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One in five unreserved train tickets booked via RailOne app in Thiruvananthapuram

FIFA cancels mispriced free World Cup tickets

Will fans have to pay for free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets issued due to website glitch?

A ticketing error on FIFA’s website has left dozens of football fans unexpectedly receiving free tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The issue occurred during the checkout process and resulted in some supporters being allocated tickets at no cost. FIFA has now confirmed the mistake and is asking the affected fans to complete payment if they want to keep their seats for the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup transit test

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest tournament in soccer history, spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For millions of fans, getting to the games may prove almost as challenging as the matches themselves.With airfares climbing, gasoline prices rising and airport security lines stretching patience to the limit, North America's rail and bus operators see the month-long tournament as a rare opportunity: a chance to persuade travelers to swap planes and cars for trains, buses and public transit.For transportation providers, the World Cup is more than a sporting spectacle. It is a high-stakes audition before a global audience."We want you to be able to use our system seamlessly from the minute you decide to come to the World Cup, all the way into the games, and after that to get home," said Conan Cheung, chief operations officer for LA Metro, the public transportation authority serving the Los Angeles region.Los Angeles, which will host eight matches including the U.S. team's opening game, hopes the tournament will help reshape perceptions of a city often synonymous with traffic jams and sprawling freeways.For Cheung, the objective extends beyond impressing foreign visitors. The World Cup is also an opportunity to convince more Angelenos to embrace a public transportation system that has expanded significantly in recent years.That challenge resonates across much of the United States and Canada, where public transit networks are often less extensive than those found in Europe or Asia and where private vehicles remain the preferred mode of transport."Transit providers have an opportunity to provide service to a group of people who do not typically use transit on a day-to-day basis," said Yonah Freemark, a principal research associate at the Washington-based Urban Institute."Many of the World Cup fans coming from the U.S. or Canada do not necessarily use transit services regularly."The impressions those travelers form during the tournament could have lasting consequences."They should be making sure that the services they provide are high quality and not too expensive, because the people who are riding them are going to form an impression of those transit agencies — and there's a chance to really prove that they can provide a good service," Freemark said.Opportunity meets realityYet attracting new riders may prove easier than accommodating them.The World Cup's 104 matches will unfold across four time zones and thousands of miles, placing enormous demands on transportation networks already operating close to capacity.Ground transportation companies are eager to capitalize on soaring airline costs, but many are also wrestling with higher operating expenses of their own, particularly fuel prices.That leaves operators balancing competing priorities: attracting new customers while avoiding disruptions or price increases that could alienate the commuters who rely on them every day.For intercity bus giant FlixBus, the tournament represents a significant growth opportunity.Together with sister brand Greyhound, the company operates one of North America's largest transportation networks and says demand between host cities is already accelerating, with some departures sold out and others filling rapidly.Ahead of the tournament, the company has invested heavily in new buses and technology while placing renewed emphasis on punctuality."What is critical here is every Flix experience needs to be a happy one. That's how we actually grow our business. And this is a great opportunity," said Flix North America CEO Kai Boysan."We will welcome all the new customers and we want them to see what a change we've done and what a great experience they're going to have."Boysan believes buses are well-positioned to benefit from frustrations increasingly associated with air travel."Airports are congested and the costs are rising. And clearly travelers are naturally looking for alternatives. And there we come into effect," he said.The price problemWhile operators hope to lure travelers away from planes, some transit agencies have faced criticism for sharply increasing fares during the tournament.Few examples generated more backlash than New Jersey Transit, whose train service between Manhattan and MetLife Stadium — venue for eight matches including the July 19 final — initially carried a round-trip fare of $150 for a journey that normally costs less than $13.NJ Transit argued that the increase was necessary to cover approximately $48 million in additional costs related to security, crowd management and World Cup operations.Public criticism forced a rethink.The agency subsequently lowered the fare to $98 after securing additional advertising revenue, while shuttle bus prices on the same route were cut to $20 from the originally proposed $80 after organizers arranged additional capacity through local school buses.Boston has also announced higher event-day transportation prices. Round-trip rail tickets between downtown Boston and the stadium hosting seven World Cup matches will cost $80, compared with the usual $20 to $30, while a bus ride will cost $95.The fare hikes have drawn criticism from politicians, including U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer."Charging more than 11 times the normal fare for a train ride is a ripoff, plain and simple. FIFA is making billions from this World Cup," Schumer said after the original New Jersey fare was announced."FIFA should cover the ride, not stick New York fans with the bill."FIFA has countered that high transit costs could encourage fans to seek alternative ways to reach stadiums and noted that comparable international sporting events have generally not required organizers to fund transportation impacts.Different approachesNot every city has opted for higher prices.In Los Angeles, riders heading to World Cup matches will pay standard fares."Our regular fare is $1.75, so people will be able to pay that," said Cheung. "We will honor all of the discounts we have."Philadelphia is going a step further.Fans attending matches in the city will pay just $2.90 to travel to the stadium by train and receive a free ride home, courtesy of tournament sponsor Airbnb.National rail operator Amtrak is also preparing for increased demand as supporters move between host cities throughout the month-long competition."We are fully committed to running a world-class railroad ... and ensuring our infrastructure is ready to accommodate new and returning guests," said W. Kyle Anderson, Amtrak's director of communications.For transportation providers across North America, the World Cup offers a fleeting but valuable chance to showcase what their systems can do.The tournament will crown a world champion on the field. Away from the stadiums, trains, buses and transit networks will be competing in a contest of their own — to convince millions of travelers that public transportation can be fast, reliable and worth returning to long after the final whistle.

