Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiery UN speech sparks a mass walkout as he attacks Mamdani, Iran, Turkey, Britain and France, while protesters gather outside the UN in New York

Netanyahu at UN: Mass walkout, attack on Mamdani and Iran threats | In Pics

From Viv Richards to Shubman Gill, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 1000 runs in One Day Internationals. This list also includes Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Kevin Pietersen.

Meet top 5 batters fastest to 1000 runs in ODIs, check who tops the list

Avengers: Endgame returns to theatres in a new version titled Encore on September 25. Here’s a quick look at the MCU’s previous films and what to expect in the next chapter, Doomsday.

Avengers: Endgame returns to theatres with Encore re-release: Revisit previous MCU films on OTT

Trump personally welcomed Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, setting the stage for a high-stakes US-China summit on trade, AI, Iran, Taiwan and strategic stability

Trump welcomes Xi Jinping in rare airport gesture: Photos from Chinese President's arrival in US

As Trump and Xi prepare for their September 24 summit in Washington, key numbers reveal how the US and China compare across economic growth, trade, military spending, AI and rare earths. &nbsp;

US vs China in numbers: Who leads in economy, military, AI, trade and technology?

Countries That Allow Assisted Suicide For Mental Health Issues

Belgium allows assisted suicide for people suffering from a medical condition of constant physical or mental suffering, unbearable and unrelievable, "resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident."

Competent adults who suffer from a "serious, chronic, and disabling condition or serious and incurable disease, causing unbearable physical or mental suffering" can submit a request for assisted suicide in Spain.


Switzerland allows assisted suicide for people suffering from "incurable, permanent, severe psychological disorders" if it is performed by someone with no direct interest in the person's death.


Netherlands allows euthanasia, including for mental suffering, under specific conditions. The criteria include unbearable suffering without prospect of improvement, the person's request being voluntary and well-considered, and consultation with at least one other independent doctor.

Luxembourg allows euthanasia, and the law includes provisions for cases involving unbearable physical or psychological suffering.

Macron visits Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi, relishes soulful Qawwali 


French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Dargah Nizamuddin Aulia on January 26, after attending the Republic Day parade as chief guest. 


Macron prayed at the Dargah Nizamuddin Aulia and also offered a ‘chaadar’ at the mausoleum. 


Macron Spends Half An Hour At The Shrine 


French president reached the nearly 700-year-old shrine at 9.45 pm local time and spent more than half an hour at the revered place. 


After offering prayers, the French president enjoyed a Qawaali session in the mausoleum’s courtyard. 


Macron was seen as distinctly wearing in a sea-green scarf while other delegation members were seen donning a pink scarf. 


The French president was accompanied by Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as well as other senior dignitaries. 


Macron visits Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi, relishes soulful Qawwali

Tax evasion, Stock Manipulation: The Controversies Surrounding South Korea’s First Lady 

South Korea’s First Lady Kim Keon-hee is a controversial figure. An entrepreneur by profession, Kim has been embroiled in several controversies even before she became the first lady. 

Kim has been named in cases involving tax evasion, and stock market manipulation and even lied about her work experience for jobs. During her college days, Kim’s academic writings were under scrutiny for suspected plagiarism. 

The first lady is facing criticism from within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) over accepting a Dior handbag from a pastor in 2022. The handbag was worth 3 million won ($2,240). PPP leaders compared Kim to Marie Antoinette’s luxurious life and demanded that she should apologise. 

Top 10 countries with most powerful militaries 

Total Military Personnel (est): 1,704,000

Total Military Personnel (est): 1,108,860

Total Military Personnel (est): 3,820,000

Total Military Personnel (est): 5,137,550

Total Military Personnel (est): 3,170,000

Total Military Personnel (est): 3,570,000

Total Military Personnel (est): 2,127,500

India is the biggest contributor to the tourism industry of Maldives. As per the data collected by the Maldives Tourism Ministry, 209,198 Indians went to Maldives last year, and more than 450,000 travelled to the islands in the last two years.


According to the MEA, India provides around 70 per cent of defence training requirements of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF). In the last decade, India has trained over 1500 MNDF personnel besides providing air assets for air surveillance.

