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Flights have resumed in Qatar after the country lifted a temporary airspace suspension imposed in the wake of Middle East tensions.

The move comes as a major relief for thousands of passengers impacted by the abrupt airspace closure on Monday.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/air-india-suspends-flights-to-and-from-middle-east-europe-and-north-america-amidst-middle-east-conflict-71528.htm">Air India suspends flights to and from Middle East, Europe, and North America amidst Middle East conflict</a>

Qatar Airways confirmed the restoration of its operations. In a post on X, the airline announced, “Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar.<br><br>Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly.<br><br>We’ve deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support…</p>&mdash; Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) <a href="https://twitter.com/qatarairways/status/1937259503088529763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The suspension was implemented as a precautionary measure in response to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the closure was a proactive step to "ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors."

By Tuesday, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that air traffic had returned to normal. "The return of the atmosphere to normal" was made possible after close coordination with relevant agencies, the authority noted.

In an official statement, the GCAA expressed appreciation for the swift and effective collaboration across government bodies and stakeholders. "The Authority commends the great cooperation shown by all partners and the efforts of all state entities to ensure the safety and security of aviation in Qatari airspace,” the statement read.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indigo-prudently-resumes-middle-east-flights-as-gulf-airspace-reopens-amid-tensions-71537.htm">IndiGo 'prudently' resumes Middle East flights as Gulf airspace reopens amid tensions</a>

Qatar Airways resumes operations following airspace reopening amid Middle East tensions

IndiGo Airlines has announced the gradual resumption of its operations in the Middle East, following the reopening of airspace in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

The airline had earlier suspended flights across the region in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"As airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, we are prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes," IndiGo stated in a travel advisory on Tuesday. "We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Travel Advisory<br><br>As airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, we are prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes.<br><br>We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless…</p>&mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1937315528508358828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The advisory urged passengers to stay updated via the airline's mobile app or website, while expressing gratitude for the patience and trust.

The move comes after a brief closure of airspace by Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait on Monday night amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. 

IndiGo had earlier posted on X that all its flights to and from cities including Doha, Dubai, Dammam, Bahrain, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Madinah, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Tbilisi, and Ras Al-Khaimah were suspended "at least until 1000 hrs" on Tuesday due to the "evolving situation."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Travel Advisory<br><br>In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, our flight operations to and from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Madinah, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, Riyadh, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi have been suspended at least until 1000hrs…</p>&mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1937244705819115614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/air-india-suspends-flights-to-and-from-middle-east-europe-and-north-america-amidst-middle-east-conflict-71528.htm">Air India suspends flights to and from Middle East, Europe, and North America amidst Middle East conflict</a>


IndiGo 'prudently' resumes Middle East flights as Gulf airspace reopens amid tensions

Elon Musk’s vision of a driverless future is beginning to take shape as Tesla officially launched its Robotaxi pilot service in Austin, Texas. After years of anticipation and repeated delays, a limited number of Tesla’s autonomous vehicles — based on the Model Y — are now operating in designated areas of the city.

The debut rollout is currently limited to select social media influencers and digital creators as part of a soft launch. Each Robotaxi ride is priced at a flat $4.20 and operates under a controlled pilot with a human safety monitor present in the front passenger seat.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tesla_AI</a> robotaxi launch begins in Austin this afternoon with customers paying a $4.20 flat fee!</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1936834688188129503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While Tesla’s move has captured global attention, it’s worth noting that Alphabet’s Waymo has been running autonomous ride-hailing services in select U.S. cities since 2018. What sets Tesla apart is its use of vision-based AI systems — relying on cameras rather than radar or lidar — a decision that has sparked debate among safety experts and regulators, especially under foggy or low-visibility conditions.

How Robotaxi Works

Currently, Tesla’s Robotaxi service runs a small fleet of 10–20 vehicles in geofenced areas of Austin, operating between 6 AM and midnight. The vehicles avoid highways, airports, and adverse weather conditions.

The ride-hailing process mimics traditional cab apps. Once opened to the public, users will be able to download the Robotaxi app, enter their destination, confirm the ride, and track the vehicle’s arrival. Features include ride customisation via Tesla’s interface — from adjusting climate control to music — and the ability to update destinations mid-ride.

Passengers can monitor the journey in real time, with safety controls that allow them to pause or stop the ride if needed. Each trip begins only after the rider confirms details through the app and taps “Start.”

Musk celebrated the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Super congratulations to the @Tesla_AI software & chip design teams on a successful @Robotaxi launch!! Culmination of a decade of hard work.”

