ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION UK
Kazakhstan introduces QazETA travel authorisation for Indians, makes electronic approval mandatory from July 2027
The Embassy of India in Astana has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Kazakhstan, highlighting the country's new QazETA electronic travel authorisation system. Indian travellers are advised to apply for an ETA through the official platform at least 72 hours before arrival. The authorisation will remain recommended rather than mandatory for eligible visa-exempt travellers.
Use FTAs to build joint ventures, explore investment opportunities: CII President to industry
R Mukundan, the CII President, stressed the crucial role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in fostering joint ventures and enhancing investment prospects. He noted India's resilient economic growth, even faced with global challenges like geopolitical tensions and elevated energy prices. The broadened scope of India's FTAs promises to enrich economic interactions and spur advancements in emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology.
Electronics exports surge 44% in H1, but pricier chips widen deficit
Sectoral exports rose 44% year-onyear to $31.9 billion in April-September due to an increase in smartphone shipments, official data showed. However, electronics imports also widened 22% to $68.53 billion on account of pricier chip inflows. As a result, the absolute trade deficit in electronics stretched to $36.57 billion, up from $33.9 billion a year ago.
PM Modi to open Bengaluru metro stretch; CM Shivakumar seeks extra fund, faster approvals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 7.5-km elevated stretch of Bengaluru's Namma Metro Pink Line on November 14, taking the city's operational metro network beyond 100 km for the first time, to around 103 km. The Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere section will open to commuters at 6 am.
Number of main visa categories cut from 13 to 9: Move aimed at boosting arrivals of tourists, patients, students, researchers, investors
The Union home ministry has streamlined India's visa regime by reducing main visa categories from 13 to 9. Additionally, sub-categories have been decreased from 49 to 23 to improve accessibility. This rationalization aims to facilitate foreign tourist, student, and healthcare arrivals into India. Application forms have seen a significant reduction in required fields, enhancing the overall process efficiency. E-visas are now available for citizens of 172 countries, further easing travel.
New Zealand moves visitor visa applications online, changing the process for Indian tourists and business travellers
New Zealand has moved most visitor visa applications to its enhanced Immigration Online system, ending the use of several older online forms and selected paper applications. The transition, completed between September 24 and October 8, 2026, affects Indian tourists, business travellers and people visiting family. Applicants who started applications in the old system but did not submit them before the deadline must begin again using the new platform.
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Iran says tanker struck mine, caught fire in Hormuz
An oil tanker has been engulfed in flames after striking a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran continues to limit maritime traffic since the onset of regional hostilities. In retaliation, the United States has implemented a blockade on Iranian ports, while its Central Command is guiding ships through the strait to guarantee their safety. Recently, three more tankers have experienced fire incidents in the area.
Schengen travel rules to change in 2027 as Europe introduces new ETIAS authorisation
Travellers from visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen Area will need a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) approval when the system launches in 2027. The authorisation will not be a visa but will be mandatory for eligible visitors before travel. It will remain valid for up to three years, subject to passport validity, and allow multiple visits within the existing 90-day limit in any 180-day period.
Iran says two oil tankers on fire in Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have reported that two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels were allegedly traveling along unauthorized routes when the incidents occurred. This action follows significant restrictions imposed on maritime traffic in the region amid ongoing conflicts. Additionally, the US has implemented a naval blockade in response to these developments. Tensions remain high as these incidents threaten global oil transportation routes.
Meta unveils India pricing for AI agent Muse ahead of local launch
Meta has announced the pricing details for its AI companion, Muse, in India. The subscription options are set at ₹1,799 for the 'Power' tier and ₹8,999 for the 'Maximum' tier. Users currently outside supported markets can register via a VPN. Muse aims to enhance user experience by integrating with various Meta services, positioning itself against local competitors like Instinct, available worldwide.
From Rs 25,000 to Rs 2.5 crore: Three Pune brothers turn college kabada project into goldmine, sold 20 lakh kg scrap
Three Pune brothers have transformed a college project into a Rs 2.5 crore scrap collection business. Jayesh, Ganesh and Vaibhav Pakhale started ScrapDeal in Pune with an initial investment of just Rs 25,000. The startup has recycled 20 lakh kg of scrap, serves over 1 lakh individual customers and works with more than 100 businesses. The brothers are targeting Rs 5 crore in revenue in FY27.
Dubai changes visa rules in 2026, expands visa-on-arrival access and relaxes property visa criteria
Dubai has introduced several visa changes in 2026 that could affect Indian travellers, property owners, foreign professionals and long-term residents. The UAE has introduced new specialist visit visa categories and linked Dubai residence visa transactions with outstanding traffic fines. The proposed GCC unified tourist visa is also awaiting implementation.
France eases job-loss rules for foreign workers, cuts residence permit processing time
France has introduced significant immigration changes from October 30, 2026, giving foreign workers more time to find new jobs after unemployment and reducing residence permit processing timelines. Under the revised rules, Temporary Worker permit holders get three months to secure new employment, while EU Blue Card holders get six months without immediately losing their residence status.