India is the preferred destination for Maldivians to avail affordable specialised medical treatments and surgeries that are either unavailable or limited in their home country. 

 Whether it be providing support in thwarting the November 1988 coup to assisting in recovery following the devastating December 2004 tsunami, or addressing recent challenges like shortages of drinking water - New Delhi has always been there for Maldives

On January 20, 2021, the Maldives became the 1st  country to receive 100,000 doses of India-manufactured vaccines within 96 hours of country-wide rollout in India. In 2020, India swiftly dispatched 30,000 doses of measles vaccine to prevent an outbreak in the Maldives. 


Since 2019, over 2,200 Maldivians have visited India for various in-person training programmes. India has also allotted 10 seats every year to the Maldives under its India Science and Research Fellowship programme.


When former prez Yameen was in power, his pro-China credentials meant the island nation was ensnared in a debt trap. To help Maldives, India extended eight ‘Line of Credit’ Projects worth $1.3 billion. Meanwhile, $400mn was granted for funding the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).


7 Reasons Why Maldives Needs India


7 Things To Know About France's New, Openly Gay PM

Emmanuel Macron appointed 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as his new prime minister on Tuesday. Here are five things you should know about Attal.

At 34, Gabriel Attal is France's youngest post-war prime minister. Previously, the record was held by the leftist Laurent Fabius, who was 37 when he was named PM by Francois Mitterrand in 1984.

Gabriel Attal is France's first openly gay prime minister.

Batters With Most 50-Plus Scores In Men's T20Is

He joined the Socialist Party when he was 17 and became a household name in French politics after being named government spokesman during the pandemic.


Gabriel Attal was made education minister in 2023. He has made a name for himself as one of Macron's savviest cabinet ministers and a smooth communicator.

Upon his appointment as education minister last year, Attal banned the Muslim abaya dress in state schools. This made him popular among many conservative voters despite hailing from the left.

As per Reuters, Attal recently went on a famous TV show to tell the story of how he was bullied in middle school by a former classmate. He said that the classmate shamed him on a blog created to rate classmates' physiques during the early days of the Internet revolution.

6 Breathtaking Frozen Lakes Around The World


 Here are six stunning frozen lakes from different parts of the world:

Known for being the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Baikal in Siberia freezes during the harsh winter months. The frozen surface, covered in transparent ice sheets and unique ice formations, creates a mesmerising winter landscape.

Pancakes loaded with protein are cooked with spices and ground moong dal. Include a green chutney to enhance the taste.

Another gem in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Minnewanka often freezes in winter, offering a serene and icy landscape. The surrounding snow-covered mountains and forests add to the winter wonderland ambience.

In the northern part of Iceland, Lake Mývatn freezes during winter, transforming the area into a snowy and icy paradise. The frozen lake, combined with geothermal features and volcanic landscapes, creates a unique and otherworldly scene.

The largest alpine lake in Europe, Lake Geneva, freezes along its shores during cold winters. The snow-covered Alps in the background add a touch of magic to the frozen lake's winter beauty.

Located in Canada's Northwest Territories, Great Slave Lake is one of the largest lakes in the world. During winter, the lake freezes, and its icy surface becomes a vast snowy expanse, offering a serene winter landscape.

6 Breathtaking Frozen Lakes Around The World

Twin Blasts Near Qasem Soleimani’s Grave On His Fourth Death Anniversary 

United States’ targeted drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 killed IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. As Iran mourned his death, twin blasts took place in the southern city of Kerman along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs' Cemetery, one near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque and the other near Soleimani’s grave. 

At the time, the US government justified the strike suggesting that Soleimani was actively planning imminent attacks on American interests in the Middle East and that the decision was a pre-emptive defensive measure to protect US personnel. 

Then US president Donald Trump, as the Commander-in-Chief, had authorised the strike which eliminated Soleimani. Trump had said that the action was taken to ‘stop a war’. Iran at UN termed likened the move to ‘opening a war’. 

