Cyprus will get free portable desalination units from the UAE this summer to help alleviate the country's rising water issue. With reservoir levels at dangerous lows and a surge in demand owing to peak tourist season, this assistance comes at an important time. Agriculture and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou said that the UAE will provide desalination plants capable of producing a total of 15,000 cubic meters of potable water daily. The units are offered at no cost. Although no specific delivery date has been announced, Panayiotou highlighted that UAE officials appreciate the need. T
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has sent a combat-ready contingent to the UAE for Exercise Desert Flag-10, a major multinational air warfare exercise. The UAE Air Force will host the event from April 21 to May 8, 2025, with participation from 11 other countries, including France, Australia, Germany, Bahrain, and Qatar. The exercise intends to emulate advanced fighter operations while encouraging coalition forces to share tactical expertise and develop in real time. The IAF has sent MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft for this mission. The MiG-29 is renowned for its versatility in both air-to-air and air
In a huge step forward for defence and construction technology, IIT Hyderabad and the Indian Army, in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations, successfully constructed the world's tallest 3d-printed bunker at 11,000 feet near Leh, Ladakh. The revolutionary military building, part of Project PRABAL, was built with specialised technology suited for high-altitude, low-oxygen (HALO) conditions. The team, led by Prof. K V L Subramaniam, created a robotic printer system that took less than 24 hours to set up and 14 hours to print. The structure was built with locally obtained materials, assurin
In a spectacular act of diplomacy and kindness, Japan has given India its first two high-speed bullet trains for free. Each train, estimated at Rs 300 crore, raises the total worth of this gesture to Rs 600 crore, or approximately 10 billion yen. These cutting-edge trains, built using Japan's world-renowned Shinkansen E5 Series technology, represent a growing relationship between the two countries. The trains are headed to India's ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. This 508-kilometre corridor will be the country's first step into bullet train infrastructure. Japan has long
Georgia has made an impressive debut in the global real estate market with the inauguration of Ambassadori Island Batumi, the Black Sea's first artificial island. The ambitious project was officially unveiled during a major international property exhibition in Dubai, attracting interest from investors, developers, and global audiences. The island, located just off the coast of Batumi, is planned to be a flourishing coastal hub that combines resort-style luxury with modern urban living. The project plan comprises five-star hotels, luxury-branded apartments, private villas, and high-end recr
The United Arab Emirates plans to replace physical ID cards with modern biometric identification technology. These new systems, which use facial recognition and other biometric technology, have already been designed and tested, and they might be fully operational within a year, according to Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs. The project, led by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), complements the UAE's larger push for digital transformation. The government is activ
PM Modi chaired a high-level conference to discuss measures for cleaning the Yamuna River and enhancing Delhi's water supply. The meeting, held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The PM reviewed agency-specific action plans for the river's cleanup, which included short-term, medium-term, and long-term operations such as sewage management, industrial waste disposal, and wastewater treatment deficiencies. The PM underlined the importance of adopting advanced technologies to collect r
Beginning May 1, all foreign travellers entering Thailand will be required to produce a digital arrival card before entering the country. This change officially replaces the existing paper-based system. The new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) must be filled out at least three days before arrival using the official website.. The system applies to all travellers who arrive by land, sea, or air. According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, this digital platform marks a significant technological innovation that improves Thailand's travel procedures by providing a safer, fa
A rare diamond from India's royal past is poised to enchant collectors worldwide. The stunning 23.24-carat bright blue diamond known as the Golconda Blue will be auctioned for the first time on May 14 at Christie's 'Magnificent Jewels' sale in Geneva. The diamond, once owned by the Maharajas of Indore and Baroda, is estimated to sell for $35-50 million, or around ₹300-₹430 crore. This magnificent diamond is placed in a modern ring designed by Parisian jeweller JAR, emphasising its timeless appeal. Christie's has previously handled numerous renowned Golconda diamonds, but the Golconda B
On Monday, six women launched into space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, making history as the first all-female civilian spaceflight. Pop star Katy Perry joined the high-profile mission alongside Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The crew took off from Blue Origin's West Texas facility at 9:31 a.m. ET, briefly experiencing weightlessness before returning to Earth in 11 minutes. Blue Origin broadcast the suborbital flight live, showcasing the New Shepard vehicle's capabilities. The rocket, designed by Jeff Bezos’ company, emphasises reusability and go