The Times of India News

The Kingdom of Bahrain will observe public holidays on Tuesday, December 16, and Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in celebration of National Day and the Accession Day of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. All ministries, government departments, public authorities, and institutions will be closed, allowing citizens and residents to honor the nations progress, unity, and leadership.

The UAE is set for unsettled weather from December 12 to 19, with scattered rain, gusty winds, and variable cloud cover across the country. Light to moderate showers may appear intermittently, while winds could stir dust in exposed areas. Coastal waters will be rough at times, particularly in the Arabian Gulf, prompting caution for outdoor and marine activities.

The UAE Central Bank has clarified that Nafis payments are temporary incentives, not guaranteed income for loan eligibility. This ruling impacts Emirati private sector employees' creditworthiness by excluding government top-ups from income calculations, making it harder to meet debt-burden ratio requirements. Banks will assess these incentives case-by-case.

Oman Air is launching a new MuscatTaif route starting January 31, 2026, marking its fifth destination in Saudi Arabia. Operating three weekly flights on a Boeing 737, the expansion strengthens economic and cultural ties between the two countries. The airline aims to enhance regional connectivity, offer greater travel options, and support tourism and business links across the Gulf.

The UAE passport has achieved 8th place globally in the Henley Passport Index 2025, granting visa-free access to 184 destinations. This marks the largest improvement in the index's history, a testament to a decade of dedicated diplomatic efforts. The enhanced mobility offers significant economic and social benefits for citizens and the nation.

On August 2, 2027, Saudi Arabia will witness the longest solar eclipse in 100 years, with the Moon blocking the Sun for over six minutes. The eclipse will also pass across North Africa and southern Spain. Daylight will fade to twilight, and the Suns glowing corona will shine around the Moon, offering observers a rare, breathtaking celestial spectacle.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has imposed a travel ban on Mali, urging citizens not to visit and calling on those already there to return immediately. Authorities emphasize strict adherence to official guidance, heightened caution, and vigilance. Nationals are encouraged to use the 24/7 emergency hotline for support, ensuring safety amid ongoing concerns in the West African nation.

A Seattle meme artist known as Sunday Nobody has sunk a three-metre bronze mash-up of Handsome Squidward and the ancient Greek Discobolus off the coast of Greece, built, shipped and submerged for $25,000, all to confuse future archaeologists. The stunt, documented across TikTok, YouTube and X, blends internet absurdism with museum-grade craftsmanship and raises sharp questions about hoaxes, heritage and humour in the digital age.

Ever since interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS entered view in July, its strange behaviour, shifting colours, erratic motion, a puzzling 16.16-hour heartbeat, has fuelled both scientific curiosity and speculation. Now, NASA astrochemist Martin Cordiners team has detected unusually abundant methanol and hydrogen cyanide in its plume, chemicals linked to lifes origins. Harvards Avi Loeb says the new data only deepens the mystery.

Ever since interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS entered view in July, its strange behaviour, shifting colours, erratic motion, a puzzling 16.16-hour heartbeat, has fuelled both scientific curiosity and speculation. Now, NASA astrochemist Martin Cordiners team has detected unusually abundant methanol and hydrogen cyanide in its plume, chemicals linked to lifes origins. Harvards Avi Loeb says the new data only deepens the mystery.

Early airport body scanners were far more revealing than most travellers realised. In the early 2010s, Rapiscan X-ray machines produced highly detailed, near-nude images that sparked outrage and were ultimately removed over privacy concerns. Experts tell Readers Digest that todays millimetre-wave scanners work very differently, generating only a generic avatar and flagging possible threats without exposing anyones actual body.

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat has announced that starting January 2026, Friday sermons and prayers across all UAE mosques will begin at 12:45 pm. Worshippers are urged to arrive early to fully participate in the sermon and prayer. The change aims to provide consistency, better organization, and a smoother experience for all communities nationwide.

