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Indian students only need their student ID card to get a visa to Japan, says Japanese Ambassador

Good news for Indian students who are keen to go to Japan for further studies. As per the latest news reports, The Japanese Ambassador to India, Hiroshi F Suzuki, has extended a warm invitation to Indian students and the youthful population, encouraging them to explore educational opportunities in Japan. In an interview with YouTuber Mayo San, Suzuki said that it’s quite simple to acquire a student visa for Japan. All one has to do is present a student ID card, and they are good to go. Highlighting the streamlined visa process, along with an abundance of skill development programs and promising job prospects, the envoy stressed about the vast potential awaiting Indian aspirants in the ‘land of the rising sun.’ Suzuki conveyed a specific message to the people of India, especially the youth, urging them to consider studying and working in Japan. He specifically addressed students, assuring them that obtaining a visa is remarkably straightforward, requiring only the presentation of a student ID. Furthermore, Suzuki shared a notable development in visa regulations for Indian students, stating that within three years of graduating from Indian universities, students can now submit certificates of student status or graduation instead of documenting financial capability when applying for a single-entry visa for short-term stays with tourism as the purpose. When asked about the striking differences between Japan and India, Suzuki pointed out language as a significant contrast. He highlighted Japan's unified writing system compared to India's diverse linguistic landscape, marvelling at the multitude of different writings in India, likening each state to a distinct country with its own unique identity.

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Rajasthan: Palace on Wheels now available for weddings, shoots, and corporate meetings

As per the latest development, the Rajasthan state government has given its preliminary nod to open the extraordinary doors of the Palace on Wheels, considered one of the most opulent trains globally, for various events like destination weddings, corporate meetings, and wedding shoots. If reports are to go by, this move comes in the wake of a strategic decision that aims to position Rajasthan as a premier tourism destination, both nationally and internationally. Allowing the Palace on Wheels for destination weddings is a significant move that is expected to not only enhance the appeal of such events in Rajasthan, but also will promote appreciation for Rajasthani art, culture, and Vedic wedding traditions among international tourists, as highlighted by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. Reports add that couples choosing the Palace on Wheels as their wedding venue will not only make their moments more memorable, but will also serve as tourism ambassadors for Rajasthan and India. The officials are still in the process of devising plans to open the doors for such occasions starting this season, with the government's preliminary approval already secured.

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Sri Lanka terminates long-stay visas for Russians and Ukrainians amid criticism of a 'whites only' policy

Sri Lanka has instructed thousands of Russians and Ukrainians residing in the country on expired extended visas due to the Ukraine conflict to depart within a fortnight, as per officials. The move follows public outcry on social media regarding Russian-operated businesses engaging in illicit activities and enforcing a "whites only" practice, barring locals from entry. Immigration authorities have informed Sri Lanka's Tourism Ministry that Russian and Ukrainian visitors must leave the nation within two weeks starting from February 23, as their visas have expired, officials quoted by news agency PTI disclosed. The Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry revealed it had received grievances about Russians and Ukrainians overstaying in Sri Lanka and establishing restaurants and nightclubs. They allegedly employed foreigners and utilized non-local payment methods, bypassing domestic systems. Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando informed the Daily Mirror that complaints had been lodged about certain Russians operating illegal enterprises in the southern region of the country. He noted that raids were conducted following consultations with the immigration department, as reported by an international publication. However, a notice from President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office instructed an investigation into the decision to mandate the departure of Ukrainians and Russians without Cabinet endorsement. According to the President's Media division, PTI reported that the Sri Lankan government has not officially decided to revoke the visa extensions granted to Ukrainian and Russian tourists. To revitalize the tourism sector, Sri Lanka, grappling with its worst economic downturn since 2022, initiated visa-on-arrival for 30 days and allowed extensions of up to six months, as per The Independent.

