by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | europe, railway systems, Travel, young people, youth
Good news awaits those who are youthful and seeking an affordable means to discover Europe this summer.
The European Union is offering nearly 36,000 complimentary rail passes to individuals turning 18 through the DiscoverEU initiative.
Introduced by
Interrail
Moreover, within the EU, this initiative seeks to provide young Europeans with the chance to gain insights into neighboring nations and their cultures.
The individuals who qualify will have the opportunity to delve into Europe’s cultural legacy and historical background while connecting with people from various parts of the continent.
Everything you have to do is respond to six questions.
ExploreEU: Steps to Obtain a Free Pass for European Rail Travel
Applicants have an opportunity to win a complimentary rail pass if they were born between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007.
This initiative is available to legal residents of the European Union’s 27 member states as well as Overseas Countries. Applicants from third countries connected to the Erasmus+ program may also participate. Such countries include Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, and Serbia.
Türkiye
.
If that describes your situation, the next step is to make your way over to the
European Youth Portal
to complete an eligibility assessment.
You need to respond to five multiple-choice queries related to the European Union along with an extra question. The topics include broad understanding of the EU as well as its programs designed for youth engagement.
You’ll additionally be required to provide further details regarding your travel arrangements. This encompasses the dates of your trip as well as whether this will mark your first journey conducted independently without companions.
parents
What aspects of the experience do you hope to gain, and how will you fund your journey?
This data will not influence the selection process in any way.
The Commission will evaluate candidates according to their answers from the EU quiz and will extend offers as a result.
travel passes
Following their rankings until the ticket quota is filled.
The application period will be open from April 2nd to April 16th, 2025.
You are not eligible to apply if you have received a DiscoverEU pass before.
What will be the functioning of the complimentary railway pass program?
Those who excel will receive a complimentary gift.
rail pass
To journey through Europe for as many as 30 days anytime from July 1, 2025, until September 30, 2026.
During the application process, you have the option to embark on your journey solo or with a group of up to five friends. Should you opt for traveling together, you may distribute your application code among your companions so they can complete their registrations.
The team captain alone needs to respond to the EU quiz questions, whereas group members only have to provide their personal information to finish the registration process and meet the requirements for age and residence.
The
travel pass
Can be utilized solely within your resident country for both an outgoing and returning trip. This must involve traveling to another nation that qualifies under this program.
The overall
journey
can extend for as little as one day up to a maximum of one month, including up to seven days allocated for travel.
Participants will typically qualify for a voucher valued at up to €283.26 for use in second-class or economy seats. This amount might increase for candidates traveling from distant or international locations.
In certain situations, the coach and assistant
ferry
Passes will also be provided. To make sure that young individuals residing in distant regions or on islands are not left out, flights might be granted in special circumstances. Priority will consistently be given to those who need them the most.
sustainable
option.
If you’re among the fortunate recipients, you’ll receive a European Youth Card (EYCA), which remains valid for 12 months. This card provides savings on various things such as cultural trips and events, education opportunities, outdoor adventures, sporting activities, public transport, lodging, meals, and much more throughout the EU countries.
What method will be used to select candidates for the complimentary rail pass?
Selections will be made based on the available budget, with applicants being ranked according to the accuracy of their responses.
A quota exists.
travel passes
Allocated quotas per country. Any unused permits from a country due to insufficient applications will be redistributed to nations with a greater volume of submissions.
In cases where there are more qualified candidates than available positions, a ‘first come, first served’ policy will be implemented—indicating that earlier submissions may receive preference as an alternative approach.
Special assistance is provided for attendees who have disabilities or medical conditions.
Applicants who have been selected will receive an email notification once the selection process concludes in May.
They will then be connected with an EU contractor who will take care of the
travel bookings
and payments.
Purchased passes for the chosen candidates will not be refunded.
What is anticipated in exchange for the complimentary rail passes?
If you apply for a free pass, you will be asked to serve as a ‘DiscoverEU Ambassador.’ In this role, you’ll share feedback about your travels.
social media
Or for school and community presentations.
The application for this program will enable you to generate a personalized route map along with data regarding the count of stops.
trains
acquired, total number of countries traveled to and
CO2
savings that you can post on social media.
Young travelers will likewise be required to complete an online survey following their participation in the program.
Upon finishing, travelers will be awarded a certificate of participation that emphasizes the competencies and skills they have acquired through their journey.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | General
Oscar Arias, the ex-leader of Costa Rica and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, mentioned that his U.S. visa was rescinded without any clarification provided, just a few weeks following his criticism of then-U.S. President Donald Trump.
This week, Arias received an email from the US State Department stating, “New information has emerged suggesting that you might not qualify for your visa.”
The message stated that Arias would need to submit a new visa application if he planned to visit the United States.
The individual, who is 84 years old, stated on Wednesday that he was unaware of the reasons behind the revocation of his visa. However, he admitted that Washington might not have been pleased with his remarks regarding Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, the trade disputes between the United States and China, or Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Arias, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his work in ending civil conflicts in Central America, recently drew parallels between Trump’s behavior and that of a Roman emperor.
