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World Sea Turtle Day: 5 beautiful place to witness turtle hatchlings in India

India is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The country is also home to a diverse range of natural habitats that host a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles. These ancient reptiles, known for their remarkable nesting and hatching habits, can be observed at several coastal locations across the country. On the occasion of World Sea Turtle Day, let’s have a look at five places in India where you can witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon: Velas Beach, Maharashtra: Set in Ratnagiri district, Velas Beach is noted for its conservation efforts aimed at Olive Ridley turtles. Every year, from February to April, these endangered turtles return to Velas Beach to lay their eggs. The Velas Turtle Festival, organised by the locals in collaboration with conservationists, provides a unique opportunity to witness the release of hatchlings into the Arabian Sea. Agonda Beach, Goa: While Goa is famous for its lively beaches and vibrant nightlife, Agonda Beach offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere ideal for witnessing Olive Ridley turtles nesting and hatching. Conservation initiatives ensure that the beach remains a safe haven for these turtles, especially during the nesting season from November to March. Morjim Beach, Goa: Another gem in Goa for turtle enthusiasts is Morjim Beach, particularly known for hosting the nesting sites of the endangered Kemp's Ridley turtles. The Morjim Turtle Conservation Project plays a crucial role in protecting these turtles and organizing awareness programs for visitors interested in observing the hatchlings making their way to the sea from March to September. Rushikulya Beach, Odisha: Rushikulya Beach, located near Berhampur in Ganjam district, Odisha, is famous for hosting one of the largest mass nesting events of Olive Ridley turtles in the world. The spectacle, known as the arribada, occurs annually between January and March, attracting thousands of turtles to lay eggs. Witnessing thousands of hatchlings emerging from their nests and scrambling towards the ocean is a breathtaking sight. Little Andaman Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The pristine beaches of Little Andaman Island, particularly Kalipur Beach and nearby locations, offer a secluded setting for observing the nesting and hatching of Leatherback turtles and Green turtles. The island's remoteness and conservation efforts ensure a serene experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to witness these majestic creatures from December to February.

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7 non-Schengen countries you can explore with a Schengen visa

A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows one to access 29 countries within the Schengen Zone — which we already know. However, did you know that this visa also offers you the remarkable ability to travel globally? Well, up to 67 countries allow Indian travellers to enter with this document. Note that there are specific conditions, and visa regulations can change without notice, so always confirm with the visa office of your destination country. So, here is a list of some non-Schengen countries you can visit with a valid Schengen visa. Türkiye Visa information: Indian passport holders with a valid Schengen visa can apply for a single-entry e-visa valid for one month via the official Turkish e-visa website, provided they meet certain conditions such as having a return ticket, hotel reservation, and sufficient financial means. Türkiye, straddling Europe and Asia, offers a rich blend of cultures, historical landmarks like Hagia Sophia, and vibrant cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Saudi Arabia Visa information: Travellers can obtain a visa on arrival upon presenting a Schengen visa, as long as it’s been used at least once. This visa allows a 90-day stay during a validity period of 365 days. Saudi Arabia, with its modern cities and ancient archaeological sites, offers a unique travel experience. Visitors can explore the futuristic city of Riyadh, the historical city of Jeddah, and the ancient Nabatean city of Al-Ula. Montenegro Visa information: Travellers who have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa are permitted to remain in Montenegro for a maximum of 30 days, with a yearly limit of 180 days, without the need for an additional visa. Montenegro, known for its rugged mountains and mediaeval villages, is a gem of the Balkans. Highlights include the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and the coastal town of Budva. Serbia Visa information: Entry and stay up to 90 days during a six-month period with a valid Schengen visa. Serbia, located in the heart of the Balkans, offers a mix of vibrant city life and scenic natural beauty. The capital, Belgrade, is famous for its lively nightlife, while the country’s national parks, such as Tara and Djerdap, provide stunning natural retreats. Egypt Visa information: Travellers can obtain a single-entry visa for 30 days within three months with a valid Schengen visa. Egypt, home to the ancient pyramids and the Nile River, is a destination rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the bustling city of Cairo, the historic temples of Luxor, and the serene beaches of the Red Sea. Aruba Visa information: A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa allows for a stay of 30 days, not exceeding 180 days per year. Aruba, a Caribbean island, is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can enjoy the capital, Oranjestad, with its colourful Dutch colonial architecture, or relax on the famous Eagle Beach. Colombia Visa information: Travellers from India, Thailand, and six additional nations are eligible for visa-free entry to Colombia if they possess a Schengen or US visa. Colombia, with its diverse landscapes and rich culture, offers a wide range of attractions. From the historic city of Cartagena and the bustling capital, Bogotá, to the coffee region and Amazon rainforest, Colombia has something for every traveller.

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Sikkim: Massive landslides leave over 1,200 tourists stranded; 9 lives lost

Over 1,200 tourists, including 15 foreigners, are stranded in Sikkim's Mangan district due to massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall (for more than 36 hours), an official reported on Friday. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang convened an emergency meeting in Mintokgang to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Principal Secretary of the Sikkim Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, C S Rao, stated that the Chief Secretary's office has initiated proceedings to airlift the stranded tourists. “As per the ground report, around 1,200 domestic and 15 foreign tourists (two from Thailand, three from Nepal, and ten from Bangladesh) are stranded in Lachung, Mangan district due to road blockages caused by heavy rainfall and landslides,” Rao said. As per reports, the death toll in the state due to landslides triggered by excessive rainfall has reached nine. Rao assured the safety of all the stranded tourists and urged locals to remain cautious. He also confirmed that there is an adequate stock of food supplies and rations to cater to the needs of those stranded. If necessary, tourists will be evacuated by road as a last resort. The landslides have resulted in severe property damage, disruption of road connectivity, power outages, and a breakdown in food supplies and mobile networks in several areas. Stretches of roads are blocked, and houses have been flooded or damaged due to heavy rains, with electric poles swept away, officials reported. CM Tamang directed officials to closely monitor the situation and expedite efforts to restore connectivity. Measures are being taken to address the most critical issues, with an appeal to the public to stay alert and adhere to safety guidelines while normalcy is restored. In North Sikkim, the collapse of a newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang, along with a destroyed bamboo bridge, has further complicated the situation for stranded tourists. The bridge at Sangkalang, constructed last year after a flash flood in the Teesta river, is part of the disrupted infrastructure. Local officials are working to construct a bridge at Phidang to restore connectivity. The CM’s meeting was crucial for strategizing and coordinating the response to the disaster, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and tourists alike.

