Axiom Space, a U.S.-based space firm, is now looking into the potential use of Indian launch vehicles for their journey to the International Space Station. This project is in line with Axiom's larger objective of building a private space station that might eventually take the place of the International Space Station, which NASA plans to retire around 2030. While no contracts have been signed, Pearly Pandya, director of international government business at Axiom, stated that discussions are ongoing with the ISRO and private Indian launch companies to determine the most appropriate partnersh
Singaporean parents have reason to celebrate as the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) announced a proposal to add 40,000 new infant and childcare slots over the next five years. This plan, which is set to run from 2025 to 2029, would provide relief to many urban parents looking for dependable childcare options. The ECDA, which was founded on April 1, 2013, functions independently under the supervision of Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). According to CNA, ECDA will cooperate with five anchor operators to build these new
Archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old fortified town in northwest Saudi Arabia's Khaybar Oasis, providing new insights into the historic shift from nomadic to urban life. The ancient settlement of al-Natah, located in the arid Khaybar oasis, exemplifies early social organisation and intricate urban planning. The study's findings, published in PLOS One, show that the town could support up to 500 people and was divided into various zones for residential living, governance, and burial, emphasising its historical significance in the region. Led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charl
In response to escalating climate problems, Dubai is undergoing major infrastructure construction to increase rainfall drainage capacity, with the goal of greatly reducing future flood hazards. This preemptive attempt follows April's record rainfall, when Dubai received a year's worth of rain in a single day, resulting in significant holdups. In June, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the Dh30 billion 'Tasreef' project. The Tasreef project, which aims to increase drainage capacity by 700%, is expect
Thailand is expanding its tourism reach by boosting cross-border linkages with Malaysia, to increase regional visitation. While Malaysia slid from Thailand's top source market in 2023 to second place this year, Malaysian visitor numbers are expected to exceed last year's record of 4.4 million visitors. From January 1 to October 23, 2024, more than 4 million Malaysians visited Thailand, with hopes of exceeding 5 million by the end of the year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects THB 3.5 trillion ($103 billion) in tourism earnings and 36.7 million international tourists in 2024.
US President Joe Biden hosted a lively Diwali event at the White House on Monday, gathering nearly 600 prominent Indian Americans to commemorate the festival of lights. During his speech, Biden expressed pleasure in leading an inclusive administration and emphasised the role of South Asian Americans in building the United States. "As President, I have been honoured to host the largest Diwali celebrations ever at the White House," he said. "As a senator, vice president, and now president, I've had South Asian Americans play important roles on my teams. From Kamala Harris to Dr. Murthy, so m
India has extended its energy partnership with Sri Lanka by providing rooftop solar systems to various religious sites across the island nation. This initiative is part of India’s broader $17 million solar project, which seeks to install 25 MW solar rooftop systems across 5,000 religious institutions. According to reports, representatives from the Indian High Commission, Ceylon Electricity Board, and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority jointly handed over solar panels and materials to several locations, including a Buddhist temple in Hokandara, Sri Aanjaneyar Temple, St. Anthony's Chu
Indian tourist visits in Singapore increased by 13% in the first nine months of 2024, to 898,180 people, according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on October 25. This increase in numbers strengthens India's position as Singapore's third-largest source of tourists, after only Indonesia and China, as the city-state prepares for its renowned year-end festivities along Orchard Road. Singapore received more than one million tourists from India in 2023, highlighting the country's growing reputation as a top destination for Indian travellers. The Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) disc
Rachel Gupta, a twenty-year-old from Jalandhar, became the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International (MGI) title on October 25, 2024, at the MGI Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. Miss Grand International is one of the world's most popular beauty pageants, with over five million fans. Rachel's quest to win the title began in August when she was crowned Miss Grand India at a national pageant in Jaipur. Her achievements on the international stage highlight her dedication and tenacity, having previously been named Miss Super Talent of the World in 2022. Rachel defeated opponen
Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is planning a revolutionary program to boost local tourism. The initiative, which is part of the impending stimulus package, seeks to expand the local tourism subsidy to 50%, increasing domestic travel and stimulating the economy. A crucial component of the strategy is a change of legislation for online travel agencies (OTAs), which would require them to register in Thailand in order to avoid income loss to overseas corporations. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong disclosed that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is designing a