Majestic Bengal: Top 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Explore in West Bengal!

West Bengal’s culture is both fascinating and extensive. Several monarchies, including the Palas, Guptas, Senas, Mughals, and British governed Bengal’s area. Each of these kingdoms left an impression on the region’s architecture and civilization, which combined to create Bengal’s diverse legacy. West Bengal’s rich artistic heritage demands extensive research from the state’s north to south. This state of India is rich in attractions, ranging from the snow-covered mountains seen from Darjeeling to Indo-Islamic buildings and terracotta shrines to the contemporary metropolis of Kolkata, which blends history and modernity. So, here are the top 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore in West Bengal. Santiniketan, an internationally recognized educational hub, ranks among the top tourist destinations in West Bengal. Maharshi Debendranath Tagore constructed it in the 19th century’s second half, where individuals, irrespective of religion and caste, could visit and spend time comfortably indulging in meditation. After a few years, Santiniketan was branched out by the Maharshi’s son, beloved & renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. He was the prime character of the Bengali Renaissance, whose idea brought forth Visva-Bharati, an educational hub today. The ashram region of Santiniketan includes the magnificent stained glass mandir, Dinantika, Patha-Bhavana, Singha-Sadan, and more. Nestled between the verdant tea estates of Kurseong and Kalimpong and the snow-covered slopes of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling and its sister districts provide an outstanding exploration of West Bengal’s rich cultural legacy. The first amazing toy train to catch the public’s attention was the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which debuted in 1879 and 1881. This toy train ride was made even more spectacular by the Indian Railway’s 2-foot narrow-gauge railway track. Reaching more than 7,000 feet in altitude, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the globe’s oldest and longest railroad, making it one of the most popular things in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was inducted into the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1999. It’s a Tiger Reserve, and a leading Biosphere Reserve situated on West Bengal’s Ganges Delta. Being the most substantial estuarine mangrove jungle globally, along with India’s ancient and most prominent national parks, Sundarban National Park boasts a wide array of reptiles, birds, aquatic creatures. It was recognized as a National Park in 1984, but in 1987, it got the UNESCO World Heritage Site appellation. If you belong to West Bengal or are thinking about traveling here soon, these are the top 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to dive into the state’s culture.

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Technology

Future of Augmented Reality – 3 Absolute Trends to Experience

Consider these 3 augmented reality trends that are predicted to be significant in 2024 and discover how each one could benefit your company. Remote contacts are growing essential for enterprises in all competitive domains, including the healthcare and manufacturing industries. Augmented reality programs can help with distant conversations by allowing workers on the project location to see what collaborators are discussing through software-generated graphics. Experts are able to develop online tools for immediate assistance. Companies that employ complicated processes in remote areas may benefit from AR-based remote communications. One of the best instances of this is the use of cryogenic processes in petroleum refineries, where regulating the temperature is essential. AR can offer crucial reaction responses when employees are on the job field and run against issues that call for expert help. Although AR/VR headsets have been popular, AR glasses are now an important fashion accessory. Monopolies such as Apple have already begun developing distinctive augmented reality experiences for glasses that will be available by the end of 2025. AR glasses are currently considered one of the most significant developments in Augmented Reality due to growing interest in the wearable industry. With a compound annual growth rate of 13.37%, Technavio projects that the global market for AR/VR smart glasses will exceed $6.21 billion by 2026. One of the leading use cases that make AR glasses a major AR trend is an interactive tool for distance education. Smartphone augmented reality applications initially served as merely entertaining toys. Google anticipates providing updates for its augmented reality app, ARCore, for Android users this year. The basis for future developments builds on the existing geospatial API with the release of Streetscape Geometry in 2022. This feature, with a radius of 100 meters, allows accessibility to the geometry of the nearby buildings and landscape. This makes it possible for app developers to create augmented reality apps that let consumers interact with the environment and artifacts. That brings us to our most anticipated developments for 2024 in the digital realm of augmented reality. Get ready for some entertaining AR characters, stay up for updates and forthcoming innovations in the smart spectacles, and acclimate yourself to the usage of augmented reality technological advances in education this year.

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Technology

A New iPhone Owner? 4 Must-have Gadgets to Buy!

