Bank Holidays in February 2024 Banks to remain shut for 12 days

"Is February 14th a bank holiday?: Although Basanta Panchami/Saraswati Puja falls on that day, banks in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata would be closed. However, this is not a recognised holiday by the government. Banks in Imphal will be closed on February 15. If you include Saturdays and Sundays, there are a total of eleven holidays in this month. The second and fourth Saturdays of every month are usually when banks are closed. February 2024 bank holidays: Following the holiday calendar of the Reserve Bank of India, banks in different parts of India are providing their branches with 12 vacations in February 2024. Many bank branches will be closed for an additional six days this month, which will prolong the customary weekend vacations on the second and fourth Saturdays in addition to Sundays. The Reserve Bank of India has categorised these bank holidays into four primary categories: The Negotiable Instruments Act's holidays, Holidays with real-time gross settlement Account closures by the bank The following lists the state-by-state bank holidays for February 2024: February 10: Losar February 14: Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami) and Basanta Panchami February 15th: Nguyỿn Văn Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is on February 19. State Day/Statehood Day is February 20. February 26: Nyokum.  When determining bank holidays, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes into account a number of variables, including state and national holidays, cultural or religious celebrations, operational requirements, governmental orders, and cooperation with other banks. The RBI notifies banks and other financial institutions of its holiday calendar via official channels, including its website. February 14, 2024: Basanta Panchami/Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami) (banks in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata will be closed). 2024's Basant Panchami Vasant Panchami draws attention to the arrival of spring. Sarasvati, the Hindu deity, is the focal point of the celebration. People wear yellow clothing and celebrate by eating ""kesar halwa,"" a dish comprised of flour, sugar, almonds, and cardamom powder. Pupils approach the goddess's feet with books, pens, and pencils in hand, asking for her blessings. 2024's Valentine's Day The week prior to Valentine's Day, which falls on February 14, is when the enthusiasm for the month of love really starts. Before Valentine's Day, there are seven days set aside to celebrate love. These seven days of love are Rose Day (February 7), Propose Day (February 8), Chocolate Day (February 9), Teddy Day (February 10), Promise Day (February 11), Hug Day (February 12), and Kiss Day (February 13)."

Thailands New Program Will Provide Up To $14,000 In Medical Coverage For Visitors

In an effort to entice travelers back after the pandemic, Thailand has launched a program to provide up to $14,000 in medical coverage in the event of an accident, the country's tourism minister announced on Thursday. Under the new plan, the government will pay up to 500,000 baht ($14,000) in expenses and up to one million baht in compensation in the event of a death. The kingdom's vital tourism industry was severely impacted by travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, and arrivals have not recovered as quickly as officials had hoped.According to AFP, the new Thailand Traveler Safety program launched on January 1 and will run through August 31. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol is the minister of tourism. "The campaign aims to assure foreign tourists that Thailand is safe and everyone will be under good care," she stated. For a long time, young travelers from all over the world who are looking for sun, sand, and excitement have been drawn to the kingdom. However, mishaps are not unusual, and in the past few months, there have been multiple accounts of young Europeans being left with large medical bills and insufficient insurance.The Thai government makes it clear that mishaps brought on by "negligence, intent, illegal acts" or reckless behavior are not covered by the program. Travelers can sign up for the program at tts.go.th, the website for Thailand Traveller Safety. In 2023, there were about 28 million tourists to Thailand, up from 11 million in the previous year but still far less than the 40 million that arrived in 2019, the final year before the pandemic.

Vietnam bags the prestigious title of the Worlds Leading Heritage Destination 2023

By 2024, Vietnam and the #039 tourism industry are facing a major turning point. The country has set ambitious goals to increase its attractiveness and make tourism a major environmentally sustainable economic engine by 2030. This is a sign of joint efforts to exploit Vietnam's tourism potential and #039 ensuring its long-term viability and responsible management. natural and cultural heritage. As a recent achievement, Vietnam won the title of "World #039;s Leading Heritage Destination 2023"! The country has received global recognition as the world's most important cultural heritage and has achieved the prestigious title of the World Travel Awards. In addition to the stunning natural scenery of mountains, forests and islands, Vietnam's cultural heritage attracts countless visitors, which greatly increases its tourist appeal. Travellers are drawn to Vietnam, a nation rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, by its varied landscapes and lively customs. Vietnam presents a diverse range of experiences for travellers to discover, spanning from the lively streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay. Its historic temples, vibrant marketplaces, and verdant rice paddies reveal a bit of the region's colourful history while also highlighting the kindness and tenacity of its people. This marks a extensive milestone for the s .|united states of america|u . s . a .|us of a">united states's tourism enterprise in all senses. The popularity resonates with the proper studies visitors come upon in Vietnam, wherein background webweb sites have grow to be indispensable to global visitors' exploration of the s .|united states of america|u . s . a .|us of a">united states's distinctive "S-shaped" geography. This accolade in addition elevates Vietnam's status withinside the international tourism arena, emphasizing its precise cultural services and ancient significance. However, preserving this prestigious name necessitates persistent innovation in tourism studies to lengthen the remains of global guests. Looking in advance to 2024, Vietnam's tourism region faces a pivotal juncture. The s .|united states of america|u . s . a .|us of a">united states has set formidable dreams to beautify its attraction and rework tourism right into a leading, environmentally sustainable monetary motive force with the aid of using 2030. This alerts a concerted attempt to capitalise on Vietnam's tourism ability even as making sure long-time period viability and accountable stewardship of its herbal and cultural background..  

