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Rainfall in Srinagar and snowfall in Gulmarg delight tourists

The beautiful Kashmir valley experienced heavy rainfall in the plains on 22nd March, while Gulmarg in the north of Kashmir’s Baramulla district, was enveloped with white snow. The snowfall has left visitors happy and delightful. Meteorological Department (MeT) officials reported a snowfall accumulation of 1.5 cm in Gulmarg! Across Srinagar and other regions of Kashmir, there were reports of light to moderate rainfall, resulting in a notable temperature decrease. According to the MeT office, precipitation figures for the past 24 hours until 8:30 AM on Friday were as follows: Srinagar 9.7 mm, Qazigund 3.4 mm, Pahalgam 16 mm, Kupwara 9.2 mm, Kokernag 2.9 mm, and Gulmarg 18.4 mm. The skies remained overcast, with a forecast of continued rain or snow in Kashmir until March 26, followed by intermittent light rain and snow from March 27 onwards for the subsequent four days. Night temperatures across most weather stations in Kashmir experienced a drop, though remaining above freezing. Day temperatures also notably decreased, with Srinagar registering 16.2 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day's 22.8 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded a low of 7.2 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees Celsius above normal, while Qazigund reached 7 degrees Celsius compared to the previous night’s 6 degrees Celsius. Kokernag reported 5.6 degrees Celsius, down from 8.2 degrees Celsius the previous night. Gulmarg's nighttime temperature plummeted to -0.5 degrees Celsius from the previous night's 3.2 degrees Celsius, still remaining 1.1 degrees Celsius above normal. Pahalgam marked 3.7 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees Celsius above normal, while Kupwara settled at 6.6 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees Celsius above normal.

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New European Sleeper train connects four capitals from Brussels to Prague

European travellers can now fall asleep in Brussels and wake up in Prague with the launch of a new sleeper train service. The first ‘Good Night Train’ service from the European Sleeper start-up departs Belgium’s capital this evening (25 March) bound for the Czech Republic. On the way, it will pass through Amsterdam, Berlin and other popular cities. It’s another valuable node in Europe’s night train network, after European Sleeper began its Brussels to Berlin trips in May 2023. And the company has no plans to stop there. “Our goal is to add a new route each year so we can continue to contribute to a more integrated and sustainable European transportation network,” says co-founder Elmer Van Buuren. Euronews spoke to the Dutch entrepreneur about this vision back in 2021. What's driving this new dawn of train travel? Van Buuren said the new line is fuelled by 'flight shame', a term used in Sweden to refer to shaming people for increasing their carbon footprint through flying. "There needs to be a good alternative to flying or using your car," he said, and the European Sleeper is a way of doing this with relatively low investment. Trains are often more hassle-free than flying, he adds, as they depart from city centres and deliver you to city centres, unlike out-of-town airports. "There used to be a lot more night trains than nowadays and I want to bring them back. "People can sleep and get rested while being transported, and then wake up in a new city on time for a professional meeting. It's kind of magical." Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka is happy that his country is getting on board. “Night trains are now making a comeback all over Europe and I am very glad that the Czech Republic is not left behind,” he says.

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International student travel insurance premiums cheaper in India