Have you recently purchased the latest iPhone or any previous versions? You can multitask now if you have the most appropriate gadgets on hand! But what are those gadgets? Before getting acquainted with the must-have accessories, you must know the time of the year has already arrived, subsequent iPhone speculations have started, and iPhone lovers are anticipating the latest features. As the device upgrades, so do its related gadgets! Although you can conduct several things with your iPhone, these 4 essential gadgets can make your life hassle-free. It’s one of the most crucial accessories for the iPhone that simplifies your life. This case charger helps keep your smartphone and earbuds together when charging them concurrently. Or else, you may be able to charge those devices isolatedly, thanks to the two different modes. If you have recently purchased an iPhone 15, this moment case is the best gadget to acquire due to its stylish appearance and its ability to work with Moment lenses. With this moment case for iPhone 15, you can protect your latest investment. It provides defense against scratches and impact and a tight grip. Wondering what’s more? Because of a unique TPU mix that combines shock absorption, grip, and durability against scratches, it keeps your iPhone 15 secure. Furthermore, T-Series lenses work well with the case. Keeping your iPhone’s battery fully charged is simple when you use this charging cable. This device provides your iPhone with 7.5 W of power, which is specified on our list of essential iPhone gadgets for everyday use. Additionally, the magnetic attachment is straightforward to use and secures the device in the proper location. This is another iPhone 15’s gadget that protects the videos you will capture shake-free and smooth. With this premium gadget, you can now capture shake-free videos as this compact & foldable stabilizer fits comfortably in your palm and even launches when unfolded. To take pictures from exciting angles, make use of the integrated extension rod. Moreover, the three-axis stabilization produces seamless, fluid material for on-the-go watching. These are the top 4 must-have iPhone gadgets to buy now if you have recently purchased this remarkable device from Apple. Like this article? Share with your techie mates today!

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Automobile

Hero MotoCorp Unveils Exciting Lineup at Hero World Event

In a spectacular showcase of innovation and style, Hero MotoCorp, the renowned Indian brand, has recently rolled out two new motorcycles, along with a special limited edition version of the iconic Karizma. The Hero World event, graced by the presence of Chairman Dr. Pawan Munjal, Hero MotoCorp, also featured an impressive display of electric vehicle fleets, signaling the brand’s commitment to embracing sustainable mobility. Leading the charge is the Hero Maverick 440, a bike that resembles to the Harley Davidson X440 platform. Drawing inspiration from the iconic American brand, the Maverick boasts a strikingly similar style. Powered by a 440cc oil-cooled engine, reminiscent of H-D, this motorcycle differentiates itself with a telescopic fork in the front, setting it apart from the H-D X440. Going head-to-head with formidable competitors like the Triumph 400X and Bajaj Dominar 400, the Maverick is poised to make waves in the market. In a strategic move into the premium 125cc segment, Hero introduced the Xtreme 125R. Priced at Rs 95,900 ex-showroom for the base variant, the Xtreme 125R promises a thrilling ride with its 125cc engine, optional ABS, all-LED lighting, and 37mm telescopic forks from Showa. Targeting the dominance of the TVS Raider 125, Hero aims to carve its niche in this competitive segment. Adding a touch of exclusivity, Hero revealed the Commemorative Edition of the Karizma XMR, limited to only 100 units. Scheduled for delivery starting July 2024, this special edition pays tribute to the 100th birth anniversary of Hero’s founder, Brijmohan Lall Munjal. Boasting carbon fiber panels, Ohlins suspensions, and an Akrapovic exhaust, the Karizma XMR CE is a collector’s dream. Not to be outdone, Hero’s subsidiaries showcased their prowess. Vida presented the Sway, a trike still in its conceptual phase, featuring a tadpole configuration. In the commercial vehicle department, Hero unveiled the Surge S32 convertible vehicle—a three-wheeler that can transform into a two-wheeler EV in just a few minutes, offering versatility for various transportation needs.

