Parents today are often very protective. They try to make life easier for their kids, but sometimes this means the kids don’t get to face real challenges. When things get tough, they may not know how to handle it because they’ve always been shielded.
2. Too Much Technology
Smartphones, social media, and video games have taken over a big part of life. This means less time outside, less physical activity, and fewer real conversations. It’s easy to get lost in a digital world, which can make it harder to develop strong social and problem-solving skills.
3. Academic Pressure
The pressure to do well in school and exams is huge. It’s not just about learning anymore; it’s about getting top marks to secure a future. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, which sometimes makes kids feel overwhelmed and mentally exhausted.
4. Instant Gratification
Today, people are used to getting things fast—whether it’s food, entertainment, or information. Waiting or working hard for something over time isn’t as common. This can reduce patience and perseverance, making it harder to stick with long-term goals.
5. Less Physical Activity
With more time spent indoors and in front of screens, there’s less focus on physical activity. This can lead to lower physical fitness, which makes people feel less energetic and resilient.
In short, many of these issues come from modern lifestyles, which are very different from what previous generations experienced.
If you are planning to upgrade your old desktop computer and want to exchange it for a new laptop, there are several platforms that offer exchange programs. These platforms offer convenience and often good value for your old device. In this article, we will learn about popular options like Amazon Exchange, Flipkart, OLX, and others to help you make an informed choice.
Amazon Exchange Amazon offers a simple and user-friendly exchange program for old devices, including desktops. When buying a new laptop, you can check if an “exchange offer” is available for your product. The process is straightforward:
Check eligibility: Enter the details of your old desktop to ensure it is eligible for exchange.
Instant discount: After confirming the condition and details of your desktop, Amazon offers an instant discount that you can apply to the purchase of your new laptop.
Easy pickup: The exchange team picks up the old desktop from your home while delivering the new laptop.
Amazon’s exchange service is seamless, but the value you get depends on the condition of your old device.
Flipkart Exchange Flipkart also has a similar exchange program, where you can exchange your old desktop for a new laptop. Here’s how it works:
Browse products: View laptops with exchange options.
Price calculation: Enter the details of your old desktop to estimate its exchange value.
Exchange at the time of delivery: During the delivery of the new laptop, the Flipkart team will pick up your old desktop.
Flipkart’s exchange prices are competitive, and the process is easy to follow. They also offer doorstep service for exchanges.
OLX Unlike Amazon and Flipkart, OLX is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can sell your old desktop directly to another buyer. Here’s how to do it:
Create a listing: Post details and images of your old desktop.
Negotiate: Buyers will contact you, and you can negotiate the selling price. Complete the sale: Once the deal is done, you can use the money from the sale to buy a new laptop from OLX or another platform.
OLX gives you more control over pricing, but requires more effort in terms of dealing with buyers and handling the sales process yourself.
Version 1.0.0
Other platforms Quikr: Similar to OLX, Quikr lets you sell your old desktop and negotiate prices with potential buyers.
Cashify: Specialising in gadget exchange, Cashify offers doorstep pickup for your old device and quotes you the price immediately. You can then use the payment to buy a new laptop.
Conclusion Exchanging your old desktop for a new laptop is easy with multiple platforms offering convenient solutions. Whether you prefer the hassle-free exchange programmes of Amazon and Flipkart or want to negotiate a better price on OLX, there is an option to suit your needs.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) represents a profound ambition in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike narrow AI, which excels at specific tasks such as playing chess or recommending movies, the goal of AGI is to achieve a level of cognitive flexibility and understanding that mirrors human intelligence. In this article, we’ll explore what AGI is, what challenges it faces, and what potential impact it could have on our world.
What is AGI?
Artificial general intelligence refers to a type of AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can. This means that AGI will be able to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of activities, from solving complex mathematical problems to engaging in nuanced conversations. Essentially, AGI is designed to have a breadth of cognitive abilities comparable to human intelligence.
