The latest expansion will take the airline’s connectivity to the US to nine destinations across the country
South Asia
Blockchain
Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis announces strategic partnership with India Blockchain Alliance
The collaboration is set to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global leader in blockchain innovation, fostering connections between blockchain pioneers in the UAE and India
Aviation
IndiGo offers major discount on international fares, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi routes
The offer applies to bookings made directly through IndiGo and other authorised platforms
India
When the drums fall silent – legendary drummer Zakir Hussain passes away
The five-time Grammy winner died on Sunday in San Francisco after spending two weeks in the ICU with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Education
UIBC-UC inks pact with SP Jain School of Global Management on research initiatives
The collaboration will focus on joint research initiatives designed to tackle key challenges and unlock new opportunities in areas vital to both nations
E-commerce
South Asian fashion marketplace LAAM raises $5.5mn seed funding from investors led by Dubai-based Disrupt.com
The proceeds are to be used to fund the company’s regional expansion into the Middle East
Destination Wedding
Dubai, Abu Dhabi top destinations for Indian weddings amid UAE tourism boom
Indian couples opting for budget-friendly celebrations are also flocking to Ras Al Khaimah
e-visa
Thailand to offer e-visas to Indian nationals from January 1
The existing 60-day visa exemption will remain in effect, says the Royal Thai Embassy in India
Air India
Air India announces massive fleet expansion plans with 100 more Airbus plane order
The new order is in addition to the airline’s firm orders of 470 aircraft placed with Airbus and Boeing last year
India
Dubai Holding arm TECOM to exit from SmartCity Kochi project
Contours of the withdrawal, including the compensation to be given to TECOM, will be decided by a state government-appointed committee
cancer
Reliance subsidiary launches pioneering blood-based test for early detection of multiple cancers
Called CancerSpot, the test uses the latest globally accepted methylation profiling technology to identify cancer tumour DNA fragments
alternative investment fund
Real estate sector tops AIF investments in India in H1 2024: Report
Other sectors which saw India’s AIF investments during the period include IT, financial services, NBFCs and banks
dollar indian rupees
Indian rupee hits all-time low against USD on economic growth worries
The Indian rupee fell to 84.6075 per US dollar in early trading on Monday, weakening past its previous all-time low of 84.5075
Investments USA
Reliance subsidiary acquires 21% stake in US helium gas exploration, production company
The stake acquisition is estimated at $12 million
cepa
Dubai free zone looks to unlock $20bn UAE-Vietnam trade corridor
Dubai free zone DMCC looks to connect Web3 and AI communities across the UAE and Vietnam to enhance trade and business
US court indictment fallout: Adani’s Colombo Port Project under scrutiny
A US agency that agreed to lend more than $500 million to a Sri Lanka port development backed by the Adani Group is reportedly still conducting due diligence on the project
EaseMyTrip
EaseMyTrip, BNZ Green collaborate to promote eco-friendly travel
The integration will help the travel portal to provide a blockchain-based carbon offset programme, enabling travellers to purchase carbon credits directly through the platform