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Automobile

Hero Motorsports and TVS Racing Emerged as Triumphant Forces at the Dakar 2024

When the word “rallying” echoes, the Dakar Rally takes center stage in our minds. This grueling and challenging odyssey spanning 8000km across the vast landscapes of Saudi Arabia came to a thrilling conclusion on January 19. This year’s Dakar Rally held special significance for India, as the tricolor flag proudly fluttered multiple times on the winner’s podium. Embarking on a two-week-long adventure that kicked off at Alula in the heart of the Arabian Desert and traversed through the challenging terrains until Shubaytah, the rally finally wrapped up back in Yanbu. The race featured diverse categories such as Bikes, Cars, Trucks, and Quads, unfolding across 12 stages, each averaging about 600km. An official timekeeper diligently recorded the times for every participant, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. In the Bike category, India was represented by two formidable teams: Hero Motorsports Team Rally and Sherco TVS Rally Factory. The Hero Motorsport Team Rally, with riders like Ross Branch, Joan Barreda Bort, Sebastian Buhler, and Joaquim Rodrigues, showcased stellar performances. Ross Branch, in particular, shone brightly, consistently securing top 10 positions in multiple stages and claiming the top spot on Rally stage 10. This stellar performance propelled Hero Motorsports to a commendable second place overall in the fiercely contested Bike category. While Hero Motorsports carved its niche in Rally 1 Class, TVS Racing made waves in Rally 2 Class. Backed by TVS Racing, Harith Noah demonstrated unwavering consistency throughout the season. His triumph in stage 10 marked a historic moment for Indian motorsport, as he became the first Indian rider to clinch a stage in the Dakar Rally. Harith Noah then took charge in Rally 2 Class during stage 12, ultimately securing victory and etching his name as the first Indian to conquer Rally 2 Class. In the Bike category, he finished a commendable 11th overall. As the dust settles on the Dakar 2024, Hero Motorsports and TVS Racing stand tall as flag bearers of Indian motorsport excellence, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in the world of rallying.

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Automobile

A ‘MINI’ Saga: From Timeless Design to Luxury Icon

In the intriguing world of automobiles, Alec Issigonis, the visionary mind behind MINI, once boldly declared, “In two years, your car will become outdated, much like a lady’s clothing. My car will remain in vogue even beyond my lifetime.” Little did he know that these words would echo through time, encapsulating the fascinating journey of MINI, a brand that evolved into an icon spanning generations. The tale of MINI commences against the backdrop of the infamous Suez Canal Crisis, a pivotal moment in history that led Great Britain to ration petrol. Faced with this challenge, the British motoring industry yearned for a solution—enter Alec Issigonis, commissioned by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) to craft a fuel-efficient, nimble, and stylish car for four. Legend has it that Alec sketched the initial Mini design on a humble napkin tissue in a hotel, envisioning a timeless, boxy aesthetic distinct from the prevailing curvy bubble-style cars like the Fiat 500. In 1959, the Mini made its grand entrance with an 850cc engine borrowed from the Morris Minor, boasting a top speed of 116kmph. Crafted with custom tires from Dunlop for small-sized rims, exposed door hinges, and a surprisingly spacious boot, the Mini quickly became a sensation. Yet, its introduction coincided with the resolution of the Suez Crisis, compelling BMC to pivot and recalibrate strategies for market relevance. The plot thickens with the arrival of John Cooper, principal of the renowned John Cooper Works F1 team, who collaborated with Mini to birth the iconic Mini Cooper. Enhanced engines, suspensions, and chassis catapulted the Mini Cooper to victory in prestigious races like the Rallye de Monte Carlo, establishing MINI as a force in motorsport. Transitioning from a fuel-efficient family car to a style statement, the Mini found favour among celebrities like The Beatles and even graced the screens in popular shows and films like Mr. Bean and the Italian Job. However, success came at a cost, as BMC faced financial woes with every Mini sold, leading to bankruptcy and eventual acquisition by the BMW Group. Under the stewardship of BMW, the original Mini production ceased, making way for the grand unveiling of the new and luxurious Mini Cooper in 2002. The pivot proved successful, and today, Mini stands tall as a premium brand within the BMW Group. While larger in size (Contradicting the name and initial intention of Mini), Mini has seamlessly transitioned into the realm of luxury, offering a diverse lineup including models like the Countryman, Cooper, Cooper SE, and JCW.

