Seven elephants killed by train accident in India
New Delhi: A passenger train smashed into a herd of elephants in India's northeast, killing seven animals on the spot, officials said Saturday. No travelers were injured in the accident in Assam state, home to more than 4,000 of the roughly 22,000 wild elephants in India. Senior Assam police offici»»»
Viral outrage: Air India Express pilot allegedly assaults SpiceJet passenger in front of child
A SpiceJet passenger has accused an Air India Express pilot of assaulting him over an alleged queue dispute at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1, sparking widespread attention on social media. Also Read: Kerala man arrested for harassment on Dubai-Hyderabad flightHow the incident hap»»»
High-speed Passenger Train Kills 7 Elephants in India
Seven wild Asiatic elephants were killed and a calf was injured when a high-speed passenger train collided with a herd crossing the tracks in India's northeastern state of Assam early Saturday, local authorities said. The train driver spotted the herd of about 100 elephants and used the emergency b»»»
Saudi Arabia, India agree visa waiver for diplomatic passports
Saudi Arabia and India have signed a bilateral agreement granting mutual exemption from short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports, a move aimed at easing official travel and strengthening ties between the two countries, according to Saudi Press Agency. A»»»
Weekend Digest: Philippines awards, Messi mania, UAE rain and more
From the Philippines being named Asia’s Best Retirement Destination to hailstorms and thunderstorms sweeping Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, this week brought a mix of global recognition and extreme weather. Lightning struck the Burj Khalifa as Dubai prepared for more rain, while UAE residents plan lon»»»
Kebabs, biryani and much more: Indian city on Unesco culinary list
Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani and whipped cloud-like desserts. The northern Indian city of Lucknow has always been a food lovers' paradise, with locals and visitors swearing by its cuisine. Last month, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy - adding it to a select list of g»»»
Ukraine Hits Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker in Mediterranean
Ukraine struck a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea with aerial drones for the first time, an official said on Friday, reflecting the growing intensity of Kyiv's attacks on Russian oil shipping. The vessel was empty when it was struck by drones in neutral waters more than 2»»»
2 newspaper offices burned in Bangladesh protests; journalists escape - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Protesters set fire to the Prothom Alo offices in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to protest the death of youth protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death Thursday. Demonstrations broke out after Hadi died two weeks after being shot in the head. Photo by Monirul Alam/EPA Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Two newspaper of»»»
What are Shipping Companies' Plans for Return to Suez Canal?
Major shipping companies are devising strategies for a potential return to the Suez Canal after two years of disruptions due to security risks in the Red Sea. They have been rerouting vessels via longer, costlier routes around Africa since November 2023, following attacks on commercial ships by Ye»»»
Bishkek ranked among top 3 most polluted cities in terms of air quality - | 24.KG
As of 4 p.m., Bishkek ranked third in the global ranking of cities with the most polluted air. This data is based on the international air quality monitoring system, the Air Quality Index (AQI). According to the published data, air pollution levels in the capital of Kyrgyzstan reached 202 AQI units»»»
Bangladesh newspaper staff recall 'gasping for air' as offices set ablaze
Staff at two leading Bangladeshi newspapers say they were "gasping for air" as protesters, roused by the death of a prominent activist, set their offices alight on Thursday. Sharif Osman Hadi, who had emerged as a key figure after last year's anti-government protests that ousted former prime minist»»»
Nolte FZE closes 2025 with Dh250 million in sales and major gains across key Middle East markets
Nolte FZE, Germany’s leading premium kitchen brand, concludes 2025 marked by strategic growth across the Middle East and key global markets. The company strengthened its position in the UAE, advanced large-scale initiatives in Saudi Arabia, expanded its dealer and project networks, and entered new »»»
Rare Diamond Changes Lives of Two Indian Friends
On a recent winter morning in Panna, a diamond mining region in central India, two childhood friends made a discovery that they think could change their lives forever. Satish Khatik and Sajid Mohammed stumbled upon a large, glistening rock on a plot of land they had leased just weeks earlier, accor»»»
lululemon to enter Romanian market as part of wider regional expansion in 2026
lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) today announced plans to expand its international presence in 2026 with six new market entries – a record number for the brand in a single year – through its new franchise partnership model agreements. lululemon plans to launch in Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Romani»»»
Parents devastated in India after children with thalassemia test HIV positive
Parents of children with thalassemia in India say they are devastated after life-saving blood transfusions left their children HIV-positive, confronting them with illness, social stigma, and uncertainty. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that requires regular transfusions to manage severe ana»»»
Qatar consolidates position among Forbes wealthiest nations list
DOHA: Qatar has once again emerged as one of the world’s most prosperous countries, securing a prominent position in the Forbes India 2025 ranking of the richest countries in the world by GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP). The ranking, derived from data compiled by the Inter»»»
Inside Gulf News: Covering rain disruption across UAE and get set for Dubai's peak travel season
Dear readers. I hope this letter finds you safe and well at the end of a turbulent week in the UAE. I write this after a frantic 24 hours that has seen rain disrupting roads, flights and businesses, so I do hope that the rain is passing you by without too much trouble. We’ve also reported on the tr»»»
Two arrested after abduction bid on Bihar doctor, police recover weapons
Patna: The police apprehended two accused involved in an alleged attempted abduction of a doctor in Bihar's Chhapra following an encounter in the Revelganj area of the district. The arrested men have been identified as Ranjan Yadav and Sonu Rai. Both accused sustained gunshot injuries to their legs»»»
Assam to have 25 functional medical colleges by 2030: CM Sarma
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state has set an ambitious target of establishing 25 fully functional medical colleges by 2030 as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and create a robust pool of medical specialists. Addres»»»
Democrat Eileen Higgins sworn in as Miami's first female mayor after 30 years of GOP control
MIAMI: Democrat Eileen Higgins was sworn in Thursday as Miami's first female mayor, two weeks after defeating a Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump. Higgins also becomes the first Democrat in almost 30 years to lead the city of 487,000 people. She replaces Republican Francis Suarez, who h»»»
'We are not from Bangladesh, we are Indian. Why did they do this to us?'
