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Plan single railway zone administration for Dakshina Kannada, Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna tells three zones

Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MPs vehemently demand Konkan Railway Corporation’s merger with Indian Railways Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna on Wednesday asked the three railway zones operating in Dakshina Kannada to come out with a plan of action within a fortnight so that only one zone will have jurisdiction over the district. Chairing a meeting to hear people’s representatives and civil society organisations over the vexed issues of railway connectivity in coastal Karnataka here, Mr. Somanna was appraised of the inter-zone conflicts while providing services in the region. While Southern Railway holds the major stake controlling about 40 route km network, including two major stations and one port, Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. and South western Railway too have their networks in the district. Once the zones recommend the plan to resolve the conflict, he would recommend the same to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for a suitable decision. Ever since he assumed office, Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Dakshina Kannada MP, was after him for an inter-zone meeting to resolve issues and upon the direction of Mr. Vaishnaw, Mr. Somanna was in Mangaluru on Wednesday. Coordination committee Pending resolution of the jurisdiction, the three zones should send the respective Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) of SR’s Palakkad and SWR’s Mysuru, and the Regional Railway Manager of KRCL’s Karwar, for a quarterly coordination committee meeting to be convened by the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Somanna said. This was in response to Capt. Chowta’s demand at the meeting. People’s representatives, other officials concerned, and passengers associations will attend the meeting to thrash out issues, the Minister said. Merge KRCL with Indian Railways Capt. Chowta and Kota Srinivas Poojary, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP, urged the Minister to merge KRCL with Indian Railways. “It is in the interest of both the KRCL and the travellign public,” said Capt. Chowta, urging the Minster to immediately stop the 40% escalated fare collection by KRCL on its network. Mr. Poojary said since KRCL was a loss-making entity and does not have funds to augment infrastructure, it should be merged with Indian Railways and that it was the demand by everyone in his constituency. “The three MPs, including Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri from Uttara Kannada, will meet you once the Parliament session commences. Please take us to the Railway Minister with this demand,” Mr. Poojary said. General Managers of SR and SWR R.N. Singh and Arvind Srivastava, KRCL Chairman and Managing Director Santhosh Kumar Jha and others were present.

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Thailand introduces longer-stay visas to boost tourism & economy

Nationals from 31 countries and territories, up from 19 previously, can now apply for VOA immigration checkpoints on arrival. Visitors under this scheme can stay for up to 15 days tourism purposes, with a visa fee of 2,000 Baht. Countries newly eligible include Armenia Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Paraguay, Serbia, Seychelle Tunisia, Vanuatu, and Venezuela. In a bid to revitalize its economy through enhanced travel and tourism, Thailand has announced new visa measures, effective from 15 July 2024. These initiatives include an extended 60-day visa exemption, Visa on Arrival (VOA) expansion, a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, and extended student visas. Thailand will now grant visa exemption to nationals of 93 countries and territories, up from the previous 57. Visitors under this scheme can stay for up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business engagements, with an option to extend for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office. Nationals from 31 countries and territories, up from 19 previously, can now apply for VOA at immigration checkpoints on arrival. Visitors under this scheme can stay for up to 15 days for tourism purposes, with a visa fee of 2,000 Baht. Countries newly eligible include Armenia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Paraguay, Serbia, Seychelles, Tunisia, Vanuatu, and Venezuela. Thailand is introducing the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract remote workers, digital nomads, and participants in various activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. DTV holders, along with their spouses and ependent children, can enjoy multiple entries and a cumulative stay of up to 180 days, extendable for another 180 days. Applicants must provide proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 Baht for the duration of their stay, with a visa fee of 10,000 Thailand has extended the stay period for foreign students of higher education, allowing them to stay for an additional year post-graduation. During this time, students can seek employment and, if hired locally, transition to a Non-Immigration B visa without leaving Thailand. These new visa measures are expected to significantly boost Thailand's economy by attracting more tourists, remote workers, and students, thus fostering sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector.