Delhi Airport issues advisory for passengers ahead of farmers protest on February 13

Delhi Police's Advice In light of the planned farmers' protest, Delhi Police on Monday released a traffic advice informing commuters of limitations on vehicle movement at three borders of the national capital. The march on February 13 has been called by a number of farmer associations, the majority of which are from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. One of the demands they made when they decided to end their agitation in 2022 was a law guaranteeing MSP for their crop. Interstate buses that plan to travel via NH-44 to Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, etc. will transport ISBT to Majnu Ka Tilla, Signature Bridge, Khajuri Chowk, Loni Border, and KMP via Khekra, according to the statement. It is advised that heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling via NH-44 to Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, and other locations use exit number 2 at the NH-44 (DSIIDC) crossroads and go to the Harish Chander Hospital crossing before continuing on Bawana Road. "The HGVs intending to go towards Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, etc. are suggested to take Outer Ring Road from Mukarba Chowk to Madhuban Chowk to Bhagwan Mahavir Road to Rithala to Pansali Chowk to Helipad to UER-II to Kanjhawala Road-Karala T-Point-Kanjhawala Chowk to Jaunti Village to Jaunti Border/Nizampur Border and enter in Haryana village Bamnoli and may go further go via Nahra-Nahari road to Bahadurgarh road," it stated. The vehicles, both passenger cars and light trucks, headed for Sonipat, Pani. A post from X (formerly Twitter) read: andquot;Please note that expected farmers and #039; protest at various Delhi borders from 13.02.2024, traffic diversions are in effect. Commercial vehicles will be subject to traffic restrictions and detours from February 12, 2024. We advise you to plan your journey accordingly and be aware of possible delays and alternative routes.andquot; Use exit number two at the NH-44 DSIIDC crossroads to access the Ramdev Chowk, Sector-A/5 red light, Harish Chander Hospital red light, and so on. According to the instruction, take NH-44 from Ramdev Chowk to the Piau Maniyari Border, which enters Haryana. "Cars and LGVs travelling to Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, etc. are advised to take the second DSIIDC cut off, which connects to Bawana Road, Kanjhawala T-Point, Kanjhawala Chowk. They should then turn right into Nizamp after travelling along Dr. Sahib Singh Verma Road to Jhanda Chowk/Ghevra. The Delhi airport on Monday issued a notice to travelers about the expected farmers and #039; protest at various borders of Delhi from February 13, 2024. A post by X (ex-Twitter) reads: andquot;Please note that expected farmers and#039; protest at various Delhi borders from 13.02.2024, traffic diversions are in effect. Traffic restrictions and detours will be introduced for commercial vehicles from 12 February 2024. We recommend planning  

Tourism Ireland announces a global marketing effort for 2024.

