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Locals Can Travel On Public Buses On Atal Setu Soon | Details Here

Locals will soon be able to travel on the recently-opened Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or the Atal Setu using bus services. The new service aims to benefit those who are willing to experience the new bridge. Mumbai’s sea link was thrown open on January 12 this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a grand ceremony. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) may kick off bus services on the newly-inaugurated Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or the Atal Setu. Once the proposal is passed, locals willing to experience the longest sea link in India will be able to travel using public transport. In its proposal, NMMT has proposed initiating four services between Nerul and Mantralaya on the bridge. Along with that, two electric bus services have also been proposed for approval, reported Hindustan Times. The announcement has spread enthusiasm among residents, who are excited about visiting Atal Setu and experiencing the bridge. Mumbai’s sea-link was thrown open on January 12 this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a grand ceremony.

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Bahrain introduces new rules to convert visit visas into work or dependent visas.

Manama: Bahrain's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) recently announced that the country will not allow the conversion of visit visas to work or dependent visas anymore. The latest move is part of the government’s decision to make the rules and regulations regarding the conversion of visit visas into work or dependent visas stricter. The authorities said that the new procedures would be carried out in cooperation with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to promote the National Labour Market Plan and stop the exploitation of people arriving in the country on visit visas. However, this is likely to affect the employment prospects of hundreds of job seekers. Currently, lots of aspirants from Kerala and other GCC countries are in Bahrain looking for employment opportunities.

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Exploring the ‘Dome Of Harmony’, the Sanctum Sanctorum of new temple in Abu Dhabi

Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited Abu Dhabi to inaugurate a new BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) Hindu temple in the city. The event marked an important milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East. The temple is also being touted as the largest in the region, spanning 27 acres. The temple, which is constructed at a whopping cost exceeding INR 700 crore, boasts of an impressive sanctum sanctorum, or the ‘Dome of Harmony’. During the inauguration, PM Modi took part in a 'global aarti' conducted simultaneously across more than 1200 temples established by BAPS. The temple, standing 108 feet tall and 180 feet wide, with seven spires symbolising the seven emirates. Remarkably, no iron has been used in the temple's 402 pillars, making it UAE's first Hindu stone temple, adorned with intricate carvings of deities and Hindu symbols in white Italian marble. Within the sanctum sanctorum, seven shrines pay homage to various deities such as Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshmi, and Lord Shiva, among others. Explaining the symbolism, a volunteer revealed, "The Dome of Harmony represents different elements—fire, earth, air, water, and space. The shank represents water, Tej embodies the sun, and the running Deers signifies air." Each of the temple's 1400 pillars, guarded by a transparent shield, stands as a unique creation, yet collectively forming a unified structure, as emphasized by the volunteer, "Every pillar inside the sanctum sanctorum is unique and has its identity. There are 1,400 pillars, protected by a transparent shield. They represent differences, but they all make one pillar." The temple's architecture is not limited to Indian civilization; it draws inspiration from diverse cultures, incorporating elements from Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese, and African civilizations. Notably, the shrine dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita features intricate carvings of the Ramayan on stone, with 'shankh' (shell) and sun motifs adorning the dome. Characterised by fine detailing in sculpting deities and symbols, the temple is an architectural marvel, boasting two central domes—the 'Dome of Harmony' and the 'Dome of Peace'.

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OTM Mumbai hailed as a top travel trade show in the world

