Category: International

International

North America’s Tallest Lord Ram Idol Unveiled in Mississauga, Canada

Tanisha Cardozo

A towering 51-foot idol of Lord Ram, the tallest in North America, was unveiled on Sunday at the Hindu Heritage Center (HHC) in Mississauga, marking a historic spiritual and cultural milestone for the Indian diaspora in Canada.

The idol, which was fabricated in Delhi and assembled by artisans in Canada, now stands as a beacon of devotion and heritage in the Greater Toronto Area. Positioned on a 7-foot pedestal, and with plans for a future chattri (umbrella) addition, the fiberglass statue is designed to endure over 100 years and withstand wind speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Inspired by Ayodhya and Community Spirit

Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, the temple’s founder and head priest, shared that the concept had been in development for nearly three years, inspired by the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration in January 2024.

“This is a reflection of our devotion, identity, and cultural heritage. Lord Ram’s blessings are now visibly present here in Canada,” he said.

Ceremony with Dignitaries and Devotees

The unveiling featured a religious procession, rituals, and participation from federal and provincial Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Mississauga’s Mayor. Thousands of devotees and community members attended the historic event.

Kushagr Sharma, the event’s principal organizer, confirmed that all city permissions were secured and that the event was conducted with full cooperation from law enforcement, considering recent trends of anti-immigrant sentiment.

Symbolism Meets Visibility

One of the most striking features is the idol’s visibility from the sky. With Toronto Pearson International Airport nearby, the statue is now among the first sights for passengers flying into the city — a symbol of the growing presence and pride of the Indian community in Canada.

Security Measures Amid Cultural Tensions

In light of previous incidents — such as backlash over a 55-foot Hanuman idol in Brampton in 2024 — this event was conducted under heightened security to ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Organizers emphasized that the event was about unity, pride, and peace.

The unveiling of the tallest Lord Ram idol in North America is a landmark event — not just for the temple, but for the entire South Asian diaspora across the continent. It stands as a reminder of resilience, culture, and the enduring faith that transcends borders.

International

UAE Launches Digital Dirham: A New Era of Money Is Coming by End of 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

The United Arab Emirates is on the brink of a historic financial transformation. By late 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) will roll out the Digital Dirham, a state-backed central bank digital currency (CBDC) designed to revolutionize everyday payments, business transactions, and cross-border remittances.

Not Cryptocurrency — A Legal Digital Currency

Unlike cryptocurrencies, the Digital Dirham is fully regulated, legally recognized, and directly backed by the UAE government. It holds the same value and legitimacy as the physical dirham and will be widely accepted across the country — from supermarkets and taxis to school payments and utilities.

Key Features of the Digital Dirham

🔹 Instant, Low-Cost Transfers:
 Built on blockchain infrastructure, the Digital Dirham enables real-time, low-fee transactions — especially useful for the UAE’s expat community, which sends billions of dirhams abroad annually. During a trial involving China and India, a Dh50 million transfer was completed in just seven seconds.

🔹 Accessible to All:
 No bank account? No problem. Through dedicated digital wallets offered by banks, exchange houses, and fintech apps, the Digital Dirham is designed to be inclusive, ensuring even unbanked residents can participate in the digital economy.

🔹 Blockchain-Powered Security:
 Every transaction will be recorded and traceable, minimizing fraud and making the system more secure than cash.

🔹 Smart Contract Integration:
 Recurring payments such as rent, subscriptions, or EMIs can be automated using smart contracts, simplifying financial management. This also enables tokenization of assets and new forms of investment.

What It Means for You

The Digital Dirham will function just like cash — it can be used to pay for groceries, fuel, school fees, and more. But the difference lies in its speed, security, and flexibility. You’ll be able to make instant payments online and in-store, without needing a physical card, and avoid high transfer fees when sending money abroad.

It will also improve interactions with government services, such as paying fines, renewing licenses, or submitting business fees — all in a seamless, digital experience.

Part of the UAE’s FIT Program

This launch is a major pillar of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) initiative, which aims to create a modern, interconnected, and cashless economy. It follows the introduction of a new Dirham symbol earlier this year — a stylized ‘D’ with two horizontal lines — reflecting the country’s modern monetary vision.

The Future of Money Is Here

The UAE’s embrace of the Digital Dirham positions it as a global leader in financial innovation. As the 2025 rollout nears, residents can expect even more convenient and secure financial services, paving the way for a faster, smarter, and fully digital economy.

International

At 80, Agra’s Arvinder Singh Bahal Set to Soar on Blue Origin’s NS-34 Mission

allycaralgoa

In a bold leap beyond earthly boundaries, 80-year-old Arvinder ‘Arvi’ Singh Bahal, a seasoned traveler from Agra, is gearing up to journey to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-34 mission. The upcoming suborbital spaceflight by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company marks a monumental moment for Bahal—and for India.

A retired businessman turned globetrotter, Bahal has visited over 70 countries in his lifetime. Now, he is setting his sights on one of the ultimate frontiers: space. His participation in Blue Origin’s mission sends a resounding message: age is no obstacle to ambition.

