Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt, recently crowned the world's best whisky, is reshaping India's $33 billion spirits market. Priced at $37, it competes with global giants like Glenlivet and Talisker. With rising affluence, global brands are tapping into India's whisky boom. Pernod and Diageo have launched Indian single malts, responding to a 144% surge in Indian single malt consumption in 2021-22. The trend signals a shift from whisky in India to Indian whisky, with experts predicting sustained growth. Indri's success reflects the category's potential, prompting plans for market expansion and capacity increase.

In a major tourism boost, Iran has exempted Indian visitors from visa requirements along with 32 other countries, taking its visa-free list to 45 nations. Announcing the open-door policy on Friday, Cultural Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami said the move demonstrates Iran's eagerness to engage the world by easing access. Malaysia and Sri Lanka implemented similar visa waivers for Indians earlier. The relaxation also applies to Saudi Arabia, signalling a thaw after restored bilateral ties. However, European states only include Croatia so far. Iran ended visa rules for Qatar and several Muslim and Central Asian states too. But the absence of Western powers limits the ambitious effort to showcase Iranian attractions to global audiences.

Mumbai's Eleftheria Cheese makes history, clinching three gold medals at the World Cheese Awards in Norway. Their Brunost, a Norwegian brown cheese, earns a super gold, securing a top-five global ranking. Notably, Eleftheria is the first Indian artisanal cheese company to perfect Brunost production domestically. The accolades continue with a super gold for their goat milk feta and a gold for the French Tomme-style cheese. Dedicating the accolade to Indian women entrepreneurs, founder Mausam Jotwani Narang expresses gratitude as judges hail Eleftheria's creations as 'absolutely amazing' and 'very complex with waves of flavor.'

A trip to Thailand might get easier for Indians soon. Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intends to simplify visa procedures for Chinese and Indian travellers, aiming to bolster tourism revenue to nearly $100 billion in the upcoming year. For Indian tourists, who currently pay 2,000 baht ($57) for a 15-day visa on arrival, this move is anticipated to encourage more visits. Srettha also aims to expand the list of visa-exempt countries and extend stay durations for some international travellers. Airports of Thailand Pcl plans to augment flight capacity and streamline immigration processes to accommodate this initiative.

Kashmir will host the 71st Miss World pageant in December, announced visiting CEO Julia Morley. At a press meet attended by current Miss World Karolina Bielawska and Miss World India Sini Shetty, Morley expressed excitement to bring 130 nations to Kashmir on December 8th. Bielawska said she was awestruck by Kashmir's beauty and eagerly awaited bringing contestants to experience the scenery, warm hospitality, and culture. Morley and the trio explored handicrafts, vistas, and art, welcomed everywhere. Hosting Miss World marks a major milestone for Kashmir, highlighting its tourism revival and growing global appeal after years of strife.

Indian passport holders in the US or Canada on work permits, student visas or as permanent residents require visitor visas for Europe and now face lengthy processing unlike American or Canadian citizens. While Europe is a favoured destination for Indians, visa backlogs can thwart travel plans. Non-resident Indians encounter the same delays, even if applying remotely. According to Sonali Mehendale of Tours R Us, timelines depend on the specific embassy. Unlike citizens, non-citizen Indians abroad still require tourist visas for Europe. In summary, non-resident Indians in the US and Canada confront extra visa hurdles to visit Europe compared to citizens, causing holdups for vacations.