Category: Life & Style

Thailand has become the 51st nation to join the Artemis Accords, marking a commitment to safe and responsible space exploration. The signing ceremony took place in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, on Monday.

“Thailand’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will strengthen its engagement with NASA and the international community,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. He praised Thailand’s leadership in supporting open, responsible, and peaceful space exploration.

Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Thailand. The event also included Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Supamas Isarabhakdi, and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec. Nelson contributed a pre-recorded video message for the ceremony’s closing remarks.

“Thailand will enter the golden age of space exploration in full force,” said Apaphant, highlighting the significance of the nation’s decision.

The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by NASA, the U.S. Department of State, and seven other founding nations, promote the peaceful and beneficial use of space. The principles align with the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements, such as the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement. They also support best practices for space exploration, including the public release of scientific data.

Thailand hosted a grand welcome ceremony to celebrate the arrival of its 2,000,000th Indian tourist this year. Key attendees included Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, India’s Ambassador to Thailand, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. Also present were Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, and executives from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Thai Airways International (THAI).

Minister Sorawong Thienthong expressed his delight, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome the 2,000,000th Indian tourist this year. This milestone reflects Thailand’s growing popularity among Indian travellers and the strong ties between our nations. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience Thailand’s unique attractions.”

India remains one of Thailand’s top tourism markets. In 2019, Thailand received 1.96 million Indian visitors, generating 80 billion Baht in revenue. By 2023, arrivals reached 1.63 million, contributing 61.9 billion Baht.

Indian tourists visit Thailand year-round, exploring destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chon Buri. Emerging spots like Surat Thani and Kanchanaburi are also gaining popularity. Tourists enjoy Thai cuisine, nightlife, beaches, massages, and historical landmarks.

Thailand’s visa exemption policy allows Indian tourists to stay for up to 60 days, making travel easier. Targeted marketing initiatives and partnerships with travel operators further boost Thailand’s appeal as a top destination for Indian travellers.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been crowned Europe’s most powerful person for 2024 by Politico. The annual list highlights key figures shaping European politics, with Meloni’s rise reflecting the growing influence of right-wing populism.

As the leader of Italy’s right-wing Brothers of Italy party, Meloni has become a dominant force in European politics. Since taking office in 2022, she’s shifted from being seen as an ultranationalist to a leader respected by Brussels and Washington.

Politico calls her a “straight-talking alpha” known for outsmarting opponents with her sharp intellect and commanding presence. Her leadership has positioned her as a crucial figure in the EU, balancing nationalism with pragmatic governance.

Meloni’s government is now seen as one of Italy’s most stable administrations in recent years. Her approach to issues like migration and LGBTQ+ rights, once expected to trigger backlash from the EU, has instead received mixed responses — from indifference to approval.

Her leadership style, political savvy, and ability to maintain a steady government have cemented her as a formidable player on the European stage.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will introduce a four-day workweek for its employees starting April 2024. The initiative aims to tackle Japan’s record-low fertility rates and support young families.

“Flexibility in work styles is crucial,” said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in her policy speech. “This ensures no one has to quit their career due to childbirth or childcare.”

Under this policy, employees can opt for three days off per week. Parents with elementary school children will also have the option to reduce working hours with a slight salary reduction.

Addressing Japan’s Falling Birth Rate
Japan’s fertility rate dropped to 1.2 children per woman last year, far below the 2.1 needed for population stability, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Despite government efforts, the country recorded only 727,277 births last year.

Governor Koike emphasized the urgency of the move, saying, “Now is the time for Tokyo to lead in improving lives, livelihoods, and the economy.”Work Culture and Gender Gap
Experts believe Japan’s long working hours discourage women from balancing careers and family life. According to the World Bank, only 55% of women participate in the workforce compared to 72% of men.

Paris has been named the world’s most attractive city for the fourth consecutive year. The French capital topped the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 by Euromonitor International, a global data analytics company.

This achievement comes just four months after Paris successfully hosted the Olympic Games. However, it also coincides with political uncertainty following the resignation of France’s minority government on Thursday.

The Top 100 City Destinations Index ranks 100 cities using 55 metrics across six key pillars. These pillars include:

• Economic and business performance
• Tourism performance
• Tourism infrastructure
• Tourism policy and attractiveness
• Health and safety
• Sustainability

The report, created by Euromonitor International in partnership with data company Lighthouse, highlighted that European cities continue to dominate. Six of the top 10 cities are from Europe, but non-European cities are also rising in the ranks.

Top 5 Cities in 2024:
1️⃣ Paris
2️⃣ Madrid
3️⃣ Tokyo
4️⃣ Rome
5️⃣ Milan

Tokyo and Singapore (ranked 9th) were the only Asian cities in the top 10. European cities maintain strong positions due to their well-developed tourism infrastructure.The Index also revealed a 19% increase in global international arrivals in 2024, driven by strong tourism demand. Europe remained the most popular region, recording 793 million international trips that year.

