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By Nantoo Banerjee It does not make sense for India to deplete its hard-earned foreign currency reserves to temporarily protect the Rupee’s exchange value. In fact, Indian Rupee’s downturn vis-à-vis other major currencies has not adversely impacted the country’s impressive economic growth, at least for the present. On the contrary, it has made exports cheaper […]

The article Rupee Decline May Not Be Bad For Economy Now appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Weather conditions across the UAE are set to turn more unsettled on Sunday, with cloud build-up, spells of rain in some areas and dusty winds affecting visibility, according to official forecasts.

The National Centre of Meteorology has said the day is expected to be partly cloudy at times, becoming occasionally overcast as convective clouds develop over eastern and southern parts of the country. These cloud formations may bring rainfall, particularly over mountainous areas, while conditions elsewhere are likely to remain variable through the day.

Forecasters indicated that surface winds will play a key role in shaping conditions. Winds are expected to be light to moderate at times, freshening during the day and occasionally becoming strong, especially in open areas and over the sea. These winds could stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility and making driving conditions challenging on exposed roads.

Temperatures are forecast to show noticeable contrasts between inland, coastal and mountainous regions. Daytime highs are expected to remain warm across much of the country, though increased cloud cover may moderate peak temperatures in some areas. Cooler conditions are anticipated over higher ground, particularly during the night and early morning, as cloud cover and shifting winds influence local weather patterns.

Humidity levels are also expected to fluctuate, with higher readings forecast overnight and into the morning, especially along coastal and northern areas. Meteorologists have cautioned that this may lead to mist or fog formation in isolated locations, further affecting visibility during early travel hours.

Marine conditions are expected to be unsettled as well. Seas in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to range from moderate to rough at times, particularly as winds strengthen. Conditions in the Sea of Oman are expected to be slight to moderate, though boat operators have been advised to monitor updates as conditions can change quickly with shifting winds and cloud activity.

Aviation authorities and transport officials have urged travellers to stay informed about weather developments, particularly those planning road trips or marine activities. Reduced visibility due to dust and the possibility of rainfall in certain regions may disrupt travel schedules and outdoor plans.

Meteorologists say the developing weather pattern reflects seasonal transitions that often bring increased atmospheric instability. Convective cloud formation typically occurs when surface heating combines with moisture and upper-level disturbances, leading to vertical cloud growth and the possibility of showers. Such systems are often localised, meaning some areas may see rainfall while others remain dry.

Emergency services and municipal authorities have reiterated standard safety advice during periods of unsettled weather. Motorists are urged to slow down during dusty or rainy conditions, maintain safe distances and use headlights when visibility drops. Residents in areas prone to water accumulation are advised to remain cautious if showers develop.

Farmers and outdoor workers have also been advised to plan activities carefully, as sudden changes in wind strength or rainfall could affect working conditions. For coastal communities and fishing operators, sea conditions warrant close attention, particularly during periods when winds strengthen unexpectedly.

The National Centre of Meteorology continues to monitor conditions around the clock using satellite imagery, radar systems and ground-based observations. Officials have emphasised that forecasts are updated regularly as new data becomes available, and residents are encouraged to follow official channels for timely information.

By K Raveendran Gold’s surge has turned a long-running Indian household instinct into a global macro trade. With spot prices pressing above the $4,500 an ounce mark late in 2025 and year-to-date gains running above 70 percent, the metal is headed for its strongest annual performance since 1979. The question now animating dealing rooms as […]

The article Gold’s Race To Magic $5000 Most Keenly Watched Milestone For 2026 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Dr Arun Mitra The new nuclear bill, titled Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI), passed by Parliament, has received the assent of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. With this, it has become an Act governing various aspects of nuclear energy in the country. There is a strong push […]

The article The New Nuclear Bill Severely Compromises India’s National Interests appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

TIGP offers 14 fully funded interdisciplinary PhD programs spanning the sciences and humanities. The Program provides a rigorous research environment supported by Academia Sinica’s world-class faculty, research facilities and extensive international collaborations.

