The Times of India News

A Dubai court sentenced a woman to jail, a hefty fine and deportation for orchestrating a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam. The wallet swap scheme involved replacing an investor's hardware wallet during a business meeting, leading to the theft of millions in digital assets. The case highlights the UAE's firm stance on crypto crimes as serious financial offenses.

Data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that emergency rooms across the US continue to treat thousands of cases involving foreign objects lodged in patients rectums. Drawing on federal injury reports and medical research, the article outlines how the cases are tracked, why situations escalate, and the specific items doctors documented removing in 2025.

Dubai Police has issued a warning about fake work visa offers targeting job seekers. Fraudsters promise employment and visa sponsorship with no legal basis, often asking for upfront payments. Authorities emphasize that visas should only be obtained through official government channels or licensed recruitment agencies. The public is urged to verify offers and report suspicious activity via official platforms.

A buffalo ownership dispute in Kota, Rajasthan, was settled by a veterinary medical board. Ram Lal claimed his missing buffalo and calf were found with Indrajit Kewat. Veterinarians examined the buffalo's teeth, determining its age to be four to five years, supporting Ram Lal's claim. The animals were returned to Ram Lal.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum marks 20 years as Dubais ruler, transforming the emirate into a global hub of tourism, commerce, and innovation. Under his leadership, iconic projects like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall reshaped the skyline. Visionary policies, strategic initiatives, and long-term plans like Vision 2021 and 2031 have driven economic growth and global recognition.

Saudi Arabia has approved a SR217 billion borrowing plan for 2026 to meet its fiscal needs. The funds will cover an anticipated budget deficit of SR165 billion and repay around SR52 billion in maturing debt. The plan focuses on maintaining debt sustainability, diversifying funding sources through bonds, sukuk, and loans, and expanding alternative financing for projects and infrastructure.

Oman has made pre-marital medical testing mandatory to ensure the health and well-being of couples. The Ministry of Health has detailed the full procedure, including medical history review, blood tests, screenings, counseling, and certification. The official pre-marital certificate, valid for three months, must be submitted to the notary office before marriage, promoting informed decisions and healthier, stable unions.

Dubai Police seized a supercar and fined its driver AED10,000 after viral video showed him performing dangerous stunts across the city. The violations included speeding, illegal modifications causing loud exhaust noise and flames, and disturbing residents. Authorities stressed that roads are not for risky experiments, urging motorists to follow traffic laws and report offenders for public safety.

From January 9, schools across the UAE will end classes earlier on Fridays to align with the new 12.45pm Friday prayer time. The change affects students from kindergarten to grade 12, including public and private schools. Staggered schedules and possible online lessons aim to ensure curriculum requirements are met while giving families time for school pick-up and prayer.

Dense fog is expected to cause near-zero visibility across parts of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from midnight to 10 am. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous conditions. The fog is forecast to clear by mid-morning, giving way to strong winds and blowing dust throughout the weekend.

Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules banning Sharia-violating names in public facilities across the nation. The regulations, approved by the Cabinet and published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette, set unified naming standards, governance frameworks, and strict religious restrictions. Government entities must follow the rules, maintain official records, and issue bylaws to ensure names align with Islamic principles and national administrative standards.

Riyadh Season 2025-26 unveils 'Flying Over Saudi,' a groundbreaking aerial cinematic experience at Boulevard City. This immersive attraction uses 8K visuals, motion seats and atmospheric effects to transport visitors across Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes and landmarks, offering a unique, sensory journey without leaving the ground. It is a key highlight of the festival, blending technology with cultural storytelling.

Indian comedy star Kapil Sharma launches Kap's Cafe in Dubai: This marks the brand's first Middle Eastern location. The cafe offers comfort food and a Netflix-inspired ambiance. It aims to provide a cosy experience for fans and travellers. The Dubai opening follows an earlier launch in Canada. Sharma's venture blends entertainment with hospitality.

Dubai transforms into a global sports hub in January 2026, hosting a diverse range of elite events. From the prestigious Dubai Racing Carnival and Silver Cup Polo Tournament to the challenging Hood to Coast Dubai Relay Race and iconic golf tournaments like the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Emirate offers a packed calendar for athletes and fans alike.

Saudi Arabia is revolutionising its coastlines with new beach operator regulations and a digital guide, prioritising safety, sustainability and visitor experience. This mandatory framework, effective January 1, 2026, sets stringent standards for all official beaches, ensuring quality and environmental protection. The initiative aims to boost tourism along the Red Sea, offering a professionalised and eco-conscious experience for global travellers.

QatarEnergy has announced lower fuel prices for January 2026. Premium-grade petrol will cost QR 1.95 per litre, Super-grade petrol QR 2 per litre, and diesel QR 2 per litre. The reductions, part of the companys routine monthly review, aim to reflect market changes and ease fuel costs for consumers and businesses across the country.

