Centre grants over 96 lakh e-visa in 5 years
The number of countries being granted the facility of e-visa has increased from 171 in 2020 to 181 in 2025, said Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha.
A total of 3,26,183 (Ahmedabad) and 107 (Surat) e-visas have been granted to foreigners who selected their port of arrival as Ahmedabad and Surat, the Minister told.
"e-Visa eligible countries have increased from 171 in 2020 to 181 in 2025 at Ahmedabad airport. Surat airport was included as e-Visa enabled airport on May 26, 2025, with currently 181 countries being eligible to select as port of arrival," MoS Singh said.
The Union government has implemented various measures towards assisting Indian pilgrims travelling abroad.
Key components of these initiatives include administrative oversight, consular assistance, coordination with local authorities and medical facilities.
"The government plays an important role in ensuring the smooth execution of Haj pilgrimage for Indian nationals. It works in close coordination with Ministry of Minority Affairs and Haj Committee of India, and Saudi authorities to deliver comprehensive support across all phases of the pilgrimage," the Union Minister added.
This includes providing various services such as medical support, accommodation, transportation, catering, sanitation and utilities through its Consulate in Jeddah.
The Consulate coordinates the smooth arrival and departure of pilgrims and also provides consular assistance to Indian pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia in coordination with Saudi authorities.
Each year the Saudi authorities announce a Haj quota for India.
In recent years, this quota has on an average been set at 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims.
The Union Minister also told that the government has consistently urged Pakistan that in deference to the wishes of the pilgrims, it should not levy any fee or charge on the pilgrims who visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
"Pakistan, however, continues to levy $20 on every pilgrim for each visit. The validity of this agreement was extended for a period of another five years in October 2024. Kartarpur corridor operations have been suspended since Operation Sindoor," said MoS Singh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
2 minutes ago
- India.com
Ready For A Roaring Weekend? These 6 Safaris Near Indore Are Calling!
Indore functions both as Madhya Pradesh's largest metropolitan center and a leading connection to several India's most attractive wildlife sanctuaries. Nature enthusiasts alongside adventure seekers can fully enjoy the region near Indore because it provides complete access to diverse ecosystems where people can see exotic wildlife as they navigate through primal forests. This detailed document outlines the complete journey toward enjoying the best wildlife safari experiences close to Indore. 1. Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem People interested in observing wild animals in their native environment will find the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary one of the nearest options from Indore since it exists only 25 kilometers away. This sanctuary occupies 450 hectares of land which houses leopards, wild boar jackals together with more than 150 types of birds. Visitors choose this destination because of its combination of green vegetation and peaceful surroundings for wildlife safaris during morning and evening hours. Tourists experience views of rare animals during guided drivers' tours which go through thick forests. 2. Kuno National Park: Home to the Asiatic Lion Kuno National Park situated 120 kilometers outside Indore serves as an internationally acclaimed candidate to host the Asiatic lion population. Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary operated under this name until it became the Kuno National Park. Scoping a safari at this location provides the chance to observe tigers along with sloth bears and Indian wolves and multiple bird species alongside the prestigious lions. Visitors must experience this conservation-friendly park which implements eco-tourism practices. 3. Panna Tiger Reserve: Witness Majestic Tigers Panna Tiger Reserve maintains UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and operates about 180 kilometers from Indore where its strong tiger numbers have become recognized. The 542 square kilometer reserve stretches through rough hills along deep gorges while Ken River runs through its center. You can experience Bengal tigers while enjoying Jeep safaris at the same time as observing chital and sambar deer and hyenas. Birdwatchers can spot vultures together with eagles and migratory birds while observing the area. 4. Choral Dam: A Blend of Adventure and Nature The location of Choral Dam at a distance of 70 kilometers from Indore presents a unique spot to do water sports together with wildlife watching. Nature lovers can spot kingfishers and herons and cormorants among other birds which frequent the artificial lake enclosed by forested hills. Despite being famous for boating and zip-lining the surrounding areas of the dam bear occasional observations of local small mammals together with reptiles. The location appeals to families because it offers thrilling experiences combined with peaceful environments. 5. Sanjay National Park: Offbeat Wilderness The Sanjay National Park which operates under its alternative name Guru Ghasidas National Park exists approximately 300 kilometers from Indore while it stretches across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh territories. The less popular park exists as a wildlife sanctuary that delivers wildlife experiences to visitors seeking an isolated natural environment. Animals that find refuge within the thick Sal forests of this region include leopards together with bison and both four-horned antelopes and flying squirrels. Fewer commercial operators allow visitors on Indian safaris to build profound bonds with the natural environment. 