Dubai has emerged as one of the world's top three most visited cities in the first half of 2025, with 9.88 million overnight international visitors between January and June. According to data from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, this is a 6% increase over the same period in 2024, topping last year's total of 18.72 million visitors. Dubai International Airport handled 46 million passengers during the same period, maintaining its status as the world's busiest international hub. Strong marketing efforts starring global icons like Shah Rukh Khan, Virat and Anushka Kohli, and Millie
Nepal has announced the opening of 97 peaks in its remote western area for free climbing to stimulate mountain tourism. The decision, approved by the Department of Tourism, eliminates the royalty fees for these mountains for the next two years. The peaks in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces range in height from 5,870 to 7,132 meters and are found in areas with limited economic activity. Officials said the move is meant to attract climbers to underexplored areas, generate revenue for local communities, and provide employment possibilities. According to Himal Gautam, Director of the Depart
Indonesia has launched a nationwide initiative to combat the growing threat of marine pollution, setting an ambitious goal of reducing ocean waste by 70% by 2029. The Waste-Free Healthy Oceans (Laut Sebasah) plan will be led by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, with a focus on waste reduction at key entry sites such as rivers, coastal zones, small islands, ports, and areas of intense marine activity. Deputy Minister Didit Herdiawan, addressing the program's inauguration, emphasised that marine debris remained a serious environmental concern for the country, with direct conseque
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the city welcomed 9.88 million overnight international visitors in the first half of 2025, a 6% increase over the same period last year. This success contributes to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place the city among the world's top three tourist destinations. India remains a key market, with Mumbai ranking high among source cities. During this era, Dubai International Airport recorded 1.2 million passengers from Mumbai alone. Strong cultural and economic ties, combined with celebrity-led promotions, have helped attrac
The Philippines has officially offered visa-free access to Indian passport holders for stays of up to 14 days, provided they meet certain requirements. This new exemption applies to Indian travellers who already have valid visas from specific countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Schengen area nations, Canada, Australia, and Japan. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision in a public announcement, making the policy effective immediately. To benefit from this relaxation, Indian tourists must have a valid visa from one of the authorised coun
Thailand has launched Green Tourism Collections to align with global environmental standards and accommodate the growing demand for eco-friendly tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled the project with 20 sustainable routes encompassing ten cities designated as Green Cities, including Chiang Mai, Krabi and Bangkok. Each route promotes low-impact travel, conservation, and community support. This initiative represents Thailand's commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Tourism Goals and addresses changing tourist expectations, particularly from the EU and the US. The project, dev
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the successful commissioning of India's first Make-in-India green hydrogen plant in the port sector, located in Kandla, Gujarat. This project, developed by the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), is a significant step forward in India's renewable energy transition and corresponds with the nation's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The DPA announced the facility's operationalisation in a post on X, hailing it as a step forward in green innovation and sustainable development. Prime Minister Modi praised the initiative, saying it prom
The Maharashtra government has formally recognised August 7 as Sustainable Agriculture Day, to be observed every year. This date marks the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, widely regarded as the architect of India's Green Revolution. The announcement was made via a government resolution. It aims to honour Dr. Swaminathan's transformative contribution in increasing India's food grain production, particularly wheat and rice. To honour his legacy, all agricultural universities in the state have been directed to establish Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Bio-Happiness Research Centr
Thailand has revised its electric vehicle (EV) policy to offer carmakers more flexibility in meeting local manufacturing criteria, to increase exports and relieve pressure from sluggish domestic demand. The modification comes as Chinese EV manufacturers dominate the local market, accounting for more than 70% of sales, increasing rivalry among global automakers. Originally established in 2022, the EV policy allowed duty-free imports on the condition that automakers create an equal number of EVs locally by 2024. By 2025, the production ratio was expected to rise to 1.5 units for every import
Dehradun, November 9, 2025: The 23rd Convocation of UPES, a multidisciplinary university in Dehradun, commenced today. The convocation will span five days, with separate ceremonies dedicated to each of UPES's seven schools, providing an exclusive platform to honour students from every discipline individually. Degrees will be conferred on students across all seven schools at UPES from November 9 to 13, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for graduates and their families as they receive their degrees with pride. Additionally, meritorious students fr