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AirAsia’s Big Sale Offers Low Fares to Exotic Destinations

AirAsia‘s FREE* Seats campaign is back, offering 10 million promotional seats to support tourism and boost economic activity throughout the region. With over 130 destinations on sale this year, the initiative seeks to enhance connectivity and strengthen the economies of various popular travel locales. Travelers can take advantage of this opportunity to discover stunning hidden treasures like Da Nang, Pattaya, Medan, Guwahati, Siem Reap, and more at no cost*, attracting tourists to these areas. The campaign also covers domestic locations in Malaysia such as Kuching, Penang, Langkawi, and Alor Setar, enabling holidaymakers to explore exciting spots and enjoy local cuisines, thus bolstering the tourism sector and local economies. For those looking to venture beyond Asia, AirAsia’s Big Sale provides special fares on AirAsia X for medium-haul destinations. Enjoy the architecture and local foods of cities like Taipei, Xi’an, Perth, Almaty, Tokyo, Seoul, and others with fares starting from RM279** for an all-in one-way ticket. To mark the launch of this eagerly awaited campaign, AirAsia is organizing the ‘Claw-some FREE Seats’ event at Sunway Velocity in Kuala Lumpur. This two-day event, starting today and concluding on 9 June 2024, features a giant human claw machine game, offering participants the chance to win fantastic prizes such as free flights, hotel accommodations, exclusive merchandise and more from partners like Santan, TTRacing, Montigo, Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks, Everland Resort Korea, Elevete, Playmade, and Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Andaz Macau. Paul Carroll, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Group said: “The AirAsia FREE* Seats campaign aims to fulfil our promise of delivering the best value for our guests while enhancing travel connectivity across the region with our extensive network. This initiative is a powerful driver of regional economic growth, and contributes towards revitalising tourism sectors as countries catch up on post-pandemic growth opportunities. “This year, Asean tourism is expected to see a significant rebound, with Malaysia targeting 27.3 million foreign tourists and Asean as a whole anticipating over 100 million tourist arrivals. By facilitating affordable travel, we help local businesses – from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and retail shops – thrive amid recovering global travel demands. As we enter the second half of the year, we look forward to generating a positive economic ripple effect across various sectors through this campaign, contributing to the overall growth and resilience of the regional tourism industry.”​ The AirAsia FREE* Seats campaign and Big Sale kick off today, June 8, 2024, at 12 PM (GMT+8). Enhance your travel experience by taking advantage of bundled add-ons. When you book during the promotional period, you can save up to 70%*** on baggage, in-flight meals, seat selection, and travel insurance. Be sure to pre-book and take advantage of these great savings! Alongside the FREE* Seats, AirAsia is also offering fantastic hotel deals through AirAsia MOVE. Book a minimum of two nights at select hotels, and enjoy your second night for just RM9. This promotion is available for stays in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines from June 10 to June 16, 2024, with travel valid from June 10 until December 31, 2024.

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New Vande Bharat bullet train soon,

While the dream of Vande Bharat trains has already come true, it's now time for the bullet train to take centre stage For the past decade, there has been much discussion about bullet trains and Vande Bharat trains in Indian Railways. While the dream of Vande Bharat trains has already come true, it's now time for the bullet train to take centre stage. Indian Railways is preparing to launch its own indigenous bullet train, which is expected to run at the speed of up to 250 kilometres per hour. According to reports, Indian Railways has tasked the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with constructing two standard gauge bullet trains within the current financial year. This marks the first time that trains capable of reaching 250 kilometres per hour will be manufactured in India. These bullet trains will be operated on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. To assist in the construction of the Vande Bharat bullet trains, Indian Railways is in discussions with Japanese rolling stock suppliers, Hitachi and Kawasaki. In 2018, the cost to build a 10-coach bullet train was Rs 389 crore, but by 2023, this cost had increased to Rs 460 crore. The bullet train project in India has faced delays. Initially, the project was slated for completion by 2022, but land acquisition issues in Maharashtra caused setbacks.

