Trust Or Bust: Here’s My Agoda Experience!

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 1, 2020

Brexit, the short-hand for the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union (EU), has emerged as a hot topic for discussion in recent years. It started hitting the headlines ever since the introduction of the bill for it in 2016. At that time, it was decided that the separation of Britain from the EU would take place precisely after a couple of years from that date. But after many agreements and disagreements on the date, the official date for the landmark change has been decided upon as October 31, 2019. Immigration to the UK is one of the aspects that may undergo some radical changes as a result of it. The three possibilities concerning Brexit Given the shorter time frame, it seems unlikely that the government of the UK would reach an agreement with the representatives of the European Union before the end of October this year. As a result, it is not certain if Brexit would happen as per the schedule. Going by the chain of events, there are three possible scenarios: Brexit may happen with a deal, it may happen without a deal, or it may not happen at all. Also, chances are ripe for the postponement of the event to a later date. How it may affect the migration of the EU passport holders to the UK With the cloud of uncertainty looming large on various sectors in Britain due to the inevitable event, soothsayers have started making their future predictions. While no one knows for sure how things will turn out to be in the event of a no-deal Brexit, there are two schools of thought. Some experts put their money on the positive side of it, whereas others believe it could lead to chaos. While there is no denying the fact that there will be changes, the million-dollar question is how it will alter the existing system of migration to the UK for the EU passport holders. Considering the uncertainties surrounding the decision on Brexit, it is hard to predict the outcomes with accuracy. It is not hard to decipher what the majority of people may expect if no-deal Brexit becomes a reality, though. Read on to know more about how the move may influence the existing arrangements for immigration to the UK for the nationals of the EU countries. Travelling, residing, and working in EU countries As of now, EU nationals do not need any visa to live, holiday or work in the UK. But things may change after Brexit, especially if it happens without a deal. While the current arrangement may continue for a shorter stay until December 2020, the holders of the EU passport may need a work permit to take part in any of the financial activities in the UK. These include doing a paid job or running a business. An important thing to remember here is that these probabilities are inevitable, regardless of whether Brexit happens with or without a deal. The status of the EU passport The citizens of the UK whose EU passports are set to expire in a few days’ time need to apply for the EU settlement scheme at the earliest. It is recommended that they set the ball rolling for it from now on to avoid any inconvenience or hassle at the subsequent stages after the separation of Britain from the EU. New rules and regulations of the United Kingdom immigration services will come into existence by January 2021. These rules will apply to both the categories of EU passport holders: those who are already in the UK and those who are planning to do so. From January 1, 2021, revised rules and regulations concerning Immigration to the United Kingdom will replace the existing arrangement. The registration under the EU settlement scheme will be necessary from the beginning of 2021 for staying legally in the country. Therefore, it is important to apply for the same from now on. Existing challenges in the UK Notwithstanding the inevitable, the representatives of courts and the Home Office in the UK have their work cut out for themselves. It will take a Herculean effort on their part to not only formulate a plan but also implement it in quick time. Final thoughts: At present, it may seem as if January 2021 is too far away. But it is almost like a few hours when one takes the amount of outstanding work into consideration. The existing problems and challenges in the UK are likely to aggravate matters even further. As far as immigration to the UK is concerned, it is a complex topic. Careful deliberation with all ends considered is necessary to make the right decision. The future immigration to the UK for EU nationals depends a lot on how these institutions would discharge all the responsibilities. Read Also: A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World What’s Cooking In Dublin: 7 Restaurants To Dine In With Your Whole Family

BY  Nabamita Jul 19, 2022

