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UAE to offer visa support for Indians hosting Abu Dhabi destination weddings

Dubai: Do you fancy a destination wedding in a royal Emirati setting? To establish Abu Dhabi as a premier wedding destination, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) has announced an initiative to extend visa support to Indian nationals hosting weddings across the Emirate. The ADCEB, which is a part of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, is undertaking this initiative to establish the UAE capital as a premier wedding destination, a statement released here said. The recently announced new visa initiative contributes to Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy 2030, which aims to boost visitor numbers to 39.3 million by 2030. The destination wedding segment is among the newest verticals to join the ADCEB as part of an verarching objective to attract domestic and international visitors and increase the sector's contribution to the GDP to AED 90 billion as per the 2030 strategy, the statement said. India is recognised as one of the largest markets for destination weddings globally, making it a key target market for Abu Dhabi. By extending visa support to Indian weddings, in the form of absorbing costs, the ADCEB's destination wedding segment aims to position Abu Dhabi as a worldleading destination for weddings and celebrations of all kinds. It provides an avenue to amplify the Emirate's unique cultural and entertainment offerings, cultural attractions and natural landscapes for international audiences. Weddings are also a key revenue stream for the hospitality sector, driving venue and hotel room occupancy, and the service industry sectors such as wedding planning, photography, catering, personal services and more, said the statement. For more information about the visa initiative please visit this website .

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India to Cambodia first direct flight: Cambodia Angkor Air to launch direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi

The flow of tourists between India and Cambodia expected to double year-on-year, with direct flight connectivity and demand for medical tourism in India. Cambodia's national flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air on Tuesday said the first-ever direct flight services between the two nations will start from June 16 between Phnom Penh and New Delhi four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Koy Kuong, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia to India, said he was hopeful that the flow of tourists between the two nations will double year-on-year, with direct flight connectivity and demand for medical tourism in India. Before the Covid pandemic, around 75,000 people from India used to visit Cambodia every year, and the number is around 45,000 per year as per 2021 figures, the Ambassador told PTI. He added that he expects more people from Cambodia seeking medical treatment to come to India "because the cost of treatment is less as compared to neighbouring countries". Cambodia Angkor Airline CCO Eng Molina said the pricing per person for a round trip from New Delhi to Phnom Penh is around ₹23,000, including taxes.

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Where to see the northern lights all over the world

The thought of the Northern Lights is enough to get anyone dreaming of snow-capped scapes and psychedelic skies. Despite being the off-season, seven solar storms over the last weekend triggered solar flares that led to the surprise Aurora Borealis sightings across the world. Luckily for those who missed it, the NOAA and NASA forecasts predict the current cycle of solar flares will peak next July. Here are some destinations you can visit to catch a stronger-than-ever Aurora this year. Skálholt, Iceland This historic town is a part of Iceland’s famed Golden Circle route and was the country’s capital for over 700 years. The Skálholt Cathedral and the 5 Million Star Hotel — a stargazing campsite in the middle of the forest — are popular spots to catch the Aurora Borealis. North Norfolk coast, England Perhaps one of the few places to catch the Aurora Borealis in the UK. Two sites within Norfolk’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty were also awarded the Dark Sky Discovery Site status. Ingraham Trail, Canada One of the most famous destinations for catching the Northern Lights, this 70 km-long trail begins in the town of Yellowknife and ends at the remote Tibbit Lake. How to reach: Hop on a flight to Toronto or Vancouver and then fly to Yellowknife and keep driving along Highway 4 till you reach Tibbit Lake. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden Ditch the Swedish Lapland experience for a more intimate affair in this small village located 18km from Kiruna. It is also home to the world’s largest snow and ice hotel, first built in 1989. It is reborn every winter and melts away into the Torne River each summer. How to reach: Fly to Stockholm Arlanda Airport then take a domestic flight to Kiruna Airport before driving down to Jukkasjärvi. Rovaniemi, Finland Dubbed the official hometown of Santa Claus, the locals here see the Aurora as the souls of the dead or the glimmering armour of the Valkyrie, riding in the night sky. In Finnish, the word for Northern Lights–‘revontulet’–refers to a mystical firefox lighting the sky on fire with its tail. Pick snowmobiles, husky sledges, snowshoes, and reindeer sleighs and spend a night chasing with a local expert at “The Official Hometown of Santa Claus.” Northern Lights in Ladakh? In a rare event, Stanzin Norla, an engineer at the MACE Telescope, shared an image of the Stable Auroral Red (SAR) Arcs online. Norla captured the image from the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh on Saturday. “A very rare phenomenon... Eta Aquarid meteor shower added more beauty to the Aurora,” he wrote on X. This was not the first time an Aurora has been spotted in Ladakh, which is India’s first Dark Sky Reserve. It last occurred on April 22 and 23, 2023, which was caused by a coronal mass ejection.

