A weather alert has been issued for parts of India as thunderstorms, rain and hail are predicted to hit several areas across the country.
The India Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain and hailstorms for southern Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, northern Punjab and Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Western Himalayan Region and Madhya Pradesh over the next four days.
"The thunderstorm activity over most parts of the country is likely to continue till May 3 and reduce significantly thereafter from May 4," the IMD said.
It said the wet spell "over the entire country is likely to subside from May”.
Rain has already brought cooler weather in various states including in the capital Delhi, where a brief spell of rain on Monday brought the temperature down to 28°C — 10°C below the seasonal average.
In Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai, many awoke to intense rain on Monday. It fell at a rate of nearly 8cm an hour in the Chromepet area.
Rough seas are expected off the state’s coast and authorities have advised fishermen to exercise caution.
Heavy rain also lashed areas of western Rajasthan, with Bhilwara region receiving the highest rainfall at 7cm.
India has recorded unprecedented heat for the past few years and the India Meteorological Department had earlier forecast an “enhanced probability” of heatwaves between March and May.
It recorded its hottest February, in the north-west, since records began in 1901, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the country’s preparedness to deal with hot weather, the readiness of states and hospital infrastructure for emergencies.
But a prolonged spell of rain as well as hail and thunderstorms damaged crops in northern states such as Punjab and Haryana — the breadbaskets of the country.
Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
More coverage from the Future Forum
THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
