Global Outlook

 In order to restore trust in the conglomerate, whose value dropped by nearly $70 billion after a small New York short seller released a damning report, billionaire Gautam Adani's troubled group clung to a $400 million (Rs 3,260 crore) investment by Abu Dhabi 's International Holding Co. in its flagship firm's share sale. Gautam Adani, 60, passed Mukesh Ambani, a rival, in April of last year, and their difference is now barely $4 billion. Before Hindenburg Research's study on January 24, which expressed worry about Adani's debt levels and claimed stock manipulation, accounting fraud, and use of tax havens, was published, he was the third-richest man in the world. His group late on Sunday night produced a 413-page response to the Hindenburg investigation in an effort to increase faith in the corporate empire. However, it did not go over well; on Monday, important dollar bonds reached new lows and the stock prices of most group companies kept falling. According to the

 Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened him with a missile strike in an "extraordinary" phone call just ahead of launching the 'special military operation' in Ukraine on 24 February, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has claimed, according to a new BBC documentary to be broadcast on Monday. "I don't want to hurt you, but with a missile, it would only take a minute," Johnson quoted Putin as saying, adding the conversation took place in February after he had visited Kyiv to show Western support for Ukraine amid looming fears of a Russian assault. The prime minister and other Western leaders had been hurrying to the Ukrainian capital in an attempt to show support for the country and deter a Russian attack. Johnson, who was compelled to leave Downing Street last September, has emerged as one of the most impassioned Western supporters of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the new BBC Two series, that charts the growing divide between Putin

 China's population, compared to 1.4126 billion in 2021, dropped by 850,000 people to 1.4118 billion last year, losing the title of the world's most populous country to neighboring India. The figures are not unexpected, but have renewed debate about the economic implications and a number of other demographic issues, in addition to how the Chinese government must respond. China arrived at a turning point last year when deaths outnumbered births. While some experts believe the country will continue to see a period of endless population decline from now on, others argue the trend of zero population growth will continue for a few years, with small rebounds likely to occur after the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the majority of experts believe China's population has peaked, and the government must now do its best to accommodate an ageing society and change the demographic structure. Still, a lot more should be done to boost the birth rate. Read on for the five suggestions fr

 The global real estate market has been affected by macroeconomic volatility, but the UAE had significant momentum in the final quarter of 2022, indicating a sustainable growth pipeline in 2023. In a similar vein, JLL's UAE 2022 Year in Review report highlights the potential for the coming year while providing a look back from 2022. "2022 has been a year of sustained growth for the UAE's real estate sector as it continued to gather momentum while benefiting from the country's dependable economic policies, excellent infrastructure, safe haven status, and innate ability to adapt to new trends," said Faraz Ahmed, Associate, Research at JLL MENA.  Even industries that originally experienced difficulties, like retail, saw strong growth in the final three months of the year. With aspirational offerings in the industry, we can anticipate that the UAE will continue to draw interest from both regional and international investors. Dubai's residential transaction activi

 The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said that amendment to fixed-term employment contracts is mandatory for all private sector companies in the country, and it must be completed by the February 1 deadline. In October 2022, Abdulrahman Al Awar, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said, “The UAE government continues to develop regulations and laws that align with what the next 50 years of UAE’s development demand.”  Last year, the UAE implemented changes to employment contracts. Under the amendments, the UAE authorities said that private sector employees’ permanent or indefinite contracts must be replaced with renewable three-year contracts. However, the UAE government removed the planned three-year limit on fixed-term employment contracts.  As per new laws, private sector companies must issue new contracts to cover a defined term of employment. Now, there will no longer be a limit on the length of the contract that cove

 During his visit to Pakistan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of UAE, arrived at Rahim Yar Khan on Wednesday. He was welcomed at the airport by Shehbaz Sharif , the prime minister of Pakistan, as well as other ministries and high-ranking officials. The two parties reviewed the historical links between the UAE and Pakistan as well as potential areas for expanding collaboration so that both nations and their peoples stand to gain in a variety of spheres. Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Pakistan was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Sharif, who emphasised that it shows a strong commitment to strengthening ties between the two brotherly nations. The leaders talked about strengthening cooperation, particularly in the areas of the economy, commerce, and development in line with the sustainability goals of the two nations. Additionally, they talked about a number of topics of shared concern and exchanged opinions on a number of local and global challenges. For hi