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5 latest VISA updates tailor -made for Indian Travellers

5 latest visa updates tailor-made for Indian travellers As the summer holiday planning frenzy takes hold, there's a silver lining for all those travellers eyeing Asian destinations for summer vacations. You will find lots of options in India, but if you are planning for international travel, here are some quick updates on visa regulations that will promise you smoother journeys. These are extended visa-free entry and enhanced Schengen visa provisions. Read on to make informed decisions. Sri Lanka's visa-free extension ​Sri Lanka's hospitality continues to shine as the nation extends its warm welcome to Indian visitors. As reported earlier, the island nation has prolonged its visa-free entry offer until May 31, 2024. This means Indian travellers can explore Sri Lanka's beauty without worrying about visa fees for a delightful 30-day stay. However, one must remember to apply for an e-visa through the official website before embarking on their journey. The program, first launched as a trial initiative in October, forms a key component of a strategic drive to rejuvenate Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Travellers from designated nations must complete visa applications via the official website prior to their departure. This complimentary visa permits a 30-day stay, facilitating hassle-free travel and discovery across the scenic island destination. Thailand's extended visa-free entry Thailand's recent announcement has stirred excitement among Indian travellers. Initially granting visa-free entry until May 10, 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has now stretched this privilege further. As per the reports, Indian passport holders can revel in visa-free access for an additional six months, now until November 10, 2024. This extension grants a generous 30-day stay, doubling the previous allowance. Multiple-entry Schengen visa for Indian travellers The European Commission's recent adoption of a new Schengen visa rule spells good news for Indian travellers. Particularly beneficial for those with prior Schengen country visits, Indian nationals residing in India can now apply for long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years. This milestone achievement comes under the new visa 'cascade' regime effective from April 18. For those who've lawfully used two visas within the past three years, this provision offers unprecedented ease of travel. Previously elusive, the availability of six-month, two-year, and five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas for Indian nationals is a significant step forward in fostering travel convenience and strengthening bilateral ties. Japan’s e-visa Japan has implemented an eVisa system tailored for Indian travellers, simplifying and streamlining the process of visiting the country. Commencing from April, Indian citizens meeting eligibility criteria and foreign nationals residing in India can now seek eVisas for short-term tourism activities via the application platform managed by VFS Global. With this update, visas will no longer be affixed as physical stickers in passports; instead, they will be digitally issued, providing a single-entry option for stays of up to 90 days. Dubai’s 5-year multiple-entry visa In February, Dubai unveiled a fresh visa initiative designed specifically for Indian travellers. This program presents a five-year, multiple-entry visa alternative, enabling stays of up to 90 days per visit. Additionally, travellers have the option of a single extension annually, not surpassing 180 days, suitable for both business and leisure purposes. Notably, this visa facilitates unlimited entries and exits within the five-year period, offering unparalleled flexibility for travellers exploring Dubai.

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Why does Mount Everest make terrifying noises at night?