The killing of Qasem Soleimani raised concerns about potential escalation in tensions between the US and Iran. The cause of the twin blasts is still unclear while Iranian officials termed them ‘terrorist attacks’. 

The 2020 airstrike had prompted varied international reactions. Some nations expressed concern about the escalation of hostilities. The latest twin attack comes against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and Iran-funded Houthi militia attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Twin Blasts Near Qasem Soleimani’s Grave On His Fourth Death Anniversary

Notable New Year’s Statements From Global Leaders 


Leaders across the globe addressed citizens of their country on the New Year. Here are some notable statements: 


In Rome, praying for the victims of conflicts around the globe, including the people of Sudan and the ‘martyred Rohingya’ of Myanmar, Pope Francis said: “At the end of a year, have the courage to ask how many lives have been torn apart in armed conflicts, how many deaths?” 


“We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and will never retreat, because there is no force that can divide us,” he said, referring to the Ukraine war that in recent months has largely been deadlocked. 


President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his New Year address said Ukraine had become stronger in overcoming serious difficulties as the war against Russia moves towards completing its second year. 

“The major result of the (previous) year, its main achievement: Ukraine grew stronger,” he said. 

Speaking on the policy directions for the new year at a key meeting of North Korea’s ruling party, Kim Jong Un ordered the country’s military, the munitions industry and the nuclear weapons sector to accelerate war preparations to counter what he called unprecedented confrontational moves by the US. 


In a televised speech to mark the New Year, Xi said China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan is inevitable. “The reunification of the motherland is a historical inevitability. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” he said. 


Leaders across the globe addressed citizens of their country on the New Year. Here are some notable statements:

South Korea’s Seoul Records Snowiest December Day in Over 40 Years 

Biggest Single-Day Snowfall in Decades on Dec 30, 2023 

South Korea’s capital city Seoul received its biggest single-day snowfall for December in over 40 years on Saturday (Dec 30, 2023). The country’s weather agency recorded a snowfall of 12.2 centimetres (4.8 inches) in Seoul on Saturday. 

There were no reports of deaths or injuries due to the heavy snowfall in Seoul on Saturday. South Korea’s safety agency, however, said that Saturday’s snow in Seoul and other areas had caused traffic congestion. 

The weather agency issued a heavy snow advisory for Seoul’s entire area on Saturday before it was lifted later in the day. Other regions in South Korea also received snow or rain on Saturday. 

Previously, Seoul recorded the heaviest single-day snowfall on Dec 19, 1981, with the maximum depth of newly fallen snow at 18.3 centimetres. 


7 Things You Must Know About NYC's Ball Drop


Every year, for decades, the Big Apple has marked the New Years with its epic ball drop. Here are some things you must know about the ceremony.


The epic tradition was first held on December 31, 1907, when the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Since then, every year the ball drop has been held.


In 1942 and 1943, in observance of wartime blackouts, when due to the "dim out" of lights in New York City, the ceremony was suspended.


The first New Year's Eve Ball, was made of iron and wood and was adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs. It was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds (317.51 kg). In 1920, a 400 pound (181.44 kg) ball made entirely of wrought iron replaced the original. Subsequently, in 1999, a crystal ball was installed. This year's ball is covered with a total of 2,688 crystal triangles.


As per the Times Square official website, the tradition of a ball "dropping" to signal the passage of time dates back long before New Year's Eve was ever celebrated in Times Square. The first "time-ball" installed atop England's Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833 was dropped at one o'clock every afternoon, to allow the captains of nearby ships to precisely set their chronometers.


The New Year celebration at the Times Square was a popular tradition that was almost foiled by a firecracker ban in 1907. To keep the tradition alive, Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times commissioned Ukrainian immigrant and metalworker Jacob Starr to create an illuminated iron and wood ball.


At midnight, more than 1,000 kilos of confetti are dropped from the rooftops of buildings over Times Square by hundreds of volunteers. These confetti contain wishes, anyone can add their wishes to this by putting it on a "wishing wall" before Dec 25 or by submitting a wish online till Dec 28.


As per Time.com, to ensure their prime viewing spot, some people reportedly wear adult diapers.


