Expat News

New Year Honours List Includes Indians In New Zealand 

This year’s New Year Honours List, presented by King Charles III, celebrates the incredible achievements of seven remarkable individuals in New Zealand. These honorees come from diverse backgrounds and have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, industries and fields of expertise. 

Among them are four Indian-origin honorees. Professor Harjinder Singh, a distinguished professor at Massey University, was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his groundbreaking contributions to food science. Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala, the visionary behind Sudima Hotels, was honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Jhunjhnuwala brought his entrepreneurial spirit to New Zealand, creating one of the country’s leading hotel chains. Dr. Rachel Simon-Kumar, Co-Director of the Centre for Asian and Ethnic Minority Health Research and Evaluation at the University of Auckland, was recognized as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Originally from Kerala, India, Dr. Simon-Kumar has made a profound impact through her research on ethnic and minority communities, with a focus on issues, such as family violence, reproductive health, and women in politics. Jyoti Parashar has received the King’s Service Medal for her selfless contributions to the Indian community in New Zealand. A social worker and advocate, Ms. Parashar has dedicated her life to supporting women, older adults, and those facing challenges, including domestic violence and mental health struggles. 

India’s Newest Airline Air Kerala Begins Hiring Ahead of Q2-2025 launch

India’s newest low-cost airline, Air Kerala, has initiated a massive recruitment drive ahead of its launch in the second quarter of 2025, Afi Ahmad, Chairman of the airline has announced. While technical and operational teams are being hired within India, commercial staff recruitment, including sales and marketing roles, is being conducted in the UAE. The airline is still awaiting its air operator certificate (AOC) from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline is expecting to receive the certificate ahead of its launch during Q2-2025.  The airline plans to commence domestic operations from Kochi to Tier-II and Tier-III cities in the second quarter of 2025, with international flights to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to follow.

PM Modi Hails Indian Diaspora In Kuwait

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted last week the role of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait in terms of "talent, technology and tradition." Addressing a large gathering of the Indian community in Kuwait in a special event, 'Hala Modi,' at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, Modi said: "The relationship that culture and commerce had built in the past is moving towards new heights in the new century. Today, Kuwait is a very important energy and trade partner of India. India is also a big investment destination for Kuwaiti companies." He also recalled what the Crown Prince said during their recent meeting in New York: "When You Are In Need, India Is Your Destination," recalling Indian assistance to Kuwait during the global pandemic, and also how Kuwaiti authorities came forward to help during the fire accident in Mangaf earlier this year.

No Petrol, Diesel Price Change in UAE For January 2025

The UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced that there will be no change in fuel prices for January 2025. Super 98 petrol will remain at Dh2.61 per litre, the same as in December. Special 95 petrol will continue to cost Dh2.50 per litre, unchanged from the previous month. E-Plus petrol will also maintain its price of Dh2.43 per litre, and Diesel will stay at Dh2.68 per litre, consistent with December's rates.