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World / The Times of India
Qatar has enhanced its Hayya GCC Resident Visa, allowing residents from Gulf nations to stay for up to two months with multiple entries. This upgrade, effective November 30, 2025, aims to boost tourism and streamline entry for major sports and cultural events, including the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.
Kuwait is opening its first geological park. This new destination will highlight the country's rock formations and desert landscapes. It aims to boost education, research, and eco-tourism. The park will feature interactive exhibits and geological trails. This initiative supports Kuwait's vision for economic diversification and sustainable growth. It is set to open by the end of December 2025.
The UAEs 5-year retirement visa offers financially stable expatriates aged 55 and above a tax-friendly, secure pathway to long-term residency. With clear savings, income, or property requirements, retirees can enjoy world-class healthcare, bring dependents, and live without employment obligations. This guide breaks down the costs, application process, and key benefits, helping you plan a smart and comfortable retirement in the Emirates.
Amidst rising global tensions, experts identify regions offering relative safety in a potential World War III. Geographical isolation, political neutrality, and agricultural self-sufficiency are key factors. Nations like New Zealand, parts of Australia, Iceland, and select South American and African countries are frequently cited as potentially more resilient to widespread conflict and its devastating aftermath.
A fringe historical theory claims were actually living in the 1700s, arguing that nearly 300 years of early medieval history were fabricated by medieval rulers. But historians point to recorded astronomy, tree-ring dating and extensive global archives as solid evidence those centuries really occurred. The Phantom Time Hypothesis remains a fascinating idea, but not one supported by serious scholarship.
In Utqiagvik, Alask, the northernmost town in the United States, the Sun has set for the last time this year, ushering in roughly two months of Polar Night. As darkness settles in, residents navigate life under civil twilight, plunging temperatures and a winter sky dominated by artificial light and auroras. From cultural traditions to circadian disruption, Utqiagvik shows what living without sunlight truly means.
UAE Lottery has revamped its Lucky Day draw, shifting to weekly Saturday draws starting December 6th. The grand prize is now Dh30 million, with the second prize boosted to Dh5 million. This change aims to offer more frequent winning opportunities and sustained excitement for participants, concluding the era of the Dh100 million jackpot.
UAE motorists will see a slight increase in fuel prices for December 2025, with all petrol and diesel grades adjusted upwards. This change reverses the November dip and reflects global oil market movements. The new rates, effective December 1, 2025, bring Super 98 back to Dhs2.70 per litre.
In 2025, the UAE has streamlined its driving license system, allowing visitors from 52 countries to drive with their home licenses. Residents can also exchange their foreign licenses for a UAE one without tests. This move simplifies mobility, supporting the countrys ambition to attract global talent and enhance its reputation as a top business and tourism destination.
The UAE has introduced significant tax procedure amendments effective January 1, 2026, establishing a clear five-year window for refund claims and empowering the Federal Tax Authority. These changes aim to enhance transparency, streamline dispute resolution, and introduce a new R&D tax credit to foster innovation.
Telecom giant du is showering UAE residents with a massive 54GB of free 5G data to celebrate the nation's 54th National Day. Post-paid users get it automatically for seven days, while prepaid Flexi Yearly subscribers enjoy a full year. This generous offer, starting December 1, 2025, ensures everyone stays connected during the festivities.
The Hayya Platform is Qatars official e-visa system, streamlining entry, event access, and travel documentation in one interface. It offers multiple visa types, including tourist, GCC resident, ETA, companion, and visa-free for U.S. citizens. By simplifying immigration, linking visas to event tickets, and improving visitor flow, Hayya enhances tourism, supports major events, and strengthens Qatars global connectivity.
Starting November 30, 2025, GCC residents can stay in Qatar for up to two months under the updated Hayya A2 visa. The visa allows multiple entries, enabling visitors to travel freely during their stay, attend events, and explore Qatars cultural and entertainment offerings. The updates aim to simplify visits, enhance regional connectivity, and boost tourism during a busy event season.
The UAE has waived over AED 475 million in debts for 1,435 Emirati citizens through the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund, in collaboration with 19 banks. Targeting low-income earners, retirees, senior citizens, medical cases, and the deceased, the initiative aims to ease financial pressures, restore stability, and support family wellbeing, reflecting the leaderships commitment to social development and citizen welfare.