“Smaller nations have always found it challenging to oppose the U.S. government, particularly when their leader acts akin to a Roman emperor, dictating directives to the global community,” Arias stated in a social media posting back in February.
Following the U.S.’s decision to revoke the visas of three Costa Rican legislators who were against President Rodrigo Chaves’s decree excluding Chinese companies from participating in the nation’s 5G network—a step urged by Washington—he made remarks on social media.
This week, yet another political opponent from the Central American country experienced the revocation of their US visa.
On Wednesday, following Trump’s announcement of a series of tariffs targeting numerous trading partners, which included a 10% tax on goods coming from Costa Rica, Arias spoke out against this move and stated that it was illogical.
“History bears witness,” stated Arias, who served as the President of Costa Rica twice, first from 1986 to 1990 and then again from 2006 to 2010.
Empirically speaking, you can observe that nations with more open economies and greater freedom of trade are the ones that have experienced higher growth and managed to enhance their conditions relatively quickly.
The ex-president of Costa Rica mentioned that he wasn’t troubled at all by the choice made by Washington to take away his visa.
He mentioned, ‘The United States has already bestowed upon me 93 honorary degrees.’
“They won’t be offering me anything else. My primary motivation for visiting the United States was to receive those doctoral degrees. I would have preferred if this hadn’t occurred since I hold great admiration for that country and its people,” Arias stated additionally.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | asia, economics, international relations, politics, sustainability
Bangkok, April 3 — Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, will participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on Friday as Bangladesh takes over the leadership role of the organization for the coming two years.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) includes seven nations from the Bay of Bengal area — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Officials stated that the leadership of BIMSTEC, recognized as a vital platform for advancing regional growth, infrastructure links, and economic advancement in the Bay of Bengal area, shifts based on the alphabetical sequence of the English names of its member countries.
During the Summit, the transition of leadership occurs as the country currently heading BIMSTEC, which acts as the host for the Summit, passes on the chairmanship to the following member state in alphabetical order.
The theme for the 6th summit, which is taking place three years following the fifth summit (held virtually in Colombo on March 30, 2022), is “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.”
At the start of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, attendees will gather for a group photograph. This will be succeeded by welcoming remarks from the BIMSTEC Chairperson and Thai Prime Minister. A moment of silence will then be held to honor those affected by the recent earthquakes.
Following the endorsement of the agenda, the heads of BIMSTEC states will deliver their addresses.
Following the transfer of BIMSTEC leadership, the incoming chairperson will address the gathering, with concluding comments provided by the Thai prime minister, as informed by an official to UNB.
According to the BIMSTEC Secretariat, the summit seeks to promote cooperation amongst member nations to tackle common security and development issues. It will inject fresh momentum into ongoing initiatives aimed at achieving a thriving, robust, and open BIMSTEC region.
The Foreign Secretary, Md Jashim Uddin, stated that the summit will enhance and intensify the ties between Bangladesh and other BIMSTEC nations. He also emphasized its crucial role in promoting regional stability and progress.
“There’s no doubt that this sixth BIMSTEC Summit marks a significant move forward for the new Bangladesh within the regional landscape via BIMSTEC,” he stated, expressing his hope for the summit’s success.
Summit Agenda
The summit, according to the BIMSTEC headquarters, features an extensive agenda – including the endorsement of the declaration from the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, capturing the vision of the leaders along with their resolutions and instructions; also encompassing the approval of the Bangkok Vision 2030.
This initial vision document will be endorsed by the Leaders. It offers a detailed and actionable guide for enhancing collaboration among the BIMSTEC member states moving forward.
The signing of the agreement for Maritime Transport Collaboration seeks to boost marine transportation within the Bay of Bengal. This initiative intends to improve the movement of goods and individuals among member states, facilitating increased commerce and travel between them.
In the meantime, the endorsement of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), along with those between BIMSTEC and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), forms part of the plan. These agreements aim to usher in a fresh chapter of collaborative development efforts involving BIMSTEC and these entities.
The approval of the Rules of Procedure for the BIMSTEC Mechanisms, along with the Charter, will establish the basic structure for regional collaboration within BIMSTEC. Additionally, the endorsement of the Report from the Eminent Persons Group regarding the future path of BIMSTEC is also part of the discussion points.
In 2024, the team convened six times. Following consultations with pertinent stakeholders, they completed their report through thorough discussions and finalized it in September 2024.
The report includes several recommendations, and the member states have begun taking actions intended to implement the findings of the report.
Amidst the swiftly changing and unpredictable global political and economic landscape, the 6th BIMSTEC Summit aims to strengthen even more the crucial function of BIMSTEC—the sole regional body in the Bay of Bengal—in promoting collaboration among nations. This initiative seeks to empower member states to address common security concerns and foster sustainable growth effectively.
Since BIMSTEC was established in June 1997, five summits have taken place in Bangkok (2004), New Delhi (2008), Nay Pyi Taw (2014), Kathmandu (2018), and Colombo (2022).
