An Air India pilot has been removed from duty after a hard landing in Dubai on a flight from Kochi. The incident occurred on December 20, and while the aircraft came to a safe stop, the less-than-smooth landing prompted an investigation.
The pilot will not be allowed to fly until the investigation, following Directorate General of Civil Aviation rules, is completed. The aircraft, a relatively new A320, underwent extensive checks in Dubai for a week before being cleared to fly back to India.
Flight tracking sites indicate that the plane has not flown since the incident.
The UAE officially joined the Brics alliance on January 1, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, doubling the alliance and creating an economic force with a combined GDP of $28.5 trillion.
The decision to join reflects the UAE’s commitment to multilateralism and aims to enhance its international partnership portfolio, implement development plans, and empower its economic model. Analysts believe that the membership will allow the UAE to diversify its strategic options, partnerships, and trade portfolios, positioning it to engage dynamically with emerging economies.
The move underscores the UAE’s belief in the importance of strong multilateral partnerships for global security and prosperity.
The UAE had previously joined the New Development Bank in October 2021 and actively participated in the Friends of the Brics forum in June 2023.
Air India is set to launch commercial service for its Airbus A350, the first of its kind in India, starting January 22, 2024. The state-of-the-art A350 will initially be deployed on domestic routes connecting major cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Passengers can book flights to experience the A350’s comfort and cutting-edge technology. The schedule includes multiple routes for passengers to explore the new aircraft’s features.
The A350-900, ordered as part of Air India’s transformation journey, boasts a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats, featuring private Business suites, Premium Economy, and Economy seats. The introduction aligns with the airline’s commitment to sustainability, with the A350 designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient.
Air India aims to become a world-class airline with ongoing transformations, including a new global brand identity and uniforms designed by Manish Malhotra.
Muhammad Jawadullah, a Pakistani-born cricketer, has undergone a remarkable transformation from working as an electrician to becoming a pivotal player in the UAE’s national cricket team. His incredible journey began just four years ago, where he was primarily engaged in playing tennis ball cricket. The turning point came when Jawadullah, now 24, arrived in the UAE in January 2020, seeking employment as an electrician.
Initially stationed in Khor Fakkan, he juggled work with cricket, participating in local matches. However, his dream was to play hard-ball cricket, and this aspiration materialized when a friend introduced him to a hard-ball match in Al Ain. In that game, he managed to take three wickets, marking the start of his journey into the realm of hard-ball cricket.
Jawadullah’s proficiency in taking wickets with the hard ball quickly gained attention from UAE cricket authorities. He began playing club-level cricket matches in Ajman, showcasing impressive performances that led to an opportunity in the star-studded UAE franchise league, the ILT20. His remarkable debut against cricket legend Joe Root further solidified his place in the cricketing scene.
The left-arm pace bowler’s journey reached new heights when he earned his first UAE cap on February 16 last year. Since then, Jawadullah has picked up 26 wickets in 19 international matches for the UAE, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Notably, he played a crucial role in the New York Strikers’ recent victory in the Abu Dhabi T10, where he was honored with the UAE Player of the Tournament award.
Jawadullah, who cites Wasim Akram and Mohammed Amir as his cricketing heroes, expressed his gratitude for the support from the Emirates Cricket Board. He now has a contract with them, allowing him to focus on cricket without having to work as an electrician. The young cricketer dreams of achieving more victories for the UAE against formidable teams and harbors ambitions of bowling against cricket giants like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.
Back in Pakistan, Jawadullah’s family takes immense pride in his cricketing achievements. His success story is also intertwined with the support of a friend named Salik Anees, who played a crucial role in helping him navigate challenges during his journey. With ambitions to bowl against some of the best batsmen globally, Muhammad Jawadullah is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and passion in the world of sports.
A collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport involving a coast guard plane and a Japan Airlines Airbus resulted in five deaths. The coast guard plane, carrying aid to an earthquake zone, crashed during landing.
All 379 passengers and crew escaped before the airliner caught fire. The captain of the coast guard plane survived with serious injuries. Footage showed flames erupting after the front landing gear failed.
Government officials pledged to investigate the incident, and airline executives claim the Japan Airlines flight had landing permission. France’s Airbus will assist in the investigation.
The incident occurred in a country without a serious commercial aviation accident for decades.
India has witnessed a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, with 692 new infections reported in the last 24 hours. This brings the total active caseload to 4,097, a rise of four cases, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry.
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The country also recorded six new deaths due to the virus, bringing the total fatalities to 5,33,346. These recent deaths were distributed across several states: two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.
The total count of coronavirus cases in India since January 2020 has now reached 4,50,10,944, marking an increase of 702 cases in the past day.
In a significant development, Delhi reported its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86, also known as Pirola. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, “Out of the three samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1, and two are Omicron.”
To date, India has detected a total of 109 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant. Despite this, the World Health Organisation has indicated that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.