The UAEs Golden Visa has expanded beyond traditional investment routes to include superyacht owners and maritime professionals, reflecting the nations push to attract global wealth and specialised talent. With high financial thresholds, detailed eligibility rules, and distinct pathways in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the programme positions the UAE as a leading year-round hub for luxury yachting and long-term residency.
Abu Dhabi is offering free parking and Darb tolls for three days starting Sunday, November 30, to celebrate UAE National Day. The initiative aims to make travel and festivities across the capital easier for residents and visitors. Parking fees and tolls will resume on Wednesday, December 3, encouraging people to join national celebrations with convenience and ease.
Starting in 2026, Filipino citizens will be able to visit Oman without a visa for stays up to two weeks. Announced by the Omani Embassy during National Day celebrations in Makati, the move aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties. Plans include expanding direct flights from Manila and Cebu, offering Filipinos easier access to Omans unique landscapes and cultural experiences.
The UAEs Golden Visa program now includes humanitarian workers and volunteers, offering long-term residency of 5 to 10 years without sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful contributions in recognized fields and secure endorsements from registered organizations. This initiative reflects the UAEs commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts both locally and globally, providing stability and recognition to those dedicated to serving communities.
Dubai Police have fined over 8,000 delivery riders since enforcing a ban on fast-lane riding on 1st November. Riders must avoid leftmost lanes on multi-lane roads to reduce accident risks. Penalties range from AED 500 fines to license suspension. The initiative, part of a five-year traffic safety plan, emphasizes speed limits, protective gear, defensive driving, and awareness campaigns to safeguard riders.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, is a billionaire royal with an estimated net worth of $30 billion. Owner of Manchester City and City Football Group, his empire spans sports, finance, real estate, and luxury assets. A key political figure, he oversees major investments, sovereign wealth funds, and strengthens UAEs global influence through business and diplomacy.
Dubai's RTA announces extended Metro and Tram timings for the Eid Al Etihad holiday, November 29 to December 2, 2025. Motorists enjoy free public parking on December 1 and 2, excluding specific zones. Passengers are reminded of strict luggage rules for public transport to ensure smooth travel.
The UAEs Black Points System assigns penalties to drivers for traffic violations, with each offense adding points that remain on the license for a year. Reaching 24 points can lead to suspension, fines or retraining. Drivers can check their points through police websites, mobile apps, SMS alerts or at traffic service centres to stay aware and avoid penalties.
Emirates brings the 54th UAE National Day to travelers with a unique inflight experience. Passengers can enjoy Emirati-inspired desserts, aromatic Arabic coffee, and festive cabin lighting. The award-winning ice entertainment system offers Arabic movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. Dubai lounges also feature traditional dishes, creating a fully immersive cultural celebration for all passengers.
In a heartwarming gesture ahead of the 54th UAE National Day, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman have freed over a thousand prisoners. Rulers Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi's pardons, including settling financial debts for some, offer a fresh start and family reunion, embodying the UAE's values of forgiveness and community welfare.
Sharjah Police are offering drivers a traffic point waiver and fines discounts ahead of the UAEs 54th National Day. Violations before December 1, 2025, can have points cleared if dues are paid by January 10, 2026. Fines receive 35% discount if paid within 60 days, 25% within a year. The initiative promotes safer driving and compliance with traffic rules.
Riyadh Metro has officially been certified by Guinness World Records as the world's longest fully driverless train network, spanning 176 km across six lines and 85 stations. This significant achievement underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advanced urban mobility and positions Riyadh as a global leader in high-tech transportation infrastructure.
For UAE National Day 2025, Dubais RTA offers free public parking (excluding multi-storey lots) from November 30 to December 2, along with extended metro and tram hours. Public buses and marine transport schedules may vary, and select Smart Customer Happiness Centres remain open 24/7. These measures aim to ensure smooth travel and convenient access to services during the Eid Al Etihad holiday.
The UAE's Ministry of Economy & Tourism launched TM Market Place, the region's first digital platform for trading registered trademarks. This initiative aims to enhance the liquidity of brand assets, encourage trademark registrations, and attract global businesses by simplifying and securing trademark transactions.
