News

Google Maps' new patent reveals Multi-Car navigation for group travel

Tech giant Google is reportedly poised to revolutionize group travel with a new feature for Google Maps, according to a recent patent application. This functionality, aimed at users traveling in multiple cars, could transform how people navigate to shared destinations. As one of the most popular navigation apps globally, Google Maps continues to innovate, helping solo travelers with precise, step-by-step directions. However, the new development indicates a shift towards enhancing the experience for groups as well. The patent, filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office on June 25 and highlighted by @xleaks7, reveals a feature called “Providing Navigation Instructions to One Device in View of Another Device." This service would allow individuals starting from various locations to travel to a common destination within a similar timeframe. The navigation system will reportedly leverage users' calendar schedules and messages to ascertain their travel plans. If multiple users are detected, the system can coordinate the journey by sending invitations for multi-car navigation and providing synchronized directions to all parties involved. Users might also have the option to manually request multi-car navigation while planning trips. The system would display the locations of all travelers on the map, highlight shared routes, and suggest meeting points. Additionally, it could recommend speed adjustments to keep the group together. Moreover, the navigation service is designed to relay traffic and road condition data to all vehicles in the group, using information from the lead vehicle's journey. Notifications would be sent if any vehicle deviates from the planned route, and suggested stops could be communicated to help others catch up. This feature is expected to work not only on smartphones but also on devices connected to a car's infotainment system via USB or Bluetooth, making it a versatile tool for coordinated travel. As Google Maps continues to evolve, this potential new feature underscores the company's commitment to enhancing user experiences and meeting the diverse needs of its global user base.

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BigPay Introduces Innovative Save To Travel Stash for Easy Travel Budgeting

Planning expenses for a trip is an essential aspect of travel, and BigPay’s new ‘Save to Travel Stash’ feature simplifies this process. It allows users to automatically round up their spare change from each transaction, helping them save for their next getaway effortlessly! In addition to saving directly into a ‘Save to Travel Stash’ account, BigPay users and cardholders can set up automatic scheduled transfers into the Stash, ensuring quicker and more convenient progress towards their next international journey. Click here for detailed terms and conditions. For a limited time until September 30, 2024, BigPay users who maintain an average balance of RM1,000 over 30 days in their ‘Save to Travel Stash’ will receive a 1% cash rebate on all international spending within Asia using the BigPay card. Zubin Rada Krishnan, CEO of BigPay said, “We are excited to introduce our first Save-Now-Spend-Later product in collaboration with the MOVE Digital ecosystem. The ‘Save to Travel Stash’ is a reflection of our ethos of empowering our customers to spend responsibly and sustainably. With this new product, a BigPay customer can save money for their dream holiday in an effortless way by saving a little with every transaction until they hit their goal. This new Stash is one way we are helping our customers turn everyday transactions into extraordinary experiences. BigPay is pleased to collaborate with AirAsia MOVE, the region’s leading OTA (online travel agency), to enhance the excitement of using the ‘Save to Travel Stash’ feature. During the campaign period (now until September 30, 2024), anyone who activates the feature and deposits funds into the Stash or makes purchases with BigPay on AirAsia MOVE will qualify for a monthly lucky draw contest. Winners stand a chance to win a free trip to any destination in Asia valued at RM2,000*. Here’s how to link your BigPay account to AirAsia MOVE in a few easy steps: Open AirAsia MOVE and tap the BigPay widget at the top of the screen. Tap the ‘Link Account’ button to begin. Read the data sharing advisory and tap ‘Allow’. Your BigPay app will open. Enter your password to log in. Follow the on-screen prompts to agree and continue. Receive notification of successful linking.

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India all set to get world's largest museum at Raisina Hill by 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently announced that India will transform the North and South Blocks of Delhi's Raisina Hill complex into the world's largest museum by 2025. If reports are to go by, this ambitious project will create a museum nearly double the size of France's Louvre. Shekhawat, while speaking to the media, made this revelation and expressed his pride in being part of this historic initiative. An agreement between France and India has been signed to facilitate this monumental endeavor. The Minister added that once the Central Vista redevelopment project is complete and offices are shifted in 2025, the North and South Blocks will be converted into a museum, highlighting the scale of the project. The proposed museum will showcase the rich and diverse history of India, spanning over 5,000 years. This will provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of India's cultural and historical heritage, housed in a setting of grand architectural significance. Shekhawat also mentioned another significant event on the horizon: the meeting of the World Heritage Committee, of which India is a signatory. This meeting will be held in India for the first time next month. "I am sure that India, which occupies the third place in the world in the number of world heritage sites, will get one more heritage site this time," he added. This reflects India's ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage on a global stage. The redevelopment of the Central Vista and the conversion of the North and South Blocks into a museum align with India's broader goals of cultural preservation and tourism promotion. The Central Vista project aims to add more life to the heart of India's capital, and create modern and functional spaces while respecting the historical significance of the area. The new museum is expected to become a major cultural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. It will serve not only as a repository of India's past, but also serve as a symbol of its future aspirations. By partnering with France, home to one of the world's most famous museums, India is positioning itself as a global leader in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. In conclusion, the development of the world's largest museum at Raisina Hill is a testament to India's rich history and its commitment to cultural preservation. With the support of France and the successful completion of the Central Vista project, this museum will stand as a beacon of India's past and future, offering an unparalleled cultural experience to visitors from around the globe.

