New Delhi, Sep 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty in the wake of Israel’s air strikes on Doha targeting Hamas leaders that triggered fears of further escalation of the already fragile situation in the region.

The prime minister’s rare criticism directed at Israel came after he spoke to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and conveyed India’s “deep concern” at the attacks in Doha.

Israel carried out the air strikes on Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday in the latest in a series of attacks it launched against Syria, Iran and Lebanon. The attack on Doha triggered global outrage.

“Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha,” Modi said on social media.

“India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation,” he said.

The prime minister said India “stands firmly” in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Following the attack, Hamas said five of its members were killed in the Israeli air strike. However, it said Israel’s attempt to assassinate its leaders “failed”.

Hamas said its negotiating team was holding deliberations to discuss a proposal from the US for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at a building when the attack took place.

The prime minister’s rebuke came days after India joined other member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in strongly condemning the military strikes by Israel and the US on Iran.

An Indian readout said Prime Minister Modi appreciated the role being played by Qatar in promoting regional peace and stability, including its mediation efforts in Gaza to achieve a ceasefire and release of all hostages.

The prime minister reiterated support for resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy and the need to avoid escalation, it said.

“Sheikh Tamim thanked Prime Minister Modi for the expression of solidarity with the people and the State of Qatar,” it said.

The SCO summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin also condemned actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

PM Modi was among the leaders who attended the SCO summit.

“Reiterating their deep concern over the continuing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the member states strongly condemn the actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” the SCO declaration said.

It said the SCO leaders noted that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is through a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.

“Member States strongly condemned the military strikes by Israel and the US against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June,” it said.

“Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the death of civilians, are a gross violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, and an infringement on the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said.

PM Modi’s comments on Wednesday are seen as very significant. He had previously condemned the deaths of civilians in the Israel-Hamas conflict during a speech in 2023.

“Bharat has condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have also emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy besides restraints,” Modi said in his address at the second Voice of Global South Summit on November 17 that year.

“We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. After talking to President Mahmoud Abbas, we have also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. It is time that the countries of the Global South speak with one voice for the greater global good,” he had said.

Israel has been continuing its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation against the unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas on October 7.

Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220 others, some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire.

Over 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza.

India has been calling for de-escalation of the situation and creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.

India has strong economic ties with Qatar, which is home to more than 8,30,000 Indian nationals. Qatar is also India’s largest LNG supplier.

PM Modi and Sheikh Tamim also expressed satisfaction at the sustained progress in the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership and reiterated their commitment to advance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, the Indian readout said.

Srinagar, Sep 10: What’s in a name?

A great deal, if you ask parents across the world.

A new international study by NameKun.com has revealed that despite cultural differences and borders, certain names carry a universal appeal, dominating baby naming charts in dozens of countries simultaneously.

According to the research, which examined the top 100 baby names in 139 countries, two timeless classics emerged as the world’s most popular names in 2025: Maria for girls and David for boys.

Maria is the undisputed queen of girl names, appearing in 114 countries and ranking in the top 10 in 36 of them.

“It’s a name that transcends language barriers and faith traditions,” said baby naming experts at NameKun.com.

From Europe to Latin America, and even parts of Asia, Maria has become a universal choice.

For boys, David takes the crown, appearing in 113 countries and holding a top-10 spot in 59.

With biblical roots and global recognition, David has proven both traditional and adaptable, finding fans from Mexico to Morocco.

The study also highlights a contrast in name lengths.

The shortest girl’s name in the top 100 is Ana, just three letters but steeped in elegance.

On the other end is Stephanie, a name of nine letters that still manages to make the global cut.

For boys, Ali takes the spot as the briefest international name, while Christian stretches out as the longest.

Beyond the champions, the study revealed a fascinating spread of names that have crossed oceans and languages:

Experts point to globalisation, pop culture, and even professional advantages as drivers behind this trend.

“International names benefit children socially and professionally,” said researchers at NameKun.com. “They are relevant across cultures, easy to pronounce in multiple languages, and even reduce bias in hiring processes.”

The study cites earlier research by the National Bureau of Economic Research (2003), which found that job applicants with widely recognised or international names received significantly more callbacks than those with unusual or culturally specific names.

With more than 8336 distinct names gathered from almost 27,600 entries, the research establishes that though parents tend to search for uniqueness, they also tend to choose those names which link children to the global community.

Perhaps William Shakespeare’s famous question from the play Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name?” now has an answer.

In 2025, everything is about identity, opportunity, and belonging to the world.