News

Gulmarg hit by massive avalanche; one dead, five rescued

In a tragic incident on Thursday, one foreign tourist lost his life, while five individuals were successfully rescued after a massive avalanche that struck the ski slopes in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. As per the reports, the avalanche hit the upper reaches of Apharwat peak in the Afarwat area of Gulmarg, where rescue teams swiftly responded to conduct safety operations. The unfortunate event coincided with the ongoing fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg. Initial reports indicate that seven foreign skiers were trapped in the avalanche, which indicates the perilous conditions that are faced by winter sports enthusiasts in the region. The rescue and search operations are being conducted by the Army personnel and a patrolling team from the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Furthermore, reports also have it that another avalanche disrupted the Sindh stream in the Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir the day before, which altered the water body's course. Striking the Hung area of Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh road, the avalanche obstructed the flow of water in the Sindh stream, prompting a diversion in its path. To restore the waterbody to its original course, authorities deployed heavy machinery to clear the debris left by the avalanche.

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Hemkund Sahib Yatra to start from May 25; check key details here

The Hemkund Sahib Yatra for 2024 is all set to commence on May 25 and conclude on Oct 10. If reports are to go by, these dates were finalised during a meeting between Narinder Jit Singh Bindra, Chairman of Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi. As of now, the entire region is enveloped in snow, with depths ranging from 5 to 8 ft. Approximately one month before the annual pilgrimage begins, army personnel will undertake the task of clearing the snow-covered route, ensuring a safe passage for devotees. Highlighting the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage, Bindra added that this journey holds immense spiritual importance for devotees. The confirmation of dates will let interested citizens plan their visits accordingly. Bindra further added that pilgrims and interested individuals are encouraged to make necessary arrangements for their journey during this period. As per the records, in 2022, a noteworthy 2.4 lakh pilgrims visited the revered Sikh shrine, and in 2023, the number of devotees making the journey reached 1.7 lakh. Devotees undertaking the pilgrimage are required to undertake a trek of approximately 15 km from Govind Ghat to reach Hemkund Sahib, situated at an altitude of 15,000 ft. Due to the challenging weather conditions, many prefer to make a halt at Gangharia during their journey. As such, aspiring pilgrims and travellers are advised to plan their journey meticulously, considering the weather conditions and the physical demands of the trek. The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is not just a physical journey, but also a spiritual journey that draws devotees from various parts of the country to this sacred and serene location.

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Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway: Travel Between These Two Cities In Just 2 Hrs

The current time to travel between Chennai and Bangalore is 5 to 6 hours. But with the completion of this expressway in 2024, the travelling time between the two cities will be reduced to maximum 3 hrs. Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has shared his optimism regarding the progress of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway and the ring road connecting towns around Bengaluru. He stated that both projects are on track to be completed by December 2024. The completion of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to just two hours, a remarkable improvement in connectivity. This development is set to strengthen the link between two major IT hubs in the country, facilitating smoother business operations and paving the way for increased collaboration among multinational companies and industries. At present, the average commute time between Chennai and Bengaluru by road is 5 to 6 hours. The new expressway will shorten the distance between Bengaluru and Chennai from 300km to 262km and will reduce the travel time to 2-3 hours. Alternate route to travel between Bengaluru and Chennai The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is poised to become the most direct route connecting Chennai and Bengaluru. Currently, there are three alternative routes available for travel between Chennai and Bengaluru, including the Hosur and Krishnagiri route (part of the Golden Quadrilateral), the Old Madras Road, and the Kolar-KGF-V Kota and Vellore route. Among these options, the most commonly preferred route is the Golden Quadrilateral, which spans approximately 380 km. Bangalore Chennai Expressway Route Starting from Hoskote on the outskirts of Bengaluru, it will pass through Malur, Bangarpet, Kolar Gold Fields(KGF), Palamaner, Chittoor, Ranipet towns on the way. The expressway will end at Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. Hoskote, Karnataka Malur, Karnataka V Kota, Andhra Pradesh Palamaner, Andhra Pradesh Gudiyatham, Tamil Nadu Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu

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Dubai announces 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian travellers

Dubai has introduced a Five-year multiple-entry visa to bolster travel between India and Dubai, highlighting its commitment to fostering sustained economic collaborations and encouraging tourism and business ties. This step ensures that the visa, issued within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year. Through this initiative, tourists can leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless connectivity. Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: "Dubai values its long-standing relationship with India, and our inbound visitation from the market in 2023 was outstanding, contributing to a record-breaking performance by our tourism sector. As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai's position as a hub for business, investment and tourism. The five-year multiple entry visa initiative signifies a strategic step towards deepening our already existing ties with India.

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Understanding visa options: Single-entry vs. multiple-entry visas

International travel necessitates careful consideration of various factors, and obtaining the right type of visa is a crucial aspect. Among the options available, the distinction between a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa plays a significant role in shaping the travel experience. The choice between a single-entry and a multiple-entry visa depends on individual travel needs and plans. Careful consideration of factors such as the purpose of the trip, frequency of travel, and anticipated duration of stay is crucial to making an informed decision and ensuring a seamless international travel experience. Entry limitations Single-entry visa: As the name suggests, a single-entry visa permits the traveller to enter the host country only once within a specific period. Once the individual exits the country, the visa becomes invalid, and re-entry is not permitted without obtaining a new visa. Multiple-entry visa: In contrast, a multiple-entry visa offers the traveller the flexibility to enter and exit the host country multiple times within a predetermined time frame, offering convenience for those with frequent travel needs. Entry limitations Single-entry visa: As the name suggests, a single-entry visa permits the traveller to enter the host country only once within a specific period. Once the individual exits the country, the visa becomes invalid, and re-entry is not permitted without obtaining a new visa. Multiple-entry visa: In contrast, a multiple-entry visa offers the traveller the flexibility to enter and exit the host country multiple times within a predetermined time frame, offering convenience for those with frequent travel needs. Flexibility Single-entry visa: These visas are suitable for individuals with one-time travel plans. They are ideal for tourists or business professionals attending a specific event within a defined timeframe. Multiple-entry visa: Geared towards those anticipating the need for multiple visits, multiple-entry visas offer a higher degree of flexibility. Travellers can enter and exit the country as needed without the hassle of obtaining a new visa for each trip.

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Noida to host 3-day ‘Noida Flower Show’

Noida is all set to host the 3-day annual flower show this weekend. If reports are to go by, the Noida Flower Show, which will be a vibrant celebration of nature's beauty, will be held at the Ramlila Ground, Noida Stadium, in Sector 21. It’s a collaborative effort between the Noida authority and the Floriculture Society of Noida. This grand exhibition, now in its 36th edition, promises to showcase as many as 70 varieties of flora, and thereby creating a breathtaking spectacle for attendees. Manju Grover, General Secretary of the Noida Floriculture Society, disclosed that the chosen theme for this year's exhibition is the elegant ‘Stock’ flower. At the entrance, captivating Stock flower exhibits will greet visitors, while various delightful varieties of this floral beauty will be prominently displayed throughout the show. With a keen focus on environmental consciousness, the exhibition will focus on plants that contribute to pollution reduction. In addition to the visual feast of flowers, workshops will be organised during the event, which will aim at educating school children on plantation techniques and the art of transforming kitchen waste into valuable compost. To cater to diverse interests, food stalls will also be present, offering a culinary complement to the botanical wonders on display. Invitations will be extended to schools, corporate offices, colleges, and Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), anticipating the participation of around three lakh people, particularly nature enthusiasts and gardening aficionados. The flower show, unfortunately, couldn't take place during the challenging COVID years of 2021 and 2022, but made a triumphant return last year.

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