Latest news with #Alcazar
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
In America, is the brouhaha all about Epstein? It depends on the reality you live in
Tintin fans will never forget the funny exchange between General Alcazar and his rival, the just-deposed General Tapioca, in Tintin and the Picaros. After Tapioca has surrendered, his ADC asks Alcazar what should be done with the old fellow; whether he should be executed promptly by firing squad. Alcazar refuses to do so, having promised Tintin that there would be no bloodshed in the coup. A seemingly disappointed Tapioca and a grouchily determined Alcazar then talk like a couple of serious elder figures about how the youngsters like Tintin have no respect for traditions like firing squads these days! The bitter brawl in America between the Democrats and Republicans, or between the pro-Trump and anti-Trump forces, has acquired all the twists and turns of a 'Picaresque' adventure. Critics of President Donald Trump had a triumphant run for a while watching the growing split among his supporters over his seeming backtracking on the long-running saga of the notorious 'Epstein files'. However, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's announcement that former president Barack Obama's actions over allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were tantamount to an attempted 'years-long coup' has swung the pendulum once again. But unlike a pendulum that eventually seeks a position of quiet rest in the middle after having expended its energies at the extremes, the experience of living in American democracy continues to feel frantic, feverish, and fragmented for all camps concerned. It is not just political opinion, but one's sense of reality itself that seems polarised. Since the rise of social media, friends, family members, neighbours, students, everyone seems to be living in a different silo now as far as their knowledge, or even impression, of what is happening in the world is concerned. For those who consume National Public Radio and The New York Times, the news is still about the alleged troubles in the MAGA world over Epstein. Few of my friends in the Bay Area, for example, had even come across news of Gabbard's statements on Obama. But for those who follow a different set of sources, the news, and its implications for their sense of faith in the Trump presidency, will be very different indeed. Two differing tales will now unfold, much as they have these past 15-odd years. Critics of Trump will perceive what they see as a witch-hunt being unleashed against Obama. Trump's supporters, in turn, will see, or hope to see, their faith vindicated that 'Russiagate' was a hoax, and Obama-Biden-era officials who persecuted Trump and his supporters will be called out now for their actions. In one silo, the Democrats will wonder aloud at how their record of fair play and decency all these years has not been reciprocated at all by the Republicans. They will say that Hillary Clinton had the grace to concede in 2016, while Trump refused to do so in 2020. In the other silo, Trump's supporters will argue the opposite; they will point out that the Democrats relentlessly sought to deny legitimacy to Trump and his voters from all the way back in 2016, and that the Biden administration unleashed a witch-hunt on a former president and tried every nasty trick it could to keep him from running again in 2024. The real divide in America, as one of my old students once pointed out, isn't just between political loyalties, but simply a function of whether one is consuming editorialised news from 'legacy media' or long-form, direct, videos in the form of podcasts, campaign speeches, and interviews. For people who do both, the contradictions between these two worlds are astounding as is the possibility of a change, a halt to the onto-epistemological hostilities, a reality-reconciliation, if you will. Forced, or incentivised into performing their opinions on social media constantly, people have become incapable of humility, of a pause in their belief-torrents, of an opportunity to consider they may have been lied to, or at least misled in their understanding of things by partial pictures and frames in their news and social media feeds. And the institutions that might have played a role in helping to elevate real-life interactions and conversations over virtual reality-traps, schools, colleges, media education in particular, have themselves lost the plot, or at least a sense of memory about how we got here in just a few decades. Was it the victory of attention-seeking communication tactics over the soporific calm of political platitudes that marked the end of not just civility, but a shared sense of political reality? Was it the technology that came so fast no one had anything to work around it except for technocratic (pseudo) solutions of the 'Ministry of Truth' kind? It is fascinating to recall that even the complicated 2000 presidential election result did not end with supporters of Al Gore and George W Bush marching off into different sunsets. But by 2016, everything was different. Now, as the second decade of the Trump era unfolds, and the possibility of an ex-presidential inquisition once again lurks around the corner, the idea of how winners and losers, leaders and followers, can live together once again after the fall that was digital media remains a mystery. To conclude with a lesson from Tintin and the Picaros, let's remember that in the end, whether the sign over the slum says 'Viva Tapioca' or 'Viva Alcazar,' the reality of the mess there will still remain. But so will the hope that truth and loyalty, whether in Tintin or in real life, will win the day, too. The writer is professor of Media Studies, University of San Francisco
