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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Good News

This Indian State is 4th on New York Times’ List of 52 Places to Visit in 2025!

Assam, the northeastern gem of India, has just secured a coveted spot on the New York Times' list of 52 must-visit destinations for 2025, ranking a stellar fourth. Known for its lush tea gardens, the mighty Brahmaputra River, and rich culture, Assam is now making waves on the global tourism scene. The state has long been a hidden treasure, often overlooked by tourists, but this recognition is bound to change that.A State That Will Steal Your HeartIn response to this recognition, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, urged travelers to visit and experience the unparalleled hospitality that awaits. His words resonate with truth: “Visiting Assam won’t just bring you closer to nature; it will bring you closer to your inner self.” With its awe-inspiring landscapes and peaceful vibes, Assam offers a transformative experience for any traveler seeking a deeper connection with nature and themselves.The state is no stranger to accolades. In addition to the recognition from the New York Times, Assam has earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation for its Charaideo Maidam (the Pyramids of Assam), which adds yet another layer of history to its already rich cultural heritage. Along with UNESCO-listed Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, Assam is gaining international recognition as a prime tourist destination.Source: Google Images Top 6 Places to Visit in AssamNow that Assam is on your travel radar, here are the top six places you shouldn’t miss when visiting this vibrant state:Kaziranga National ParkFamous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a haven for wildlife lovers. The park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and a safari here offers the rare opportunity to see rhinos, tigers, elephants, and various bird species in their natural habitat.Manas National ParkAnother UNESCO World Heritage site, Manas National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, known for its endangered species like the golden langur and pygmy hog. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, it offers breathtaking views, wildlife safaris, and a peaceful environment to explore.Charaideo Maidam (The Pyramids of Assam)As featured in the New York Times, Charaideo Maidam is an ancient burial site from the Ahom dynasty. These pyramid-like structures are a testament to Assam’s historical richness and are a must-visit for anyone interested in history and archaeology.Majuli IslandMajuli is the world’s largest river island and a cultural heart of Assam. Situated on the Brahmaputra River, this island is known for its satras (monasteries), vibrant festivals, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to experience the spiritual side of Assam.TezpurNestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Tezpur is a town steeped in mythology and history. Known for its ancient temples, ruins, and scenic views, Tezpur offers a tranquil retreat. Don’t miss the stunning sunrise or sunset views from the banks of the river.JorhatKnown as the gateway to the tea gardens of Assam, Jorhat is a charming town with lush green landscapes, tea estates, and beautiful rivers. A visit to the tea gardens is a must, where you can walk through the plantations, taste the famous Assam tea, and enjoy the scenic beauty.Source: Google ImagesThe Best Time to Visit AssamAssam boasts three distinct seasons: the monsoon, winter, and summer. While summer can be hot and sticky, the best time to visit is between October and April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, the tea gardens are lush and green, and the wildlife is out in full force, making it ideal for exploring the state’s natural wonders.Traveling to Assam is easier than you think! Here’s how you can get there:By Air: Fly into Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, the main gateway to Assam, which connects the state to major cities in India.By Train: Indian Railways offers extensive train services to Assam.By Road: For road trip enthusiasts, Assam is accessible by road, though some creative pothole navigation might be required!Assam’s recognition by the New York Times is just the beginning of its journey into the global travel spotlight. With its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and rich history, it’s no surprise that Assam is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for 2025. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or someone looking to experience India’s vibrant culture, Assam promises an unforgettable adventure.

10 Jan 2025
Good News

Wanderlust

More Than Just Trains: Surprising Facts About the World's Biggest Railway Station!

