The saga of India & Sri Lanka's claims on Katchatheevu, and 2 RTI replies
While PM claims island was ‘callously given away’, in 2015, MEA's RTI reply says case ‘of acquiring or ceding' the island does not arise. ThePrint explains Katchatheevu situation. Key Points
ThePrintLakshadweep's ₹4,500-cr makeover: Airport expansion, new Taj resorts to help island take on Maldives
The government has awarded a ₹4,500-crore contract to L&T for the expansion of Agatti airport runway to 2,800 metres. A Greenfield airport at Minicoy Island, which lies next to the Maldives, is also on the cards. Key Points
mintChina's Weibo blocks trending hashtag on ‘Taiwan election’ amid voting
China's Weibo social media platform blocked a hashtag on the Taiwan presidential election after it became a top-trending topic. Voting began on Saturday, with millions of Taiwanese eligible to cast their ballots. Key Points
mintLove island Games winners revealed, here's which couple took home $100k
And the winners of Peacock's Love island Games 2023 are.. Key Points
Hindustan TimesBirth of an island in Japan: How an undersea volcanic eruption led to a fascinating event
Recently, in October 2023, an undersea volcano eruption led to the creation of a new island near Japan's Ogaswara island chain. Reportedly, this is one of those rare events that gives a glimpse into how nature works and how such islands are created due to Earth's geology and seismic activity. The new island, which has not been named yet, is about 100 meters in diameter and was created due to phreatomagmatic eruptions, which happen when magma comes into contact with seawater and creates explosive bursts of ash and steam. Key Points
Economic Times
New island emerges as volcano erupts off Japan
Tokyo: An undersea volcano erupted off Japan three weeks ago, providing a rare view of the birth of a tiny new island, but experts say it may not last very long. Located about 1 km off the southern coast of Iwo Jima, which Japan calls Ioto, started its eruptions on October 21. By early November, it Key Points
The Tribune IndiaMiami's ‘Billionaire Bunker’ island, home to Jeff Bezos, has a rich history
According to reports, Bezos possesses two properties on the island, one bought for $79 million in October, and a neighboring estate acquired for $68 million, as revealed by Bloomberg News. Among the notable residents in the acclaimed Billionaire Bunker are NFL figure Tom Brady, singer Julio Iglesias, investor Carl Icahn, and the presence of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Key Points
Economic TimesWildfires wreak havoc in Greece, tourists flee popular spots Rhodes and Corfu
Devastating wildfires in Greece led to evacuations from Corfu's beach and stranded tourists at Rhodes airport. The inferno persisted for seven days, challenging authorities. Climate change's impact intensified heatwaves, exacerbating the fires. Emergency services faced multiple blazes on various islands, as the nation united to combat the crisis. Key Points
Economic TimesStrong earthquake rattles northern Japan; no damage reported
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido on Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Key Points
The HinduNetflix's Skull Island: Release date, plot, cast, and other important details
Netflixs new show Skull island will be MonsterVerse's first animated series. Here are all the details. Key Points
Economic Times
The island destination wedding a MetroCard swipe away
The ceremony was held at the Sanctuary, a wedding and events venue that took over this old church on the island’s north side over two years ago, rescuing it from ruin. With a leafy outdoor dining space that offers a plumb view of Manhattan’s skyline and an Instagrammable concrete pier that juts out into the East River, the Sanctuary has since become an unlikely matrimonial hot spot. Key Points
The Indian ExpressGovernors Island: The uninhabited isle that birthed NYC
From Dutch outpost to urban playground, Governors island has had many lives. Now, it's pioneering a zero-waste concept that could show other cities how to develop more sustainably. Key Points
BBCNGT constitutes high-powered committee to revisit environmental nod granted to Great Nicobar island project
A special bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a stay on the ₹72,000 crore Great Nicobar island project and constituted a committee to revisit the environmental clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The bench passed the order on April 3. Key Points
The HinduLove island Games: See release date, time, streaming platform, number of episodes, contestants and more
