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The oldest beach on Earth was likely from this state of India

There is no denying the fact that scientists and researchers play a crucial role in deciphering many of our planet's evolutionary puzzles. Among these mysteries is the origin of beaches and landmasses, a topic that has continually evolved over time.As per a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by a team of Indian, Australian, and South African scientists, the first continents on Earth emerged approximately 3.2 billion years ago. This finding contradicts previous studies that suggested continents appeared only 2.5 billion years ago. What's particularly intriguing is the claim by researchers that the world's first beach might have arisen in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. Lead scientist Priyadarshi Chowdhury from Monash University in Australia focused on studying sedimentary rocks from the Singhbhum craton (a stable part of a continental crust). By analysing the chemical structure of zircon grains within these ancient rocks, dating back 3.1 billion years, the team inferred their origins from rivers and oceans, suggesting the presence of continental land at that time. They concluded that the Singhbhum craton rose above sea level approximately 3.3 to 3.2 billion years ago, possibly marking one of Earth's oldest beaches. According to reports, evidence was found in the form of sandstones in Singhbhum, bearing geological signatures of ancient beaches dating back 3.2 billion years. Contrary to the widely held belief that plate tectonics drove landmass formation, the study suggests that magma injections from Earth's depths played a significant role in creating the first continents in this region. The scientists explained in their study, "While debated, it's broadly agreed upon that continents began emerging above sea level nearly 2.5 billion years ago due to plate tectonics. Here, we integrate the igneous and sedimentary history of Archean cratons to demonstrate that stable continental landmasses started to emerge 3.3 to 3.2 billion years ago, over 700 million years earlier than previously thought." This groundbreaking research pushes back the timeline for continental formation by 700 million years, offering deeper insights into Earth's evolution and its relationship with the atmosphere and oceans, crucial in the context of ongoing climate change challenges. Until now, the prevailing understanding placed the age of continents at around 2.5 billion years. However, this recent study by scientists from India, Australia, and South Africa suggests an earlier emergence by approximately 700 million years. The lead scientist published these findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlighting that the first continents indeed formed nearly 3.2 billion years ago, with evidence discovered in Jharkhand, India.

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From Kanatal to Chitkul, 5 offbeat hill stations in North India to beat the heat

North India has some of the most beautiful hill stations that offer a serene escape from the sweltering summer heat. However, to get respite from the summer heat, people have been thronging popular hill destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Nainital, turning them overcrowded. In this case, it’s wise to turn toward the offbeat hill stations that also provide a perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. To sort this for you, here are five hidden gems in North India where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat and beat the heat. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh Chitkul is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Kinnaur district at an altitude of 3,450 m, Chitkul offers breathtaking views of the Baspa River and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The village is known for its rustic charm, wooden houses, and vibrant apple orchards. The temperature remains cool throughout the year, making it an ideal summer getaway. Hiking, exploring local temples, and savoring fresh trout are some of the activities you can indulge in here. Shoja, Himachal Pradesh Tucked away in the Seraj Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Shoja is a small village that promises an enchanting escape. Located at an altitude of 2,692 m, this lesser-known hill station is surrounded by dense forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron. The serene environment, coupled with panoramic views of the Himalayas, makes Shoja a perfect spot for nature lovers and peace seekers. A visit to the nearby Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake is a must. The area is also great for bird watching and short treks. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand Munsiyari is a charming hill station located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of 2,298 m, Munsiyari offers spectacular views of the Panchachuli peaks. This offbeat destination is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts, with popular treks leading to Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, and Nanda Devi Temple. The cool climate, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural heritage of the local tribes add to the allure of Munsiyari. Kanatal, Uttarakhand Kanatal, a quaint village in Uttarakhand, is a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Located at an altitude of 2,590 m, Kanatal is surrounded by apple orchards, pine forests, and meadows. The pleasant weather and serene environment make it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Adventure activities like camping, trekking, and rappelling are popular among visitors. Kausani, Uttarakhand Kausani, a picturesque hill station in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, is known for its stunning vistas of the Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1,890 m, Kausani features cool climate and lush green tea gardens, which make it a perfect summer retreat. Explore the Anasakti Ashram, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and the Baijnath Temple complex, which boasts intricate stone carvings. The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Kausani offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Eastern India’s biggest tourism fair answers all your travel queries