Admitted students receive a monthly stipend of NTD 40,000 (approximately USD 1,200) for the first year. The stipend will be extended for more years for student with good academic performance. Outstanding students may also receive an additional NTD 6,000 per month through the TIGP Research Performance Fellowship.

With a diverse academic community and a comprehensive doctoral training program, TIGP offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced research in a globally connected setting.

For more information, please visit the TIGP official website or contact Ms. Huan-Yi Shen ([email protected]).

Hashtag: #AcademiaSinica

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The accolade marks another major milestone for the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit International’s reimagined flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, has been awarded One Michelin Star in The Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 – the first time an Italian restaurant in Thailand has received the distinction.

Curated by the renowned Chef Umberto Bombana – best known for his Hong Kong flagship, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the world’s only three-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant outside Italy – Cannubi by Umberto Bombana reflects the chef’s lifelong dedication to exceptional produce, terroir, and refined Italian cooking.

His philosophy is brought to life in Bangkok by his longtime protégé, Executive Italian Chef Andrea Susto, who works with the finest locally sourced and imported ingredients to craft classically rooted dishes refined with contemporary technique. Seasonal à la carte offerings, tasting menus, a set lunch experience, and a celebrated white truffle menu – honouring Bombana’s reputation as The King of White Truffles – are complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list of more than 350 labels chosen for their heritage, character, and quality.

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s design plays an equal role in shaping the dining experience. Situated on the lobby level of the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok, the two-level space looks out over the hotel’s dramatic nine-storey waterfall. Inside, the main dining room is crowned with intricately carved golden teakwood panels preserved and meticulously restored from the original hotel’s Benjarong restaurant. These heritage teak elements, combined with flowing lines and atmospheric lighting, create a warmly intimate setting, complemented by private dining rooms accommodating six and twelve guests.

“To be recognised as the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive a Michelin Star is a tremendous honour,” said Chef Umberto Bombana. “Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is a project very close to my heart, created to express the truth and soul of Italian cuisine through integrity, passion, and respect for exceptional ingredients. Seeing this spirit recognised in Bangkok means the world to me. I am incredibly proud of Chef Andrea Susto and our entire team. This accolade also reflects the vision of the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, where craftsmanship and creativity shape every detail.”

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s Michelin Star adds to a remarkable year for Dusit Thani Bangkok, which, since reopening in September 2024, has received one Michelin Key and earned its place among the world’s top 100 hotels, ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The restaurant’s achievement further strengthens the hotel’s emergence as one of the region’s most compelling new dining destinations, with Pavilion, Dusit Gourmet, 1970 Bar, and the dramatic rooftop venue, Spire Rooftop Bar, among the other standout options.

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, please visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok.

Hashtag: #DusitHotels

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Dusit Thani Bangkok

Part of the landmark Dusit Central Park development, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a reimagined icon that blends timeless Thai elegance with contemporary sophistication. With a prime location overlooking Lumpini Park in the heart of the city, the 257-key property redefines luxury with all park-view accommodations and sets the scene for unforgettable experiences with world-class dining and peerless event venues.

More than just a hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok brings classic grandeur to life and invites discerning travellers to experience a vibrant blend of modern elegance and timeless charm inspired by the original hotel’s rich heritage and Dusit’s unique brand of gracious Thai hospitality.

For more information, please visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts

Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes close to 300 properties operating under a total of nine brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit dusit.com

Seef Properties has signed a lease agreement with UAE-based D’lish Café to open the brand’s first outlet in Bahrain at Al Liwan, adding a new premium food and beverage concept to the mixed-use destination in the Seef District of Manama. The deal underscores continued demand for curated dining experiences within lifestyle-led developments and reflects a broader push by property owners to anchor retail assets with recognisable regional brands.

