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Air India and Saudia’s Smart Move Is Redefining Cross-Border Flying: Why This Codeshare Is Being Called a Game-Changer for India–Gulf Travel Good news for travellers in India and Saudi Arabia! Air India, India’s flag carrier and Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, have officially signed a codeshare agreement that will take effect from February 2026 and the partnership is being hailed as a game-changer in aviation connectivity between the two countries as it will make booking flights easier. It will also expand access to multiple domestic and international destinations across both networks.Under the new codeshare pact, passengers flying between India and Saudi Arabia will benefit from single-ticket booking, coordinated flight schedules and seamless travel connections, eliminating the need to manage separate tickets or re-book between different legs of a journey. This means smoother travel for business travellers, tourists and the significant Indian diaspora living and working ..

Dubai Police warn parents and teens that deadly social media challenges like choking, skull breaking, breath holding risk lives/Image: Dubai Police A growing wave of dangerous social media challenges is raising alarm in Dubai, with police warning that what appears online as entertainment or a trend can quickly turn into a life-threatening act. Authorities say children and teenagers are being drawn into risky behaviours that have already caused serious injuries and deaths in other countries.A rising threat hidden behind online trends
Dubai Police have issued a strong warning to parents, teenagers, and young people about the spread of so-called deadly challenges on social media platforms. These challenges are often packaged as viral trends and shared widely online, making them appealing to curious and impressionable users.The activities involved are extremely dangerous. They include skull breaking, choking, breath holding, and other reckless practices that put participants at risk of sev..

AdvertisementAseanThis Week in AsiaPoliticsWhat Trump’s visa pause means for Southeast Asia and US regional prioritiesThe move reflects an ‘America first’ policy approach and treats certain allies in the region as ‘strategically insignificant’, analysts say
Reading Time:4 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPSam BeltranPublished: 2:00pm, 17 Jan 2026The inclusion of four Southeast Asian nations in the United States’ 75-country visa suspension has thrown up questions over Washington’s foreign policy approach, including its interest in the region.Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are among countries affected by the indefinite suspension, set to take effect on January 21, as the Donald Trump administration continues to roll out punitive measures to drastically restrict immigration.
The list, released by the US Department of State on Wednesday, is targeted at countries embroiled in conflict, but also extends to long-standing American allies and others with a long history of relations with Washin..

AdvertisementTrending in ChinaPeople & CultureTrending in ChinaChinese woman seeks online help to slaughter pigs, attracting over 1,000 volunteers to her farmOn day of event, local public security bureau dispatches staff to maintain order, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPYating Yangin BeijingPublished: 2:00pm, 17 Jan 2026A woman in southern China who did not know how to slaughter a pig turned to the internet for help, unexpectedly sparking a heartwarming viral reaction that attracted over 1,000 enthusiastic volunteers and transformed the event into a festive gathering.
The story began on January 9, when a woman nicknamed Daidai from Hechuan, Chongqing, posted a short video on social media inviting netizens to assist in holding down two pigs for slaughter, while also extending an invitation to enjoy a traditional boiled pork soup feast.
“We’re slaughtering two pigs on January 11,” she said. “Can anyone come help us hold them dow..

UAE updates school admission age rules from 2026–27 / AI-Generated Image The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially hit the “refresh” button on school admissions. Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, schools that begin in August or September, including British, American, and IB curricula, will move their age cut-off date to December 31.Previously, children had to reach the required age by August 31. This four-month extension is a game-changer for “end-of-year” babies who would have previously had to wait an entire extra year to start their journey. Under the new rules, if your child turns three, four, or five by New Year's Eve, they are officially eligible to step into the classroom that September. It’s a move designed to align the UAE with international standards and provide families with more flexibility.Who is affected and who is not?While much of the education sector is shifting gears, schools following the Indian, and Japanese curricula are holding steady. Becau..

Kuwait and Oman declared January 18 a public holiday to observe the holy Isra Wal Miraj/Representative Image As Isra Wal Miraj approaches, only two Gulf countries, Kuwait and Oman, have announced a public holiday to mark the sacred occasion, highlighting its importance in the Islamic calendar.Kuwait and Oman have declared Friday, January 18, as a public holiday to observe Isra Wal Miraj, coinciding with the latter part of the Islamic month of Rajab. The announcement comes as Muslims prepare to commemorate the night through prayer, reflection, and recognition of its historical and spiritual significance.What is Isra Wal Miraj?Isra Wal Miraj is a major event in Islamic history that commemorates the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).According to Islamic belief, on this night the Prophet was taken from Masjid Al Haram in Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, an event known as Isra. This was followed by Miraj, during which the Prophet ascended to the heavens.The occasion ..