At a meeting today with Tourism Minister Catherine Martin and some 550 leaders from the country's tourism industry, Tourism Ireland announced its marketing strategy and plans for promoting Ireland abroad in 2024.By 2030, Tourism Ireland hopes to have considerably increased the economic contribution of foreign travel to Ireland, with an annual revenue growth rate of +5.6% during the next six years. Furthermore, the group is committed to supporting the island's local economy by raising revenue during off-peak seasons in different regions by +6.5% on average per year until 2030.With a €70 million marketing budget, Tourism Ireland plans to introduce a broad and targeted campaign in 2024.Ireland's highly regarded tourism products, a committed industry, and solid international travel trade relationships are expected to make 2024 a critical year for luring foreign visitors. Using available capacity presents an obvious potential to increase revenue, especially during the off-peak season. In addition, Ireland is well-positioned to enthrall prospective tourists with its rich storytelling, which includes the 2,000-year history of Halloween on the island.In 2024, Tourism Ireland is determined to take advantage of these prospects by implementing data-driven marketing tactics. Through the dynamic delivery of tailored communications to specific audiences at the most advantageous moments, the organization hopes to draw in high-value foreign visitors by matching supply with demand. The focus will be on drawing travelers who, in addition to having the means to do so, are also on the lookout for meaningful experiences and have a propensity to visit various locations all year round."The Government remains fully committed to this vitally important industry and to strengthening tourism as a fundamental part of our economy for the long term," said Tourism Minister Catherine Martin during her remarks at the event. The budget for 2024 has allocated an extra €10 million to promote Ireland as a top vacation destination abroad. "Tourism Ireland's work abroad complements and is complemented by other sectors falling under my Department's purview. For instance, how culture and sport are portrayed in Tourism Ireland's marketing materials for international audiences can have a significant impact on prospective travelers' ability to envision and recognize some of the special features of vacationing on the island of Ireland and identify it as a premier venue for sporting events.The creation of a new national framework for tourism policies that will integrate sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—across the board for the industry is being advanced by my department. The framework will influence future developments in our tourism sector. In this sense, I want to see the industry expand, but I also want it to grow in a way that keeps up with our larger sustainability goals and makes Ireland a leader in sustainable tourism.  

There are US cities that have made today a public holiday.

The importance of the Lunar New Year in the United States is growing as February 8th, 2024 draws near. For many Asian Americans, the Lunar New Year has traditionally been simply another ordinary workday, but for countries in East and Southeast Asia, it is a significant cultural and economic occasion. But things are starting to change, as a number of states and towns around the country are now formally honoring and commemorating this significant cultural milestone. It is worthwhile to investigate how this year.The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, Seollal in Korea, T?t in Vietnam, Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia, and other names, is a lunisolar calendar holiday that marks the beginning of spring. With a lengthy history that dates back more than 4,000 years, it is among the most venerable customs that have been handed down through the generations.The number of Asian Americans has reportedly increased over the past few years, according to reports from various US media outlets. As a result, certain states and towns have either declared Lunar New Year as a public holiday or are considering doing so in the near future.Boston The official recognition of Lunar New Year as a public holiday by the Boston City Council in February 2023 was a significant milestone in expressing gratitude for the contributions made by the Asian and Pacific Islander populations. At the time, President Flynn emphasized the AAPI community's rich cultural diversity and acknowledged their continued fight against prejudice. This choice is a step in the right direction toward celebrating cultural diversity and inclusiveness.City of New York With the official recognition of Lunar New Year as a public holiday in September 2023, New York State made history. This action was motivated by the significant Asian population in the state. Over 17.3% of New York City's population is Asian, and the city's cultural fabric is further enhanced by nine unique Chinatown areas.  

Beyond Goa, Indias top beach vacation spots are Lakshadweep to Digha.

When there are beaches in India for a winter vacation, such those in Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands, Tithal in Gujarat, or Digha in West Bengal if you don't want to visit Goa again, Mauritius, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka seem too far away."On-platform searches for beach destinations across the nation are at an all-time high," an online travel firm representative for Makemytrip stated. After India's relations with the Maldives reached a rough patch, there is a suggestion that the country's interest in domestic beach vacations has grown. Early in 2023, India accounted for the majority of the archipelago's visitor count, but that figure fell.These less touristic and more vibrantly cultural locations are scattered along India's enormous coastline. When there are beaches in India for a winter getaway, such Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands, Tithal in Gujarat, or Digha in West Bengal if you don't want to visit Goa again, Mauritius, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka seem too far away. Kerala's Cherai Beach Go: Cherai is a popular destination for both foreign and local tourists. It is located on the slender Vypin Island, where there is a long beach nicknamed the "Princess of the Arabian Sea" on one side and Kerala's well-known lagoons and canals on the other.Remain: We adore Les 3 Elephants, a French-owned establishment, for its petite size and stylish aesthetic. Cherai Beach Resorts is the place to go if you want everything you could possibly want. All of this can be found less than 30 minutes from Kochi Airport, including tropical landscaping, a blend of contemporary and traditional cottages and villas, extensive Ayurvedic spa treatments, a variety of eating options, and backwater boat excursions.  