Mount Everest, with its grandeur and allure, has not only captivated the imaginations of climbers, but also of scientists and adventurers for generations. Yet, one of its mysteries managed to evade exploration for the longest time. The mystery that we are talking about is that after nightfall, eerie sounds can be heard from the glaciers surrounding the mountain's summit, adding an unsettling dimension to its already formidable reputation. If reports are to go by, in 2018, a team of researchers led by glaciologist Evgeny Podolskiy from the Arctic Research Center at Hokkaido University head out on a pioneering expedition to the Nepalese Himalayas. Their mission was to unravel the enigma of these haunting nocturnal sounds. They set up a camp amid the majestic Trakarding-Trambau Glacier system, which is situated around 3 miles above the sea level and is in clear view of Everest; the team braved bone-chilling temperatures to carry out their investigations. During their stay there, Dr. Podolskiy and his colleagues personally experienced the eerie phenomenon. Accomplished expedition leader Dave Hahn, who has scaled Everest 15 times, described the unsettling sensation of hearing the cacophony of ice and rock crashing in the valley below, making sleep a challenge. Deploying seismic sensors akin to those used to measure earthquakes, the researchers meticulously collected data on the glacier's vibrations. Their analysis revealed a remarkable correlation between the chilling drop in temperature after sundown and the exploding sound of cracking ice. Published in the esteemed journal Geophysical Research Letters, their findings shed light on the intricate relationship between temperature fluctuations and seismic activity within glaciers. This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of glacial dynamics but also sheds light on the profound impact of climate change on these delicate ecosystems. As global temperatures rise, glaciers in remote regions like the Himalayas face unprecedented challenges. The rapid rate of glacial melt not only threatens local communities with the risk of catastrophic floods, but also jeopardises water security for millions downstream. The Himalayan region, often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’ due to its vast freshwater reserves, is experiencing accelerated glacial melt due to anthropogenic climate change. Dr. Podolskiy's work contributes vital insights into the behaviour of Himalayan glaciers, informing efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on water resources and disaster risk management. As the urgency of climate action becomes increasingly apparent, the need to preserve these invaluable natural resources grows ever more critical. Dr. Podolskiy's research serves as a poignant reminder of the profound interconnectedness between human activity and the fragile ecosystems upon which we depend. Only through concerted global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can we hope to safeguard the future of our planet and its majestic glaciers.

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Visit thailand's top destinations as visa -free for Indians extended until november

Visit Thailand's top destinations as visa-free entry for Indians extended until November Thailand, known for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, has long been a favourite destination for travellers from around the world. And now, with the recent extension of visa-free entry for Indians until November, there has never been a better time to explore this enchanting destination. It’s needless to say that Indians will like to take advantage of this opportunity. To ensure that you get the best, here are seven must-visit destinations to add to your Thai itinerary. Thailand has something for everyone. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime in the Land of Smiles! Bangkok Begin your Thai adventure in the bustling capital city of Bangkok. Here, you can marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, and explore the vibrant street markets of Chinatown. Don't miss the opportunity to sample delicious Thai street food at the famous Khao San Road or take a leisurely cruise along the Chao Phraya River to see the city's iconic landmarks. Chiang Mai Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by misty mountains and lush forests, this charming city offers a serene retreat for travellers seeking relaxation and cultural immersion. Explore the ancient temples of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, or try an adventurous trek through the jungle to discover hidden waterfalls and hill tribe villages. Phuket No trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to the stunning beaches of Phuket. With its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands, Phuket is a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts alike. Spend your days soaking up the sun on Patong Beach, snorkelling among colourful coral reefs at Phi Phi Island, or exploring the vibrant nightlife of Bangla Road. Ayutthaya Step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Here, you can wander through the sprawling archaeological site of Wat Mahathat, marvel at the towering spires of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and learn about Thailand's rich history and cultural heritage. Sukhothai Discover the birthplace of Thai civilisation in the historic city of Sukhothai. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historical Park, where you can admire the well-preserved ruins of ancient temples and monuments dating back to the 13th century. Rent a bicycle and explore the park at your own pace, or take a guided tour to learn more about the city's fascinating history. Krabi Nestled along the Andaman coast, Krabi is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and idyllic island landscapes. Explore the limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons of Railay Beach, go rock climbing at Tonsai Beach, or take a boat trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands for a day of snorkelling and island hopping. Pattaya Experience the vibrant energy of Pattaya, known for its lively nightlife, water sports, and entertainment options. Relax on the golden sands of Jomtien Beach, visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning wooden temple overlooking the sea, or enjoy a thrilling day out at Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark.

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