MUMBAI, India, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The curtains have closed on OTM 2024, Asia's largest and most influential travel trade show organized by Fairfest, leaving a lasting impression on the global travel and tourism industry. The three-day event held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, showcased the pinnacle of innovation and collaboration in the travel sector. Speaking at the valedictory function, the Chief Guest Ms. Diya Kumari, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Government of Rajasthan, said, "I am happy to have participated in the closing and prize distribution ceremony of OTM. It is indeed one of the best travel trade shows in the world." Exhibitors and visitors showered accolades on the show as the best platform for travel trade to meet in this part of the world. The grand inauguration, led by H.E. Harin Fernando, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism & Land, Sports & Youth Affairs, Sri Lanka;H.E. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister of Marketing, Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy, Indonesia and Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan, Hon'ble Tourism Minister, Government of Punjab, set the tone for an event that exceeded all expectations. Dignitaries and diplomats from around the world, alongside over 40,000 industry professionals, explored the vast exhibition space featuring 1600+ exhibitors from 60 countries and 30 Indian States & Union Territories. The scale of OTM 2024, having grown by 50 percent compared to its 2023 edition, emphasized its role as the pivotal hub for the travel industry. The event provided a platform for quality networking, connecting pre-qualified travel agents, tour operators, MICE & corporate buyers, wedding planners, and film, TV & OTT producers. The show floor buzzed with energy from day one, witnessing robust interactions between B2B buyers and sellers. The geopolitical landscape has positioned India as a key player in the global economy and tourism market, making Indian tourists highly coveted by international and domestic destinations. This fierce competition for attention was palpable throughout OTM 2024. Beyond the exhibition, OTM featured knowledge-sharing and networking events, including insightful panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses in the OTM Forum. The inaugural session, titled 'Is the World Ready for the Indian Traveller? - Tourism Boards' Perspective,' brought together esteemed speakers, including H.E. Harin Fernando, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism & Land, Sports & Youth Affairs, Sri Lanka, H.E. Ni Made Ayu Marthini of the Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy, Indonesia, and Philip Dickinson, Leading International Markets and MICE, Qatar Tourism. The session, moderated by Kamiya Jani, Founder of Curly Tales, provided invaluable insights into the evolving travel landscape. The first day also saw an event by the Tourism India Alliance titled 'Connect & Collaborate @ TIA - Let's Talk Business!' which provided a unique opportunity for exhibitors to connect with over 30 MICE professionals in one space. The day concluded with the networking dinner hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines; an opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow industry professionals in an informal setting. Day 2 began with an insightful panel discussion on 'Sustainable Tourism Practices: A Win-Win for Marketers and Communities'. Mohamed Bassam Adam, Deputy Managing Director, Visit Maldives/MMPRC; Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer, Department of Tourism, Bhutan; Björn Bender, CEO, Rail Europe; Rob Thompson, Head of Regions, Tourism, Fiji; Sanjib Sarangi, Chief Fundraising & Partnerships Officer, Indian Grameen Services, Member of the ICRT Foundation (Responsible Tourism) discussed green tourism at length. An exclusive event, 'WeddingSutra Engage' united over 30 top wedding planners from across India, providing a great opportunity to connect with influential decision-makers and key players in the wedding industry. The Moroccan National Tourism Office in the august company of H.E. Mr. Mohamed Maliki, Ambassador of Morocco in India, Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, showcased their diverse beauty and tourist attractions via a presentation followed by a networking lunch hosted by them. In another engaging panel discussion, influential women from various travel organizations explored the topic 'Recognizing Women's Power in Travel & Tourism,' featuring their exclusive insights and contributions. Cine Locales at OTM 2024 sparkled with a star-studded conversation among industry leaders from the film fraternity, who discussed 'Bringing Global Destinations to Indian Cinema'. PromPeru's captivating destination presentation followed suit and highlighted the various tourism offerings of Peru, showcasing the country's ancient history and natural beauty. The Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) also hosted a 'MICE India Meet,' facilitating interactions with various destinations, with a specific focus on tapping into the Indian MICE scene. Noteworthy pavilions included the largest international representation from Saudi Arabia, along with strong participation from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, the Maldives, and Azerbaijan. Among the Indian States, Uttarakhand took the lead in size, closely followed by Kerala, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and others. Travel Boutique Online, NEOM, and Tripjack represented substantial private-sector pavilions. The OTM Forum facilitated dialogue on essential trends and strategies shaping the $50 billion Indian travel market. Industry experts shared their insights, fostering meaningful partnerships within the thriving travel sector. Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the event's success, attributing it to strong support from all industry segments. Reflecting on the same, Agarwal stated, "In 2023, 98% of our exhibitors confirmed that OTM effectively connects them with their desired business audience. The event was voted not only as the leading travel trade show in India but also across all of Asia. OTM 2024 continues this legacy, with world-class facilities at the Jio World Convention Centre contributing significantly to its success."