No need for a visa to enter India Iran eases rules for Indians in the same way as Kenya, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Iran declared on Tuesday that Indians and nationals of numerous other countries can enter the country without a visa for a stay of up to 15 days. Iran's decision comes after Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam all abolished their visa requirements."The visa-free entry has been rolled out for Indian citizens from February 4 subject to four conditions," the Iranian embassy announced the most recent development.According to the ministry's announcement, regular passport holders will be permitted entry into the nation once every six months without the need for a visa, with a maximum stay of 15 days."It is important to note that the 15 days cannot be extended." "The visa abolition only applies to individuals entering the Islamic Republic of Iran territory for tourism purposes," added the statement.Therefore, Indian nationals wishing to extend their stay, enter the country more than once in a six-month period, or need other kinds of visas, must get the appropriate visas from Iranian embassies in India."The visa abolition outlined in this approval specifically applies to Indian nationals who enter the country just through the air border," it said.A new visa-free initiative for India and thirty-two other nations—including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia—was authorized by Iran in December.Kenya is eliminating its visa requirements for foreign travelers as of January 1. The action is anticipated to strengthen the nation's vital tourism industry by providing hassle-free travel for beach vacations and wildlife safaris."It is no longer necessary for anyone from anywhere in the world to bear the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," stated President William Ruto. Malaysia India and China are now allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa and stay for a maximum of 30 days. The new regulation went into effect on December 1, 2023. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that strict security controls would need to be met before granting the exemption when he made the announcement. "There will be preliminary inspections for all travelers visiting Malaysia. Security is a distinct issue. They won't be let entry if they have a criminal record or pose a threat from terrorism, the prime minister declared.Lanka For travelers from India and six other nations—China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand—Sri Lanka has instituted a visa-free entrance program. This program will continue to operate through March 31, 2024.Thailand Travelers from Taiwan and India can now enter Thailand without a visa for a 30-day period as of November 1. The program will continue to be in effect till May 10, 2024.Vietnam Vietnam also declared earlier this year that, in an effort to boost tourism, it may provide Chinese and Indians admission without a visa. Citizens of some European nations are currently exempt from needing a visa, and citizens of other nations can apply for e-visas that have a 90-day validity period and various entry choices.  

Weather problems for vacationers in China Spring Festival plans are disrupted by freezing rain and snow.

Ahead of the Spring Festival, Central and Eastern China experiences severe weather that causes train cancellations and highway closures during the peak travel season.Traffic in central and eastern China has been hampered by freezing rain, snow, and ice as billions of people make their way home in advance of the Spring Festival holiday. The country has been hit with bitter cold over the past week.The worst of the terrible weather, which intensified over the weekend and caused hundreds of train cancellations and slowdowns on the highway, fell primarily on the provinces of Hunan and Hubei.The impediments to travel occur during the world's largest mass migration, as millions of people return home to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their relatives.Videos that surfaced on Chinese social media in recent days featured individuals stuck in automobiles or on trains on snow-covered roadways in a number of locations, including Jingzhou.Business site Yicai said on Monday that a motorist was stranded in an automobile for three days, while social media footage revealed that a passenger traveling to Wuhan was stuck on a train due to a power outage during extremely cold conditions.Many passengers were left stranded at Wuhan train stations as hundreds of trains were either canceled or delayed, according to local media. Tuesday, state television CCTV reported that the runways at Wuhan's Tianhe Airport were briefly blocked.Images from the China Meteorological Administration showed frozen rain-felled trees in Hunan, scattering over roads with broken and bent branches. Beijing News reported that approximately 129 highway sections were stopped in 10 regions.Snow-related incidents have claimed the lives of at least two persons. Awnings in farmers markets fell under the weight of deep snow, killing one person in Hubei and another in the southern province of Hunan, official media reported.China National Emergency Broadcasting states that more severe weather is predicted for a few days. Weather advisories and emergency response protocols were updated in a number of cities.Hubei authorities stated that their goal was to eliminate choke points caused by thick ice from tunnels and bridges. Hundreds of highway toll stations have received orders from the province to implement traffic control measures, such as granting free passage to vehicles. The first part of this week in the south is expected to bring more rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, according to China's Central Meteorological Observatory. However, conditions are expected to improve starting on Thursday.  

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This rhino season, are you planning to visit Kaziranga National Park?

