World Water Day

LONDON (Reuters) – The dollar rose for a fifth straight session on Wednesday, while stock and bond markets trod water as traders braced for what could be a crucial Federal Reserve meeting later in the day. Japan’s yen was at a four-month low a day after the Bank of Japan finally ditched its sub-zero rates, but the focus was already on whether the Fed signals two U.S. rate cuts are now likely this year rather than the three markets have been hoping for. Its quandary is whether progress on inflation has stalled and, if so, whether U.S. rates – which drive the global cost of borrowing – need to stay in the current 5.00%-5.25% range longer than anyone – investors,…

Edinburgh’s small (mostly independent) shops are the best place to buy souvenirs or gifts. You can pick up a ready-to-wear kilt, peruse heaving delicatessens and pungent cheesemongers for picnic supplies, or taste test unusual shortbread flavours (lemon and poppy seed, perhaps?) for family and friends back home. Below we cover the best shopping in Edinburgh, while for further trip planning inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants and cafes, pubs and bars, nightlife, things to do, things to do for free, plus how to spend a weekend in Edinburgh. Enter Hawico to find stacks of cashmere sweaters and scarves in a rainbow of desirable colours. There are 49 shades to choose from, but if you cannot find…

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — Holi celebrations are underway across the world and Triangle. The two-day Hindu festival of colors is being celebrated by thousands at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Raleigh. Kirtan Patel spent a lot of time as a child learning more about his culture. “It’s a turn of the calendar to spring. People celebrate by spraying water on each other and playing with water balloons,” said Patel. “Kids need to learn more about getting the inner even out and bringing the festivities and joy. That’s what Hodi resembles.” There is a growing Indian population in Research Triangle Park. In Morrisville, people from India or other Southeast Asian countries are the largest demographic. That means when holidays like Holi…

New Delhi: Women’s workforce participation in Indian firms may not have reached a sizable proportion just yet, but the gender equation is evolving rapidly in the Indian travel context, with women accounting for over 40% of the leisure customer base of some companies. Travel companies and hotel chains including Thomas Cook, SOTC and Leisure Hotels Group are increasing focus on women travellers amid a surge in demand for trips abroad as well as within the country. Planet Hollywood Goa, a beach resort in South Goa, for example, plans to host a first-of-its-kind Women Fun Fest with a sundowner electric beach bash and pool parties next month for women to “reclaim their weekends” and craft “unforgettable memories” with their tribe. The…

New Delhi — Millions of Indians in parts of the country’s north and central regions celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday. The festival of colors, as it’s known as, marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring and is celebrated on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Falgun. The celebrations primarily involve families and friends smearing powdered colors on each others’ faces and drenching each other in colored water, singing and dancing to drum beats at private parties and in public. In fact, it’s not rare for strangers to attack you on the streets with colored water. The origin of the festival is traced in Hindu mythology legends, one of…

Madgaon Express Twitter Review: The highly anticipated comedy film, marking the directorial debut of Kunal Kemmu, is out in theaters. Starring Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, and Divyenndu, trouble brews for the trio, following a well-trodden path to Goa for a holiday. The film delves into the realms of drug lords and the underworld, set against the backdrop of Goa. Seamlessly weaving these elements into the narrative adds a unique twist to the story, offering a fresh perspective. Dodo (Divyenndu) leads the charge, seeking beaches filled with bikini-clad revelers and abundant water sports. Persuading his childhood pals Ayush (Avinash) and Pratik (Pratik) to join him, the stage is set in Goa. Amidst the sun-kissed landscapes, the trio encounters Tasha (Nora Fatehi),…

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has announced a holiday for Holi, a Hindu festival celebrated not only in India but also in various parts of the world. According to the Telangana calendar, the holiday for the festival will be observed on Monday, March 25. Schools in the state will also observe a holiday on the Holi festival on Monday. In the current month, there are two more holidays. One of them is a general holiday and the other is optional. March 29 is a general holiday due to Good Friday, and March 31 is an optional holiday due to Shahadat Hazrat Ali. It is also known as the Festival of Colours, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love. The…