UAE banks are phasing out SMS OTPs for online card payments starting January 6, 2026, due to security risks like SIM-swapping and phishing. This shift mandates in-app authentication via push notifications and biometric verification, enhancing transaction security and user experience. Residents must update their bank apps and enable notifications to avoid payment disruptions.

Recent UAE legislative updates clarify asset distribution for expats. Heirless assets will now be designated for charitable endowments, while non-Muslims will follow a 50/50 spouse/children split, with gender equality in inheritance. A new 15-year-old rule allows minors to seek judicial permission to manage assets, fostering youth entrepreneurship.

The Qatar Judiciary Council is hosting a major online auction featuring vehicles, real estate, heavy machinery, and distinctive license plates. Conducted through the Court Mzadat app, the auction offers a transparent, regulated platform for individuals and businesses to participate. Full details, schedules, and registration are available via the app and official council channels.

The UAE has unified Friday prayer timings to 12:45 PM across all emirates starting January 2, 2026, simplifying schedules for families and workers. This change, part of the 'Year of the Family' initiative, aims to synchronize community events. Expect increased traffic due to school dismissals and concentrated mosque-goers, with public transport frequencies boosted. Weather remains fair with mild temperatures.

The UAE has enacted a comprehensive Civil Transactions Law update, lowering the age of legal majority to 18 Gregorian years and empowering young entrepreneurs. This modernized framework clarifies contracts, consumer rights, and company structures, fostering legal certainty and reinforcing the UAE's global business standing. It emphasizes good faith and disclosure, aiming for predictable and fair legal interactions.

The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of a cold wave across northern and central Saudi Arabia from Saturday to Tuesday. The warning covers Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and northern parts of the Eastern Province. Residents and authorities are advised to follow updates and take precautions as the cold wave affects multiple regions.

Oman has made premarital medical examinations mandatory for all couples, effective January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Health announced. The screening tests for hereditary blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, as well as infectious diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. Couples must complete the exams and receive a certificate before finalizing their marriage contract.

After nearly a decade, Stranger Things ends with a finale that has left fans sharply divided. Some praised its emotional closure and character focus, others criticised its predictability, pacing, and unresolved arcs. The result is an ending that feels less definitive than debated, prompting arguments about risk, payoff, and what this story ultimately chose to prioritise.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and White House advisor Stephen Miller faced online criticism after a video surfaced of them dancing and rapping to Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby at Donald Trump's New Year's Eve party. The clip, shared by Miller's wife, sparked widespread embarrassment and mockery from netizens, highlighting their roles in the Trump administration's immigration policies.

A viral clip of Sir Percy de Courcy dramatizes a truth long forgotten: gin and tonic was once vital medicine. Quinine in tonic warded off malaria, citrus prevented scurvy, and gin made it drinkable. More than a cocktail, it was a daily imperial tool, helping Britain maintain its tropical posts and safeguard personnel where disease, more than war, threatened empire.

President Donald Trump received lavish gifts in 2025. World leaders presented him with items like a $400 million jet and a gold samurai helmet. These gifts symbolized respect and admiration. A gold Rolex desk clock and an engraved ingot were also gifted. South Korea presented a replica gold crown. Apple CEO Tim Cook gifted a glass and gold plaque.

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 2026 with a record-breaking 15-minute drone and fireworks show, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest aerial phoenix. 2,300 drones, including 1,000 pyro drones, lit up the sky, while fireworks spanned six kilometers along the coastline. Thousands of residents and visitors enjoyed live performances, celebrating the emirates spirit, hospitality, and optimism for the year ahead.

New Year's Day 2026 brought a wave of joy as babies were born across the UAE, with Saeed in Abu Dhabi being the first. These newborns, including Hamdan and others in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, mark the start of a new year and join Generation Alpha, a generation shaped by technology and digital advancements.

The UAE fuel price committee has announced petrol and diesel prices for January 2026. Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.53 per litre, Special 95 Dh2.42, E-Plus 91 Dh2.34, and diesel Dh2.55. The rates, effective from 1 January, mark a decrease from December, continuing the monthly adjustments introduced after the country deregulated fuel prices in 2015.

For decades, knuckle cracking has been blamed for arthritis and joint damage. Scientists now say the sound comes from gas cavities forming inside synovial fluid, not bones or cartilage. MRI studies and long-term experiments, including a 50-year self-study, show no evidence that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis or enlarges joints.

The US Department of Education is reviewing Brown University's campus safety protocols. This action follows a recent campus shooting. The review will check if Brown met federal requirements under the Clery Act. The Department may impose penalties or demand policy changes if violations are found. Brown University is cooperating with the federal inquiry.