The Times of India

Brine pools, extremely salty, oxygen-free underwater lakes, are lethal to most marine life but teem with resilient microbes. Found mainly in the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Gulf of Mexico, they create sharp boundaries, trap prey, and preserve sediments like natural time capsules. Studying them offers insights into early Earth conditions, extreme ecosystems, and potential medical applications from unique microbial life.

Abu Dhabi Police have arrested a driver for live-streaming on social media while driving, in coordination with the Monitoring and Control Centre. Authorities described the act as reckless, posing a risk to the driver and other road users. Traffic officials emphasized that such behaviour violates traffic laws, will not be tolerated, and urged drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS reignited controversy after the CIA issued a rare Glomar response to a records request, refusing to confirm or deny holding information about it. While NASA insists the object is a harmless natural comet, the intelligence agencys secrecy has fuelled speculation, amplified by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, that the object warranted quiet scrutiny despite official reassurances.

UAE's elite pilots will showcase an ambitious aerial display on January 17, 2026, for the Day of Solidarity parade. The Al Fursan team will fly across all emirates, starting from Abu Dhabi and moving north. Spectators can witness a two-hour helicopter segment followed by a 34-minute fighter jet finale, with prime viewing spots along coastlines. Drones are prohibited for safety.

This Saturday, the UAE marks the Day of Solidarity, commemorating the 2022 Houthi attacks in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed urged residents to observe the national anthem at 11:00 am, reflecting on unity, courage, and resilience. Air displays will follow at 3:00 pm across emirates, honouring the nations achievements and the peoples steadfast commitment to safeguarding the UAE.

The UAE offers two long-term residency visas: the Blue Visa and Golden Visa. The Blue Visa provides 10-year residency for scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals driving environmental sustainability, with no investment required. The Golden Visa targets investors, skilled professionals, and exceptional talents, offering 5- or 10-year residency, work flexibility, and family sponsorship. Understanding differences helps choose the visa that best fits your goals.

UAE graduates now enjoy seamless degree recognition with a new automatic system from the Ministry of Higher Education. This initiative, part of the ero Government Bureaucracy program, eliminates manual verification for 34 universities, speeding up job applications and residency. Over 25,000 students have already benefited from this digital, paperless process, marking a significant leap in educational efficiency.

UAE schools adopting British, American, and IB curricula will shift their admission age cut-off to December 31 for the 2026-27 academic year, benefiting children born later in the year. This aligns with international standards, offering families greater flexibility. Indian and Japanese curriculum schools, starting in April, retain their March 31 cut-off, maintaining consistency with their home countries' systems.

Kuwait and Oman are the only Gulf countries to declare a public holiday for Isra Wal Miraj, observed this year on January 18. The holy night commemorates the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Masjid Al Haram in Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem and his ascension to the heavens, marking a time of prayer, reflection, and spiritual significance for Muslims.

Adrian Shine, who spent over five decades searching for the Loch Ness Monster, now concludes it almost certainly never existed. Applying scientific methods to folklore and sightings, he attributes reports to natural phenomena and visual illusions. Despite the lack of evidence, Shine values the decades of study, gaining insight into the loch, its ecology, and the ways human perception shapes enduring myths.

After 44 years in prison, Otis Johnson emerged into a world transformed by technology and social habits he barely recognised. Freed in 2014, he confronted smartphones, digital billboards and everyday abundance with wonder rather than bitterness. His story illustrates the profound disorientation faced by long-term prisoners on release, and the quiet resilience required to rebuild a life after decades of institutional control.

Nearly 20 years after he vanished on a 2006 fishing trip, former Fossil, Oregon, mayor Ed Asher has been identified from skeletal remains found on a Washington beach. Forensic DNA confirmed his identity, closing a long-unsolved case. Asher, 72 at the time, had left behind a large family and a legacy of community service, finally linking his presumed drowning to certainty.

Andre Yarham, the UKs youngest known dementia patient, has died aged 24 after a rapid decline caused by frontotemporal dementia. Diagnosed at 22, he lost speech, mobility and independence within months as the rare condition progressed aggressively. His family cared for him through repeated hospital stays before he was moved to hospice care, where he died in December.

Dubai's RTA and Emaar Properties have launched a significant upgrade of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station to address rising passenger demand. The expansion aims to eliminate peak-hour bottlenecks and enhance the commuter experience, reflecting Dubai's growth and tourism trends through 2040.

Kuwait has launched a new multiple-trip exit permit that allows workers to travel abroad several times using a single digital approval. Introduced by the Public Authority for Manpower, the system reduces paperwork, speeds up processing, and gives employers greater control through automatic pre-approvals. The initiative supports Kuwaits wider push to modernize and digitize government services.

Saudi Arabia is set to launch major mining bidding rounds in 2026-2027 to develop $2.5 trillion in untapped minerals. With full surveys of the Arabian Shield completed and exploration investment rising to $280 million, the Kingdom aims to boost economic growth, attract global investment, and strengthen critical mineral supply chains, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and international mining standards.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has launched a new Residence Notification service on the Sahel app in Kuwait. The service alerts property owners instantly whenever a new lease is registered on their property, allowing them to verify legitimacy, cancel unauthorized residencies, and stay informed. The move aims to protect owners rights, improve rental oversight, and ensure accurate residency records.

Saudi Arabia has announced a major gold discovery, adding 7.8 million ounces across four sites, led by Mansourah Massarah. Maadens extensive drilling highlights the untapped potential of the Arabian Shield, supporting long-term mine expansion and economic diversification. Alongside early copper, nickel, and platinum findings, the results signal the Kingdoms drive to build a strong, multi-commodity mining sector.

