Latest news with #Pass
CBC
10 hours ago
- General
- CBC
Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol: Nature Semifinals
Social Sharing The ways different pieces of this province become symbols are as diverse as British Columbia itself — as two entries going head-to-head this week make clear. The Dogwood flower and the gold nugget have, at various times, been arguably the most emblematic pieces of nature in British Columbia. In the 1850s, the discovery of gold along the Fraser River by the Nlaka'pamux people led to tens of thousands of people descending on what was an unceded territory lightly administered by the Hudson's Bay Company. Gold led to riches — and regulations, dreamers — and regulations, and the founding of the Colony of British Columbia in 1858. "It was certainly one of the things that started industry in this area, for better or for worse," said Stuart Cawood, the manager of public programming and media for Barkerville, the gold era boomtown near Quesnel that exists in mostly preserved form as a reminder of that era of the province. "The rush has changed. People aren't clamouring like they used to with 35,000 people coming up here, but it's still a very important part of our lives, even if we don't see it in the same way." Of diplomas and logos But if the gold nugget represents the start of B.C.'s colonization and modern history, the Dogwood flower represents the next era, where a young province looked to give meaning and importance to the natural land around them. "It's a case of settler British Columbians trying to make British Columbia home, and they take something like the Dogwood flower, and it fits into a very English esthetic of the country garden," said Forrest Pass, a curator at Library and Archives Canada. Pass said dogwood-mania was so rampant in British Columbia that the Dogwood Protection Act was passed in 1931, making it illegal to pick or cut down the tree without approval, and at one time, a legend spread that the dogwood tree was used to make the cross used in the Crucifixion. WATCH | Dogwood or gold nugget? Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol continues: The province's official flower faces off against an iconic part of local history in round three of the nature quadrant in our Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol. The bloom from the tree was eventually made B.C.'s official flower, and in the second half of the 20th century, became the logo for B.C. Ferries, and former TV station BCTV (now Global News), and was the name given to high school diplomas in this province. "It is a venerable symbol, protected from a very early age, seen as a unique identifier of, at the very least, southern Vancouver Island and B.C. identity," said Pass. Two iconic symbols of British Columbia, both flourishing in different centuries. But which one is best? 14 symbols left in the competition The Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol continues today with two votes on the four remaining entries in the nature section of our friendly summer competition: Dogwood versus the gold nugget, along with the Okanagan cherry against the Western redcedar Tree. After today, the remaining matchups this week are the following: Wednesday: Totem poles vs. Nanaimo bars, Cowichan sweaters vs. Northwest Coast art. Thursday: B.C. flag vs. Terry Fox statues, Ogopogo vs. tree huggers. The winners will advance to the quarterfinals, which begin next week. Voting closes at 10 p.m. PT. May the best symbols advance! Two titans. One winner. Meet the finalists for B.C.'s best tree 6 days ago As the search for B.C.'s best symbol continues, one of today's match-ups is the Battle of the Trees. Which will prevail as B.C.'s favourite West Coast tree: the mighty Douglas Fir or the noble Western Red Cedar?
Japan Today
a day ago
- Japan Today
Where to go in Japan — Please, anywhere but Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka
By Aaron Baggett We get it. You've got a week, a bucket list and a JR Pass screaming Golden Triangle. Tokyo dazzles. Osaka feeds you. Kyoto looks great on Instagram. But by now, your itinerary might as well come with a queue number and a map of the top 10 places to bump into other tourists. If you're wondering where to go in Japan that isn't Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka —congrats, you're asking the right question. Even Japan's tourism officials are begging you to spread out. The crowds are unsustainable. Locals are losing it. Prices are through the roof. Meanwhile, the rest of Japan — literally 90% of it — is just sitting there, offering jaw-dropping scenery, wild festivals, empty castles, private hot springs and ridiculously affordable ryokan (traditional inns) — all without the wait or the crowds. Do yourself a favor (and Japan a solid): ditch the triangle. Go rogue. Head north, west or inland. Want authenticity? Try a rural izakaya where you're the only foreigner. Soak in an onsen without a selfie stick in sight. Meet someone who's genuinely surprised you made it that far. I once walked into a karaoke bar in Kinugawa Onsen and walked out with free drinks and a friend group I don't remember adding. Everyone's Going to The Same Three Cities Harajuku is a tourist trap, but at least it keeps Urara free. Japan welcomed nearly 25 million foreign visitors in 2023 and 37 million in 2024. By 2030, the country expects to reach 60 million. Kyoto, with a population of just 1.6 million, had over 10 million visitors. It's so bad that Japanese people are staying away. Osaka is considering taxing tourists to combat the overcrowding. Meanwhile, Tokyo's hotel rates are up by 20–30%. In Kyoto, average room prices now exceed ¥30,000 per night during peak seasons. Want a cozy little ryokan? Hope you booked six months ago—or brought half your travel budget. Even locals are getting priced out. Families are scaling back vacations, school trips are being shortened and many residents are simply opting to stay closer to home. In response, some regions are exploring dual pricing systems to give