Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vantara, the world's largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The program, led by Anant Ambani, intends to offer a shelter for rescued animals while also encouraging conservation initiatives. PM Modi and Anant Ambani toured the facility, viewing and engaging with numerous rescued animals. He fed lion cubs, offered food to a giraffe, and watched crocodiles swim while Ambani explained the center's conservation programs. In a post on X, PM Modi praised Vantara as a noteworthy endeavour in animal conservation. He hig
An Indian defence committee has proposed integrating the private sector in military aircraft production to improve the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The suggestion is made at a critical moment when the IAF is dealing with declining squadron numbers and delayed aircraft deliveries, both of which have top officers worried. If enacted, the measure would significantly enhance India's private defence industry while reducing the pressure on state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which now makes the majority of the country's military aircraft. The committee, led by the defence
Dubai has launched the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency scheme for people who make a significant contribution to environmental conservation. On February 12, the World Governments Summit 2025 announced an initiative to encourage sustainability pioneers and advance green innovation. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), has granted the first 20 Blue Visas to leaders who have made major contributions to environmental initiatives in the UAE and outside. This long-term visa is availab
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeded 16.99 billion in January, the greatest volume ever recorded in a single month. The finance ministry reports that digital payments in India have grown rapidly, with total transaction value exceeding ₹23.48 lakh crore. The fiscal year 2023-24 saw an increase in digital transactions. UPI has stayed in the forefront, accounting for roughly 80% of all retail transactions in the country. In FY24, the total transaction volume exceeded 131 billion, with a total value of ₹200 lakh crore. UPI's extensive acceptance is driven by increased
India has successfully conducted flight tests of its first indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR), a significant advancement in its defensive capabilities. The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy collaborated to conduct the trial at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter, displaying its capacity to hit ocean targets with pinpoint accuracy. NASM-SR's innovative "Man-in-Loop" system enables in-flight retargeting based on real-time inputs. During the test, the missil
The Thai government has launched the 'Thailand Summer Festivals' campaign to promote tourism and the creative economy. The initiative, which runs from March to September, strives to attract visitors by hosting a variety of cultural and leisure activities. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over the launch at Government House, which was attended by senior officials such as Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong and Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The "7 Months 7 Wonders Summer Festivals" campaign promotes year-round tourism by focussing on Songkran, Pride Mo
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is set to launch a three-city roadshow in India in February 2025, covering Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The project seeks to enhance ties with the Indian travel industry and increase visitor numbers to Singapore. Kean Bon LIM, STB's Area Director for India, South Asia, and Africa, highlighted India's importance as a key market for Singapore. The roadshow will highlight new attractions, hotel options, and travel experiences to engage Indian tourists and industry stakeholders. The event will bring together Singapore's major tourism partners, such as
According to the World tourism & Tourism Council (WTTC), Singapore is on track to break its all-time international arrivals record in 2025, positioning it as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing tourism destinations. The city-state is outperforming regional rivals like Thailand and the Philippines, cementing its status as a worldwide tourism powerhouse. According to new study, international arrivals in Singapore are expected to reach approximately 16 million by 2025, representing a 9.6% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Indian travellers account for a large share of this rise,
Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a significant employment hub, especially for blue-collar Indian immigrants. The emirate's construction, logistics, and industrial sectors are expanding quickly, which is driving up demand for trained and semi-skilled personnel. Abu Dhabi increasingly attracts more workers, particularly from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, with better job stability and higher earnings. Employment has significantly increased due to the government's emphasis on infrastructure projects. A sizable workforce is needed for large-scale improvements to airports, business areas, tra
Qatar's government has signed a five-year agreement with Scale AI, a California-based AI data startup, to use artificial intelligence solutions for enhancing public services. According to reports, the alliance would focus on implementing AI-powered technologies and delivering specialised training to improve government operations in the Gulf State. Trevor Thompson, Scale AI's worldwide head of growth, highlighted the agreement's larger significance. He suggested that the collaboration might serve as a model for other governments trying to use artificial intelligence to overhaul the public s