One of the most well-liked travel locations for those who enjoy the outdoors and animals is the Kaziranga National Park, which is located in the Assamese districts of Golaghat, Nagaon, and Sonitpur. The national park, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws visitors from all over the world each year because of its abundant biodiversity.Despite having the world's highest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga National Park is also a thriving home for tigers, swamp deer, leopards, bears, and elephants.March and April are the best months to photograph the magnificent rhinos in their native habitat. Still, November through April are good times to visit the park.Let's quickly review the jungle safari, other top attractions, and other essential information for an amazing vacation to Kaziranga National Park ahead of the rhino viewing season.National Park Kaziranga The Kaziranga National Park was created in 1908 and covers an area of 430 square kilometers. It is situated at the border of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots, which are essential for supporting a wide variety of fauna. The national park is home to a wide range of plants and animals, including alluvial inundated grasslands, in addition to its biodiversity. Elephant apple, cotton, Indian gooseberry, and kumbhi trees may be seen all over the park.How do you get there? You can schedule your vacation during the upcoming two months of March and April to take in the national park's breathtaking scenery. The park is situated in a handy place with good access to the property by the air, road, and rail systems. To go to Kaziranga national park, take a taxi from Jorhat airport, which is the closest airport to the park. Furkating is the closest train station to the park, and it is from there that you may take buses and taxis to the national park.Safari Elephant and jeep safaris are scheduled by the Kaziranga Park administration for various times during the day. The last jeep safari is available till 4 pm, with the first one starting from 8 am. Typically, these safaris start at Kohora in the Central Range, Bagori in the Western Range, Agaratoli in the Eastern Range, and Ghorakati in the Burapahar Range. The official website states that the vehicle safari costs ₹4,000 for Indian tourists from Kohora and Bagori, ₹4,600 in Agaratoli, and ₹5,400 in Burapahar. Jeep safaris cost ₹7,700 (Kohora and Bagori), ₹8,600 (Agaratoli), and ₹9,700 (Burapahar) for foreign guests.  

Udyan Utsav-I Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhawan is currently open to the public through March 31.

The Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi is hosting the Udyan Utsav-I, 2024, from February 1 to March 31, 2024. This is a wonderful time to take in the beauty and charm of the famous garden. Originally called Mughal Gardens, the Amrit Udyan is a beautifully maintained haven that provides a peaceful diversion from the bustle of the city and is a monument to India's rich past.These gardens were created by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who drew influence from the traditional Mughal garden style. They feature beautifully designed geometric patterns and flowing watercourses that evoke a sense of timeless beauty. Amrit Udyan was inaugurated in 1919 and has since grown to become a symbol of Delhi's superior horticulture, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to admire its magnificence.The public can visit the famous garden from February 2 to March 31, 2024. A 225-year-old Sheesham tree, Bal Vatika, 42,000 Tulips of 18 varieties, floral clock, bonsai garden, musical fountains, central lawn, long garden, hanging gardens, Chhoti Narangi and Hanging Gardens, circular garden, vertical garden, tray garden, gardens in wheelbarrows, Zen garden, majestic banyans, and food court are just a few of the sights that await visitors. The experience of outdoor exploration will be further enhanced by the excellent weather in February and March.All visitors to Amrit Udyan are not charged admission, however in order to guarantee a spot, online registration is necessary. In addition, Self-Service Kiosks near Entry Gate No. 35 provide walk-in guests with entry passes, making it easy to enter this floral wonderland. Mondays are the only days that Amrit Udyan is closed. Additionally, shuttle bus services from the Central Secretariat Metro Station to Gate No. 35 will be offered. From 9.30 am to 5:00 pm, there will be a bus service available every 30 minutes.The following days, the Udyan will be open for special categories: February 22 for visually impaired and differently abled individuals; February 23 for defense, paramilitary, and police personnel; March 1 for women, tribal, and women's Self Help Groups (SHGs); and March 5 for orphanage children.Remember that visitors are permitted to bring in water bottles, baby milk bottles, purses, handbags, and cell phones.  

Former Managers of Boeing Warn Flyers Against 737 MAX Jets: "Would Absolutely Not"

As the 737 MAX 9 aircraft returns to service, travelers are advised to avoid the airline's problematic aircraft, according to former senior Boeing managers and engineers. "I would never, ever fly a MAX aircraft." Former senior Boeing manager Ed Pierson told the Los Angeles Times, "I worked in the factory where they were built, and I saw the pressure employees were under to rush the planes out the door." Prior to the 2018 Lion Air crash, Mr. Pierson had argued in favor of grounding the aircraft. He cited a study conducted by his Foundation for Aviation Safety that found more than 1,300 safety problem reports on Boeing's MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft that were submitted to the FAA.In agreement, Mr. Pierson remarked, "This is a culture where money is everything." Rather than focusing on the quantity of high-quality aircraft delivered, their success metric is the number of aircraft delivered. It's a disaster waiting to happen when you take everything into account.   These remarks follow an emergency that an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX encountered on January 6 when, shortly after takeoff, one of the aircraft's doors blew open in midair. With 177 people on board, the aircraft took off from Portland International Airport and made an emergency landing in Oregon. Boeing aircraft were temporarily grounded following the incident in order to undergo a federal inspection. CEO David Calhoun promised that such occurrences would not happen again after acknowledging a "quality escape."Following the Federal Aviation Administration's announcement of a maintenance and inspection program to allow the MAX 9 to resume service, Alaska Airlines began to progressively resume flights last Friday.    Our staff has put in a lot of effort to assist our clients in getting their 737-9 aircraft ready for service. Last Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave its approval to the comprehensive inspection protocol. All 737-9 operators are safely putting their aircraft back into service as of right now, according to Mr. Calhoun.

