Latest news with #UNESCO-recognised
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Former INCOIS director Satheesh Chandra Shenoi honoured
Former INCOIS director and eminent oceanographer Satheesh Chandra Shenoi has been awarded the Lakshmipat Singhania - IIM, Lucknow National Leadership Awards from the hands of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Seetaraman in the science and Technology category at a special function in New Delhi recently. A jury led by the chairman of the 15th Finance Commission N.K. Singh chose the award winners. Dr. Shenoi started his stint in the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa where he pioneered research in understanding the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea in their role in monsoon processes plus understanding the air-sea interaction. As the INCOIS head, he oversaw the development of operational oceanographic services like improved tsunami warning systems, fishing advisories and capacity building. He also played a key role in establishing UNESCO-recognised International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography here, said a press release.
NDTV
25-04-2025
- NDTV
6 Heritage Sites In Goa That Offer A Mix Of Culture And Susegad
When you think of Goa, chances are your mind goes straight to sandy beaches, laid-back shacks, and rave parties that go on until sunrise. But there's a side to Goa that doesn't usually make it into your group chat plans — one packed with crumbling forts, Portuguese-era churches, and time-warped old houses that feel like a slice of another century. If you're looking to add some real character to your next 'susegad' trip, here are some of the best heritage sites in Goa that show off the state's rich, multicultural past, minus the tourist traps and cliches. Here Are 6 Must-Visit Heritage Sites In Goa: 1. Fontainhas, Panaji Wander into Fontainhas and you'll swear you're in a European neighbourhood — think colourful, narrow houses with wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs. This UNESCO-recognised heritage zone in Panaji is a leftover from Portuguese rule, and it's one of the few places in India where Latin culture still feels alive. The best way to soak it in? Go on foot. Check out the 19th-century Chapel of Saint Sebastian and make time for local art galleries like Gitanjali. Bonus: the bakeries here serve fresh pao (Goan bread) that beats anything at your hotel buffet. 2. Basilica of Bom Jesus Yes, it's one of Goa's most famous landmarks, but the Basilica of Bom Jesus actually lives up to the hype. Built in 1605, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier — and they're still visible during special public viewings every decade. The Baroque-style interiors are as grand as you'd expect, with gilded altars, ornate carvings, and enough marble to rival a Roman cathedral. Whether you're religious or not, it's hard not to be impressed. 3. Fort Aguada Perched on SinQ-famous Candolim beach, Fort Aguada was once a strategic defence post for the Portuguese. Built in 1612, it still looks pretty solid — proof of its solid construction and the occasional coat of whitewash. The 17th-century lighthouse inside the fort adds to the drama, and from the ramparts, you get sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Pro tip: go at golden hour. The sunsets here are unreal. 4. Reis Magos Fort Often overlooked in favour of Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort is a quiet gem that's been restored beautifully. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, it's one of the oldest forts in Goa, dating back to 1551. Today, it houses a cultural centre and art gallery, and offers a mix of history and modern design. The views of Panaji and the river below make the climb worth it, especially on a breezy afternoon. 5. Se Cathedral, Old Goa One of the largest churches in Asia, the Se Cathedral is a short stroll from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, but it's just as impressive. Built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over a Muslim army in 1510, it took over 75 years to complete. Its standout feature? The giant Golden Bell, which is still said to be the largest in Goa. The architecture is a blend of Portuguese-Gothic with Tuscan influences, and it feels more like a cathedral you'd find in Lisbon than on the Konkan coast. 6. Chandor Swap the crowds for some old-world charm in Chandor, a sleepy village that was once the capital of Goa during the Kadamba dynasty. What sets it apart today are the Portuguese mansions — especially the Fernandes House and Braganza House. These aren't just pretty buildings. Many are still lived in by descendants of the original families, who often give guided tours themselves. Expect grand ballrooms, vintage chandeliers, and stories about Goa's colonial past that you won't find in any guidebook.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best hotel food in & around Singapore's best hotels