Every year, for decades, the Big Apple has marked the New Years with its epic ball drop. Here are some things you must know about the ceremony.

Prisons are not picnic places, however, some are worse than others. These are the world's most notorious prisons.

Slice the avocado in half, remove the seed, and transfer the flesh to a blender.

Situated in Paris, La Sante has gained a reputation as one of Europe's toughest prisons. Overcrowding, violence, and unsanitary conditions contribute to its harsh environment, which has been brought to light via riots and protests by inmates.


Tadmor, notorious for its brutal conditions, gained international attention for human rights abuses. The prison was closed in 2001 but reopened in 2011 during the Syrian civil war. Reports of torture, executions, and inhumane treatment have surfaced over the years.


Black Beach is known for its harsh treatment of prisoners and lack of basic amenities. Inmates face overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to medical care. Political prisoners have been held in this facility under conditions criticised by human rights organisations.


Located in the Russian Arctic, Petak Island is known for its extreme climate and harsh conditions. Inmates endure freezing temperatures, isolation, and limited resources. The remoteness of the prison makes escape nearly impossible.


Often referred to as the "Bangkok Hilton", Bang Kwang is notorious for its strict rules and severe conditions. Inmates face overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and long sentences. The prison gained international attention through documentaries and accounts of the challenging environment.


While now a museum, Alcatraz was once a notorious federal prison known for its harsh conditions and strict security. Inmates, including infamous criminals like Al Capone, faced isolation on "The Rock" in the middle of San Francisco Bay.


7 of World's Most Notorious Prisons


 Charles Sobhraj: 'Bikini Killer' Who Spiked Birthday Cake to Escape Jail


Sobhraj operated under various aliases, including "The Serpent" and "The Bikini Killer," making it challenging for authorities to track his criminal activities..


Fluent in multiple languages, Sobhraj used his linguistic skills to charm and manipulate his victims. He spoke English, French, Thai, and several other languages fluently.


Sobhraj earned the nickname "The Bikini Killer" due to his choice of victims—mostly Western tourists wearing bikinis. His crimes were committed along the "Hippie Trail" in Southeast Asia during the 1970s.


Sobhraj was known for his daring escapes from prisons. He managed to break out of jails in Greece, Afghanistan, and India, showcasing his resourcefulness and cunningness.


Rumours circulated that Sobhraj had a connection to the infamous OJ Simpson case. It was reported that he posed as a gem dealer and had dealings with Nicole Brown Simpson.


Sobhraj was skilled in disguise, often changing his appearance to avoid detection. This ability allowed him to move undetected across borders and continue his criminal activities.

During his trial in India, Sobhraj attempted to work as a crime reporter. He sought to cover his own trial, showcasing his audacity and disregard for legal norms.

Sobhraj's relationship with Marie-Andrée Leclerc, a Canadian woman, was characterised by her unwavering loyalty despite his criminal activities. She stood by him during his trials and imprisonment.


Bizarre Facts About Charles Sobhraj: 'Bikini Killer' Who Spiked Birthday Cake to Escape Tihar Jail

China to See More Extreme Weather in 2024 

China Grappling with One of its Coldest Decembers 

China is grappling with one of its coldest Decembers on record with some areas in the northeast hitting minus 40 degrees Celsius. China’s north, including the capital Beijing, its surrounding Hebei and Tianjin, Henan, Inner Mongolia, and northeastern provinces Liaoning and Heilongjiang saw their coldest temperatures in December. 

 Beijing Breaks 70-yr Cold-Weather Record

China's capital city of Beijing broke its record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in December dating back to 1951.

After being hit with freezing temperatures, China will brace for another scorching heat and more weather extremes next year. A climate expert told state media that 2024 may be hotter and it could also be a year when extreme weather may become more frequent. 

More weather extremes are likely to hit China next year due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, the climate expert said. Weather experts predict El Nino could fade between April and June 2024, but as its effects take months to materialise, there could be more temperature records broken next year. 

