We also look at Agoda’s list of Asia’s cheapest short-haul flight routes this summer, alongside UPI’s continued global expansion — now active in nine countries — and new India–Nepal instant cross-border transfers that are making payments easier across borders.
Beyond travel and payments, several countries are tightening rules around children’s smartphone use amid growing concerns about screen time and online safety. We also explore how what you eat may be showing up on your skin, as research on the gut-skin axis highlights the role of everyday foods in health and ageing.
In this edition, we also feature an interview with Shashwat Sachdev, the composer behind Dhurandhar.
Let’s get into it.
Travelling to Dubai? Tourist visas now available in 48 hours
Dubai has announced faster processing for single-entry tourist visas, with approvals now expected within 48 working hours once applicants submit the required documents. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) said travellers can apply for 30-day or 60-day visas online, with fees starting at AED 200, as the emirate looks to streamline entry procedures for tourists, business visitors and last-minute travellers.
Pay $750 extra for a faster US visa interview? Here’s what the proposed new service offers
The US State Department is planning a pilot programme that would allow certain tourist and business visa applicants to secure interview appointments within 10 business days for an additional $750 fee. The catch: the payment only speeds up access to an interview slot and offers no guarantee of visa approval.
Indian Railways is revamping IRCTC: A new ticket-booking website arrives next month
After years of complaints about slowdowns, booking glitches and CAPTCHA-related frustrations, Indian Railways says a redesigned IRCTC website will go live by July 15. The overhaul aims to make online reservations smoother and more reliable, particularly during high-demand periods such as Tatkal bookings and festival travel seasons.
From Busan–Jeju to Kuala Lumpur–Singapore: Asia’s cheapest short-haul flight routes this summer
A new Agoda report highlights the most affordable short-haul flight routes across Asia for summer 2026 travel, based on bookings for June–August departures. The findings show strong value options across both domestic and international routes, with Bengaluru–Goa emerging as the cheapest domestic flight from India and New Delhi–Dhaka topping the list for budget-friendly international travel. Popular regional routes such as Busan–Jeju, Kuala Lumpur–Penang and Phuket–Hat Yai also feature among the lowest-priced options, reflecting a broader trend of value-driven summer travel across Asia.
From Morocco’s blue alleys to Jodhpur’s indigo lanes: 10 of the world’s most colourful streets
Image source: Canva
Some streets are destinations in their own right. From the blue-washed lanes of Morocco’s Chefchaouen and Jodhpur to the rainbow-coloured homes of Italy’s Burano and Argentina’s vibrant Caminito, these neighbourhoods turn everyday walks into unforgettable visual experiences.
No crowds, just waves: 10 quiet beaches in India worth discovering
India’s coastline is dotted with lesser-known beaches that offer a welcome escape from packed tourist hotspots. From the disappearing shoreline of Odisha’s Chandipur Beach and Lakshadweep’s turquoise lagoons to the secluded coves of Goa and the untouched shores of the Andaman Islands, these destinations combine natural beauty, tranquillity and a slower pace of travel for those seeking the sea without the crowds.
Dudhsagar to Chitrakote: 6 breathtaking waterfalls to explore this monsoon
Monsoon is when some of India’s most spectacular waterfalls are at their dramatic best. From Goa’s iconic Dudhsagar and Karnataka’s roaring Jog Falls to Kerala’s Athirappilly and Chhattisgarh’s Chitrakote, these cascading wonders offer some of the country’s most memorable rainy-season experiences.
From Sweden to Canada, governments are moving to keep children off smartphones and social media
Concerns over screen addiction, harmful content, sleep disruption and online safety are prompting governments to take tougher action on children’s digital lives. Sweden has advised parents not to give smartphones to children under 13, while Canada is proposing a ban on social media accounts for under-16s alongside new safeguards for AI chatbots.
UPI goes global: From paying abroad to sending money instantly across borders
India’s digital payments network is expanding beyond domestic transactions. UPI is now accepted in nine countries, including Singapore, France, Nepal and Cambodia, allowing Indian travellers to make payments overseas using familiar apps. At the same time, India and Nepal have launched a direct UPI-NPI linkage that enables real-time cross-border money transfers, making remittances faster, cheaper and more convenient.
What you eat is showing on your face
Expensive serums and skincare routines may not be the secret to healthy skin after all. Emerging research on the gut-skin axis suggests that everything from sugar consumption to everyday Indian staples such as amla, turmeric and ghee could have a far greater impact on skin health than most people realise.
Shashwat Sachdev on Dhurandhar, Hindi film music and the future of composing
National Award-winning composer Shashwat Sachdev reflects on the success of Dhurandhar, the challenge of creating music beyond viral trends, and the evolving landscape of Hindi film music. In a conversation with CNBC-TV18, he discusses blending Punjabi devotional influences with contemporary production, working across global and Indian music ecosystems, and why composers deserve greater visibility and ownership in an industry where their contributions often remain behind the scenes.
