Latest news with #English-speaking
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Children of ‘anti-English' BJP leaders learn the same language, study abroad: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday advocated English as a means for the underprivileged to get jobs and move ahead in life, a remark that targets the BJP-RSS for what he calls their aversion to the colonial-era official language. 'In today's world, English is as important as your mother tongue - because it will provide employment and boost your confidence,' said Gandhi in a message to the youth on X. He said, "English is not a dam, it is a bridge. English is not a shame, it is power. English is not a chain - it is a tool to break the chains." He also lashed out at leaders from the BJP, whose own wards speak English and study abroad, while the latter dissuade the masses in India from using English. 'The BJP-RSS don't want poor kids of India to learn English - because they don't want you to ask questions, move ahead, and become equal. In today's world, English is as important as your mother tongue - because it will provide employment and boost your confidence,' wrote LoP Rahul Gandhi on X in Hindi. LoP Rahul Gandhi's message on social media also carried a short video with some young men and a list of Union Ministers whose children study in foreign universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, Warwick University, Oxford University, Tufts University and the University of London. LoP Rahul Gandhi's remarks come close to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's observation at an event on Thursday that the time is not far when 'English-speaking people would themselves feel ashamed'. Amit Shah's comments, made at a Hindi book's launch, followed a co-speaker's concerns over the perceived threat to Hindi and differences within people over its use. 'Mark my words, there is no crisis. In the coming years, such an Indian society is soon going to become a reality in which English-speaking people would themselves feel ashamed,' said Amit Shah. Half-baked knowledge acquired through foreign languages cannot lead to a complete understanding of Indian culture, history and religion, he said, emphasising Hindi's role as a uniting factor in the country. LoP Rahul Gandhi's remarks on valuing Indian languages also carried a powerful message against the alleged imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu. 'Every language of India has soul, culture, and knowledge. We have to cherish them, and at the same time, teach English to every child. This is the path to an India that competes with the world, that gives every child an equal opportunity,' said LoP Rahul Gandhi.
Montreal Gazette
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Drimonis: So who gets to celebrate la Fête nationale? (Hint: You do)
With St-Jean celebrations around the corner, I want to set the record straight about who gets to celebrate. Answer: Everyone. Every year I inevitably see a few English-speaking and allophone Quebecers express a mix of trepidation, frustration and uncertainty about whether they should even partake in the June 24 festivities. I'm here to tell you that you should. But I also understand where that confusion stems from. All Quebecers get to celebrate the Fête nationale. The problem is that the word 'Quebecer' doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. To some, it's simply someone who resides in Quebec. If you live, work and pay taxes here, you're a Quebecer. Grab that Fleur-de-lis and prepare to dance a rigodon. Not so fast! To others, the term 'Québécois' encompasses more than just where you live; it's a cultural and linguistic identity, designating the majority French-speaking population. To them, a 'real' Quebecer is someone with French-Canadian ancestry. To others still, it's someone who only speaks and prioritizes French above all. Since my first language (and frankly, not even my second) isn't French, am I one? By those definitions, English-speaking Quebecers, here since the second half of the 18th century, wouldn't qualify as 'real' Quebecers. Quebec's Greek community, which first arrived here in the late 19th century, with some members settling in Montreal as early as 1843, wouldn't be the real deal either. Even if — like all other immigrant groups — we've helped shape Montreal and Quebec. Others say self-identification is key. If you identify as a Quebecer, you are one — even if you 'dial 9 for English' or fast during Ramadan. Any attempt to define the 'right' kind of Quebecer is unhelpful to say the least. The Coalition Avenir Québec's divisive policies, such as Bills 21 and 96, have made many of us question our identity and place here. No matter how deep our roots and contributions, we're left wondering whether we're genuinely considered part of the 'nous' the government says it fights for. Over the years, many nationalists have pointed to my Greek name and my use of English as incriminating evidence against my Québécois credentials. Some even claim federalist Quebecers can't possibly be Québécois. They're wrong. When René Lévesque addressed the English-speaking community in a speech on sovereignty-association in 1980, he couldn't have been clearer: ''Quebecer' is a name that, to us, unites all those who were born or who live in Quebec and it links together their many language, ethnic, cultural, religious, geographic and other differences,' Lévesque said in his address at the Sheraton Mt-Royal Hotel in Montreal. 'It is the mark of belonging to a people and to a land, and the use of the word or its French equivalent 'Québécois' is in no way the exclusive property of one group and much less of one party.' Louder for the people in the back! Of course French is a key element of Quebec's identity, but when I celebrate Quebec culture, I celebrate all of it — all the languages, cultures and religions that find a home here. Despite legislation, policies and rhetoric that risks alienating some of us, there's a commonality we all share that deserves to be celebrated. We, too, have a deep love for this place — and pride in being part of a unique slice of the world that can't be replicated elsewhere. If St-Jean celebrates French-Canadian culture, heritage and identity, then this day is ours too. Because French culture and language are profoundly embedded in our Quebec and Canadian identities. They're non-negotiable elements of who we are as Quebecers and Canadians, regardless of first language or place of birth. I see no contradiction in celebrating both la St-Jean and Canada Day, and no government's exclusionary policies should stop us from embracing — and cheering — a Quebec that belongs to us all. Bonne Fête nationale, everyone!