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Hyundai Alcazar takes ‘new name' and product offering a step up
Described as a premium step-up from the Grand Creta, the Alcazar improves significantly in a number areas, while keeping the favoured turbodiesel engine. Alcazar's redesign has been so extensive so that it will be seen as a brand-new model compared to the pre-facelift model known locally as the Grand Creta. Images: Charl Bosch Although an unfamiliar name to South Africa with seemingly no connotations bar, somewhat humorously, the character of the same name in the Tintin comics, the Hyundai Alcazar is anything but new as it has been sold locally since 2022, albeit under a different name. What's in a name? Unveiled four years ago in India as a three-row version of the Creta, Hyundai South Africa's decision to align it with its sibling, produced at the same plant in Chennai, resulted in it being badged Grand Creta rather than sticking with a name local buyers might have taken a giggle to. With souring of the Creta having moved to the Cikarang facility in Indonesia three years ago though, the aligning strategy no longer applied as the pending first lifecycle update made it seem fit to drop the Grand Creta moniker and revert to Alcazar for the local market. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar officially priced as 'facelift' Grand Creta A move defined further by Hyundai as representing a step-up on the Grand Creta, despite it being a facelift, the arrival of what is still Hyundai's most affordable seven-seater in South Africa for the weeklong test promised much on the back of its predecessor's popularity, and main selling point, it's turbodiesel engine. Decked-out in the same Titan Grey Matte hue as the now discontinued limited run Creta Matte Edition, the test unit not only sported the 1.5-litre oil-burner underneath its bonnet, but also happened to be the flagship Elite priced at R669 900. Will be seen as new Sitting atop a range reduced to three models from the Grand Creta's five, the Elite's main exterior difference from the step-down Executive – which also continues to the offered with the normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine as the base model – involves the new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels compared to the former pair's 17-inches. Besides this, and viewed on first glance, the facelift touches can, in fact, be disputed as being representative of a completely new generational model as, beside the side profile, the Alcazar shares very little else with the Grand Creta. Central to this is a new bonnet, a new sealed upper grille, the same H-shaped LED headlight clusters from the Exter connected by a central light bar, wider wheel arches and a new front bumper that houses a now lower-mounted rectangular main grille plus a satin silver imitation skidplate. Not stopping there, the Alcazar's restyled rear facia involves a new bumper and integrated skidplate, H-shaped light clusters also connected by a horizontal LED light bar complete with a block letter name logo, a new tailgate and stacked light reflectors on the flanks of the bumper. Rounded off with satin silver roof rails, the Alcazar, arguably, appears better looking, more distinctive and stylish, and more premium compared to the somewhat bulbous and even divisive Grand Creta. Just as extensive, Hyundai has completely renewed the Alcazar's interior, albeit with the omittance of the new pair of 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system as well as the digital instrument cluster. Instead, all models receive a reworked version of the Grand Creta's instrument cluster and the older eight-inch infotainment display, now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. Housed within the same 'one-piece' binnacle though, the overall design feels and looks decidedly more modern than in the Grand Creta, bolstered by the latter's ease of use and physical shortcut buttons on either side. Besides the new air vents and a storage shelf above glovebox, the centre console has been reworked to include an Audi-style LCD panel for the dual-zone climate control replete with physical toggle switches and touch-sensitive icons in place of the traditional dials. Although finished in anything but practical piano-key black, the initial concern of the setup being more form than function proved unfounded as it works easy while also being intuitive