Lifestyle

Planning honeymoon to these places? Here are Covid-appropriate things that you should keep in mind

Marriages might be a marathon, but weddings, are a sprint. From having to send innumerable invitations, to deciding scores of outfits, wedding ceremonies can be a hassle. While the guests head out right after the celebrations come to an end, the hopefully happy couple gets some rest, their honeymoon.

Published

5 years ago

January 19, 2022

Marriages might be a marathon, but weddings, are a sprint. From having to send innumerable invitations, choosing the perfect destination, to deciding scores of outfits, wedding ceremonies can be a hassle. While the guests head out right after the celebrations come to an end, the hopefully happy couple gets some rest, their honeymoon.

Now, it is not unknown that Covid-19 has widely affected everything we known and see, even weddings and honeymoons. There are restrictions to be hated upon, and guidelines to be followed. Covid-19 doesn’t mean that a couple cannot happily spend the start of the rest of their lives.

For your ease, here is a list of things that a couple should keep in mind while heading out for their honeymoon:

For the Mountain-lover lovers, the most famous honeymoon destinations among the hills are Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ooty. For the couples who love the sea and a chance to get into their best summer outfits, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Coorg, Lakshwadeep Islands and Maldives are the places to go.

The third wave of Covid-19 is here, but travel hasn’t been restricted yet.

Here are the things that couples need to carry with them if they’re travelling to the above mentioned place.

Jammu and Kashmir:

Travellers must have a covid vaccination certificate or a negative RT-PCR report. The test should be done within 72 hours.

Those who test negative at Srinagar airport will be under home quarantine.

Rigorous screening and conducting of Covid-19 RT-PCR has been made mandatory at the Srinagar International Airport.

Uttarakhand:

Covid-19 vaccination certificate for both doses is mandatory.

A negative test report is mandatory in case they do not have Covid-19 vaccination certificates. The test report can be of RT PCR, TrueNat, CBNAAT or RAT Covid.

Night curfew is from 10 pm to 6 am.

Masks should be worn at all times. People should stay follow social distancing rigorously, and use sanitisers regularly.

Himachal Pradesh:

Covid-19 vaccination report for both doses is mandatory.

Masks should be worn at all times. People should stay follow social distancing rigorously, and use sanitisers regularly.

Mobile phones must have Arogaya Setu app installed.

Covid-appropriate behavior has to be followed.

To enter the state, two doses of vaccination are required. During check-in, all guests must present a double-vaccination certificate.

Restaurants are only permitted to run if they have a 50% capacity.

Covid-19 vaccination report for both doses is mandatory.

A negative test report is mandatory in case they do not have Covid-19 vaccination certificates. The test report can be of RT PCR, TrueNat, CBNAAT or RAT Covid.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

Covid-19 vaccination report for both doses is mandatory.

A negative RT PCR test report is mandatory in case they do not have Covid-19 vaccination certificates. The report should not be older than 48 hours.

Those who have travelled internationally in the past 30 days, will have to take an RT PCR on arrival at the Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport. Travelers will have to isolate themselves within the airport facilities until the reports arrive. If anybody tests positive for the virus, they will be placed under quarantine.

Goa:

A negative RT PCR test report is mandatory in case they do not have Covid-19 vaccination certificates. In case, the couple doesn’t have either one of them, they will have to take a test.

Masks should be worn at all times. People should stay follow social distancing rigorously, and use sanitisers regularly.

Mobile phones must have Arogaya Setu app installed.

Covid-appropriate behavior has to be followed.

Coorg:

Passengers coming from any state must have an RT-PCR/TRUENAT negative report from an ICMR authorized lab within 72 hours of arrival. The RT-PCR timeline begins when the swab is taken. Passengers who arrive without a negative RT-PCR report will be subjected to a free RT-PCR test and will be required to complete a self-declaration form.

If travelers are asymptomatic when they arrive, there will be no quarantine. They must, however, self-monitor their health for 14 days following their arrival for any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, throat soreness, trouble breathing, and so on.

There is a need of immediate self-isolation and seeking medical advice or call the Apthamitra hotline 14410, if anyone shows symptoms indicative of COVID-19.

Masks should be worn at all times. People should stay follow social distancing rigorously, and use sanitisers regularly.

Covid-appropriate behavior has to be followed.

Lakshwadeep Islands:

All visitors to Lakshadweep must have a negative RT-PCR test report within 48 hours of their travel dates.

In the event of inter-island travel, fully vaccinated persons will not require a COVID test result. COVID prevention methods must be properly followed by everyone, as well as appropriate behaviour.

Masks should be worn at all times. People should stay follow social distancing rigorously, and use sanitisers regularly.

Maldives:

An RT-PCR test report is required. The test should be in English and should not be more than 96 hours old at the time of departure. Only children under the age of one are exempted from the RT-PCR test.

If someone tests positive after they arrive, they will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine. However, if they have a vaccination certificate, at least 14 days before arrival, and are completely they will be excused from this requirement. The vaccines should be from the following: AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria or SK Bioscience Co Ltd. from Korea), Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm, or Sputnik V.

Passengers who have had a positive PCR test within the last 60 days must have a recovery certificate.

Masks should be worn at all times. People should stay follow social distancing rigorously, and use sanitisers regularly.

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India News

Bank holiday on September 14: Banks closed in these cities

Banks will remain closed on September 14 in nine cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, due to Ganesh Chaturthi and related festival observances.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2026

APNLive Desk

The bank holiday on September 14 will affect branches in select cities across India as banks observe a regional holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi and related festival observances.

September 14, 2026, falls on a Monday and is listed as a holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Puja, Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, Vinayakar Chathurthi and Hartalika in certain banking centres.

