Travelers Financial News

IRL, a social networking platform that assists Gen Z users in locating real-world events, has raised $170 million from investors, including SoftBank. IRL was promoted as a cutting-edge substitute for Facebook Groups, with substantial user participation. But last year, the app was taken down due to the discovery that the majority of its user base was fraudulent, which prompted SoftBank to file a different case.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that there have been cases where passengers tried to secure accommodation under the emergency quota using fake authority letters purporting to be from high dignitaries and railway officials. He made this statement in response to inquiries from Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan about the misuse of the emergency quota by touts. «Some instances of attempts to get accommodation released out of emergency quota on the authority of fake letter heads of high dignitaries and some railway officers have come to notice,» Vaishnaw said in his written reply. «With a view to prevent malpractices and to confirm genuineness of requests, checks are conducted from time to time. Also, instructions are issued at regular intervals to prevent unscrupulous elements from misusing the system,» he added. According to the railway minister, approximately 36 per cent of the berths or seats earmarked under emergency quota were utilised on an average during the financial year 2023-24.

Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday defended the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), which is under the scanner over paper leak cases, saying medical education had become an open business before the NEET was introduced and PG seats were sold for Rs 8 crore-13 crore each. The minister intervened during a discussion on a private member resolution moved by DMK Rajya Sabha member M Mohmed Abdulla on the NEET. The minister said corruption was rife in medical education before the NEET was brought in during his first stint as health minister. «Medical education had become the den of a business. When I was health minister and was bringing NEET, one seat of post graduation was sold for Rs 8 crore each and if you had to opt for a discipline like radiology then it was Rs 12-13 crore,» Nadda said.

train services, including 100 Vande Bharat services, have been introduced in the Indian Railways network from 2019-2020 to 2023-2024, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The railway minister's written response came after BJP MP Neeraj Shekhar sought to know the number of new trains proposed to be run during 2024-25 and new trains like Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and other trains started in the last five years with year-wise and zone-wise details.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham after authorities started asking Afghan cargo truck drivers for travel documents, Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported. In response to the decision, Taliban authorities suspended all vehicular movement entering Pakistan. Earlier in January, the Pakistgovernment had implemented the rules of visa and travel documents requirements, according to a customs official. However, they agreed to the Taliban's request and placed an exemption till July 31. Speaking to The Express Tribune, an official said, «Today, as the period of six months has expired, the Afghan side has been informed that the travel documents requirement would be reimposed from Thursday.»

Turbulence is knocking a beloved instant noodle offering off Korean Air’s economy menu

Apollo Global Management Inc. executives sought to allay investor concerns about the performance of alternative investments held at its Athene annuities business after that unit weighed on earnings in the second quarter.

Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday cited figures to show that there were about one lakh more recruitments during the past 10 years of BJP-led NDA government compared to 10 years of UPA government and said that there is an annual calendar for railway recruitment. Replying to the debate on the working of his ministry in Lok Sabha, Vaishnaw highlighted that the ratio of general coaches, including sleeper and non-AC coaches, to AC coaches is almost 2:1. He pointed out that during the UPA rule, the average number of accidents per year was 171 which has now been reduced by 68 per cent and the government is committed to the of goal of safety.

domestic tourism and increasing propensity to travel overseas will expand the revenue of India's tour and travel operators by 15-17 per cent this fiscal, Crisil Ratings said on Thursday. Factors like improving infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, a behavioural shift in travel patterns, and the government's increasing focus on boosting domestic tourism will further support the sector's revenue growth. The assessment was based on an analysis of the country's four major travel operators, who account for about 60 per cent of the sector's revenue. «The credit profiles of travel operators, too, are expected to remain healthy, supported by strong balance sheets and steady operating margins of 6.5-7 per cent, in line with last fiscal, resulting in sizeable cash flows and continuing low reliance on debt,» Crisil Ratings stated.

₹37,500 a night for a regular room, about 15-25% higher than its usual rates, Mint found in its research. Similarly, pool view suites at the plush ITC Grand Bharat in a remote corner of Gurugram in Delhi-NCR will start from ₹32,000 a night excluding tax, which is ₹8,000 higher than its usual rate.

Indian Embassy in Lebanon has advised Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon. They have been advised to exercise caution, restrict movements and remain in contact with Indian Embassy in Beirut.

Jasper National Park in western Alberta.He says the picturesque Rocky Mountain tourist destination in Alberta is a “truly magical place” that has captivated travellers from Canada and abroad.The King expressed sympathy for those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected, particularly those who have lost property and were forced out.He thanked first responders, community volunteers and leaders who have stepped up to help and commended Canadians lending a hand.Federal officials have said about one-third of the buildings in the Jasper townsite were lost in the blaze, and that there was little firefighters could do to combat an inferno so big and powerful.About 25,000 people, including 5,000 town residents, were ordered to leave just over a week ago as the fast-moving flames approached.“These are dark times, but we greatly admire the strength and resilience of so many people to persevere and rebuild,” King Charles said in a written statement distributed through Rideau Hall.“The number of firefighters who have come from across the world to offer their services speaks not only to the sense of solidarity that exists within that professional community, but also the high regard in which Canada and Canadians are held around the world.”Royalty first came to visit the park in 1939, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, stayed at the Jasper Park Lodge’s Outlook Cabin.Their daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, stayed there with her husband, Prince Philip, in 2005.For the latest information on which areas in Alberta are under an evacuation alert or order due to a wildfire, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website. For the latest information on the wildfire status and danger across the province, visit the Alberta

The federal government alleges in a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern that the railroad has been causing chronic delays for Amtrak between New York and New Orleans by forcing the passenger trains to wait while its massive freight trains pass

Spirit Airlines is about to roll out tickets that include perks like free snacks and no fee for checking a bag

JetBlue Airways is reporting a small but surprising profit for the second quarter

Telecom companies and phone users may not derive value from the regulator's proposal to bring back yesteryear SMS/voice/data-only packs, according to industry executives, who pointed out that such plans already exist for various durations.

WestJet and Whitehorse-based Air North have announced a new agreement that will allow single-ticket travel across both airlines’ networks.

Wayanad district experienced devastating landslides following heavy rains that resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including two children. Hundreds are feared trapped. The affected regions include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, which have been severely impacted and isolated due to the landslides. The ongoing heavy rainfall is complicating rescue operations, and many locals fear that more individuals may be trapped.