Indian students going abroad for higher education should opt for an international student travel insurance for comprehensive protection. It provides coverage for unexpected situations, such as study interruptions, sponsor protection and is issued for a longer time period, unlike traditional travel policies that are issued for up to 180 days. They should purchase the policy from India as it is much more affordable than buying it abroad. A student travel insurance plan is designed for those between 16-40 years, enrolled in full-time courses at an accredited college or university and who have valid passports. It offers coverage for one to two years, with the option for renewal. This renewal option aligns perfectly with the extended timelines of academic programmes and offers a continuous safety net throughout a student’s course tenure. A student travel insurance policy is designed to safeguard students from unexpected expenses that may arise during their educational journey overseas such as baggage loss, flight delays, medical costs, passport/laptop theft, and legal fees. Such a policy also covers mental health issues and maternity which are not covered by the regular travel insurance. International student travel insurance can be extended or renewed to accommodate changes in the student’s academic plans. The policy is renewable up to five years while a travel policy can be renewed up to one year only. Beyond the tangible benefits of student travel insurance like safeguarding policyholder’s health and possessions, it also offers compassionate visit provisions, which cover emergency travel expenses for family members to the student’s host country or the student visiting their family, says Rakesh Goyal, director, Probus Insurance Broker. Additionally, such insurance plans offer round-the-clock assistance services, including help with language barriers, locating healthcare providers, and legal support. “Regular travel insurance may not offer these specific benefits. Students should opt for international student travel insurance for comprehensive coverage tailored to their unique needs while studying abroad,” he says. Sponsor protection is an invaluable feature, particularly for those who rely on financial support from sponsors back in India. Manas Kapoor, business head, Travel Insurance, Policybazaar.com, says in the event of an unforeseen crisis, these policies can ensure that the sponsors’ financial contributions to the student’s education are safeguarded, reducing the stress on both policyholder and their sponsors. “Some student travel insurance policies even provide the option for a refund of tuition fees, covering interruptions in policyholder’s studies due to unforeseen events,” he says. Premium and coverage The premium depends on factors such as the country of travel (USA/Canada vs rest of world), duration of coverage, the level of coverage, the student’s age and any additional benefits or riders chosen. Students should buy the policy from India as it is less than one-third of the price they would have to pay abroad. The sum insured ranges between $50,000 to $1 million and students should choose an appropriate sum insured that will give them adequate protection during the entire duration of the stay.

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Top 5 Saudi destinations that need to be in your 2024 travel list

If the travel enthusiast in you is willing to explore untouched destinations in the Middle East, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's rich cultural identity lies beyond its deserts and offers travellers a diverse array of experiences that captivate the senses and stir the soul from ultra-luxe glamping scenes under the AlUla sky to magnificent palaces nestled in the lanes of Diriyah. It is a land where history, tradition and natural beauty converge in a tapestry of unforgettable experiences so, to help you sample traditional Saudi dishes at bustling souks, attend live performances of traditional music and dance and explore contemporary art galleries that showcase the Kingdom's thriving artistic scene, we sorted out the travel details in this guide. Private Tour on a Horse Carriage Followed by Dinner Under the Night Sky Saudi’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra is an ideal destination for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts. Covering 52 hectares, the destination features 131 breathtaking tombs and countless rock formations. An Arabian Winter Like No Other Winter in Saudi? Yes, but with snow! The northern region in Saudi allows visitors to enjoy views of frosted shrubs and blanketed mountain peaks as they watch camels shuffling through winter’s magical flurries. Celebrate a seasonal dusting like a local by going on a mountain drive northwest of Tabuk or saddle up an Arabian camel for a winter weather experience you won’t forget. Then, choose from a wide variety of other seasonal activities, including hiking, camping, and sledding. Scale Al Qarah Mountain Located just a 25-minute drive east from Al Hofuf towards Al Ahsa National Park is the village of Al Qarah along with its mountain. At the awe-inspiring peak of Al Qarah Mountain, the Arabic interpretations of nearby place names take on a profound significance. Al Ahsa, the designation for the governorate, signifies 'murmuring streams,' while Hofuf, the principal city, conveys the meaning of 'whistling wind.' The summit elevates 75 meters from street level and 205 meters above sea level, yet reaching the top doesn't demand significant effort, offering unmatched 360-degree vistas of Al Ahsa. Exploring Saudi’s History in Diriyah Located in the historical district of Diriyah is Bujairi Terrace, a premium luxury dining destination with a curation of 20 exquisite restaurants and cafes that overlook the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Turaif – the birthplace of Saudi. 5. By the Red Sea The Red Sea is known for its pristine landscape with the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, 90 untouched islands, mountains, and mangroves - all in one place. It is a one-stop destination for adventure, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind enriching experiences. And that’s not all! One also gets a chance to spot turtles, octopuses, and rare fish and enjoy water activities including snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking, and yachting.

