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Brazil Launches Digital Nomad Visa for Under Rs 8,800: Live and Work Remotely for a Year
- Brazil offers a digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV) valid for 1 year, renewable for another year.
- The visa fee is under Rs8,800, making it one of the most affordable globally.
- Applicants must show a remote income of $1,500/month or bank savings of $18,000.
- Required documents include proof of remote work, international health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
- The visa lets remote workers live and legally work in Brazil, enjoying its diverse culture and scenery.
Bolzano Introduces Daily Dog Tax for Visitors, Annual Fee for Locals Starting 2026
- Starting 2026, Bolzano will impose a daily €1.50 dog tax on visitors and an annual €100 tax on local dog owners.
- The tax aims to fund street cleaning, create dog parks, and manage dog waste issues.
- It replaces the ineffective DNA dog waste tracking system due to low compliance and high costs.
- Fines up to €600 apply for owners not cleaning up after pets, with a two-year tax exemption for those who registered their dog’s DNA.
- The tax has faced criticism from animal welfare groups but is supported by officials as a fair way to keep the city clean.
Anand Mahindra Spotlights Nongjrong, Meghalaya’s Stunning “Village Above the Clouds”
- Nongjrong, a remote Khasi village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills, sits 1,094m above sea level, 60 km from Shillong.
- The village is famed for its early-morning “sea of clouds” over lush valleys, offering breathtaking sunrise views.
- Attractions include the hilltop viewpoint, Nongjrong Falls, and kayaking on the nearby Umngot River.
- Anand Mahindra’s viral social post brought widespread attention to this serene, traditional village.
- Visitors can reach Nongjrong via a 2–4 hour drive from Shillong or Guwahati; best visited October to May.
73% of Indian Travellers Prioritize Sustainable Tourism: Key Insights for World Tourism Day 2025
- 73% of Indian travellers prioritize sustainable tourism, significantly higher than the global average.
- Key eco-friendly practices include avoiding single-use plastics, reducing waste, using green transport, and choosing certified sustainable stays.
- Many travellers support local culture by shopping at independent stores, enjoying authentic experiences, and dining at locally sourced restaurants.
- The World Tourism Day 2025 theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlighting responsible travel that protects nature and benefits communities.
- Sustainable tourism in India is growing rapidly, supported by government initiatives and increasing demand for eco-certified accommodations and mindful travel options.
“Kolkata Durga Puja 2025: Travel Advisory Amid Heavy Rains and Disruptions”
- Heavy rains have caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions in Kolkata, impacting local transport and causing delays.
- Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued advisories advising travelers to check flight status and allow extra travel time due to diversions and blockages.
- Some train services are canceled or delayed due to waterlogged tracks; passengers should monitor railway updates closely.
- Extra flights and trains have been added for Durga Puja to manage travel rush, but travelers should still expect delays.
- Travelers must monitor official channels for real-time updates and prepare for possible local disruptions during this heavy rain period.
Indians Deboard Emirates Flight, Causing 3-Hour Delay After Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee Announcement
- Several Indian passengers deboarded an Emirates flight at San Francisco due to panic caused by Trump’s sudden $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, delaying the flight by 3 hours.
- The confusion arose as most passengers feared they would have to pay the fee to travel or return to the US, although the fee applies only to new visa applicants, not current holders or renewals.
- The Emirates flight captain allowed passengers off the plane amid the unexpected chaos, reflecting the unusual distress caused by the visa fee announcement.
- The fee hike has sparked widespread panic in India’s tech community, with companies advising employees to stay in the US or rush back before the fee takes effect.
- Indian industry and government have expressed concerns about the fee’s humanitarian impact and potential disruption to the Indian IT workforce and families.