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Interview with Aria Aber, author of Good Girl, shortlisted for Women's Prize for Fiction 2025
Nila, 19, is in all respects a 'bad girl'. She is rebellious, she drinks, engages in substance abuse, and she dates a charismatic American novelist, Marlowe Woods, who is several years her senior. But the ironically titled Good Girl by Aria Aber (published by Bloomsbury), shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2025, is much more than a coming-of-age story. Aber explores broader themes such as immigrant experiences, racism, violence, desire, shame, and self-discovery in a powerful debut novel. Over a Zoom call, she speaks about her love for Berlin, and the characters she was forced to keep and kill. Edited excerpts: Q: Like Nila in the book, your parents are from Afghanistan and you were born and brought up in Germany. Is there anything of you in this book? A: Any work of fiction or art is autobiographical. I can give you an example of how I am every character in the book, not just Nila. When I started writing the book in 2020, I lived in North California and was working as a guest lecturer at Oakland University. I didn't have health insurance and I had to move back to Berlin to a small district, which was close to a club. Both these topographies ended up influencing the narrative of the book — specifically the biography of Marlowe Woods. So, there were things I took from my life that ended up in the book in unexpected ways. Q: This book is as much about Nila as it is about Berlin. What do you love about Berlin and what aspects of the city did you want to bring into this book? A: I love Berlin; it's one of the only places in the world, but specifically in Germany, where I have felt at home. It's diverse, alive, chaotic, and beautiful — and also a little rough, which is I think is aesthetically what I'm drawn to. When I was first there in 2012, I noticed that a lot of English-speaking expats were moving into the city. Berlin had already been populated by a new wave of voluntary migrants — not Turkish workers from the 1980s, or refugees from the Arab and Muslim world, but young creatives with degrees. They had come from Italy or Spain or Greece because the economy had collapsed after the financial crisis and Germany was one of the last stable economies. And then suddenly, there was this new influx of creatives, of Americans and British people. Something shifted around that time. I heard for the first time the person behind the counter at a bar not speaking German, but English. I wanted to capture the period before that happened, when expats were still in the city, but they were not as visible. I also really wanted to bring out the idea of parallel societies. Nila is ashamed of her heritage because she grows up in this post 9/11 world. She oscillates between two very intense worlds. One is her refugee community, which is not assimilated into the majority society properly, and the other is the underworld of the club kids, which is also not assimilated into the majority society properly. Both of these worlds are parallel and are being critiqued by common German citizens for not leading their lives according to the production and generation of capital. Q: A lot of your characters have conversations when they are drunk or when they are engaged in substance abuse. How did you research those portions? Did you watch films, read, interact with people? A: Dialogue comes pretty naturally to me, even though I do pay attention to it, probably subconsciously, when I watch films. I remember rewatching Lena Dunham's TV series Girls and just marvelling at how good and funny the dialogues were, and how realistic each character was. There are some writers I'm drawn to, such as Don DeLillo and Sally Rooney, who write great dialogue. So I think I look to other writers for dialogue. But for atmosphere and plot, I draw inspiration from films. Q: Given the age gap between Marlowe and Nila and the occasional violence that occurs within their relationship, this is tricky terrain to write about. It seems predatory at first glance, but when you look at it, Nila does have agency. How do you navigate this relationship without giving the reader the impression that this is okay? A: I wanted to explore the nuances and complications of a young person who believes they have full agency and control and then later on understand that the predatory aspects (of the relationship) that were not witnessed. So, what does that do to a person who is not a victim necessarily, but may have experienced some things within a relationship that were victimising