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1300-year-old centipedes discovered by archaeologists in the ‘middle of nowhere’

In a remote area of South America, archaeologists were astonished by an incredible find: a 43-meter-long engraving depicting a massive serpent. This remarkable rock painting is just one of over a thousand prehistoric engravings unearthed by a team of British-led researchers. Among these ancient artworks are depictions of giant centipedes, oversized animals, and colossal human-like figures. The discovery made along the Colombia-Venezuela border, offers fresh insights into the enigmatic civilisations of antiquity. Dr. Philip Riris of Bournemouth University, who led the expedition, expressed excitement about uncovering a previously unknown ancient culture in this remote part of South America. He hopes that these findings will shed light on the artistic and technological achievements of ancient societies, providing a deeper understanding of their heritage. Read more: Visiting these 5 Southern African countries will soon be possible with a single Schengen-like visa Of all the discoveries, the colossal serpent engraving stands out as particularly intriguing. Measuring 43 meters and located high on a 200-meter cliff, this awe-inspiring depiction is one of seven dedicated to the reptile. Researchers speculate that the serpent may have held religious significance, possibly serving as a conduit between people and the spiritual realm, mediated by a shaman. The worship of serpents, known as ophiolatry, was a widespread practice in ancient cultures worldwide, featuring prominently in religious systems and mythologies. Serpents were attributed with supernatural powers and were revered as symbols of fertility, immortality, and healing. The rock engravings, found along the Upper and Middle Orinoco River in Venezuela and Colombia, are monumental in scale, with the largest measuring over 40 meters in length. Dr. Phil Riris, lead author of the study, believes these engravings were intended to be visible from a distance, possibly serving as territorial markers or warnings to outsiders. The presence of serpentine imagery suggests a symbolic association with power and danger, reinforcing the idea of territorial boundaries. The team's discoveries have expanded our understanding of prehistoric societies in the region, mapping out 14 sites of monumental rock engravings. These sites, some previously known and others newly discovered, offer valuable insights into ancient trade networks and cultural interactions along the Orinoco River. Overall, the findings points to the importance of preserving and studying ancient rock art as a window into the past.

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Thailand opens doors: Two-month visa-free travel for Indian passport holders

Good news for Indian passport holders! Now, you can travel to Thailand for up to two months without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Sounds great, right? In a bid to boost tourism, the Thailand government has decided to open doors for individuals from various walks of life, including employees, students, and retirees, granting them the opportunity to extend their stay in Thailand. A total of 93 countries are included in this welcoming policy shift. The global tourism industry has faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a decline in tourist arrivals worldwide. In response, several countries, including Thailand, have implemented new measures to boost tourism and attract visitors from across the world. These measures predominantly involve relaxation of visa regulations. Thailand's recent decision to allow remote employees, graduate students, and retirees to stay for extended periods aligns with its aim to boost tourism and bolster the economy. This progressive move will come into effect next month, offering travelers from 93 nations the chance to explore Thailand for a duration of 60 days, providing ample time to immerse themselves in its rich culture and scenic landscapes. Furthermore, remote workers will benefit from an extended visa validity of five years, with each stay limited to 180 days. Thailand, known for its affordability and allure, has long been a popular destination for travelers worldwide. In 2023 alone, the country welcomed approximately 24.5 million foreign tourists. With initiatives like these, the Thai government aspires to attract even more visitors, aiming for a target of 25 to 30 million foreign tourists annually. Bangkok - The capital city Bangkok is a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition. Explore the iconic Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, and wander through the bustling streets of Chinatown. Don't miss the vibrant markets, serene temples, and flavorful street food that make Bangkok a sensory delight. Chiang Mai - Set in the northern mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its ancient temples, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage. Visit the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, trek through the pristine forests of Doi Inthanon National Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant night markets and local craftsmanship. Phuket - Phuket is Thailand's largest island and it is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Relax on the famous beaches of Patong, Kata, and Karon, explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands by boat, and indulge in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Ayutthaya - Historical Ruins: Step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just north of Bangkok. Marvel at the impressive temples, statues, and palaces that once formed the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and learn about Thailand's rich history and cultural heritage. Sukhothai - Ancient Kingdom: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sukhothai is home to the ruins of the first capital of Thailand, dating back to the 13th century. Explore the sprawling historical park, featuring well-preserved temples, Buddha statues, and intricately carved stonework, and witness the beauty of Thai architecture and artistry. Krabi - Natural Wonders: Krabi, located on the Andaman Coast, is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, and pristine beaches. Discover the picturesque Railay Beach, embark on a boat tour of the famous Phi Phi Islands, and explore the hidden caves and lagoons of Ao Phang Nga National Park.

