News

Exclusive: What is Kapur’s advice to Dubai students on fitness and diet ahead of Rashtra Kavach Om release

Published

4 years ago

June 29, 2022

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Kumar Shyam

The team of the upcoming film Rashtra Kavach Om took the unusual route for a public appearance when they headed to the Amity University campus at Academic City in Dubai on Tuesday evening.

Unsurprisingly, the film’s lead actor Aditya Roy Kapur was the cynosure of all eyes as he was flanked by co-star Sanjana Sanghi and director Kapil Verma. After a couple of false alarms, Kapur’s career took off with the 2013 romantic film Aashiqui 2 and the craze for the musical blockbuster was still apparent among the student gathering.

“It has been eight years, and I am doing an action movie now, guys,” Kapur pleaded playfully when the students requested him to sing a few lines from that film as soon as he took the stage first. Sanghi joined him a few minutes later.

Aditya Roy Kapur stars in the action-packed film Rashtra Kavach Om. Courtesy Zee Studios

For Nimmi Mariam Sam, too, it was a red-letter day. When she knew of the event, she requested if she could sing a song. Initially it was refused. But when it was known that the stars will be a bit late, she was asked to fill in.
And when the cast took to the stage, Nimmi showed no signs of nervousness and performed brilliantly with Kapur himself joining in. “I am still trying to procrastinate the moment. It is a dream come true. OMG, he is my favourite and he also joined me which I was not expecting,” Nimmi said while still holding her composure as soon as she got off the stage.

Meanwhile, Kapur spoke in the language of the youth by asking them questions and shared his thoughts on his favourite and worst subjects. He hated Maths and expressed surprise when some students said they indeed had Maths exams the next day and had missed studies for the event.

Asked for his fitness regime and any advice for the students, here is what he had to say:

Continuing on their favourite subjects, Verma chimed in to say his favourite subject was ‘action’, given the fact that Rashtra Kavach Om is an action-packed film. It also features Jackie Shroff and Prakash Raj and hits the theatres on July 1.

Overall it was a fun-filled breezy one hour with the stars participating in impromptu questions and answer session. Students also were told to recite the “Om” chant the longest and handed out army outfit things as goodies.

Staff Reporter

Health

UAE to India travellers face new mandatory health declaration

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re travelling from the UAE to India, there’s a new travel requirement you shouldn’t miss.

India has introduced Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration system for all international arrivals. The form must be completed within 24 hours before your flight and is required before passengers are allowed to board.

The new system was introduced by India’s civil aviation authorities as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

What is Air Suvidha 2.0?

Air Suvidha 2.0 is an online self-declaration portal where travellers must provide their recent travel and health information before flying to India.

Passengers will be asked to submit details including:

Their travel history over the past 21 days
Any possible exposure to infectious diseases
Whether they are experiencing any related symptoms

Once the form is submitted, it is automatically shared with the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Is the form mandatory?

Yes. All international passengers travelling to India are required to complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form before boarding their flight.

Airlines may ask passengers to show proof that the form has been submitted before allowing them to travel.

Do you need a printed copy?

No. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a confirmation by email, which can simply be shown on a mobile phone upon arrival in India. There’s no need to carry a printed copy.

Completing the form in advance also helps speed up the arrival process by reducing paperwork at the airport.

Announcements

Good news for businesses: Sharjah slashes fees and fines

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.

The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.

What discounts are available?

Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:

50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
50% off security system subscription fees
50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies

Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.

How long will the discounts last?

The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.

Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.

India

Waiting for Indian passport services in the UAE? Here’s the latest update

Published

5 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to wait a little longer for regular passport, visa and attestation services to resume.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced that they will continue offering only emergency consular services until July 1, extending the temporary suspension of routine services by an additional day.

In a post on the missions’ official X account, the embassy said emergency requests for passports, visas, attestation and other consular services will continue to be processed during the transition period.

Why the delay?

The extension comes as the Indian missions complete the handover of outsourced passport, visa and attestation services to Alhind Tours and Travel LLC, which is set to begin operations in the UAE from July 1.

Under the transition plan, previous service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped accepting new applications after June 25, while regular appointments were suspended from June 26.

The missions said the extension is due to administrative reasons.

Need urgent assistance?

Applicants with emergency requirements can contact the Indian missions through:

Toll-free: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

The embassy said details about the resumption of normal services from July 2 onwards will be announced separately and advised applicants to follow its official social media channels for updates.