Key features of AGI include:
Broad cognitive capabilities: AGI can handle a variety of tasks in a similar way to humans, learning from experience, and adapting. This flexibility allows it to apply knowledge across different domains.
Autonomy: AGI systems are expected to operate independently, making decisions based on their own understanding of the world without requiring explicit instructions for every task.
Adaptability: AGI can generalize knowledge from one area to another, allowing it to effectively tackle new and unexpected challenges.
Human-like interaction: AGI aims to interact naturally with humans, understanding context, emotions, and providing intelligent responses in interactions.
Current status of AGI As of now, AGI remains a theoretical concept. Most AI systems in use today are examples of narrow AI, specializing in specific tasks, but lack the broad, adaptive intelligence that AGI seeks to achieve. For example, while AI can excel in areas such as image recognition or language translation, it does not have the general cognitive abilities that allow it to understand and engage across different topics like a human.
Challenges in Achieving AGI The journey toward AGI involves several significant challenges:
Technical complexity: Developing AGI requires creating systems that can generalize knowledge and adapt to new situations. This includes advancing our understanding of machine learning algorithms, cognitive architectures, and computational models.
Understanding human intelligence: To replicate human-like intelligence, researchers need a deep understanding of how human cognition works. This includes understanding concepts such as consciousness, reasoning, and emotional intelligence.
Ethical considerations: The development of AGI raises profound ethical questions. Ensuring that AGI operates safely and aligns with human values is crucial to preventing misuse or unintended consequences. Issues such as privacy, control, and bias need to be addressed comprehensively.
Economic and societal impact: The advent of AGI could bring about drastic changes in industries and job markets. Preparing for these changes involves not only technological development but also policy-making and societal adaptation.
Potential impact of AGI If achieved, AGI could have a transformational impact on various aspects of society:
Healthcare: AGI could revolutionise healthcare by providing advanced diagnostic tools, personalised treatment plans and improving overall medical research.
Education: AGI could create personalised learning experiences, adapting to the needs of individual students and providing targeted assistance. Workplace: At the workplace, AGI could handle complex tasks across various domains, potentially leading to increased efficiency and new forms of collaboration between humans and machines. Daily life: AGI could improve daily life by offering intelligent personal assistants that understand and anticipate needs, manage tasks intuitively and provide meaningful interactions. The Way Forward While AGI remains a distant goal, advances in AI research are moving us closer to this vision. Researchers are working on improving machine learning algorithms, cognitive models, and ethical frameworks to create more adaptable and capable systems. The path to AGI is filled with both opportunities and challenges. As we move forward, it is important to approach AGI development with a balanced perspective, considering both the potential benefits and ethical implications. By doing so, we can work toward a future where AGI improves human lives and makes positive contributions to society. In short, Artificial General Intelligence represents the pinnacle of AI aspirations – creating machines with human-like cognitive abilities. While still a work in progress, the pursuit of AGI is fueling significant advances in AI technology and shaping the future of intelligent systems.
Political instability: A major factor A significant cause of Pakistan’s economic difficulties is its continued political instability. The country has changed government several times, often due to military intervention or political unrest. This instability disrupts the economy because there is little continuity in policies. When a new government comes to power, they often change or abandon previous policies, causing long-term economic plans to fail to take root. Investors, both local and international, often avoid investing in countries with such unpredictability for fear of losses or regulatory changes.
Political instability also fosters a lack of trust in governance, which affects confidence in the economy. People and businesses are less likely to spend, invest, or take risks, slowing economic growth. Over time, this has made it difficult for Pakistan to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), which is vital for a country to develop industries, infrastructure, and jobs.
Debt burden Pakistan’s debt situation is one of its biggest challenges. The country borrows money from international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to keep its economy afloat. While borrowing is not necessarily bad if it is used for growth, most of Pakistan’s debt has gone into reducing the budget deficit and repaying earlier debts rather than investing in productive sectors.
