had been whittled down from an initial 158 works.

    Among them was Irish author Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting, a tragicomic saga which looks at the role of fate in the travails of one family.

    Murray was previously longlisted in 2010.

    Kenyan writer Chetna Maroo’s moving debut novel Western Lane about grief and sisterhood follows the story of a teenage girl for whom squash is life.

    The judges also selected If I Survive You by US writer Jonathan Escoffery, which follows a Jamaican family and their chaotic new life in Miami.

    He was joined by fellow American author, Paul Harding, whose This Other Eden – inspired by historical events – tells the story of Apple Island, an enclave off the US coast where society’s misfits flock and build a new home.

    Canada was represented on the shortlist in the shape of Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein. The unsettling novel explores the themes of prejudice and guilt through a suspicious narrator.

    The Booker was first awarded in 1969. Last year’s winner was Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida.

    The previous Irish winners are Iris Murdoch, John Banville, Roddy Doyle and Anne Enright.

  • World reacts to Israel’s breach of international laws

    World reacts to Israel’s breach of international laws

    While many of its old allies still support Israel as it continues to bomb Gaza, a number of countries are now raising concerns over Israel’s breach of international laws.

    Russia

    President Vladimir Putin responded to the Israel-Palestine escalation by condemning the “catastrophic” deaths and criticised Washington’s involvement in the Middle East peace settlement.

    During a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, he said “This is a vivid example of the failure of Middle East policies of the United States [as it] tried to monopolise the [peace] settlement”.

    “But, unfortunately, [the US] was not concerned about the search for compromises for both sides and, vice versa, promoted their own conceptions about how it should be done, [and] pressured both sides,” he added.

    Moscow has also refused to label Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

    “We maintain contact with [both] sides of the conflict,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

    “Of course, Russia continues to analyse the situation and keeps its position as a nation that has the potential to participate in the settlement process.”

    China

    On Thursday, China’s top diplomat and foreign minister Wang Yi stated that the issue of Palestinian is central to the Middle East conflict, and that denial of “justice” to the Palestinian people was at its core.

    Turkey

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, asserting that a lasting solution to the conflict lies in the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem within the 1967 borders .

    Ireland

    Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has criticised Israel for violating international humanitarian law and halting water, food and electricity supply into the Gaza Strip.

    “Israel is under threat. They do have a right to defend themselves, but they don’t have the right to breach international humanitarian law,” he said in an interview with TVE.

    “To me, it amounts to collective punishment. Cutting off power, cutting off fuel supplies and water supplies, that’s not the way a respectable democratic state should conduct itself.”

    He has, however, also urged Hamas to release all the Israeli captives, saying that Israel is “justified in attacking Hamas in Gaza and elsewhere.”

    Former Irish President Mary Robinson has also commented on the escalation, deeming Israel’s response to Hamas attacks as collective punishment.

    Robinson asserted that Ireland has been a “very good voice in acknowledging the suffering of occupation and the continual problems of Palestinians over decades.”

    Richard Boyd Barrett, Irish MP, addressed the Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament, during a discussion on the Irish Government’s response to the situation in Gaza.

    “The Israeli Government has brazenly, publicly and openly declared its intention to commit a war crime, and has commenced that war crime against the people of Gaza”, he said.

    Scotland

    Hamza Yousaf, the first minister of Scotland, has also spoken up against the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

    He posted on X (formerly Twitter), quoting the latest UN statement that warns about the dire consequences of Israeli orders of evacuation of Gaza.

    “The international community must step up and demand an end to collective punishment. Enough. There can be no justification for the death of innocent men, women & children.”

    He also shared a video of his mother-in-law, Elizabeth El-Nakla, calling for help.

    She was visiting her relatives with her husband when Hamas attacked on Saturday.

    Norway

    The Norwegian foreign minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, has said on Thursday that while Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, a total blockade of Gaza cannot be supported.

    “The establishment of a full blockade, including on access to electricity, water, food, and other goods that are indispensable for the survival of the civilian population in Gaza, is unacceptable,” she stated.

    She further pointed out that self-defense measures must be taken within international law.

    “The scale of destruction in Gaza is enormous. A large number of civilians have been killed. Given a full blockade by Israel, closed border crossings, and continued Israeli attacks, I fear that the civilian population in Gaza will face even greater hardship in the days to come,” Huitfeldt said.

    She also warned that suspension or decrease in assistance to Gaza can worsen the matter.

    “Functioning Palestinian institutions and the delivery of basic services are crucial to avoid further destabilisation and preserve the objective of the two-state solution.”

  • ‘This super 12 is something else’, Twitter reacts to Ireland’s win against England

    ‘This super 12 is something else’, Twitter reacts to Ireland’s win against England

    In a Super 12 match that was hampered by rain on Wednesday, Ireland pulled off the biggest upset of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 so far, defeating the defending champions England by five runs using the Duckworth-Lewis system.

    Set to chase 158, England lost five wickets for 105 runs before the umpires suspended play due to persistent rain, allowing Ireland to pull off an incredible victory as the batting side was five runs off the mark using the D/L method.

    Here is how Twitter is reacting to the match:

  • Shoaib Akhtar to initiate career opportunities for Pakistani footballers

    Shoaib Akhtar to initiate career opportunities for Pakistani footballers

    Former Pakistani Pacer Shoaib Akhtar has reportedly initiated a life-changing career opportunity for 20 of Pakistan’s most outstanding football players. The initiative is led by the Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Jawan Sports Drive.