The three-day fest at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra is the 12th edition of the event. The fest is supported by the Union tourism ministry. Bihar, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh are the partner states. Pranav Prakash, regional director east, ministry of tourism, eastern regional office, was present at the opening ceremony on Friday. More than 70 stalls set up by different tour operators were buzzing throughoutthe day. Air travel data show that domestic travel has already shaken off the Covid scare. At the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, the operators said the demand for international trips was also back with a bang. Europe, Egypt and Vietnam were among the sought-after destinations, they said. Soumendu Ghosh, a Dum Dum resident, had come to the venue with his niece, Muskan Singh. “We are planning a family trip to Europe this Puja. We talked to multiple operators. It is good to have many options under one roof,” said Ghosh. Samim Halder, who came with his wife Afsana and two-year-old daughter Suzzain, was also planning to visit Europe in October. “I will take detailed plans from as many operators as possible and then compare them minutely before making the next move. This is going to be our first foreign trip. I have to make sure it is worth every penny,” said Halder, who came from Metiabruz. Every stall had visitors, most of them planning a Puja trip. The operators had pamphlets for customised trips. Mainak Chakraborty, who came from Naktala, loves visiting forests with a group of friends. “We are planning to visit Madhya Pradesh this year, just after the Puja,” said Chakraborty, who visited Kaziranga last summer. “United by a shared goal of promoting tourism and driving economic growth, the diverse group of stakeholders have come together to enhance the overall experience of the visitors and take them to their dream destinations, this Puja vacation,” the organisers said.

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India market ranked on top for Visit Maldives in 2023; roadshow in pipeline this year

Indian travel market was ranked as the best performing market in 2023, the statistics by Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (Visit Maldives) revealed. “India stands out as one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets today, and it remains a pivotal market for the Maldives,” added Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of MMPRC. To further boost the travel and help regain the market position for Indian inbound travellers, Visit Maldives and Manta Air, in collaboration with key resorts within the Maldives, have announced the upcoming Explore Maldives Roadshow. The roadshow, set to take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bengaluru on June 26, 2024, represents a significant step in strengthening the tourism bond between India and the Maldives. The event also aims to attract more Indian tourists and provide invaluable networking opportunities between Maldivian hospitality industry institutions and the travel industry leaders in India. “This event plays a crucial role in further developing the tourism industry of the Maldives and strengthening our relationship with the Indian travel market. The roadshow aims to promote the Maldives as a top destination to the Indian market, providing a wonderful opportunity for resorts and guesthouses to meet and network with Indian industry leaders, including travel agencies, tour operators, media, and more, to foster meaningful connections,” said Shiuree. “The event will undoubtedly serve as a crucial platform for tourism industry stakeholders to connect with the Indian market and showcase the Maldives as a premier destination, highlighting the unique offerings we are blessed with.” As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, such initiatives are crucial in driving sustained growth and enriching the travel experiences of tourists from both countries. The roadshow will underscore the Maldives as a premier travel destination, engaging over 150 top travel agents, tour operators, and representatives from both travel and mainstream media in India. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and explore the rich offerings of the Maldives. Highlighting the roadshow’s itinerary, major resort chains such as Universal Resorts, Minor Hotels, NH Collection, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, Sun Siyam Resorts, Villa Hotels & Resorts, PULSE Hotels & Resorts, AAA Hotels & Resorts, Angsana, COMO, RIU and many more resorts and guest houses are already set to participate, promoting and showcasing the appeal of the Maldives through presentations and dynamic networking sessions.

