We also delve into Agoda’s list of the most affordable short-haul flight options in Asia this summer, alongside the global extension of UPI, which is now operational in nine countries, and the new instant cross-border transfers between India and Nepal aimed at simplifying payments across borders.
In other news, numerous countries are tightening regulations on children’s smartphone usage amid rising worries about screen time and online safety. We also investigate how your diet may affect your skin, as research into the gut-skin connection emphasizes the significance of everyday foods in overall health and aging.
This edition also includes an interview with Shashwat Sachdev, the composer of Dhurandhar.
Let’s jump in.
Heading to Dubai? Tourist visas now processed in 48 hours
Dubai has unveiled a quicker process for single-entry tourist visas, with approvals expected within 48 working hours after applicants submit the necessary documents. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) announced that travelers can apply for 30-day or 60-day visas online, with fees starting at AED 200, as the emirate aims to streamline entry for tourists, business travelers, and last-minute visitors.
Paying $750 for expedited US visa interviews? Here’s what the new proposal entails
The US State Department is considering a pilot program that would allow select tourist and business visa applicants to secure interview slots within 10 business days for an additional fee of $750. However, it’s important to note that this fee merely accelerates access to an interview and doesn’t guarantee visa approval.
Indian Railways is transforming IRCTC: A new ticket-booking platform launching next month
Following years of complaints about delays, booking issues, and CAPTCHA frustrations, Indian Railways has announced that a redesigned IRCTC website will go live by July 15. The update aims to enhance the online reservation process to make it more efficient and reliable, especially during peak times like Tatkal bookings and festival travel seasons.
From Busan to Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s most affordable short-haul flight routes this summer
A new report from Agoda identifies the most cost-effective short-haul flight routes in Asia for summer 2026 travel, based on bookings for June to August departures. The findings highlight excellent value options across both domestic and international routes, with Bengaluru to Goa identified as the cheapest domestic flight from India and New Delhi to Dhaka as the top choice for budget-friendly international travel. Popular regional routes such as Busan to Jeju, Kuala Lumpur to Penang, and Phuket to Hat Yai are also listed among the most affordable options, showcasing a broader trend toward value-driven summer travel in Asia.
From Morocco’s blue streets to Jodhpur’s indigo lanes: 10 of the world’s most vibrant streets
Image source: Canva
Certain streets are destinations in their own right. From the blue-hued lanes of Morocco’s Chefchaouen and Jodhpur to the rainbow-colored houses of Italy’s Burano and Argentina’s lively Caminito, these neighborhoods transform ordinary walks into unforgettable visual experiences.
Quiet shores: 10 hidden beaches in India to discover
India’s coastline is peppered with lesser-known beaches that provide a peaceful retreat from crowded tourist attractions. The vanishing shoreline of Odisha’s Chandipur Beach, Lakshadweep’s turquoise lagoons, secluded coves in Goa, and the untouched beaches of the Andaman Islands combine natural beauty, tranquility, and a more leisurely pace of travel for those yearning for an unspoiled seaside experience.
Dudhsagar to Chitrakote: 6 breathtaking waterfalls to visit this monsoon
The monsoon season showcases some of India’s most stunning waterfalls at their peak. From Goa’s iconic Dudhsagar and Karnataka’s thundering Jog Falls to Kerala’s Athirappilly and Chhattisgarh’s Chitrakote, these cascading sights deliver some of the most unforgettable experiences during the rainy season.
Global moves: Governments work to protect children from smartphones and social media
Concerns about screen addiction, harmful content, disrupted sleep, and online safety are prompting governments to enforce stricter guidelines regarding children’s digital interactions. Sweden has advised parents against giving smartphones to children under 13, while Canada is suggesting a ban on social media accounts for those under 16, along with new protections for AI chatbots.
UPI’s global expansion: Sending money across borders made easier
India’s digital payments system is branching out beyond local transactions. UPI is now accepted in nine countries, including Singapore, France, Nepal, and Cambodia, allowing Indian travelers to make overseas payments using familiar apps. Simultaneously, India and Nepal have launched a direct UPI-NPI linkage enabling real-time cross-border money transfers, making remittances quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.
How your diet influences your skin
High-end serums and complex skincare routines may not hold the key to glowing skin after all. Emerging studies on the gut-skin connection suggest that factors like sugar intake and everyday Indian foods such as amla, turmeric, and ghee might significantly influence skin health more than many realize.
Shashwat Sachdev discusses Dhurandhar, Hindi film music, and the future of composition
National Award-winning composer Shashwat Sachdev shares insights on the success of Dhurandhar, the challenges of crafting music beyond fleeting trends, and the transforming landscape of Hindi film music. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, he discusses the blending of Punjabi devotional music with modern production techniques, collaboration across global and Indian music scenes, and the need for composers to receive greater recognition and ownership in an industry where their contributions often go unnoticed.