More than 200 planes are delayed due to fog in Delhi.

By seven in the morning, three planes were diverted to Jaipur, one to Ahmedabad, and one to Mumbai, according to an airport official. Over 200 aircraft at Delhi airport were delayed as a result of the decreased visibility.Most of the aircraft used for the flight diversions were not flown by pilots with CAT-III certification. In aviation, an advanced instrument landing system (ILS) approach that makes landings in extremely low visibility situations (due to fog, rain, or snow) is referred to as Category III, or CAT III. Even in situations when runway visibility is as low as 50 feet (15 meters) and the visual range is between 50 and 200 meters, a CAT III system enables a precise approach and landing.Nevertheless, aviation operations under low visibility are additionally hampered by the airport's limited capacity for CAT-III compliant runways. The airport's oldest runway, 9/27, is not CAT-III compatible, despite having three other runways that are.Runway 28/10's operationalization, which is presently re-carpeting, has been delayed until the middle of February while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation completes its investigation. On one end, Runway 29R-11L complies with CAT-III standards, and by the end of the next month, authorities hope to certify it for CAT-III landings from both ends. Consequently, the primary runway for CAT-III flight operations at this time is runway 29L-11R.The airport official said that more flight disruptions could occur due to the rainy circumstances on Wednesday. The biggest airline in India, IndiGo, has alerted customers to possible travel disruptions owing to unfavorable weather conditions in Delhi, Srinagar, and Chandigarh.All departures/arrivals and the flights that follow may be impacted by the anticipated low visibility in Delhi (DEL), Varanasi (VNS), Patna (PAT), Ayodhya (AYJ), Bagdogra (IXB), and Darbhanga (DBR), light rain in Dharamshala (DHM), and snow in Srinagar (SXR) and Leh (IXL). "We kindly ask that passengers monitor the status of their flights," SpiceJet posted on social media site X.  

The Lunar New Year holiday and Beijings aspirations of strengthening the economy are in jeopardy due to a snowstorm.

As millions of Chinese get ready to travel for Lunar New Year, one of China's two main holiday seasons is under way. However, China's meteorologists are concerned that this year's holiday travels may be hampered by unfavorable winter weather. The China Meteorological Administration issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that until February 5th, large-scale rain, snow, and freezing temperatures could affect central and eastern China.Chills in the economy A ruined Lunar New Year might prevent the already faltering Chinese economy from getting a boost. Customers appear hesitant to spend as freely as they did prior to the epidemic, as evidenced by the fact that official travel estimates for the National Day Golden Week vacation in October of last year were dropped.PressBee News.. Fortune View the article from A blizzard poses a threat to Beijing's goals of improving the economy as well as the Lunar New Year holiday. Let's get specific. One area where the weak Chinese economy is improving is domestic tourism, but inclement winter weather could dash those plans. A snowfall poses a threat to disrupt the Lunar New Year celebration and on The original topic has been published and made available on Fortune; the PressBee editing staff has confirmed this, but it may have been somewhat altered or paraphrased from it. This news or issue can be read and followed directly from its primary source.    

What the travel, real estate, fintech, electric vehicle, and other industries need from FM