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Railways conducts trial run on world's highest arch rail bridge in J&K

Indian Railways on June 20 successfully conducted a trial run of a eight-coach MEMU train on the world's highest railway bridge — Chenab Bridge — in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for the start of rail service on the route from Reasi to Baramulla in Kashmir. "After an extensive inspection of the newly constructed Chenab Bridge by senior officers from Railway Board, Northern Railway and Konkan Railway, a trial run was conducted on a 46-km-long electrified line section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi at a speed of 40 kmph," the Railway Ministry said in a statement. "It was successfully carried out starting at 12:35 pm from Sangaldan and reaching Reasi at 2:05 pm. On the way it passes through nine tunnels with a combined length of 40.787 km and longest tunnel T-44 of 11.13 km," it added. According to the Ministry, it was the first ever full train that crossed over the iconic bridge between Dugga and Bakkal stations across the Chenab river, which is the world's highest arch railway bridge. The stations — Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga and Sawlakote — are situated in Reasi district of J&K. "The electrification work on this section has been executed with state-of-the-art technology, ROCS (Rigid Overhead Conductor System) at 25 kV, for the first time on railways," the ministry said. Upon the mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) train's arrival at Reasi railway station, chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' echoed as a large crowd gathered there to witness the historic event. The train carried employees working on the project as well as railway officials. People thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for connecting Reasi with Kashmir. "The train service from Reasi to Kashmir could commence by the end of this month," former sarpanch Raj Kumar Sharma, who attended the event, said. He recalled that 20 years ago, when the work started, there were many difficulties as the Railways had to carve paths through mountains and build tunnels. "Today, the engine arrived with a few coaches, and it is expected that a full train service will commence in the coming days," he said. Similarly, Tarun Sharma travelled from Reasi railway station to Dhugga and described the journey as historic. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, including the 48.1-km-long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024. Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km long Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009 under the Congress-led UPA govt. Subsequent phases saw the inauguration of the 18 km long Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.

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Now book IndiGo flight tickets on WhatsApp

Booking flights just got a lot more fun. IndiGo, India’s favorite airline, is shaking things up with the launch of their AI booking assistant, 6Eskai, on WhatsApp. Yes, you heard that right – now you can sort out your travel plans while chatting with friends. How cool is that? IndiGo’s 6Eskai is not just any assistant; it’s built on an AI platform by Riafy, a Google partner. It is like a digital travel agent that can help you book tickets, check-in, generate boarding passes, check flight statuses, and even answer your random travel queries – all on WhatsApp. It's like having a personal travel agent right in your pocket. And it speaks your language too – English, Hindi, and Tamil. To get started, just drop a WhatsApp message to +91 7065145858. Powered by Google Cloud’s Large Language Models, 6Eskai will make travelling easier for frequent flyers.With some high-level prompt engineering, it can understand your emotions, throw in a bit of humor, and make your interactions enjoyable. This assistant doesn’t just get the job done, it does so with flair. 6Eskai can handle anything you throw at it. Need to book tickets, apply discounts, or check-in online? No problem. Want to pick your seat, plan a trip, or just ask a question? Easy peasy. And if you ever need to talk to a real person, 6Eskai can connect you with an agent too. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital & Information Officer at IndiGo, is thrilled about this new feature. "We are delighted to announce the launch of our AI-powered travel booking assistant, 6Eskai, on WhatsApp. As India's preferred airline, IndiGo is committed to delivering superior digital services by harnessing cutting-edge technology. This new feature underscores our dedication to technological innovation and the enhancement of customer experience. It is designed to provide immediate, personalized support to our valued customers, reflecting IndiGo's unwavering commitment to progress and customer satisfaction,” Chopra shared. Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD at Google Cloud India, couldn’t be more excited. “We're excited to join forces with IndiGo, a brand celebrated for its exceptional customer experiences and cutting-edge solutions in the aviation industry. By utilizing Google Cloud’s leading AI technologies, IndiGo will provide new customer experiences that tackle complex challenges, accelerate innovation, and ultimately deliver more value to users,” Bedi said. IndiGo’s new WhatsApp assistant, 6Eskai, is set to make your travel booking experience smoother and more entertaining. So next time you need to book a flight, check your flight status, or just want to have a little chat, remember – IndiGo is just a WhatsApp message away. Happy travels!

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