This has created a vicious cycle of borrowing to repay earlier debts. As a result, a large portion of the national budget is spent on debt repayment – paying interest on debt rather than funding education, healthcare or infrastructure. This limits the government’s ability to invest in sectors that can help the economy grow in the long run. When you add the rising debt repayment burden to this, Pakistan finds itself in a situation where achieving growth becomes even more difficult.
Energy Crisis: Slowing Down Growth For many years, Pakistan has been grappling with an energy crisis, which directly impacts its economy. Power shortages, especially electricity shortages, make it difficult for industries to operate smoothly. Factories often face load-shedding (scheduled power cuts), which delays production and increases costs. Businesses that can afford backup generators face higher operating costs, while those that cannot often have to scale back their operations.
The lack of reliable energy supply affects Pakistan’s ability to develop its manufacturing sector, which is essential for creating jobs and increasing exports. Additionally, energy sector inefficiencies, such as poor management of resources, outdated infrastructure and corruption, further weaken the economy.
Economic Crisis in Pakistan
Unbalanced trade and import dependence Pakistan’s trade imbalance is another serious issue. The country imports more than it exports, depleting foreign exchange reserves. A large portion of imports consist of oil and machinery, which are needed to keep industries running. However, Pakistan’s exports – mainly textiles and agricultural products – are not enough to bridge this gap.
When a country imports more than it exports, it leads to a current account deficit, which can be dangerous for the economy. This deficit further increases Pakistan’s dependence on foreign loans to meet its import bills, putting further pressure on the economy. The lack of diversity in Pakistan’s export products also means that the country is vulnerable to fluctuations in global demand, making it difficult to build a strong economic base.
Corruption and mismanagement
Corruption has long been a problem in Pakistan and is one of the major causes that hinder development. Funds set aside for public welfare or infrastructure development are often embezzled by corrupt officials. This misappropriation of funds not only leads to a lack of proper infrastructure but also leads to a loss of public confidence in the government.
Corruption is also closely linked to inefficiencies in the bureaucracy. The government machinery is often slow and ineffective in implementing reforms or even in basic tasks like tax collection. When the system is burdened with red tape and dishonest officials, it becomes nearly impossible to make the structural changes necessary for economic progress.
In the recent high-profile meeting between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden, the two leaders discussed in detail the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite the productive nature of their conversation, none of the leaders made any new commitments regarding Ukraine’s request to use long-range missiles against Russian targets.
Key points of the meeting The discussions held at the White House focused mainly on overall strategies rather than specific actions or tactics. Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the conversation was about shaping a comprehensive approach to the situation in Ukraine. The White House reiterated this sentiment, saying that the leaders also expressed serious concern about Iran and North Korea supplying lethal weapons to Russia.
Ukraine appeals for advanced weapons Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had recently highlighted the urgent need for advanced air defense systems and long-range missiles. According to Zelenskyy, more than 70 Iranian-made drones were launched by Russia overnight on Ukrainian territory. He emphasised that these weapons were vital to the defence of Ukrainian lives and infrastructure.
The request for long-range missiles is part of a wider appeal made by Ukraine’s leaders to their Western allies. They believe that having the ability to strike deep into Russian territory could significantly improve their defensive capabilities and put pressure on Russia for peace talks.
Reactions to Russian warnings
Prior to the Starmer-Biden talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin had issued a stern warning against the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine. Putin argued that such a move would signal direct NATO involvement in the conflict, which he claimed would only worsen the situation.
In response to these warnings, former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace expressed his disappointment, suggesting that the ongoing debate over these weapons was only benefiting the Russian President by withholding Western support for Ukraine. He argued that NATO should not be deterred by Putin’s threats and should consider providing Ukraine with the necessary military capabilities.
Views of US officials
Former US Special Representative for Ukraine negotiations Kurt Volker explained that Putin’s threats were designed to intimidate the West so that they would stop further support for Ukraine. Volker argued that the focus on avoiding provocations may be exaggerated and that the West should not be overly cautious about crossing so-called red lines.