The Thailand Embassy in New Delhi announced that Indian passport holders can apply for an e-visa starting January 1, 2025. Applicants will need to pay the visa fee through offline payment methods, according to the embassy’s statement, as reported by ANI.

The 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business trips will continue until further notice, the embassy confirmed. It added, “Applicants must pay a visa fee, and details on offline payment options will be provided by the Embassy and Consulate-Generals. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.”

More information on the e-visa system will be shared soon. Currently, Indian travelers can also use the visa-on-arrival option when visiting Thailand.

Thailand Offers Debt Relief for 1.9 Million Borrowers Amid Rising Household Debt

The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has introduced new debt relief measures to support citizens. The initiative targets 1.9 million borrowers with a combined debt of 890 billion baht ($26 billion) from housing, auto loans, and small business financing.

Borrowers will get a three-year break from interest payments. Officials from the Finance Ministry and Bank of Thailand said, “Reduced principal payments will also be offered to help ease the debt burden.”

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned civil servant known for keeping a low profile, has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Shaktikanta Das after his six-year term.

The 56-year-old Princeton-educated Malhotra will take charge at a time when India faces slowing economic growth and stubborn inflation. His appointment is seen as a move to align fiscal and monetary policies more closely, as Malhotra is currently serving as India’s revenue secretary. He is set to hold the position for a three-year term.

“Under Das’ leadership, we had forecast that repo rate cuts would only begin in April,” said Shilan Shah of Capital Economics. “But given the announcement, we are now forecasting the first 25 basis point cut at Malhotra’s first meeting in charge in February.”

Dhiraj Nim, an economist at ANZ Research, emphasized the point, saying, “The appointment will ensure cohesion and coordination between monetary and fiscal policies.”

While Malhotra hasn’t made any public statements on inflation or growth so far, his leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the RBI’s policy direction. With rate cuts now on the horizon, all eyes are on his first policy review in February.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is all set to visit Odisha during his India tour in January, marking a significant boost to the state’s global partnerships. Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, shared the news on Tuesday during his meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan.

In a big win for Odisha, Singapore will also be the first official partner country for the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha (MIO) Conclave 2025, scheduled for January 28-29. This biennial event is Odisha’s flagship platform for attracting global investors.

Highlighting the importance of the visit, Wong said, “Odisha is the only state the president has chosen to visit during his India tour. This visit recognizes Odisha’s immense potential for business growth and its strong cultural connection with Singapore.” He pointed out the state’s key strengths in petrochemicals, green energy, and skills development as prime areas for future partnerships.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who recently visited Singapore, welcomed the announcement with optimism. “There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha,” he said, emphasizing the opportunity to create new business and cultural connections.The upcoming visit by President Tharman is expected to deepen economic and cultural links between Singapore and Odisha, opening doors for new business opportunities, collaborative ventures, and investment prospects.

Morocco’s tourism sector is riding high, with a record 15.9 million visitors arriving by November 2024, marking a 20% surge compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Tourism Ministry. This milestone highlights Morocco’s rising status as a sought-after global destination.

November 2024 alone saw 1.3 million tourist arrivals, a 31% jump from the previous year. A key contributor to this growth was the strong turnout of Moroccan residents living abroad, whose visits increased by 17%, adding 1.1 million more travellers. This reflects the enduring bond between Moroccan expatriates and their home country.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy, contributing approximately 7% to GDP while also supporting job creation and bringing in vital foreign currency.

Looking ahead, Morocco’s tourism ambitions are crystal clear. The nation aims to welcome 17.5 million visitors by 2026 and a staggering 26 million by 2030. Hosting the FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal is expected to be a game-changer, propelling Morocco further into the spotlight as a prime tourist destination.

With visitor numbers on the rise and bold future goals in place, Morocco is solidifying its position as one of the world’s most attractive tourist hotspots.

On December 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana. This initiative, introduced by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), aims to uplift and empower women while promoting financial literacy and insurance awareness.

Who Can Join?

Women aged 18 to 70 years with at least a Class 10th pass qualification are eligible for the scheme.

What’s in it for Women?

Here’s how the Bima Sakhi Yojana supports women step-by-step:

1. Specialised Training – Women receive hands-on training to build skills and confidence.
2. Stipend for 3 Years – They’ll get a monthly stipend of ₹7,000 in the first year, ₹6,000 in the second, and ₹5,000 in the third.
3. Career as LIC Agents – After completing the training, they can work as LIC agents.
4. Growth Opportunities – Graduates among them can even qualify to be considered for LIC Development Officer roles.

The Bigger Picture

This scheme is part of the government’s commitment to women empowerment under Viksit Bharat 2047, with a whopping ₹3 lakh crore allocated for women-focused initiatives in the FY25 budget. The goal? To create 25,000 skilled Bima Sakhis ready to shape their future while supporting others.

With financial independence, career growth, and hands-on support, the Bima Sakhi Yojana is more than just a scheme — it’s a chance for women to rise, lead, and make a lasting impact.