It focuses on regional collaboration across seven key areas: Agriculture & Food Security; Connectivity; Environmental Protection & Climate Change; Cultural Exchanges & Interactions; Scientific Research, Technological Advancement & Innovation; Security Matters; and Commerce, Investments & Economic Growth.
The collaboration encompasses eight sectors: Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries & Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Human Resource Development.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | culture, heritage, history, indian national news, religion
Bangkok [Thailand], April 3 (ANI): While visiting Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a display of ‘Ramakien,’ a version of the Ramayana shaped by Thai culture. Ramakien serves as the national epic of Thailand and holds significant importance within their literary traditions.
No matter where Prime Minister Modi travels, he brings with him an exhibition of India’s spiritual legacy. Each international trip made by Mr. Modi serves as a platform to highlight India’s profound cultural practices.
Following a posting on X, Prime Minister Modi stated, “An unparalleled cultural connection! I had the privilege of watching an enthralling rendition of the Thai version of Ramayana, known as Ramakien. This event provided a deeply enlightening experience that vividly highlighted the common cultural and civilizational bonds linking India with Thailand. The enduring legacy of Ramayana indeed persists in bridging emotions and customs throughout numerous regions of Asia.”
While visiting Mauritius in March 2025, Prime Minister Modi went to Ganga Talao, where he presented sacred water from the Triveni Sangam, symbolizing the spiritual bond between India and Mauritius.
As a symbol of cultural and spiritual bond, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12 combined the holy water from the Ganges, sourced from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, with the waters of the Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) located in Port Louis, Mauritius.
During his trip to Kuwait in December, Prime Minister Modi met with two Kuwaiti individuals known for their work in translating and releasing Arabic editions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
While visiting Brazil in November 2024, Prime Minister Modi was greeted with the recitation of mantras upon his arrival.
During his visit, he also had the chance to watch a performance of the Ramayana in Rio de Janeiro.
In November 2024, when PM Modi was visiting Guyana, he had the opportunity to experience heartfelt Ram Bhajans along with Vedic chants performed by children.
Last October in Russia, Prime Minister Modi experienced Russian citizens performing Krishna bhajans during his welcome ceremony in Kazan.
Last year in Laos, Prime Minister Modi was greeted by local residents reciting the Gayatri Mantra.
On the same occasion, he had the chance to see an captivating Laotian interpretation of the Ramayana.
While visiting Italy in 2021, community members in Rome recited the Shiva Mantra when the Prime Minister was present. (ANI)
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | international relations, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commissioner Cui Jianchun has made ‘serious representations’ to US Consul General Gregory May regarding sanctions imposed on six officials.
The official from Beijing responsible for foreign affairs in Hong Kong has met with the senior US representative in the city to express formal protests regarding the recent sanctions imposed by Washington on six Chinese and local officials.
Cui Jianchun, the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, informed US Consul General Gregory May on Wednesday that Beijing will firmly respond to Washington’s hegemonic actions.
The gathering occurred one day following Washington’s announcement of new sanctions. This time, the targets included Justice Secretary Paul Lam Ting-kwok and ex-police chief Raymond Siu Chak-yee. The United States cited “transnational repression” of dissidents as per Hong Kong’s national security legislation, justifying these measures against them.
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Washington additionally presented its most recent Hong Kong Policy Act Report to the US Congress, stating that both mainland and local Hong Kong officials have persistently exploited national security as an overly broad and ambiguous justification to erode the rule of law and encroach upon safeguarded rights and liberties within the region.
Beijing’s representative office in Hong Kong stated on Thursday that Cui had met with Carrie Lam the previous day to convey “serious representations” regarding the U.S.’s “unjustified sanctions” and its most recent report about the region.
The office stated that [Cui] strongly condemned and firmly opposed the U.S.’s blatant interference in Hong Kong and China’s internal matters, and forcefully cautioned the American side against underestimating China’s unwavering resolve to protect its national sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.
China will adopt decisive and strong retaliatory measures against the US actions that are seen as hegemonic and coercive.
Previously, Beijing stated that it would firmly respond to the U.S. regarding the newest set of sanctions, but did not provide specifics on potential retaliatory actions.
The Post has contacted the US consulate in Hong Kong seeking their input.
In addition to Lam and Siu, those who faced sanctions include Sonny Au Chi-kwong, the Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong; Dong Jingwei, Director of the Beijing Office for Safeguarding National Security in the city; as well as Assistant Police Commissioners Dick Wong Chung-chun and Margaret Chiu Wing-lan, both serving within the police’s National Security Department.
Individuals who have been sanctioned are forbidden from entering the United States. Additionally, all their property within the U.S. will be seized. They are also restricted from engaging in any transactions involving American citizens or entities located in the country.
In 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on 11 local and mainland officials due to the Beijing-enforced national security legislation. This included John Lee Ka-chiu, who was serving as the security secretary at that time before becoming the Chief Executive.
In reaction, China enforced sanctions on 11 prominent US senators and officials, such as current Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source of news covering China and Asia.
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