US President Biden downplayed the impact of Putin’s statements while addressing the media ahead of his meeting with Starmer. Biden remarked that he did not regard Putin’s comments as a major concern, instead focusing on the strategic implications of the conflict and the broader international response.
Current status of military assistance
To date, both the US and the UK have been cautious about authorising the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine, fearing that such actions could further escalate the conflict. While Ukraine has received a variety of military aid, including long-range missiles earlier this year, their use has been restricted to avoid targets deep within Russia.
The UK has previously said Ukraine has the right to use UK-provided weapons for self-defence, but this does not extend to the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles beyond Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders. Similarly, the US has provided long-range missiles but has not permitted their use on Russian targets away from the frontlines.
Wider implications and diplomatic context The meeting between Starmer and Biden also discussed other global issues, including the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and various international concerns. The two leaders plan to pursue these matters at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
The diplomatic climate surrounding the Ukraine conflict remains tense, with significant geopolitical consequences. Relations have been further complicated by Russia’s expulsion of six British diplomats, citing allegations of espionage. The UK Foreign Office has rejected these claims as baseless.
In response to US sanctions against the Russian media channel RT, which is accused of being a tool for Russian intelligence, the Russian government has criticised these measures. RT’s editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan has defended the network, while Russia’s Foreign Ministry has suggested that the US is over-emphasising the role of sanctions in its broader strategy.
Looking ahead
Ongoing negotiations between Western allies and Ukraine remain a key aspect of the international response to the conflict. As discussions progress, attention remains focused on balancing support for Ukraine and managing the risks of escalating tensions with Russia.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, with the hope that diplomatic efforts will help to stop the spread of the conflict.
In a significant shift in the media world, Sir Paul Marshall has bought The Spectator magazine for £100 million through his media group, Old Queen Street (OQS). The acquisition is a major step towards expanding Marshall’s influence in the media sector following his recent investment in GB News. The deal also sees the departure of The Spectator chairman Andrew Neil, who has stepped down citing concerns over hedge funds owning news publications.
A new chapter for The Spectator
Founded in 1828, The Spectator is one of the world’s oldest political and current affairs magazines. Its new ownership under Sir Paul Marshall promises a new investment approach aimed at reviving the magazine. Marshall, a long-time reader of The Spectator, expressed excitement about his new acquisition, and vowed to address the lack of previous investment in the publication.
Marshall’s OQS Media Group has a history of significant investments in the media sector, including GB News, which launched in 2021. His purchase of The Spectator is in line with his broader strategy to build a strong portfolio of right-wing media outlets. The deal also reflects his commitment to supporting traditional journalism and maintaining editorial independence.
Sir Paul Marshall: The man behind the deal
Sir Paul Marshall, co-founder of hedge fund Marshall Wace, is a man better known in financial and political circles than to the general public eye. With an estimated net worth of £875 million, Marshall has made his mark through philanthropy and political engagement. He has supported a variety of causes, including education and social entrepreneurship, and is known for being associated with the conservative side of politics.
Marshall’s change from a Liberal Democrat to a Conservative supporter reflects his changing political landscape, along with his support for Brexit. His investments in media, including founding the news website Unherd and significant contributions to GB News, have cemented his role as a prominent figure in right-wing media circles.
Andrew Neil’s departure and its implications Andrew Neil has resigned as chairman of The Spectator, following his criticism of the news outlet’s ownership by hedge funds. Neil had previously expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest from such ownership. His departure signals a significant change in the magazine’s leadership, and his comments reflect wider debates about media ownership and integrity.
Neil’s resignation comes in the wider context of The Spectator’s sale, which follows the seizure of the magazine and the Telegraph newspapers by Lloyds banking group. The newspapers, originally owned by the Barclay family, faced financial difficulties, which led to them being divested and subsequently sold.
The wider media landscape The acquisition of The Spectator by Marshall is part of a larger trend of consolidation and realignment within the media industry. With increasing financial pressure on traditional media outlets, investments made by people like Marshall are seen as crucial to their survival and growth.