Former CIA counterterrorism chief John Kiriakou has reignited public anxiety after bluntly confirming that the agency can access phones, laptops, cars and even smart TVs, capabilities echoed in the Vault 7 leaks. His remarks, delivered in LADbibles Honesty Box, pull back the curtain on how far modern intelligence work has drifted from public oversight, operating in secrecy behind shifting presidential mandates.

Kuwait authorities have arrested 15 individuals in connection with the Ya Hala raffle scandal, part of the countrys most famous shopping festival. Investigations revealed bribery, forgery, and misuse of official positions to direct prizes to select beneficiaries. The case, covering multiple draws and substantial prizes, highlights vulnerabilities in commercial promotions and ongoing efforts to restore public trust.

Dubais Free Zones provide expats with a simple, tax-friendly way to start a business with 100% foreign ownership. Dubai now offers a Dedicated Free Zone Passport, enabling operations across multiple zones with a single permit. This guide covers what Free Zones are, how to choose the right one, step by step setup, license types, costs, timelines, and key considerations for launching a business in Dubai.

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education revoked recognition of Midocean University after inspections revealed major violations, including unaccredited programmes, flawed online courses, record discrepancies, and non-compliance with national laws. The universitys qualifications are now not accredited. The Ministry urges students to verify institutions accreditation, emphasizing protection of students, academic integrity, and enforcement of regulatory standards across the UAE.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan has approved comprehensive plans to enhance residential areas, family welfare, and digital infrastructure. The initiatives introduce sustainable, socially connected neighbourhoods, with parks, walking and cycling paths, and essential community services. Alongside the Digital Resilience Policy, the plans support Dubai Plan 2033, aiming to strengthen quality of life, social cohesion, and the emirates position as a global model.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have launched a 785-kilometer high-speed electric rail connecting Riyadh and Doha, cutting travel time to just two hours. The project will serve over 10 million passengers annually, create 30,000 jobs, boost trade and tourism, and strengthen Gulf cooperation. Built to the highest safety and sustainability standards, it marks a major step in regional development

Jessie Cave, best known as Lavender Brown in Harry Potter, has revealed the chaotic way she told comedian Alfie Brown, then a one-night stand, that she was four months pregnant. A scan photo and delayed train texts did the talking. What began as an awkward misfire became the start of a long, complicated relationship that now includes four children and two comedy careers.

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished with 239 people aboard, initiating a profound aviation mystery. After years of searching and speculation, a new deep-sea exploration effort by Ocean Infinity is set to resume in late 2025, armed with advanced technology and new analyses, reigniting hope for answers.

Abu Dhabi's BRIDGE Summit, a global gathering of over 60,000 creatives and industry leaders, commenced today to shape the future of media through AI and global storytelling. Hollywood star Idris Elba highlighted his mission to empower African creators and address financial barriers, while discussions emphasized AI's potential and ethical challenges in the $2.8 trillion media sector.

Comet 3I/ATLAS has already puzzled astronomers with its odd trajectory, twin tails and sudden bursts of activity. Now a rhythmic 16.16-hour heartbeat has become the latest mystery. Most researchers see a rotating, venting comet. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb argues the pulse points instead to jets driving the brightness like a bloodstream, keeping open, cautiously, the possibility of something more engineered.

Saudi Arabia has expanded its presence in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities with the addition of Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al-Khabra. This recognition highlights their dedication to lifelong learning and community initiatives, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for a knowledge-based economy and human capital development.

Taibah University in Madinah has suspended all in-person classes, shifting to online learning via Blackboard due to a severe weather warning. This mandatory move prioritizes student and staff safety amidst forecasts of heavy rainfall. The university urges everyone to stay updated through official channels and continue with coursework remotely.

Saudi Arabia faces severe weather alerts across eight regions. Red, Orange, and Yellow warnings are active due to heavy rain, flash floods, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Residents in Madinah and Northern Borders are under Red Alert, facing extreme danger. Other regions like Ha'il, Qassim, Tabuk, Makkah, Asir, and Al Baha are also affected. Authorities urge immediate preparation and caution.

