1 year ago
Finland has remained the happiest country in the world for the seventh year a row with nordic neighbors Sweden, Denmark and Iceland also retaining their places in the top 10, according to the annual World Happiness Report published on Wednesday. But rising unhapiness especially among young people has seen other Western countries drop down the UN-sponsored index, with the United States and Germany dropping out of the top 20 for the first time since the report’s first edition more than a decade ago. Taking their place were Costa Rica and Kuwait at 12 and 13 respectively, while Eastern European countries Serbia, Bulgaria and Latvia reported the biggest increases in happiness. Afghanistan, plagued by a humanitarian catastrophe since the Taliban regained control in 2020, remained in last place. The survey asks people in 143 countries and territories to evaluate their life on a scale from zero to 10, taking into account factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption. Its release coincides with the International Day of Happiness on March 20. Earlier unhappiness a trend in parts of WestPrevious research into wellbeing often found happiness to be highest in childhood and early teens, before […]
1 year ago
Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism, unveiled the identity of “Manama the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2024”, along with a series of accompanying events slated to run until year-end. The events include a diverse array of tourism and entertainment programmes and offerings, collaboratively organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and several private sector tourism establishments. The inauguration took place amidst the scenic backdrop of the outdoor courtyard at the Bahrain National Theatre, and was attended by dignitaries, members of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and representatives from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Minister Al Sairafi emphasised that the unveiling of the slogan heralds the commencement of an extensive calendar of tourism and entertainment events, poised to significantly bolster regional tourism by attracting a greater influx of tourists and visitors. She underscored that the celebration of Manama as the capital of Gulf tourism throughout the current year epitomises the kingdom’s successful endeavour in prioritising the tourism sector within its development agenda. This recognition reflects its pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and expanding economic growth horizons. Furthermore, the minister highlighted the concerted […]
1 year ago
Swedish women have never had so few children as in 2023, new data shows. Based on the childbearing gap, Yasir Qadhi, a Pakistani-born American theologian, predicts that in just one generation, half of Malmö’s population will be Muslim. “Walking through the streets of Malmö is like walking through Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, or Damascus, the capital of Syria,” said Yasir Qadhi, a Pakistani-born American theologian, as reported in the Swedish newspaper Samnytt. Qadhi, who has a doctorate in theology from Yale University, gave lectures on Islam to young Muslims in Stockholm and Malmö. He says he asked himself during his visit to Malmö whether he was in Sweden. He also shared his theory with the world that the towns he mentioned would become Muslim towns because while Swedes have few children, it is not uncommon for a Muslim family to have five or six. In a generation’s time, Malmö will not be dominated by Swedes. As Remix News previously reported, ethnic Swedish children are already a minority in the school system of Malmö, with one Swedish academic reacting to the massive demographic transformation known as the Great Replacement by claiming that schools should be taught in Arabic, as Swedish […]
1 year ago
The General Directorate of Passports, aligned with the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, has introduced a unique passport stamp dedicated to the Ramadan Season 1445H. This initiative aims to celebrate the holy month and enhance the nation’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, traditions, and customs observed during Ramadan. Travelers will be able to receive this special stamp at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam throughout Ramadan. In conjunction with the introduction of the Ramadan Season stamp, the Ministry of Culture has launched a comprehensive Ramadan Season 1445 campaign. This campaign features a wide variety of cultural, entertainment, and sports activities across the Kingdom, designed to enrich cultural awareness and appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s rich social and moral heritage. It also highlights the country’s proud historical lineage and its evolution into a contemporary civilization.