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Top FY25 aviation projections you should know

Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun is set to step down by the end of the year, amidst new objectives emerging in the global aviation sector. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently released the summer schedule, a biannual travel chart detailing flight operations, both domestic and international. According to the summer schedule, 1,911 international flights are slated to operate between March 31 and October 31, alongside nearly 20,000 domestic flights, keeping India's skies bustling. Despite a marginal 0.01 percent increase compared to the winter schedule of 2023, notable trends have surfaced in India's aviation sector. Simultaneously, the global aviation sector is undergoing significant developments as FY2024 draws to a close. Airlines worldwide are increasingly transitioning to Sustainable Alternative Fuel (SAF) and emphasizing technology transfer. What are the top five events shaping the aviation sector's narrative leading up to FY25? Republic Business delves deep into the summer schedule. IndiGo, India's largest airline by size and traffic, is expected to see a decline in flight numbers compared to the winter schedule due to grounded flights caused by issues with Pratt and Whitney engines. Similarly, SpiceJet, grappling with financial challenges, has recently finalized a lease deal for 10 aircraft to bolster summer capacity, as airlines gear up for the peak travel period from April to July. In the realm of regulatory issues, India's youngest airline, Akasa, is gearing up for its inaugural international flight on March 28, with CEO Vijay Dube affirming that new pilot rest rules won't disrupt flight schedules. However, concerns have been raised by the Federation of Indian Airlines, comprising IndiGo and SpiceJet, regarding the necessity to cancel 20 percent of flights due to new regulations mandating a 25 percent increase in pilot numbers. Last week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation imposed a fine of Rs 80 lakhs on Air India Limited for violating pilot rest period regulations. An audit conducted in January revealed deficiencies in Air India's provision of adequate weekly rest to pilots and crews, potentially leading to human errors during flights, according to DGCA observations.

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Narendra Modi Bhutan Visit: PM Modi receives Bhutan's highest honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two- day State visit to Bhutan. During his visit, he will attend various programmes aimed at enhancing India-Bhutan bilateral partnership. Taking to X(formerly Twitter) on Friday, PM Modi shared a picture of his departure to Bhutan and captioned the post as: "On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership. I look forward to talks with Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay". Earlier, due to adverse weather conditions, PM Modi's departure to Bhutan was rescheduled. Highlights of PM Modi's visit to Bhutan On Friday, MoUs were exchanged between India and Bhutan during PM Modi's visit to the country. A group of Bhutanese youngsters dressed in traditional Indian attire performed on a Garba song written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to welcome him to their country on Friday, reported news agency PTI. PM Modi will inaugurate the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu, a state-of-the-art hospital, built with the assistance of the Government of India in Thimphu, reported news agency PTI. Narendra Modi Bhutan Visit Live: Bhutan's PM thanks Modi for visiting Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being honoured with Bhutan's highest civilian award. “We are deeply grateful that PM Modi visited Bhutan despite his busy schedule...We had some problems with the weather, but he overcame that and today he arrived in person to receive the award. All of us are extremely delighted,” Tshering Tobgay said. Narendra Modi Bhutan Visit Live: PM assures new energy to bilateral ties Addressing the shared aspirations between the two nations, PM Modi said, “Bharat has decided to become a Developed Nation by 2047; Bhutan has decided to become a 'High-income' country by 2034. To fulfil your goals, India stands with you for BB - Brand Bhutan and Bhutan Believe.” “I assure you that the upcoming 5 years will give a new energy to our relations. We will work to create avenues in the connectivity, infrastructure, trade and energy sectors.” Narendra Modi Bhutan Visit Live: Modi commends Bhutan's climate action Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Bhutan's remarkable strides towards achieving carbon neutrality. “When the world is struggling with the challenge of Climate Change, Bhutan's 'Carbon Neutral' progress will guide the way. ” Narendra Modi Bhutan Visit Live: PM dedicates Bhutan's highest honour to 140 crore Indians Narendra Modi Bhutan Visit Live: On Friday, PM Modi dedicated Bhutan's highest honour to 140 crore Indians. PM Modi said, "This honour is not my personal achievement, it is the honour of India and 140 crore Indians. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of all Indians in this great land of Bhutan and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this honour," said PM Modi after being conferred Order of the Druk Gyalpo, reported ANI.

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