her? Nila was looking for something exciting and she didn't know what it was. She didn't have the language for it, a way to articulate it, or draw a boundary. I wanted to write about juvenile confusion and self-destruction. Often, people who have self-destructive streaks seek them out in their relationships. I tried to go into the depths of that relationship and in order for that to feel human and realistic, I also had to understand Marlowe, so that he's not just a caricature. So I wrote some chapters from his perspective [which did not make it to the book]. Q: You're also a poet but your book doesn't read like a book by a poet, and that's not an insult! Was it a conscious choice to write differently? A: It is fascinating you say that. My intention was to not write a poet's novel. Not because I don't like reading them; I love reading them. I love an experimental plotless book that is linguistically interesting with sentences so delicious that I want to eat them. But I like the concept of a narrative having a beginning, a middle, and an end. A climax where the character experiences change to a point of no return, et cetera. That partly has to do with the fact that in Afghan culture — and this is probably true in Indian culture too — storytelling is very important. When you're in a social gathering, you can entice everyone with a story. Q: My favourite character in the book is Nila's mother. How attached were you to that character? A: She's actually one of my favourite characters too. I had to kill her because she was taking up too much space in the book. I had to kill my darling in order to write what I wanted to write about, which was Nila and Marlowe. My next book will be set in the 1980s in Afghanistan, and it will follow feminist revolutionaries [which Nila's mother was]. radhika.s@
Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
24/7 Airport Transfers in Makkah & Madinah
Every detail matters during your sacred journey—especially how you get from place to place. From the airport to your hotel, from Makkah to Madinah, your mode of travel affects your comfort, timing, and peace of mind. That's where Umrah taxi services step in to simplify and elevate your pilgrimage experience. Umrah taxi services are specialized transportation solutions designed specifically for pilgrims. Unlike general taxis, these are run by operators who understand the spiritual needs, preferred routes, and sensitivities of religious travelers. They often provide: Assistance with luggage Stops for prayer or rest Comfortable, clean vehicles Drivers who are familiar with Islamic etiquette and holy landmarks Perfect for solo pilgrims or families wanting privacy, speed, and comfort. Ideal for tour groups or large families. These taxis are usually vans or minibuses. Travel in premium sedans or SUVs with English-speaking drivers and luxury interiors. Economical option for travelers looking to save. Shared with other pilgrims heading the same direction. Umrah taxi services cover all major pilgrimage-related routes: Jeddah Airport to Makkah Makkah to Madinah Madinah to Makkah Madinah Airport to Hotel Ziyarat Tours in Makkah & Madinah These routes are often priced as fixed-rate packages for convenience. Pilgrim-friendly experience Drivers are trained to accommodate religious needs, including prayer breaks. Drivers are trained to accommodate religious needs, including prayer breaks. Familiarity with routes No getting lost or confusion—drivers know exactly where to go. No getting lost or confusion—drivers know exactly where to go. Clean, well-maintained vehicles Important for long journeys between cities. Important for long journeys between cities. Time-saving No long waits or haggling—get in and go. You can book through: Official websites or booking portals Tour operators and travel agencies Hotel front desk or concierge Direct call or WhatsApp chat with drivers Some services offer live vehicle tracking, digital receipts, and multi-language support. Typical fare estimates: Jeddah Airport to Makkah: SAR 150–250 SAR 150–250 Makkah to Madinah: SAR 350–500 SAR 350–500 Madinah to Airport: SAR 80–150 Pricing depends on: Vehicle type (economy vs. VIP) Time of travel (day/night) Season (Ramadan, Hajj, etc.) Some services offer flat rates to avoid disputes. Hujjaj Umrah Taxi – Reliable, with clean cars and English-speaking staff. Haramain Taxi – Well-known for intercity rides. Umrah Ride – Offers both shared and private rides. Local Licensed Operators – Always verify their permits. 