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Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 Gets Going In All Its Glory

The much-awaited 15th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival started today on its brand-new virtual platform. Music led the way to the inaugural session of the literary extravaganza which was graced by the highly acclaimed artists namely B.C. Manjunath, Darshan Doshi, Nathulal Solanki, Pramath Kiran & Praveen D. Rao. The 2022 edition of the iconic Festival began with an inaugural address by Festival Co-directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple and Festival Producer Sanjoy K. Roy. “I hope the Jaipur Literature Festival will provide solace for many of us, particularly the book-lovers who have missed the joy of live events with their favourite authors. It is a unique lineup; no other literary festival in the world has writers like these years after year and we are incredibly proud to present them to you at Clarks Hotel in Jaipur over the next few days," said Festival Co-director William Dalrymple The ensuing session took audiences to a conversation between Nobel Literature Abdulrazak Gurnah and Alexander Pringle on people, communities and their lives. Pringle began the session by introducing Gurnah and quoted Nobel Academy while noting that his work examines the “uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.” At the session, Gurnah described his relationship with language and how he grew up hearing various languages. “English was very much a learned language and not a spoken & learned language but kind of a studied language, in a way that people are taught French in a peculiar way. I think from around the age of 8 or 9, I just felt so much at ease in English, and it didn’t seem strange or a peculiar talent," Gurnah said. At another session, American writer and journalist Patrick Radeen Keefe discussed his book on the murky world of big pharma Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty, with Managing Director of Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer Sanjoy K. Roy. During the session, Radeen Keefe stated, “Part of what I was trying to do in the book was to tell a story not just about the opioid crisis or the last few decades but really take a deeper look at the history of the big pharma industries in the United States and the ways in which that industry, I think, has compromised a lot of public institutions”. At another session, award-winning British-Turkish novelist and activist Elif Shafak discussed her latest novel, The Island of Missing Trees - a delicate tribute to the agony of war, displacement and undying hope, with Nandini Nair. Shafak talked about the duality of settling down versus living a more nomadic lifestyle, which has been very crucial for her because of the way she grew up, in different cities and with different cultures. Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, in conversation with novelist and journalist Sandip Roy, talked about his book, The Magician, a tribute to Thomas Mann. Tóibín shared that Mann’s widow Katia Mann, wrote a memoir called Unwritten Memories, wherein she describes their visit to Venice and how her husband couldn’t stop staring at a Polish boy at the beach. Katia was amused but was tolerant of her husband’s homosexuality. As the sessions for the day came to an end, the 15th edition of the prestigious Festival featured speakers Gita Sahgal along with Nayantara Sahgal on Nayantara’s recent non-fiction book Encounter with Kiran which is a chronicle of her long correspondence with writer Kiran Nagarkar.

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Universal Studios In Hollywood Ends Its Covid-19 Curbs

It must be a moment of relief for people after Universal Studios Hollywood announced that it will no longer require guests visiting the theme park to wear masks or show proof of vaccinations or a negative Covid-19 test. The recent development happened in anticipation of Los Angeles County lifting most masking requirements, Deadline reported. “Beginning on Friday, March 4, and in accordance with government guidelines, guests will no longer be required to wear facial coverings, or show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood," said a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson. Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia were all forced to close for more than a year due to the pandemic and reopened last year under health protocols that have been amended and revised in response to COVID-19 case numbers and orders from county health officials. “Facial coverings continue to be strongly recommended while indoors," the spokesperson added. A few days ago, Disneyland made similar changes, citing “masks are optional for guests in outdoor areas but are required for unvaccinated guests in all indoor locations." Los Angeles Times reported that despite the mask mandates and health protocols, the parks have moved forward with many of their most popular events, including Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights and Disneyland’s Christmas Fantasy Parade.