Hyderabad: Schools in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana have announced a holiday tomorrow for Holi, a Hindu festival celebrated not only in India but also in various parts of the world. Earlier, the Telangana government also declared a holiday for the festival on Monday, March 25. The schools will also declare a holiday for Good Friday, the day for Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. This year, it falls on March 29 and is declared as a general holiday. Apart from that, some schools in Hyderabad may also declare a holiday on March 31 which is an optional holiday. It is also known as the Festival of Colours, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love. The…

Laguna, La Jolla, Clearwater, Miami – there’s no doubt that the US does a sterling job in stellar beaches. But sometimes such over-subscribed destinations can make carving out your own slice of paradise without the crowds something of a challenge. Thankfully, the US is home to over 95,000 miles of shoreline, with 30 states boasting a coast, meaning there are plenty of secret surf and sand spots, whether you’re looking for family beaches, supreme sunset viewing points, dramatic cliffs, or simply a place to connect with nature. There are plenty of options to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to 10 of the best secluded, underrated beach locations in the United States. From isolated sandy stretches in North Carolina…

Suwannee Spring Reunion: All day Friday-Sunday, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: Prices vary. See website for information. (suwanneespringreunion.com) This year’s celebrated artists include Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp, Hatti and Joe Craven Trio, The Grass is Dead, Habanero Honeys and more. Live and Local Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (tinyurl.com/livelocal24) Live performances by Half Gone, Earworms and Boat Stuff. Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Jamie Davis will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants. Saxsquatch with DJ Em of Future Joy, and Knob Ross: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday,…

TAMPA (BLOOM) – This spring, hop on over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a special treat! On Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the aquarium is rolling out the red carpet for families with its Seaside Easter Breakfast, a festive event that promises fun, food, and furry friends. Imagine starting your day surrounded by the tranquil beauty of marine life, indulging in a gourmet breakfast buffet, all while the Easter Bunny hops around, ready for photo ops! Yes, that’s right, the Easter Bunny himself will be making a splash, offering a unique twist to your holiday celebrations. But that’s not all! The event is packed with activities that are sure to delight both the young and…

Lynn Worthy WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Matt Carpenter doesn’t want to be viewed as a glorified mascot or the Cardinals’ clubhouse babysitter. He certainly doesn’t want his spot on the roster viewed as some form of charity. That spirit and a head full of steam carried Carpenter into and over the tarp as he chased down a foul ball along the wall on the first base side of CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Carpenter, who later admitted that he thought he had more room before he’d hit the tarp, made the catch to secure an out for his starting pitcher, Miles Mikolas, and the Cardinals went on to earn an 8-5 win over the Washington Nationals in a…

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — There was no green beer, no pickup trucks towing parade floats or throngs of tourists in gaudy green outfits. Instead, just a few dozen of Savannah’s early Irish immigrants marched a half-mile from a hotel near the riverfront to attend a special service at what then was the city’s only Roman Catholic church. That modest procession on March 17, 1824, launched one of the most beloved — and profitable — traditions in Savannah. On Saturday, Georgia’s oldest city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its St. Patrick’s Day parade, which has grown over time into one of America’s largest. Thousands of revelers are expected to cram sidewalks and squares along the parade route through Savannah’s downtown…

Los Angeles, Mar 10 (AP) Muslims around the world are welcoming the arrival of Ramadan, a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, intense prayer, charity and feasts. But as they savour the traditions of their own diverse communities — from holiday treats to evening diversions — the tribulations faced by fellow Muslims are never far from anyone’s mind. This year, war and starvation in the Gaza Strip casts an especially dark shadow on the festivities. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi’s Outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin Helped Prevent ‘Potential Nuclear Attack’ on Ukraine in Late 2022, Says CNN Report. Many are also struggling to buy food as inflation remains high in many countries and has worsened in some. Still, even Muslims…