Question: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? Options: A.Chilka Lake ( Surface area  347 sq mi) B.Wular Lake ( Surface area 12 to 73 sq mi ) C.Naini Lake ( Surface area 4.53 sq mi) D.Periyar Lake (Surface area 2,084 sq mi)  Answer: Wular Lake Lake Wular is declared India's largest freshwater lake and Asia's second largest.                                  "Wular Lake is still in floods, The North Wind howling strong;                                 The shore is far away, and you    Must steer your course with care." — Kashmiri poet Mahjoor (1885-1952) Which Is The Largest Natural Freshwater Lake In India? Bandipora, Kashmir, and Wular Lake are formed in the lap of paradise due to tectonic activity. Jhelum River is the lake’s main source of water. At an altitude of 1,580 Km, Lake Wular is 24 Km in length. According to popular belief, the lake is the remains of the Satisar Lake.  The lake has willow tree plantations that started in the early 1950s. Since then, Lake Wular has been considered among India's most beautiful sites of natural heritage. History Of Lake Wular Sultan Zainul-Abi-Din gave the order to build the artificial island Zaina Lake in Wular Lake in 1444. Based on folklore, a city ruled by Raja Sudrasen was once on the border of the lake. But as a punishment for his crimes, the lake's water rose and drowned the king, his subject, and the city with him. During winter, when the water level was low, submerged ruins of a temple were seen. This sighting gave fuel to the folklore. Zainul-Abi-Din constructed a huge barge in the Lake and built a brick wall that rose to the water level. Wular Lake: History Amongst Nature Lake Wular is among the 49 other wetlands of India; all are a part of the Ramsar Site. Although it falls under “The Conventions of Wetlands”, established by UNESCO in 1971, Lake Wular faces certain environmental threats. They include threats like fertilizer pollution, waterfowl & migratory bird hunting, agriculture, and also animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before. Wular has a number of fish habitation, which includes rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and also Schizothorax. The fish from lake Wular make up the diet of thousands of people living in the area and everywhere in Kashmir. About eight thousand fishermen depend on lake Wular for their livelihood. 60% of fish in Kashmir comes from the lake itself. People from the nearby villages also harvest the plants like the Nymphoides and the Phragmites for animal fodder. The lake is home to thousands of birds. A few of them are the short-toed eagle, alpine swift, common cuckoo, golden eagle, and also the Himalayan monal. Lake Wular Tourism: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India Lake Wular is not only a perfect tourist attraction for Indian tourists but also recognized by International tourists as well. Wular lake plays a very important role in further expanding the tourism of Kashmir. When people ask, “which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India” this is what they refer to. To improve the tourism industry better in Kashmir, the Government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in a joint collaboration with J&K and Kashmir tourism.  Sports such as water skiing and boating. The contract for this project was awarded in September 2011.  In 1986, lake Wular was made a part of the Wetland of National importance. This project was carried out under the Wetlands Programme by the Ministry of Environment & Forestry.  The lake was added was included due to its diverse hydrological, biological, and also socio-economic values. According to the Ramsar Convention project, the area surrounding the lake was a garbage dump. The inclusion in the Government project is for management purposes and also intensive conservation. Restoration Of Lake Wular A development project under the National Lake Conservation Programme has been launched to restore the former beauty of the lake. For this, about 2 million trees are to be cut down. The Ministry of Environment and Forest already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. And the work is estimated to take about 5 to 10 years of time. The schedule started in December 2011. The SAVE organization, or South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists, took an interest in this initiative and joined the project. Their aim is to conserve the ecology and the surrounding nature of Lake Wular. Restoring such an enormous lake, the largest freshwater lake in India in India-controlled Kashmir will be difficult. Due to continuous violent attacks, such projects are difficult to proceed with. Wular Lake: The Biggest Freshwater Lake In India And Its Maintenance Concerns (A Sneak Peek Into The Latest Developments)Keeping the Wular Lake clean has been a concern for the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee. On 3rd August 2024, Atal Dulloo, the state's Chief Secretary, met WUCMA, the JK Pollution Control Committee, and other concerned authorities to keep the lake clean.  