not to frustrate as the case often is. Largely neat looking and ergonomically sound, interior quality felt on the cheap side in some places and exactly the step-up from the Grand Creta Hyundai claims. What's more, the driver's seat doesn't drop low enough to accommodate taller folk, while the quality of the sound system undelivered when taking the Elite's price into consideration. More accomplished are soft and supportive imitation leather seats, the functionality of the multi-function steering wheel and straight-forward chunky buttons for the electronic handbrake, Hill Descent Control, Auto Hold and ventilated front seats. Practically-wise, the Alcazar also impresses as, apart from head-and-legroom leaving little to be desired – the former even with the standard panoramic glass roof – the second row sports a pair of nifty fold-out tables integrated into the backs of the front seats. Despite its seven seats, the third row is exclusive to children, however, entry is made easy by the second row 'tumbling forward' than simply sliding. In terms of space, the boot accommodates 180-litres with all seven seats in use, which increases to 579-litres in five-seat guise. With the middle row also down, total utility space measures 1 670-litres. Besides the features already mentioned, along with the peculiarity of only ventilated seats, the Alcazar Elite comes standard with rear window blinds, keyless entry plus push-button start, USB ports in each row, a wireless smartphone charger, folding electric mirrors and ambient lighting. Safety and driver assistance come in the form of a tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, a somewhat underwhelming reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Lane Follow Assist. As much as it had been the selling point of the Grand Creta in a largely petrol-powered and ever growing hybrid end of the market, the much vaunted 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine isn't most refined nor quietest available. Tasked with moving 1 445 kg unladen, the engine's 84kW/250Nm makes for a slightly underpowered feel similar to the still Indian made Creta tested four years ago. Slightly overcoming its initial breathlessness as the revs climb, a fair amount of engine noise still creeps into the cabin at speed, while the six-speed automatic gearbox goes about its business in a relatively slick manner. As with the Grand Creta, the Alcazar's amount of twist goes to the front wheels only, though it does offer a Terrain mode selector with three settings; Snow, Mud and Sand. On top of this, the conventional drive mode system comes with three modes of its own; Eco, Normal, Sport, the former never being engaged, and the latter seldom as the admittedly sharper throttle response sees the revs climbing too with the result of a terribly sounding strained diesel soundtrack. Equally prone to simply spinning all of the power away without going faster, Normal was selected throughout the Alcazar's seven days and eventual 409 km covered. On the move, and despite the intrusive engine noise, the slightly firm ride still feels acceptable as the suspension dampens imperfections well without sending shudders or other aftereffects throughout the cabin. Unsurprisingly, the Alcazar's main selling point delivered with an indicated best consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km at the completion of its stay. Conclusion While not without its detractions, some disappointing considering its supposed step-up from the Grand Creta, the Hyundai Alcazar still warrants being a worthwhile improvement both aesthetically and to some extent, internally. Practical and an overall solid product that does what it says on the tin without doing anything spectacularly good or bad, it still comes across as a bit pricey against not only its immediate legacy brand rivals, but also the ever growing number of comparative Chinese products. That being said, it is still worth a second look and given South Africa's still burning love for diesel and top-spec model variants, yet another likely success story in pending for the Korean brand. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar has an ace up its sleeve against Chinese SUVs
Time Out
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The best clubs in Rome for 2025
As the land of la dolce vita, we Romans have a reputation for embracing pleasure in all its forms – whether that's lingering over a wine-fuelled dinner or dancing until dawn. Nightlife in the capital is just as diverse as the city itself. You might find yourself sipping Spritzes under string lights in a garden that feels more like Bali than central Rome. Or moving to electronic beats in a cavernous, post-industrial space where the music never stops. And if glamour is more your thing, you'll want to head somewhere with velvet ropes, strobe lights and a guest list full of stilettos and champagne. Whatever your vibe, Rome has a dance floor – and a crowd – for it. Best clubs in Rome 1. Alcazar Live Things to do Concerts price 2 of 4 This ex-movie theatre-turned-club in Trastevere is one of Rome's most popular venues. Come by on Thursdays to listen to live music jam sessions, and don't miss out on Friday tribute nights, led by the resident band. On Saturdays, strut your stuff on the dance floor while Italian and international artists play R&B, soul, funk and jazz. Alcazar also has a restaurant, so fill up on creative Italian dishes before the dancing begins. 