Live Updates on Budget 2024 Expectations: The last Budget of the current Narendra Modi government is scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2024. This budget is anticipated to be an interim budget or a vote on account because it is being released ahead of the Lok Sabha elections year. The crucial query is: Will Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announce major tax payer and salaried individual relief measures? There are many conjectures about possible changes to the income tax slab rates for FY 2025, which could affect both the current and the proposed income tax regimes.Will there be initiatives to make the new income tax system more enticing to taxpayers? The new income tax regime, which is currently the default tax structure, saw significant adjustments implemented by FM Sitharaman in the previous year's Budget. In addition, an unprecedented capital investment was declared in order to promote economic expansion. For real-time coverage of Budget 2024 expectations across multiple industries, subscribe to Mint Online.Live Budget 2024 Expectations: The fintech industry anticipates statements regarding rules, license procedures, and tax breaks. "Digital adoption and innovation in India are contingent upon a robust Fintech ecosystem." In the next budget, we would like to see policy initiatives related to regulations, licensing process simplification, and providing tax advantages for Fintech businesses. ToneTag CEO and founder Kumar Abhishek stated, "This will create a dynamic environment where cutting-edge solutions like AI and Voice can flourish and propel India's digital transformation. "Expectations for the Budget in 2024 Live: According to Rupyy CFO, expect clearly defined action plans to advance digital payments and improve digital infrastructure. "We anticipate more detailed action plans to fortify digital infrastructure and encourage digital payments for greater financial inclusion from the interim budget. Stronger, longer-lasting, and more precisely defined incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles will also contribute to the expansion of the auto finance industry. It will be beneficial to include EV finance as a priority sector loan, which will reduce costs and boost uptake. Fintech companies are often looking for a GST subsidy in order to improve government benefits and financial services accessibility. We see development potential in the fintech market, which is predicted to reach INR 11.36 Trn by FY 2028.  

The Maldives is no longer the preferred island retreat for Indians.

In January 2024, there was a notable shift in the Maldives archipelago's tourism landscape. This change was indicated by a sharp drop in the number of Indian tourists, who had historically made up the largest traveler group in the nation.The current situation stems from a recent diplomatic dispute that was sparked by disparaging remarks made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers. The conflict started when Prime Minister Modi shared captivating photos from his early January visit to Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, showing off its natural beauty.Following the ministers of the Maldives' comments on social media, a social media storm developed, leading Indians to boycott Maldives travel in general and the Maldives in particular. The diplomatic impasse that resulted from the online debate was evident in the decline of Indian visitors to the Maldives. If information is to be believed, only 13,989 Indian tourists—or 8% of all visitors—visited the archipelago in January. With regard to countries sending tourists to the Maldives this month, India came in fifth. In January 2024, Russia accounted for 18,561 of the Maldives' foreign visitor count, making it the country's largest contributor. Closely trailing behind, Italy, China, and the UK took second, third, and fourth place, respectively.The Maldives has traditionally benefited greatly from tourism from India. For example, India held the second position in December 2023 with 161,751 tourists. Travel trends have obviously been impacted by the diplomatic spat, though, as there were fewer Indian visitors in January.Lakshadweep in India gained attention for its enthralling natural beauty and unrealized potential. Lakshadweep, blessed with immaculate beaches, colorful coral reefs, and a thriving marine ecosystem, provides a tranquil haven from the bustle of city life. Travelers are becoming more curious and interested in Lakshadweep as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent distribution of stunning photos highlighting the archipelago's splendor.  

Asian refiners anticipate a boost in demand for jet fuel in 2024 from travel to China and Southeast Asia.

Asian refiners are betting that air travel from China and Southeast Asia will continue to rebound in 2024, with supply movements being led by output from a wave of new Middle East capacity, according to dealers and analysts. In the third quarter of 2023, the number of domestic flights in China exceeded that of 2019; nevertheless, the increase in foreign traffic has been slower to occur but is still increasing.Demand levels will also be determined by a wobbly post-pandemic rebound in southeast Asia, where traffic hasn't yet returned to 2019 levels owing in part to poor flows from China. According to data from consultancy FGE, the total demand for jet fuel in Asia is expected to increase by 20% yearly in the first half, reaching 2.36 million barrels per day (bpd).Average jet fuel/kerosene margins, or "cracks," are expected to contract in Asia by 2024, with rising oil prices possibly as a result of tensions in the Middle East. Shenglan Niu of Rystad predicts cracks to average $16.70 per barrel, while Priti Choudhary of Wood Mackenzie predicts $20.60. The estimated 2023 margins for LSEG were $24.60 per barrel. Observe the following variables in 2024:China's Comeback The third quarter saw a sluggish but steady recovery in China's foreign air travel following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, thanks in part to more flights on longer-haul routes to destinations like Australia and the US. Shenglan Niu, senior oil analyst at Rystad Energy, projects that in the first half of 2024, China would account for half of the growth in jet fuel consumption in Asia year over year, or about 263,000 barrels per day. According to Jefferies analysts, China's foreign flight numbers are expected to reach at least 71% of 2019 levels for the first quarter. According to FGE experts, that percentage will probably increase from an average of 50% to as high as 85% by year's end.shaky southeast According to flight data from OAG, however, capacity for both domestic and international flights in Southeast Asia still trails behind 2019 levels, despite a 34% increase in international seat capacity in January. International tourism has been particularly sluggish to return to Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, while the demand for business travel has been reduced by the growing use of videoconferencing, according to FGE experts. As a result, the demand for jet fuel in Asia is expected to reach 2019 levels only in the fourth quarter. "Since the beginning of 2023, foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand have remained stable at 65-70% of 2019 levels due to a gradual resurgence of Chinese tourists," according to FGE. Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore are expected to lead the region's expansion; Singapore alone accounts for around 46,200 bpd of the region's annual first-half demand rise. ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES DEPEND ON REGRADE, MID-EST According to Wood Mackenzie's Choudhary, global jet fuel supply is predicted to roughly match the growth in demand for 500,000 barrels per day in 2024, outpacing that of diesel and gasoline. This will encourage refiners in Asia and the Middle East to shift yields towards jet fuel. Regrade spreads, or the premiums on gasoil paper swaps compared to jet fuel, reached five-year highs in November of last year, which forced sellers to give jet fuel production priority. Refineries in Bahrain, Duqm, and Al Zour are expected to increase their output, which will contribute to an incremental increase in supplies, according to Choudhary. Kpler data indicated that Al Zour can generate up to 106,000 bpd of jet fuel or kerosene at full capacity. In 2023, about 46,000 barrels per day of fuel were exported. The Duqm of Oman  