Love island Games premieres on Peacock on November 1, 2023 at 9 p.m. ET. The season consists of 17 episodes, airing daily except Saturdays. The show's finale is set for November 20, 2023. The spin-off brings together former Love island contestants, offering a second shot at love in Fiji, complete with dating, eliminations, and challenges. Key Points
Economic TimesKatchatheevu row: Sri Lanka says island falls within its control as India ‘readies’ to reclaim island, says BJP
Sri Lankan minister claims Katchatheevu island falls within its control, 'no official communication from India yet'. BJP's Annamalai asserts India's efforts to reclaim territory. Key Points
mint
Leaked! Love island 2023 final episode date; here are the details
On After Sun, Sam Thompson accidentally revealed the likely finale date of Love island 10. Heres when the reality show is ending on ITV. Key Points
Economic Times'Out-of-control' wildfire engulfs forests on Spain's holiday island of Tenerife
Around 150 people have been evacuated from more than five villages (Arrate, Chivisaya, Media Montana, Ajafona, and Las Lagunetas) in the northeast of the island so far. This area primarily consists of farms and holiday homes. Key Points
Economic TimesRs 1 lakh per square foot: Dubai plot of sand sets new record
The 24,500-square-foot empty parcel is on the sought-after Jumeirah Bay Island, a seahorse-shaped piece of land accessible by bridge from the Dubai mainland. That works out to more than 5,000 dirhams per square foot, which the brokerage on the deal, Knight Frank, identified as a new high. The buyer, who doesnt live in the United Arab Emirates, is planning to build a family vacation home on the property. His identity wasnt disclosed. Key Points
Economic TimesBJP claims Centre working to bring back Katchatheevu island: Is it possible?
BJP leader asserts efforts to reclaim Katchatheevu island, while Sri Lankan minister maintains the island is within their control. Another minister supports maintaining current national boundaries. Key Points
mintPolitics aside, why Katchatheevu matters
Katchatheevu island is back in the headlines ahead of the Lok Sabha election. India ceded claims to the island when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. The island is of importance as China looks to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region and for thousands of Indian fishermen. Key Points
India Today
Billy Joel jokes that even though he is selling Long island Mansion but not leaving for good
Billy Joel reassures Long island fans during a concert, affirming his ties despite mansion sale. With humor, he quips about moving to Florida, yet emphasizes staying in Sag Harbor. The 74-year-old acknowledges the challenge of selling his $49M estate, Middlesea. He explains the delay in selling, awaiting renovations' completion. Amidst his New Year's concert, spanning from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Joel's lively performance signifies a pivotal moment in his record-breaking 10-year Madison Square Garden residency, ending in July. Key Points
Economic Times7.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Indonesia's main island
A strong earthquake shook parts of Indonesia’s main island of Java and tourist island of Bali on April 14, causing panic but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.0 quake was centred 96.5 kilometres (59.8 miles) north of Tuban, a coastal city in East Java province, at a depth of 594 kilometres (369 miles). Key Points
The HinduIndian man pleads not guilty to human smuggling across Canadian border
A man accused of plotting and being paid to smuggle Indian nationals from Canada into the United States pleaded not guilty in a U.S. federal court on Wednesday. Key Points
ReutersLove island Season 10: Who is Amber Wise? Know all about ex-footballer Dennis Wise's daughter
The 19-year-old Love island Season 10 contestant is all set to enter Casa Amor as a ‘bombshell. Know more about Amber Wise. Key Points
Economic Times'Why are they doing a somersault now?': Chidambaram slams Jaishankar over Katchatheevu island row
Congress leader P Chidambaram has criticized External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over the Katchatheevu island dispute, accusing him of a change in stance. The dispute, which has led to the detention of Indian fishermen, has been a longstanding issue spanning different administrations. The Modi government has been working towards resolving the issue through dialogue with Sri Lanka. Key Points
Economic Times