locals a break, while others are offering travel subsidies or increased allowances. Locals Are Over It Kyoto's geisha districts are starting to wonder if the tourism money is worth the chaos. In Gion, the city has attempted to ban tourists from entering private alleys after repeated complaints of visitors harassing maiko (apprentice entertainers) and geiko (fully trained geisha) for photos and disrupting the neighborhood's daily life. Signs now warn tourists not to follow or film geisha. You'd think it's common sense, but you still have tourist chasing them down and blocking them for photos without their consent. Meanwhile, trash is piling up in Arashiyama and other tourist hotspots as the city's waste systems struggle to keep up. Locals can't even board their own buses — they're packed full of day-trippers with backpacks and roller bags, all cramming into the same narrow streets for the same photo ops. The city has tried everything from luggage drop-off points to crowd-control staff, but it's still a zoo. It's Killing Towns And you're missing out. (Shima Onsen, Gunma) When 70–80% of international tourists crowd into the same three cities, entire regions are overlooked. Many of these regions already have aging populations and shuttered businesses. While the Big Three drown in foot traffic and hotel taxes, the rest of Japan is left begging for scraps, trying to lure tourists with influencers and wasted tourism projects that miss the mark. Those usually involve another early morning fish market and yet another tiny shrine in the hills. The poor aunties and uncles still living in these small towns can't really figure out what tourists actually want. But no one's flying to Fukui or Shimane for another 6 a.m. fish market and another mossy temple in the hills when they can just hit Toyosu or Asakusa in Tokyo. (That said, Fukui is awesome. And probably has the best fish market I've ever been to.) These towns want tourists. They've got the ryokan, the festivals, the hot springs and plenty of room to breathe. But without visitors, the money dries up. Local trains lose funding. Cultural sites fall into disrepair. That mom-and-pop soba shop you would've loved? Closed for good. When places do try to compete, they often feel pressured to 'Kyoto-fy' themselves with faux cobblestone streets and temple-themed gift shops. But imitation doesn't bring sustainability. It brings disappointment, overcrowding and communities bending over backwards to fit into a tourism model that was never built for them in the first place. Kanazawa, Takehara, Tsuwano; how many 'Little Kyotos' does Japan even have at this point? It's your trip, maybe even your only trip of the year. But if travelers just spread out a little — literally hop on any other Shinkansen line—they'd find incredible towns eager to share their stories. Your money would go further. Your experience would go deeper. And your trip wouldn't be part of the bigger problem. The Myth of Kyoto Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025: Notification for 3588 vacancies released at bsf.gov.in; check eligibility, and selection process
BSF Constable Tradesmen recruitment 2025 opens for 3,588 vacancies across India BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025: The Border Security Force (BSF) has officially released the notification for the BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025. A total of 3588 vacancies have been announced for the post of Constable (Tradesmen). The recruitment process is open for eligible candidates across India, with the application window scheduled to begin on July 26, 2025 and remain open until August 25, 2025. Candidates can submit their applications through the official BSF recruitment portal at The recruitment drive includes various trades such as cobbler, tailor, carpenter, plumber, water carrier, washer man, sweeper, cook, and others. The minimum required qualification for the position is a 10th pass with ITI certification in the relevant trade. BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025: Important dates • Start of online application: July 26, 2025 • Last date to apply: August 25, 2025 BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025: Vacancy details and qualification requirements The BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025 offers opportunities for both male and female candidates. Below is the post-wise vacancy distribution: Post Name Male (Total) Female (Total) Cobbler 65 2 Tailor 18 1 Carpenter 38 - Plumber 10 - Painter 5 - Electrician 4 - Pump Operator 1 - Upholster 1 - Water Carrier 699 38 Washer Man 320 17 Barber 115 6 Sweeper 652 35 Waiter 13 - Cook - 82 Total 3406 182 Total vacancies: 3588 (Male: 3406, Female: 182) BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025: Eligibility criteria and age limit Candidates must be aged between 18 to 25 years as of August 25, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo The age relaxation will be applicable as per government rules. Applicants must possess Matriculation (10th Pass) along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade. BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025: Application fees and mode of payment • General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 100/- • SC/ST/PWD: Rs. 0/- • Mode of Payment: Online Physical standards for recruitment For male candidates: • Height: 165 cm • Chest: 75-80 cm For female candidates: • Height: 155 cm • Chest: Not applicable Read the official notice here Selection process for BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025 The recruitment process will consist of the following stages: 1. Physical Test 2. Written Examination 3. Document Verification 4. Medical Examination Note: The exact date for the physical test will be notified later. How to apply online for BSF Constable Tradesmen Recruitment 2025 Interested and eligible candidates can apply online by following the steps below: Step 1: Visit the official recruitment website at Step 2: Register with a valid email ID and mobile number Step 3: Log in and fill in the application form with accurate details Step 4: Upload the required documents including educational certificates, ID proof, and photograph Step 5: Pay the application fee and submit the form; take a printout for future reference For further information, candidates are advised to visit the official BSF website: Direct link to apply online for BSF Constable Tradesmen posts 2025 at TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
