With international travel facing challenges and flights being rerouted due to ongoing tensions in West Asia, domestic travel is becoming increasingly dependable. The monsoon season is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to start planning. From the drenched hills of Cherrapunji and the serene tea estates in Munnar to the tranquil allure of Udaipur and Spiti, here’s a glimpse of destinations that flourish in the rainy season.
Facing last-minute train cancellations? Refunds might not be available
Indian Railways has updated its ticket cancellation policies, and delaying may lead to higher costs. According to the new rules, no refund will be granted if a confirmed ticket is canceled less than eight hours before the scheduled departure, with increased penalties kicking in even earlier. These changes also accompany shifts in chart preparation timings and aim to streamline the refund process. Here’s what this means for your next travel plans.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: India shines with two entries in the top 30
India’s fine dining is once again in the spotlight, with Masque in Mumbai and NAAR in Kasauli making it to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. While Masque maintains its strong position among the top 15, NAAR has impressively moved into the top 30.
From a bridge to a café: Indian Army creates new spot in Arunachal
In Zemithang, Arunachal Pradesh, a decommissioned Bailey bridge has been transformed into the Border Brew Café overlooking the Ngyamjang Chu river as part of Operation Sadbhavna. Preserving its original design, the café offers seating along the bridge and riverbank, operated by women from the Monpa community, thereby connecting tourism with local economic support in a remote border region.
Heading to Dubai? Important changes for Indian travelers in April
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, be informed about some changes coming next month. With banking moving entirely to apps, flights gradually resuming, and stricter residency rules being implemented, April 2026 will bring updates that might influence how you manage payments, travel, and accommodation in the UAE. Here’s a brief overview of what’s altering before you finalize your trip.
How the Iran conflict could affect Indian nationals in the region
Planning to visit Japan for cherry blossom season? Be ready for increased costs
If you’re set on experiencing cherry blossoms this year, prepare to spend a bit more. Essential food items for hanami picnics—including rice balls, sweet buns, and drinks—have seen significant price hikes, affecting daily expenditures even as local budgets tighten.
Debating social media: From addiction to responsibility
Last week, we discussed the effects of social media on young users. This week, we’re looking at the repercussions. A jury in the US has deemed Meta and Google negligent concerning platform designs that purportedly promote addiction in children. In India, various states are advocating for stricter screen-time regulations, alongside new data showing user demographics.
Traveling to Hong Kong? You may need to unlock your devices
If Hong Kong is on your travel agenda, there’s an important new regulation. Authorities now have the right to require travelers to supply passwords or assist in unlocking devices in situations concerning national security, with penalties for non-compliance or providing false information. This obligation isn’t just for the device owners but extends to anyone believed to have password knowledge—such as former users or those with access.
Are we obsessed with protein?
Protein has increasingly dominated our diets, featuring prominently from smoothie powders to “high-protein” products everywhere you look. However, in our enthusiasm to maximize nutrition, are we neglecting the importance of balance? This article explores how India’s obsession with protein impacts our eating patterns and questions the notion that more is always better, offering insight into what a truly balanced plate of food looks like.
Is the success of Dhurandhar masking deeper issues in Bollywood?
With ₹1,000 crore earned in just a week, industry praises are pouring in, and we witness a full-fledged event film moment, but does Dhurandhar: The Revenge genuinely indicate a resurgence in Hindi cinema? This article argues that while the franchise demonstrates audience turnout, it also emphasizes a growing divide between blockbuster spectacles and other types of films, raising concerns about whether Bollywood’s recovery is substantial or merely dependent on a handful of standout films.
