Dubai has begun construction on the world’s largest airport terminal at Al Maktoum International, with a $35 billion investment. Featuring 400 gates and five runways, the mega-hub will handle 260 million passengers annually. Set for completion within a decade, it aims to make Dubai the global epicenter of aviation. Dubai Begins Construction on the World’s Largest Airport Terminal at Al Maktoum International Dubai has officially begun construction on what is set to become the world’s largest airport terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, with a staggering investment of $35 billion (AED 128 billion). This ambitious expansion plan was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, who shared the news via social media platform X. The expansion will include 400 gates, five parallel runways, and an annual passenger capacity of 260 million, making Al Maktoum International the most capacious airport on the planet. Once completed, it will be five times the size of the existing Dubai International Airport (DXB), currently one of the world’s busiest. A Future-Forward Aviation Hub “Today, we approved the designs for the new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport, and commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy,” said Sheikh Mohammed in his announcement. The megaproject will not only redefine global aviation infrastructure but also transform the entire Dubai South region. Sheikh Mohammed added, “As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow. It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.” A 10-Year Timeline Construction is expected to take approximately 10 years, with the goal of fully transitioning operations from the current Dubai International

Intro: Kolkata is not just a city, it’s a feeling. A confluence of history, art food, literature, and legacy. Kolkata breathes in poetry and exhales politics. It’s where colonial architecture meets tram-lined streets, where Rabindranath Tagore’s spirit floats in the air, and where every corner has a story to tell. If you are visiting the City of Joy, DHANUSH KUMAR writes about these timeless landmarks and buzzing locales are a must on your itinerary. 1.Victoria Memorial The crown jewel of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial is a majestic white-marble monument built in honor of Queen Victoria. Surrounded by sprawling gardens, this Indo-Saracenic structure now houses a museum featuring colonial era-paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. Why Visit: For a walk through British India’s legacy, surrounded by romantic architecture and lotus ponds. 2.Howrah Bridge More than just a bridge, this steel cantilever icon is the heartbeat of Kolkata. Stretching across the Hooghly River, it connects the twin city of Howrah and Kolkata and carries nearly 100,000 vehicles a day, yet feels timeless in its grace. Why Visit: To watch the sunrise over the river, see hand-pulled rickshaws in action, and feel Kolkata’s pulse. 3.Dakshineswar Kali Temple Located on the banks of the Hooghly, this 19th-Century temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and was once frequented by the saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It’s architecture- nine spires, red-and-white hues, and wide courtyards is captivating. Why Visit: To soak in spiritual serenity and watch riverfront rituals stepped in ancient traditions. 4.Indian Museum Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is the oldest and one of the largest in Asia. With exhibits ranging from Egyptian mummies to Buddhist relics and Mughal armor, it’s a treasure trove for the culturally curious. Why Visit: To explore the layers of Indian and global history in a grand colonial-era building. 5.Kalighat Temple An important

Intro: Museums aren’t just repositories of the past, they are architectural wonders thar breathe life into history, art, and culture. Some captivate you with their priceless collections, while others leave you spellbound with their design, atmosphere, or setting. From Paris to Doha, these museums are more than travel stops, they are destinations in themselves. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or a wanderer looking for beauty. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about eight iconic museums that promise a journey for both your mind and soul. 1.The Louvre-Paris, France The Louvre is the epitome of elegance, grandeur, and artistic legacy. Housed in a former royal palace, this museum in the world’s largest and arguably the most renowned. With over 35,000 words, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, it’s collection spans centuries and civilizations. The iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei blends modernist aesthetics with regal traditions, making the Louvre not just a museum, but a symbol of global culture Why visit: To witness masterpieces that shaped human civilization, inside a structure that blends imperial and contemporary brilliance. 2.The Vatican Museums- Vatican City Art, religion, and history converge in breathtaking fashion at the Vatican Museums. Spiraling through corridors rich with Renaissance frescoes and ancient sculptures, the journey culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco stuns every onlooker. The Vatican Museums are not just a visual experience, they are spiritual, profound, and timeless. Why visit: To stand beneath the most iconic ceiling in the world and feel art’s divine energy. 3.The Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao, Spain An architectural revolution in itself, the Guggenheim Bilbao turned a sleepy industrial town into a global art capital. Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad design resembles a gleaming ship or a flower in bloom, depending on your angle. Inside, contemporary and modern art explode across vast,

Intro: As the first raindrops kiss the parched earth and the skies turn dramatic with monsoon clouds, India’s national parks undergo a breathtaking transformation. Verdant landscapes, mist-draped forests, and gushing rivers make these natural havens come alive. While many assume the monsoon is off-season for wildlife, it’s actually the time when nature is at her most expressive. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about India’s most spectacular national parks to explore when it rains. Periyar National Park-Kerala Tucked in the heart of the Western Ghats, Periyar is an emerald paradise during the monsoon. Its namesake lake swells with rain, and mist curls around the cardamom hills. While tigers remain elusive, elephants, sambar deer, and wild boars roam freely across the dense terrain. Boat safaris offer a tranquil way to spot wildlife against a lush, rainy backdrop. Why Visit: For surreal boat rides through the rainforest and misty encounters with elephants. Valley Of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Himalayan treasure comes into full bloom from July to September. The monsoon awakens a riot of alpine flowers, over 500 species, including blue poppies, orchids, and daisies. Snow-fed streams, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant meadows create a landscape straight out a fairytale. Why Visit: To witness a living canvas of wildflowers blooming against snowcapped peaks. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh While some central Indian parks close during peak monsoon, Kanha’s buffer zones remain open and offer a quieter, rain-soaked safari experience. The sal forests glisten with dew, and the entire landscape turns lush and alive. It’s also the inspiration behind Kipling’s The Jungle Book Why Visit: For a dreamy, less-crowded safari in one of India’s most beautiful tiger habitats. Silent Valley National Park-Kerala True to its name, Silent Valley is nature at its purest and quietest. Rain transforms this untouched rainforest into