Soaring fares fail to ground year-end international travel plans
Despite a 25% increase in international airfares, bookings for year-end overseas holidays among Indians have risen by one-third. Many travelers are opting for more affordable destinations, especially in Southeast Asia and Japan. Airlines are reporting full flights, indicating high demand for international travel from India. Some international carriers are increasing their flight capacities in response to this demand.
South Africa expands Electronic Travel Authorization to Indian travellers
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization system now allows online visa applications for 53 countries including India. The new ETA system simplifies the visa process for eligible travellers and their families. Minors can now apply online, enhancing accessibility for younger visitors. The expansion aims to support tourism growth ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The transition from the eVisa system to ETA will be completed by December 1, 2026.
Foreigner shares his 5 big lessons after travelling 365 days in India: 'It's always about...'
Reflecting on his year in India, Lukas underscores the impact of the individuals he encountered. While he faced initial hurdles such as traffic and intense heat, these difficulties led him to a richer comprehension of life in India. Rather than focusing solely on the visuals, he learned to cherish the emotional aspects of his experiences, leaving him thankful and eager for a future visit.
NRIs can now complete online KYC from the US, UK, UAE and other FATF-compliant countries
For Indian investors residing overseas, a new development brings good news. A recent circular from Sebi allows them to open investment accounts without needing to return to India. By permitting digital KYC submissions from various compliant countries, this initiative simplifies the process for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs).
Away From Bihar This Chhath Puja? Check These Ghats in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru
Thousands of families from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh celebrate Chhath Puja in cities far from their hometowns. From Yamuna-side ghats and neighbourhood ponds in Delhi to Juhu Beach in Mumbai and community-organised celebrations in Bengaluru, here are some places where devotees can observe Chhath Puja in 2026, along with practical details to check before visiting.
Travelling for Chhath Puja This Week? 8 Last-Minute Train and Bus Booking Tips to Reach Home on Time
Travelling home for Chhath Puja 2026 but still struggling to find confirmed train or bus tickets? With the festival approaching, demand for routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities with Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand can make last-minute bookings difficult. From checking special trains and Tatkal quotas to considering nearby railway stations and alternative bus routes, here are practical ways to plan your journey before November 13.
Iran says two oil tankers catch fire after hitting naval mines in Strait of Hormuz
Two oil tankers caught fire after allegedly striking naval mines while attempting to cross unauthorised routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Iran restricting shipping through the strategic waterway and the US enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
What is a 'Black Sky' event? Why is the UK preparing for a crisis that could paralyse daily life?
During this kind of event, extreme, prolonged electricity blackout could disrupt essential infrastructure and several services across a large area. The situation can turn very serious. It may not be just some ordinary power cuts. Electricity-dependent systems could stop functioning. The consequences could extend beyond lighting and heating to water supplies, telecommunications, transport.
UK plans facial recognition surveillance to identify visa overstayers and immigration offenders
The UK government is set to broaden the application of live facial recognition technology to detect immigration violations across various venues such as transport hubs, ports, and major public gatherings. The Home Office's goal is to track down individuals who have overstayed their visas or arrived unlawfully in the UK.
DGFT invites applications for vehicle import quotas under India-UK FTA
The government of India has opened applications for importers seeking duty concessions under the India-UK trade pact. This initiative relates to a quota of 24,500 passenger cars and 2,750 transport vehicles. The applications are accepted from November 6, 2026 to November 21, 2026, according to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement allows reduced tariffs on vehicle imports between the two nations.
Gold goes digital on Dhanteras as NSE clocks 1.8 lakh EGR trades in one day
NSE's Electronic Gold Receipts recorded 1,81,763 units in trading volume worth Rs 26.46 crore on Dhanteras. The milestone signals growing investor interest in regulated, exchange-traded gold ownership through demat accounts instead of physical purchases.
Lithuania changes residence permit rules, creating fresh hurdles for Indian workers and students
In a move to tighten immigration control, Lithuania has established new residence permit rules that pose challenges for foreign nationals, especially from India. This shift affects Indian workers and students looking for work or study opportunities within the country. Particular visa types will now encounter more scrutiny, necessitating that employers assess the eligibility of candidates accurately.
TRAI moots satellite network-as-a-service model, bars infra providers from directly serving users
TRAI has recommended a new framework for satellite communications, which includes authorising satellite network providers. These providers can offer infrastructure and capacity services to eligible telecom operators without directly serving consumers. The framework also enables potential direct-to-device connectivity using satellite and terrestrial mobile spectrum. Authorised providers will have an authorisation period of up to 20 years, with possible renewal.
Sebi eases KYC norms for NRIs, OCIs, allows digital onboarding from December 3
SEBI has relaxed KYC requirements for NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals, allowing eligible overseas clients in FATF-compliant countries to complete onboarding digitally. The revised framework introduces video verification, electronic documents and simplified repeat KYC, effective December 3, 2026.
Kaspersky flags QR code payment scams as a key cyber risk for Indians travelling to Indonesia
As more Indian tourists move to Indonesia, Kaspersky's cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm on rising online threats. They point out that travellers should be particularly careful about things like fake QR codes and phishing attacks, which are becoming more common. It's crucial for tourists to stay vigilant to protect themselves from these digital dangers.
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