Singapore permits qualified international visitors to enter the nation for up to 96 hours without a visa, under its Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), as per the official site. This program is intended for people who are passing through Singapore on their way to or from a third location. As long as they fulfil the particular eligibility and admission restrictions, visitors are free to tour the city during their layover. For more details and clarity, visit this official site.The VFTF might b accessible to certain categories of nationals, e.g., to nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Georgia, India, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine, as well as to specific categories of nationals from the People’s Republic of China who are outside China on ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, and service passports issued by China. The final assessment for entry into Singapore under the VFTF is done by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officers at the place of entry.It is important to note that extensions of stay under the VFTF are strictly not allowed, and all travellers must meet Singapore’s prevailing entry requirements to be granted entry.

Eligible nationalities under the VFTF

The CIS countries covered under the scheme include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In addition, nationals of Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine may also qualify.Selected PRC nationals eligible under the scheme include holders of the PRC Travel Document, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Document of Identity, and Macau SAR Travel Permit. Holders of ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, and service PRC passports are excluded from the VFTF.Read more: 10 best places to visit in February and March in India

Requirements for Indian nationals and selected PRC nationals

Nationals of India and selected PRC nationals transiting through Singapore may be eligible for the 96-hour VFTF if they are travelling to or from a third country and meet the following conditions:Travellers must depart by air or water, although they can enter Singapore by any means. They ought to have a valid ticket for a flight, boat, or cruise that leaves Singapore within ninety-six hours. Additionally, they must have a valid visa or long-term pass that is valid for admission into Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America and has at least one month left on the date of arrival.Those having Single Journey Visas (SJV) may also be granted the VFTF on the return of their journey, provided they are travelling directly from the country that issued the visa, transiting through Singapore back to their home country, and have not returned home since the visa was last used.Requirements for CIS, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine NationalsIf they have a valid further plane ticket leaving within 96 hours and are travelling to or from a third country, citizens of the CIS, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine may be eligible for the VFTF. These visitors must depart by air, but they can enter Singapore by any kind of transportation.Read more: Rail connectivity boost for Kerala as 3 Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off; routes, stops, and all details

Who qualifies as a transit traveller

Travellers who pass through Singapore without clearing arrival immigration are referred to as transit travellers. Transit travellers are not those who have to go through immigration in order to pick up their bags, get boarding permits, or double-check their belongings. Before making further connections, travellers on a number of low-cost airlines must pass immigration. These travellers must fulfil all public health and entrance requirements in order to enter Singapore.Travellers unsure about their transit status are advised to consult their airline before travel.

Additional entry and visa notes

Travellers must make sure they fulfil the country’s admission requirements. Changi Airport’s transit area does not offer pre-departure COVID-19 testing services.Having a valid Singapore entry visa does not ensure entrance; it is not an immigration pass. The electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) issued at immigration, not the validity of the visa, determines the length of stay. An additional Short-Term Visit Pass application is needed for extensions.From 11 March 2022, Visit Passes are issued digitally via email, with no passport endorsement. Travellers must provide a valid email address when submitting the SG Arrival Card.

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a major festival celebrated in East Asia and the world’s Chinese diaspora. This year, in 2026, the much-awaited Chinese New Year is coinciding with an unusual and very exciting phenomenon in the universe in the form of an “annular solar eclipse,” also called the “ring of fire.” This is definitely an unusual and exciting year for astronomy lovers as well as the public at large.The festival will start on the 17th of February in the year 2026 and will celebrate the Year of Fire Horse, a sign in Chinese astrology that signifies courage, energy, and unpredictability in individuals but remains an important and rare year in history, with its occurrence in 1966 and its next in 2086.

‘Ring of fire’ annular solar eclipse marks Chinese New Year 2026

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, thus casting a shadow onto the Earth. However, in a special kind of solar eclipse called an annular eclipse, the Moon appears to be smaller than the Sun, resulting in the appearance of a ring of light during the eclipse, thus called a ring of fire.Next is an annular eclipse of the sun, scheduled for 17 February 2026, during which an eclipse will be seen most clearly in Antarctica, with parts of southern Africa, South America, and surrounding islands experiencing partial eclipses of the sun. Significant in character is an unusual alignment of an annular solar eclipse with the new moon that ushers in Chinese New Year celebrations. According to tradition, the Lunar New Year is observed during the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2026, this will occur on 17 February, marking the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. The traditional festival lasts about 16 days, after which the lantern festival is celebrated, marking special occasions through displays and conduct of lanterns, and cultural and familial reunions.This is a time for new beginnings, family gatherings, or various forms of ritual, all owing to a tradition that spans several centuries. In 2026, a unique feature that will be added to this Lunar New Year holiday is a “ring of fire” eclipse.

Rare lunar and solar eclipses make the Chinese New Year 2026 unforgettable

Astronomers have pointed out that two weeks later, a total lunar eclipse of 2026 occurs on 3rd March 2026, sometimes called a “blood moon.” The total lunar eclipse will be visible over America before dawn, thus giving sky gazers a rare opportunity of witnessing two major eclipses within a short interval of each other.These are uncommon alignments, and it speaks to the influence lunar cycles have on astronomy as well as human cultural calendars, thus creating an intriguing nexus. The Fire Horse is an unusual and important year in the Chinese zodiac. This is due to their inherent qualities, such as being full of energy, courageous, and totally unpredictable. Traditionally, years of the Fire Horse have marked stories of success as well as tragedy.

Chinese New Year 2026 merges tradition, celestial events, and global observances

Interestingly, the lunar calendar overlap will also affect other cultural and religious festivities. One example is the month of Ramadan, which falls every year in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and which will correspond to around the 18th of February, 2026, depending upon the moon sighting.The coming Chinese New Year, 2026, is significant, tying traditional times past to a rare celestial phenomenon. Be it the annular solar eclipse that shines its light upon the world in the form of a “ring of fire” or the festivities of the “Year of the Fire Horse,” one can’t help but think of how closely tied human civilization is to the wonders of astronomy—both past, present, and future.

