Times of India

An Indian expatriate in the UAE has won $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, continuing a trend of Indian nationals dominating the lottery's winners' list in the UAE emirate. The promotion's limited tickets and tax-free prize make it a popular choice for those dreaming of a life-changing fortune, with many participants trying for years.

Dubai has enacted a stringent new law to regulate shared housing, imposing hefty fines up to Dh500,000 for violations and Dh1 million for repeat offenders. This move targets overcrowding and unsafe "bed-space" rentals, aiming to balance affordability with strict safety and quality standards in the booming property market. The regulation mandates permits for all shared accommodations, ensuring compliance and transparency.

An Indian traveller, Varun Krishnan, abandoned waiting for flights in Doha and embarked on a desert road journey to Saudi Arabia due to escalating Iran vs US-Israel conflict. His dramatic escape highlights the widespread travel chaos, with thousands stranded as airspace closures disrupt global aviation. Krishnan's resourceful overland trip underscores the vulnerability of modern travel networks to geopolitical shocks.

An India-bound Thai cargo vessel was among four ships attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with the ship heading for Gujarat's Kandla port catching fire. The Indian government deplored the targeting of commercial shipping, emphasizing the need to avoid impeding freedom of navigation and commerce.

Naga men, women, and children were abducted by suspected militants along Manipur's Ukhrul-Imphal Road, potentially escalating ethnic tensions. A Naga organization blamed Kuki militants, demanding their immediate release. The Manipur Chief Minister appealed for the unconditional release of all civilians and urged stakeholders to maintain peace.

A crypto trader's viral tweet about needing a social media permit in Dubai has ignited debate. While framed as bureaucracy, experts clarify that the new UAE regulations target promotional content and influencer marketing, aiming for transparency and professionalisation. This reflects a global trend of governments regulating the burgeoning digital advertising landscape.

A wedding in Muzaffarnagar took a bizarre turn when two grooms arrived with separate baraats, each claiming the bride. The ceremony was halted by officials and police after a child helpline alert about the bride's age. Families couldn't produce age proof, leading to the girl being taken to a one-stop centre for verification.