Category: Life & Style

Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to India, met with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today to discuss business potential in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister extended an invitation to UAE investors, focussing on critical industries such as tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, dairy, food processing, and data storage.

The Chief Minister emphasised the state’s distinctive geography, saying that Himachal Pradesh has huge snow-covered areas, hills, and water bodies, making it a perfect tourist destination. To boost accessibility, the state government is building ropeways, expanding Kangra Airport, creating new four-lane highways and establishing heliports. These efforts aim to establish Himachal as a leading investment destination for tourism and allied sectors.

The UAE Ambassador expressed a significant interest in adventure tourism and skiing. He added that suitable investment areas had already been identified and welcomed any additional proposals from the Himachal Pradesh administration.

CM Sukhu highlighted the state’s goal of becoming a Green Energy State by next year. He highlighted new solar power projects, six green corridors, and the gradual transition from state-owned diesel buses to electric cars. The UAE Ambassador indicated his country’s interest in working together on green energy projects and requested detailed suggestions for partnership.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and IMU University have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Malaysia’s medical research ecosystem. This strategic relationship will focus on biomedical science research, training, and knowledge exchange, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities while furthering research priorities.

According to this MoU, IMU University will send research students to PHKL for organised training programs. These short-term research projects, which last at least three months, will expose students to real-world medical research. Joint supervision by IMU and PHKL professionals will ensure that students receive complete coaching. The collaboration will also cover R&D projects, such as retrospective studies, clinical surveys, and data registries.

The agreement seeks to boost Malaysia’s research capacities by combining the expertise of both institutions. Clinical research is a key priority area, with findings that will help to enhance worldwide biomedical science. It will also prioritise professional development, instilling a research-driven culture in students, consultants, and research personnel. Ethical research techniques and data protection will continue to be top priorities, as will adherence to Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Beyond student growth, the program would improve PHKL’s research culture, bolstering Malaysia’s reputation in medical and health sciences education.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Post-Budget Webinar on Employment, highlighting the government’s emphasis on job creation, economic growth, and innovation. He described the budget as a blueprint for India’s future, including significant investments in infrastructure, industry, human resources, and technology.

PM Modi emphasised investment in people, citing education, skill development, and healthcare as pillars of national growth. He noted important reforms such as the National Education Policy, AI-driven learning, and textbook digitisation in 22 languages as efforts to align India’s educational system with global norms. Since 2014, over three crore youth have been trained, with updated ITIs and Centres of Excellence improving skill development.

On healthcare, he announced 10,000 more medical seats this year, with a goal of 75,000 in five years. Telemedicine, daycare cancer centres, and digital healthcare are all initiatives that will increase access and job opportunities.

Discussing urbanization, he projected 90 crore urban residents by 2047 and introduced a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund for sustainable growth.

He stated that tourism has the potential to contribute 10% of GDP, with ambitions to develop 50 locations and award infrastructure status to hotels. He reiterated India’s ambition of building a $5 trillion economy through strategic investments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, the world’s largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The program, led by Anant Ambani, intends to offer a shelter for rescued animals while also encouraging conservation initiatives.

PM Modi and Anant Ambani toured the facility, viewing and engaging with numerous rescued animals. He fed lion cubs, offered food to a giraffe, and watched crocodiles swim while Ambani explained the center’s conservation programs.

In a post on X, PM Modi praised Vantara as a noteworthy endeavour in animal conservation. He highlighted the suffering of rescued animals, such as an elephant who survived an acid attack and another that had been blinded by its mahout.

Vantara, located within the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex, is 3,500 acres in size and has cutting-edge veterinary facilities. The Prime Minister viewed MRI and CT scans being performed on rescued animals, as well as vets treating an injured leopard.

Vantara, home to almost 2,000 creatures from 43 different species, is a conservation milestone. The Prime Minister praised the team’s dedication, emphasising the importance of animal hospitality and raising awareness about conservation issues.

An Indian defence committee has proposed integrating the private sector in military aircraft production to improve the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The suggestion is made at a critical moment when the IAF is dealing with declining squadron numbers and delayed aircraft deliveries, both of which have top officers worried.

If enacted, the measure would significantly enhance India’s private defence industry while reducing the pressure on state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which now makes the majority of the country’s military aircraft. The committee, led by the defence ministry’s top bureaucrat, presented its findings to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. Singh has asked officials to ensure that the suggestions be implemented on time.

The IAF, which operates primarily with Soviet-era aircraft, presently has only 31 fighter squadrons, far short of its aim of 42. With tensions rising along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has stressed the urgent necessity for greater production. Speaking at an event in New Delhi last week, he indicated that India must develop 35-40 fighter jets each year to meet operational requirements and phase out ageing aircraft.

