Sri Lanka to give free visas to Indian tourists

The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved a policy to issue free tourist visas to travelers from India and six other countries, including China, Russia, and Japan. This move is part of efforts to revive the country's struggling tourism sector, which was severely impacted by the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019. The policy will be implemented as a pilot project until March 31, 2024, and aims to attract more tourists from these countries to boost the economy. Sri Lanka is currently facing economic and political challenges, including an acute shortage of essential items.

October 25, 2023 at 01:40AM

from Times of India

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Five dead including three children in Canada shooting

Five people, including three children, were found dead from gunshots in two residences in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in what is being described as a case of "intimate partner violence." The alleged shooter was among the deceased. Another person was found injured and taken to the hospital. The incidents are believed to be linked, and officials have expressed their condolences and emphasized the need to address such crimes. Gun crimes in Canada have decreased overall but have seen an increase compared to a decade ago.

October 25, 2023 at 01:33AM

from Times of India

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Indians no. 1 in getting citizenship of rich nations, most of them in US

According to an OECD report, Indians are the largest group acquiring rich-country citizenship, with Canada experiencing the biggest increase in granting citizenship to foreign nationals. In 2021, around 1.3 lakh Indians acquired citizenship of an OECD member country, while China came in fifth with around 57,000 Chinese acquiring OECD country citizenships. The top three countries in the OECD that handed out passports to Indian immigrants in 2021 were the US, Australia, and Canada.

October 24, 2023 at 02:18AM

from Times of India

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PM talks to Jordan King, calls for early resolution of Gaza conflict

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for concerted efforts for an early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This is seen as a significant move by India, coming after the country dispatched aid for civilians in Gaza. Modi's statement is the closest India has come to calling for a ceasefire. Jordan's King Abdullah II, with whom Modi had a conversation, also emphasized the need to stop the deteriorating situation in Gaza and increase international efforts to end the conflict.

October 24, 2023 at 12:45AM

from Times of India

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All of India set to witness the October 28-29 lunar eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse is set to occur on October 28-29, visible across regions including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. India will have a clear view of the eclipse around midnight. The umbral phase is scheduled to start at 1:05 am on October 29 and will last for 1 hour and 19 minutes. Unlike solar eclipses, it is safe to observe the moon being shadowed by the Earth with the naked eye. New Delhi will offer a southwestern view of the eclipse.

October 24, 2023 at 12:30AM

from Times of India

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New evidence backs up idea we live in a computer simulation

The theory of a simulated universe suggests that our reality is a computer simulation, with physical laws being algorithms and our experiences being created by computational processes. Scientists and philosophers have shown interest in this theory despite its speculative nature. The concept has gained popularity in popular culture through movies like 'The Matrix.' The idea that reality is an illusion extends the principles of idealism and draws inspiration from advancements in computing and digital technology. Some scientists believe that there might be glitches or patterns in the fabric of the universe that could reveal its simulated nature. However, distinguishing between a simulated and non-simulated reality remains a challenge. A researcher has proposed a new law of physics called the "second law of infodynamics," which supports the simulated universe theory. This law explains why symmetry predominantly characterizes the universe and suggests that information entropy must remain constant or decrease over time. Further research is needed to establish this law definitively.

October 23, 2023 at 12:54AM

from Times of India

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'Virat Kohli lives for this': Doull on Kohli's match-winning 95

Virat Kohli once again lived up to his nickname of 'Chase Master' with a sublime knock of 95 runs, which kept India's unbeaten run in the ongoing ICC World Cup intact. In awe of India's batting icon and his art of chasing totals, former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull said, Virat "lives for it." New Zealand put up a challenging 273 on the board, which could have been a lot more had Mohammed Shami not bowled a terrific spell in the death overs to complete his five-wicket haul.

October 22, 2023 at 11:47PM

from Times of India

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Mahua probe already on? BJP MP says NIC has shared info

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has filed a complaint with the anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal, accusing MP Mahua Moitra of accepting bribes to raise questions in Parliament. Dubey alleges that Moitra's parliamentary ID was used in Dubai while she was in India, suggesting that investigations have already begun. Moitra continues to attack the Adani Group, claiming that the charges against her are at their behest. The Lok Sabha ethics committee is investigating Dubey's complaint.

October 22, 2023 at 02:27AM

from Times of India

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NCBC notice to West Bengal on central OBC list tweak

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has requested West Bengal to provide evidence of the status and ethnographic details of 87 castes recommended for inclusion in the central Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. The NCBC has also asked for a justification for not increasing the OBC quota from 17% to 22% as suggested. The commission has further requested data on the caste-wise breakdown of admissions and employment in various sectors over the past few years.

October 22, 2023 at 02:03AM

from Times of India

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Eye on 2024, PM Modi calls for blitz of welfare schemes

The Indian government is planning a nationwide drive called "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" to ensure the full enrollment of beneficiaries in social welfare schemes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of six months for the saturation of these schemes. Specially fitted vehicles will reach beneficiaries across the country. The drive aims to ensure the saturation of various welfare schemes, including housing, livelihood, healthcare, and skill development initiatives.

October 22, 2023 at 02:19AM

from Times of India

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