A Ghanaian preacher calling himself Noah has gone viral after claiming God warned him of a three-year global flood beginning on 25 December. His videos show wooden boats under construction and promises of salvation for those who join him, but nothing has been independently verified. The trend raises sharper questions about faith, fabrication and how apocalyptic stories spread online.

A mysterious underwater noise recorded in 1997, the Bloop, fuelled years of speculation about megalodon and other undiscovered giants. But NOAAs long-running investigation eventually traced the sound to Antarctic icequakes, not a living creature. The finding reveals less about ancient sharks and more about a warming planet, whose shifting ice now produces noises once mistaken for monsters.

Hamad Ali Al-Khater has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, effective December 7, 2025, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Al-Khater brings extensive experience from QatarEnergy and his tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, positioning him to enhance airport-airline synergy and passenger experience.

Former CIA counterterrorism officer John Kiriakou, the first US official to confirm the agencys use of torture, speaks candidly in LADbibles Honesty Box about how the CIA can disappear people, through secret prisons, covert detentions or even new identities for defectors. His answers, shaped by years inside the agency and his later whistleblowing, offer a rare insiders clarity.

Bahraini rapper Flipperachi, real name Hussam Aseem, is gaining massive attention in India after his hit track FA9LA featured in the Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar. Known for his Khaleeji hip-hop style and international collaborations with artists like The Game, Shaggy, and Shaquille ONeal, Flipperachis music is now reaching millions, marking a major crossover into the Indian film industry.

Dubai Police have arrested Marko Dordevic, leader of the notorious Vracarci gang, also called the Witchcrafters, in a coordinated international operation named Haris. The arrest, carried out with Europol, Serbian, and Spanish authorities, follows a Red Notice by Interpol. Dordevics capture marks a major step in dismantling cross-border organized crime and highlights the UAEs role in global security efforts.

The UAE is introducing penalties of up to Dh5,000 for businesses violating e-invoicing requirements. Starting July 2026, all invoices must be created, exchanged, and reported electronically to the Federal Tax Authority. Fines apply for delays in implementation, failure to transmit invoices or credit notes, system failure notifications, and updating registered business data, emphasizing strict compliance and operational readiness.

Dubai's RTA has installed 595 new public bus shelters, nearing 89% completion of its 762-unit goal by 2025. This initiative modernizes public transport infrastructure, enhancing comfort and reliability for over 192 million annual riders. The project prioritizes accessibility and integrates advanced features like digital screens and air-conditioned waiting areas.

The UAE plans to produce 60 trillion AI tokens through its Stargate AI campus in Abu Dhabi, aiming to become the worlds factory of intelligence. AI tokens, the basic units of AI computation, turn data into actionable insights. The initiative positions the UAE as a global AI leader, drives economic and energy efficiency, and transforms intelligence into a strategic national resource.

Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step to simplify the Umrah pilgrimage for domestic and international visitors with the Nusk Al-Umrah card. It centralizes key services, including transportation, crowd management, accommodation, and bus refueling. Domestic pilgrims can use digital versions, while international visitors receive printed cards, enhancing safety, convenience, and efficiency for millions of worshippers each year.

The Saudi Embassy in Addis Ababa has warned its citizens about a deadly Marburg virus outbreak in southern Ethiopia, particularly in the South Omo Zone and Sidama regions. As of December 3, 13 cases have been confirmed, with eight fatalities. Citizens are urged to follow local health guidance, avoid crowded areas, and contact the embassys 24/7 emergency hotline for assistance.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has opened a new military recruitment cycle for men and women, accepting applications from December 7th. The program seeks to fill positions from Private to Sergeant, catering to high-school, diploma, and degree holders across over 100 specializations. This initiative aims to bolster national forces with diverse and qualified talent.