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Indonesia, Malaysia to ease Covid-19 travel curbs on foreign visitors

Indonesia is considering a quarantine waiver for foreign visitors to its holiday island of Bali from next week, officials said on Saturday, while neighbour Malaysia announced the removal of curbs on travellers from Thailand and Cambodia. Indonesia and Malaysia have imposed some of the strictest entry procedures in Asia to try to contain Covid-19 outbreaks and keep new variants at bay, but the restrictions have battered their tourism sectors. The Indonesian waiver for visitors vaccinated against the coronavirus was under discussion but likely be decided by President Joko Widodo on Monday, said a spokesperson for the coordinating maritime affairs and investment ministry. Jodi Mahardi also said visitors from 23 countries, including Australia, the United States, Germany, and Netherlands, would qualify for a visa on arrival under revised rules. Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini of Bali's government tourism office also confirmed the quarantine waiver plan to Reuters but said the final decision was with the central government. Malaysia will allow vaccinated arrivals from Cambodia and Thailand to skip quarantine from March 15. Several daily flights fly from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh, Bangkok and the island of Phuket. Malaysia has so far waived quarantine for arrivals from Singapore, while Indonesia has since October granted entry to visitors from specified countries to Bali and has progressively reduced quarantine time to three days. The moves follow neighbours the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, which have waived quarantine in return for Covid testing before departure and upon arrival.

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Kashi Vishwanath Dham set togive a boost to religious tourism

The Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which has given a booster dose to the Covid-hit tourism industry, is now paving way for a upswing in the tourists’ footfall as Hindus from across the globe will visit the city to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. With the opening of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the tourism industry is noticing development of a religious circuit covering Kashi-Ayodhya-Prayagraj as pilgrims visiting Ramjanmaboomi and the Sangam city are also preferring to pay a visit to Kashi. “With the opening of KVD in December we started receiving queries from people living in western and southern states. They all were interested in visiting Kashi,” said Vinod Yadav, a representative of a Delhi-based travel company. Another travel company official Neeraj Sharma said, “Earlier, hill stations used to draw maximum tourists. But now people are keen in undertaking religious tours and Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj are the main spots.” Banaras Hotel Association’s president Gokul Sharma said, “Kashi Vishwanath Dham registered a record breaking footfall of pilgrims on January 1. The tourists’ inflow is continously on the rise despite the restrictions imposed in view of Covid-19." Asked why the tourism industry has put so much stakes in Varanasi when figures show a high footfall in Prayagraj, Agra, Braj circuit and Lucknow, joint director, UP tourism, Avinash Chandra Mishra said, “In Prayagraj, Magh Mela and Kumbh attract tourists, while Agra region, comprising Mathura and Vrindavan, usually receives day visitors who prefer to stay in dharmshalas. Lucknow records high tourist inflow as people visit the state capital for different purposes. The industry is now looking at Varanasi as it is famous world over as a destination for spiritual tourism.” Vice-president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators Ravi Gosain said that expectation of the hospitality sector from Varanasi is high because it is showing better prospects for religious tourism in comparison to other cities. UP minister of state (independent charge) for tourism, religious affairs and culture Neelkanth Tiwari said, “Efforts for revival of tourism industry had been started with Deepotsava in Ayodhya and Dev Deepawali of Kashi. But KVD’s opening resulted in a considerable jump in the footfall of religious tourists in the second half of December.”

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InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa opens its doors