"I was scared that my child's nationality would change if he was born in Bangladesh," says a heavily pregnant Sunali Khatun, 25, who returned to India earlier this month after being deported to the neighbouring country in June. Ms Khatun, a domestic worker from India's eastern state of West Bengal,»»»
Violence breaks out in Bangladesh after death of youth protest leader
Violence has erupted in Bangladesh following the death of a prominent leader of the youth movement that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Sharif Osman Hadi was shot by masked attackers while leaving a mosque in Dhaka last week and died of his injuries on Thursday while being treated in Si»»»
EU to Slash Asylum Cases from 7 Nations Deemed Safe
The European Union on Thursday said it would drastically reduce asylum claims from seven nations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia by considering them safe countries of origin, prompting widespread outrage from human rights groups on International Migrants' Day. An agreement between European Parl»»»
India, Oman sign CEPA as Modi, Haitham seek deeper strategic ties
Muscat: India and Oman on Thursday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a landmark deal aimed at significantly boosting bilateral trade, investment and cooperation in emerging sectors, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Ta»»»
Delhi: No pollution certificates, no fuel
New Delhi: Delhi authorities on Wednesday intensified vehicle checks across the National Capital as stringent pollution-control measures under GRAP Stage IV (Severe+) came into force, including denial of fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and restrictions on »»»
Indian Railways electrifies 99.2% of broad gauge network
New Delhi: Indian Railways has electrified 99.2 per cent of its broad gauge network, marking a major milestone in India’s transport infrastructure push and placing the country ahead of several major railway systems globally, including the UK, Russia and China, according to a Ministry of Railways st»»»
Oman Sultan confers national award on India PM Modi
Muscat: Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik conferred ‘The First Class of the Order of Oman’ on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday - an award that has previously been presented to Queen Elizabeth, Queen Maxim, Emperor Akihito, Nelson Mandela and King Abdullah of Jordan. This is the 29th such global»»»
Lionel Messi visits Vantara
Global football icon Lionel Messi made a special visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani. At the centre, initiatives traditionally begin with seeking blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma, which emphasises reverence for nature and r»»»
Philippines: Flight ban near restive Mayon Volcano declared
Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended once more the flight ban in areas surrounding Mayon Volcano as volcanic activity continues to pose risks to aircraft. In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Thursday, CAAP said flights are prohibited within the airspace ar»»»
How Bahraini Rapper Flipperachi’s Fa9la went viral in India with Bollywood blockbuster 'Dhurandhar'
Dubai: Weeks after the release of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, one thing is clear: Akshaye Khanna’s entry scene has taken social media by storm, but the song 'Fa9la' is stealing the spotlight. From Instagram reels to playlists, the track is everywhere — and the man behind it is Bahraini rapper Flipp»»»
In pictures: Toxic haze covers Delhi as air quality worsens
The air quality in India's capital Delhi and adjoining regions continues to be hazardous for several days now, even as a layer of haze engulfs the city. On Thursday morning, the city's overall air quality index - which measures PM2.5, fine particulate matters that can clog lungs, and other pollutan»»»
Australia PM vows to stamp out hatred as nation mourns youngest Bondi Beach victim
Sydney: Australia’s prime minister vowed to stamp out extremism Thursday as the nation mourned the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach shooting, a 10-year-old girl remembered as “our little ray of sunshine”. Father-and-son gunmen are accused of firing into crowds at a beachside Jewish festival on Su»»»
Messi's India tour and rise of the solo athlete sports brand – DW – 12/16/2025
SportsIndiaMessi's India tour and rise of the solo athlete sports brandJonathan HardingIn 2025, many global sports stars went on promotional tours purely to support their individual brands. Lionel Messi's tour of India is a reminder of how sport is changing. https://p.dw.com/p/55M8oLionel Messi is »»»
Dileep can travel Again: Passport cleared ahead of UAE film release
Dubai: Days after Malayalam actor Dileep’s acquittal in the Kerala actor assault case, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court has ruled to return his passport. The decision allows the actor to travel freely and attend promotional events for his new film, Bha Bha Ba, which releases in UAE cinemas to»»»
IndiGo advisory for UAE passengers: Heavy rain, thunderstorms may disrupt flights— What you need to know
Dubai: India’s biggest carrier, IndiGo, on Thursday issued a travel advisory for passengers flying from UAE airports, cautioning that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast across the region may cause intermittent disruptions to flight operations throughout the day. Sign up for our daily busines»»»
