The Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as the "Year of Reforms" to modernize India's armed forces. This initiative aims to establish integrated theatre commands, enhancing joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The reforms will focus on adopting advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonics, and robotics. Emphasis will also be placed on cyber and space domains to prepare for multi-domain operations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that these reforms will strengthen India's defense capabilities, ensuring national securi
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a major update for UPI transactions. It now allows interoperability of prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) through third-party application providers (TPAPs). Previously, UPI payments were interoperable only through TPAPs for fund transfers. However, PPI-based transactions, like those involving digital wallets, worked only within the issuer’s system. In a statement, the RBI said, “UPI payments from/to full-KYC PPIs will now be enabled through third-party UPI applications.” This means PPI holders can send or receive UPI payments using ap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the crucial role of youth in driving the nation's progress on Thursday. Speaking at a Veer Bal Diwas event, he called for a futuristic approach to equip young people with skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). “This era has advanced from machines to machine learning,” Modi stated. He highlighted AI's growing dominance, replacing conventional software, and stressed the importance of preparing youth to tackle these challenges. The government, he added, is committed to nurturing young talent and
The Centre plans to send a human into the deep sea, likely aligning with India’s human space mission in early 2026. Union Minister of State for Science, Jitendra Singh, announced this on Thursday during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami at INCOIS. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of the Deep Sea Mission in a past Independence Day address, Singh highlighted the significance of this initiative. "We are planning to send a human into the deep sea. It’s a fascinating coincidence - one Indian in space and another in the deep sea," he
Starting January 1, 2025, visitors worldwide can apply for a Thai e-Visa through the official website www.thaievisa.go.th. Previously available in select locations, this global rollout expands access, allowing applicants to complete the entire process online. The Thai e-Visa system will cover all 94 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide, streamlining the application process and enhancing user accessibility. Key Features: Global Access: Apply from anywhere in the world. Simplified Process: Navigate through a user-friendly platform. Paperless Submissions: All app
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday. One of the key highlights was the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, India’s first interlinking of rivers under a national perspective plan. This project aims to provide irrigation facilities across districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, benefiting thousands of farmers. During his speech, PM Modi said, “In one year of (Chief Minister) Mohan Yadav’s government, development has gained new momentum. Today, d
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Wisam Mubarak al-Kabeer, or the Order of Mubarak the Great, on December 22. Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, presented this honor to PM Modi. What Is the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer? The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is Kuwait's highest national award. It is given to Heads of State, foreign Sovereigns, and royal family members as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Queen Elizabeth II, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and Nicolas Sarkozy. T
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has introduced a new regulation allowing retired residents to enjoy long-term residency in the UAE. Eligibility Criteria for Retired Residents Expatriate retirees with at least 15 years of work experience, inside or outside the UAE, can apply for this 5-year residency visa. Applicants must meet one of these financial criteria: Own property worth at least Dh1 million Have savings of Dh1 million Earn a monthly income of at least Dh20,000 (or Dh15,000 in Dubai) A bank statement from the last six
Hanoi on Thursday. The event aims to boost its domestic defence industry and promote military exports. The fair will feature nearly 250 exhibitors, including top defence companies from the U.S., Europe, Turkey, Israel, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. Despite being a major importer of Russian weapons, Vietnam has recently focused on strengthening its local defence industry. The country’s state-owned defence firm Viettel, along with other local companies, will display missile defence systems, drones, air defence radars, armoured vehicles, and artillery. Some of these weapons will be showcase
Russia has developed an mRNA vaccine to fight cancer, according to TASS. Andrey Kaprin, General Director of the Radiology Medical Research Center, announced that cancer patients will receive the vaccine for free. The vaccine’s public release is expected in early 2025. The vaccine’s development involved collaboration with several research centers. Pre-clinical trials revealed its ability to suppress tumor growth and prevent possible metastases. Alexander Ginsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center, shared this update with TASS. Many are calling this breakthrough the "