1 year ago
An increasing number of young French voters are preparing to vote for right-wing parties in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June, the latest polling has revealed. According to an Ipsos survey published on Tuesday, 31 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds in France are lending their vote to Jordan Bardella’s National Rally (RN) — the anti-immigration party still heavily influenced by nationalist firebrand and former presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. A further 3 percent of young people in France are backing Éric Zemmour’s hard-right Reconquête, for whom Marion Maréchal, the niece of Le Pen, is the party’s lead candidate. National Rally’s popularity among young voters has risen considerably since the previous polling from December, with the party up 9 percentage points, while Reconquête has fallen from 8 percent to 3 percent. France, Ipsos poll: European Parliament election Among 18-24 year-old voters RN-ID: 31% (+9)EELV-G/EFA: 18% (+2)LFI-LEFT: 17%PS/PP-S&D: 9% LR-EPP: 6% (+2)PCF-LEFT: 6% (+1)Bd'E-RE: 4% (-6)REC-ECR: 3% (-5)PA-LEFT: 1% (n.a.)LO-*: 1% (-3)PRG~S&D: 1%AR-*: 1% (+1)… pic.twitter.com/pX6w2s9B3P — Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) March 12, 2024 Bardella’s RN currently sits with the Identity & Democracy (ID) parliamentary grouping, which is made up of conservative parties across Europe including Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) […]
1 year ago
An increasing number of young French voters are preparing to vote for right-wing parties in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June, the latest polling has revealed. According to an Ipsos survey published on Tuesday, 31 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds in France are lending their vote to Jordan Bardella’s National Rally (RN) — the anti-immigration party still heavily influenced by nationalist firebrand and former presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. A further 3 percent of young people in France are backing Éric Zemmour’s hard-right Reconquête, for whom Marion Maréchal, the niece of Le Pen, is the party’s lead candidate. National Rally’s popularity among young voters has risen considerably since the previous polling from December, with the party up 9 percentage points, while Reconquête has fallen from 8 percent to 3 percent. France, Ipsos poll: European Parliament election Among 18-24 year-old voters RN-ID: 31% (+9)EELV-G/EFA: 18% (+2)LFI-LEFT: 17%PS/PP-S&D: 9% LR-EPP: 6% (+2)PCF-LEFT: 6% (+1)Bd'E-RE: 4% (-6)REC-ECR: 3% (-5)PA-LEFT: 1% (n.a.)LO-*: 1% (-3)PRG~S&D: 1%AR-*: 1% (+1)… pic.twitter.com/pX6w2s9B3P — Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) March 12, 2024 Bardella’s RN currently sits with the Identity & Democracy (ID) parliamentary grouping, which is made up of conservative parties across Europe including Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) […]
1 year ago
The unique and time-honored tradition of feather imping, a practice known locally as tawseer, thrives. This meticulous craft is commonly used on birds of prey, particularly falcons, to replace a damaged feather with a healthy one. It involves the insertion of a donor feather, obtained either from the bird’s previous molting or from another bird of the same or different species. After a hunting or training season, falcons may suffer broken or damaged feathers. Skilled craftsmen, who have inherited their knowledge from generations past, step in to mend the falcon’s feathers using specialised tools and techniques. According to imping expert Masoud AlJuaid, the process is delicate, requiring a keen eye and a steady hand. Skilled can complete the task in just 4–5 minutes, using simple tools such as wooden skewers, copper wire, adhesive glue, and white powder or wood ash. The latter helps to stabilize the newly added feather and prevent it from affecting the falcon’s flight, he added. Imping is not merely an aesthetic practice; it is essential to maintain the falcon’s balance and flight capabilities. A broken or damaged feather can disrupt the bird’s aerodynamics, leading to difficulty in flying or even injury. A falcon’s wing consists of […]
1 year ago
The circular issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the official working hours during the holy month of Ramadhan will be from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm for employees inn the regular hours system, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) said. The working hours will be reduced at a rate of one-sixth from 36 hours to 30 hours per week, Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa, President of the CSB said. Employees working extended hours will have their working hours reduced from 40 hours to 33 and a half hours per week. From Sunday through Wednesday, the working hours will be from 8:00 am to 2:45 pm and, on Thursday, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. The special working hours approved by the CSB for some government agencies are also reduced at the same rate. The relevant authority at these agencies shall the official working hours for each day based on the work requirements and the guidelines of the CSB. This includes government employees who are subject to a special set of regulations. Shaikh Daij bin Salman noted that flexible hours shall exceed three hours per day, and the […]
1 year ago
The Deputy Emir of Hail Region Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Bin Muqrin has officially inaugurated the region’s inaugural hiking trail. This trail paves the way for adventurers and tourists to the famous archaeological site of Hatem Al-Tai’s historical lighthouse, perched atop Mount Al Samra in Hail city, at an elevation of 1,170 meters. Organized by the Saudi Hiking Trails Association (Darb), this trail marks a significant addition to the region’s recreational and tourist attractions, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify entertainment options and promote tourism. Upon his arrival at Al Samra Park, the deputy emir was greeted by the trail’s investor Ali Al-Fayez, Darb’s Board of Directors Chairman Dr. Abdullah El-Kuwaiz, and other board members. He also met with trailblazers from various parts of the Kingdom ready to embark on the trail’s maiden journey. Prince Faisal received detailed information about the trail’s development by Darb over 22 days, featuring safe pathways offering sweeping views of Hail city, its watercourse, and surrounding greenery, enhancing the lush transformation of Mount Al Samra. While ascending to the summit, participants were regaled with the tale of the lighthouse, known as “Al-Habahib’s Fire.” This 6th-century AD story highlights Hatem Al-Tai’s legendary hospitality, […]