Navya Nanda captivated with her understated elegance in an ivory Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor ensemble. The structured corset and flowing sharara offered a perfect blend of modern and traditional, proving that sophisticated style doesn’t require ostentation.

Navya Nanda’s latest look is proof that you don’t need drama to turn heads. No heavy sparkle. No loud colours. Just calm, clean style that quietly makes its point. And honestly, that’s what makes it so refreshing.She stepped out in an ivory outfit by Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor, and everything about it felt easy. The corset had structure but didn’t look stiff. The sharara flowed the way it should, light and relaxed. Together, they struck that rare balance between modern and traditional. The price tag, Rs 73,500, might say luxury, but the mood was anything but flashy.What really worked was the colour. Soft ivory can be tricky, but here it did all the right things. It let the paisley embroidery show up gently, without shouting for attention. In a season full of bold shades and overdone styling, this felt like a quiet pause. And a welcome one.The silhouette did most of the talking. The corset shaped the look without boxing it in. The sharara moved with her, not against her. It looked comfortable. Wearable. The kind of outfit you can actually imagine spending hours in without wanting to change halfway through the night.

And that’s the thing. This wasn’t styled to scream “wedding guest” or “big celebration only.” It sat somewhere in between. Perfect for an intimate party. A small family function. Even a dressed-up day event. Elegant, but not trying too hard.Her jewellery followed the same mood. Earrings by Anu Merton, delicate and just enough. Nothing competing with the outfit. Styled by Allia Al Rufai and Shubhangini Gupta, the overall look stayed clean and unfussy.In a time when fashion often leans into excess, Navya’s choice felt quietly confident. No noise. No clutter. Just good fabric, good fit, and a sense of ease.And sometimes, that’s exactly what great style looks like.

Ryan Reynolds asserts that sharing his failures with his children is just as important as celebrating his achievements. He underscores the value of setbacks in nurturing resilience and setting realistic life expectations.

Ryan Reynolds is famous for his humour, charm, and career wins. Yet behind the laughter and red-carpet moments, he talks openly about the setbacks he’s faced. Lately, he’s shared why he believes it’s just as important for his children to know about his failures as it is to see his success. Reynolds wants his kids to learn from life’s real lessons, not just the highlight reel.

Kids often see only the wins

Ryan Reynolds has noticed something most people don’t consider. From the outside, he looks like a constant “winner.” The movies, the fame, the applause, his children see that side all the time. But this creates a danger: kids may think life is only about winning. Reynolds has said he wants his kids to understand that success doesn’t come without stumbling first.

Failure is the base of success

Reynolds has said that failure isn’t something to hide, it’s the foundation everyone builds on. He reminds his children that every “no” or setback teaches something valuable. In his view, knowing about failure helps kids build strength, resilience, and realistic expectations about life.

Honest talks build emotional skills

In interviews, Reynolds has stressed that adults only share wins, and that makes kids think losing is shameful. He wants his children to know that embarrassment, mistakes, and even anxiety are part of being human. Talking about these honestly helps them understand their feelings and grow emotionally.

Setting an example beyond fame

Reynolds’ career includes great successes and public flops, such as the much-memed Green Lantern. Instead of pretending it didn’t happen, he uses moments like that to show his kids how to face something that didn’t go as planned, even if the world laughs about it.

Teaching risk and confidence

By sharing his failures, Reynolds encourages his children to take risks without fear of judgment. He wants them to know that trying and failing is better than not trying at all. This mindset fosters confidence. Kids learn to be bold and curious, not just cautious.

Real life lessons, not just success stories

Reynolds claims that when kids make sense of setbacks, they become more reflective and focused. Instead of concentrating on perfection, children learn to think critically and conquer challenges. Because of this genuine attitude, they are better equipped for real life, where both accomplishments and disappointments are unavoidable.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available quotes and interviews with Ryan Reynolds, collected from reputable news sources. The information reflects his shared views and publicly stated intentions but does not claim to include private family experiences or details not expressed by Ryan Reynolds himself.

Moong dal popcorn recipe: A crunchy, high-protein snack made at home (Image source: AI-Generated)

Moong dal popcorn looks like an equally enjoyable and crunchy version of the normally sweet popcorn that combines the fun times of munching while being healthier than the conventional form of popcorn. When you want to eat an equally healthier version of your normally sweet popcorn that combines the fun moments you experience while having your popcorn without the risk of adding more calories to your body, then the moong dal popcorn recipe is the best choice for you. In the moong dal popcorn recipe, moong dal is used to make the popcorn crunchy without affecting the health of the consumer, since it is healthier than the conventional yellow popcorn that has been deep-fried while being prepared by the majority of the population today for their consumption.

Moong dal popcorn recipe: A step-by-step process

Follow this recipe to make these yummy moong dal popcorn and eat a tasty snack without any guilt: Ingredients

Steps to make moong dal popcornWash the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in enough water for 6–8 hours or overnight. This step is important, as properly soaked dal pops better and becomes crisp when cooked.Drain the soaked dal completely and spread it on a clean cloth or paper towel. Let it air-dry for 30–40 minutes until there is no surface moisture left. Drying helps prevent spluttering and ensures even popping.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in one dal. It should puff up immediately.Add a small batch of soaked dal to the hot oil and quickly cover the pan with a lid. The dal will begin to pop and puff up, similar to popcorn. Shake the pan gently for even cooking.Once the popping slows down, turn off the heat and remove the dal using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle salt and spices while the dal is still hot, then toss well to coat evenly.