Mumbai-Delhi Among 10 Busiest Global Domestic Flight Routes of 2023

Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list of the world’s busiest domestic flight routes and it includes India’s national capital and its financial capital. The data is based purely on the number of seats sold on flights throughout 2023. 

Securing the 9th spot on the list, the number of seats sold on the flight route between the Indian cities Mumbai and Delhi was 7.2 million this year, marking a mere four per cent rise in sales when compared to 2022.


The number of seats sold on flights between the Australian cities of Melbourne and Sydney stood at 9.3 million in 2023, signifying a 14 per cent rise in the number of seats sold this year than the year prior. 


According to OAG, around 10.9 million seats were sold on the flight route between the Vietnamese capital to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, the country’s most populous city, marking a three per cent rise in 2023 when compared to 2022. 

The number of seats sold on flights between the Japanese city of Fukuoka and one of the international airports near the capital was 11.3 million. It was an eight per cent rise in the number of seats sold this year than in 2022. 


2. Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) - Tokyo Haneda (HND) 

Around 11.9 million seats were sold on the flight route between Japan’s Sapporo New Chitose and Tokyo Haneda airports. The flight route witnessed a 12 per cent rise in the number of seat sales in 2023 when compared to last year. 


The flight route between South Korean airport Jeju and Seoul Gimpo secured the top spot on the list of the world’s busiest domestic flight routes in 2023 with a staggering 13.7 million seats sold. This is despite a 12 per cent dip in the number of sales this year when compared to 2022. 


Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list.

Singapore Among 10 Busiest International Flight Routes of 2023 

Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list of the world’s busiest international flight routes and three of the top 10 include Singapore. The data is purely based on the number of seats sold on flights throughout 2023.


The number of seats sold on the flight between the Thai and South Korean capitals was 3.36 million this year — a 111 per cent increase from 2022. 


Around 3.47 million seats were sold on flights between the Thai capital and the city-state in 2023, marking a 47 per cent rise in sales than last year. 


Securing the 7th spot on the list, 3.9 million seats were sold on the flight route between Jakarta and Singapore, according to OAG. There was an 81 per cent increase in the number of seats sold along this route in 2023 when compared to last year.


Around 3.99 million seats were sold on the flight route between Dubai in UAE and the Saudi capital. According to the report, there was 20 per cent rise between the seats sold this year and 2022. 


The number of seats sold on the flight between the South Korean and Japanese capitals stood at 4.16 million. There was a 227 per cent rise in the sale of seats on this route in 2023 when compared to 2022. 


The flight route between South Korea and Japan saw a staggering rise of 356 per cent in the number of seats (4.2 million) sold in 2023 when compared to the previous year. 


The number of seats sold on the flight route between the Egyptian capital and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah this year was a whopping 4.8 million with a 38 per cent rise since last year. 


1. Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Singapore (SIN) 

Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list of the world’s busiest international flight routes.

Where is Alexei Navalny? Exploring Russia’s Notorious Arctic Prison IK-3


Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has finally been located after two weeks in one of Russia’s harshest prisons, the IK-3, also known as ‘The Polar Wolf’ colony. As per his associates, Russia moved the Putin critic to an Arctic prison, cut off from the outside world. How dangerous is it? Here’s all you need to know about the remote and harsh correctional facility called the IK-3 Penal Colony. 

IK-3 is situated in Russia’s Arctic, in Kharp, a settlement in the Yamal-Nenets autonomous district some 2,000 kilometres northeast of Moscow. It is situated in an area with extremely harsh weather conditions. 


Quoting Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov, Moscow Times reports that the IK-3, which was founded in 1961 on the site of a former Soviet gulag forced labour camp, is ‘one of the most northern and remote’ prison colonies in Russia. 


As per human rights defender Igor Kalyapin, “The conditions (in special-regime colonies) are quite terrible. Kalyapin told Moscow Times, “It is clear that this (Navalny transfer) is detention in maximum isolation.” He added, “I think that Navalny was sent so far precisely in order to ensure this maximum possible physical isolation, so even taking a trip there would be a problem.”


As per an old article by Russian journalist Leonid Nikitinsky, “IK-3 has always functioned as a colony for especially dangerous repeat offenders.” 