Bank holiday on September 14: Full city-wise list

According to the holiday listings, bank branches will remain closed on September 14 in the following centres:

City	Festival/occasion
Belapur	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Bengaluru	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Bhubaneswar	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Chennai	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Hyderabad	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Mumbai	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Nagpur	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Panaji	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Vijayawada	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances

The holiday is therefore not applicable to bank branches across the entire country. Bank holidays in India vary by state and banking centre, depending on local festivals and occasions.

Why are banks closed on September 14?

September 14 marks Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026. The festival falls on Monday this year, with the date confirmed as September 14.

The banking holiday calendar uses different names for the observance across centres, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Puja, Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, Vinayakar Chathurthi and Hartalika.

The National Stock Exchange’s 2026 holiday circular also lists September 14 as a trading holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Will online banking services work on September 14?

The closure applies to physical bank branches in the affected centres. Customers can generally continue to use digital banking channels such as mobile banking, internet banking and UPI, although specific services can depend on the bank.

Customers who need to visit a branch for cash deposits, withdrawals, account-related work or other in-person services should check the holiday status of their particular branch before visiting.

What about banks in other cities?

Banks in cities that are not covered by the September 14 regional holiday are not automatically closed because of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The bank holiday calendar is centre-specific, so customers should check their bank’s branch holiday schedule before planning a branch visit.

Lifestyle

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo, the 19-year-old who won Miss Universe India 2026?

Kerala’s 19-year-old law student and model Kaziah Liz Mejo has won Miss Universe India 2026. She will represent India at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

Published

1 month ago

August 25, 2026

APNLive Desk

Kaziah Liz Mejo has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026, becoming the first Keralite to win the national title. The 19-year-old law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala, won the crown at the pageant finale in Jaipur on Sunday.

With the victory, Kaziah Liz Mejo will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November. She emerged as the winner after competing against 52 other finalists.

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo?

Kaziah Liz Mejo is a law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala. Although her latest victory has brought her national attention, she already had experience in beauty pageants before winning the Miss Universe India 2026 crown.

She won the Miss Teen Diva 2024 title at the age of 17. In 2025, she represented India at Miss Teen International and finished as the first runner-up. Earlier in 2026, she also won the Miss Universe Kerala title and became the youngest state titleholder.

Her latest achievement has added another milestone to her pageant journey, as she is the first Keralite to win the Miss Universe India title.

Kaziah Liz Mejo grew up in Abu Dhabi

Born in 2007, Kaziah spent her childhood in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She studied at Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School.

She is currently pursuing law alongside her modelling career. Her interests also extend beyond academics and pageantry.

According to information cited from the Miss Teen Diva website, Kaziah has trained in classical dance for 12 years. She also sings and plays the drums and violin. She has explored public speaking and acting as well.

Kaziah also made her acting debut with the Malayalam film Shylock.

Kaziah Liz Mejo’s pageant journey

Kaziah’s Miss Universe India 2026 victory follows several achievements in the pageant circuit. After winning Miss Teen Diva 2024, she went on to represent India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as the first runner-up.

Her 2026 journey continued with the Miss Universe Kerala title before she competed at the national pageant in Jaipur.

The finale jury included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, who led the panel. Former Miss Universe India winners Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitley were also part of the judging panel.

Who were the runners-up?

Vaishnavi Gannesh from Tamil Nadu was named the first runner-up and also won the Miss International India 2026 title, while Gujarat’s Anushri Satavlekar finished as the second runner-up.

Kaziah was crowned by last year’s Miss Universe India winner Manika Vishwakarma, who had represented India at the international pageant.

What is next for Kaziah Liz Mejo?

Kaziah Liz Mejo’s next major assignment will be the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. She is scheduled to travel there in November to represent India at the international competition.

Lifestyle

15 August 2026 wishes to share patriotic messages with friends and family

Looking for Independence Day wishes? Here are 10 patriotic messages to share with friends, family and loved ones on August 15.

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2026

APNLive Desk

15 August Independence Day patriotic wishes and messages

India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15. The occasion is marked by remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

On this special day, people often exchange wishes through social media, WhatsApp and text messages. If you are looking for patriotic messages to send to friends and family, here are 10 options for Independence Day 2026.

10 patriotic Independence Day wishes for August 15

1. A patriotic message

The tricolour is our pride and India is our identity. Remembering the heroes of the nation, wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!

2. Remembering the freedom fighters

A heartfelt salute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

3. Independence Day message for friends

On the festival of freedom, may the spirit of patriotism always remain in our hearts and bring smiles to our faces. Wishing all my friends a very happy August 15. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

4. Independence Day wish for family

Salute to our motherland, India, which fills us with pride. Wishing my entire family a very happy Independence Day.

5. A message celebrating the tricolour

The tricolour flying high in the sky represents unity, courage and honour. Let us always uphold its dignity. Happy Independence Day!

6. Message for children and youth

Freedom is not just a right but also a great responsibility. Let us contribute towards making our country better. Wishing you a very happy Independence Day.

7. A message dedicated to soldiers

A salute to the brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders, because of whom we feel safe in our homes. Salute to all the courageous soldiers and best wishes on Independence Day.

8. A heartfelt Independence Day message

The fragrance of our soil, the pride of the tricolour and respect for our motherland are part of our identity. Wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day.

9. Independence Day message for social media

Say with pride that we are Indians; the tricolour is our identity. May the spirit of patriotism always remain alive in our hearts. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

10. Wish for India’s bright future

On this Independence Day, let us pledge to always uphold the unity, integrity and honour of our country. Wishing everyone a very happy August 15.

Independence Day is also an occasion to reflect on our responsibilities towards the nation. The day can inspire us to learn from the struggles of the freedom fighters and contribute to the country’s progress.