2. Jackie O' Located on a side street off the famous Via Veneto, Jackie O' is an absolute classic. It's one of those clubs that used to be around when your parents went dancing, and it'll be around when your kids will go dancing, too. This exclusive pianobar attracts an elegant crowd of all ages — mainly locals — and the music is pure Italian classics. Inspired by Jackie Kennedy's timeless style, it is an upscale place with thoughtful details like candlesticks, red leather furniture and stamped ice cubes in your cocktails. 3. Lanificio 159 Located inside a redeveloped wool mill in Rome's Pietralata neighborhood, Lanificio is a vast, industrial space spanning 3,500 sq m, with a hell of a lot going on. First opened in 2007, it includes shabby-chic restaurant, vintage furniture showroom, rooftop bar and Lanificio 159, a nightclub and concert venue. Lanificio 159 hosts themed nights like Shaky Shaky (Reggaeton, Hip Hop and R&B) and Club Tropicana (New Wave, Electropop and Italo Disco), along with concerts by Italian and international artists. Digitalism, Mount Kimbie and 2manydjs have all played here. Address: Via di Pietralata 159a, 00158 Rome RM, Italy Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 11pm-4.30am, closed Sunday 4. The Sanctuary Eco Retreat A green oasis just footsteps from the hip Monti area, the Sanctuary Eco Retreat is inspired by the tropical lifestyle of Mexico and Thailand. Open Thursday-Saturday from 6pm to 4am and Sundays for brunch, it's a hip hangout that will make you feel far away from the traffic and noise of Italy's buzzing capital. Come by for Asian-inspired dishes, rituals like tarot reading and fire shows, and of course, live music. You can enjoy vinyl sets in the garden area, electronic music in the Club room and good vibes from aperitivo time until late into the night. 5. Piper A Roman mainstay first opened in 1965, Piper Club is an intimate discoteca and concert venue located across from the upscale Coppedè neighborhood, not far from Villa Borghese. Historically popular with VIPs, it's a small space and perpetually crowded so show up early to avoid a long queue. The club specialises in house, techno and indie music from the 70s to 90s. Address: Via Tagliamento 9, 00198 Rome RM, Italy Opening hours: Friday-Saturday 11pm-5am, closed Sunday-Thursday 6. Profumo Spazio Sensoriale This restaurant and club in the north of the city is the it-place for a night out with the locals. With an indoor and outdoor space surrounded by a vast candlelit garden, Profumo Spazio Sensoriale is the perfect venue year-round. Sing your lungs out to '60s, '70s and '80s Italian and international songs, followed by contemporary DJ sets. In the summertime, the party moves outside, and there's no going home until the wee hours. 7. Spazio Novecento This gigantic palazzo in the EUR district boasting stunning terraces and a huge dance floor serves as a conference centre during the day and turns into a nightclub on special occasions. It's the go-to place for international DJs playing minimal techno and house music. Paul Kalkbrenner, Loco Dice and Chris Liebing are just some of the artists that have performed here. Spazio 's sound system is top-notch, and don't get us started on the brilliant light shows. Address: Piazza Guglielmo Marconi 26B, 00144 Rome RM, Italy 8. Art Cafè There are more than just cars in the underground parking garage of Villa Borghese: find one of the hottest clubs in Rome right here amid an oh-so-fashionable crowd. Dance the night away at Art Café to commercial, house and revival music amid beautifully dressed ladies and gents while admiring cool choreographies by professional dancers. The dance floor? Spacious – but the VIP tables are better. Address: Viale del Galoppatoio 33, 00197 Rome RM, Italy 9. Qube A queer nightclub in east Rome, Qube is set upon three floors with a number of themed rooms. Every night is a party here with live performances, disco music, drag shows and non-stop dancing. The crowd goes all out so come dressed to impress and express yourself. Since the 90s, every Friday is 'Muccassassina' night dedicated to celebrating queer culture. Special guests over the years have included Amanda Lepore, David Lachapelle and Alexander McQueen. Opening hours: Thursday-Saturday 11.30pm‑5am, closed Sunday-Wednesday 10. Toy Room From London and Los Angeles to Dubai and Istanbul, Toy Room is an internationally renowned club that has taken the Eternal City by storm. The eclectic and modern design (pink neon lights!) is animated by resident DJ James Da Cruz, who plays the moment's hits on a 360-degree console next to Frank, the iconic teddy bear mascot that everyone loves to dance with. If you get hungry, revel in the on-premise popcorn maker.