Following the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has released new guidelines for the management of suspected or confirmed cases. AIIMS Director conducted a meeting with department heads to discuss COVID-19 contingency measures, including testing policies, designated areas for positive patients, and hospitalization protocols.
Three Filipino expatriates in the UAE collectively won AED 300,000 in the recent Mahzooz weekly raffle draw, with each securing AED 100,000.
Oliver, a 46-year-old planning engineer currently on vacation in the Philippines, plans to use the money for his children’s education and investments.
Arnold, a 60-year-old senior team leader at an automotive company in the UAE, with 15 years of participation in Mahzooz, intends to invest his winnings in a new business for his daughter in Abu Dhabi.
Rommel, a 37-year-old quality manager based in Qatar, aims to fulfill his travel dreams with the prize money during his Christmas vacation in the Philippines.
As the year concludes, Mahzooz is offering an additional AED 1,295,000 in prizes for its final draw on December 30, featuring a grand prize of AED 20,000,000. Customers buying three or more lines have a chance to triple their winning opportunities in the raffle. The draw will include various cash prizes for multiple winners.
Embarking on the new year, Warner Bros. Discovery unveils a captivating lineup of fresh shows and episodes set to premiere this January, offering a delightful experience for young viewers on Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network Arabic, and Cartoonito. Brimming with episodes that tell tales of bravery, friendship, and the spirit of the new year, our carefully curated programming aims to captivate and entertain our youthful audience.
Expect a season brimming with magic, showcasing beloved characters, and welcoming new heroes who embody the spirit of the upcoming year. Tune in to Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network Arabic, and Cartoonito to embark on a journey filled with delightful memories and festive cheer for all!
In this feel-good comedy series, Sonia, Hugo, and Mel create full-of-heart memories with Mom, Dad, and Granny on those playful days spent with family and friends.
Cartoon Network Arabic – Scooby Doo and Guess Who?
Start Date: Sunday, 7th January 2024
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday @ 16:30 KSA
Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo join forces with some of the biggest names in celebrity and pop culture.
A team of five teenaged superheroes save the world from many villains around their city while experiencing things normal teens face today. Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven continue the fun in TEEN TITANS GO! with all-new comedic adventures, giving viewers a look at what life is really like as a teen superhero … once the cape comes off.
For those seeking a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year, the UAE has a tradition of hosting vibrant celebrations in various locations. However, it’s important to note that Sharjah has opted to refrain from festivities this year in solidarity with Gaza.
Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Festival: A significant display lasting 60 minutes aims to set three new Guinness World Records for quantity, time, and formation.
Yas Bay: Fireworks commence at 9 pm, continuing until 12 am on January 1, 2024.
Yas Links: Enjoy fireworks starting at 9 pm on December 31, 2024.
Al Maryah Island Promenade: The celebration includes a midnight fireworks show to usher in the New Year.
Hudayriyat Island: A vibrant fireworks display can be witnessed on Hudayriyat Island as the clock strikes midnight.
Dubai
Burj Khalifa: The iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks are scheduled for midnight; note that this year’s event is ticketed, with online tickets already sold out.
Palm Jumeirah: Experience a dazzling fireworks show along the island’s shoreline, attracting residents and tourists alike.
Burj Al Arab: Dubai’s renowned 7-star hotel will host a captivating fireworks display, providing a memorable start to 2024.
Hatta: The Hatta festival features nightly fireworks at 8 pm until December 31, concluding with a spectacular light and color show.
Al Seef: Daily fireworks at 9 pm, culminating in a special New Year’s Eve show at 11.59 pm.
Bluewaters: The island offers live entertainment starting at 7 pm, concluding the night with fireworks at midnight.
The Beach: Join the festive atmosphere at JBR’s The Beach, featuring a colorful fireworks display at 11.59 pm on New Year’s Eve.
Global Village: This popular festival park will illuminate the skies with seven New Year’s celebrations, synchronized with different time zones from 8 pm to 1 am.
Ras Al Khaimah
Stretching along the 4.5 km waterfront between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, the display aims to set new records. Residents and visitors can choose between two events, including a free public celebration with DJ entertainment, kids’ activities, food trucks, and designated areas for bachelors and families.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) announced the arrest of an international criminal group involved in illegal immigration operations to certain European countries. The arrest was a result of meticulous surveillance, using a tracking system to gather information on illegal activities, investigations, and a comprehensive database detailing the network and its members.
Lt. Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, highlighted the department’s commitment to security, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address cross-border crimes. The successful dismantling of the network and arrests demonstrate GDRFA’s commitment and coordinated efforts with strategic partners in addressing security challenges.
The gang’s logistical coordinator was closely monitored, leading to their swift arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. The GDRFA is dedicated to enhancing readiness, deploying advanced systems, improving personnel efficiency, and fostering collaboration with international security authorities.
