In addition, we present Agoda’s findings on Asia’s most affordable short-haul flight routes for this summer, UPI’s ongoing international expansion—now in nine countries—and new instant cross-border transfers between India and Nepal that simplify payments.
Beyond travel and finance, numerous countries are implementing stricter regulations regarding children’s smartphone usage due to concerns about screen time and online safety. Additionally, we explore how your diet might be reflected in your skin, with studies on the gut-skin axis revealing the influence of everyday foods on health and aging.
This edition also features an interview with Shashwat Sachdev, the composer of Dhurandhar.
Let’s dive in.
Heading to Dubai? Tourist visas now processed in 48 hours
Dubai has announced expedited processing for single-entry tourist visas, with approvals now expected within 48 working hours of document submission. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) stated that travellers can apply online for 30-day or 60-day visas, with fees starting at AED 200, as the emirate seeks to simplify entry for tourists, business visitors, and last-minute travelers.
Pay $750 more for a quicker US visa interview? Here’s what the proposed service includes
The US State Department is set to launch a pilot program allowing select tourist and business visa applicants to book interview slots within 10 business days for an additional fee of $750. Importantly, this charge only expedites access to an appointment and does not guarantee visa approval.
Indian Railways revamps IRCTC: New ticket-booking website launching next month
In response to numerous complaints over slowdowns and booking issues, Indian Railways has announced a redesigned IRCTC website set to go live by July 15. This overhaul aims to facilitate smoother online reservations, especially during peak times like Tatkal bookings and festival travel seasons.
From Busan–Jeju to Kuala Lumpur–Singapore: Asia’s most budget-friendly short-haul flight routes this summer
An Agoda report showcases the most economical short-haul flight routes throughout Asia for summer travel in 2026, focusing on bookings for departures from June to August. The findings reveal strong value options for both domestic and international flights, with Bengaluru–Goa noted as the cheapest domestic flight from India and New Delhi–Dhaka leading for international travel. Popular regional routes like Busan–Jeju, Kuala Lumpur–Penang, and Phuket–Hat Yai also rank among the lowest-priced options, reflecting a growing trend towards value-focused summer travel in Asia.
From Morocco’s blue alleys to Jodhpur’s indigo lanes: 10 of the world’s most vibrant streets
Image source: Canva
Some streets are noteworthy destinations in themselves. From the blue-washed lanes of Chefchaouen and Jodhpur to the rainbow-colored homes of Italy’s Burano and Argentina’s lively Caminito, these neighborhoods transform ordinary walks into extraordinary visual experiences.
No crowds, just waves: 10 hidden beaches in India to explore
India’s shoreline is graced with lesser-known beaches that provide a serene escape from crowded tourist areas. From the disappearing shoreline at Odisha’s Chandipur Beach and Lakshadweep’s turquoise lagoons to the tranquil coves of Goa and the pristine shores of the Andaman Islands, these destinations offer natural beauty, peace, and a slower pace of travel for seekers of solitude by the sea.
Dudhsagar to Chitrakote: 6 breathtaking waterfalls to visit this monsoon
Monsoon season brings out the magnificence of India’s most spectacular waterfalls. From the iconic Dudhsagar in Goa and the roaring Jog Falls in Karnataka to Kerala’s Athirappilly and Chhattisgarh’s Chitrakote, these cascading wonders provide some of the most memorable rainy-season experiences in the country.
From Sweden to Canada, governments are acting to limit children’s smartphone and social media use
Worries about screen addiction, harmful content, sleep disturbances, and online safety are prompting stricter governmental policies regarding children’s digital lives. Sweden has recommended that parents not provide smartphones to children under 13, while Canada is considering a ban on social media accounts for those under 16, alongside new safety measures for AI chatbots.
UPI goes global: From making payments abroad to instant cross-border money transfers
India’s digital payments network is extending its reach beyond national transactions. UPI is now operational in nine countries, including Singapore, France, Nepal, and Cambodia, allowing Indian travelers to make overseas payments through familiar apps. Furthermore, India and Nepal have introduced a direct UPI-NPI linkage to facilitate real-time cross-border money transfers, streamlining remittances for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Your diet may be reflected in your complexion
Costly serums and skincare regimens might not hold the key to radiant skin after all. Emerging insights into the gut-skin connection indicate that factors like sugar intake and everyday Indian foods such as amla, turmeric, and ghee could significantly impact skin health more than most people realize.
Shashwat Sachdev discusses Dhurandhar, Hindi film music, and the composing future
National Award-winning composer Shashwat Sachdev shares insights on the success of Dhurandhar, the challenges of creating music beyond viral trends, and the changing landscape of Hindi film music. In a conversation with CNBC-TV18, he elaborates on blending Punjabi devotional styles with modern production, collaborating across both global and Indian music realms, and advocating for greater visibility and ownership for composers in an industry where their contributions often go unnoticed.