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Laos Tourism Surge as 15 Countries Eligible Under Visa Free Travel Program

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos captures the hearts of travelers with its tranquil landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and welcoming hospitality. It’s a favored destination for both leisure travelers and global enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the ancient temples of Luang Prabang, immerse themselves in bustling night markets, and partake in traditional Buddhist rituals. Vientiane, the capital, combines French colonial architecture with Buddhist landmarks, including the iconic Pha That Luang. Neighboring countries such as Thailand, China, and Vietnam contribute the highest numbers of international tourists to Laos, drawn by proximity and deep cultural ties. Additionally, French tourists visit in significant numbers, reflecting Laos’s historical connections from the colonial era. TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “The implementation of Laos visa-free policy for 15 countries, including Schengen nations, has been a transformative force for the tourism sector. This strategic move has not only simplified the entry process for millions but has also broadened our appeal across diverse travel sectors. Additionally, this policy has invigorated niche travel markets, such as culinary tourism, adventure travel, and wellness retreats, enriching the travel experience and fostering significant economic growth and cultural exchange.” Laos Expands Visa Policies and Economic Zones to Boost Tourism and Investment: Laos has recently broadened its visa policy, now granting visitors from 22 countries the opportunity to obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to 60 days per stay until December 31, 2024. This update marks a significant shift from the previous single-entry visas, which allowed a maximum stay of only 30 days. In addition, Laos has established Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in locations like Savannakhet and Vientiane. These zones offer relaxed visa and business regulations, designed to stimulate investment and foster tourism development within the country. Laos also facilitates overland border crossings with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Travelers should review entry requirements and border crossing points in advance to ensure smooth travel planning and compliance with regulations. Laos’s proactive visa policies and SEZ initiatives position it as an appealing destination for leisure and business travelers seeking unique cultural experiences and investment opportunities in Southeast Asia. Following 15 countries that can visit Laos without a Visa: Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Japan Luxembourg Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar Philippines Russia Singapore South Korea Switzerland Thailand Vietnam GDP Growth of Laos: Economic growth is projected to slow from 3.1 percent in 2023 to 2.0 percent in 2024. Laos’s GDP was officially estimated at $64 billion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. World Economics has developed a database that presents GDP in PPP terms, including estimates for the informal economy and adjustments for outdated GDP base year data.The tourism sector in Laos is crucial for economic growth, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

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UN Tourism and Peru Celebrate Seven Villages for Tourism Excellence

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and supported by UN Tourism, celebrated the launch of Peru’s Best Tourism Villages initiative. This initiative honored seven exceptional towns for their tourism contributions in 2022 and 2023. During a special ceremony, recognition plaques were awarded to these towns, underscoring their significant roles in promoting Peru as a premier tourist destination. During the event, recognition plaques were bestowed upon the selected villages, highlighting their pivotal role in Peru’s tourism landscape. This initiative underscores Peru’s commitment to promoting and developing sustainable tourism practices across the country. Key insights from the event’s discussions, themed ‘Promoting Foreign Investment: Launch of the Tourism Doing Business Investment Guidelines-Investing in Peru and General Guidelines for the Development of Public Investment in Tourism,’ include significant milestones in Peru’s tourism sector: Peru has consistently ranked among the top four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in tourism from 2018 to 2023. This underscores the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors seeking opportunities in the vibrant tourism industry. Since 2005, the public sector has allocated approximately USD 621.4 million towards various tourism activities and projects through the public investment budget. Looking forward, an additional USD 93.5 million is projected to be invested by 2024, highlighting ongoing government support for the sector’s growth and development. The event emphasized Peru’s strategic focus on sustainable tourism development, aiming to enhance visitor experiences while preserving the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This comprehensive approach underscores Peru’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for global travelers, supported by robust investment and strategic partnerships. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated, “Peru is making steady progress in post-pandemic visitor recovery, with 25.7% growth by 2023. In addition, its cultural and natural heritage position it as a highly attractive destination for investment. The UN Tourism guidelines “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Peru” is a fundamental tool highlighting the numerous business opportunities offered by the tourism sector of this wonderful country.” Sergio Diaz-Granados, CAF’s Executive President, added, “CAF wants to contribute to the positioning of Peru for investment in tourism and to take advantage of the enormous potential offered by the sector. The country is an example in taking advantage of its unique attractions and is a destination characterised by its innovation and creativity. With the delivery of the Tourism Investment Guide, the alliance signed in January of this year between CAF, UN Tourism and the Peruvian government, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, to support the development of this sector, which is key to generating employment and boosting the country’s productivity, is materialized.” Elizabeth Galdo Marín, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, said, “Tourism is a key driver for the economic and social development of our country. With a rich cultural and natural diversity, Peru is positioned as a privileged destination for sustainable tourism. The collaboration with UN Tourism and CAF to include a special chapter on green investments and another on gastronomy in this guide underlines our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism development.” Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant reflection of the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, blending influences from Andean, Amazonian, European, Asian, and African culinary traditions. This diverse gastronomic landscape showcases locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties, making it a cornerstone of Peru’s cultural identity and a major draw for tourism. Beyond its culinary allure, Peru boasts a wealth of archaeological treasures, historical sites, and natural wonders that position it as a prime destination for tourism investment. The country’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of tourism activities, all grounded in principles of environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, added, “The outlook for tourism investment in Peru is very positive. Between 2018 and 2023, the country was among the top four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in announcements of greenfield FDI investment in tourism. This data shows us that it is important to invest in tourism and that this may be an unbeatable time to do so.”