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Beer and beer bath in Prague, the worlds drinking capital

In Czechia, beer isn't merely a beverage; it's a way of life, and its capital Prague, boasts a captivating history intertwined with the art of brewing, a cultural cornerstone that has shaped the city's identity for centuries. Renowned globally for its Pilsner lagers, this crisp and golden creation redefined brewing and globally became a defining style for countless brews. Today, Czechia boasts an impressive 400 breweries and counting! Best pubs in Prague: • U Zlatého Tygra: A traditional Czech pub and former hub of 20th-century political dissidence housed in a 14th-century building. With the beer, try marinated beer cheese and grilled pork or sausage served with mustard and horseradish. • Pivo a párek: Literally, beer & frankfurte? it has a huge offering of beer selection that changes weekly. Best pubs in Prague: • U Zlatého Tygra: A traditional Czech pub and former hub of 20th-century political dissidence housed in a 14th-century building. With the beer, try marinated beer cheese and grilled pork or sausage served with mustard and horseradish. • Pivo a párek: Literally, beer & frankfurte? it has a huge offering of beer selection that changes weekly.

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New 225-Km Expressway To Cut Travel Time Between Pune To Aurangabad To Just 2 Hrs, Nagpur To 4.5 Hrs

The proposed expressway will span 225 km, significantly cutting down the travel time between Pune and Aurangabad from the current four to five hours to just two hours. New Delhi: After nearly 22 months of discussions, a new expressway connecting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) to Pune in Maharashtra has finally received official approval from the Union Ministry. The project, verified by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, will be developed under the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) framework. The proposed expressway will span 225 km, significantly cutting down the travel time between Pune and Aurangabad from the current four to five hours to just two hours. This initiative is expected to streamline transportation and boost economic activities in the region. The construction of this expressway is poised to revolutionize regional connectivity, facilitating faster travel from Nagpur to Jalna Samruddhi Mahamarg and onward to Pune from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The travel time is expected to reduce from the current 10 hours and 30 minutes to approximately four and a half hours, marking a significant improvement in the efficiency of the transportation network, as per a Pune Mirror report. Currently, to reach Pune from Nagpur, it takes around 14 hours. Earlier, Gadkari said travel time between Pune and Aurangabad, and would be reduced to two hours once the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway is completed. Gadkari laid the foundation of the work of national highways worth of Rs 2,300 crore in Satara and Sangli districts. Reportedly, the Maharashtra Infrastructure Corporation has been entrusted with the responsibility of executing the project, supported by a substantial loan of Rs 3 billion from HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation). Moreover, the revamping of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Ahmednagar road will be financed through toll revenue collected from four toll booths along the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Shirur stretch. The upcoming expressway between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Pune heralds a new era of connectivity and economic growth in Maharashtra, promising a more efficient and streamlined transportation network for the benefit of commuters and businesses alike. Nagpur-Mumbai Samridhi Mahamarg Meanwhile, the Nagpur-Mumbai Samridhi Mahamarg will be 701 km long, directly connecting ten districts, twenty-six talukas and around 392 villages. It will have a speed limit of 150 km which will bring Nagpur and Mumbai within 8 hours reach. Thus, travel time from Mumbai to Aurangabad will be 4 hours and from Aurangabad to Nagpur, another 4 hours. It will connect several industrial areas, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) , the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), dry ports of Wardha and Jalna and Mumbai’s JNPT. The expressway was to be inaugurated in May but it got delayed.

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Here are top destinations for Indian travelers this Holi

Goa and Dubai are the top two domestic and international destinations for Indian travellers looking to make the most of the two long weekends in March 2024, according to data analysed by digital travel platform Agoda. As March approaches and Indians anticipate a shorter workweek, travellers are gearing up with their travel plans. Agoda analyzed its search data and found Dubai on top as the favourite international travel spot. Domestically, Goa is the most popular destination searched for Holi and Good Friday. For those planning an international getaway, nearby Dubai is the most popular destination, with Singapore coming in second spot. Thailand’s visa waiver policy likely helps it secure two of the top five most popular spots for travel with Bangkok number three and Phuket fifth. Bali (Indonesia) is the fourth most popular international destination for the Holi and Good Friday break. Goa continues to be a recurring favorite, drawing tourists in with its immaculate beaches, exciting nightlife, and unique cultural appeal. Following Goa is Mumbai. Heading to the North of India, the 'City of Lakes,' Udaipur, is one of the top destinations Indians are keen to visit over the long weekends. The city offers a serene escape for those looking to immerse themselves in history and the architectural marvels of the city. Delhi NCR and Jaipur also emerge as popular domestic destinations, (fourth and fifth most popular respectively), both known for their lively markets, vibrant streets and architectural wonders that attract travellers looking for a combination of urban excitement and cultural exploration.

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