When it comes to the world’s largest railway station, New York City’s Grand Central Terminal holds the title. This iconic structure is more than just a transportation hub—it’s a masterpiece of architecture, history, and hidden wonders. Known for its grandeur, it is a destination in itself, drawing millions of visitors each year who are captivated by its beauty, complexity, and the secrets it holds beneath the surface.Here are seven intriguing facts about Grand Central Terminal that make it one of the most remarkable landmarks in the world.The Most Platforms in the WorldGrand Central Terminal holds the record for the most platforms of any station worldwide. With 44 platforms, the terminal accommodates 67 tracks—41 located on the first level and 26 on the second underground level. This immense capacity allows it to manage an impressive number of trains and passengers every day, keeping the heart of New York City connected and bustling.An Underground MazeBeneath the busy surface of Grand Central lies a complex network of two underground levels. Far more than just train platforms, this intricate underground maze serves as a hidden underworld beneath the streets of New York. It’s easy to get lost in the terminal’s vastness, where multiple passages, tunnels, and service areas intertwine, giving the station a mysterious and labyrinthine character.Source: Google ImagesA Secret Platform BelowOne of the terminal’s most intriguing features is its secret platform, known as Track 61, located beneath the nearby Waldorf Astoria Hotel. This hidden platform was allegedly used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to discreetly enter and exit the city without drawing public attention. It allowed the President to leave his train in his wheelchair and ride an elevator directly into the hotel, away from the prying eyes of the media and public. The existence of this secret passage only adds to the terminal's mystique.A Decade Long ConstructionBuilding such a grand structure was no easy task. The construction of Grand Central Terminal began in 1903 and took a full ten years to complete. Finally opened in 1913, the terminal stood as a symbol of American engineering ambition and vision. Its Beaux-Arts architecture and elegant design have made it one of the most admired buildings in New York, and it remains a historic monument to the city’s growth.Vast size and Remarkable FeaturesCovering a massive 48 acres, Grand Central Terminal is not just the largest railway station by platforms, but by sheer size as well. Beyond its scale, the terminal is home to unique and fascinating features. One of these is the famous **whispering gallery**, where a person can stand in one corner and hear the whispers of someone standing diagonally across. The station also boasts an astrological mural on the ceiling of the Main Concourse and houses the world’s largest Tiffany glass clock, located above the station’s 42nd Street entrance.A Daily Hub for ThousandsGrand Central Terminal is not only a landmark but a daily necessity for thousands of commuters. It handles around 660 Metro-North trains and serves approximately 125,000 passengers every day. This incredible volume of traffic keeps the station buzzing with life from dawn until late at night, making it one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world.Lost and Found: 19,000 Items a YearThe vastness and daily rush at Grand Central inevitably result in a significant number of lost items. Every year, over 19,000 items are reported lost in the terminal. From wallets to phones and even more unusual possessions, the station’s Lost and Found department works tirelessly to reunite passengers with their missing belongings.Grand Central Terminal is not merely a transit hub; it’s a living monument to New York's evolution and ingenuity. With its blend of architectural beauty, hidden secrets, and rich history, it continues to captivate those who step through its doors. From the maze of tunnels below to the celestial ceiling above, every corner holds a piece of the city’s story. Whether you visit for a train or to simply marvel at its grandeur, Grand Central is a place where the past and present meet, offering a unique experience that goes far beyond its tracks.

13 Sep 2024
Wanderlust

Global News

NASA's Quiet Supersonic Jet Can Enable New York to London Travel in 1.5 Hours!

NASA's ambitious project to develop a quiet supersonic jet, dubbed the "son of Concorde," is one step closer to becoming a reality, potentially revolutionizing transatlantic travel. The aircraft, known as the X-59, aims to fly at speeds faster than the speed of sound, nearly doubling the Concorde's velocity. With the goal of reducing the disruptive sonic boom to a mere "sonic thump," NASA has identified approximately fifty established inter-city routes that could benefit from this technological advancement. The most notable among them is the route connecting New York City and London, where travel times could be slashed to just 1.5 hours, a fourfold improvement over current options. Although the X-59 is currently undergoing final preparations at the Lockheed Martin facility in Palmdale, California, its potential impact is already generating excitement. Cathy Bahm, the project manager for the low boom flight demonstrator, expressed her anticipation for the aircraft's emergence from the paint barn, symbolizing the realization of their vision. As part of NASA's Quesst mission, the X-59 will be flown over selected U.S. communities to gather data on public perception of its noise levels. This data will be crucial in persuading regulators to reconsider existing rules that prohibit supersonic flight over land. The development of supersonic passenger air travel has been a subject of interest for NASA, envisioning aircraft capable of reaching speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4. The Concorde, which previously held the title for the fastest commercial airliner, cruised at a maximum speed of Mach 2.04. The imminent progress of the X-59 brings hope for a future where transatlantic travel becomes faster, more accessible, and less disruptive, potentially revolutionizing the way we explore the world.