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Scientists discover a new microcontinent between Greenland and Canada

Nestled between Greenland and Canada, the Davis Strait serves as a vital connector between the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay. This body of water has long intrigued scientists due to its complex geological features. Recently, a groundbreaking discovery has brought new attention to this region: the identification of a microcontinent formed through intricate plate tectonic processes. Named the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, this revelation sheds light on the tectonic history of the North Atlantic and offers insights into the processes of continental formation. For adventurous travellers and geology enthusiasts, the Davis Strait offers a unique destination to explore the mysteries of Earth's tectonic processes. Although remote, this region's stark beauty and scientific significance make it a compelling spot for eco-tourism and educational expeditions. Imagine embarking on a journey to witness the dramatic landscapes where ancient geological forces shaped the Earth’s crust, gaining a firsthand understanding of the dynamic processes that continue to sculpt our planet. A team of geologists from Sweden's Uppsala University and the University of Derby in the UK has uncovered an isolated block of thick continental crust in the Davis Strait. This formation, measuring 19-24 km thick, was likely separated from Greenland due to east-west extension along its margin. The formation of this microcontinent is attributed to the rifting and seafloor spreading that occurred between Greenland and North America, creating the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay and linking them through the Davis Strait. A pivotal phase of east-west extension along Greenland's margin led to the detachment of this continental block. Dr. Jordan Phethean from the University of Derby, part of the research team, explained the significance of this discovery. "The well-defined changes in plate motion that occur in the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay, which have relatively limited external complications affecting them, make this area an ideal natural laboratory for studying microcontinent formation," he said. "Rifting and microcontinent formation are ongoing phenomena—every earthquake might be working towards the next microcontinent separation. The aim of our work is to understand their formation well enough to predict that very future evolution." The geological discovery was detailed in a recent study published in Gondwana Research. The research team believes this microcontinent was formed about 58 million years ago, highlighting the role of the Pre-Ungava Transform Margin, a newly identified tectonic feature, in facilitating this separation. The findings have broader implications, offering insights into the formation of other microcontinents globally, such as the Jan Mayen microcontinent northeast of Iceland, East Tasman Rise southeast of Tasmania, and the Gulden Draak Knoll in Australia. "Better knowledge of how these microcontinents form allows researchers to understand how plate tectonics operates on Earth, with useful implications for the mitigation of plate tectonic hazards and discovering new resources," Dr. Phethean noted. Travellers can explore the rugged coastlines of Greenland and Canada, engage with local communities, and learn about the rich natural history of the region. Whether through guided tours, research expeditions, or simply soaking in the pristine Arctic environment, a trip to the Davis Strait promises to be a memorable and enlightening adventure.

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IMD issues heavy rains ‘red’ alert for Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala

In a recent update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rainfall and thunderstorm alerts for Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala in the coming days. This shift marks a downward movement of the monsoon that will impact coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka, and Konkan Goa throughout the week. The department has issued a red alert in Kerala’s three districts, namely Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod, and an orange alert for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Schools and colleges have announced closures during this period. In fact, the Goa education department has declared a holiday for schools up to Class 12 on Monday, July 15. A lot of waterfalls and tourism beaches have been issued alert during monsoons. As per IMD forecasts, parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa are likely to receive over 20 cm of rainfall in the upcoming days. In Maharashtra, districts such as Satara, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, and Ratnagiri are also on red alert status, while Mumbai and Palghar are under a yellow alert. Thane, Raigad, and Pune have been issued an orange alert due to expected heavy rains and thunderstorms. Delhi NCR on the other hand anticipates light rainfall and moderate winds, offering relief from the summer heat. IMD scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar stated, "The monsoon is shifting downward from today. We are issuing a red alert for coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Konkan Goa for the coming days. There may be more than 20 cm of rain there. Delhi-NCR will receive light rain in the coming days. There is no alert for Delhi." The recent rainfall in Delhi on Saturday resulted in waterlogging and traffic disruptions, providing respite from the sweltering July temperatures. Nearby Noida also experienced showers, while central Delhi encountered traffic delays due to waterlogged streets. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, heavy rains caused the Kamwari River in Thane's Bhiwandi area to overflow, inundating nearby homes. Mumbai's suburban areas reported significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions due to continuous downpours and thunderstorms. As the monsoon progresses, authorities and residents in affected regions are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

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