With global travel still facing disruptions and rerouted flights amid ongoing West Asia tensions, domestic trips are becoming a more reliable option. And with the monsoon just a few months away, this is the window to start planning. From rain-soaked hills in Cherrapunji and misty tea estates in Munnar to the quieter charm of Udaipur and Spiti, here’s a look at destinations that come alive in the rains.
Last-minute train cancellations? You may get nothing back now
Indian Railways has tightened its ticket cancellation rules, and procrastination could now cost you more. Under the revised framework, no refund will be issued if you cancel a confirmed ticket less than eight hours before departure, with higher penalties kicking in earlier as well. The changes come alongside a shift in chart preparation timings and a simplified refund process. Here’s what it means for your next booking.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: India secures two spots in top 30
India’s fine-dining scene has earned global recognition once again, with Mumbai’s Masque and Kasauli’s NAAR featuring in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. While Masque continues its consistent run among the top 15, NAAR has made a sharp jump into the top 30.
From bridge to brew: Indian Army turns Arunachal span into café
In Arunachal Pradesh’s Zemithang, a decommissioned Bailey bridge has been repurposed into the Border Brew Café over the Ngyamjang Chu river under Operation Sadbhavna. Retaining its original structure, the space now hosts seating along the span and riverbank, while being run by women from the Monpa community, linking tourism with local livelihoods in a remote border village.
Heading to Dubai? Key April changes every Indian traveller should know
If Dubai is on your travel list, a few things are changing next month. From banking shifting fully to app-based approvals to flights gradually returning and residency rules tightening again, April 2026 brings updates that could affect how you pay, fly and stay in the UAE. Here’s a quick look at what’s changing before you book that trip.
Talking of the region, here’s how many Indians could be impacted if the Iran conflicts widens
Planning Japan for cherry blossom season? Expect higher on-ground costs
If sakura season is on your travel list this year, be prepared to spend a little more. Food staples tied to hanami picnics — from rice balls to sweet buns and drinks — have seen sharp price increases, pushing up daily budgets even as local spending tightens.
From addiction to accountability: The social media debate continues
Last week, we looked at how social media is affecting how young users feel. This week, the focus shifts to consequences. A US jury has held Meta and Google negligent over platform design that allegedly fuels addiction among children. States in India push for stricter screen-time rules. Add to that fresh data showing who is actually on these platforms.
Travelling to Hong Kong? You may need to unlock your phone
If Hong Kong is on your itinerary, there’s a new rule you should know. Authorities can now require travellers to provide passwords or help unlock devices in national security cases, with penalties for refusal or false information. The scope is not limited to the device owner. Anyone believed to have knowledge of the password – including past users or those with access – may also be required to assist.
Are we going overboard with our protein obsession?
Protein has quietly taken over our plate, from powders in smoothies to “high-protein” everything on supermarket shelves. But in the rush to optimise every meal, are we losing sight of balance? This piece looks at how India’s growing protein fixation is reshaping the way we eat, why more isn’t always better, and what a truly nourishing plate actually looks like.
Dhurandhar’s blockbuster run may be hiding a deeper Bollywood problem
₹1,000 crore in a week, industry-wide applause, and a full-blown event film moment, but does Dhurandhar: The Revenge really signal a revival for Hindi cinema? This piece argues that while the franchise proves audiences will show up, it also highlights a widening gap between big-ticket spectacles and everything else, raising questions about whether Bollywood’s recovery is real or just riding a few exceptional hits.