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Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge will soon see train services

Good news coming from Kashmir! The Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi district will soon see trains running on it. Soaring some 359 m above the Chenab River, it is the highest rail bridge in the world. The bridge is a fine example of human intelligence. This engineering marvel will help overcome daunting geographical obstacles to create a landmark of modern infrastructure and connectivity. But the news here is that the Northern Railway has announced that very soon the train service from Ramban to Reasi will pass over the world's highest railway bridge. As of now, trains operate along the Kanyakumari to Katra route, with services running from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Vishesh Mahajan, Reasi's Deputy Commissioner, told ANI, "This is an extraordinary engineering feat. The day when trains start running to Reasi will be transformative for the district. Our engineers have achieved a marvel—it's the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge's construction, resilience against wind speeds, all are remarkable. While an exact date remains uncertain, we eagerly await its opening." Railway officials have recently conducted thorough inspections of the newly constructed railway line and stations between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi. Sujay Kumar, Deputy Chief Engineer of Konkan Railways, described the project as highly challenging. "The affected communities are very pleased. We anticipate completion in the near future," he remarked. Some quick interesting facts about the bridge: 1) Each side of this globally acclaimed structure measures approximately one-fourth the size of a football field. 2) A total of 30,000 metric tons of steel were used in the construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge. 3) This bridge was built at a cost of ₹14,000 crore. 4) It is engineered to endure extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as -40°C and seismic activity. 5) Additionally, it can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h. Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, commenced in October 2009. Subsequent phases included the inauguration of the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.

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Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Gujarat shortlisted for UNESCO’s Prix Versailles Award 2024

In a recent update, Gujarat’s Smritivan Museum has been shortlisted for UNESCO’s prestigious Prix Versailles Award 2024. The place holds memories from the past which gives it an emotional angle. The building is a symbol of human resilience, preserving memories and offering hope as it is dedicated to Gujarat’s eventful earthquake that claimed hundreds of lives. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Gujarat has earned a place among seven remarkable museums competing for the esteemed Prix Versailles Award, an annual UNESCO competition since 2015 showcasing outstanding modern architectural projects globally. Spread across 470 acres, Smritivan pays homage to those affected by the devastating 2001 earthquake in Bhuj, which claimed about 13000 lives. The museum features seven thematic blocks—Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew—symbolise the journey from tragedy to recovery. This nomination highlights Smritivan's architectural brilliance and cultural significance, positioning it as a global model for disaster memorials. Its innovative design integrates harmoniously with nature, promotes sustainable practices, and celebrates cultural heritage, aligning perfectly with the award’s criteria. Read more: Mysterious 4000-year-old structure unearthed in popular Greek island Crete The winners of the 2024 Prix Versailles Awards—recognising excellence in architecture, interiors, and exteriors—will be announced at UNESCO headquarters in late November. Established to promote architectural projects that blend economic, cultural, and ecological dimensions, the Prix Versailles celebrates structures that enhance societal well-being and environmental stewardship through design. The devastating earthquake that struck Gujarat on January 26, 2001, with its epicenter near Bhuj, remains a tragic chapter in India's history. Registering a magnitude of 7.7, the quake claimed approximately 13000 lives and left over 167,000 injured, devastating homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the region. The aftermath saw a massive humanitarian response, with national and international aid pouring in to assist in rescue and relief efforts. The disaster prompted significant reconstruction and resilience efforts, leading to improved disaster preparedness and recovery strategies in the affected areas.

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IMD forecasts increased rainfall in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra

The IMD has announced a notable increase in rainfall activity along the coastal regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra starting June 8. According to the forecast, heavy rainfall is expected to impact several states. Goa, Karnataka, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Sikkim are all anticipated to experience heavy rain until June 10. In Kerala, heavy rainfall is forecasted for June 9, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod districts today. Additionally, a yellow alert is in place for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to experience rainfall on June 9 and 10. Madhya Pradesh will witness rainfall and strong winds in some parts. An orange alert has been issued for Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Betul, Ujjain, Jhabua, and Alirajpur districts. Meanwhile, Delhi will have a partly cloudy sky with chances of dust storms or thunderstorms, accompanied by light rain. A yellow alert has been issued for the national capital, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 42°C and 29°C, respectively. The weather change is due to a fresh western disturbance, providing relief from the recent heatwave. In Mumbai, residents will experience a partly cloudy sky with light rain and thunderstorms. The IMD forecasts maximum and minimum temperatures of approximately 35°C and 29°C, respectively. The city is poised to see the onset of the monsoon between June 9 and 10, marking a significant change in the weather pattern. Heatwave conditions are predicted in several regions, prompting the IMD to issue alerts. Northeast Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand will experience isolated heatwave conditions from June 8 to 11, while Bihar is expected to face heatwave conditions on June 9 and 10. Similar conditions are forecasted in Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana from June 9 to 11. In Uttar Pradesh, certain regions will face heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from June 8 to 11

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