Whether you're from halfway across the world on a sunny holiday or from across town treating yourself to a staycation, hotel food and the food near your Singapore hotel can be the most memorable part of your trip. But which is the best hotel in Singapore for a foodie? To answer that question, we have to look beyond 5-star hotel restaurants to Singapore's UNESCO-recognised hawker centres. Here is where you should stay for the best hotel food experiences both inside and near your Singapore hotel. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay offers Lau Pa Sat's chicken rice and hokkien mee alongside Born's Michelin fusion and Vue's rooftop grills. Packages (~S$400/night) with breakfast suit eco-conscious foodies in the heart of stunning Marina Bay. A 24-hour foodie landmark, Lau Pa Sat delivers taste diversity like few other places in the world. This is the place to try Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee (Stall 26), arguably one of the most iconic hokkien mee stalls in Singapore and a favourite of both locals and tourists. Swatow Bai Le Teochew Braised Duck (Stall 9) opened at Lau Pa Sat in late 2024 but already attracts long queues, so be prepared to have your mind blown… after a wait. Feng Xiang Bak Kut Teh & Fried Porridge has opened a branch here at Stall 27 and you should try their fabled Sliced Fish Fried Porridge (S$8.50). Cuisine: French-Chinese fusion At Restaurant Born, savour Chef Zor Tan's 9-course tasting menu (S$368). Highlights include Pickles & Snacks, Monkfish with Fermented Capsicum and Toasted Rice dessert. Short on time? Opt for the 5-course menu (S$228) or Experience Menu (S$288). Cuisine: Modern European Located on the rooftop of OUE Bayfront at Collyer Quay, VUE's fire-kissed dishes by Head Chef Sam Chin deliver exquisite flavour through grilling over the much-vaunted binchotan charcoal. The wine menu complements the food par excellence. We recommend the 4 Course Executive Set Lunch (S$108) where you can enjoy dishes like Grilled Argentinian Red Shrimp Salad, Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Spanish Octopus and Banana Hazelnut. There is also a 6-course dinner menu (S$198). Chef Edward Chong's 6-course Artisan menu (S$188) or 7-course Gastronomic menu (S$208) are our recommendations. Highlights include Deep-fried Cigar Rolls, Stewed Mung Bean Noodles with Drunken Crab and Chilled Almond Cream dessert. To sample a variety of textures and flavours, you should try the Lunch Buffet (S$55 on weekdays, S$65 on weekends). Shangri-La's Orchard perch gives access to Newton Food Centre's crab and fish porridge, plus Hua Ting's Cantonese pork, Seroja's Malaysian innovation and Fleur de Sel's French elegance. Rooms (~S$350/night) with dining credits suit groups craving variety in a lush setting. Open till 2am, Newton's lively vibe draws locals and tourists for seafood feasts. Try the MICHELIN Guide awarded Kwang Kee Teochew Fish Porridge for addictive fish soup and porridge that uses fresh seafood to introduce a mild sweetness into their broth. Another star is Hai Yan BBQ Seafood, established in 1983, that handcrafts its own sambal and chincalok for the B.B.Q Stingray (S$15/S$20/S$25). You'll be spoiled for choice with 33 dishes at 31 Heng Heng BBQ seafood and zi char-style spread. Cuisine: Cantonese An elegant ambience complements refined, flavourful dishes here. Highlights include Baked Lobster with Superior Stock (S$58) and Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup (S$48). Don't miss the Peking Duck (S$88/whole) which is just crispy, juicy perfection. Shang Palace, a one-Michelin-star institution, serves a wide range of Cantonese dishes, such as Barbecued Suckling Pig (8 pieces) for S$108, and Braised Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw in Abalone Sauce at S$60 per person. Another standout is their Roasted Peking Duck, served in two courses for S$98. For something unique, try the Boneless Quail Stuffed with Bird's Nest in Supreme Broth for S$98++. 32 best restaurants in Singapore you need to cross off your list Sofitel Singapore City Centre sits in Tanjong Pagar's dining epicentre, making it a foodie favourite with Amoy Street Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre, both just a short walk away. In-house, Racines restaurant's French-Asian culinary delights are a wonder. Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff creates delectable examples of this humble pastry. Their Curry Puff (from S$2) is available in an array of flavours from the original curry potato to yam. At Han Kee Fish Soup, the Sliced Fish Soup (from S$6) comes with fresh fish and piping hot soup, both infused with addictive flavour. A local icon, Maxwell Food Centre is always abuzz with a crowd and its dishes, abuzz with flavour. Relocated from the now-demolished Margaret Drive Food Centre, Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum serves delicious Steamed Dumplings and Fried Dumplings (S$5.20 for 8 pieces), all made to order and arrived piping hot with an ample amount of well-marinated pork and chives. Try Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake if you want a savoury pick-me-up instead of a full meal. Their Oyster Cake (S$2.50) comes piping hot as fresh batches are made as the queue builds. Cuisine: French This Michelin Guide gem offers an elegant ambience, ideal for a refined dining experience. Indulge in French gourmet dining with dishes like Atlantic Crab Salad (S$48) and Miyazaki Wagyu Beef (S$88). Their Degustation Set Menu (S$148++) features the exquisite Poached Lobster and Homemade Duck Liver Terrine. Cuisine: Mediterranean small plates At Lolla, an industrial-chic interior provides an intimate setting, with counter seating offering views of the open kitchen. You'll spot Chef Johanne Siy creating her signature dishes such as Avocado with Smoked Eel Consommé and Tuna Belly '' . The seven- or nine-course tasting menus are available on Fridays and Saturdays, priced at S$148++ and S$188++, respectively. Cuisine: Modern Malaysian Recognised with a One Michelin Star and Singapore's first Michelin Green Star, Seroja exemplifies culinary excellence and sustainability as Chef Kevin Wong presents a refined interpretation of Malay Archipelago cuisine. His signature dishes include Mangrove Wood Charred Blue Lobster with Leaf Sauce and Betel Leaf Noodles with Mud Crab that are making my stomach grumble as I type. The Nusantara Dinner Menu (S$288++) is an immersive dining experience. Cuisine: Franco-Asian At Racines, the Franco-Asian culinary experience emphasises sustainability and local sourcing. Signature dishes include Chicken & Duck Mousse (S$28), Crispy Scale Red Snapper (S$42) and Prawn (S$36). The restaurant's elegant setting complements its innovative menu, matching Sofitel's modern Tanjong Pagar luxe. The Outpost's fun Sentosa vibe connects to nearby Vivocity Food Republic's wide variety, while nearby Sentosa hotels offer fine dining galore. Packages (~S$350/night) with breakfast suit young couples seeking a chic, food-filled island getaway. Set on Sentosa island, Outpost Hotel lacks hawker centres within a 10-15 minute walk, but VivoCity's Food Republic is a quick shuttle or taxi ride away. In the mood for noodles? GO Noodle House is the place to go. We recommend the deliciously-named Signature Bursting Meatball Noodles (S$12.90) and Fu Zhou Fish Ball Noodles (S$12.90), all starring their mixian noodles and the rich Superior Soup. Mr. Onigiri is a casual eatery that specialises in Okinawan-style onigiri, perfect snacks or as a light meal. Try the Spam with Cheese (S$4.90), Signature Melted Cheesy Crispy Chicken (S$6.90) and the outlet-exclusive Teriyaki Grilled Salmon (S$8.90). Cuisine: Italian Nestled in Capella Hotel Singapore and recognised in the MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2024, Fiamma, specialises in rustic Italian fare. You'll want to try the Polpette (S$28) and Tagliatelle al Ragù di Mare (S$58). The Gusto Tasting Menu (S$188++) offers a fuller experience. Cuisine: International buffet At The Kitchen Table in W Singapore on Sentosa Cove, diners can enjoy a diverse menu featuring dishes like the iconic Singapore Chilli Crab (S$58) and Char-Grilled Australian Ribeye (S$98). The restaurant is renowned for its Sunday Brunch Buffet (S$128++) where you can indulge in an extensive spread of international cuisine favourites as well as the fantastic view. Perched atop The Outpost Hotel, 1-V:U serenades diners (exclusively aged 12 and above) with a progressive Asian dining experience with dishes like Patty Melt (S$35) and Crispy Cauliflower Florets (S$11). The venue also features a rooftop infinity pool and offers sunset views over the Singapore Strait. A stay at The Clan Hotel in Clarke Quay unlocks access to Hong Lim Food Centre's laksa and pork noodles, plus The Coconut Club's nasi lemak and Ramen Keisuke's lobster ramen. Packages (~S$300/night) with breakfast suit riverside foodies seeking vibrant, diverse flavours. A Chinatown gem, Hong Lim is packed with Michelin-recognised stalls. One of them