 This year, the UAE is expected to draw more foreign investment thanks to a number of initiatives the government has put in place to make doing business there easier for foreign companies. According to a business consultancy, the emirates will draw more millionaires and high-net-worth individuals this year as a result of an increase in queries about new visa alternatives the government is offering to start a business in the UAE. As foreign investors are eager to be a part of the success story of the UAE by relocating their business to the emirate, Business Link, a UAE-based business consultancy with operations in Saudi Arabia, said it received many inquiries and clarifications about the golden visa, silver visa, investor visa, and freelance visa. The UAE also draws foreign investors because of its business-friendly regulations, stable economy, favourable tax laws, and strategic position. Business Link's founder and CEO, Hatem ElSafty, stated: "We are confident that 2023 will

 Dubai Cares, a global humanitarian organisation located in the UAE that supports education, has evaluated its accomplishments in 2022 in honour of International Day of Education as it gears up for its participation as Education Partner for COP28 (January 24). The civil society organisation, which is connected to the UN Department of Global Communications, made considerable advancements in the field of education last year. The Framework for Global Education Transformation, developed by Dubai Cares as part of Expo 2020 Dubai, was unveiled at the World Government Summit 2022. The Framework was heavily cited in National Consultation Reports outlining individual nations' plans for transforming education. It was used as a guiding tool for countries during the Transforming Education Summit (TES) National Consultations, which were held in conjunction with the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Through its inclusion in the Discussion Paper for TES Action Track 2 on "Learnin

 Cash-strapped Sri Lanka has announced plans to halve its military by 2030 as part of efforts to cut costs in light of the country's financial crisis. Under new proposals, the number of approved military personnel would be reduced from 200,783 to 135,000 by 2024, and further reduced to 100,000 by 2030. There are also plans to modernize the defense force by making it technically and tactically sound. Experts have welcomed the downsizing move, saying it could result in better long-term security "if done the right way." They believe reduced expenditure on wages would introduce more economic stability and help the country focus on getting out of its financial crisis. However, they have also warned that downsizing has to be done strategically to support efforts to get out of the crunch. Downsizing the military would not be done "haphazardly", said Army spokesman Brigadier Ravi Herath, adding "it will be done through restrictions in recruitment and natural retire

 Recently, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visited Atlantis The Royal, situated on Palm Jumeirah Island. The visit highlighted the importance of the economic development of tourism. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also a Ruler of Dubai, said that tourism and the private sector of Dubai were the major contributors to UAE's economy. Atlantis The Royal, a new ultra-luxury resort, spanning 406,000 square metres, supports the recently launched Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s goal to make Dubai one of the world’s top 3 global cities for tourism. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of public-private sector partnerships for Dubai’s development vision. He reportedly said, “The UAE and Dubai aim to build on their deep partnerships with the private sector to strengthen the country’s status as the world’s most popular destination for tourism.” During his visit to 43 stories h

 According to a well-known government expert, there is little chance of a significant COVID-19 comeback in China during the next two to three months because 80% of the population is sick. Wu Zunyou, the chief epidemiologist at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stated on the Weibo social media platform that a second COVID wave is unlikely in the near future despite the fact that the pandemic may spread due to the widespread movement of people during the ongoing Lunar New Year holiday period, boosting infections in some areas. As a result of newly loosened COVID limitations, hundreds of millions of Chinese are traveling across the nation for holiday reunions, increasing concerns about new epidemics in rural areas that are less prepared to handle significant outbreaks. According to a National Health Commission official, the number of COVID patients in China's fever clinics, emergency rooms, and critical situations has peaked. According to government statistics, abou

 The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has announced that 2023 will be the “Year of Sustainability”, highlighting UAE’s significant efforts in sustainability and environment protection. The UAE would focus on many initiatives that aim to project the values of the UAE's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This year, the UAE would focus on environmental sustainability globally, which is in line with the UAE’s national strategy. According to WAM, the UAE aims to provide solutions to challenges like energy, climate change, and other issues related to sustainability. The UAE President has affirmed the need to invest in clean energy solutions. The UAE President also said that the “Year of Sustainability” is important for the country as it prepares to host the 28th session of the United Nations climate change summit, the Conference of Parties (COP28). The COP28 is scheduled to take place from 30 November to 12 D

