Times of India Digest
Daily News • Thursday, 5 February 2026
Scientists believe early Earth was not green, it may have been purple: Know how scientists believe it’s possible
Job scams in Saudi Arabia or UAE’s Dubai, Abu Dhabi: How to spot fake offers, agents and avoid getting duped in the Gulf
Gulf job seekers face sophisticated scams, with fraudsters using AI and social media to lure victims. Authorities warn against upfront fees for visas or processing, unverified emails, and unrealistic offers. Always verify job offers through official government channels like MoHRE and MHRSD to avoid falling prey to these deceptive schemes.
Quote of the day by Albert Einstein: “The most beautiful experience we can have is…”
Albert Einstein’s quote celebrates curiosity and wonder. It reminds us that not knowing everything is not a weakness. It is the starting point of creativity, discovery, and real understanding.
Epstein files fallout: Why UK PM Keir Starmer is under fire
The Jeffrey Epstein scandal is creating political pressure for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his past appointment of Peter Mandelson, who is now under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump faces no immediate threat despite his name appearing in Epstein files, highlighting differing political environments and institutional responses to the ongoing global fallout.
Kuwait issues new Ramadan donation rules: Cash banned, Mosque collection prohibited
Kuwait has introduced strict new rules for Ramadan 2026 charitable donations, prohibiting cash collections in mosques and public spaces. Fundraising is limited to approved electronic methods like K-Net, online transfers, and apps, with prior ministry approval needed for foreign donations. The ministry also added single Kuwaiti women aged 30 and above as a new beneficiary category.
Northern lights set to glow over Alaska, Canada and Greenland this week as solar activity rises
Check-in from anywhere in Dubai? City Terminal Project’s airport-free travel plan sounds unreal
Dubai is revolutionising air travel with its City Terminal Project, allowing passengers to check in and drop off luggage at city locations before being transported directly to their departure gates. This ambitious initiative aims to slash airport congestion and significantly enhance passenger experience, building on Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub.
Abu Dhabi’s Nutri-Mark initiative explained: What it is, how will it transform food labels and health choices in 2026
Abu Dhabi has launched “Nutri-Mark,” a pioneering front-of-pack nutrition labelling system using A-E grades to guide consumers and encourage healthier food products. This initiative, now mandatory for key categories, aims to combat rising obesity by simplifying nutritional information and promoting informed choices. Manufacturers are already reformulating products to achieve higher grades, fostering a healthier food environment.
No more queues: Kuwait launches online passport update service for expatriates
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has launched a new digital service via the Sahel app for expatriates to update passport details. This initiative eliminates the need for in-person visits to service centers, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing digital government efficiency for residents.
GCC Unified Visa 2026 explained: Launch date, eligibility, fee, validity of Schengen-style visa for Gulf
Travellers will soon experience easier journeys across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. A unified tourist visa is set to launch in 2026. This single permit will allow visitors to explore all six Gulf nations without applying for individual visas. The initiative aims to boost tourism and economic integration.
Abu Dhabi prince with $20 billion fortune placed car order so big it shut down a Mercedes factory
Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan al Nahyan earned the nickname “Rainbow Sheikh” after commissioning Mercedes-Benz to build seven W126 S-Class saloons, each finished in a different colour and fully colour-matched inside. The order, widely reported to have disrupted factory production, set the tone for a collection defined by extreme customisation and scale rather than conventional luxury.
UAE: Abu Dhabi launches ‘World’s Richest Seas’ initiative to increase fish density by 2030
Abu Dhabi has launched a new marine programme, ‘Hamdan bin Zayed: The World’s Richest Seas,’ aiming for one of the highest fish densities globally by 2030. This initiative combines regulatory oversight, habitat restoration including artificial reefs and mangrove planting, and technology-led monitoring to rebuild fish populations and enhance marine ecosystem sustainability.
Elon Musk plans solar-powered data centers in orbit, says “space is called space for a reason”
Zealandia: Earth’s hidden continent beneath the Pacific
Saudi Arabia puts women on frontlines? KSA Interior Ministry graduates 328 female security recruits
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security Directorate celebrated a significant milestone with 328 women graduating from basic security training. This marks a crucial step in integrating females into frontline roles, aligning with Vision 2030’s reform agenda. The recruits are now equipped for diverse security assignments, enhancing the nation’s operational capacity and promoting gender inclusion in national service.
THIS is the world’s deepest gold mine where workers travel 2.5 miles underground just to reach their jobs
Saudi Arabia launches camel passport: Digital system to track ownership and trade
Saudi Arabia has launched a new digital Camel Passport initiative to bring order and traceability to its camel sector. This system creates official identities for registered camels, linking ownership, health records, and breed information to enhance regulation, veterinary services, and market confidence.
‘None of their equipment worked’: Trump talks about US’ ‘discombobulator’ use in Venezuela
Watch: Night of horror for Philippines as devastating fire leaves thousands homeless in Bongao islet
A devastating fire ravaged Bongao, southern Philippines, destroying over 1,000 homes and leaving thousands homeless. Fueled by strong winds and flammable materials, the blaze spread rapidly, forcing residents to flee by land and sea. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which caused an estimated 17.5 million Philippine pesos in property damage.
Ramadan 2026 working hours in the UAE explained: Penalties and rules for private sector and government employees
UAE residents and workers are excited for Ramadan 2026, with mandatory reduced working hours for private and government sectors. Employees can expect at least two fewer hours daily in private firms, while government offices will operate from 9 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays. These adjustments aim to balance work with fasting and spiritual observance.