29 Nov 2023
Global News

The Whys and Hows

Why Europe's Skyline Stays Grounded: The Surprising Factors Behind the Absence of Skyscrapers

When it comes to iconic city skylines, the United States is often the first country that comes to mind. From the Empire State Building in New York City to the Willis Tower in Chicago, the United States is home to some of the tallest and most recognizable skyscrapers in the world. However, despite being home to some of the oldest and most architecturally rich cities in the world, Europe has relatively few skyscrapers in comparison.  There are several reasons why Europe has not embraced the skyscraper to the same extent as the United States. One of the main reasons is that many European cities have strict building height restrictions due to their historic architecture and the desire to preserve their unique cultural heritage. Many of these cities have strict zoning laws and regulations that limit the height of buildings, and this has made it difficult for developers to build tall structures. Another reason why skyscrapers are less common in Europe is due to the cost of construction. Building a skyscraper is an expensive and complex process, and in many European cities, the cost of land and labor is much higher than in the United States. This means that building a skyscraper in Europe can be prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for developers to justify the cost. Additionally, many European cities have efficient and well-established public transportation systems that make it easier for people to get around without relying on cars. This has meant that there is less pressure to build tall structures to accommodate a growing population.

26 Apr 2023
The Whys and Hows

Star Citizens

Meet Divya Nettimi — First Woman to Start a Billion-Dollar Hedge Fund

"A woman, be it mother, wife, or daughter, brings wealth to the family" — we have heard this many times in our Indian households. Well, Divya Nettimi's life story is really a testament to the above phrase.  Divya Nettimi, the founder of Avala Global, has made history as the first woman to start a billion-dollar hedge fund. Nettimi, who is originally from India, founded Avala Global in 2014 as a technology and healthcare-focused hedge fund based in New York. Since its inception, Avala Global has grown rapidly, attracting investments from some of the biggest names in the industry. The fund has also achieved impressive returns, outperforming the market in several key areas. In addition to her impressive business acumen, Nettimi is also known for her dedication to mentoring and empowering other women in the finance industry. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, where she shares her experiences and provides advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs. Nettimi's success is a major milestone for women in finance and serves as an inspiration for others looking to break into the industry. She is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Nettimi began her career in finance as an associate at Goldman Sachs, where she quickly rose through the ranks. She then decided to strike out on her own and start Avala Global. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

15 Dec 2022
Star Citizens

Global Inspirations

New York City streets will be car free for Earth Day

Earth day is celebrated on April 22 and New York is celebrating it in a novel way by making 30 blocks free of traffic so that people can just walk through the streets and enjoy doing fun filled activities without being exposed to noise and pollution. The streets will be closed to cars, buses and transportation from 10 am to 4 pm. People will be able to stroll through the streets, through the core of the Big Apple on any street between Union Square and Times Square on pedestrian walkways lined with activities. According to Department of transportation, the Manhattan roads off Broadway will host a variety of events like fitness classes, sustainability workshops, and recreational options. City bikes which are normally available on rent will be provided free to the users all day. City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez said that they wanted to show New Yorkers the potential of a car-free Broadway and what open streets could look and feel like. Reducing car usage in the city can bring about a big change. It can help them to take advantage of space currently used for parking lots and gas stations; it can reduce traffic fatalities and injuries; it can make the city healthier and more breathable; and it can bring a newfound sense of calm to their bustling metropolis. He added that countries around the world have taken this concept to new heights and New York should be no different. He said that cars are not the answer to a sustainable future for New York or the planet and celebrating Earth Day is the best way to drive home this point.

17 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

New York eatery is world's best restaurant

The annual World’s 50 Best awards was held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne and the list of the top 50 restaurants in the world was revealed.  Eleven Madison Park, New York topped the list beating last year’s number one, Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy. The Italian restaurant slipped down to second place. However, it was able to retain its first position in Europe. The third place was taken by El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain. Signature dishes at the world's best restaurant include Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm’s roasted duck and diners can feast on an eight-course tasting menu which costs $300 per person. Chef Daniel said that he never in his wildest dreams thought that he would find himself in such a prestigious position. He had left school at 14 to pursue this craft and everything he had learned was from food: languages, culture. Eleven Madison Park  debuted on the list at number 50 in 2010 and this year it won the accolade for being the best. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, “blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room”  Heston Blumenthal, a renowned chef at Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner in London was honoured at the ceremony with the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, three out of the fifty chefs featured are women.  

7 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

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