Wular Lake has always been important in the tourism landscape of Baramulla and Kashmir at large.So, maintaining its cleanliness is crucial to boost tourist footfall in the area. The main agenda of the meeting was to ensure:Cleanliness of the lakeTake.strict measures against encroachers.Facilitate the ongoing beautification work of the lake.Development of the surrounding area for tourism with Wular Lake at the core.Earlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the adoption of 30 villages around India’s largest freshwater lake. Saderkoot, Garoora, and Payeen are the first three villages to run the pilot project on solid waste management around the lake. Currently, the lake gathers the wastage of the Jhelum River and the lake’s surrounding villages. Solid waste management is crucial to keep the lake clean, maintain hygiene, and maintain tourism activities in the area.   Places To See Near Wular Lake: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India  Wular Lake, India's largest freshwater lake, has many nearby tourist attractions. The lakes within 50 Km of the lake will soothe your eyes and offer you moments of tranquility.  The nearby Krishnasar and Vishansar lakes have mystical charm. Further, the Vishankar Lake is the source of the Neelum River. Krishnasar Lake is more popular as a fishing spot, and anglers visit here for trout.  Other lakes near Wular are: Alpather Lake Gangabal Lake Gadsar Lake Mansabal Lake Further, if you are an adventurous soul, you can visit Apharwat Peak, just around 20 Km away from Wular Lake. It is a popular skiing destination.  The best time to visit Wular Lake is June to April. So, plan your trip accordingly!  Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia.  Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds, fish, and underwater plants. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Which Is The Largest Lake In India? The largest lake in India is the Wular Lake which is in Kashmir. It is also one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the whole of Asia. 2. Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In The World? The largest freshwater lake in the world is Lake Baikal which is in Russia. Its length is 31,500 sq. km and has a depth of 1,632 meters. 3. Is Vembanad Lake The Largest In India? Also known as the Punnamada, it is the longest lake in India, situated in Kerala. Vembanad is also the largest lake in India. It has a length of 2033 sq. km. Wrapping Up! So, now you know the answer to which is the largest freshwater lake in India. India is known as a land of wonders, and Lake Wular is definitely one of the wonders of India. Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia. The lake inspired many poets to write about its former glory, so restoring it is important. Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds and fish and underwater plants as well. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is as fascinating as its geology. So, along with the geysers, many tourists also visit this park to explore its wildlife. The grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and more make the park the biggest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. However, the park is also a popular birder hub with ospreys, eagles, and falcons. You just need to know the spots well to encounter these wild creatures, with respect, of course.  Here, I will give you a brief idea about the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish found in this park. I will also share where to spot them.  Mammals You Will See At Yellowstone National Park May to June or spring is the ideal season for watching mammals at Yellowstone National Park. You will especially get to see many bears and wolves in this season. Further, at the advent of the fall season, this park has elk bulls in great numbers.  Moreover, mammals like elk, bulls, and bison are also visible in the park in winter. Winter is also a great time to glimpse the Lamar Valley wolves. So, watching wildlife at Yellowstone National Park is a year-round activity.  Tour and Travel Tips For Wildlife Watching At Yellowstone National ParkTrek the park in the early morning or evening to have better visibility of the wildlife. The temperature remains moderate during these hours of the day.Further, you will need spotting scopes or binoculars to see the wild animals.Maintain at least 25 yards of distance from elk, bison, and other wild animals. However, for bears and wolves, you must maintain at least 100 yards of distance.  Let’s learn about the most prominent mammals in the park in detail.  American Bison Where to Find: Lamar and Hayden Valleys and the Grasslands Best Time to Find: July to August Did you know that bison in Yellowstone make up the largest (remaining) bison population on American public land?  The biggest mammals of the park, bison, have been there since pre-historic times. A male bison weighs 1,800 pounds on average, while the weight of a female bison is close to 1300 pounds.  Black And Grizzly Bears Where to Find: Mammoth and Tower Areas (Black Bear) and Lamar and Hayden Valleys (Grizzly Bears) Best Time to Find: May to June Black and grizzly bears co-exist in many parts of the national park. Grizzlies are bigger than black bears, with a hump on their shoulders and a rounder face. Bear safari is a popular activity in the park. However, you need to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards and follow all safety regulations, as bears can get violent, especially when they are with their cubs.  