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IMD issues ‘orange’ alert for two days in Delhi

The scorching heat wave in the capital has left people distressed. The humidity is too high, however, intermittent strong winds provided some relief. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Delhi on Tuesday and Wednesday. During this time, clouds will cover the sky and there will be a strong dust storm with a speed of 30 to 40 km/hour. As a result, the maximum temperature may reach up to 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may be recorded at 27 degrees Celsius. The monsoon rain has unleashed almost the whole country but Delhi is still waiting for its share of rain.. However, according to the IMD, heavy rain is expected to bring relief to the capital and nearby areas from today. After severe heat and humidity in Delhi-NCR, it is now time for relief as per predictions. According to the IMD, the capital and surrounding areas are likely to experience a strong downpour and the weather will change, and remain pleasant. After the onset of the monsoon, there has been a significant build-up of humidity in Delhi-NCR, but now there is hope that this will be relieved soon. IMD predicts that there will be clouds in the sky over the capital and surrounding areas for the next seven days. Moderate to heavy rainfall is possible in Delhi-NCR over the next two days. There may be strong winds and thunderstorms. IMD had predicted rain in Delhi on July 1 and had also issued an orange alert, but instead of rain, there were only continuous changes in the sky. Experts believe that there may be a change in the mood of the weather today, and the game of clouds will continue, and rain will come and go. According to IMD, there is a possibility of heavy rain in Delhi on July 2 and 3, and moderate rain until July 6, after which there is hope of rain continuing with strong winds. Today, there may be a significant reduction in temperature. There is a possibility of minimum temperature being 27 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature dropping to 3 points to 33 degrees Celsius. Because of this, relief from the heat can be obtained.

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5 COUNTRIES WITH RECENTLY UPDATED VISA POLICIES; FIND OUT HOW INDIANS WILL BE IMPACTED

In recent months, several countries around the world have made notable changes to their visa policies and requirements. These updates can have significant impacts on Indian citizens looking to travel abroad for business, leisure, education, or other purposes. It's important for Indian travellers to stay informed about the latest visa developments in key destination countries, to ensure they have all their documents in place. So, here is a list of 5 countries that have implemented notable visa changes. Australia: As per the reports, Australia has announced a significant increase in student visa fees for international students, doubling from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068), effective July 1. Additionally, certain temporary visa holders, including those on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, will no longer be able to apply for a student visa from within Australia. The minimum savings requirement for student visas has also been raised from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576). This will impact Indian students, who are the second-largest group of international students in Australia. New Zealand: On June 26, 2024, New Zealand revised its visa regulations, affecting certain foreign workers and their families. The changes aim to streamline the visa process and align it with economic and immigration priorities. The main change is that holders of Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway can no longer sponsor partners or dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas. However, partners and dependents can still apply for their own visas if eligible. Ongoing visa applications will be assessed under the old regulations. Italy: Italy's digital nomad visa recently opened for applications, which allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Italy for one year, bypassing the 90-day stay limit. Italy joins more than 50 countries offering similar visas. Self-employed freelancers and corporate remote workers, deemed ‘highly-skilled,’ can apply if they meet criteria like having a remote job, earning a decent sum annually, no recent criminal record, valid health insurance, and documented accommodation. Europe: The European Union also recently updated visa rules, wherein Indian nationals can now apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity. The European Commission adopted the 'cascade' regime for Schengen visas for Indian nationals. This regime allows easier access to multi-year visas. Indian nationals who have lawfully used two Schengen visas within the past three years can now obtain a long-term, multi-entry visa valid for two years, followed by a five-year visa if their passport remains valid. Germany: Germany recently updated its skilled worker visa rules to attract more talent in engineering, IT, and healthcare. If reports are to go by, the country needs around 400,000 skilled employees annually to address labour shortages. Starting June 1, 2024, the 'Opportunity Card' allows non-EU citizens to relocate to Germany for a year to seek jobs. Applicants need at least two years of vocational training or a relevant degree, and proficiency in German or English.

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Pilgrims can view Kailash peak from September 15

In a recent update, devotees will be able to view the sacred Kailash peak from September 15 from the 18,300 ft high old Lipulekh pass. The pass, situated in the Vyas valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, holds immense religious significance. Now pilgrims will have the rare opportunity to behold the sight of Kailash in Tibet as the historic pass will reopen for common pilgrims. The announcement was made by Pithoragarh District Tourism Officer Kirti Chandra Arya. Before this, the route was inaccessible due to closure since 2019 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The route via Lipulekh pass towards Kailash-Mansarovar has been eagerly awaited by l.devotees. Although the pass remains unopened by China, pilgrims can now journey in their vehicles up to Lipulekh from Dharchula starting mid-September. From there, a short 800-meter trek on foot leads to a vantage point offering clear views of the majestic Kailash peak. The significance of this reopening extends beyond spiritual pilgrimage, marking an important milestone in Uttarakhand’s tourism. Minister Satpal Maharaj and his wife Amrita Rawat recently visited and admired the peak from this iconic pass on June 22, underscoring the cultural and religious importance of the region. Acknowledging the permissions granted by the Central government, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department is actively preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate safe and hassle-free access for tourists. District Magistrate Reena Joshi confirmed ongoing efforts in this regard, highlighting the meticulous planning underway to ensure a seamless experience for visitors. This initiative not only revitalizes tourism but also reconnects devotees with their spiritual heritage, offering a chance to witness both the Kailash peak and Om Parvat from within Indian borders. As preparations intensify for the reopening, anticipation builds among pilgrims and tourists alike, eager to explore this revered passage once more. The reopening of the old Lipulekh pass signifies more than just a geographical passage; it represents a renewed cultural and spiritual journey, promising unforgettable vistas and experiences for those who embark on this historic pilgrimage route. Lipulekh Pass, situated in the Himalayas, connects Uttarakhand in India with Tibet and Nepal. Historically significant for trade and pilgrimage, it serves as a crucial route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The pass offers stunning vistas and challenges trekkers with its rugged terrain.

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