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Air India to start non-stop services between Bengaluru and Gatwick

The Bangalore International Airport Ltd, the operator of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), on Friday (June 7) announced that Air India will inaugurate non-stop services between Bengaluru and London Gatwick (LGW) starting August 18. According to the statement issued by BLR Airport, the new route will offer five weekly flights, enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. “This exciting development marks Bengaluru as the first Indian city to have direct connectivity to the two largest airports in London – Heathrow and Gatwick, further reinforcing the strong economic and cultural ties between India and the UK,” BIAL said in a statement. The introduction of this service responds to the growing demand for travel between Bengaluru and London, offering passengers convenient and direct flight options. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL, said, “This new route will boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. London is one of our busiest long-haul markets and the new service will allow our passengers to have a choice of airports in London to travel to.”

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Bengaluru Airport launches India's first biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility

Now, DigiYatra domestic passengers flying with Tata Group Airlines from Terminal 2 of Bengaluru airport only need to scan their faces to initiate the self bag-drop process. Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has unveiled the country's first biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility. Earlier, passengers using the self-bag drop facility at the airport had to print a boarding pass at self-check-in kiosks. Later, the boarding pass had to be scanned to initiate the bag drop process. Digi Yatra, utilising face-scan biometric technology, enables domestic passengers to navigate airports without a boarding pass or ID. Bengaluru airport has been a pioneer in technology implementation, introducing a fully automated 'self-bag drop' system in 2018 and piloting DigiYatra in 2019 to reduce queues. Once declared, the machine will instruct the passenger to place the bag on the conveyor. It will then prompt them to attach the baggage tag (which can also be generated by the machine or printed by passengers at a self-kiosk beforehand). Once confirmed, the bag will be measured, weighed, scanned, and automatically fed into the baggage handling system, while also generating the baggage receipt. In case of excess baggage, passengers will be directed to the counter to complete payment. However, machines will soon offer a UPI payment option for passengers to pay for excess baggage on the spot. Those who do not want to opt for biometrics can continue to scan their boarding pass and initiate the self-bag drop process. Tata Group, including Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara, has piloted this initiative, and the facility will be extended to Bengaluru airport's Terminal 1 (T1) and other domestic airlines in a phased manner. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA, has partnered with Materna Group, headquartered in Germany, to implement the biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility. Airport officials said biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility would expedite baggage transactions and reduce check-in queues. BIAL, in a statement to Moneycontrol, said: "Bengaluru airport introduced the country's first biometric-enabled self-baggage drop facility at Terminal 2. Presently this facility is available only to passengers of Vistara, Air India, and Air India Express". "Through facial biometric authentication, DigiYatra passengers can eliminate the step of scanning their boarding passes and conveniently deposit their luggage at the self-baggage drop facility. This service not only expedites baggage handling but also empowers passengers with greater control over their travel experience", it added. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the US, the self-bag drop with biometric ID verification, implemented in 2022, reduces average processing time to 70 seconds per passenger, cutting bag check time by 30 percent. There have also been privacy concerns. In April 2024, there were reports raising concerns about the privacy of data shared with DigiYatra in connection with a former vendor Dataevolve, which has come under investigation. However, Digi Yatra Foundation claimed that it does not store the personally identifiable information of passengers and that the personal data of the Indian users are safe and secure.

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