logo
Odisha tourists cancel trips to Türkiye, Azerbaijan & China

Odisha tourists cancel trips to Türkiye, Azerbaijan & China

Time of India10-05-2025
Bhubaneswar: Tourists from Odisha are cancelling their planned trips to Türkiye, Azerbaijan and China amid reports of these countries allegedly supplying arms and drones to Pakistan.Travel agencies across the state reported a significant surge in cancellations, with travellers citing patriotic reasons for their decisions.
"More than half of our 30 confirmed group bookings to Türkiye and Azerbaijan this summer have been cancelled after news of these countries' involvement in supplying arms to Pakistan," said Soumendra Das, director of a Bhubaneswar-based travel firm.The trend has affected travel businesses across major cities. Sujal Pati, a Rourkela-based travel operator, confirmed receiving multiple cancellation requests. "People are expressing their displeasure against countries that potentially threaten our national security," he said.Tourists are now redirecting their travel plans to Southeast Asian destinations like Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea. Rashmi Panda, a Bhubaneswar teacher who cancelled her anniversary trip to Cappadocia, Türkiye, said, "We've switched our destination to Vietnam instead."Social media campaigns urging people to avoid "anti-India" countries have fuelled this sentiment. "Our soldiers and civilians are being attacked with drones from these countries. How can we enjoy their hospitality while they empower our enemy?" questioned Manas Ranjan Nayak, a retired banker.Software engineer Ankit Mohapatra from Cuttack, who cancelled his Shanghai trip, emphasised the economic aspect. "Every rupee spent there helps their economy. I would rather support a country that respects India's sovereignty," he said.While the Centre hasn't issued any official travel advisory, the public reaction continues to impact international travel patterns from the region.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

CM Stalin writes to PM Modi; seeks urgent relief as US tariffs threaten TN exports, jobs
CM Stalin writes to PM Modi; seeks urgent relief as US tariffs threaten TN exports, jobs

Hans India

time24 minutes ago

  • Hans India

CM Stalin writes to PM Modi; seeks urgent relief as US tariffs threaten TN exports, jobs

The Tamil Nadu government has raised an alarm over the severe implications of the United States' 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports, warning that the proposed escalation to 50 per cent could devastate the state's manufacturing sector and cost millions of jobs. In a detailed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu's dependence on the US market is higher as compared to other Indian states. While 20 per cent of India's total goods exports worth $433.6 billion in 2024-25 went to the US, Tamil Nadu sent 31 per cent of its $52.1 billion exports there. This heavy reliance, the Chief Minister warned, makes Tamil Nadu particularly vulnerable to tariff shocks. The most affected sectors include textiles, apparels, machinery, auto components, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, marine products, and chemicals. All of these are labour-intensive industries where any decline in exports would swiftly translate into mass layoffs. The textile industry, which accounts for 28 per cent of India's exports in the sector and employs nearly 75 lakh people in the state, faces an especially grave threat. Officials estimate that as many as 30 lakh jobs are at immediate risk if tariffs are doubled to 50 per cent. To cushion the blow, CM Stalin urged the Centre to take urgent corrective measures. These include rectifying the GST inverted duty structure for the man-made fiber value chain by bringing it under a uniform 5 per cent GST slab, exempting import duty on all varieties of cotton, and providing collateral-free loans of up to 30 per cent under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) with a 5 per cent interest subvention and a two-year moratorium on repayment. Further demands include enhancing RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) benefits to 5 per cent and extending pre and post-shipment credit facilities to all textile exports, including yarn. Industry consultations revealed similar challenges in other sectors as well. To provide relief, CM Stalin requested the Union Government to launch a special interest subvention scheme for exporters hit by tariffs, accelerate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to offset market risks, and announce a financial relief package similar to the COVID-era moratorium on principal repayments. The letter also drew parallels with Brazil, which recently introduced tax deferrals and credits to support its exporters. Warning of an unprecedented crisis threatening Tamil Nadu's manufacturing sector, CM Stalin called for urgent intervention from PM Modi in consultation with ministries and industry stakeholders. He assured the Centre of Tamil Nadu's full cooperation in implementing national-level measures to safeguard livelihoods and preserve the competitiveness of Indian exports.

Indian diplomatic missions across globe celebrate I-Day with vibrant cultural events
Indian diplomatic missions across globe celebrate I-Day with vibrant cultural events

Hans India

timean hour ago

  • Hans India

Indian diplomatic missions across globe celebrate I-Day with vibrant cultural events

Santiago: Several Indian missions worldwide celebrated the country's 79th Independence Day with vibrant events showcasing the strong bonds of culture, heritage, and shared values. In Chile, the Embassy of India in Santiago celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm, where Indian Ambassador Abhilasha Joshi hoisted the national flag. She also read out President Droupadi Murmu's address and shared key excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech delivered from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, highlighting India's progress, global partnerships, and vision for a Viksit Bharat 2047. "The atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervour, as the Tricolour fluttered high and Jana Gana Mana resonated in unison. The celebration saw the participation of more than 300 members of the vibrant Indian diaspora and friends of India in Chile, thereby reflecting the deep bonds of culture, heritage and shared values. Moreover, delicious Indian delicacies were being served for all, showcasing rich cuisine and flavours of India," the Indian Embassy said on Saturday (Indian time). The event reaffirmed the collective commitment to India's growth story and the role of the diaspora in strengthening India-Chile ties. In the US, the Indian Consulate General in New York specially curated a programme, themed 'Shakti -- Divine Energy', which brought together Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and contemporary performances by renowned artists from India and the US. The Consulate General also partnered with the 44th Annual Battery Dance Festival, New York City's longest-running public dance festival to celebrate the occasion. The celebration highlighted the enduring bonds of culture, creativity, and harmony that India shares with the world. Additionally, in Houston, Indian Consul General D.C. Manjunath joined board members and representatives of elected officials at an event celebrating the occasion, which saw participation from a large number of the Indian-American community. The programme was organised at India House, the longstanding diaspora partner organisation in Houston. In Guyana, the Indian High Commission and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Georgetown celebrated Independence Day with enthusiasm and festive fervour. Members of the Indian community, diaspora, Indian students, and businesspersons participated in the celebration. Furthermore, in Trinidad and Tobago, the High Commission of India in Port of Spain hosted a flag-hoisting ceremony on the occasion. The event held at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation (MGICC) in the capital, Port of Spain, was attended by members of the Indian diaspora, friends of India, and well-wishers. The ceremony featured the hoisting of the national flag, the singing of the national anthem, and cultural performances showcasing India's rich heritage.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store