The café, known for its contemporary menu and design-led spaces, is expected to occupy a prominent location within Al Liwan, a development that blends retail, leisure, dining, and community spaces. Executives involved in the agreement said the move aligns with Al Liwan’s positioning as a social hub rather than a conventional shopping centre, where food-led concepts play a central role in footfall generation and dwell time.

Seef Properties described the agreement as part of a wider strategy to deepen its portfolio of lifestyle tenants that appeal to both residents and visitors. The company has been recalibrating its leasing mix across assets to prioritise experiential retail, particularly dining formats that combine casual accessibility with premium presentation. Al Liwan, which hosts a range of cafés, restaurants, and entertainment offerings, has emerged as a flagship for that approach.

For D’lish Café, the Bahrain opening marks its first international expansion, signalling confidence in the kingdom’s dining market and its ability to support differentiated concepts. The brand has built a following in the UAE by focusing on high-quality ingredients, visually distinctive interiors, and menus designed to cater to breakfast, lunch, and evening socialising. Industry observers note that such all-day dining formats have gained traction across Gulf cities as consumer preferences shift towards flexible, experience-driven venues.

Executives familiar with the project said the Bahrain outlet will mirror the brand’s core identity while incorporating local design cues to resonate with the Al Liwan setting. Fit-out work is expected to proceed in line with Seef Properties’ guidelines for sustainability, accessibility, and integration with surrounding public spaces. While an opening date has not been formally announced, preparations are under way to align the launch with peak seasonal footfall at the destination.

The agreement comes at a time when Bahrain’s retail real estate sector is navigating structural changes driven by evolving consumer behaviour. Traditional mall formats have faced pressure from e-commerce and shifting spending patterns, prompting developers to emphasise food, leisure, and community experiences that cannot be replicated online. Analysts tracking the sector say developments that successfully curate strong dining line-ups are better positioned to maintain occupancy levels and rental stability.

Al Liwan’s tenant mix reflects that strategy, with food and beverage outlets accounting for a significant share of leasable space. The addition of D’lish Café is expected to complement existing concepts by targeting a demographic that values premium yet approachable dining. Seef Properties executives have previously indicated that tenant selection is guided by brand strength, operational track record, and the ability to contribute to a cohesive destination experience rather than standalone retail performance.

For D’lish Café, the Bahrain market offers exposure to a consumer base known for high per-capita spending on dining and a strong café culture. Manama’s Seef District, in particular, attracts a mix of residents, office workers, and visitors, providing a diversified customer base. Market analysts note that UAE-based brands expanding into Bahrain often view the kingdom as a strategic entry point for broader regional growth due to regulatory familiarity and cultural alignment.

The partnership also highlights increasing cross-border collaboration within the Gulf’s retail and hospitality sectors. As regional brands mature, developers are leveraging these names to differentiate projects and reinforce destination branding. At the same time, café and restaurant operators are seeking locations that offer built-in footfall and a lifestyle context aligned with their brand positioning.

Ras Al Khaimah has faced one of the most intense rainfall episodes in its recorded history, with official gauges measuring up to 127 millimetres across two days as a powerful storm system swept the northern emirates. The deluge exceeded the emirate’s typical annual average, overwhelming drainage networks and triggering flash flooding in low-lying and mountainous areas.

Authorities said the heaviest downpours were concentrated around Mina Saqr, Jebel Al Rahibah and the upper reaches of Jebel Jais, where steep terrain funnelled runoff into wadis and access roads. Several residential districts reported water entering homes and ground floors, while industrial zones near the coast saw yards and warehouses inundated. Emergency crews were deployed through the night to clear debris, pump water and assist stranded motorists.

Meteorological data show that the system delivered short bursts of exceptionally intense rainfall, a pattern that hydrologists say increases flood risk even where total volumes might otherwise be manageable. In the mountains, rainfall totals were uneven but locally extreme, with gauges registering more than a year’s worth of rain over 48 hours. The combination of saturated ground and rapid runoff led to temporary road closures and landslides on feeder routes to higher elevations.