While it’s early days for Tesla’s autonomous cab ambitions, the Robotaxi launch marks a tangible step toward Musk’s larger goal of deploying one million self-driving cars globally. For now, Tesla is cautiously testing the waters — one ride at a time.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/elon-musks-x-plans-physical-debit-card-linked-to-x-money-as-part-of-super-app-vision-71392.htm">Read More: Elon Musk’s X plans physical debit card linked to X Money as part of 'super app' vision</a>

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In a significant product shift, Meta has announced that all videos posted on Facebook — whether short or long — will now be published in the Reels format. This move signals the end of traditional video uploads on the platform, as Meta pushes ahead with its short-form content strategy.

Until now, Facebook users had the option to post standard videos or create Reels, each offering different tools and layouts. With the latest update, Meta is consolidating both into one unified video format — Reels — in a bid to simplify the user experience and boost engagement.

Interestingly, Meta is also removing the usual restrictions associated with Reels. While the format is known for its short, vertical style, the new system will allow longer and even horizontal videos to be uploaded as Reels, offering creators more flexibility.

The company is also streamlining its privacy and publishing settings. Users will now be able to apply the same audience controls to both Feed posts and Reels, making content management easier and more consistent across the board.

As part of the update, Facebook’s familiar "Video" tab will be rebranded as the "Reels" tab. Despite the name change, Meta says video recommendations will remain personalised based on user preferences and activity.

The rollout includes enhanced editing tools such as music, effects, templates, and filters — aimed at giving creators richer options to elevate their content. However, Meta has confirmed that videos posted in the older formats will remain accessible on users’ profiles and pages.

“Video content you’ve already shared isn’t going anywhere – it will remain on your profile or Page for your audience to enjoy, and creators will be eligible for distribution,” Meta said in an official blog post.

The update is part of Meta’s broader strategy to prioritise short-form video and compete more aggressively with platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/elon-musks-x-plans-physical-debit-card-linked-to-x-money-as-part-of-super-app-vision-71392.htm">Read More: Elon Musk’s X plans physical debit card linked to X Money as part of 'super app' vision</a>

Facebook to publish all videos as reels in major meta update

Elon Musk is setting his sights on an entirely new frontier: your finances. After transforming industries from electric vehicles and space travel to social media, the world’s richest man is now planning to roll out financial services via his platform X—formerly known as Twitter.

The push is part of Musk’s ambitious plan to turn X into a “super app” similar to China’s WeChat. His goal is to create a platform where users can shop, store and send money, support creators, and even trade—all without leaving the app.

According to reports, X is gearing up to launch branded credit and debit cards, potentially as early as this year. The financial tools will debut in the United States before expanding to international markets. Visa has already signed on as the platform’s first payments partner.

The new service, dubbed X Money, will include a digital wallet and peer-to-peer payment options, effectively turning X into a fintech hub. “You will be able to go on X and conduct all your financial transactions on the platform,” said X CEO Linda Yaccarino during a session at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. She described the service as the cornerstone of “a whole commercial and financial ecosystem that doesn’t exist today.”

However, experts say the path to a finance-driven future for X won’t be smooth. Regulatory hurdles—ranging from money-laundering checks to licensing in different markets—could complicate the company’s expansion plans.

X is also working to recover its advertising business following the mass advertiser exodus that followed Musk’s takeover in 2022. Concerns over content moderation and brand safety had driven many marketers away, after some ads appeared next to controversial content.

Despite ongoing concerns, Yaccarino claims that 96% of advertisers who paused spending after the acquisition have returned. Market intelligence firm eMarketer estimates that X will bring in $1.9 billion in ad revenue in 2024, up from a post-acquisition dip, but still far below the $4.1 billion it earned in 2022.

The financial push comes as part of a broader product revamp. In December 2024, Yaccarino teased several upcoming features including X TV, X Money, and Grok, X’s in-house AI chatbot, hinting at a major transformation in 2025.

With a global user base, an aggressive product roadmap, and deep pockets, Musk is betting that X can become more than just a social media platform—it could be your next bank.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/openai-cuts-ties-with-scale-ai-after-meta-partnership-71084.htm">Read More: OpenAI cuts ties with Scale AI after Meta partnership</a>

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Reddit is the only place where you can find genuine human perspectives about the things you care about – this includes cricket and now Sachin Tendulkar! 

