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NDTV
25-04-2025
- NDTV
From US Senators To Tech Billionaires: Why Taj Mahal Keeps Impressing Global Icons
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is one of the world's new seven wonders. This ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the Yamuna River is regarded as one of the world's most iconic monuments. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 giving birth to their 14th child, it took about 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete the complex. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it draws over five million visitors annually. It is revered as a "jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." All the fascinating elements of the Taj Mahal's grandeur and architectural detail come together to serve as an unparalleled testament to love. Whether you are chasing sunrise light, hunting Instagram-perfect angles, or simply soaking in centuries of history, the Taj Mahal remains essential for travellers seeking beauty and meaning. While almost every Indian family has a portrait of the Taj Mahal buried in old photo albums or saved to their smartphones, this monument's enduring magnetism continues to attract even the most high-profile travellers who have often highlighted the Taj Mahal's ability to transcend cultural boundaries and spark genuine wonder. On his first official visit to India in April 2025, US Vice President JD Vance could not miss visiting the Taj Mahal. Taking to his X handle, he shared an adorable, sun-lit family snapshot with his wife Usha Vance and their three children - Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. He wrote: "Today I visited the Taj Mahal with Usha and the kids. It's a beautiful historic site, and I'm grateful for the warm welcome we received there!" Responding to this post, tech billionaire Elon Musk commented, "One of the most beautiful wonders of the world." Today I visited the Taj Mahal with Usha and the kids. It's a beautiful historic site, and I'm grateful for the warm welcome we received there! — Vice President JD Vance (@VP) April 23, 2025 The Iconic 'Princess Diana Bench' To pose for the portrait, the family sat on the classic frontal bench, now famously dubbed the 'Princess Diana bench.' The bench earned this name after the late Princess Diana visited the Taj Mahal in 1992. The iconic picture is known for being both beautiful and a poignant image of reflection and resilience. Famous Visitors Of The Taj Mahal | Global Celebrities Who Visited Taj Mahal US Vice President JD Vance, Princess Diana, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are among a long line of high-profile admirers of the Taj Mahal. George Harrison, the Beatles' guitarist, visited the Taj in 1966. He took a photo of himself at the monument, long before selfies were a thing. In 2012, Oprah Winfrey filmed an episode of Oprah's Next Chapter at the Taj Mahal. When NDTV asked, "You think you're going to ask for a Taj Mahal to be built for you?", Oprah replied, "I think it would be completely unnecessary. I think my life has been the Taj Mahal." Mark Zuckerberg visited the Taj in 2015 and posted, "It is even more stunning than I expected. It's incredible what people can build - and what love can motivate us to build." Photo: Facebook/MarkZuckerberg Are you planning a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal? Here is everything you need to know before visiting this monument of wonder: Best Months To Visit The Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal is open year-round, every day of the week. On Fridays, however, entry is allowed only to practising Muslims attending afternoon prayers. The best time to visit is during the winter months from November to February when mild temperatures and clear skies make for ideal exploration. Shoulder seasons, from late September to early October and February to early March, offer fewer crowds and comfortable weather. Best Time To Visit The Taj Mahal The monument opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. The museum inside is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunrise visits provide the most photogenic light and the thinnest crowds. Aim to arrive by 6 AM. Entry Fees, Hacks And Ticketing Tips Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Carry minimal belongings to breeze through security. Use the East or South gates to avoid the more crowded West Gate. Entry fees: Rs 50 for Indian citizens. Rs 540 for SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens. Rs 1100 for other foreign visitors. An additional Rs 200 per person is charged for entering the mausoleum. Audio guides cost extra. Entry is free for children under 15. Framing Your Perfect Family Shot At The Taj Mahal Do you find JD Vance's family portrait adorable and wish to recreate your own in front of this marvellous monument? Consider these vantage points for memorable family or solo portraits: Diana Bench - The classic frontal bench is iconic but gets crowded; go early for the best shot. Arches - These offer dramatic framing and symmetry. Shoot backlit photos with the Taj in the background. Reflecting Pool - Ideal for mirror-perfect shots at sunrise or sunset. Char Bagh Walkways - Capture the Taj rising between the tree-lined path that divides the gardens into four quadrants. Sunset Clicks - The southern gate offers a unique angle. As the sun sets, the warm light casts a golden glow over the intricate carvings and lush gardens. Whether you're a first-time traveller or returning for deeper discovery, the Taj Mahal continually renews its magic, reminding us that great architecture and enduring love stories belong on every traveller's bucket list.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Move over Inspector Morse: Oxford couple write city crime book