6. Satpura Tiger Reserve: Untamed Beauty The untouched wilderness of Satpura Tiger Reserve requires recognition even though it sits almost 250 kilometers from Indore. The multi-dimensional wildlife encounters at Satpura reserve consist of both walking safaris and canoe rides on Denwa River and nighttime safaris. The reserve base population includes tigers alongside leopards together with gaur animals and multiple amphibian and reptile species among others. Its striking scenery includes the combination of rocky formations alongside natural waterfalls which make it attractive. 7. Tips for Planning Your Wildlife Safari Several important tips will help you create unforgettable wildlife safari memories while minimizing problems during your expedition. You should conduct wildlife safaris near Indore between October through June because the pleasant climate lets you see more animals that emerge when trees become less dense. You need to book in advance for safari entry at Panna Tiger Reserve because popularity makes this park require pre-planning. Experienced local guides who understand animal actions and know the ground conditions will work best to help visitors see wildlife. When visiting the sanctuary you must pack appropriate items that include binoculars and cameras alongside comfort clothes and sunscreen and insect repellent together with plenty of water. The guidelines established by the forest department need to be followed including maintaining silence and maintaining a safe distance from animals while avoiding littering. The best choice is to stay at accommodations located close to sanctuaries which are environmentally friendly because it provides both convenience and sustainability benefits. Photoshoots should be conducted with sensitivity by abstaining from flash-enabled cameras and by keeping away from wildlife during picture-taking sessions. Final Thought The wildlife sanctuaries surrounding Indore allow visitors to participate in an outstanding experience of observing natural wonders and observing India's diverse wildlife species in their habitats. You can observe both majestic tigers at Panna Tiger Reserve and see avian life at Ralamandal and appreciate Satpura's pristine setting as these three sites each provide separate natural wonders. Use strategic planning together with environmental respect to make enduring memories that support both ecosystem conservation and the preservation of these essential natural areas. Put your bags in order to begin a safari experience that will make you lose yourself in the untamed wild zones surrounding Indore.
Economic Times
2 minutes ago
- Economic Times
You can plan a holiday just by talking to your phone
Synopsis MakeMyTrip has introduced a new AI-powered Trip Planning Assistant, an upgrade to Myra, designed to support users throughout their travel journey. This conversational tool simplifies holiday planning and booking, especially for those comfortable with Hindi and other Indian languages. TIL Creatives MakeMyTrip has launched a new generation AI-powered Trip Planning Assistant that will support users through every part of the travel process, from deciding where to go, to making bookings, and even post-trip needs. This conversational assistant aims to simplify the way Indians plan and book holidays, particularly helping those who are more comfortable speaking in Hindi or other Indian new tool is a major upgrade to MakeMyTrip's existing AI assistant, Myra, which now works with both voice and text inputs. This means users can now speak or type their requests and get personalised travel solutions, making the process more natural and inclusive. The Beta version of Myra is already live in English and Hindi, with more Indian languages set to follow once the team gathers early feedback and improves the can ask broad or detailed questions in Hindi or English, such as 'Where can I go in August for a relaxing holiday with my kids?' or 'I want to go to south India to cover Madurai, Rameswaram, Kovalam, Kodaikanal. Can you suggest me the best route? I don't want to travel via flight.' Myra can respond with personalised and real-time suggestions that match the user's request, taking into account availability, prices, and is powered by a group of AI systems, each specialising in different travel categories like flights, hotels, holiday packages, transport, visas, and currency exchange. The tool allows travellers to communicate using not just voice or text, but also images and video. It also supports continuous dialogue, changes to itineraries, and help after the trip has been booked—all within one interface.'We have always believed that technology is at its best when it solves complex problems behind the scenes, while making the customer interface as intuitive and as delightful as possible. With GenAI, we take that vision further by turning intent into action through natural, human-like conversations," Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said. Magow said the launch, which began with access in Hindi and would soon expand to several Indian languages, has the potential to address the needs of the Bharat heartland by reaching underserved regions. He added that the initiative brought together the full strength of the company's platform—ranging from customer preferences data and supply to user-generated content, personalisation, and real-time intelligence—to power what he described as the next era of travel: connected journeys that adapt intuitively to each traveller's needs from start to finish.'The scale and complexity of this system make it one of the most ambitious tech builds we have undertaken at MakeMyTrip. It is also the first of its kind to operate across so many categories, in real time, and at this depth. Our in-house team has developed custom language models and layered them with planning, scheduling, and verification systems that work in sync and respond in real time," Sanjay Mohan, Group CTO of MakeMyTrip, next stage of development will focus on improving search, allowing users to express travel needs in more abstract ways rather than using specific filters, the company said. The company will also introduce AI features that use images and videos to help people plan trips.
