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Greek envoy stresses on “Hamas’ dissolution,” cautions about war’s impact on India-Middle East-Europe Corridor

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2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Staff Reporter

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New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): As the Israel-Hamas war enters its 25th day, the Ambassador of Greece to India, Dimitrios Ioannou expressed Greece’s unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its actions, labelling it as a terrorist organisation and underscored that a solution to the Middle-East war is not possible without Hamas’ dissolution.

“Greece condemns in absolute terms Hamas and the killings, the crimes that have been committed and considers Hamas to be a terrorist organisation. There cannot be a solution to the Middle East conflict without the dissolution of the Hamas terrorist organisation. A solution should be advanced and implemented through political dialogue,” said the Greek envoy in an interview with ANI on Tuesday.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas also brought to the forefront discussions about the future of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). The Greek envoy while weighing in on this matter, emphasised that the corridor is an “absolute necessity,” to India’s economic landscape, adding it could experience some delays but may proceed without significant hindrance.

Ambassador Ioannou, while speaking at an Observer Research Foundation event, also highlighted the significance of the India-Middle East Corridor as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for the Indian economy. He stressed that this corridor, which has been in the planning stages, is deemed a necessity.

“It seems to me a very peculiar thing why this idea about the economic corridor did not appear to some minds ten or five years before because it seems to me like an absolute necessity. India Middle East Corridor is an absolutely necessary alternative to China’s BRI for the Indian economy. It will be built one way or another,” said the Greek envoy at the ORF event.

The Ambassador also mentioned that it could experience some delays but may proceed without significant hindrance. “And I don’t know whether it will be delayed by the unhappy events now but I think that economic necessity is the strongest motivation in international relations. So it can be a delay of one or two years or it can be no delay at all because the fact is that this is still a project on paper and we don’t know how long it will take,” he added.

Greece firmly supports the concept of a two-state solution and emphasises the importance of safeguarding innocent civilian lives in the region. “First, we condemn the atrocities made by Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organisation. We would not be able to have a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict without a solution on the end of Hamas. It is a factor to play in this situation…Second, we believe in the solution of two states…The lives of innocent civilians should be saved and protected…,” said Ambassador Ioannou in an interview with ANI.

In an interesting observation, Ambassador Ioannou revealed the immense popularity of Indian actress Nargis in Greece during the 1960s. The cultural connection, according to them, illustrates that India was not perceived as a distant country but was well-known in Greece. “The most popular actress in Greece in the in the 60s was Nargis. I remember that my mother was drawn from the cinemas to the movies to watch the movies of Nargis. I always sing the song from Mother India. So Greeks, in many ways, for many reasons, they were very much informed about India. India was not at all such a distant country as China,” he added.

Additionally, Ambassador Ioannou highlighted the substantial maritime cooperation between Greece and India. “Greece has the biggest maritime fleet in the world…If at this moment there is an Indian product delivered somewhere around the world to its final consumer, there is one chance in five that it was transported by a Greek ship. It’s the same the other way around where something is delivered at this, moment here in India coming from abroad. There is also a 1.5 chance that it was transported by the Greek fleet…That means that even without waiting for the economic corridor to be built and completed the Greek merchant fleet contributed to the development and the growth of the Indian economy. And it will continue doing so in the coming years…”Regarding Greece’s support for India in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Ambassador Ioannou reaffirmed Greece’s backing, emphasising the necessity of India’s participation in the UNSC due to its status as the most populous country, which holds considerable influence in international diplomacy. He said, “From the very first moment Greece has been supportive and we will support it because it is absolutely necessary that the most populous country be a part of the Security Council. India is a factor in international diplomacy…”He wrapped up by underscoring the promising development of India-Greece relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece. “After the visit of PM Modi to Greece the relations of India and Greece have entered a very promising stage. They will be developing in the coming years…,” said the Greek envoy. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

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3 months ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

Published

3 months ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

Published

5 months ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.