2 held for cheating pilgrims in name of Char Dham Yatra helicopter bookings

Police said Deepak Kumar and Vijit Kumar used fake Facebook and Instagram pages, and WhatsApp to cheat pilgrims seeking helicopter tickets

CUET UG 2026 admit cards released for rescheduled exams: Check link to download hall tickets here

The National Testing Agency has released updated admit cards for CUET (UG) 2026 candidates whose exams were rescheduled due to a technical glitch on 30 May 2026. The affected examinations will now be held on 06–07 June 2026. Candidates are required to download their revised hall tickets from the official portal and follow all instructions carefully.

Thailand may get costlier for intl tourists

Thailand is considering increasing its long-planned foreign tourist entry fee beyond the proposed 300 baht as authorities review rising insurance and healthcare costs associated with international visitors. The proposal was announced by Surasak Phancharoenworakul, who said the fee, first proposed in 2020 but never implemented, may need to be revised upward to reflect inflation and higher insurance expenses, according to a report by Bangkok Post. The move comes a day after Thailand announced plans to shorten visa-free stays for travellers from 93 countries. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, most of the revenue generated from the fee would be used to provide insurance coverage for tourists, while the remainder would support the maintenance of tourist attractions and tourism-related infrastructure. Government reviewing collection methods Authorities are currently finalising how the fee would be collected without affecting traveller sentiment. One option under consideration is adding the charge to airline tickets. However, airlines have reportedly raised concerns because they would be unable to distinguish between Thai citizens and foreign passengers when collecting the fee. Another option is to collect the fee through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which foreign visitors are required to complete before entering the country. Officials said the final fee amount will depend largely on projected insurance costs and medical treatment expenses at private hospitals. Visa policy changes The announcement comes as Thailand ends the current 60-day visa exemption for travellers from 93 countries and territories. Authorities are considering a return to shorter visa-free stays and visa-on-arrival arrangements similar to those in place before the recent expansion of visa privileges. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has also proposed adjustments for certain key markets. Indian travellers will qualify for visa-on-arrival facilities, and the ministry supports introducing a 15-day visa exemption for visitors from India.

Extortion, VIP tickets: Case against ex-Bengal minister over Messi event fiasco

Extortion, VIP tickets: Case against ex-Bengal minister over Messi event fiasco

Police caution against sale of banned lottery tickets in Chittoor

Participating in a counselling session for individuals who had been previously booked for selling banned lottery, the DSP urges them to stay away from illegal activities and to reform and adopt lawful means of livelihood

TOSS SSC, Inter result 2026 out: Direct link to download marks memo here

The Telangana Open School Society (TOSS) has officially announced the SSC (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) Public examination results for 2026 on its website, telanganaopenschool.org. Students who appeared for these flexible learning examinations can now access and download their marks memos by entering their hall ticket details. Candidates can check the direct link to download hall tickets here.

Flight preponed without notice, court orders Rs 50,000 compensation with ticket refund

Two friends were left stranded in Bali after Vistara preponed their return flight without notice. Forced to buy new tickets, they missed connecting flights, incurring further costs. A consumer commission has now ordered the airline to pay Rs 50,000 compensation, a full ticket refund with interest, and Rs 15,000 in litigation costs, deeming the initial award inadequate for their ordeal.

TTD effects changes in Srivani darshan tickets quota

It earmarks 300 tickets of the 800 available under the daily current booking quota for donors who have already contributed ₹10,000 to the Srivani Trust and are awaiting darshan tickets

Railways to pay Rs 35k to passengers forced to travel standing despite confirmed tickets

Four passengers with confirmed tickets were forced to stand on the LTT-Patna Express after their berths were occupied by strangers. Despite attempts to find officials and lodge complaints, they received no assistance. A consumer court has now ordered Indian Railways to pay Rs 20,000 compensation, ticket refund, and litigation costs for the deficiency in service.

Booked Tickets, Packed Bags — But Will Your Train Even Run Next Month? Check Before You Travel

Bags packed, tickets confirmed and holiday plans in place, yet a rail decision could alter everything before the journey even begins next month. Travellers may need to look again

Inside India’s Most Luxurious Train Where One Suite Costs More Than Apartments In Some Cities

From private butlers to royal suites, the Maharajas’ Express offers one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys, with some tickets costing over Rs 21 lakh

TDP resolves to implement 33% women’s quota in party tickets in next elections

Lokesh made the announcement on the opening day of Mahanadu, the two-day annual conclave of the TDP being held at the party headquarters in Mangalagiri town of Guntur district.

Srisailam temple EO inspects Annaprasadam distribution

The tickets for Sri Swamyvaru’s Sparsha Darshan, Sheeghra Darshan, Ati Sheeghra Darshan, and Arjitha Sevas can also be obtained through the State government’s ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp service, the temple EO said

Government plans to inaugurate Bhogapuram Airport on July 5: MP

MP advises passengers who have already booked tickets from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport for travel after July 8 to verify from which airport their flights would operate