Thailand celebrated the New Year with a brilliant burst of energy as the annual Songkran water festival kicked off on Sunday. Across the country, revellers dressed in bright shirts and safety eyewear participated in joyful water fights, honouring a symbolic tradition of cleaning, renewal, and new beginnings. Crowds splashed one other with water from toy guns and buckets, and some even joined in from the backs of pickup vehicles, creating a hilarious mayhem. Participants arrived well-prepared for the celebrations. The event not only lifted moods but also provided a much-needed boost to Thai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on April 19, marking an important moment in India's infrastructure growth. The 272-kilometer project, which includes a 119-kilometer tunnel, will greatly improve communication in Jammu and Kashmir. This enormous rail link is a long-awaited development in the region. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, stated that the dream of connecting Kashmir by train has now become a reality. The day of the inauguration will also see the departure of two Vande Bha
India has accepted a significant defence agreement with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine combat planes. The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by PM Modi, approved an arrangement worth over ₹63,000 crore. The contract, which was organised through an intergovernmental mechanism, is anticipated to be finalised soon. The Indian Navy will get 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater variants. The agreement also includes a complete package for fleet maintenance, logistical assistance, and Navy staff training. Additionally, offset obligations ensure that indigenous manufacturing component
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked people around the world to take part in the 'Navkar Mahamantra Divas,' an event that promotes spiritual oneness and ethical consciousness. Participants from 108 countries attended the gathering, which took place on April 9 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, the day before Mahavir Jayanti. PM Modi addressed the occasion and emphasised the importance of the Navkar Mahamantra, describing it as a guiding force that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. In a post on social media site X, he expressed his delight for the event, describing it as a unique
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has struck a deal with the UAE to develop its first overseas campus in Dubai. This is a significant milestone for IIMA, as it becomes the first Indian Institute of Management to establish a worldwide campus. The Dubai campus will provide a full-time, one-year MBA program tailored for the global market. The expansion will take place in two phases. Initially, the institute will operate out of Dubai International Academic City, a hub noted for its diversified academic environment. By 2029, a permanent campus will be built on land provided by
Skywatchers in the UAE will be treated to a celestial spectacle on April 13 when the Pink Micromoon appears in the night sky. This is the fourth full Moon of 2025, meaning the lunar surface is totally illuminated by the Sun. The Pink Moon, despite its name, will not seem pink. It is named after the flowering pink flowers of Phlox subulata, which are usually observed in spring. This month's full Moon comes after March's Worm Moon, which was accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse that caused the Moon to appear to take a 'bite' out of the Sun. Although there will be no ecl
India will introduce incentives this year to encourage the recycling of 24 important minerals, including lithium and cobalt, which are critical to its green energy transition. The government has selected these minerals as critical to accomplishing clean energy targets and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Recycling efforts will receive ₹15 billion as part of a ₹163 billion program to improve the vital minerals sector. According to sources, the incentives could include capital investment subsidies or production-linked perks, but final specifics have yet to be released. The funds will
According to a report released Tuesday by global energy think tank Ember, India will be the world's third-largest generator of electricity from wind and solar energy by 2024, surpassing Germany. The sixth edition of Ember's Global Electricity Review emphasises renewables' increasing role in the global power mix. Wind and solar combined contributed 15% of global electricity output last year. India's participation increased to 10%, demonstrating the country's substantial success in the renewable energy sector. The survey also indicated that low-carbon energy sources, such as renewables and n
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka's north-central region, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations. During his tour, he launched two India-supported railway projects alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The occasion highlighted India's ongoing support for Sri Lanka's infrastructure development. As a special gesture, the Sri Lankan government freed 14 Indian fishermen. The move came a day after Modi suggested a "humane" approach to addressing fishermen's difficulties during his meeting with President Dissan
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is preparing to launch India's first metro track constructed specifically for three-coach train operations. The proposed Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block line would be the first of its kind in the country, providing a novel approach to short-distance urban transport. The corridor, which is part of the Phase-IV expansion, will be eight kilometres long and Delhi's second-shortest metro line. Unlike traditional metro lines with four, six, or eight coaches, this route will use a unique three-coach train system designed to improve last-mile connections. Acco