    With GSV, Akhtar will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Pakistan. GSV is heavily investing in the trials in Pakistan, giving the first UEFA scouting examination on a national level in Pakistan to identify talent in 10 cities across 11 sites, with the goal of offering life-changing professions through professional football contracts in Ireland.

    Under St Patrick’s Football Club’s development programme, the visit also includes four masterclasses in major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to enhance local football coaching expertise to European levels.

    At least 15-25 coaches have been shortlisted based on merit to attend masterclasses to improve their skills as a trainer with the aim of becoming certified trainers who would train other trainers.

    Talking about the initiative, the chairman of GSV Yasir Mahmood said: “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation.”

    Meanwhile, CEO of GSV Zabe Khan said: “The only lifeline a player has and that is to play. Pakistan has seen nothing but football being swiped off its so-called grassroots.”

    “I welcome Shoaib Akhtar standing shoulder to shoulder with GSV offering a new hope for Pakistan’s next-generation football players,” he added.

    British Deputy High Commissioner Allison Blackburne said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan.

    He further said: “I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club.”

    On the other hand, Belgian UEFA licensed coach Karel Freaye said: “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with the potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe.

    With the trial registrations rising by the hour, he said that he is excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer.

    On the other hand, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program Usman Dar said: “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan.

    “PM’s Kamyab Jawan Programme together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally,” he expressed.

    President of St. Patrick’s Football Club Garret Kelleher expressed: “It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level.”

    Talking about the sports, CEO of Itel Zeeshan Yousuf said: “What excites me the most about this legacy project of GSV is the prospect of changing lives of 20 successful kids who will be on a life-changing journey to Europe.

  • Can only travel visa free to 31 countries, Pakistani passport ranks 4th worst in 2022

    Can only travel visa free to 31 countries, Pakistani passport ranks 4th worst in 2022

    The Pakistani passport has been placed at 4th position in the category of the world’s worst passport for international travel in a list released by the Henley Passport Index 2022.

    Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria ranked the top 3 worst passports in the world respectively.

    Overall, the Pakistani passport ranks at 108th position in the world for the third consecutive year with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 destinations around the world.

    India climbed up seven positions and ranked at 83rd on the list this year. India had previously ranked at 90th place after slipping from 85 in the year 2021.

    East Asian and European countries as usual dominated on the passport global ranking this year as well.

    Japan and Singapore have been placed at the top of the list of powerful passports in the global ranking which allows travel visa-free to 192 destinations.

    South Korea and Germany are placed in second place with total of 190 points whereas Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain gained 189 scores which made them into third place.

    France, Netherlands, and Sweden moved up at one spot and joined Austria and Denmark in fourth place with a score of 188.

    Ireland and Portugal received total scores of 187 and placed them in fifth place, and the United States and the United Kingdom rank in at number 6.

    Since 2006, the international firm, Henley & Partners has been regularly monitoring the world’s most travel-friendly passports under the “Henley Passport Index”.

  • VIDEO: Dog interrupts cricket match

    VIDEO: Dog interrupts cricket match

    A dog interrupted the semi-final of the Women’s All-Ireland T20 between Bready Cricket Club and Civil Service North or Ireland Cricket Club in Magheramason.

    The video shows the dog running on the field with its black leash trailing behind it. When the wicket-keeper tried to hit the stumps and missed, the dog hurriedly snapped up the ball and began running away, as players tried to chase it down.

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    The dog finally stopped running after a player calmed it down and retrieved the ball so the match could resume.

  • ‘Sweetest heart’, Noor Mukadam’s Irish friends pay loving tribute

    ‘Sweetest heart’, Noor Mukadam’s Irish friends pay loving tribute

    The daughter of a former senior Pakistani diplomat, Noor Mukadam who was brutally murdered in Islamabad, spent several years in Ireland with her family when she was a young girl.

    One of her Irish friends, Kim Kearns described Noor as a “beautiful” woman having “the sweetest heart”.

    Kearns, Mukadam and another woman, Marilyn Egan, were “the three best friends” growing up, she told to Irish Times.

    Noor had attended Our Lady’s Grove primary and secondary school in Goatstown, South Dublin, after her father had been posted to serve at the Pakistan embassy in the area. Kearns said she recalled Noor joining the school when they were in first grade.

    Her family had lived in Milltown, South Dublin, before they shifted to Leopardstown, her friend said.

    “She had the heart of an angel… If anyone was ever mean to her, she would always be positive, she never retaliated,” Kearns said.

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    “She liked shopping, we’d go to Dundrum shopping centre, she liked Zara, she was into fashion,” her friend added.

    “She just fitted in, Ireland was her home,” she said.

    Kearns stated that when Mukadam was told that her family had to move again and leave Ireland she was “heartbroken”.

    “We would always keep in touch. If I posted anything on Instagram she would comment on it, saying she was thinking of me, or missing us,” she said.

    Both of Mukadam’s friends said that they were upset by the news of their childhood friend’s death.

    The friends are planning to organise a tribute walk from their old school to a pond on the University College Dublin campus. If Mukadam had continued in Ireland that was where she would have wanted to study for college, Kearns said.