News

Indonesia to relocate entire island population amid volcanic eruption threat

Indonesia will permanently relocate the entire population of an island in North Sulawesi province because a volcano is threatening their safety. Mount Ruang erupted spectacularly last month and has been spewing ash that forced nearby airports to close and flights to be cancelled. Ruang Island’s population of around 10,000 people is being moved to Bolaang Mongondow on the island of North Sulawesi about 40 kilometers away, Tempo newspaper reported, citing Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono. This was agreed upon following a Cabinet meeting with President Joko Widodo. Simple, permanent homes will be built in the Bolaang Mongondow area for the resettled people, said Coordinating Human Development Minister Muhadjir Effendy on Friday as reported by Tempo. After the evacuation the government intends to designate Ruang island as a conservation site. Authorities have issued a state of emergency until May 14, warning of a potential tsunami should parts of the volcano collapse due to the eruptions. Indonesia, with a population of over 270 million people, sits on the “Ring of Fire” — a series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean — and has more than 100 active volcanoes spread out across thousands of islands including popular tourist destinations. In 2017 some 40,000 people were evacuated from villages around Mount Agung in Bali when the volcano erupted, causing a temporary slump in tourism and around $1 billion in losses.

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Cathay Pacific is offering discounted flight tickets for Mother’s Day!

The offer is available for round-trip flight tickets departing from Hong Kong to any of the routes operated by the air carrier. So, whether it’s the vibrancy of Singapore or the picturesque landscape of Zurich, you have plenty of destinations to choose from. Keep reading to find out more about this offer. Cathay Pacific discounted flight tickets: How to avail? To get the discount, simply make a booking via the official website using the discount code ‘FLYWITHMUM’ before May 12. Provide the valid Cathay membership number upon purchase as the discount code is eligible for use by members only. Bookings are not available for stopover, multi-city, or tickets booked on the Cathay Pacific mobile app and other channels. Travel dates are available from now until November 30 with some blackout dates such as peak season. The flight ticket includes a 23-kilogram check-in baggage allowance for First, Business, Premium Economy, or Economy seats. The promotion is limited to the first 1,314 bookings on a first-come, first-served basis so don’t miss your chance.

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Kashmir’s Tourism Summit returns after 30 years

Raja Yaqoob, the Director of Tourism in Kashmir, emphasised the crucial need for promoting Kashmir as an alluring tourist destination. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness and investment opportunities, urging tourists to explore the region’s abundant heritage, culture, and culinary delights. “Kashmir is already renowned as an attractive destination, but we must amplify our promotional efforts. The participation of numerous investors in today’s conclave sends a strong message that Kashmir is open for investment and welcomes visitors. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Kashmir boasts a wealth of heritage, crafts, and culinary experiences. Our aim is to showcase these attractions and elevate tourism,” stated Yaqoob. Yaqoob also revealed plans to host a tourism development summit, inviting stakeholders from across the country, and organising an Ambassadors’ meet to enhance tourism prospects. During the event, stakeholders engaged in discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on infrastructure development, safety measures, marketing strategies, and community involvement. The conclave concluded with the formulation of concrete strategies and recommendations to address challenges and harness the immense potential of Kashmir’s tourism sector. Significantly, the government is actively seeking investments across various sectors, including tourism, with a target of attracting an average investment of INR 2000 crore per year for the next 5 years. Despite the pandemic, tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has been on the rise. Last year, the region emerged as a global tourism hotspot, welcoming 2.02 crore tourists, including over 50,000 foreign visitors.