Los Angeles, Mar 10 (AP) Muslims around the world are welcoming the arrival of Ramzan, a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, intense prayer, charity and feasts. But as they savour the traditions of their own diverse communities — from holiday treats to evening diversions — the tribulations faced by fellow Muslims are never far from anyone’s mind. This year, war and starvation in the Gaza Strip casts an especially dark shadow on the festivities. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi’s Outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin Helped Prevent ‘Potential Nuclear Attack’ on Ukraine in Late 2022, Says CNN Report. Many are also struggling to buy food as inflation remains high in many countries and has worsened in some. Still, even Muslims…

Beijing [China], February 19 (ANI): Tensions are escalating in the waters near Taiwan as China intensifies patrols around a group of islands controlled by Taiwan. This move comes in the aftermath of the death of two Chinese fishermen who drowned during a pursuit by Taiwan’s coast guard, accusing them of trespassing, CNN reported. China’s coast guard, specifically its Fujian division, announced on Sunday that it would enhance maritime law enforcement and conduct regular patrols in the waters around Xiamen, China, and Taiwan’s Kinmen islands. Also Read | Papua New Guinea Massacre: At Least 26 People Killed in Tribal Violence in Enga Province, Police Tell Australian Media. Gan Yu, a spokesperson for China’s coast guard, stated that the objective is to…

Vietnam confident of malaria elimination by 2030: Deputy Health Minister Vietnam is confident in realising the goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, said Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong. Addressing a ceremony marking Vietnamese Doctors’ Day (February 27) and presenting awards of a competition on the life and scientific career of the late Prof. Dang Van Ngu, held by the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE) in Hanoi on February 22, Huong said Vietnam has emerged as a beacon in the regional and global fight against malaria. She commended NIMPE for its pivotal role in reducing malaria cases, deaths and outbreaks. As of the end of 2023, 46 provinces had achieved malaria-free status, a dramatic turnaround…

NEW DELHI — India’s president has made a whistle stop tour of an island earmarked for multi-billion dollar development that experts warn could wipe out the indigenous tribe which calls it home. Droupadi Murmu visited Great Nicobar on Tuesday — a remote island Indian officials hope will be transformed into a shipping hub and tourist destination. The government says the plans will unleash the region’s potential. But experts say it would be a “death sentence” for the Shompen people. In a letter sent to President Murmu earlier this month, 39 experts warned the scheme turning the southern part of Great Nicobar into the “Hong Kong of India” would result in the Shompen “fac[ing] genocide”. But while the letter made headlines…

NewsVoir New Delhi [India], February 27: Soneva’s SOUL Festival redefines wellbeing, presenting conscious, transformative experiences for guests with insightful panel discussions, keynote addresses, engaging workshops as well as curated activities such as meditation, yoga, fitness boot camps, qi gong, breathwork and cacao ceremonies. Incorporating a rich tapestry of inspiration, the festival also presents artistic expressions of music, art and culture alongside an array of wholesome, nourishing dining that focuses on plant-based and adaptogenic foods to promote balance and restoration. This year, the festival’s distinguished lineup includes internal medicine and endocrine physician Zach Bush; professor of Clinical Stem Cell Research at Karolinska Institutet, Katarina Le Blanc; physician, bestselling author and speaker Jeffrey Rediger; philosopher, writer and founder of The Emergence Network,…

ATK New Delhi [India], February 13: Are you thinking of taking an international vacation with your family? In that case, you should plan a trip to Singapore. Whether you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, you will find a lot of popular tourist spots in this city-state. Moreover, Singapore is considered one of the most safe and clean countries in the world, ensuring you have an unforgettable holiday. However, before flying off to the country, make sure to buy international travel insurance to keep you secure from any unforeseen circumstances. Keep reading the list of reasons that we have curated for you on why you should choose Singapore for your next foreign trip. Top 5 Reasons to Take…