is Ji Ji Noodle House, one of Singapore's highest-rated wanton mee stalls and a Michelin Guide regular since 2016. There's always a queue but the ultra-loaded signature Ji Ji Signature Char Siew Wanton Noodle (S$4.50/S$5.50/S$6.50/S$8.50) is delicious and amazing value! A S$5.50 bowl comes with 6 wantons (3 fried, 3 boiled), bok choy, fried pork lard and a heap of char siew slices. A former Michelin Guide awardee and also very popular is Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee. The stall sells only its signature dish, Curry Chicken (S$6/S$7/S$8). The aromatic, full-bodied curry has just the right amount of lemak. The deboned chicken pieces are silky, tender and juicy and taste best when paired with the gravy and the house-made hae bee chilli. Cuisine: Japanese For fans of Japanese cuisine, especially ramen, Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King should be their first foodie stop. Experience its rich, creamy tonkotsu broth with the (S$11.90) or Black Spicy and Red Spicy (S$12.90). Flavoured eggs and seaweed come at S$2 and S$1, respectively but hard-boiled eggs and marinated bean sprouts are complimentary. Children aged 3–10 will enjoy a free bowl of Kids with every order of a regular bowl of ramen. Cuisine: Teochew Song Fa Kway Chap is a second-generation Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment for those who enjoy traditional braised delights. The Kway Chap Set for One (S$7.90) and Set for Two (S$14.90) are good starting points. For a more indulgent experience, try the Peppery Deluxe Set for Two (S$26.90). Additional sides include Braised Duck Rice starting from S$8.84, Braised Large Intestines at S$7.80 and Braised Pig's Skin for S$4.35. Known for its refined dining experience with panoramic city views, QĪN Restaurant & Bar creates contemporary Asian cuisine with a modern twist. Signature dishes include (S$48++), featuring angel hair pasta in a truffle-infused broth with tiger prawn. Their Angus Short Ribs (S$78++), slow-cooked and grilled over binchotan with satay espuma and sambal matah. The restaurant offers a 6-course degustation menu priced at S$98++ per person, showcasing a fusion of East-meets-West flavours. 12 best staycation packages Singapore has to offer in 2025 The post Best hotel food in & around Singapore's best hotels appeared first on
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
AlUla to host first Instagram Creators Summit in MENA
The ancient city of AlUla is poised to make history as it hosts the first-ever Instagram Creators Summit in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from April 20 to 22. The high-profile event highlights AlUla's growing global reputation as a hub for digital innovation, cultural tourism, and creative industries. The summit is being organised by global tech leader Meta, in strategic partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Kingdom's new national airline, Riyadh Air. Designed to spotlight the future of content creation in the digital age, the Instagram Creators Summit will gather dozens of top global social media influencers and digital content creators, collectively representing an audience of over 231 million followers worldwide. Attendees will take part in curated sessions featuring thought-provoking panel discussions, trend-focused keynote speeches, and expert-led conversations covering key themes such as artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation, influencer marketing strategies, platform optimisation, and the future of the creator economy. A central highlight of the event will be a deep dive into Meta AI, showcasing its latest tools and how they are revolutionising how creators generate content, drive engagement, and unlock monetisation opportunities. Creators will also benefit from interactive discussions with Meta's product managers and gain early access to new product developments designed to support next-generation content creation. Dedicated sessions will explore platform features and best practices for growth on Instagram and other Meta-owned platforms. AlUla, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site, will also lead important conversations on preserving cultural identity in an increasingly digital world. Creators will explore how storytelling, heritage, and local craftsmanship shape the authentic narratives of travel destinations, and how creators play a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism. As part of their immersive journey, attendees will experience AlUla's unmatched tourism offerings – from luxury resorts in AlUla like Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla, Dar Tantora The House Hotel, and The Chedi Hegra, to world-renowned heritage sites including Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla Old Town, and Madrasat Addeera in the vibrant AlJadidah Arts District. Through curated experiences in culture, wellness, adventure, and the arts, the summit aims to position AlUla as a premier destination for content creators and digital nomads, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia's vision to become a leading global centre for culture and innovation.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trumpets, guns, horses: northern Nigeria's Durbar ends Ramadan in style