Qatar's education ministry is streamlining end-of-semester exams for 2025-2026. Students can depart post-exam to curb crowding, while staff gain two hours of flexible time. New academic calendar shifts exams away from Ramadan and National Day, introducing a Test Day, Rest Day for high schoolers. These changes prioritize student well-being and operational efficiency.
Saudi Arabia is formalizing workplace attire with a new draft code. Saudi men must wear national dress, while non-Saudi men need a formal suit. Women are required to dress modestly, avoiding tight or transparent clothing. Employers must enforce these rules, facing penalties for non-compliance, aiming for a unified professional image nationwide.
Emirates is enhancing the Thanksgiving experience for international travelers with special festive menus served from November 24 to 30 on all flights to and from its 12 US gateways. The airline is also offering holiday dining in select Emirates Lounges starting November 23, ensuring a comprehensive gourmet celebration for passengers.
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.
Four operatives of gangster Goldy Dhillon, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were apprehended by the Anti-Gangster Task Force and Mohali Police following a shootout. The group, reportedly acting on foreign handler instructions, was planning targeted attacks in the Tricity and Patiala region. Police recovered firearms and ammunition after the exchange.
Royal Bengal Tiger Shakti, aged 9.6 years, died at Byculla Zoo on November 17, 2025, due to pyogranulomatous pneumonia leading to respiratory failure. The tiger, brought from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2020, showed no prior illness. Post-mortem findings are being further analyzed, and the zoo has communicated the details as per regulations.
Bihar School Examination Board has released the DElEd Joint Entrance Examination 2025 results. Over 2.5 lakh candidates have passed the exam. The pass percentage stands at 79.01%. Admissions to DElEd institutions will commence soon through an online counselling system. The application window opens on November 29 and closes on December 5, 2025.
The Election Commission of India has expressed serious concern over the safety of poll officials in West Bengal following a security breach at the Chief Electoral Officer's office. The ECI has directed Kolkata Police to ensure immediate safety measures for officials at their offices, residences, and during travel, citing the sensitivity of upcoming elections.
The Bank of Baroda has released the Local Bank Officer (LBO) Result 2025 on its official website. Candidates who cleared the online exam conducted on September 6 can check the PDF for qualifying roll numbers. Successful candidates will advance to the Language Proficiency Test, followed by psychometric assessment and interview stages in the selection process.
The alkaline diet, popular for its cancer prevention claims, emphasizes fruits and vegetables while limiting meats and processed foods. However, scientific reviews indicate it doesn't alter blood pH or prevent cancer through acidity control. Benefits stem from increased nutrient intake and reduced processed items, not pH manipulation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for informed health choices.
Bihar Staff Selection Commission has extended the BSSC Inter Level recruitment 2025 application deadline to December 18, with fee payment due by December 15. The total vacancies have surged to 23,175. Candidates need to be 12th pass, with some roles requiring typing skills. The selection involves preliminary and main exams, plus a skill test.
The RRB Group D Examination 2025 is scheduled to begin on November 27, 2025, and will conclude on January 16, 2026. The Computer-Based Test comprises 100 objective questions across General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness. Candidates must carry their e-admit card and arrive on time, with electronic devices and certain personal items prohibited.
The Supreme Court has turned a students name-change dispute into a nationwide audit of private, non-government and deemed universities. It has directed the Centre, states, UTs and UGC to file personally signed affidavits revealing how these universities were set up, who controls them, what benefits they received and whether their no-profit claims match how money is actually used.
Former AIADMK minister K.A. Sengottaiyan resigned from the Assembly and is set to join actor Vijay's party. His departure follows his removal from AIADMK after meeting with rival faction leaders and his prior attempts at party reunification, reportedly at the behest of the BJP.
Comedian Kunal Kamra has sparked controversy with a social media post featuring a T-shirt seemingly mocking the RSS. The BJP has reacted strongly, with leaders warning of police action against such objectionable content. This incident follows Kamra's previous clashes with political figures, including Prime Minister Modi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The Bihar School Examination Board is expected to release the Bihar DElEd Result 2025 soon, determining the future of thousands of teaching aspirants who took the CBT-held exam between August and September. Candidates can check their scores on the official BSEB websites. The results will guide eligibility for counselling, document verification and subsequent admission procedures for the DElEd programme.

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