UAE influencer Khalid Al Ameri has quietly confirmed his relationship with Indian actress Sunaina Yella through a heartfelt birthday post on Instagram. The carousel included intimate photos, including a mirror selfie showing them holding hands. Their relationship had been hinted at since mid-2024, with matching posts and subtle interactions, now finally confirmed to fans worldwide.

A 330-metre pyramid meant to showcase North Koreas modernity, the Ryugyong Hotel remains empty decades after construction began. Briton Simon Cockerell, one of the few Westerners granted access, describes an unfinished concrete interior behind its polished glass faade. His rare visit reveals a 600m megaproject frozen mid-build, reflecting shifting priorities inside the worlds most closed state.

Sheikh Zayed Festival has unveiled Wonderland Entertainment City in Al Wathba, offering a complete family experience. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, ice skating, a dinosaur park, pony rides, bowling, and skill-based games. Designed with modern technology and high safety standards, Wonderland combines fun, comfort, and accessibility, making it a central attraction in the festival, open daily through its operating hours.

Dubais Roads and Transport Authority distributed 500 child car seats to newborns across 26 hospitals from December 1 to 5, as part of its sixth annual Safety from the First Journey initiative during the UAEs 54th Eid Al Etihad. The program promotes road safety from day one, offers practical guidance for parents, and aligns with WHO recommendations to reduce child fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents.

Huda Kattan, an American makeup artist and entrepreneur based in Dubai, founded Huda Beauty, a global cosmetics and skincare empire. Starting with a beauty blog in 2010, she expanded into makeup, skincare, fragrances, and reality TV. With a net worth of $560 million and over 50 million Instagram followers, she also champions philanthropy, supporting causes from COVID-19 relief to social justice initiatives.

Traveling to Dubai for the first time can be overwhelming, but the right apps make it easy. From navigating the city with 2GIS to staying connected via Botim, booking rides with Careem, using public transport through NolPay, and accessing government services with DubaiNow, these five essential apps ensure a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable first-time experience in Dubai.

The UAE has launched a new one-step service allowing Emiratis to renew their passports and Emirates ID cards together through the UAEICP app. This unified process eliminates separate applications, reduces processing times by 50%, and cuts customer inquiries by 40%. Part of the Zero Bureaucracy initiative, it simplifies document management and improves efficiency for citizens and families.

Saudi Arabia is set to experience several days of unstable weather, with thunderstorms expected across most regions from December 6 to 11. Heavy rain, dust storms, hail, and flash floods may affect areas including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and others. The National Center for Meteorology urges the public to stay updated and take precautions while traveling during this period.

Ex Chief Justice of India BR Gavai stated he faced no executive pressure and defended the Collegium system's transparency. He cautioned against judicial overreach, emphasizing courts must act within constitutional limits, especially when addressing ulldozer justice and collective punishment.

In Gaya, MLA Prem Kumar passionately addresses the citys chronic traffic woes, drawing from his own frustrating encounters on the roads. His comprehensive strategy involves moving markets to less congested areas, clearing out illegal encroachments, and strategically placing traffic signals and CCTV cameras for better monitoring.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is considering a shift to virtual-only Supreme Court proceedings due to Delhi's severe air pollution, after personally experiencing ill effects. The proposal, which may include options for senior lawyers to appear online, will be discussed with the Bar before any decision is made.

The Madhya Pradesh Examination Board (MPESB) has officially declared the Group 4 Recruitment 2025 results for 966 vacancies, including Assistant Grade-3, Steno-typist, and Stenographer posts. Conducted on May 3 in two shifts, the online exam featured 100 MCQs assessing general knowledge, reasoning, and administrative skills. Candidates can download results from the official portal and await the next recruitment phases.

A major global study warns that everyday plastics, containing phthalates, pose hidden dangers to heart health. These chemicals, found in common household items, are linked to over a lakh heart-related deaths in India annually. Reducing plastic use and choosing safer alternatives can significantly lower exposure and protect against long-term cardiovascular risks.