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Soon travel time between Mumbai and Pune to come down to just 2 hours. Here is the latest update

Mumbai-Pune commuters will have to wait a bit longer for smoother travel as the completion of the crucial cablestayed bridge, a pivotal part of the Rs 6,695 crore missing link project, faces delays. Despite initial projections for a July deadline this year, the bridge's construction may extend until March of the following year, delaying the anticipated reduction in traveltime by half an hour, a Mumbai Mirror report stated. Challenges and Delays: Anil Kumar Gaikwad, the Managing Director of MSRDC, elucidated the complexities hindering the project's timeline. Factors such as the formidable task of erecting four 182-meter-tall pylons amidst the valley's relentless winds and precarious visibility conditions have contributed to the delay. Moreover, the exigencies imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the logistical hurdles of deploying skilled workers to lofty heights, have compounded the construction challenges. Anticipated Impact on Travel: The completion of the missing link project holds significant promise for streamlining travel between Mumbai and Pune, offering a respite from the arduous journey through the ghat section. With 85% of the Expressway's current traffic expected to migrate to the new route upon its inauguration, commuters can anticipate a smoother and more time-efficient journey. The project aims to bypass the treacherous Khandala ghat section, thereby trimming the distance between the two bustling cities by over 6 kilometers and slashing travel time by nearly 30 minutes. Engineer Marvel and Records: The missing link project stands as a testament to India's engineering prowess, boasting several remarkable achievements. Notably, the world's widest twin tunnels spanning 47 meters over 10 lanes have garnered recognition from the Guinness World Records. The daylighting process for these tunnels, spanning two stretches totaling 8.9 kilometers and 1.7 kilometers, concluded early last year, marking a significant milestone in the project's progression. Future Prospects and Cumulative Impact: Looking ahead, the completion of the missing link project, coupled with other ongoing augmentation initiatives, is poised to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Pune. Once all these projects are commissioned, it will be possible to drive from Worli to Koregaon Park in Pune in no more than 2 hours as the MTHL, or Atal Setu, has already reduced significant travel time since its opening in January this year.

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Govt showcases India as 365-day tourist destination at Arabian Travel Mart

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) The Ministry of Tourism is showcasing India as a 365-day tourism destination at the Arabian Travel Mart being held in Dubai from May 6-9. The 'Incredible India' pavilion was inaugurated on Monday by Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai, with the aim of strengthening India's presence in the Middle East's tourism sector. The pavilion has made a resounding entry, aiming to capture the entirety of the UAE market. The country’s delegation comprising tour operators, luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC (NS:INIR)) will be highlighting India’s attraction as a round-the-year tourist destination, according to an official statement. The Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘Cool Summers of India’ digital campaign at the Arabian Travel Mart to dispel the notion of India being too hot for summer travel. The campaign is emphasising the country’s offerings in the hill resorts, and seeks to promote India as a holistic destination throughout the year.

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Canada's Super Visa: Invitations for parent sponsorship from May 21; extended visits for grandparents

Good news from Canada for parents! Canada is all set to issue Super Visa invitations for sponsoring parents starting 21st May, 2024. Over a period of about two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will extend invitations to about 35,700 potential sponsors from the pool of remaining interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. It's advisable for those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 to keep a check on their email for regular updates. For those who haven't submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, their parents and grandparents can still visit Canada for an extended period by applying for a super visa. This visa allows them to stay for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend their stay while in Canada. To be eligible for a super visa, the person must be the child or grandchild of the applicant, who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian. The super visa allows multiple entries for a period of up to ten years, with each entry permitting a stay of up to five years. The Super Visa is distinct from a regular visitor visa, as it enables qualifying parents and grandparents to visit family in Canada for longer periods. Only biological or adopted children can invite their parents or grandparents on a super visa, and they may also invite their parents' or grandparents' spouses or common-law partners. For hosts who are registered Indians, only a Certificate of Indian Status is required as proof of citizenship or permanent residence. The host must also demonstrate financial capability to support the applicant during their stay, meeting or exceeding the minimum necessary income based on Statistics Canada's low-income cut-offs. Additionally, parents or grandparents must provide documentation of valid health insurance from a Canadian or non-Canadian insurance company certified by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. This new initiative aims to facilitate family reunions while ensuring the well-being of visitors and hosts alike. This is one of the much-awaited events that people have been waiting for!

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