The sale has also highlighted the ongoing debate about media ownership and influence. The British government is investigating media mergers to ensure a diversified and high-quality news landscape. The sale of The Spectator to Marshall comes at a time when there are calls for tighter regulation to keep pace with changes in media ownership and protect journalistic independence.
The future of The Spectator Looking ahead, the impact of Marshall’s acquisition on The Spectator remains to be seen. His commitment to investing in the magazine and supporting its editorial independence is a positive sign for its future. However, the wider implications of this deal for the media landscape and Marshall’s ambitions to build a right-wing media empire will be closely watched.
As the media world continues to evolve, the sale of The Spectator underscores the importance of understanding the motivations and impacts of media ownership changes. For readers and industry observers, The Spectator’s future under Marshall’s leadership will be a key development.
Germany’s recent decision to extend temporary border controls across all its land borders has sparked a wave of criticism from its neighbours. The move, which is part of Germany’s response to irregular migration, has been labelled “unacceptable” by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and has also been criticised by officials in other countries. The decision highlights growing tensions over migration policies and border management in Europe, as countries grapple with how to handle rising numbers of refugees and migrants. Background to Germany’s decision Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Fieser, announced that from next Monday, border controls will be extended to cover all land borders, including those with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Denmark. Previously, such controls applied to select borders. According to Fieser, the aim is to provide protection against “serious threats posed by Islamist terrorism and serious crime”. Under the new rules, German police will be tasked with checking whether a refugee has already applied for protection in another European Union (EU) country. If they have done so, the process of deporting them will be swiftly initiated.
However, neighbouring countries have not liked the move. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the decision, saying it was taken because of Germany’s internal political conflicts, rather than any genuine border security concern. The criticism reflects wider discontent among European countries, which are concerned about the potential impacts of Germany’s actions on their border policies and migration management.
European neighbours react Germany’s decision has sparked reactions across the region. Poland, which has been dealing with a surge in illegal crossings on its border with Belarus since 2021, is particularly affected. Tusk has emphasized that Poland’s border policy is focused on countering the “hybrid war” being waged by Belarus and Russia rather than imposing more stringent controls on its borders with other EU countries such as Germany.
Austria has also taken a position on the issue. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced that Austria would not accept any migrants sent back by Germany. “There are no exemptions,” he said, reinforcing a firm stance that Austria will not bear the brunt of Germany’s border policy decisions. Austria, facing its own political pressures with far-right opinion polls ahead of upcoming elections, is unlikely to compromise on its border policies.
Impact on border communities Communities along the borders are feeling the immediate impact of Germany’s decision. Joris Bengevoord, the mayor of a Dutch town near the German border, described the border checks as a “panic reaction.” He highlighted the delays experienced by residents during the Euro 2024 football championships, when Germany imposed temporary border controls. Such disruptions could become more frequent and affect cross-border trade, travel and daily life for people living in these areas.
Dutch transport groups such as TLN have criticised Germany for undermining the principles of the Schengen Agreement, which allows passport-free travel across much of Europe. They argue that these controls impede the free movement of goods and people, which is the cornerstone of the Schengen area.
Not everyone in the Netherlands is against Germany’s move, however. Some political figures, particularly on the right, see it as a necessary step. Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration Freedom party, expressed his support for Germany’s decision and even suggested that the Netherlands should consider similar measures. Dilan Yesilgoz of the centre-right liberal VVD echoed this sentiment, saying the German plan sends a strong message about controls, even if it is largely symbolic.
Political context in Germany The decision to increase border controls comes at a politically sensitive time for Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition government is facing increasing pressure following poor results in state elections in eastern Germany, where immigration has emerged as a key issue. In Thuringia, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party recently came in first place, highlighting the changing political landscape and growing public concern over migration. Another election is due in Brandenburg in less than two weeks, which further increases the urgency for the government to address these concerns.
