The Times of India

The drowning of 61-year-old Robert Smith during a livestreamed baptism in Birmingham has led to a criminal case against pastor Cheryl Bartley, who faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter. Smith, a long-time church member living with Parkinsons disease, had travelled for the ceremony. Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 14 May as the case moves forward.

Dubai Humanitarian has facilitated the airlift of 96 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies to Afghanistan, supporting over 250,000 people. This coordinated effort, involving leading international agencies, highlights Dubai's role as a global humanitarian hub and a key enabler of rapid relief operations in complex environments.

Jazeera Airways has halted flights to nine Indian cities until May 15 due to operational issues, impacting travel to Coimbatore, Goa, and Lucknow, among others. Affected passengers can expect full refunds, with credit shells for those who booked via travel agents. The airline expressed regret for the disruption but continues serving eight other Indian destinations from Dammam.

Bahrain's airspace has reopened after a multi-day closure due to regional tensions, allowing Bahrain International Airport to resume operations. National carrier Gulf Air is gradually restoring flights to over 15 destinations, prioritizing high-demand routes. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses as operations are phased and schedules remain limited amid ongoing regional stability concerns.

The UAE and Bahrain have inked a significant AED 20 billion currency swap deal, fostering deeper financial ties and economic cooperation. This five-year pact, formalised by their central bank governors, aims to boost local currency usage in trade and investment, enhancing regional financial integration and stability. Officials view this as a crucial step for economic growth and stronger partnerships.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Card initiative, offering pilgrims deals and discounts across various sectors like retail, transport, and hospitality. This official identification card enhances pilgrim experience by providing access to special offers and ensuring smoother movement throughout the holy sites, reflecting a commitment to improved services.

The UAE has launched the world's first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) network, a significant advancement in internet technology. This new network, operating between 64257125 MHz, promises faster, smoother, and more reliable connections, with potential speeds up to 10Gbps for downloads. It is poised to support growing data demands and future 6G technology.

Dubai Police have launched Ride with Police, a new weekly cycling initiative at Dubai Autodrome. This program invites residents to cycle alongside police officers and their professional cycling team in a structured, fitness-focused environment. The initiative aims to promote healthier lifestyles and foster community engagement by offering a unique opportunity for interaction.

Abu Dhabi Police arrested 375 individuals for filming sensitive incidents and spreading false information online amid regional tensions. Authorities emphasized that such actions risk public panic and national security, leading to strict enforcement of cybercrime laws with severe penalties for violations.

Commuters between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman will soon experience significant relief. A massive Dh6 billion highway project and a new Bus Rapid Transit system are set to transform travel. These initiatives aim to reduce traffic jams and offer faster public transport. The plan focuses on smarter mobility, not just more roads.

Saudi Arabia's life expectancy has risen to 79.9 years, nearing its Vision 2030 goal. This progress is attributed to a significant expansion in clinical trials, which grew by 51.4% between 2023 and 2025, speeding up access to new treatments and enhancing research impact.

Atop New Yorks Pan Am Building, a rooftop helipad briefly hosted scheduled helicopter flights, aiming to connect Midtown Manhattan with nearby airports. The experiment ended after a fatal crash highlighted the dangers of operating aircraft in a dense urban environment, compounded by high costs and persistent noise, bringing the ambitious project to an early close.

Kuwait is now mandating electronic payments for services exceeding 10 dinars, impacting salons, gyms, and pest control firms. This move by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry aims to boost financial transparency and curb cash transactions. The regulation encourages secure digital payments, enhancing oversight and accountability across various business sectors.

Saudi Arabia and Russia are implementing a visa-free travel agreement starting May 11, allowing citizens short-term visits of up to 90 days annually for tourism, business, and family. This initiative, stemming from a December 2025 deal, aims to foster closer people-to-people connections and enhance bilateral cooperation, though work, study, residency, and religious travel still require visas.

The UAE's Nafis programme is now extended until 2040, a significant move to boost Emirati employment in the private sector. New initiatives offer support for children and wives of Emiratis working in private companies, alongside expanded children's allowances. This long-term strategy aims to build a sustainable national workforce and reduce reliance on public sector jobs.

A UAE-based pastry chain owner, Maria Paz Banaag-Marquez, is distributing 300 free grocery packets to expatriate families facing financial hardship due to reduced wages and unpaid leave. Each Dh75 packet contains essential staples. Maria, who moved to the UAE in 2008, is personally funding additional aid, demonstrating her gratitude to the nation.

Saudi Arabia's security forces have arrested over 14,000 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on illegal residents. The operation targeted violations of residency, labour, and border laws. Thousands are being deported, while others face legal procedures. Authorities are also penalizing those who aid undocumented individuals. The public is urged to report violations.

Saudi Arabia has made a historic entry into NASA's Artemis program with the successful launch of its Shams satellite. This marks the first Arab nation's participation in the lunar mission, contributing vital space weather research. The initiative underscores the Kingdom's growing technological prowess and commitment to global space collaboration.