India.com
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
FASTag Annual Pass Launch In August: Can You Use It On Another Vehicle? Check New Rules, Cost, Validity, And How To Activate It
photoDetails english 2934386 Updated:Jul 20, 2025, 04:32 PM IST FASTag Annual Pass To Launch On August 15 1 / 7 The FASTag annual pass will be rolled out nationwide on August 15 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), aiming to make highway travel more economical and efficient for private vehicle users in the country. FASTag Annual Pass Cost And Validity 2 / 7 The FASTag annual pass is priced at Rs 3,000 and is valid for either one year or 200 trips—whichever is completed first. It is designed to reduce frequent toll payments and simplify regular highway commuting. One FASTag, One Vehicle Rule 3 / 7 As per NHAI, each FASTag is vehicle-specific and cannot be used interchangeably. Using a FASTag on a vehicle other than the one it's registered with is considered a rule violation and may lead to hefty penalties. FASTag Annual Pass: Applicable To Private Vehicles 4 / 7 The annual pass is applicable only for private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. It cannot be used on commercial vehicles and is valid only at designated National Highways and Expressways. FASTag Annual Pass: How To Activate It 5 / 7 The annual pass can be activated via the Rajmarg Yatra app or NHAI's official website. Once activated, users can conveniently renew their pass online without the need to visit any toll plaza. No Need For New FASTag 6 / 7 There's no requirement to purchase a new FASTag for the annual pass. Users can activate the pass on their existing FASTag issued by banks or platforms like Paytm, ICICI Bank, or HDFC Bank. FASTag Annual Pass: One Vehicle, One Pass 7 / 7 The annual pass is non-transferable and valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed. If the pass is used on another vehicle, it will be deactivated immediately, rendering it unusable.
Metro
20-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Top UK supermarket launches new subscription pass — with major Christmas perk
From Clubcard to Sparks, the top UK supermarkets all have their own loyalty schemes for customers, but one has just launched something interesting. After a successful trial, Waitrose is now offering shoppers a new subscription known as a Delivery Pass, which is intended for those ordering their groceries online or via the app. The pass allows people to pay upfront for delivery slots, with three different options available – one month for £8, six months for £45 or 12 months for £85. It's thought this could save shoppers £4 per week in delivery costs, which could equate to as much as £123 per year, with deliveries costing between £2 and £4 without the pass, depending on the time slot they are booked for. Those with a Waitrose Delivery Pass will be able to book up to one available grocery delivery slot per day, at no additional delivery cost to their order. One of the biggest draws for the subscription will likely be the major Christmas perk it offers to customers. As we get further into the year, many will soon start thinking ahead to the big Christmas shop, but securing a festive delivery slot can be incredibly tricky. However, those with the pass will be entitled to early access to Christmas delivery slots, as long as the pass was purchased before September 1 that same year. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This perk will be subject to some terms and conditions, which Waitrose says will be confirmed in an email ahead of the Christmas period. But there is a catch – whether you're booking your weekly shop or a Christmas delivery, all of the slots are still subject to availability, so paying for the pass doesn't mean you are guaranteed anything. You'll also have to meet the minimum spend requirements of £40 (after any discounts/offers have been deducted) in order to use your Delivery Pass. Speaking about the new subscription, Waitrose director of online Laura Burbedge said: 'We're investing in our online business to continuously improve it, giving our customers even greater value and the best possible experience. 'Thousands of customers signed up for Delivery Passes through our trial, so we expect to see strong demand across the UK as we roll it out.' This comes after Waitrose recently made a change to one of its most popular loyalty scheme perks. The retailer offers My Waitrose shoppers a free hot drink, as long as they bring a reusable cup with them, but in a bid to ensure everyone gets their caffeine fix, customers can now borrow a cup if they've forgotten their own. More Trending Sounds like a pretty great deal, but it comes with a catch. If shoppers don't bring the cup back to a designated collection point within seven days, they'll face a £3 charge. And that's not all, the supermarket is also said to be trialing US-style plastic trolleys in its Brent Cross branch. These new designs are said to be lighter and easier to steer, without the clattering noise traditional carts can make as they're wheeled through the aisles. View More » Additionally, they could prove less attractive to thieves, who typically steal the metal models in order to sell on for scrap. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Little-known Clubcard rule called 'kick in the teeth' for Tesco customers MORE: Horrified Tesco shopper 'bit into live cockroach' in meal deal sandwich MORE: Forget about Prosecco — drink this £6.97 sparkling wine from Asda instead Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
