Maldives appeals to Indian tourists as arrivals plummet by 42% in 2024, leading to a revenue loss of $56 million. Tourism Minister urges Indians to support Maldives' economy, highlighting historic ties. Dropping footfalls prompt collaborative efforts, including roadshows and influencer trips. Foreign Minister's visit to India signals diplomatic thaw after social media row. Maldives previously relied on Indian visitors during off-peak seasons. Travel agencies report 80% revenue decline due to decreased Indian arrivals. Matato plans roadshows across Indian cities to promote tourism. Foreign Minister's meeting with Indian counterpart expected to address regional issues.            

Saudi Arabia authorizes lethal force for Neom, a $500 billion smart city endeavor, as per BBC investigation. Former intelligence officer Col. Rabih Alenezi discloses eviction directives for The Line, part of Neom, leading to a fatal protest. Neom, part of Saudi Vision 2030, aims for a car-free city but faces scrutiny. Satellite data confirms demolition of three villages. MBS's ambitious Neom project spans 26,500 sq km along the Red Sea. The Wall Street Journal uncovers plans for 10 palaces, each potentially valued at $400 million, raising concerns over human rights and displacement.

Five infants have died of whooping cough in the UK this year, with over 2,700 cases reported. UK Health Security Agency attributes rise to reduced immunity due to COVID-19 pandemic. Babies under three months most vulnerable; 50.8% of cases in 15+ age group. Vaccine effectiveness in pregnancy estimated at 92%, emphasizing importance of timely vaccinations. Calls for increased vaccination uptake amid decline in recent years. NHS urges families to seek protection, emphasizing severity of disease in young infants. Health officials stress need for rapid action to prevent further deaths and boost vaccine uptake.

Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, verbally lashes out at skipper KL Rahul after team's heavy loss to SunRisers Hyderabad. The incident, caught on camera, raises questions about power dynamics and conduct in IPL. Former cricketers Graeme Smith and Scott Styris criticize public confrontation. Social media abuzz with debate over ownership influence versus player autonomy. Goenka's emotional outburst brings attention to broader issues of corporate culture in sports. Calls for owners to emulate Shah Rukh Khan's dignified response to defeat.

In a groundbreaking development, 18-month-old Opal Sandy from Oxfordshire hears almost perfectly after receiving pioneering gene therapy for auditory neuropathy. The procedure, which took just 16 minutes, marks a new era in treating deafness. Doctors at Addenbrooke’s hospital, Cambridge, are running the Chord trial, recruiting deaf children from the UK, Spain, and the US. Prof. Manohar Bance, the trial's chief investigator, expresses optimism, stating the results are better than expected. The therapy, using a working copy of the OTOF gene, is a potential cure. Opal is the first patient globally to undergo this treatment, offering hope for others.

Social media buzzes with anticipation as Mumbai braces for rainfall predicted by weather influencers and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Mumbai Weather forecasts pre-monsoon showers across Maharashtra, particularly in Madhya Maharashtra, Ghats, and South Konkan. Mumbai Rains predicts moderate rainfall over Mumbai and the Maharashtra coast, with heavier showers expected in South Mumbai. Meanwhile, IMD anticipates light to moderate rain in isolated areas of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada. Mumbai skies are expected to be partly cloudy, with temperatures hovering around 34°C. Despite the forecasted rain, IMD predicts only a gradual rise in temperatures over the next few days.

Russia has staunchly defended India against allegations of involvement in the cases of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing and the assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova refuted claims by stating that the US has failed to provide any substantial evidence implicating Indian citizens in the Pannun murder plot. Zakharova criticized the US for its lack of understanding of India's national mentality and historical context. She accused the US of interfering in India's internal affairs to disrupt the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The Russian stance underscores tensions between global powers and India's electoral process.

Renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough marks his 98th birthday, celebrated for his iconic narration and pioneering work in wildlife television. From his BBC debut in 1952 to groundbreaking series like 'Life On Earth' and 'Planet Earth', Attenborough's career has inspired conservationists worldwide. Honored with knighthoods and prestigious awards, his impact extends beyond broadcasting, advocating for environmental conservation. His enduring friendship with Queen Elizabeth II and global appearances, including a surprise Glastonbury appearance, exemplify his influence. As a champion for nature, Attenborough's legacy continues to shape and inspire generations. [Videos courtesy: BBC]

A Boeing 737-800 of Corendon Airlines experienced a tire burst during landing at Gazipasa airport in Turkey. All 184 passengers and six crew members were evacuated safely. While Turkish media speculated the aircraft landed on its nose, Corendon Airlines denied the claim. The Transportation Ministry reported damage to the plane's front gear. Flights were diverted to Antalya airport during the aircraft's removal. This incident follows another emergency landing of a FedEx Express Boeing 767 cargo aircraft in Istanbul due to front landing gear failure.      

India's Ministry of External Affairs asserts awareness of three Indians' arrests linked to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing but cites lack of formal communication from Canada. MEA spokesperson accuses Canada of providing political space to separatists, extremists, and violence advocates. Allegations include threats to Indian diplomats in Canada and obstruction of duties. India highlights pending extradition requests and discusses concerns at diplomatic levels. Tensions between India and Canada heightened after Canadian PM Trudeau's accusations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing, refuted by India as "absurd and motivated."