Today, Reddit announced that Sachin Tendulkar has joined Reddit as a new brand ambassador. This collaboration underscores Reddit's commitment to fostering digital communities centered around shared passions like cricket. It also reflects Reddit's growing relevance in the broader sports landscape, recognizing the significant engagement and enthusiasm sports generates among its diverse user base. Earlier this year, Reddit announced a partnership with Serie A, the professional football league in Italy, and last year, announced a new partnership program with major US professional sports leagues, including NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour and Nascar. Sports, as an interest group on Reddit, is one of the fastest-growing groups (+30% YoY), bringing together highly engaged fans across over 1000 communities (1).  

Beginning this month, sports fans will have exclusive opportunities to engage with Tendulkar, one of cricket’s most beloved heroes, in Reddit communities, including the fan-run r/SachinTendulkar. Through his official Reddit profile, u/SachinTendulkar, the iconic player will share personal reflections, match insights, and exclusive content. In the coming months, Tendulkar will also appear in a new marketing campaign for Reddit in India as well as other markets throughout the world.

“For me, cricket has always been about that pure connection with people, on and off the field. In getting to know Reddit, what stands out is the sheer passion that brings its communities together,” said Sachin Tendulkar. “I’m especially looking forward to discovering conversations on r/IndiaCricket and r/IndianSports. It’s a unique platform where people truly share what they love. This association gives me an opportunity to connect with fans in new ways and celebrate our shared love for sports.” 

“Sachin Tendulkar, a name synonymous with cricket excellence, possessed a remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and unite people through his extraordinary talent. His presence on the field fostered a powerful sense of community among fans, who were drawn together by their shared admiration for the "Master Blaster," said Reddit’s Vice President of International Growth, Durgesh Kaushik. “This unifying community spirit is precisely what we aim to empower and cultivate at Reddit. We envision Reddit’s cricket communities becoming vibrant digital spaces where fans from every corner of the globe can come together, connect, and share their passion for the sport, and most importantly, engage directly with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. We are immensely proud and excited to officially welcome the "Master Blaster" as Reddit’s Brand Ambassador. We believe that his participation will enrich the experience for cricket fans worldwide, offering them unprecedented opportunities for interacting and connecting with one of the game's greatest icons.”

Over the last year, Reddit’s “Cricketverse”, consisting of fan-operated communities like r/IndiaCricket (+73% YoY (2)) and r/MumbaiIndians (+58% YoY (2)), has seen record-breaking momentum: 

●	+3.7B screenviews to cricket communities on Reddit in the last 12 months (3) 
●	+32M global engagements (posts, votes, comments) in cricket communities on Reddit in the last 12 months (4) 


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/reddit-launches-ai-tools-to-help-brands-tap-into-real-time-community-sentiment-70614.htm">Read More: Reddit launches AI tools to help brands tap into real-time community sentiment</a>

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar named brand ambassador for Reddit

The UK's data protection regulator has warned the makers of air fryers, smart TVs, fertility trackers, and smart speakers to respect people's right to privacy following a slew of users raised complaints saying they feel powerless about how data is gathered by such devices. The complaints alleged that smart air fryers were designed to breach privacy by listening to their surroundings and collecting various types of information.

The UK-based Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has demanded that manufacturers and data handlers ensure data security and ensure regular deletion of collected information.

The CIO has also asked 'spying' appliances to remain transparent with their consumers and avoid 'excessive' surveillance.

An officer of the ICO stated that while devices are meant to make lives easier, they have no liberty to collect excessive amounts of information from their consumers.

"We should not have to choose between enjoying the benefits of smart products and our own privacy," the expert emphasized.

The new guidance also lashed out at other devices that are broadly known as part of the "Internet of things", which collect data that needs to be carefully handled.

For instance, people have raised issues against fertility trackers which collect dates of periods and body temperatures and send them back to manufacturer's servers and make an inference about fertile days based on this information.

From air fryers to TVs, UK regulator tells smart device makers to prioritize user privacy

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran called the crash of Flight AI 171 the most heartbreaking incident of his professional life, as he addressed employees at the airline’s headquarters and training academy in the wake of the fatal Ahmedabad-London accident.

“I’ve seen many crises in my career, but this is the most heartbreaking one,” Chandrasekaran said, recounting his visit to the crash site and the devastation witnessed. He conveyed the company’s deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families, calling them part of Air India’s extended family.

In his address, Chandrasekaran urged employees to stay focused and resilient amid grief, criticism, and uncertainty. “If you feel distraught, the word you should remember is determination. We need to show resilience and use this moment to build a safer airline,” he said.

He also underscored the complexity of aviation operations and advised staff not to jump to conclusions before official investigation results are released. “This is the time to be calm, to be brave, and resolute,” he said.