Snowfall boosts Kashmirs tourism, drawing crowds to Gulmarg and Sonamarg

Snowfall in Kashmir makes visitors and tourism industry participants in Gulmarg and Sonamarg happy.Snowfall in Kashmir has lifted spirits in the travel and tourism sector, igniting happiness among travelers and locals associated with the travel industry.The lack of a big snowfall over the past few months has damaged the sector, with many would-be tourists canceling their plans and tour companies receiving little to no inquiries.The lack of snowfall has resulted in a decrease in the number of tourists visiting the valley, which is unusual given the popularity of destinations like Gulmarg. This has concerned the region's tourism stakeholders.But the snowfall at Chilla-i-Kalan's fag-end, a 40-day severe winter period when the likelihood of snowfall is highest and most often, has cheered both travelers and tourism industry participants.At the resorts of Sonamarg and Gulmarg, hundreds of visitors—including kids—have been taking advantage of the snowfall."After looking at the weather, we decided to postpone our trip, even though we had tickets for January 23. On January 25, we arrived, and we were fortunate to witness the snowfall. Sonamarg was the first place where we saw snowfall, then Gulmarg followed suit. Aninda and Deotima, a tourist couple from Kolkata, exclaimed, "We are so happy to be here," at Gulmarg.They claimed that after snowfall, Kashmir truly appears to be a paradise. After the snowfall, Maharashtra visitor Mohammad Imran claimed he went back to the Gulmarg resort."Two days ago, the earth appeared empty and there was nothing." By God's goodness, snow has fallen, and we are happy to be here. We returned from Srinagar when we heard there was snowfall in Gulmarg," he remarked.Aryan, a teenage traveler from Bangalore who traveled to Kashmir with his sister and parents, described the experience as wonderful. "It feels wonderful. He remarked, taking in the snowfall, "It looks like heaven."At Sonamarg, Ankit Makane, one of a group of fifteen tourists from Mumbai, relished playing in the snow. It actually does feel like heaven. Kashmir is incredibly gorgeous, and the locals are truly remarkable. We had a great time," he remarked.Not only have the tourists been cheered up, but the snowfall has also made the local tourism industry happy. We are grateful for the snowfall. In addition to increasing tourism, it is essential for survival, thus we are extremely glad about it, according to Parvaiz Ahmad, a local Gulmarg tourism service provider. Another stakeholder, Abdul Rashid, stated that although the recent two months' protracted dry period had impacted the earnings of private service providers, the snowfall has been a godsend. "There hasn't been much work over the last two months. Snowfall has brought in more visitors, and snow-related events have begun, according to Rashid.When there was no snowfall at well-known tourist destinations like Sonamarg and Gulmarg, visitors would flock to locations like Sinthan Top, which connects the Anantnag region with Kishtwar and is blanketed in snow for the majority of the year. Authorities have, in the meantime, cautioned visitors and residents going to Sonamarg and Gulmarg. Due to the slick conditions following snowfall, they have stated that only 4X4 vehicles and those equipped with anti-skid chains would be permitted to proceed towards Gulmarg and Sonamarg.The Meteorological Department has predicted that there will likely be light to moderate rain or snow in various areas of the Union Territory during the next two days, with the likelihood of heavy snowfall in a few higher reaches, including the districts of Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag.