Thailand is expected to adopt an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt tourists by June 2025. A trial program will begin in December 2024, allowing travelers and immigration authorities to adapt to the new system. This measure aligns Thailand with nations such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, and Russia, where digital pre-approval is now necessary before admission. Under the new approach, tourists from qualified countries must apply online before traveling. Once granted, they can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, with the opportunity to extend for 30 more days. Wh
The SCES has announced plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Aryabhata, India's first satellite, on April 19, 2025. The initiative intends to ignite students' interest in space science and technology by organising a variety of events throughout SCES-managed institutions. Celebrations will be held at all SCES-managed educational institutions, including nine schools. These institutions, spread across Telangana's coal belt region, will actively participate in the golden jubilee celebration. Quiz challenges, essay writing, and drawing contests will be among the interesting activities
International schooling in India was once considered an elite choice, but it is now widely accepted. India now has the world's second-largest number of foreign schools associated with global education boards such as the IB and Cambridge. A decade ago, these schools were uncommon, but now, parents across the country are discussing whether to use Indian boards or foreign curriculums. At the start of the twenty-first century, only eight Indian schools provided the IB programme, and the presence of Cambridge IGCSE was too minor to mention. In 2011-12, there were 197 Cambridge and 99 IB schools
India has approved a major defence procurement, purchasing 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) 'Prachand' from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This momentous transaction, at Rs 62,500 crore, is the highest ever for indigenous defence procurement. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the order, which included 66 helicopters for the Indian Air Force and 90 for the Indian Army. HAL will build these advanced helicopters at its Bengaluru and Tumkur plants in Karnataka, with deliveries beginning within three years and continuing for the next five years. The 'Prachand' is uniquely capab
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the UAE Ministry of Finance conducted four humanitarian and social programs to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and volunteerism. These activities are consistent with the goals of the "Year of Community 2025," which seeks to enhance social cohesion, provide assistance to vulnerable populations, and improve their quality of life. The four major initiatives—Ramadan Mir, Supporting Humanitarian Cases, Inspired by Zayed's Generosity, and "Eid Gifts on Us"—reflect the ministry's efforts to promote generosity and inclusivity. Undersecretar
Singapore has established a cutting-edge training facility to strengthen maritime cybersecurity defences. This effort intends to provide industry personnel with the necessary capabilities to combat growing digital threats that may disrupt maritime operations. The facility, called the Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology (MariOT), is the world's first cyber-physical training platform. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) collaborated on its development. The facility is designed to imitate real-world s
France plans to strengthen its academic and scientific presence in the Asia-Pacific region by attending the 2025 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) conference in New Delhi. The five-day event, organised by Campus France, will bring together around 35 French higher education institutions from March 24 to 28 at Yashoboomi. The campaign complements France's overarching goal of attracting 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Under the French Pavilion, the conference will accommodate 120 French participants as well as five Asian diplomatic representatives. APAIE, a worldwid
On April 6, which is the auspicious day of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Tamil Nadu. During his visit, he would pay respect at the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram and inaugurate the long-awaited Pamban Bridge. The new construction, India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, will replace the existing bridge, which was closed in 2022 owing to serious corrosion. According to sources, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Rameswaram from Sri Lanka in April, following a bilateral visit. He is expected to visit Thailand on April 3 and 4 for
According to Numbeo's 2025 Safety Index, Andorra is the safest country in the world, with an amazing score of 84.7 out of 100. The study compared 146 countries based on a variety of safety criteria, including crime rates, personal security, and public perception. The tiny European country, tucked between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, is famed for its beautiful scenery, robust economy, and almost nonexistent crime. Andorra's low crime rate, along with its growing tourism economy and long life expectancy, make it an appealing destination for those seeking protection. The countr
The inaugural Festival of Indian Cinema in Seattle began with a grand opening, honouring India's rich cinematic tradition and cultural diversity. The inaugural event featured a short documentary about the just finished Mahakumbh, as well as parts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's podcast with Lex Fridman. The podcast focused on India's founding ideals and its central message of unity in diversity. The three-day event, organised by the Consulate General of India in Seattle in partnership with the Museum of Pop Culture, kicked off on Friday with a special proclamation. In honour of Indian