 Dubai is home to some traditional sushi to modern omakase set menus. Read on to discover some must-try dishes at each of the top 10 sushi restaurants in Dubai! Dubai is a city that offers a vast array of culinary delights. From the traditional Emirati cuisine to the international flavors, there is something for everyone. But if you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience, then sushi is the way to go. Here are 10 of the best sushi restaurants in Dubai where you can find delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine. What is Sushi and Why Dubai is a Must-Visit Destination for Foodies? Sushi is a type of Japanese cuisine that has become increasingly popular around the world. It consists of vinegared rice, usually topped with raw fish, vegetables, and other ingredients.  For foodies looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, Dubai is a must-visit destination.  With its diverse selection of Japanese restaurants offering some of the best sushi in the world, Dubai is a paradise for

 After the Covid-19 and lockdown the world was shedding relations with China, we had seen that countries around the world were suspicious to weather start or not the service of flights to China. But now many airliners have updated plans and planning to add direct international flights to China. This act is going to take place before the traditional Chinese New Year. This will normalize the bad memories and reactions of the COVID period. In the air travel market, the news is trending that two major airline giants based in the aviation hubs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai named Emirates and Etihad Airways are looking for a way to restart the air travel service with China. They are waiting to expand the flight ranges. Etihad Cargo announced they are starting an additional Abu Dhabi-Shanghai cargo flight from 2nd Feb 2023. Ethiopian Airlines, which connects many global cities, is also set to start its flights to China. Emirates Media Center reports that it has been confirmed that they will accelera

 The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a statutory body of the Indian government to regulate civil aviation in India, has imposed a fine of RS 30 lakh on Air India in connection with the urination incident. The statutory body also imposed a fine of RS 3 lakh on the airline’s director of in-flight services. It also suspended the pilot-in-command for three months over the urination incident onboard a New York-Delhi flight last year.  Air India has reacted to DGCA’s imposition of the fine. Air India has reportedly said that relevant steps are being taken to address the issues. The flag carrier airline of India further said it respectfully acknowledged the gaps in reporting with respect to the urination incident. Reportedly, the airline is strengthening its crews’ awareness about policies for handling different incidents. An Air India spokesperson said in a statement, “We are in receipt of today's order of the Director General of Civil Aviation and are studying the same.” T

 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Pathaan’. The film also cast Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. In a series of promotional videos posted on YRF's social media, Abraham praised Shah Rukh Khan. Abraham reportedly said in his video, "I don't think just the entire nation, I think the entire world wants to see Shah Rukh Khan on the screen, including myself. He's fantastic in this film." SRK also praised Abraham in his recent interviews. SRK reportedly said, "It was nice working with him and I realised he is a gentle giant. I think when you are doing a film with a co-star like John, there is a lot to learn from him.” Pathaan is set to release on January 25. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF). The film is about an agent brought in from exile for an anti-terror mission. Since the release of the trailer and songs, the SRK starrer film has been receiving backlash. Home Minister of Madhya

 Tens of millions of Chinese people traveled to their rural hometowns today to celebrate the Lunar New Year, but President Xi Jinping expressed concern about the ability of the countryside to withstand a Covid surge. One of the largest global mass migrations of people is expected to occur this month and into February, according to China's transport officials, which anticipate that over two billion trips would be made. However, it is anticipated that the flight from Covid's hard-hit large towns may result in an increase in cases in underdeveloped rural areas. According to officials, 480 million people had traveled throughout the nation as of Wednesday, a significant rise from the same period last year. The principal train stations in Beijing and Shanghai saw large crowds on Thursday, and many passengers told AFP they were happy to be returning home — some for the first time in years. An employee named Chen from Shanghai who was returning to the city of Wenzhou in the southeast t

 The President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, has issued a statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which killed three people. The White House released a statement that stated the United States ’ commitment to the safety and security of the Emirati people. Biden reportedly said in a statement, “Working in close cooperation with my friend President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the United States will continue to support the UAE as it defends itself against threats.” Biden lauded the UAE's defence system because the UAE shot the two ballistic missiles, which were launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia. On 17 January 2022, an oil distribution plant in Mussaffah was attacked by the Houthi rebels. The incident killed three people and injured six others. The tragic incident strengthened UAE's spirit and defence system. At the bilateral level, defence cooperation between the UAE and the US has helped