Dubai has launched the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency scheme for people who make a significant contribution to environmental conservation. On February 12, the World Governments Summit 2025 announced an initiative to encourage sustainability pioneers and advance green innovation. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), has granted the first 20 Blue Visas to leaders who have made major contributions to environmental initiatives in the UAE and outside.

This long-term visa is available to members of international organisations, multinational corporations, researchers, activists, and well-known environmental leaders. NGOs, institutions, and associations working on climate change can also apply. This program is open to Emirati nationals as well as foreign sustainability advocates. The Blue Visa, which was first introduced in May 2024, is consistent with the UAE’s objective of becoming a global leader in sustainability and environmental conservation.

Applicants may apply directly through the ICP portal or be nominated by relevant government authorities for their contributions to sustainability. The ICP website and mobile app will provide round-the-clock access to application information.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeded 16.99 billion in January, the greatest volume ever recorded in a single month. The finance ministry reports that digital payments in India have grown rapidly, with total transaction value exceeding ₹23.48 lakh crore.

The fiscal year 2023-24 saw an increase in digital transactions. UPI has stayed in the forefront, accounting for roughly 80% of all retail transactions in the country. In FY24, the total transaction volume exceeded 131 billion, with a total value of ₹200 lakh crore.

UPI’s extensive acceptance is driven by increased participation from banks and fintech companies. More than 80 UPI-enabled apps, including banking and third-party applications, are already operational, with 641 banks actively supporting the system as of January.

In FY24 -25 (until January), Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions accounted for 62.35% of the total volume, with 86% of payments under ₹500. This demonstrates the UPI’s growing preference for small-value payments.

Beyond India, UPI is expanding globally, allowing for smooth cross-border payments. UPI is currently available in more than seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius, making payment easier for Indian travellers.

India has successfully conducted flight tests of its first indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR), a significant advancement in its defensive capabilities. The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy collaborated to conduct the trial at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.

The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter, displaying its capacity to hit ocean targets with pinpoint accuracy. NASM-SR’s innovative “Man-in-Loop” system enables in-flight retargeting based on real-time inputs.

During the test, the missile hit a small ship target on a sea-skimming trajectory. It uses an indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker for terminal navigation, which ensures pinpoint accuracy. The missile was first locked on a huge target within a search zone but then diverted mid-flight to a hidden target, demonstrating its effectiveness in complicated situations.

NASM-SR features cutting-edge technology, such as a Fibre Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS), a Radio Altimeter, and an integrated avionics module. The missile is powered by a solid propulsion system that includes an ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industrial partners on the successful experiment.

The Thai government has launched the ‘Thailand Summer Festivals’ campaign to promote tourism and the creative economy. The initiative, which runs from March to September, strives to attract visitors by hosting a variety of cultural and leisure activities.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over the launch at Government House, which was attended by senior officials such as Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong and Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The “7 Months 7 Wonders Summer Festivals” campaign promotes year-round tourism by focussing on Songkran, Pride Month, culture, music, sports, gastronomy, and creative events.

PM Paetongtarn emphasised the importance of tourism to the economy, which accounts for 14% of GDP. She stated that the campaign would fill Thailand’s low season with exciting events, enticing visitors to both large cities and lesser-known places.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, held in Bangkok’s Sanam Luang (April 11-15), commemorates Songkran’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. Other significant events include MotoGP 2025 in Buri Ram, the Pattaya Music Festival, the Samui Regatta, and the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in several locations.

The government expects that this project will establish Thailand as a global tourism hub, increase cultural appreciation, and drive national economic progress.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is set to launch a three-city roadshow in India in February 2025, covering Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The project seeks to enhance ties with the Indian travel industry and increase visitor numbers to Singapore.

Kean Bon LIM, STB’s Area Director for India, South Asia, and Africa, highlighted India’s importance as a key market for Singapore. The roadshow will highlight new attractions, hotel options, and travel experiences to engage Indian tourists and industry stakeholders.

The event will bring together Singapore’s major tourism partners, such as airlines, hotels, and entertainment companies, to showcase unique travel packages and collaborations. It also seeks to strengthen Singapore’s reputation as a top destination for Indian tourists, particularly for leisure, business, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

India remains one of Singapore’s most popular visitor source markets, with rising demand for family vacations, luxury travel, and experiential tourism. The STB expects the roadshow to generate more business for Indian travel firms and increase footfall to Singapore in the coming months.

The roadshow is part of STB’s larger effort to sustain Singapore’s appeal in the Indian market while also commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.