News

The world’s first ’Dragon Ball’ theme park will open in Saudi Arabia

A theme park based on Japan’s Dragon Ball manga franchise will be built in Saudi Arabia’s new high-end tourist attraction of Qiddiya City just outside Riyadh, and will be the perfect way for fans to not only experience Goku’s world, but also remember its creator Akira Toriyama, who passed away earlier this year in March. The 500,000-square-metre (125-acre) park will allow fans to “live the adventures at the heart of the action, experiencing the journey from the first Dragon Ball series to the latest Dragon Ball Super”, according to a press release by the Qiddiya Investment Company. Feel free to go Super Saiyan for your love of the manga series here. First serialised in 1984, Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling manga franchises of all time and has spawned countless anime series, films and video games. In a press release on the official Dragon Ball website, authorities in Qiddiya did not give an opening date for the park and also did not say how much construction would cost. The statement said the attraction would be split into seven themed zones based on the magical dragon-containing balls that are central to the series. The park will have at least 30 rides and include a 70-metre (230-foot) dragon at the centre of the site, it said. The Qiddiya “entertainment city” project, featuring high-end theme parks, motorsport facilities and a safari area, is under construction near the Saudi capital Riyadh. Shares of Toei Animation, which produced the Dragon Ball anime series, surged 6.7 percent on March 22.

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Lahaul and Spiti: Travel advisory issued due to avalanche threat

As per the latest news reports, the Lahaul and Spiti police have issued a cautionary advisory, urging people to steer clear of the Chandra River due to recent adverse weather conditions. Additionally, they have released an avalanche advisory advising against traversing steep slopes and urging heightened vigilance in snowy regions. The police stated that the Chandra River's water flow, previously obstructed by an avalanche triggered by recent snowfall and rainfall, has been restored, resulting in elevated water levels. Therefore, it is strongly advised for individuals to refrain from approaching the river. In light of the prevailing weather conditions, commuters are advised to exercise prudence while travelling through snow-covered areas, where the risk of avalanches remains significant. The advisory also stresses the importance of avoiding steep inclines, maintaining awareness of potential hazards, staying informed about weather forecasts, and remaining vigilant in snowy locales. If reports are to go by, the adverse weather situation has prompted closure of 112 roads, including three national highways, across Himachal Pradesh, with the majority of closures concentrated in the Lahaul and Spiti district. While higher elevations and tribal territories have experienced light snowfall, the mid and lower regions have witnessed intermittent rainfall over the past 24 hours. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, Hansa and Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti have recorded 5 cm and 2 cm of snowfall, respectively. Notable rainfall measurements include Kothi with 63 mm, Chamba with 41 mm, Manali with 35 mm, Jot with 31 mm, Dalhousie with 28 mm, Keylong with 22 mm, Kasol with 19 mm, and Kangra with 17 mm. Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate rainfall, snowfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across several northern regions, including Himachal Pradesh, from Tuesday onwards. This outlook is attributed to a fresh western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, an orange alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh, with thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds anticipated in isolated areas from April 18-21. These weather conditions underscore the importance of exercising caution and adhering to safety advisories, particularly in mountainous regions prone to avalanches and adverse weather phenomena.

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Turkey mandates e-ATV requirement for Indians travelling to South America via Istanbul

As per the latest development, the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi recently announced a significant update regarding travel procedures for Indian and Nepalese passport holders transiting through Istanbul Airport to Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. As per the reports, effective April 15, 2024, Turkish authorities have made it mandatory for all those travelling via Istanbul Airport to the said places to carry Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV). In an official statement posted on X, the Türkiye Embassy conveyed the initiation of this requirement, emphasising its applicability to Indian and Nepalese nationals. To obtain the e-ATV, individuals falling under this category can check the website ‘evisa.gov.tr’ from the aforementioned date, with the service offered at no cost, aligning with existing protocols. Furthermore, the embassy stressed the necessity for affected passengers to carry a hard copy of their e-ATVs during their journey. Airlines and service providers at departure airports are mandated to verify these documents in accordance with international aviation regulations. Additionally, Turkish authorities stationed at the visa checkpoints in the transit passenger arrival area of Istanbul Airport will conduct further inspections. This measure aims to streamline transit processes and uphold international aviation standards. Travellers subject to this requirement are urged to proactively secure their e-ATVs through the designated portal and adhere to the outlined guidelines by carrying the print-out throughout their travel. This proactive approach ensures compliance and facilitates smoother transit experiences for affected Indian and Nepalese passport holders. If reports are to go by, Türkiye is ramping up its efforts to regulate irregular migration. This recent development reflects the country's position as a crucial transit and destination point within global migration dynamics. In light of the increasing influx of irregular migrants utilising air routes via Türkiye from diverse regions such as the Middle East and Latin America to reach North America, enhanced inspection measures are being enforced in accordance with international aviation protocols. Turkish authorities have confirmed the completion of the electronic application process for airport transit visas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travellers can now acquire these visas at no cost through the ministry's website. To initiate the e-Visa application, passengers are required to provide precise personal information, residential addresses, and ticket numbers.

