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 To
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 i
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 rep
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
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 an
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: Specialised Training – Women receive hands-on training to build skills and confidence. Stipend for 3 Years
Dubai is set to become a more pedestrian-friendly city with the launch of the Dubai Walk Master Plan, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. The plan aims to create a 6,500 km network of walkways covering 160 areas across the city. By 2040, Dubai will build 3,300 km of new walkways and upgrade 2,300 km of existing ones, with plans for an additional 900 km beyond 2040. It also includes 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to improve connectivity. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the goal is to boost pedestrian movement from 13% to 25% by 2040, pr
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 on Monday at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC). He will arrive at Jaipur airport in the morning before heading to JECC, where he will inaugurate the summit and take a brief tour of the exposition in Hall B. In Hall A, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma will present a souvenir to PM Modi, followed by a welcome by a children’s choir. After this, the Chief Minister will address the audience, and a short film on Rising Rajasthan will be screened. Prominent industry leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav' at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, on Friday. The three-day event, running from December 6 to 8, highlights the rich culture, craftsmanship, and economic potential of Northeast India. In his address, PM Modi praised the Northeast’s vibrant culture and dynamic people, calling the region a key driver of India’s growth. He stressed the need to preserve cultural heritage while unlocking the region's economic opportunities. After his speech, PM Modi toured various pavilions, interacting with artisans and craftsmen, ackn
Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Nagaland for its strong focus on waste management and sustainability during this year’s Hornbill Festival, currently underway at Kisama Heritage Village. In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended warm wishes to the people of Nagaland as the festival celebrates its vibrant 25-year milestone. Reflecting on his own visit to the festival a few years ago, PM Modi described it as a vibrant showcase of Naga culture and traditions and encouraged others to experience its unique charm. "My best wishes for the ongoing Hornbill Festival and congratulations