The conservative opposition in Germany, led by the CDU/CSU parties, has been strongly critical of the government’s handling of migration. CDU leader Friedrich Merz accused the government of being “hopelessly divided internally” and not taking effective measures to control migration. Opposition parties initially agreed to attend a government-hosted migration summit to discuss next steps, but later backed out of the government’s ‘
Shabana, a teenager living in Kabul, looked forward to her daily English lessons. Riding on a bus with her friends, talking, laughing, and learning something new was a bright moment in her dark life. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the dreams and hopes of countless women like Shabana have been shattered. For her, it wasn’t just about losing the chance to complete her education; it was about losing the essence of her life—the freedom to speak, learn, and live without fear.
In another world, Shabana would be graduating from high school next year and fulfilling her dream of earning a business degree. But in Afghanistan, the harsh reality is different. For the past three years, teenage girls have been denied formal education. And now, with a newly announced law mandating that women are not to be heard outside their homes, even the smallest joys are tinged with anxiety and fear.
“When we go out, we feel scared. When we are on the bus, we feel scared. We don’t dare take off our masks or talk to each other, thinking that if someone from the Taliban hears us, they might stop and question us,” says Shabana. The new decree is another blow to Afghan women, who have faced a relentless series of restrictions since the Taliban returned to power.
Fear on the streets The new law gives the Taliban’s morality police, the Deputy Ministry of Propaganda of Virtue and Prevention, sweeping powers to enforce their version of a “moral” society. For Afghan women, who have seen their freedoms slowly being taken away, the law feels like the final nail in the coffin.
“If we cannot speak, what is the point of living? We are like corpses walking around,” Shabana lamented. Her words echo the sentiments of many Afghan women, who feel that life under such harsh rules is no life at all. Shabana decided to stop attending her English classes because of the new law. The fear that something might happen if she accidentally spoke out in public was too much to bear. “But then my mother encouraged me to continue,” she says, reflecting the quiet but persistent protests among many Afghan women.
Even if the implementation of such orders is not always immediate or widespread, the fear of what might happen keeps people in check. Self-regulation has become the norm. Women still appear on the streets of Kabul, but now most of them are in loose black dresses or dark blue burqas, their faces covered except for their eyes, a direct result of an order announced last year.
“Every moment, you feel like you are in prison. It has become difficult to even breathe here,” says women’s rights activist Nausheen. Until last year, Nausheen was one of the few who dared to take to the streets demanding women’s rights. But the Taliban’s violent crackdown on protests has all but stopped them.
Suppressed voices and new forms of protest
Nausheen was detained during a protest last year. “The Taliban dragged me into a car and said, ‘Why are you working against us? This is an Islamic system.’ They took me to a dark, scary place and held me there, using horrible language against me. They even beat me,” she recalls, breaking down in tears. “When we were released from detention, we were not the same people as before. So we stopped protesting. I don’t want to be humiliated anymore because I am a woman. It’s better to die than live like this.”
Unable to take to the streets, Afghan women are now finding new ways to express their dissent. Many are posting videos online with their faces covered, singing songs about freedom. The lyrics of one song say, “Let’s be one voice, let’s hold hands and walk together and be free from this cruelty.” It is a quiet form of resistance, a way to fight back against a system that wants to silence them completely.
The Taliban’s justification Officials like Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat have justified the new order by saying it is in line with Islamic Sharia law. “The law approved by the supreme leader is in line with Islamic Sharia law. Any religious scholar can check its references,” he claims. However, many Afghan women disagree, arguing that the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia is a narrow one that is not in line with the spirit of Islam.
Shirin, a teacher who runs a secret school for girls, says, “It is their own interpretation of Sharia. Islam has given both men and women the right to choose whether they want to study and progress or not.” Shirin, like many others, continues her work quietly, often changing locations to avoid identification. “Every morning I pray to God that the day will go by safely. When the new law came out, I explained all the rules to my students and told them that things would be more difficult. But I am so tired of it all; sometimes I just feel like screaming,” she said. “They don’t see women as human beings, but as tools whose sole authority is to be used by the police.”
