Kerala has emerged as the state with the highest household debt in India, as revealed in the latest NABARD report, which surveyed over one lakh households across the country. The report, which covers the period from July 2021 to June 2022, highlights the financial challenges faced by households in the state, particularly in the wake…
Passengers at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport are facing frustratingly long waits for taxis due to high demand and limited supply. With a surge in traveller numbers, many are finding themselves stuck in lengthy queues at the dedicated taxi stands. A viral video shared by Karnataka Portfolio on social media captured the scene, showing a long…
Over the past decade, tax policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration have led to a significant shift in the income tax landscape, with a notable increase in the number of high-income individuals declaring annual earnings above Rs 50 lakh. This change has enabled a reduction in the tax burden on India’s middle class, defined…
Emirates airline has partnered with Spotify to offer passengers a new audio experience, now accessible on flights to over 140 destinations. Through Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system, travelers can enjoy Spotify’s extensive selection of podcasts and playlists right from their seat. Spotify’s curated content on Emirates includes a diverse range of podcasts available in English,…
n today’s globally connected world, a passport’s strength symbolizes more than just travel freedom; it reflects a nation’s diplomatic ties, international relations, and global influence. The Passport Index 2024 highlights these dynamics, ranking passports based on their “mobility scores” — the number of countries accessible without a visa or with visa-on-arrival access. This year, the…
Starting November 11, 2024, Vietnam’s revamped e-Visa portal will simplify travel for international visitors. This user-friendly platform enhances the application experience, offers expanded stay options, and allows entry through 42 designated entry points, supporting Vietnam’s growing tourism sector. What is an E-Visa? An e-Visa is a digital entry permit that travelers can apply for online…
Tata Group-owned Air India has announced a meal policy change that discontinues the provision of halal-certified non-vegetarian meals for Hindu and Sikh passengers, aiming to better align with the diverse dietary preferences of its passengers. However, travelers can still pre-book a “Muslim Meal” (MOML), which will continue to be halal-certified. This decision, effective November 10,…
SpiceJet is preparing to introduce seaplane services in India next year, aiming to connect remote and scenic destinations such as Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong. The airline has secured rights for 20 routes and is collaborating with officials to develop the necessary infrastructure. Earlier, SpiceJet conducted a successful seaplane trial between Vijayawada’s Prakasam Barrage and…
The Tata Group is rapidly scaling up its low-cost carrier, Air India Express, to expand its footprint across both domestic and international markets. The airline’s fleet, currently around 90 aircraft, is projected to surpass 110 by the end of the fiscal year. This growth aligns with the airline’s focus on connecting India’s tier-2 and tier-3…
In a significant move to simplify financial connections between Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and India, NRIs can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with their international mobile numbers linked to Indian bank accounts. This update enables NRIs to handle their finances in India with greater ease and convenience, enhancing their ability to manage payments and…
Dr. Dhananjay Datar’s story exemplifies resilience and determination, an inspiring rags-to-riches narrative that has captivated people globally. Starting from a modest background, he inherited a small grocery business from his father, which he expanded into a vast conglomerate known as the Adil Group. Today, the Adil Group includes a network of 50 sprawling supermarkets across…
An Indian expatriate living in Sharjah, Prince Kolassery Sebastian, has won an astounding Dh20 million in Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket draw, held on Sunday night. Originally from Kerala in southern India, Sebastian’s winning ticket number, 197281, was drawn for the top prize. He had purchased the ticket on October 4 as part of a group…