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
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