24/7 availability Multilingual support Air-conditioning Baby seats (on request) Punctuality & safe driving Book early during Ramadan or Hajj. during Ramadan or Hajj. Double-check your hotel address before setting off. before setting off. Take a picture of the license plate for safety. for safety. Keep cash handy, especially for tips or tolls. Available in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Good for short rides within cities. Transparent pricing Easy to use Driver tracking May not offer large vehicles Surge pricing during peak hours Book a driver who: Waits with a name card at Arrivals Helps with luggage Drives directly to your Makkah/Madinah hotel Some services even offer Zamzam water on arrival! Choose 7-seater vans, mini-buses, or 14-passenger coasters. Often include: Bulk luggage storage Family-friendly entertainment Discounted group rates Stop for salah (prayers) when needed (prayers) when needed Friendly to elderly and women travelers Patient, non-rushed driving experience Choose taxis with visible ID cards Confirm municipal license or registration or registration Avoid unmarked or unofficial vehicles Government monitors licensed operators strictly in the Two Holy Cities. Your Umrah journey begins not just with Ihram, but also with the right ride. Umrah taxi services are crafted for your comfort, safety, and peace of mind—from the airport to the Haram. Whether you're alone, with family, or in a group, there's a reliable option ready to take you wherever your spiritual heart desires. 1. Are Umrah taxis available 24/7? Yes, most operate around the clock to match international flight arrivals. 2. Do Umrah taxi drivers speak English? Some do, especially in VIP services. Basic Arabic or translation apps help. 3. Can I book a round trip? Absolutely! Most services offer discounts on round-trip bookings. 4. Are prices fixed or metered? Usually fixed rates, especially on intercity routes. 5. How early should I book during peak seasons? At least 2 weeks in advance during Ramadan or Hajj season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
‘No systems or users were compromised': TCS clarifies as Marks & Spencer investigates cyber breach
India's largest IT company, Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) independent director Keki Mistry, told the firm's shareholders that no TCS systems or users were compromised due to the cyberattack on one of its clients. 'As no TCS systems or users were compromised, none of our other customers are impacted,' said Keki Mistry, independent director of TCS, at the annual shareholder meeting, as reported by the news agency Reuters on Thursday, 19 June 2025. Marks && Spencer (M&S), one of TCS's decade-long clients, was a victim of a cyberattack, which raised concerns among shareholders about how much TCS was affected by it. 'The purview of the investigation (of Marks & Spencer) does not include TCS,' said Mistry, quoted in the news agency's report. According to a BBC report, a group of English-speaking hackers used the illicit service known as DragonForce to carry out their cyber attack on the fashion retail giant Marks & Spencer. Dragonforce operates as a cybercrime service for people to use in exchange for a fee, which gives people access to the malicious software to carry out cyberattacks and demand extortion, according to the report. In an email to the news portal, DragonForce claimed responsibility for the cyberattack and demanded payment from the company. The email was sent through the account of an employee working at TCS. The news portal's report also confirmed that Marks & Spencer's head, Stuart Machin, said that the hackers got in through 'social engineering' as they pretended to be someone trustworthy and tricked the employee into giving out passwords or login access. Machin said that the attack was carried out through a third party which had access to M&S systems, according to the report. This incident marked the first time TCS publicly responded to a cyberattack for a decade-long client, M&S. However, Marks & Spencer did not respond to the agency's queries on the development. LiveMint couldn't independently verify the report. In 2023, TCS reportedly bagged a $1 billion contract to modernise M&S's technology needs to foster its supply chain and omni-channel sales and increase its online sales. After the cyber attack, the IT firm is internally investigating the entry point of the cyber attack, as reported by the news portal The Financial Times. This incident also reportedly resulted is a loss of operating profit to the extent of nearly 300 million pounds ($403 million). The cyber attack also disrupted the company's online services, which can likely be revived by July 2025, according to the agency report.