Elk Where to Find: Lamar Valley, Madison Canyon, Mammoth Valley Best Time to Find: September to November Due to the impressive antlers, elks are probably the most photographed animals in this national park. Do you know that the antler of an elk can grow up to 6 feet? Moose and deer, closely related to elks, are other prominent park mammals. Moose is the largest of the Cervidae family, and elks are the second largest.  Further, moose are seen in the park’s marshy areas and near water bodies. Bighorn Sheep Where to Find: Gardner Canyon and Near the Yellowstone River Best Time to Visit Bighorn Sheep in Yellowstone National Park - November and December The large and curved horns of bighorn sheep make them stand out. You will find these horns on the males. Bighorn sheep live in a herd, and in the fall season, the males get involved in loggerheads to win over their female companion.  There is one fascinating fact about bighorn sheep. When a baby bighorn sheep (lamb) is born, it can climb and walk within one day. Wolves Where to Find: Throughout the Park Best Time to See Wolves: May to June Around 100 wolves live in the Yellowstone National Park. Leopold packs, Yellowstone Delta, and Slough Creek are the biggest wolf packs in the park.  Wolves are native to the park. However, in 1995, they were re-introduced here.  Along with the types discussed, you will also find mammals like coyotes, martens, red foxes, wolverines, mule deer, marmots, and more in the park. Overall, around 67 species of mammals live here.  Amphibians In Yellowstone National Park Thanks to a unique geology, there are various ponds and wetlands across the Yellowstone National Park. Here, you will find the following varieties. Boreal Chorus Frog Western Tiger Salamander Western Toad Columbia Spotted Frog Plains Spadefoot Toad Further, these amphibians play a crucial role in the maintenance of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the park. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish prey on them. Also, they eat many vertebrate and invertebrate creatures to balance the food chain. Moreover, the amphibians in the park are indicators of high pollution rates or changes in the weather. They even indicate the advent of diseases and the arrival of any nonnative species.  So, research on amphibian populations in the park is crucial to know about any impending danger that may affect the ecosystem.  Reptiles At Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone has six species of reptiles. However, there is a greater scope for studying and identifying these reptiles. As of today, the reptile species found in the park are: Terrestrial garter snake Common garter snake Rubber boa Prairie rattlesnake Bullsnake Sagebrush lizard Prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park, while bullsnake is the largest variety found here. Yellowstone National Park: A Birder’s Paradise A 2018 survey in Yellowstone National Park announced the presence of 82 species of birds in the park.  Further, the species of birds here are varied, and the table below mentions the variety you will come across in the park. OwlsNorthern saw-whet owl Northern pygmy-owlBoreal owl Great-horned owl EaglesBald eagleGolden eagleColony Nesting BirdsPelicanHeronsIbisesSong Birds Ruby-crowned kinglet American RobinDark-eyed junco You will also find birds like woodpeckers, ducks, geese, swans, falcons, and ospreys in this national park.  Fish In Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park is home to many native and non-native fish species. Eastern Brook Trout, brown trout, lake chub, rainbow trout, and lake trout are some non-native fish species in the park. Further, this park has native fish species, such as mountain sucker, speckled dace, Utah chub, Redside Shiner, etc.  Human Imprint On Yellowstone National Park  The home to Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park displays a human tapestry of almost 11000 years. The natives of the place have survived on hunting and fishing. Further, they have known the medicinal properties of the herbs available in the park. In addition, the healing properties and religious importance of the thermal water here had a major impact on the local human lives.  Yellowstone National Park: At A Glance  How to Reach Yellowstone National Park: Reach the Yellowstone Airport and take a cab or bus to Yellowstone National Park. Highest Point: Eagle Peak Established: 1st March 1872 Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site for “globally unparalleled assemblage of surficial geothermal activity.” Entry Fee: $25-80 based on the entrance pass  Visitor Centers: Albright Visitor Center, West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, Grant Visitor Center, etc.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.