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Hajj package announced: Pilgrims travelling via Kozhikode to pay highest amount

The Hajj Committee of India has announced Hajj packages for the current year. As per the announcement, pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia from Kozhikode airport will have to pay the highest amount compared to other embarkation points in Kerala. Apart from Kozhikode's Karipur airport, Kannur and Kozhikode are the boarding points for Hajj pilgrims. As per the circular, each pilgrim traveling for Hajj via Kozhikode, the favored embarkation point for pilgrims from the Malabar region, has to pay Rs 3.73 lakh. For those traveling through Kochi airport, the fee fixed is Rs 3,37,100 each, while for Kannur airport it is Rs 3.38 lakh. The variations within the state are due to the difference in the flight tickets. In Kerala, Karipur airport handles the largest number of Hajj pilgrims. Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It's a mandatory religious duty for physically and financially capable Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. As per the Hajj Committee's circular, pilgrims from Guwahati in Assam, Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, and Gaya in Bihar have to pay over Rs 4 lakh. The travel via Gaya is the costliest at Rs 4,11,600. The circular said the amount calculated was tentative. “It may increase or decrease based on actual expenditure incurred,” the document stated. Pilgrims, who have deposited the advance and second installment, should pay the balance amount on or before April 27. The rituals of the Hajj begin on the eighth day of Dhul Hajj and end on the 12th or 13th day of the month. Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha on the 10th day of Dhul-Hajj.

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Delhi Airport ranked among world’s top 10 busiest airports

The Airports Council International (ACI) World, an international organization that evaluates airport standards, ranked Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in the 10th position among the busiest airports globally in 2023. If reports are to go by, Delhi airport has hosted more than 72.2 million passengers, which signifies a steady year-on-year growth of 20.36%, highlighting the robust recovery of India's aviation sector. However, Delhi Airport experienced a slight dip in its ranking, conceding its position to Chicago and potentially missing the 9th spot that it secured in 2022. ACI's recent release of the world's busiest airports for 2023 showcases a shifting landscape driven by the resurgence of international air travel. ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira stressed that global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fueled by the international segment, propelled by several factors. This revival is evident in the rankings, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintaining its status as the busiest airport globally. Notably, Dubai International Airport made a significant leap to the second position, surpassing Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, now ranked third. Despite not retaining its 2022 position, Delhi Airport maintained a formidable presence within the top 10 busiest airports. In this scenario, Oliveira commented, "The unwavering strength of Istanbul and New Delhi airports keeps them in top ranks, marking significant progress over 2019." Delhi Airport's handling of over 72.2 million passengers in 2023 represents a remarkable year-on-year growth of 20.36% compared to 2022. This positive trajectory signifies a robust recovery within India's aviation sector. However, data indicates a slight descent from the 9th place in 2022, with Chicago O'Hare Airport surpassing Delhi in 2023.

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Italy and Spain launch Digital Nomad Visa.

If you're a remote worker or digital nomad, and love excellent food and breathtaking scenery, Spain and Italy can be perfect destinations for your remote work. As reported earlier, Italy recently introduced a visa program tailored for digital nomads, which will be enabling professionals to work remotely while immersing themselves in the country's beauty. This initiative commenced on April 4, which started off by offering visas valid for up to one year. Meanwhile, Spain's visa guidelines were also updated on April 13. What constitutes a digital nomad? As per the Italian Government's definition, a digital nomad is a non-EU citizen who is involved in "highly qualified work activities." These individuals can operate as employees of a company, self-employed or as collaborators, irrespective of their location. In essence, digital nomads are individuals who work virtually from diverse locations, often spanning the globe. Which essentially means that one day you might find them working from their home office, while the next could see them working in Central Park in New York, or even on a beach in Spain. Eligibility criteria for Digital Nomad Visas in Spain and Italy Citizens from non-EU countries are eligible to apply for digital nomad visas in both Italy and Spain. All those who wish to apply for this visa, will be required to demonstrate their status as digital nomads or remote workers for a minimum of six months and furnish evidence of accommodation in the respective countries. Additionally, it's important to note that applicants have not been convicted of any criminal offenses within the past five years. Process of applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa To obtain Italy's Digital Nomad Visa, individuals need to visit the Italian consulate in their country of residence. Once approved, they must obtain a residence permit within eight days of their arrival in Italy. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of their annual income of at least three times the minimum amount necessary to be exempt from healthcare contribution fees, which is nearly €28,000 ($29,826). Family inclusion and renewal This visa is renewable in both the countries, provided the applicant continues to satisfy the eligibility criteria. Additionally, this visa allows for the inclusion of family members under certain circumstances. Benefits within the Schengen Area Both the countries belong to the Schengen Area, which encompasses 29 European countries, thereby enabling smooth and unrestricted travel among them.

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