The World Health Organisation has released its first comprehensive plan for managing coronavirus disease threats, which includes COVID-19, MERS, and any future outbreaks. The new plan represents a change from emergency reaction to long-term, integrated management. It builds on lessons learnt from five years of COVID-19 and previous research on MERS and other respiratory diseases. The strategy guides countries in taking coordinated, long-term activities within larger infectious-disease systems. Coronaviruses have repeatedly triggered global health crises, including SARS in 2002, MERS in 201
The UAE has been chosen as the headquarters for the new GCC Civil Aviation Authority, a significant step towards greater regional collaboration in the aviation sector. The decision reflects the UAE's robust aviation ecosystem and longstanding leadership in global air transport. Hosting the authority is expected to help produce unifying regulations, streamline operations, and promote communication among the six GCC nations. The UAE's aviation business has expanded dramatically over the years, thanks to world-class airports, large airline networks, and significant infrastructure investment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the world’s first Digital Traditional Medicine Library during the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. The platform intends to digitise centuries of traditional health knowledge and make it available worldwide. It would combine thorough material on Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy, herbal medicines, and other indigenous therapies, providing a single digital area for global users. The library aims to assist researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals in studying and analysing conventional systems using modern scientific
Indonesia has launched the Meticulous Artificial Intelligence of Indonesia (MaiA) platform to redefine its tourism business and boost its global standing. This AI-powered solution provides personalised itineraries, multilingual assistance, and interactive digital tools to help travellers plan and navigate. Indonesia hopes to attract tech-savvy travellers looking for seamless and personalised experiences by incorporating smart technology into tourism. MaiA assists tourists in discovering sites that match their interests, encouraging them to venture beyond the most well-known attractions. Th
According to UNICEF, India is making outstanding progress in poverty reduction and is on course to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1.2 well before the 2030 deadline. Between 2013-14 and 2022-23, almost 248 million Indians fled multidimensional poverty, reducing the national poverty rate from 29.2% to 11.3%. Social security coverage increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting about 940 million persons – a development that has helped elevate vast segments of the population out of poverty. As a result, more than half of India's 460 million children now have access to essent
India has emerged as Ajman's second-largest tourism source market, prompting the emirate to organise a targeted roadshow in New Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. The program intends to increase Ajman's presence in India by highlighting its cultural appeal, modern hospitality, and expanding recreational services. The promotional campaign showcases new luxury resorts, improved attractions, and immersive experiences that are intended to appeal to a diverse range of Indian travellers. Ajman intends to strengthen its connection with Indian travel experts, with the goal of forming long-term partnerships th
Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with major reforms that will allow foreign nationals to purchase a wide spectrum of real estate beginning in January. According to a senior official with the Real Estate General Authority, non-Saudis would be able to purchase residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties, as well as land for development. Foreigner buying zones in Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Madinah are now being finalised and will be announced shortly. These areas are projected to be big and comprise major development projects, with foreign ownership limited to 70–90%.
Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico won the Miss Universe 2025 crown in Bangkok, sparking celebrations across the country. Her victory came after a tense incident earlier in the competition, which had already landed her in the national limelight. The 25-year-old from Tabasco was publicly scolded by Thai director Nawat Itsaragrisil at a livestreamed sashing ceremony on November 4. He accused her of failing to follow his promotional guidelines. When Bosch defended herself, he called security, prompting her to leave. Several participants joined in to show their support. Mexican businessman RaÃ
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 21-23. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the visit, saying the Prime Minister will present India's position on the key issues before the grouping. He is scheduled to speak in all three sessions, demonstrating his continuous involvement with the forum. This will be the fourth consecutive G20 Summit held in the Global South. India hosted it in 2023, followed by Brazil in 2024, with Indonesia hosting the 2022 edition. PM Modi's participation marks his 12th G20 summit appea
The Union Cabinet has approved two significant support schemes worth ₹45,060 crore for exporters, particularly MSMEs, who are suffering pressure from the recent 50% tariff rise imposed by the US on a range of Indian products. The announcement follows several meetings with export promotion councils, which identified the challenges created by the new trade barrier. The approved package allocates ₹25,060 crore for the Export Promotion Mission and ₹20,000 crore for the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters. The Export Promotion Mission will operate from FY26 to FY31. It seeks to strength