SOCOTRA
A tiny Yemeni island, Socotra’s strange dragon’s blood trees harvest moisture from fog to survive extreme aridity; 90% of its reptiles and 95% of its land snails are found nowhere else, creating an ecosystem unlike any other
Socotra island boasts unique plants and animals that evolved in isolation. Its dragon's blood trees and cucumber trees store water and have unusual forms. Ninety percent of its reptiles and ninety-five percent of its land snails are endemic. Six bird species are also found only on this remote Indian Ocean island. This isolated ecosystem faces threats from development and climate change.
Indian evacuated from Yemen's Socotra Island amid escalating conflict, returns home safely
An Indian woman stranded on Yemen's Socotra Island was evacuated and returned to India amid escalating conflict. Fighting between Saudi-backed government forces and UAE-linked separatists has disrupted air travel, left hundreds of tourists stranded, and heightened tensions across several Yemeni regions.
400 tourists stuck on Scootra island as flights halted over Yemen fighting
Over 400 foreign tourists find themselves stranded on Yemen's Socotra island as flights were suspended due to ongoing mainland clashes. Local officials confirmed the situation, with a travel agency also reporting the disruption. The island's deputy governor for culture and tourism highlighted the plight of these visitors whose travel plans are now on hold.
The world's most remote places open to tourists
Escape to Earth's most secluded havens, where nature reigns supreme and human presence is scarce. These remote destinations, from the wildlife-rich shores of South Georgia to the frigid expanse of Oymyakon, offer unparalleled solitude and breathtaking landscapes. Embark on journeys to witness unique ecosystems and experience the raw beauty of our planet's untouched corners.
This might be the last Caveman on earth: Travel vlogger's viral video shows a man in Yemen living away from modernity
A viral video features Aliah, a 62-year-old man living on Yemen's Socotra island without modern amenities. He sustains himself by fishing and living in a cave, leading a life dictated by nature. While some call him a "caveman," others argue this label is misleading, pointing out that many people worldwide live in caves or traditional ways.
Mysterious airstrip appears on Yemeni island as Houthi rebel attacks threaten region
Satellite images reveal a near-complete airstrip on Yemen's Abd al-Kuri Island, likely built by the UAE. The strategic airstrip could aid military operations near the Gulf of Aden amidst the ongoing conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrip is accompanied by emerging infrastructure, including a partially paved runway and the message 'I LOVE UAE' spelled out nearby.
'India Zindabad': Pakistanis raise slogan after being rescued by Indian Navy from Somali pirates
The Indian Navy carried out a daring rescue operation in the Arabian Sea on March 29, saving 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates aboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar. The rescued crew expressed their gratitude by chanting 'India Zindabad.' The operation involved a specialist team from the Indian Navy, which protected the crew from armed pirates and ensured the vessel's safety. The crew underwent medical checkups before resuming their fishing activities. The operation demonstrates the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security and the safety of all seafarers in the region.
Indian Navy rescues hijacked Iranian fishing vessel, 23 Pakistani crew members
The Indian Navy late evening on Friday had said that it was engaged in an operation to rescue the hijacked fishing vessel, which had reportedly been boarded by nine armed pirates, and its crew at sea.
Cyclone 'Tej' intensifies into extremely severe cyclonic storm
"The very severe cyclonic storm 'Tej' intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm and lay centred about 160 km east-southeast of Socotra (Yemen), 540 km south-southeast of Salalah (Oman), and 550 km southeast of Al Ghaidah (Yemen) at 8:30 am on Sunday," the IMD said in a statement.
India likely to see twin cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal intensify
The weather agency said that the cylone will cross over the Yemen-Oman coasts between Al Ghaidah (Yemen) and Salalah (Oman) around the early hours of October 25.
Yemen's Socotra, isolated island at strategic crossroads
The island also lies on seaways from Pakistan's Gwadar port -- a stepping stone on China's trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative giving Beijing access to the Arabian Sea -- to Djibouti and into east Africa.
Extinction Watch: Dragon blood tree, a magical cure-all
The dragon blood tree is a succulent, very hardy and drought tolerant. It enjoys warm temperatures and sub-tropical conditions. The tree has a unique upturned and densely packed look almost like an uprightly held umbrella. The fi rst description of the dragon blood tree was made during a survey of Socotra led by Lieutenant Wellsted of the East India Company in 1835.
Depression over Arabian sea to bring heavy rains in Kerala
It is very likely to intensify further into a deep depression during next 12 hours and into a cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours, the release said.
Navy brings back 38 Indians from cyclone-hit Socotra island in Yemen
Indian naval ship INS Sunayna, carrying the rescued Indians from Yemen, entered the Porbandar harbour in Gujarat at around 9 AM.
Navy sends ship to Socotra island in Yemen to rescue 38 stranded Indians
A Navy spokesperson said INS Sunayna, which was deployed in Western Arabian Sea, is now heading towards Socotra for the humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operation.
Cyclone Mekunu may cause heavy showers along Maharashtra coast: IMD
"The Mekunu cyclone has moved away from the Indian coast, but it is likely to cause the western coast receive some heavy spells of showers," IMD said.
Somali pirates hijack UAE vessel with 5 Indians
A UAE-based vessel carrying 16 members on board including five Indians were hijacked by Somali pirates off an Island which forms part of Yemen.
Several Mumbaikars on hijacked vessel: DG
The directorate general (DG) of shipping confirmed on Wednesday to TOI that some of the 17 Indian sailors on the hijacked Italian-flagged oil tanker were from Mumbai, Kerala and other Indian states.
Somalian pirates release a dhow with 15 sailors
One of the 8 dhows hijacked by Somalian pirates last week has been released with 15 sailors onboard.
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