Officials from civil defence and municipal services said no fatalities had been reported, though injuries were treated at local hospitals and several families were temporarily relocated as a precaution. Schools in affected zones shifted to remote learning for a day while assessments were carried out. Power and water supplies were largely maintained, though brief outages were recorded in pockets where substations were flooded.

The storm formed as moist air from the Arabian Sea collided with a slow-moving upper-level trough, creating prolonged convective activity over the UAE’s north. Weather specialists noted that while heavy rain events are not unprecedented, the persistence and concentration over Ras Al Khaimah set this episode apart. Satellite imagery showed successive storm cells tracking along the same corridor, repeatedly dumping rain over the same catchments.

Urban planners and climate scientists say the episode underlines growing exposure to extreme weather in arid regions. Studies of the Gulf’s climate indicate a tendency towards more erratic rainfall, with longer dry spells punctuated by intense storms. Such shifts challenge infrastructure designed around historical averages, particularly drainage systems sized for shorter, lighter showers.

Ras Al Khaimah’s leadership said post-storm reviews would examine drainage capacity, early-warning protocols and land-use planning in flood-prone areas. Investment in wadis management and retention basins has increased in recent years, but officials acknowledged that rapid development and changing rainfall patterns require constant reassessment. Work crews were already clearing silt from channels and inspecting culverts to restore full flow capacity.

Residents described scenes of fast-moving water sweeping through streets and wadis within minutes of the heaviest rain. In mountain communities, drivers abandoned vehicles as torrents crossed roads, while hikers on Jebel Jais were escorted to safety by rescue teams once conditions allowed. Authorities reiterated advisories against entering wadis during storms, warning that flows can rise without notice far downstream from where rain is falling.

Insurance providers said claims assessments were under way, with early indications pointing to damage to vehicles, ground-floor properties and small businesses. Analysts noted that insurance penetration for flood damage remains uneven, leaving some households reliant on emergency assistance and community support. Local charities and volunteer groups organised relief supplies, including pumps and cleaning equipment, to help affected families return to their homes.

The episode has also prompted renewed discussion about data sharing and public communication. Meteorologists said advances in radar and nowcasting allow for more precise warnings, but effective response depends on rapid dissemination and public trust. Authorities credited social media alerts and mobile notifications with reducing exposure, though they acknowledged that compliance varies, particularly among motorists accustomed to short-lived showers.

Heavy rainfall across Dubai prompted authorities to urge residents to remain indoors as flooding alerts were activated across several neighbourhoods, disrupting transport, schooling and daily life while emergency teams moved to manage water accumulation on key roads.

Police and civil defence units said weather conditions had deteriorated rapidly overnight, with intense downpours leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and reduced visibility on major arteries. Motorists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near underpasses, tunnels and wadis, where runoff posed heightened risks. Schools in parts of the emirate shifted to remote learning, while several private institutions announced temporary closures after campus access became difficult.

The advisory underscored how Dubai urges residents indoors amid heavy rainfall, reflecting a coordinated response involving municipal services, transport authorities and utilities. Drainage pumps were deployed in multiple districts as crews worked to clear debris from stormwater grates. Electricity and water providers said services remained largely stable, though teams were on standby to address any outages caused by flooding or lightning strikes.

Meteorological officials attributed the rainfall to an active weather system drawing moist air across the region, producing prolonged showers and occasional thunderstorms. Forecasts indicated intermittent rain could persist through the day, with gusty winds and hail reported in isolated pockets. Authorities cautioned residents against venturing into flooded streets, stressing that even shallow water can conceal hazards and compromise vehicle control.