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has issued a stern warning to Ottawa, accusing it of decades of inaction against anti-India extremist elements. Patnaik highlighted the 1985 Air India bombing as a stark example of unresolved terrorism. His strong stance underscores India's frustration with Canada's perceived leniency towards separatist activities, demanding serious attention to security concerns.

Dubai has launched the 'Season of Wulfa,' a major cultural initiative celebrating Emirati heritage from Hag Al Leila through Eid. Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the program features over 50 events across 30 locations. It aims to strengthen community bonds and preserve traditions, blending past customs with contemporary experiences for all residents and visitors.

An unsettling incident at Tenerife South Airport is under investigation after an 80-year-old man was stopped while attempting to board a flight with his deceased wife seated in a wheelchair. Airport staff only raised concerns after security checks were completed. Authorities are now working to determine when the woman died and whether any criminal offences occurred.

Riyadh Metro's Red Line is getting a major upgrade. A new contract will extend the line by 8.4 kilometers, adding five stations. This expansion will connect key areas to the Diriyah Gate Development, a significant heritage and tourism project. The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel times and promote sustainable transport. Construction is expected to take six years.

Dubai's historic Grand Souq in Deira is set to host its fourth Ramadan Souq. This vibrant market will offer traditional Emirati goods, seasonal foods and crafts, alongside live performances and family activities. It aims to preserve heritage while fostering community spirit and providing a festive shopping experience for residents and tourists.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for the US designation of several Muslim Brotherhood groups as terrorist organisations. The move, targeting branches operating in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, reflects a shared commitment to countering extremism, cutting off resources that fuel violence, and promoting regional stability. The UAE emphasized backing international efforts against terrorism and extremist networks.

Qatar is inviting its citizens to cheer for Al Annabi at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Qatar Football Association has opened registrations for fans to travel and support the national team. This initiative aims to boost team morale and national pride. The program covers flights, accommodation and match tickets for eligible Qatari nationals.

Kuwaits Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, Abdul Latif Al-Mishari, has approved the closure of private schools in residential neighbourhoods by the 2027-2028 academic year. Future school sites will require traffic department approval and a traffic study. The move addresses congestion, safety, and quality-of-life concerns. Al-Mishari also raised objections to three council proposals on commercial activities and road access.

The UAE passport has achieved a historic milestone, rising to fifth place globally in the 2026 Henley Passport Index. Surpassing traditionally strong passports like the UK, Canada, and Australia, the UAEs ascent reflects decades of strategic diplomacy, international partnerships, and proactive engagement.

Know the UAE airlines that has been crowned the world's safest full-service airline for 2026, a first for a Gulf carrier. The Abu Dhabi-based airline surpassed over 320 competitors, including Emirates, due to its young fleet, advanced safety systems and a flawless incident record. This achievement highlights the UAE's growing aviation safety prowess.

Saudi Arabia will experience a significant cold wave from today through the weekend, with temperatures dropping as low as 3C in northern and central regions. The cold air will gradually move south, affecting Qassim, Riyadh, and parts of the Eastern Province. The National Centre for Meteorology has urged residents to take precautions, especially overnight, and follow official updates.

Kuwait Airways is set to launch five new direct international routes in 2026. Flights will connect the Gulf to Europe and Asia, including popular holiday destinations and business hubs. This expansion aims to strengthen Kuwait's position as a global aviation hub. Travellers can anticipate more direct travel options in the coming months.

Political dysfunction and rising inequality persist, but the United States continues to anchor the global economy. Its share of world GDP has barely shifted since 1990, private wealth remains overwhelmingly concentrated, and productivity exceeds every other G7 country. Europe faces structural stagnation, while American growth is being sustained by technology, capital markets and scale.

The US body brokering industry has exposed how donated human remains can be dismembered, sold and shipped worldwide, often without families full understanding. Investigations reveal million-pound profits, lax regulation, and harrowing cases where loved ones later discovered body parts sold, displayed or used in military tests, raising profound ethical questions about consent, oversight and dignity after death.

Kuwait's Ministry of Finance is holding a public auction for a collection of iPhones and iPads previously owned by the General Secretariat of the National Assembly. This initiative aims to efficiently manage state inventory and recover value from unused electronics. Interested buyers can inspect items and submit sealed bids, with the opening scheduled for January 21, 2026.

Sharjah Charity International has launched its ambitious 'Joud' campaign for Ramadan 2026, aiming to raise AED 130 million to support vulnerable communities globally. The initiative prioritizes speed and dignity in aid delivery, with significant allocations for iftar meals, food baskets, and medical assistance. A new digital app with an AI assistant simplifies donations, enhancing accessibility for a widespread humanitarian effort.

Dr Abla El Hawary made history on January 12, 2026, becoming the first woman to preside over Egypt's House of Representatives. At 79, she led the opening session, overseeing member oaths and the election of the Speaker. This milestone reflects decades of her dedication to legal and legislative arenas, signifying growing women's influence in Egyptian politics.

UAE commuters faced a foggy and congested Tuesday morning. Abu Dhabi experienced dangerously low visibility due to dense fog, while Sharjah and Dubai saw significant traffic jams on key highways. Authorities urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe distances, and use appropriate headlights. The fog is expected to dissipate by noon, leading to a clearer afternoon.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set to revolutionize parking with a new 10-year deal with Salik. Starting January 22, 2026, drivers can use Salik's e-wallet for seamless, ticketless parking across all terminals and the Cargo Mega Terminal. This move eliminates payment machines, saving time and reducing congestion, aligning with Dubai's smart city vision.