Saudi Arabia Introduces Mandatory Pre-Verification for Indian Work Visa Applicants
Indians seeking work visa for Saudi Arabia must now undergo pre-verification of their professional and academic qualifications. This new requirement is part of Saudi Arabia's effort to improve labor market standards and aligns with its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and enhance workforce quality. Why the Change?India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that over 2.4 million Indians work in Saudi Arabia, making them the second-largest expatriate group in the kingdom. Across the Gulf region, more than two million Indians are employed. The pre-verification rule, proposed six months ago, is...
Rare Dolphin Stampede Stuns Viewers at Dana Point
A remarkable and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon unfolded off the coast of Dana Point, Southern California, as a massive "dolphin stampede" of around 5,000 dolphins dazzled onlookers. This breathtaking event left visitors, marine enthusiasts, and animal lovers in awe as the dolphins swam in perfect harmony, leaping and gliding across the waves in a spectacular display of synchronized movement. A Viral Spectacle Captured on Camera The rare event was filmed by Loriannah Hespe and shared by Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, a local tour agency. The video has since gone viral,...
Predjama Castle: The World’s Largest Cave Fortress and Its Hidden Tunnels
Exploring castles is always an enchanting experience, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. These fortified structures, built by royalty and nobility for protection, exude an air of seriousness and history. Among them, Predjama Castle in southwest Slovenia stands out as the world’s largest cave castle, a stunning fusion of human creativity and natural landscape. Perched halfway up a 400-foot cliff, this imposing fortress has been a sentinel since the 13th century. Officially recognized by Guinness World Records, Predjama's Renaissance facade enhances its majestic presence. However, what truly captivates visitors is...
Ancient Ganesha Temples Around the World
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, success, and new beginnings, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. While his worship originated in India, his divine presence can be felt across the globe, often in unexpected places. This article explores ancient Ganesha temples and shrines in various countries, highlighting the widespread influence of Hindu culture and the deep, enduring appeal of Ganesha beyond India's borders. A Journey Through Time and Cultures China: The Ganesha Temples of Quanzhou Quanzhou, a historic port city in southeastern China, was once a major center for...
New Zealand to increase Entry Fees for International Tourists
Starting October 1, New Zealand will nearly triple the entry fees for international tourists , a move that has drawn criticism from the country’s tourism sector. Under the new fee structure, the international visitor and conservation and tourism fees will rise from NZD 35 (USD 21.77) to NZD 100 (USD 62.20). The government intends to ensure that visitors contribute fairly to the public services and high-quality experiences that New Zealand offers by increasing the fee. The decision comes amid concerns over the environmental impact of tourism, which has placed pressure on...
Last Chance to Get an EU Passport Stamp
If you’re a fan of collecting passport stamps, you might want to hurry. By November 10, 2024, the European Union will discontinue manual EU passport stamp, replacing it with an automated system that could leave many travelers missing this nostalgic tradition. The change is part of the EU's shift to the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital upgrade aimed at improving border security and streamlining entry processes. According to recent reports, the current practice of stamping passports is considered inefficient, lacking in data accuracy, and inadequate for tracking overstayers. The new EES...
IRCTC Unveils 5-Day All-Inclusive Thailand Tour Packages Starting at INR 46,300
Thailand, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is increasingly becoming a top destination for travelers worldwide. In response to this growing interest, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a series of exciting Thailand tour packages from various Indian cities. These packages, starting at ₹46,300, offer flexibility in travel dates and duration, catering to diverse preferences. One of the standout options is a five-day, four-night tour from Kochi, Kerala, priced at INR 57,550. This all-inclusive package covers everything from flight tickets and hotel accommodations to...
‘Visa at Your Doorstep’ demand rises among UK trippers to India
A recent check has revealed significant rise in demand for' Visa at Your Doorstep'( VAYD) service among UK trippers to India. The service is being taken as further trippers from the UK choose India as their destination, according to VFS Global, a prominent visa facilitation service. The rise in demand reflects a broader trend of growing British interest in visiting India. Recent statistics from the Ministry of Tourism reveal that the UK is now one of the top three source countries for foreign excursionists arriving in India, contributing to 9.82 percent...
5 spots to bookmark as Sri Lanka goes visa-free for Indians from Oct 1
As reported before, Sri Lanka is each set to offer visa-free entry to Indian trippers from October 1 2024, which also means that there is no way been a better time to explore this alluring islet nation. This beautiful islet nation is each about rich artistic heritage, stunning geographies, and vibrant wildlife. However, this is the right time to be, If you have no way been to this place. So, then are five must- visit spots to bookmark for your Sri Lankan adventure. Sigiriya - Sri Lanka Also known as the ‘...
A look 10 countries with utmost UNESCO World Heritage spots
As of 2024, there are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage spots worldwide, honored for their global artistic, literal, or natural significance. Then are the top 10 countries with the loftiest number of these prestigious spots Italy( 60) Italy leads with 60 UNESCO World Heritage spots, reflecting its unequaled literal and artistic wealth. These spots gauge from ancient Roman armature to Renaissance masterpieces, including the Colosseum in Rome, the remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the major centers of Florence and Venice. China( 59) China follows with 59 World Heritage spots, representing its vast artistic and...