During his visit to the Emergency Command Centre, the Integrated Operations Control Centre, and Customer Service and Support units, Chandrasekaran praised the behind-the-scenes work of Air India employees. “Every small action you do, executed with perfection, builds the larger success of the airline,” he noted.

He closed by reaffirming the airline’s long-term mission: “Our job is to get Air India to the place it deserves—one that earns the trust of this country and the people who fly with us. Stay the course.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/air-indias-tragic-setback-tata-led-airline-brand-under-safety-and-service-scanner-70228.htm">Read More: Air India’s Tragic Setback: Tata-led airline brand under scanner</a>

Chandrasekaran calls Air India crash 'most heartbreaking' of his career, urges staff to stay determined

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is going full throttle on artificial intelligence—and he’s taking the hiring process into his own hands. According to a Bloomberg report, Zuckerberg is personally building a new elite AI team with a bold mission: to develop “superintelligence,” AI systems that could eventually surpass human reasoning.

And for the right talent, the pay is reportedly extraordinary—possibly reaching nine figures, positioning it as one of the most lucrative and highest paid AI jobs in the world.

The urgency behind this new push stems from Zuckerberg’s dissatisfaction with Meta’s AI progress so far, particularly the development of Llama 4, the company’s latest large language model. While Meta has made strides in deploying AI across its ecosystem—from Facebook and WhatsApp to Ray-Ban smart glasses—it continues to trail rivals like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google in the race for true AI dominance.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/scale-ais-alexandr-wang-to-join-metas-superintelligence-mission-jason-dorege-to-be-interim-ceo-of-startup-70176.htm">Read More: Scale AI's Alexandr Wang to join Meta's superintelligence mission; Jason Dorege to be interim CEO of startup</a>

Zuckerberg has responded by going hands-on. He’s held direct meetings with top AI researchers at his homes in California and has reorganized Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters to house the new AI unit just steps from his own office. He plans to build a 50-member team of world-class AI researchers and engineers to drive Meta’s superintelligence ambitions forward.

One major figure reportedly involved is Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, a data labeling firm that may receive billions in investment from Meta to accelerate its AI efforts.

Funding for the initiative will come from Meta’s robust advertising business, insiders say, giving Zuckerberg the financial firepower to compete in what’s become a global AI arms race.

With companies like Google DeepMind, Apple, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI also gunning for breakthroughs in artificial general intelligence (AGI), Zuckerberg is betting Meta can distinguish itself by continuing to open-source its Llama models—similar to what Android did for mobile. It’s a strategic move designed to win developer mindshare and encourage widespread adoption.

Whether Meta’s all-in gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Zuckerberg wants Meta not just in the AI race—but at the front of it.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/with-ai-push-alphabet-amazon-and-meta-together-to-acquire-54-7-of-global-ad-market-warc-70220.htm">Read More: With AI push, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta together to acquire 54.7% of global ad market: WARC</a>

Mark Zuckerberg’s AI gambit: Superintelligence, nine-figure salaries, and a team of 50

India’s leading private airlines—IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air—have extended heartfelt solidarity to Air India following the tragic crash of Flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad, which has claimed over 260 lives in one of the worst air disasters in the country’s history.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London with 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing nearly all onboard and several people on the ground.

In an outpouring of support, all three private carriers issued statements on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):

IndiGo said, “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident at Ahmedabad airport. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families. We stand united in spirit with Air India in this very difficult time.”

SpiceJet echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are truly saddened by the tragic incident... Our prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their loved ones.”

Akasa Air issued a similar message and, like the other carriers, removed its display picture and header images across social platforms in a mark of collective mourning.

Expressions of grief came from across the corporate and political spectrum. Tata Group, which owns Air India, expressed “profound sorrow” and pledged full support to bereaved families. Gautam Adani, whose group operates Ahmedabad airport, confirmed close coordination with authorities on rescue and relief.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan cancelled a scheduled event, saying, “We are with the country.” President Droupadi Murmu called it a “heart-rending disaster,” while Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu visited the crash site on directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident triggered immediate ripples in the financial markets: shares of IndiGo fell around 3%, SpiceJet dropped 1.5%, and Boeing—maker of the ill-fated aircraft—saw a 7–9% decline in pre-market US trading.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have launched a full investigation. Authorities are analysing black box data, pilot communication logs, and weather conditions at the time of the crash. No preliminary findings have been released yet.

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran confirmed that the airline has activated an emergency response centre and dispatched family support teams to assist next of kin and survivors.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/air-indias-flight-path-forward-a-test-of-legacy-and-leadership-70137.htm">Read More: Air India’s flight path forward: A test of legacy and leadership</a>

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