NDTV
7 minutes ago
- NDTV
Where Indians Are Travelling On The Independence Day Long Weekend: Data Reveals Top Picks
Independence Day is marked by patriotic spirit, celebration, get-togethers and even short-and-sweet travel plans, especially with the 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, falling on a Friday. Finding an opportunity for the perfect long weekend, Indians with a travel bug are not letting this weekend go to waste, with travel destination searches and bookings already in full swing. According to recent data shared by online travel platform there is a clear surge in last-minute travel planning, with a strong focus on short domestic getaways and easy international breaks across Asia-Pacific. Top Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities Are Trending Over 58 per cent of Indian travellers are choosing destinations closer to home this year, according to the data. Places just a few hours' drive from major cities are leading the trend. Weekend favourites like Alibaug, Karjat and Igatpuri near Mumbai, and Rishikesh and Mussoorie near Delhi, have seen up to an 80 per cent rise in search interest compared to last year. Popular spots like Lonavala, Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar and Chikmagalur also continue to draw crowds looking for a quick breather from city life. Searches Spike For Quiet Coastal Holidays Alongside hill stations, beach towns are holding strong appeal this long weekend. Less-crowded coastal spots like Varkala and Gokarna are seeing renewed interest, while Goa remains a top favourite. Searches for these destinations have increased by 10 to 40 per cent, reflecting a growing desire for short, breezy beach breaks without the hassle of long travel hours. International Travel Picks Up Pace Across Asia-Pacific Indians are not limiting their plans to domestic destinations. The Independence Day long weekend is seeing a spike in interest for international holidays, particularly across Asia-Pacific. Thailand stands out, with Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya each witnessing over 60 per cent growth in search interest. These destinations appeal due to their balance of beachside relaxation, vibrant nightlife and flavourful food - all without the complications of long-haul travel. Top 10 Searched Domestic Destinations (14-17 August 2025): Udaipur Lonavala Jaipur Puducherry Mumbai Bengaluru Ooty Munnar Kodaikanal New Delhi Top 10 Searched International Destinations (14-17 August 2025): Dubai Singapore Bangkok London Phuket Kuala Lumpur Bali Abu Dhabi Pattaya Hong Kong Travellers Are Choosing Homestays Over Hotels The type of accommodation Indians are seeking is also evolving. A notable 74 per cent of travellers are opting for homestays, villas and guesthouses rather than traditional hotels. The appeal lies in the comfort, space and local experience these properties offer - especially for families looking to stay together under one roof without compromising on privacy. According to Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at "Indian travellers are leaning into spontaneous, short-haul travel - both domestic and international. The Independence Day weekend is the perfect moment for these quick resets." Search Insights Based On Real-Time Travel Planning The data for this report is based on search sessions conducted between June 26 and July 26, 2025, for travel dates between August 14 and 17, 2025. These figures represent search interest patterns and may not directly indicate confirmed bookings.