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of InterContinental® Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, the first property for the luxury brand in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Located on the sparkling shoreline of Hayat Island, just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, the five-star haven brings the InterContinental life to the Arabian Peninsula, combining idyllic island-style living with the warm hospitality of authentic Arabia. His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Zaabi, Chairman of RAK Properties, said, “We are pleased with this qualitative addition to our company, which owns great assets in the world of real estate and luxury. The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa from IHG, added a new value for lovers of nature, beauty and contemporary authenticity. We are always keen to improve our business and projects and achieve the highest levels of luxury and distinguished services, and it is no secret to everyone the position that the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has reached in the world of tourism in general, and hotels and resorts in particular.” Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East and Africa said, “InterContinental Hotels & Resorts have been pioneering luxury travel in new destinations for over 75 years and the undiscovered destination of Ras Al Khaimah couldn’t be more perfect for a new, best-in-class InterContinental resort. Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation has grown internationally and has put the Emirate on the world travel map. Its focus on heritage, cultural and adventure activities has a strong appeal to domestic and also international visitors. We look forward to welcoming guests to this exquisite property and offer a level of bespoke hospitality that is befitting of the region.” The resort’s design is inspired by the three original tribes of the emirate, the Desert, Mountains and Sea, and offers 351 sea facing rooms, suites, and private pool villas, six dining outlets, and an exclusive Club InterContinental offering. The resort is elegant yet lively with its design fusing modern conveniences with Arabian aesthetics, from patterned fabrics to artworks inspired by the wider region. From Classic Seaview Rooms to Family Villas, all abodes face the sea, complete with discreet private balcony and terrace areas, offering breezy panoramas of blue hues, that are perfectly paired with morning coffees or evenings shared with friends, family or loved ones during the amber twilight. The One-Bedroom Private Pool Villas are a luxurious sanctuary, equipped with their very own private pool. The 150sqm villas offer a sublime sleeping, living, dining and pool experience in a blissful ambiance where the décor, furniture, and the latest technology create a relaxing environment for travellers and a home-away-from-home experience. The Presidential Suite is the largest of all accommodations, providing immediate access to the lapping waters just outside your door. Where elegance meets style, the 200sqm suite perfectly captures the island aesthetic of the wider resort. Club InterContinental guests receive elevated privileges and avail an end-to-end guest experience with a dedicated check-in area and access to the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge with its own pool, as well as lavish à la carte breakfasts, afternoon teas and a range of evening cocktails crafted by the on-site mixologist. A dining destination in itself, the resort is also home to six all-new culinary outlets, offering an assortment of venues each with their own unique story. Levant & Nar delivers Levant influenced delicacies with a modern twist, featuring an open kitchen that emanates aromatic seasonings and spices, quintessential to this part of the world. The restaurant’s terrace is the perfect place to enjoy leisurely al fresco dining alongside a fire pit, with 360-degree sea views, and themed Ottoman nights every weekend. NoHo, inspired by the artistic streets of North Houston in New York offers a trendy hangout, perfect for sharing platters, enjoying the latest in mixology, and late-night entertainment. The poolside ShaSha serves alfresco bites, frozen cocktails and sweeping ocean views, and is the perfect place to relax with shisha and take a front seat to nature’s spectacular sunset show. The location for cinema under the stars, sunrise yoga and salsa, ShaSha is a buzzing hub of entertainment. Whether you choose to while away the hours on the white sandy beach which overlooks the royal blue of the Arabian Gulf, spend warm, sunny days by the infinity pool, enjoy a variety of water sports or take advantage of the resort’s curated activity programme- there’s something for everyone, including little ones. Younger guests can revel in the Planet Trekkers and Teens Club facilities, equipped with indoor and outdoor spaces. Only available at select InterContinental resorts, Planet Trekkers provides a curated program to actively engage children and enhance their view on the world. Complete with state-of-the-art equipment, the resort’s light flooded health club is the perfect place to get a workout in, complete with a separate fitness studio, outdoor tennis court, as well as segregated male and female saunas to relax in after. Spa InterContinental, scheduled to open in April, is replete with a range of soothing anti-aging and wellness treatments, along with modern remedies to melt away stress and enliven the senses, including a traditional Turkish Hammam. From the dazzling coastal sands to the far-reaching desert-cloaked topography, the resort’s Concierge Programme – a dedicated hallmark of the InterContinental brand – is on hand with a wealth of knowledge about Ras Al Khaimah’s unique treasures and how to best explore them, curating individual experiences for every guest. The resort also offers almost 1,000sqm of impressive meeting venues, including a spacious 360sqm ballroom and two large meeting rooms, with bespoke catering options.

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Skywalk from New Delhi railway station to metro station thrown open for public

In a major boon for commuters, especially those relying on public transport, a dedicated skywalk providing seamless connectivity between the New Delhi railway station and the neighbouring metro station was thrown open for public on Saturday. The 242-metre long modern facility will also help in streamlining the traffic flow on the Ajmeri Gate side of the railway station, officials said. The skywalk has been provided with escalators along with facilities such as CCTV surveillance cameras. "The dedicated skywalk, constructed by the DMRC in collaboration with Northern Railway, for providing seamless connectivity between the Ajmeri Gate side and the adjacent New Delhi Metro stations on the Yellow Line and the Airport Express Line was opened for passenger use from today morning," a DMRC spokesperson said. The newly-constructed skywalk is an extension of the foot over bridge (FOB) inside the railway station and connects the Ajmeri Gate side of the railway platform with the New Delhi metro station as well as the multi-level parking The construction of this unique skywalk in a hub witnessing significant traffic was a major engineering challenge which was further compounded by the disruptions posed due to Covid-19 pandemic, officials said. "The structure had to be built above a functional underground metro station just three metres below, with major traffic movement on Bhavbhuti Marg. Also, the bridge had to be connected to two pre-existing building structures at the far ends ensuring minimum inconvenience to the people, infrastructure and other buildings nearby," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said. The New Delhi metro station is located on the Yellow Line of the network with interchange station facility for Airport Export Line.

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