India accelerates free trade agreements to counter US tariffs and expand exports
India has accelerated a push to finalize several free trade agreements over the next few months to offset the impact of steep U.S. import tariffs and widen export destinations during growing global trade uncertainties. New Delhi is in advanced talks with the European Union, New Zealand and Chile an»»»
India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns
India has lodged a strong protest against what it has called the "deteriorating security situation" around its mission in Dhaka. On Wednesday, India's foreign ministry summoned Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah to convey its concerns about the actions of some "extremist elements", the ministry said»»»
India's market regulator revises mutual fund fees. Top 6 things investors must know
Dubai: India’s markets regulator has approved a sweeping overhaul of mutual fund regulations, rewriting a framework that has governed the industry for nearly three decades. The changes, cleared by the Securities and Exchange Board of India at its December 17 meeting, aim to lower costs for investor»»»
OQ commissions the Ladayn Polymer Programme at Suhar Industrial City
OQ, Oman’s global integrated energy group, has commissioned the Ladayn Polymer Programme at Suhar Industrial City during an official ceremony held today under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. The inaug»»»
Planning your year-end gold shopping in Dubai? Get ready for steeper prices
Dubai: Dubai gold prices pushed toward record territory overnight, tracking a relentless global bullion rally that has non-yielding assets firmly in favour amid Fed rate bets and fresh geopolitical flares. For UAE jewellery shoppers and small investors, retail rates are now testing the highest leve»»»
RBI intervention lifts rupee from record lows against dollar, dirham. What does this mean for your remittances?
Dubai: India's Reserve Bank launched aggressive dollar sales to arrest the rupee's plunge, delivering its biggest one-day gain in seven months. The currency climbed as much as 1% to 90.0963 per dollar on Wednesday after closing at a record low of 91.0837 the previous day. By 8 am Dubai time Thursda»»»
If talks fail, 'Russia will achieve liberation of its historical lands through military means': Putin
In a stark setback to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled that Moscow will not soften its stance on the war, openly rejecting meaningful concessions despite renewed peace proposals backed by Donald Trump and Wes»»»
Police book four in Kerala over viral ‘Pottiye Kettiye’ parody song used in election campaign
The Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police on Wednesday registered a case over the parody song ‘Pottiye Kettiye’, which went viral during the recent local body election campaign in Kerala. The case was filed following a complaint by Prasad Kuzhikkala, general secretary of the Thiruvabharana Patha Sam»»»
Meher Castelino, first Miss India and fashion journalism icon, dies at 81
Meher Castelino, India’s first-ever Miss India and one of the country’s most respected fashion journalists, passed away on Wednesday. She was 81. She is survived by her son Karl, daughter-in-law Nisha, and daughter Christina. Born in Mumbai, Castelino rose to national attention in 1964 when she won»»»
Earthquake of magnitude 4.4 strikes Myanmar
Naypyidaw: An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck Myanmar on Thursday, a statement by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 100km. Also In This Package Watch: Rooftop pools overflow as Bangkok sways in quake Downpours drench homeless survivors of Myanma»»»
Migrants forced to leave Canada after policy change feel 'betrayed'
After accepting a job near Montreal, Mansef Aloui packed up his life in Tunisia, hopeful his children would thrive in Canada -- but his pathway to settle in the country has been shut down. "I'm broken. My life has been upended. My daughter is in her room, she cries day and night," the 50-year-old t»»»
Indian scientists predict how bird flu could spread to humans
For years, scientists have warned that bird flu - better known as H5N1 - could one day make the dangerous leap from birds to humans and trigger a global health crisis. Avian flu - a type of influenza - is entrenched across South and South-East Asia and has occasionally infected humans since emergin»»»
Sanctioned oil vessels divert from Venezuela as Trump threatens blockade
MIAMI: Some oil vessels are diverting away from Venezuela after US President Donald Trump threatened a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the South American country, a dramatic escalation in the White House’s pressure campaign on leader Nicolás Maduro. Also Read: Tanker seized»»»
Investment minister meets India’s RITES CEO to boost cooperation
AMMAN — Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh on Wednesday discussed ways to enhance cooperation and investment partnerships during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of India’s RITES Limited.The meeting was attended by the CEO of the Jordanian Company for Developing Cities and Government »»»
Wealthy nations curb labor migration as demand surges – DW – 12/17/2025
BusinessGlobal issuesWealthy nations curb labor migration as demand surgesNik MartinEven before Donald Trump returned to the White House, anti-immigration politics were reshaping migration flows to high-income countries. Borders have been tightened despite economies facing urgent labor shortages. h»»»