Public transport services adjusted schedules as a precaution. Portions of the road network experienced slow-moving traffic during peak hours, while ride-hailing operators reported higher demand as residents avoided driving. At the city’s airports, airlines warned of possible delays and advised passengers to check flight status before travelling. Ground handlers said operations were continuing with additional safety measures to manage wet runways and reduced visibility.

Dubai Municipality said its crisis management protocols had been activated, with field teams monitoring drainage performance and responding to citizen reports. The Roads and Transport Authority urged commuters to follow official updates and avoid sharing unverified information, noting that real-time advisories would be issued as conditions evolved. Health officials reminded residents to keep children indoors and to secure loose items on balconies and rooftops to prevent accidents during strong winds.

Urban planners and climate researchers note that extreme rainfall episodes are testing the resilience of cities built in arid environments. While Dubai has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure, the intensity and duration of storms can overwhelm systems designed for historically lower precipitation levels. Experts emphasise the importance of adaptive planning, including enhanced runoff capacity, permeable surfaces and improved forecasting integration to reduce disruption during severe weather.

Businesses across retail and hospitality sectors adjusted operations as footfall dipped in affected areas. Some malls delayed opening hours, while restaurants shifted to delivery-only service. Employers were encouraged to offer flexible work arrangements, particularly for staff commuting from flood-prone districts. Insurance providers reported an uptick in inquiries related to vehicle and property coverage, advising policyholders to document any damage once conditions allow safe inspection.

• DAICS^® coin coverage: As of 3^rd December, the top 50 coins by average market capitalization across the past 90 days
• DAICS^® market capitalization coverage: 96.98%*
• The % coverage of market capitalization of the 50th ranked coin: 0.048%**
• Member changes within the Top 50 Coins in DAICS^®: eight coins added and nine coins deleted
• Additions: Zcash (ZEC), World Liberty Financial USD (WUSD), PayPalUSD (PYUSD), Memecore (M), Worldcoin (WLD), Story (IP), Arbitrum (ARB), KuCoin (KCS)
• Deletions: Mantra (OM), GateToken (GT), Official Trump (TRUMP), VeChain (VET), Render (RENDER), First Digital USD (FDUSD), Filecoin (FIL), Cosmos (ATOM), Algorand (ALGO)
• 9 Green Coins labelled: Cronos (CRO), Pi (PI), Internet Computer (ICP), Hedera, Sui (SUI), Toncoin (TON), Arbitrum (ARB), Mantle (MNT), Tron (TRX)

Note:
*Special currency treatment of DAICS^® applies, where any wrapped or second-level cryptocurrency is not considered in the calculation for the market capitalization of DAICS^®
**Based on 3rd December 2025
G: Green Coin

The rankings of additions and deletions for the DAICS^® top 50 cryptocurrencies are listed in Appendix 1. All classification changes, including the ixCrypto Infrastructure Index and ixCrypto Stablecoin index, will take effect on 23^rd January 2026, with market capitalization, rankings, and weightings available at www.ix-index.com.

1. Cryptocurrencies

1.1. Structure and Definitions

Tier 1: Industry Changes
The industry groups remain unchanged, with 5 industries and the respective weightings as follows:

Tier 2: Sector Changes
The number of sectors has increased from 17 to 18. There is one new sector added under the industry group “Tech & Data (140)”:

Identification (14040)
Definition: Cryptocurrencies that facilitate decentralized identity authentication and/or blockchain-based validation of digital intellectual property rights. The classification emphasizes trust, data consent, and privacy as core architectural features while the crypto by itself is not an identity token.

1.2. Reclassification Changes
This review doesn’t have any reclassification of the existing coins. The DAICS® 2H 2025 cryptocurrencies classification is available in Appendix 2.

1.3. Green Coin Label
This review identifies 9 Green Coins, classified based on their energy-per-unit-transaction, which is defined as the amount of energy consumed for a successful single unit transaction of the coin in the blockchain network. The coins selected rank in the top 20 percentile of the least energy-consuming cryptocurrencies out of the 50 DAICS^® constituents. The top 20 percentile’s threshold in this review is ≤ 0.150 Wh. The table below lists these low-energy coins.

