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Archbishop of Delhi Leads Indian Delegation to Jordan’s Historic Christian Sites

In a remarkable display of faith and cultural exchange, the Most Reverend Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi, led a delegation to Jordan from December 16-19, 2024. Accompanied by Rev. Gershombhai Khristi, Auxiliary Secretary of the North West India Auxiliary and Allahabad Auxiliary Bible Society of India, the group explored Jordan’s rich biblical heritage. The visit reaffirmed Jordan’s standing as a significant destination for Christian pilgrimage and faith-based tourism. The delegation’s spiritual journey began at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be the location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. At this profoundly sacred site, the group attended Mass, immersing themselves in the deep spiritual history that resonates throughout the region. Archbishop Couto reflected on the experience, stating, “To stand at the site where Jesus was baptized is a powerful reminder of the deep roots our faith has in this land.” This visit reinforced the profound significance of Jordan as a pivotal part of the Holy Land narrative, offering visitors a chance to connect with biblical events. The delegation next traveled to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have gazed upon the Promised Land before his death. Standing at the Memorial Church of Moses, they marveled at the panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and the Holy Land beyond. Archbishop Couto described the experience as humbling, adding that Mount Nebo is “a place where the past, present, and future converge.”

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KSRTC's launches 38 extra buses for smooth travel across Kerala

The festive season is in full swing, and to meet the growing travel demand during Christmas and New Year, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced 38 additional festive special buses. These extra services are designed to ease commuting for passengers traveling to major destinations like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mysuru, as well as for those traveling within Kerala. With the surge in holiday travel, KSRTC’s initiative aims to provide smoother, more convenient transportation, ensuring that passengers can reach their destinations comfortably and on time. This move reflects KSRTC’s proactive approach to enhancing interstate and intrastate connectivity during the busy festive period. By adding buses on high-demand routes, the corporation is aiming to provide more travel options and greater flexibility for passengers. Additionally, the introduction of improved online booking options makes it easier for travelers to plan and book their journeys in advance, further minimizing inconvenience. For those traveling interstate, KSRTC is adding 34 extra buses to the Bengaluru route, which will offer much-needed relief for passengers heading to one of the busiest destinations in the region. Additionally, 4 special buses will be introduced on the Chennai route, further improving connectivity between Kerala and the Tamil Nadu capital. Recognizing the influx of pilgrims during the festive season, KSRTC is also launching special buses to Sabarimala to ensure that pilgrims can travel with ease. Intrastate travel is also receiving a significant boost, with 24 additional buses being added on popular routes within Kerala. Key routes such as Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur will benefit from these added services, helping passengers travel more comfortably across the state. From Kozhikode, 8 buses will be dedicated to major routes, including Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, offering both low-floor Volvo buses and deluxe options for added comfort.

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Thailand's e-visa system is coming in 2025

Thailand is all set to launch its e-visa system globally on January 1, 2025. Travellers will be able to apply for visas online at 94 Thai embassies and consulates across the world thanks to this revised system, which will do away with the requirement for lengthy paperwork and in-person visits. With the Thailand e-visa system in place, candidates will be able to apply for a visa seamlessly entirely online at www.thaievisa.go.th, the official website. The technology allows online payment of visa fees in the majority of countries and supports 15 languages. Applicants will receive approved visas electronically, making the procedure easier for workers, students, and visitors. The e-visa system offers several advantages for travelers and Thai authorities: Convenience: Travelers can apply anytime, from anywhere. Reduced paperwork: Eliminates the need for physical documentation. Faster processing: Expedites entry procedures at Thai borders. Enhanced security: Integrates visa data with relevant agencies for better screening. This system was first introduced as a trial program in 2019 and was progressively extended to 59 embassies and consulates by October 2024, covering nations such as India, Pakistan, Laos, and Kuwait. Testing and optimisation were done in this stage, ensuring that it has a seamless global implementation in 2025.

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Indian Railways plans centrally heated sleeper train

Indian Railways eyes two special trains for Jammu & Kashmir! Indian Railways plans to introduce two new train services to enhance Kashmir connectivity in the coming month. A centrally heated sleeper train will operate between New Delhi and Srinagar, offering a 13-hour journey through snow-covered mountains and across the 359-m-high Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The train will provide premium comfort but will not include second-class sleeper coaches, sources told ET. Previously it was being speculated that the Vande Bharat sleeper would debut on the Kashmir route, but that doesn’t appear to be the case now. Vande Bharat for Katra-Baramulla Route in Jammu & Kashmir - For the Katra-Baramulla route, an eight-coach Vande Bharat train with chair car seating will be introduced, a senior railway official told the financial daily. - The Vande Bharat Express for Jammu & Kashmir also incorporates specialised features including silicon heating pads for water tanks to prevent freezing, and toilets with warm air circulation through specially designed ducts.

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Rome's famous Trevi Fountain reopens for tourists after restoration

Rome's famous Trevi Fountain reopened Sunday following a three-month clean-up, but visitors will for now be limited to 400 to avoid the crowds of the past, said the city's mayor. Imposing the limit, which might later be modified, will "allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion", Roberto Gualtieri told journalists in front of the famous landmark. Gualtieri also said the city authorities were considering charging a modest entry price to finance, among other things, the fountain's upkeep. The clean-up of the fountain and other key city sites, is aimed at "returning most of the monuments to the city in time for the start of the Jubilee" Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome's superintendent for cultural heritage sites, told AFP-TV. The jubilee of the Catholic Church begins on December 24. The Trevi fountain, a baroque masterpiece, is one of the most visited sites in Rome. Featured in many films set in the city, it famously appears in a classic scene in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", when Anita Ekberg invites Marcello Mastroianni to join her in the fountain's basin.

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Saudia Soars to Victory, Named Cabin Crew of the Year at Aviation Business Awards 2024

Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, has achieved a significant milestone, securing the prestigious Cabin Crew of the Year award at the 18th edition of the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2024. This accolade reflects Saudia’s relentless dedication to providing world-class service and redefining the global travel experience. The award recognizes the exceptional professionalism, commitment, and care exhibited by Saudia’s cabin crew, who set the standard for global hospitality. Blending local Saudi talent with a dynamic international team, Saudia’s crew delivers authentic Saudi warmth and generosity while ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and enriched journey. This achievement underscores Saudia’s role as an ambassador of the Kingdom’s values of respect and hospitality. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, expressed his pride in the recognition, stating: “This recognition for our cabin crew is a testament to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of our team. At Saudia, enhancing the guest experience is our mission, and this award by one of the region’s most respected aviation publications highlights our leadership in delivering world-class service. Saudia’s cabin crew exemplify the essence of Saudi hospitality, combining warmth, generosity. We are honored to represent the Kingdom on the global stage and will continue striving to elevate the travel experience for our guests.”

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