Ivan Vostrikov, who was previously Navalny’s former Tyumen regional coordinator, who has visited Kharp, said, “It is almost impossible to escape from there — there are hundreds of kilometres of tundra on one side, and the mountains of the Polar Urals on the other.”


Inmates at the ‘Polar Wolf’ colony reportedly face harsh conditions, including limited resources and basic amenities. Accounts from current and former IK-3 prisoners make mention of particularly harsh environment, as well as physical and psychological brutality. Some prisoners, as per media outlet Vyorstka, also complained about a lack of clothing and other essentials in the colony. 


Here’s all you need to know about Alexei Navalny's new home, the remote and harsh correctional facility called the IK-3 Penal Colony.

Around the world, long prison sentences, ranging from years to decades to even life, are common. However, there have been some crazy sentences. Here are some cases of mind-boggling prison time being awarded: 

A Thai tycoon, Chamoy Thipyaso, who deceived thousands with a Ponzi scheme, was awarded a staggering 141,078 years behind bars. This is the longest prison sentence in history, and it has etched Thipyaso’s name in the Guinness Book of World Records. 


In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Terry Nichols, a terrorist, was convicted on 161 counts of first-degree counts of murder and was handed 161 consecutive life sentences. He has been serving the sentence since 1997.


James Holmes: 12 Life Sentences Plus 3,318 Years 

James Holmes was given 12 life sentences, and an additional 3,318 years in prison for the 2012 Aurora, Colorado mass shooting, where he killed 12 and injured 62 others.


Abdullah Barghouti: 67 Life Sentences Plus 5,200 Years 

Behind bars for bomb-making, Abdullah Barghouti is serving 67 life sentences and an astounding 5,200 extra years. He is a Palestinian, who was a commander of Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and one of the organisation’s chief bomb makers. 


Gary Ridgway: 48 Life Sentences Plus Nearly 500 Years

The Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, was given 48 life sentences and an extra 480 years for killing 48 people between early 1980s and late 1990s. 


For the tragic 2019 New Zealand Christchurch mosque attacks, which claimed 51 lives, injuring 40 others in two consecutive attacks, Brenton Tarrant was given 51 life imprisonments — one for each soul extinguished. 


Charles Scott Robinson: Longest Sentence in US History

Charles Scott Robinson, an Oklahoma man found guilty of raping children was handed a sentence of 30,000 years in prison, on multiple counts of child sexual abuse. 


Here are some cases of mind-boggling prison sentences from around the world you must know of.

From Years to Eternity: 7 Lengthiest Prison Sentences in History


Rising From Ashes: Inside Notre Dame's reconstruction

The iconic spire of Notre Dame, adorned with a new golden rooster, has been reinstated in the Paris skyline. 

Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamin K, a nutrient essential for bone health. Vitamin K plays a key role in bone mineralisation and helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Adequate vitamin K intake is vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

President Macron assures that reconstruction works are "on schedule" for Notre Dame to open to the public on December 8, 2024, approximately five years and seven months after the devastating fire in April 2019.

Around 250 companies and art workshops across France are involved in Notre Dame's restoration, encompassing various skills such as carpentry, stonemasonry, gilding, and organ building.



Parisians and tourists eagerly anticipate re-entering Notre Dame, with expectations of 14 million visitors post-restoration, marking a signi

President Macron initiates a competition for contemporary artists to recreate stained glass windows, aiming to symbolise the 21st century in Notre Dame's legacy. The reconstruction cost, totaling around 700 million euros, is funded by donations worldwide

It is the Christmas season and people are eagerly hoping to get a gift from their favourite Santa Claus. But where does Santa live for the rest of the year? No, it is not only the North Pole. These are the places where Santa Claus lives around the world:

The ‘real’ Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas — who was seen as the saviour of children — lived in Myra, Turkey.

Through time, ‘North Poles’ popped up in many places. Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole was opened in New York in 1949. The themed fantasy park was set up by businessman Julian Reiss whose daughter wanted to visit Santa’s Village.