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Bharat bandh today: Avoid these Delhi, Noida routes during farmers' protest | Traffic advisory

The farmer unions have asked all the like-minded farmer organizations to come forward and participate in the Bharat bandh. The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police has said restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including a ban on unauthorized public assemblies, would be enforced across the district given Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions on Friday. Delhi might also see traffic snarls due to the farmers' nationwide protest. The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police has said restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including a ban on unauthorised public assemblies, would be enforced across the district in view of Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions on Friday. Delhi might also see traffic snarls due to the farmers' nationwide protest. The farmer unions have asked all the like-minded farmer organisations to come forward and participate in the Bharat bandh, which begins from 6am to 4pm. The strike is largely expected to affect rural areas in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan – regions where the farm unions have the strongest imprint. Highway traffic is likely to be significantly hobbled as well. Bharat bandh today: Traffic advisory for Delhi Traffic across key routes of Delhi has been adversely impacted as police have placed multiple layers of barricades on the Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders in view of the farmers' march to the national capital. In the last few days, commuters have had a harrowing time as they battled traffic jams. Routes to avoid: Major traffic snarls are expected around the borders of Delhi. The Singhu Border (Delhi Haryana Border), Ghazipur Border (Delhi Ghaziabad Border) and the Tikri Border (Delhi Haryana Border) could remain extremely crowded and must be avoided. Bharat Bandh today: Traffic advisory for Noida In Noida, the police have cautioned commuters going to Delhi and coming back from the capital city of traffic diversions. It has urged citizens to opt for Metro rail service "as far as possible" to avoid inconvenience. On Thursday, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police said that restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including a ban on unauthorised public assemblies, would be enforced across the district in view of Bharat Bandh. In a traffic advisory, the police said intensive checking will be done by installing barriers on all the borders of Noida and Delhi by the police on both sides due to which there will be a pressure on vehicular movement and traffic would be diverted according to requirement. "People going to Delhi please use Metro as much as possible to avoid traffic inconvenience. Arrival of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted on the route from Yamuna Expressway to Delhi via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and from Sirsa to Surajpur via Pari Chowk. To avoid traffic inconvenience, drivers can use alternative routes to reach their destination," the police said. In the advisory, the Noida Traffic Police has urged vehicles going from 130-metre road towards Pari Chowk via Depot Roundabout will be able to reach their destination via Supertech Roundabout, Honda CL Chowk via P-03 Roundabout, IFS Villa Roundabout. Vehicles going via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway via Parichowk are diverted via Knowledge Park/Expomart Roundabout via Hindon Cut/Galgotia Cut.

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Thailand announces medical coverage of up to USD14,000 for travellers

Thailand has implemented a new initiative to entice tourists back after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this scheme, visitors will receive medical coverage of up to USD 14,000 in case of accidents, as announced by the tourism minister. Additionally, the government will provide compensation of up to one million baht (approximately USD 37,270) in the unfortunate event of a visitor's death. This move comes as Thailand's tourism sector continues to grapple with the aftermath of pandemic-induced travel restrictions, with a slower-than-anticipated recovery in tourist arrivals. The country hopes that by offering enhanced safety measures and financial protection, it will be possible to rebuild confidence among travellers and stimulate the resurgence of tourism in the country. The Thailand Traveller Safety scheme commenced on January 1 and is slated to run until August 31, 2024. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol emphasised that the primary objective of the campaign is to assure visitors that Thailand prioritises their well-being and ensures they receive proper care. Historically, Thailand has been a favoured destination among young backpackers worldwide, drawn by its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures. Through initiatives like the Thailand Traveller Safety scheme, the country seeks to reaffirm its status as a welcoming and secure destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement. While the Thai government's new scheme offers up to USD14,000 in medical coverage for accidents, it is important to note that it excludes incidents caused by negligence, intent, illegal acts, or risky behaviour. Tourists can enroll in the program via the Thailand Traveller Safety website.

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