In recent years, growing concerns about overtourism have cast a shadow over many of the world’s most iconic destinations. Major cities such as Venice, Barcelona, and the picturesque avenues of Italy’s Cinque Terre have seen fierce protests from locals fed up with the endless hordes of tourists. These places packed with tourists have sparked debate over how tourism should be managed. However, beyond these overcrowded hotspots lie lesser-known destinations that are rich in culture and natural beauty, but yearn for more tourists. These countries offer unique experiences, diverse landscapes, and are rolling out the red carpet for those seeking something new and worthwhile. Here are four countries that are actively welcoming travelers, each with their own distinct charm.
Greenland: Adventures await in the land of ice and sky The world’s largest island Greenland is set to become a major player in the global travel scene. With two new international airports soon to open – one in the capital Nuuk later this year and another in Ilulissat by 2025 – Greenland is preparing to welcome more visitors. This is a huge change for Greenlandic tourism. Until now, most tourists had to pass through Kangerlussuaq, a former US military base, before proceeding on smaller planes to their final destinations. The new airports mean that tourists will be able to fly directly into the heart of Greenland, making it more accessible than ever.
Greenland’s tourism strategy focuses on two main areas: adventure tourism and year-round travel. For adventure seekers, the island offers thrilling experiences such as rock climbing in eastern Greenland, whale watching in its icy waters, and camping on the vast Greenland Ice Sheet. However, in winter Greenland really sets itself apart with “dark sky tourism.” Travelers are invited to gaze at the stars in the remote wilderness and experience the wonders of the aurora borealis. The country has embraced its long, dark winters, building cosy sky-view cabins and igloos to provide unforgettable nights under the dancing northern lights.
Local tourism officials are cautious, however, and insist on a balanced approach. They want to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by the local population and that smaller communities are not burdened. Tany Pour, head of international relations at Visit Greenland, emphasises that it’s about quality over quantity: “Airports cost a lot, so we have to encourage a lot of tourists to come,” she says, “but we will do it in a balanced way, so as not to upset the locals.”
Morocco: A cultural celebration beyond the souks Morocco, known for its vibrant souks, stunning landscapes and historic cities, is on a mission to double its tourist arrivals by 2030, aiming for 26 million annual visitors. With the announcement that Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, the country sees a golden opportunity to shine on the global stage. To prepare, Morocco is rapidly developing its tourism infrastructure, building new hotels, and renovating existing ones to meet the influx of visitors.
While Marrakech, with its bustling souks and famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, is often the first stop for travelers, the World Cup is set to draw attention to Morocco’s lesser-known cities. Places like Rabat, Fez, and Tangier, where major stadiums are undergoing renovations, will be in the spotlight. These cities are culturally rich but much less crowded than Marrakech or Casablanca, offering a more relaxed experience for those looking to explore Morocco’s heritage.
Fez, often called Morocco’s cultural capital, boasts the world’s largest medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where travelers can get lost in a labyrinth of history, tradition, and crafts. Agadir, a popular beach destination, also serves as a gateway to less touristy destinations like Taroudant, known as “little Marrakesh,” where visitors can explore authentic Moroccan life without the crowds. Meanwhile, Tangier is becoming a hotspot with new luxury hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria, which aims to offer a blend of modern comfort and traditional Moroccan hospitality.
Barbara Podbiel, a Morocco expert who has been traveling the country for more than 20 years, notes that the impact of tourism is clearly visible in the cleanliness of the streets and the overall atmosphere. “Tourism has had a positive impact in Marrakesh,” she says. “You can see it in the cleanliness of the streets, it’s a lot safer, and people no longer force you to buy things like they used to.”
Serbia: The road less traveled Serbia is emerging as a hidden gem in Europe, especially for those who love nature, history and sustainable travel. Unlike its neighbor Croatia, which has become a victim of its own tourism success, Serbia is embracing sustainable development and culturally sensitive tourism.