After turning into ashes in World War II, Rovaniemi — Lapland’s capital in Finland — came again to life as Santa Claus’ most famous home. The place has a functional Santa Claus Main Post Office and even has a unique postmark.

Another Santa Claus house has been built in Alaska by Con and Nellie Miller. Con was involved in fur trading and used to wear red fur suits in the holiday season because of which he got the local name ‘Santa Claus’.  

4 Homes Of Santa Claus Around The World

How Red and Green Became Colours of Christmas

It’s again that time of the year when celebrations are peaking, the world is merrier, families are planning holidays and children are wishing for their beloved Santa Claus to gift them goodies.

However, it is also the time when the debate over Santa’s existence, his inclusion in family traditions and how important he is in picks up.

To those who wish to celebrate Christmas in other ways, Santa is none other than Saint Nicholas who once existed and was seen as the protector of children.

Salt, pepper or any other seasonings cannot be sprinkled in space as they float and may get into someone's eyes and cause irritation.


Santa’s existence is what gives hope to children. In a world mired with conflicts, Santa’s impending arrival is awaited, prepared for and celebrated.

Santa is a happy hope that comes to all of us at the end of the year when we sit and ponder about all the difficult paths we crossed in that one year.

This Christmas Should We Wish For Gifts From Santa Or Question His Existence?

Seven Iconic Christmas Trees Across the World 

Christmas is almost here! And cities across the world have put their best foot forward to celebrate the holiday season. From the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in New York City to the Norwegian Christmas Tree at London’s Trafalgar Square, here are some of the most iconic Christmas trees from across the world:


Rockefeller Center is a famous part of ‘The Big Apple’ around the year but during Christmas, it becomes more special with an 80-foot tall Norway Spruce, around 50,000 colourful lights, and a dazzling star at the top to complete the iconic display.

Every year since 1947, Norway has been sending a Christmas tree to the United Kingdom which lights up London’s Trafalgar Square. The tree is a token of appreciation for British support during World War II. 

Made out of more than 3,800 books, St Pancras station, in partnership with Hatchards, UK’s oldest bookshop, unveiled its 12-metre-tall tree that features a winding staircase, wrapping around 270 bookshelves with Christmassy titles.

Keeping up with its nearly 50-year tradition, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann welcomed its majestic Christmas tree as a modern addition to the iconic dome.

We cannot discuss Christmas trees without mentioning the mediaeval town of Gubbio which has been illuminating the world’s largest ‘Christmas tree’ every year since 1981. About 300 green lights are used to create an outline of the tree spanning 2,000 feet along the slopes of Mount Ingino.

While Lithuania may not be a popular tourist spot, it is known for being home to one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the world. Typically, the tree has a modern outside installation and a traditional tree inside. But for the first time since 2009, the city went with a natural tree, this year.

In the heart of the Spanish capital’s Puerta del Sol square stands a 35-metre-tall illuminated metal structure which captures the essence of a traditional Christmas tree. The structure is lit up with over 40,000 LED bulbs. 

Christmas is almost here! And cities across the world have put their best foot forward to celebrate the holiday season.

Flashfloods Swamp Northeast Australia, Hundreds Evacuated

All Images: Brent Paterson via Reuters, AFP

Cyclone Jasper Brings Flashfloods in Queensland

The Australian state of Queensland was hit by floods due to heavy rain caused by tropical Cyclone Jasper, which barrelled in off the Coral Sea late last week. Queensland's tourist city of Cairns has been almost surrounded by flood water, which has washed away parts of major highways running into the city.

Rescue teams in Queensland evacuated more than 300 people overnight, police said. Military helicopters have been dispatched to help inundated areas cut off by the floods. In Wujal Wujal, Nine people, including a seven-year-old patient, huddled for safety overnight on the roof of a hospital. Police said the group eventually clambered to a safer location before flood waters rose again.

The flooding also led to crocodiles flushing into towns in Queensland. Kiley Hanslow, the chief executive of the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, told ABC that crocodiles were swimming around the water in the town centre. Earlier, the Queensland Police warned that floodwaters would likely wash crocodiles and all other sorts of things into residential areas.