Following in the footsteps of Inspector Morse, an Oxford couple has written a new crime detective book in the city. Married pair Jake Lynch and Annabel McGoldrick have released Mind Over Murder, continuing the city's legacy as a crime fiction hotspot. The novel is set to be the first in the Janna Rose Mysteries series, introducing a new investigator to the crime fiction canon. Published by Next Chapter, Mind Over Murder is not just another whodunit—it's the first crime novel to feature a psychotherapist protagonist specialising in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). READ MORE: Taylor Swift to study music degree at Oxford University Jake Lynch and Annabel McGoldrick have written the book together. (Image: Supplied) This is a groundbreaking trauma therapy that gained widespread attention after Prince Harry credited it with helping him process the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. The novel follows journalist-turned-therapist Janna Rose, who is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy after the mysterious death of her ex-boyfriend, an activist leading an eco-protest against a controversial development. As Janna digs deeper, she uncovers a web of corruption that puts her loved ones in peril. With lives at stake, she must use her unique insight into the human mind to outwit a ruthless adversary and expose the truth. Jake and Annabel bring their own fascinating real-life experiences to the novel as both trained as journalists at the BBC and first met as regional reporters for ITV. READ MORE: Police update on arrested woman as firefighters cut into flipped car The new book's front cover. (Image: Supplied) Annabel later transitioned from journalism to psychotherapy and is now an accredited EMDR consultant, training clinicians worldwide. Jake, a seasoned journalist, has worked as a political correspondent for Sky News, Sydney correspondent for The Independent, and a news anchor for BBC World TV News. 'The idea for Mind Over Murder came from our relationship and shared passions," he said. "Janna's name is a blend of ours—Jake and Annabel—and her investigative instincts reflect our backgrounds in journalism and peace studies. "The novel explores contemporary issues of social justice, environmental activism, and the ways social media can be weaponised to manipulate public opinion.' READ MORE: Oxford University professor has work cited in UK Supreme Court Why wait for news? With Oxford Mail get real-time updates directly on our ad-free app 🗞️📱 Subscribe for unlimited access to our digital edition and enjoy 80 per cent fewer ads on our website. — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) April 1, 2025 The couple's commitment to these themes goes beyond fiction. They are pioneers of Peace Journalism and were jointly awarded the prestigious Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2017 by the Schengen Peace Foundation for their contributions to the field. Their path from journalism to crime fiction follows in the footsteps of literary greats like Charles Dickens and modern crime bestselling authors such as Michael Connelly (Los Angeles Times), Laura Lippman (Baltimore Sun), and Val McDermid (Daily Record). Other former journalists who have turned to crime writing include Jane Harper, Carl Hiaasen, Chris Hammer, Jeffery Deaver, and Jo Nesbø. Jake and Annabel split their time between Oxford and Sydney, where Jake is an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Cribbagepalooza' raises funds for veterans services
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Saturday, Feb. 16, fans of the classic card game Cribbage, and supporters of local veterans, came together for the second annual 'Cribbagepalooza' in Colorado Springs. Players and veterans participated in a lighthearted competition that welcomed everyone, from seasoned pros to beginners simply looking for a good time. The event raised money for Mt. Carmel Veterans Services and its programs supporting military families in the region. 'Cribbage is a card game,' said Chuck Denham, a retired Air Force Veteran. 'You get six cards, you keep four, put two in what's called the crib. The dealer gets the crib. So you start playing cards. The idea is to get to 15 and to 31 pairs, three of a kind runs; they all count, but you can't go over 31.' 24 players took part in the event, raising $610 for Mt. Carmel. Denham won the tournament. 'I enjoy cribbage,' he said. 'Numbers are my game. I'm a mathematician by education and trade, and I just love the counting.' Justina Baker, the Community Outreach Volunteer Coordinator at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, spoke about the importance of programs to help veterans in the community. 'We are a largely populated veteran community here, we have the most bases surrounding [us],' said Baker. 'We need the most help. So we help with everything from transition employment, to suicide prevention, with the Next Chapter, and veterans that need help on their benefits. If we can't help you, we know somebody that can, but we do everything here and we're just super grateful.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