Veiled women ululated as the blare of trumpets and booms of hunting guns filled the air, heralding the approach of the emir in a huge procession of horseback riders draped in colourful robes and turbans. Durbar, a festivities-filled procession held each Eid, saw Emir Hameem Nuhu Sunusi, of the Jigawa state capital Dutse, ride through his city as traditional leaders across the rest of Nigeria's Muslim-majority north did the same. In Dutse -- also the capital of the Dutse emirate -- the UNESCO-recognised fete had residents dressed to the nines as they lined the streets, raising clenched fists in homage to the emir amid drumming, singing and dancing by royal troupes and thousands of horsemen. Drenched in sweat, the troupes Monday danced to the drums in a frenzy, while royal guards dressed in their hallmark robes of red and green flanked the emir, seated on a white stallion under a blue parasol to shield him from the scorching west African sun. On Tuesday, the festivities marking the end of the austerity of Ramadan continue, with the emir making a tour of the city to meet residents. Durbar "spices up the Eid celebrations," spectator Awwal Adamu, a 27-year-old undergraduate said, one of the thousands in the throng. It also showcases Nigeria's rich cultural heritage -- often overshadowed by the north's myriad armed conflicts, Emir Sunusi told AFP afterwards in his palace. - Airing of grievances - Durbar takes place twice a year, on the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays celebrated worldwide in the Islamic calendar. The festival dates back to the 15th century, originating in Kano, the north's largest city. But this year, Sunusi stole the show from Kano, which cancelled its Durbar for the second time in a row due to a legal tussle between two rival royals contesting the emir's throne. Nigeria's traditional rulers have no constitutional powers but are important cultural custodians, wielding enormous influence that is crucial for politicians wishing to win election to the country's secular federal government. Monday's procession culminated with the governor, Umar Namadi, receiving the emir and his entourage outside his office -- as daring young men perched on gnarled boughs of baobab trees overlooking the pavilion to watch. Seated next to Namadi, Sunusi received homage from his 26 district heads, who took turns to greet the monarch by squatting on all fours in royal obeisance. Each contingent of the procession led by the district heads "has its own different system of decoration for the horses and the horse riders," Wada Alhaji, the chief of staff to the emir, told AFP. "The different displays showcase the rich diversity within the emirate." Durbar is not just a cultural festival -- it is also an avenue for the emir to lodge his people's complaints to the government. The emir told Namadi about the menace of erosion and flooding affecting some areas in the emirate, and the people's call on the government to expedite work on a new police training college. - Pride of the north - Dutse resident Khadija Ibrahim called the Durbar "the most interesting part of the Eid festivity". "I can't imagine the Eid without the Durbar," said the 45-year old-mother of eight. The event, which draws onlookers and well-wishers from across Nigeria, as well as foreign tourists, "is part of the things we are proud of", Emir Sunusi told AFP. "In lots of places when you talk about Nigeria, it is negative things that come to mind," the 46-year-old monarch said. "I feel we are not judged fairly." Sunusi said he hopes the Durbar can change the negative perception of Nigeria abroad and help attract more tourists who would be able to see the "good people, peace-loving, honest people" of the country's north, where the rural hinterlands have been beset by years of armed conflict. Durbar, added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, tells a fuller, more complex story of the north. "Once UNESCO recognises you it means you will be known all across the world," Sunusi said. "This will help us a lot in making other people know us more." abu/nro/kjm