 China’s population has fallen down for the first time since 1961. The drop can lead to India becoming the world's most populous country by the end of this year. According to Chinese official data, China’s birth rates plunge to record lows as its workforce ages. According to analysts, the drop can affect the country’s strained public finances.  According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, China 's population declined by around 850,000 to 1.41175 billion by the end of 2022. The worst drop since 1961 can affect China’s economy. The death rate is also the highest since 1974 during the Cultural Revolution.  According to Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the number of births was 9.56 million and the number of deaths was 10.41 million. The new figures mark the decrease in China’s population since 1961 when the country battled its worst famine. According to the United Nations, China's population can shrink by 109 million by 2050.  However, the head of the NBS,

 One of the final representatives of Hollywood's Golden Age, Italian performer Gina Lollobrigida, passed away on Monday at the age of 95, according to Gennaro Sangiuliano, the culture minister. "A diva of the silver screen who starred in more than 50 years of Italian film history is said to be leaving us. Her allure will endure forever," After her passing was revealed by the Italian news agency ANSA, Sangiuliano commented. The actor, known for her sharp wit and seductive beauty when she was younger, was also honoured by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who called him a "great talent, passionate, intense, captivating." According to a statement from Meloni, she was "one of the most significant performers of her time, who contributed to the diffusion of the Italian image in the globe." According to ANSA, Lollobrigida had surgery at a Rome hospital in September after breaking her femur. It stated that her funeral would take place on Thursday in one of the ch

Pro-worker" politicians often oppose worker rights. Michigan Democrats plan to use their legislative majority to force tens of thousands of workers to rejoin their unions. Right to work lets workers choose union membership. On Thursday, two state House proposals would eliminate this provision. Michigan has been a right-to-work state since Republicans passed the law in December 2012. After Democrats won a majority in November, state House leaders pledged to repeal and implement the law quickly. Bridge Michigan reported that the five largest private unions gave over 95% of their campaign contributions to Democrats. Repealing the law would reward Big Labor. Since thousands of members have left labor unions, eliminating the right to work is a top priority. Ten years after Michigan Republicans repealed mandatory union dues, private union membership has dropped by 20%. Over 60,000 workers. State Republicans fought right to work. Michigan ranked second in unionization in 2000. 2012 voter

 According to Cirium Fleets data, Vijay Mallya's now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines previously utilized the Nepalese passenger plane that crashed on Sunday into a river canyon with 72 people aboard. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal , Yeti Airlines' 9N-ANC ATR-72 plane crashed on the bank of the Seti River between the old airport and the new airport in Pokhara minutes before landing on Sunday at 10:33 a.m. from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. In Nepal's deadliest aviation tragedies in more than three decades, officials anticipated the deaths of at least 68 passengers, including five Indians. The 9N-ANC aircraft was delivered to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines in 2007 according to Cirium Fleets data, which keeps track of the fleet, equipment, and cost of aircraft. It was purchased by Thailand's Nok Air six years later, and then in 2019, it was sold to Yeti Airlines of Nepal, according to the statement. According to Cirium Fleets statist

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took part in the Voice of Global South Summit, organised by India as part of its Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20).  The summit took place on January 12 and 13, with 10 sessions. The UAE minister participated in the summit via teleconferencing. Various foreign ministers and senior officials participated in the summit from over 120 countries. During the summit, Sheikh Abdullah reportedly said, “I would like to thank our partners in India for organising this important Summit, which aims at further integrating emerging and developing economies into the G-20 Process.” The UAE has been invited to participate as a guest country in the upcoming G20 Summit . Sheikh Abdullah thanked India and said, "As a G-20 Guest Country for the third time since 2020, the UAE will continue to prioritise developing countries’ views and challenges.” At the

