Category: Life & Style

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.

According to the World tourism & Tourism Council (WTTC), Singapore is on track to break its all-time international arrivals record in 2025, positioning it as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. The city-state is outperforming regional rivals like Thailand and the Philippines, cementing its status as a worldwide tourism powerhouse.

According to new study, international arrivals in Singapore are expected to reach approximately 16 million by 2025, representing a 9.6% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Indian travellers account for a large share of this rise, with numbers predicted to increase from 1.11 million in 2019 to a record 1.25 million in 2025.

In spite of a delayed recovery in Chinese outbound travel globally, Singapore continues to be a preferred destination for Chinese tourists, with an estimated 2.8 million visitors in 2025. Meanwhile, Malaysia is expected to break its 2016 tourist record by nearly 7% this year, while Thailand anticipates a 5% increase in international arrivals.

The country’s tourism industry is predicted to earn $66.1 billion in 2024, supporting 570,000 employment, and roughly $80 billion by 2030, solidifying its position as a global travel and tourism leader.

Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a significant employment hub, especially for blue-collar Indian immigrants. The emirate’s construction, logistics, and industrial sectors are expanding quickly, which is driving up demand for trained and semi-skilled personnel.

Abu Dhabi increasingly attracts more workers, particularly from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, with better job stability and higher earnings.

Employment has significantly increased due to the government’s emphasis on infrastructure projects. A sizable workforce is needed for large-scale improvements to airports, business areas, transportation networks, and urban housing. Masons, electricians, and plumbers are in high demand and are offered competitive pay by construction businesses.

The industrial sector in Abu Dhabi is also flourishing. The growing manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors are driving up demand for technicians, welders, and machine operators. Similar growth is being seen in logistics and transportation, with ports and warehouses needing additional workers.

Pay increases continue to be a major motivator. Compared to other emirates, Abu Dhabi offers salaries that are 15–30% greater. According to reports, the number of Indian workers has increased by 69%, and they currently make up about 40% of the foreign workforce. Abu Dhabi is becoming the next major employment destination in the UAE due to sustained investments and increasing job stability.

Qatar’s government has signed a five-year agreement with Scale AI, a California-based AI data startup, to use artificial intelligence solutions for enhancing public services. According to reports, the alliance would focus on implementing AI-powered technologies and delivering specialised training to improve government operations in the Gulf State.

Trevor Thompson, Scale AI’s worldwide head of growth, highlighted the agreement’s larger significance. He suggested that the collaboration might serve as a model for other governments trying to use artificial intelligence to overhaul the public sector.

The agreement will make it easier to implement modern technologies such as automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making to streamline processes and increase productivity. Over the next five years, Scale AI is expected to create more than 50 possible AI applications for the Qatari government. However, the deal’s financial terms have not been released.

Qatar, a major gas producer and vital US ally, is actively pursuing AI leadership, vying with regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Scale AI, formed in 2016, focuses on curating and labelling big datasets for AI training. Its clients include IT heavyweights like Microsoft, financial firms like Morgan Stanley, and AI pioneers like OpenAI and Cohere.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the UAE has formally established updated working hours for federal government employees. Public sector workers will work from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Thursday, according to confirmation from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (Fahr). Working hours will be further shortened on Fridays, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Employees will therefore put in 1.5 hours less on Fridays and 3.5 hours less on weekdays.

These timings will not apply to certain personnel whose job functions need different hours. Federal agencies and ministries are permitted to maintain flexible work schedules as long as they respect daily deadlines. Departmental policies may allow up to 70% of workers to work from home on Fridays.

According to the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Ramadan is anticipated to start on March 1, 2025. The crescent moon is expected to be visible on the evening of February 28, marking the beginning of the holy month, according to the UAE’s International Astronomy Centre. On Shaban 29th, official moon-sighting committees will confirm this.

From February 20 to 23, Saudi Arabia commemorated the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 with a national celebration known as “Founding Day.” The Kingdom’s rich legacy was showcased through cultural and historical activities held in over 15 cities.

Reaffirming the close ties between the two countries, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

With more than 8,000 flags covering significant monuments, Riyadh saw a lively change. The Ministry of Culture oversaw a variety of initiatives nationwide, such as Strong Ties at Boulevard City, where guests helped create an interactive art piece that promoted unity, and Memory of the Land, which took place throughout several cities.

From February 21 to 23, AlUla hosted the Al Sarraya Festival, which provided an immersive historical experience of Saudi Arabia. An environmentally friendly light show modelled after fireflies and stars were used to illuminate the event in place of traditional fireworks.

Singapore has announced intentions to invest roughly S$1 billion (US$744.8 million or RM3.31 billion) to build a cutting-edge semiconductor research and development (R&D) centre. According to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first budget speech as the country’s leader, this project intends to provide researchers and business partners with cutting-edge technologies to accelerate sector innovation.

Wong stated that the world’s premier IT corporations are eager to grow their presence in Singapore. He emphasised that technologies such as AI and quantum computing stand to benefit from the country’s investment-friendly policies.

Furthermore, the government would invest S$5 billion in the Changi Airport expansion fund, strengthening Singapore’s status as a major global aviation hub. To ensure long-term energy security and sustainability, another S$5 billion will be committed to the Future Energy Fund, which will fund clean energy technology and infrastructure.

Wong addressed the banking industry, announcing a new S$1 billion private credit facility to provide more funding options for high-growth local businesses. He also announced tax breaks for fund managers investing in Singapore stocks and companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, citing concerns about the exchange’s limited appeal to regional enterprises.

The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival program for Indian visitors, now accepting individuals with valid visas, green cards, or residency permits from six additional nations. As of February 13, 2025, Indians with valid visas from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea can now use this service at UAE entry ports such as Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.

This expansion builds on the UAE’s 2024 visa policy, which previously permitted Indian citizens with valid tourist visas or resident cards from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states to obtain visas on arrival. The project seeks to develop tourism linkages and simplify travel procedures.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, passengers who match the qualifying criteria will be issued visas upon arrival at designated entrance checkpoints. To qualify, Indian passport holders must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months after arrival. Furthermore, visa fees will be charged by local legislation.

This progressive move underscores the UAE’s long-standing connections with India, which hosts one of its largest expatriate communities. The initiative will encourage tourism while making it easy for UAE residents’ families to come.