The NS-34 mission is a part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, designed to carry civilian passengers beyond the Kármán line, the recognized boundary of space. Arvi will experience a few minutes of weightlessness, witness Earth from a perspective few ever do, and return safely to the ground—all in a span of under 15 minutes.

Speaking to close friends before the launch, Bahal reportedly shared, “I’ve seen the world, now I want to see the stars.”

This incredible journey is a testament not just to scientific progress, but also to human spirit. Arvi’s adventure is inspiring countless Indians, young and old alike, to dare to dream bigger.

As Blue Origin prepares for liftoff, the nation will be watching one of its own take a place among the stars.

International

Goan Jesuit Astronomer Fr Richard D’Souza Appointed Director of Vatican Observatory by Pope Leo XIV

Tanisha Cardozo

VATICAN CITY, July 31, 2025 – In a significant moment for the global scientific and ecclesial community, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr Richard Anthony D’Souza, S.J., as the new Director of the Vatican Observatory, succeeding Br Guy Consolmagno, S.J., whose tenure concludes on 19 September 2025.

Fr D’Souza, a native of Goa, India, and a doctoral scholar in astronomy, has been part of the Observatory since 2016 and currently serves as Superior of the Jesuit community attached to the institution. His new leadership signals both continuity and a bold progression in the Observatory’s mission of bridging science and faith.

A Legacy of Cosmic Curiosity

Founded in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, the Vatican Observatory has long stood as a symbol of the Church’s embrace of scientific exploration. Its mission — “that the Church is not opposed to science, but promotes it” — remains alive through the works of Jesuit scientists around the world.

Fr D’Souza’s research spans galaxy formation and mergers, a field central to understanding the evolution of the universe. He earned his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany and completed a post-doctoral programme at the University of Michigan, USA.

Br Consolmagno praised the appointment:

“I am delighted His Holiness has chosen Fr D’Souza. He has the vision and wisdom to lead during a time of rapid change in astronomical research.”

Fr D’Souza responded with equal admiration:

“Br Consolmagno’s legacy lies in his dedication to the dialogue between science and faith. I am honoured to continue this mission.”

The Intersection of Cosmos and Spirit

The Vatican Observatory — with research centers in Castel Gandolfo and Tucson, Arizona — explores everything from galaxies and meteorites to cosmology and exoplanets. The staff consists predominantly of Jesuit scientists who collaborate globally to decode the mysteries of the universe.

Fr D’Souza’s appointment continues this tradition with fresh momentum. His leadership not only honors the past but points boldly toward the future — one where Indian scientists and global faith traditions converge among the stars.

“From the streets of Goa to the galaxies above — Fr D’Souza’s journey reminds us that science and spirituality are not opposites, but twin quests for truth.”

International

Tibetans Countered Chinese Cyberattacks with Buddhist Wisdom and Cybersecurity Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, July 2025 — In a deeply insightful session at MOG Sundays, held at the Museum of Goa, Tibetan software engineer and cybersecurity advocate Lobsang Gyatso Sither recounted a lesser-known story of digital resistance. Titled “Tibetan Democracy in Exile,” the session shed light on how Tibetans countered state-sponsored cyberattacks from China by merging Buddhist philosophy with modern-day cybersecurity practices.

“In 2008, a pivotal moment came in my life with the release of the GhostNet Report,” said Sither.

That report—produced by Canada’s Citizen Lab—exposed a global cyber espionage network, affecting over 1,295 computers in 103 countries. These included high-value targets such as embassies and government offices. Sither, then a computer science student, found a calling that connected his skills with a greater cause: protecting the Tibetan community in exile.

After returning to Dharamsala in 2009, Sither joined Citizen Lab as an intern. His early work gave him direct exposure to how the Tibetan diaspora was being digitally targeted. In collaboration with the Tibet Action Institute, he helped launch a 2014 digital security campaign focused on Buddhist teachings—particularly the idea of “non-attachment.”

“Over 90% of attacks came via email attachments,” Sither said. “So we encouraged people to detach from attachments.”

The community-wide campaign encouraged the use of secure file-sharing and cloud services instead of email attachments. Remarkably, it worked. Attack patterns shifted. Malware was then sent via fake Google Drive links, forcing attackers to evolve. But the message was clear: Tibetans were learning, adapting, and fighting back.

By 2018, this work culminated in the creation of TibCERT (Tibetan Computer Emergency Readiness Team), a central body that monitors, reports, and educates the Tibetan community about ongoing cyber threats.

Even as recently as 2025, cyberattacks persist. During the 90th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an impersonation website was created to capture data from well-wishers. The cloned website and malicious app links spread through Tibetan WhatsApp and Telegram groups, a new tactic in an old war.

“These attacks continue to evolve,” Sither explained, “but so do our defences.”

Sither also acknowledged India’s vital role in supporting the Tibetan community, especially in education. With over 90% literacy among Tibetans in exile, he credited the efforts of the Dalai Lama and the Indian government, particularly through the Central Schools for Tibetans (CSTs) and Jawaharlal Nehru’s early support.

As the “Year of Compassion” (July 6, 2025 – July 5, 2026) marks the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, Sither urged that this is also a time to honour India’s solidarity.

A quiet digital revolution continues—rooted in compassion, powered by code.