 The American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) and the US Bureau of Reclamation have awarded a PhD student who is Indian -American a fellowship in recognition of their cutting-edge and creative work in the field of advanced treatment of alternate water sources. The AMTA announced that Harsh Patel, a PhD candidate in chemical engineering and Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Michigan, was one of the four recipients of the USD 11,750 fellowship. According to the statement, Mr. Patel's study aims to create new membranes with a minimal water content that can remove specific ions with precision in order to address escalating water and energy demands. Membrane technology advancements have the potential to significantly lower the cost, energy, and environmental impact of improved treatment of recycled wastewater and seawater, providing clean, safe, abundant, and economically advantageous water sources in arid places. Knowing that effective work in this field will dire

 According to a representative of the Russian foreign ministry, Belarus may join the fight in Ukraine if Kyiv chooses to "invade" any nation. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine using Belarus as a base, and since October, Russia has stationed troops there for joint military exercises. Since both nations have agreed to step up their military cooperation, there have been concerns that Moscow may utilize its close ally to launch an offensive against Ukraine from the north. Aleksey Polishchuk, a representative of the foreign ministry, told state media that joint drills between Russia and Belarus were intended to prevent an escalation, but he also cautioned that Belarus might join the battle in Ukraine if either country were invaded. Legally speaking, Polishchuk told the TASS news agency, "the use of force by the Kyiv regime or the invasion of the territory of Belarus or Russia by the armed forces of Ukraine are adequate grounds for a collective response." But he

 Days after the government proposed stricter regulations for the sport, a French hunter who fatally shot a Franco-British man he mistook for a wild boar received a two-year suspended sentence on Thursday. The hunt leader received a five-year ban and an 18-month suspended sentence from the court in Cahors, a town in southwest France, in addition to a lifetime hunting ban for the shooter. In 2020, when 25-year-old Morgan Keane was shot and killed while cutting wood close to his home in the village of Calvignac, it sparked an uproar. "I never stop thinking about it; it has permanently changed me. At the beginning of his trial for involuntary manslaughter in November, the gunman apologized to the court and acknowledged that he had not ‘selected the target’ ". The case rekindled hostilities between opponents of hunting and supporters of a rural pastime and activity that farmers consider essential for managing, in particular, deer and boar populations. Many pedestrians avoid fores

 A package containing uranium was discovered at London 's Heathrow Airport, according to British police, who claimed they have started an investigation into the matter. On December 29, authorities said, border agents, found the package during a regular search. The Sun, which broke the news, stated that the box came from Pakistan and arrived on an aircraft from Oman. According to the BBC, the uranium was discovered in a consignment of scrap metal, and authorities were trying to determine whether Pakistan 's "poor handling" was to blame. Police commander Richard Smith told British media, "I want to reassure the public that the amount of tainted material was extremely little and has been assessed by professionals as posing no concern to the public. Even though our investigation is still underway, so far, it doesn't seem to be connected to any immediate danger.

 As of January 1, 2024, the UAE will restrict the use of plastic bags and impose government regulations on the creation, distribution, and consumption of single-use goods, including biodegradable plastic bags. Additionally, starting on this date, no single-use bags of any kind shall be used. The UAE will also implement a complete ban on the import, manufacture, and commerce of single-use plastic goods beginning January 1, 2026. These items include foam boxes, plates, food containers, plastic cups, lids, cutlery, forks, knives, and spoons (styrofoam). The Ministerial Resolution No. 380 of 2022, which governs the use of single-use products in the nation's marketplaces, includes this provision. The decision is intended to safeguard the environment from contamination brought on by the usage of such products. Rolls of thin bags used as stated in the guide published by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the relevant authorities are among the products th

 China has suspended issuing some visas for South Korea and Japan in Beijing’s first retaliation against Covid-related curbs on Chinese travelers. Chinese consulates in South Korea will stop issuing short-term visas for visits, business, tourism, medical care, transit, and personal matters from Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul said in a statement. The suspension will be adjusted if South Korea removes its “discriminative inbound restrictive measures” targeting China, it added. China also suspended visa issuance to Japanese travelers, Kyodo reported, citing unidentified people in the travel industry. The moves e represent China’s first attempt at retaliation after a raft of nations recently implemented testing requirements for travelers from the country. The dismantling of China’s Covid Zero policy after almost three years has sparked a deluge of infections that, combined with a lack of information about how many people are sick or dying, has raised concerns over the possibility th