In a small village in India, a remarkable story of liberation and transformation unfolds. It begins with a group of midwives in rural Bihar who were once pressured into committing a despicable act – the killing of newborn baby girls. However, these women turned their lives around and began saving the very lives they were once forced to take. It is a story of deeply entrenched cultural norms, social pressure and the courage to change.
The burden of tradition
Midwife Siro Devi wipes away tears as she hugs Monika, who has returned to her birthplace in rural India. The tears are not just of joy, but also of relief and regret. Many years ago, Siro, along with other midwives, were part of a dark chapter in Indian society where they were forced to commit infanticide under pressure from families who saw baby girls as a burden rather than a blessing.
In the 1990s, journalist Amitabh Parasher exposed this horrific reality in Bihar’s Katihar district. At the time, the practice of dowry – a gift or payment made by the bride’s family to the groom’s family – was still widely practised. Although it was outlawed in 1961, the tradition continued, making daughters seem like an economic burden. Many families, facing severe poverty, turned to extreme measures to avoid the financial stress associated with raising girls.
Confessions of midwives Siro Devi, along with other midwives such as Haqiya Devi and Dharmi Devi, confessed to killing several newborn girls, usually under extreme pressure from the families. “The family would lock the room and stand behind us with sticks,” Haqiya Devi recalled. “They would say, ‘We already have four or five daughters. This will drain our wealth.'”
These midwives, who belonged to India’s lower castes, were caught in a cruel cycle. They were given small rewards for carrying out these horrific acts – sometimes a sari or a sack of grain, but often nothing. In a society where saying no to powerful people was not an option, these midwives had no choice but to obey.
The one question that changed everything But the change began with a simple question asked by Anila Kumari, a social worker working with women in villages around Katihar. She asked, “Would you do this to your daughter?” This one question unraveled years of insensitivity and denial. It forced the midwives to look at their actions in a different light. Inspired by Anila’s dedication to addressing the root causes of these killings, the midwives slowly began to resist the pressure to kill.
Anila’s approach was compassionate but firm. She understood that these women were themselves victims of circumstance, caught in a patriarchal web that valued sons over daughters. By forming community groups and providing financial support, Anila provided them with the tools they needed to resist and say no to the demands of families who wanted to kill their newborn daughters.
From taking lives to saving them By 1996, the change was evident. Siro and her colleagues began rescuing newborn girls. If a family insisted on killing a child, Siro would tell them, “Give me the baby, and I will take her to Anila madam.” This was a significant change, as these women who were once seen as criminals became protectors.
At least five baby girls were rescued by the midwives and handed over to Anila. These children, who were abandoned by their families as a burden, were given a chance at life. Anila ensured that the rescued girls were sent to an NGO in Patna, where they were eventually adopted. Although one girl died tragically, four others found new homes.
Reuniting the rescued girls One of these rescued girls was named Monika. She was adopted by a loving family in Pune, far away from her birthplace in Bihar. Growing up, Monika knew she was adopted, but she didn’t know about the dramatic circumstances surrounding her birth until recently. With the help of journalist Amitabh Parasher and the BBC World Service team, Monika found out more about her origins and the brave midwives who saved her life.
Monika decided to travel to Bihar to meet Siro Devi and Anila Kumari, the women who played a key role in her survival. It was an emotional reunion filled with tears, gratitude and closure. Anila cried tears of joy as she hugged Monika. But for Siro, it was a moment of profound reckoning. She held Monika close and said, “I took you to the orphanage to save your life… now my soul is at peace.”
The ongoing battle against gender bias Although significant progress has been made in reducing female foeticide, gender bias against girl children is still deeply rooted in parts of India. Although it has been illegal since 1994, sex-selective abortions still occur, and baby girls are sometimes abandoned. During the filming of a documentary on the midwives’ story, two baby girls were found abandoned in Katihar—one in the bushes and the other by the roadside. Only one survived, and was later adopted by a couple from Assam.