Note: G as ‘Green Coin‘ labelling for cryptocurrencies that adhere to the principles of sustainability

2. Asset Backed Tokens (ABT)

2.1. Structure and Definitions

Tier 1: Asset Type Changes
The asset types remain unchanged at 6 as follows:
1) Culture (205),
2) Real Estate (215),
3) Financials (235),
4) Entertainment (255),
5) Natural Resources (265), and
6) Green Economy (275)

Tier 2: Branch Changes
The number of branches has increased from 31 to 32, with a new branch added under Financials (235): Tokenized funds (23540).

2.2. Classification Changes
This review doesn’t have any reclassification of the existing assets.

2.3. Coverage of DAICS^®
A classification summary and definition table of both cryptocurrencies and ABTs are available in Appendices 3 and 4. For further information regarding the methodology of the DAICS^®, please refer to the “IX Digital Asset Industry Classification System”- principle and guiding methodology on the company website https://ix-index.com/daics.html.

For more details on DAICS^® qualification criteria, please email [email protected].

Appendix 1

G: Green Coin

Appendix 2

Note:
G as ‘Green Coin‘ for cryptocurrencies that adhere to the principles of sustainability
NEW for newly added sector

Appendix 3

Note: NEW for newly added sector

Appendix 4

Note: NEW for newly added branch

² United Nations 17 sustainable development goals covering 1) No Poverty 2) Zero Hunger 3) Good Health and Well-Being 4) Quality Education 5) Gender Equality 6) Clean Water and Sanitation 7) Affordable And Clean Energy 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth 9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10) Reduced inequalities 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities 12) Responsible Consumption and Production 13) Climate Action 14) Life Below Water 15) Life on Land 16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 17) Partnerships for the Goals https://sdgs.un.org/goals

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About DAICS®

DAICS^® covers both cryptocurrencies and asset-backed tokens (“ABTs”), to be reviewed semi-annually at the end of June and December. On the cryptocurrency side, it is a three-tier system that groups cryptocurrencies into 5 main industries: 1) Payment, 2) Infrastructure, 3) Financial services, 4) Technology & Data, and 5) Media & Entertainment. These industries are further divided into sectors and sub-sectors to be introduced in the future. Under asset-backed tokens, there are 6 asset types: 1) Culture, 2) Real Estate, 3) Financials, 4) Entertainment, 5) Natural Resources, 6) Green Economy. These asset types are further divided into branches and sub-branches to be introduced in the future.

About the IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee and Working Group

The establishment of the IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee (“Advisory Committee”) is to pursue the goal and vision of formulating a standard for a global tokenization framework in a compliant and transparent way. The key role of the Advisory Committee is to formulate the guidelines and references for tokenization in terms of infrastructure, business, financial stability, sustainability, internal control, and classification. The Advisory Committee is comprised of industry-recognised leaders from blockchain consultancy, sustainable projects, and the field of the Art industry.

The establishment of the Working Group is to identify, evaluate and recommend key directions and founding principles according to their specific industry knowledge and expertise in relating to the creation of the specified token. It will examine and propose improvements to the guidelines and references for tokenization. The working group is formed of a diverse group of market experts representing relevant sectors and markets, to provide input and discuss case studies for creation of tokenization framework, best practices and development of real-world projects.

For more information about IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee & Working Group, please visit https://ix-index.com/tokenization-committee.html.

By K Raveendran Oil prices slipping below $60 a barrel for the first time since February 2021 and a sharp easing in European gas prices mark more than a cyclical downturn in commodities. They signal a rapid repricing of geopolitical risk at a moment when diplomacy, rather than escalation, has begun to dominate market psychology. […]

The article Energy Markets Recalibrate As Geopolitics Reshapes Supply Calculus appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).