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Budget travel in Asia: 5 Asian getaways just a few hours away for Indian travellers with estimated cost, top attractions
Whether you're a seasoned vacationer or a first-timer, travelling on a budget is not only great for your wallet, but being a little thrifty may actually lead you to places you wouldn't explore otherwise. But travelling on a budget doesn't always mean you have to give up comfort or delicious meals. Also read | Is $15K enough for 9 to 11 months in Latin America? Redditors share budget travel tips for man who wants to be 'frugal' Plan ahead to make the most of your budget travel adventure in Asia. (Freepik) If you are looking to make your budget travel dreams a reality, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings, explained why Asia could be a great choice. He said Asia offers a buffet of options within easy reach, from a breezy beach break to a temple trail or a big-city shopping fix. He said, 'There's a new kind of holiday Indian travellers are loving right now: short-haul international escapes that don't demand too many leaves, long-haul flights, or five months of planning. These trips fit neatly into a long weekend or an impulsive 'let's just go' plan. Think culturally rich, affordable, less than six hours away by flight, and packed with experiences.' According to him, here are five short-haul destinations that are perfect for Indians looking to recharge without breaking the bank or burning too much time off work (these estimates can vary depending on the specific location, time of year, and personal spending habits): Wat Arun Temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning cultural gem in Bangkok, Thailand. (Freepik) 1. Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya and beyond) Karan said, 'Thailand continues to be a go-to for Indian travellers, and it's not just about budget-friendliness. Bangkok offers a mix of vibrant street markets, Thai massages, and temples, while Pattaya adds a beachy twist to your trip. Floating markets, coral island day trips, and evening cruises make for an easy blend of sightseeing and downtime. The food scene, whether you're sampling street food or looking for Indian restaurants, is also a big plus.' ⦿ Flight Time: 4 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Grand Palace, floating markets, Safari World, Marine Park, Alcazar show, and the coral island in Pattaya ⦿ Budget for 4D/3N: Starting from ₹ 35,000– ₹ 55,000 (flights + hotels) 2. Bali, Indonesia 'Bali has become synonymous with laid-back luxury. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone needing a proper pause, Bali's energy is both calming and adventurous. Ubud is perfect for art, yoga, and monkey forests, while Seminyak and Uluwatu serve up surf, sunset, and seafood. Water sports in Tanjung Benoa and temple-hopping tours (like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu) make it more than just a beach holiday,' he added. ⦿ Flight Time: 6 hours (with one stop) ⦿ Top Experiences: Water temples, Ubud rice terraces, beach clubs, Balinese massage ⦿ Budget for 5D/4N: Starting from ₹ 55,000– ₹ 70,000 The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it's a marvel of modern engineering and architecture. (Freepik) 3. Dubai, UAE According to Karan, 'Dubai is the perfect example of a short trip that feels larger than life. Great for family vacations or first-time international travellers, it combines sightseeing with sheer spectacle. From climbing the Burj Khalifa to taking a desert safari, and hopping across giant malls to old souks, Dubai offers a taste of tradition and over-the-top modernity all in one trip. Bonus: vegetarian Indian food is easy to find.' ⦿ Flight Time: 3.5 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, desert safari, Burj Khalifa, Dhow cruise dinner, Miracle Garden and Ferrari World Day Excursion ⦿ Budget for 4D/3N: Starting from ₹ 50,000– ₹ 80,000 4. Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle, and Tea Country) 'Sri Lanka is the quiet charmer on this list. Just a short hop away, it offers a lot of beaches, colonial towns, wildlife, and tea plantations. Start in Colombo, then make your way to Galle for cobblestone streets and seaside cafes. Head inland to explore the hill stations of Nuwara Eliya or Kandy, where scenic train rides and tea tastings await. It's perfect for a culturally rich yet relaxing escape,' Karan added. ⦿ Flight Time: 2.5 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Galle Fort, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Nuwara Eliya tea estates, scenic train to Ella, exotic beaches, water sports, Ramayna trails, turtles hatchery farm, Bellagio Casinos, famous for wellness retreats ⦿ Budget for 4D/3N: Starting from ₹ 45,000– ₹ 70,000 5. Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Phu Quoc, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City) Karan said, 'Vietnam has become increasingly accessible for Indian travellers thanks to e-visas and direct flights. Hanoi is a lovely entry point for those looking to cruise through limestone cliffs in Halong Bay or explore the charming Old Quarter. Down south, Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with history, French colonial architecture, and a very Instagram-friendly coffee culture. The best part? Vietnam is still relatively affordable and full of surprises.' ⦿ Flight Time: 5 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Halong Bay cruise, Cu Chi tunnels, Pho street food trails, Old Quarter shopping, Golden Bridge, Venice boat ride, laser show at night, Full day at Winwonders, world's longest cable care theme parks, Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, muds spa, deep sea activities, nightlife is great ⦿ Budget for 5D/4N:Starting from ₹ 40,000– ₹ 65,000 According to Karan, whether you're planning a spontaneous getaway or just want to use up that comp-off wisely, these five destinations are proof that a fulfilling international trip doesn't have to be far, expensive, or complicated. Why is this travel trend growing? He said, 'Post-pandemic (Covid-19 pandemic), travel preferences have shifted. Many Indian travellers are choosing smart, short, and experience-rich destinations over long vacations. Visa-on-arrival or e-visa access, easy flight connectivity, and a strong rupee in some regions make these trips even more attractive. Add to that a long weekend or two, and you've got the perfect formula for a quick recharge.'
NDTV
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Upcoming Hyundai Venue Spotted Testing Ahead Of Launch, Again
Hyundai is putting its all into the testing of the next-gen Venue. By now, the SUV has been spotted testing on multiple occasions, and the sightings continue. In the latest spy shots, the SUV has been spotted testing at night and seems to be in its production-ready form. Based on the pictures, this iteration of the vehicle is expected to bring cosmetic changes with an extended list of features. Meanwhile, the powertrain will likely be carried forward from its predecessor. In terms of appearance, the new Hyundai Venue seems to be following in the footsteps of its siblings. The brand has used a design language similar to its global portfolio. Similar to what we saw on the Creta and the Alcazar. This will be seen in the form of the presence of L-shaped LED DRLs and rectangular headlights with dual-chamber LED reflectors. The rear end of the vehicle has also been revamped with a new design for the tail lamp, which is a pattern very similar to the front end. While the bumpers and the rest of the body is covered in camouflage. These are expected to have some changes. However, the SUV maintains its silhouette. It will also carry new alloy wheels as part of the updates. The interior of the Venue is expected to feature an updated dashboard, redesigned center console, new seat upholstery, and enhanced ambient lighting options. To improve comfort, front ventilated seats may be included in the feature list. Existing elements from the current Venue, such as connected Bluelink features, voice recognition, and Alexa compatibility, will be retained. Emphasis on safety will remain a top priority, highlighted by features like six airbags, electronic stability control, hill assist, and Level-1 ADAS. In terms of performance, the Venue will maintain its current engine options, including the 1.2L petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol, and 1.5L diesel engines. The new-generation Venue will go up against competitors like the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV3XO, Skoda Kushaq, and Toyota Hyryder.