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Automobile

McLaren 750S Unleashed on Indian roads

When McLaren is uttered, the mind instantly conjures images of raw performance and a legacy etched in the victories of Formula 1 and Le Mans. In 2022, India experienced the arrival of McLaren’s prowess with the launch of the 720S, GT, and Artura. Now, breaking fresh ground, McLaren has brought the thunderous McLaren 750S to the Indian automotive stage. Making its global debut in April last year, the introduction of the McLaren 750S to Indian roads adds an exciting new chapter to the country’s supercar narrative. Beneath the hood, this automotive masterpiece is propelled by a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering an astounding 750PS and a torque of 800Nm – hence the moniker 750S. As the lightest McLaren series production car, weighing a mere 1389kg, it promises an exhilarating and agile ride. The performance metrics of the McLaren 750S read like a thrilling saga. Accelerating from 0 to 100kmph in a mere 2.8 seconds, reaching 200kmph in just 7.2 seconds, and boasting a top speed of an impressive 332kmph, it stands as a testament to McLaren’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of speed and agility. Yet, in the realm of high-performance vehicles, tremendous power necessitates precision control. The 750S features a braking system that is a work of art – equipped with carbon ceramic brakes boasting six-piston aluminium callipers in the front and four-piston aluminium callipers in the rear. This configuration ensures a jaw-dropping stopping distance from 100kmph to 0 in a mere 30 meters. Essentially succeeding the acclaimed 720S, the McLaren 750S arrives in India in both Spider and Coupe variants. For those ready to embrace the allure of this powerhouse, the base model of the McLaren 750S comes with a price tag that will set you back by Rs 5.91 Crore. Positioned as a direct rival to the Ferrari 296 GTB, the McLaren 750S beckons automotive enthusiasts to revel in the epitome of speed, craftsmanship, and technological prowess.

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Destination Travel

Thrilling Wildlife Safari Destinations In India To Explore This Winter

India, with its diverse landscapes, stands out as a mesmerising home of wildlife. From majestic Bengal tigers to numerous species of birds and reptiles, the wildlife safari continues to thrill adventurers from all over the world. When everything is charmingly soaked in winter spell, these parks pave the way for thrillingly unforgettable experiences. Here’s a list of wildlife safari destinations to explore in this fantastical winter. Gir National Park, Gujarat Gir National Park, located in the Western Gujarat, is a breathtaking sanctuary that spreads over an area of 1412 Square kilometres. This sprawling park with its carpeted floor of grass, hills and harmonious river, is a haven of wide varieties of mammals like sloth bears, wild boars, chinkara ,sambar deer etc…The majestic Asiatic lion is the greatest treasure of this Park. Sunderban National Park, West Bengal This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out as the world’s largest mangrove forest. Sundarban situated in West Bengal, is a mysteriously captivating environment brimming with mangroves and waterways, and the whimsical sounds of nature wrap one in the warmth of meditative feeling. There’s nothing more magnificently thrilling than spotting big cats. Sundarban is best known for being the abode of Bengal tigers. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu Mudumalai nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu is another magnificently thrilling destination that offers both jeep and elephant safaris. Amid the valleys and grasslands, one can spot Bengal tigers to wide varieties of birds. From floor carpeted in orchids to tall teak trees, this place also serves an abode of around 600 species of plants. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand Jim Corbett is a breathtaking destination for adventure enthusiasts where one can experience jeep safari to spot from the majestic Bengal tigers to birds. Visitors can also embark on a unique journey by hopping on a giant elephant to witness the treasures of Jim Corbett. From wild eagles to colourful parrots, the park is a perfect place for bird watchers. Periyar National Park, Kerala Periyar National Park nestled in the district of Idukki and Pathanamthitta of Kerala is such a picturesque destination that offers both jungle and boat safari. The Periyar lake, the main attraction of this park, makes it an adrenaline-inducing experience for visitors. The place serves as a home of elephants, tigers, sambar deer, Indian bison and numerous species of birds and reptiles.

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Entertainment

“Frankenstein” to “It Ends With Us”: Most Anticipated Book-to-Movie Adaptations Coming in 2024

If you’re a book geek, there’s nothing more delightfully exciting than seeing your favourite book coming to life. Literature, the fountain of ideas, has been inspiring movies to garner enormous success for years. From the classic gothic Frankenstein to contemporary romance It Ends With Us, this year is set to storm with the most anticipated book-to-screen adaptations. Here’s a list of movies to add to your watchlist. Frankenstein Frankenstein, a classic gothic written by Marry Wollstonecraft Shelley in 1818, is about an ingenious scientist named Victor who gave life to a humanoid. Unfortunately, the humanoid turned out to be a horrifyingly hideous creature to everyone including Victor rather than the perfect specimen he imagined to make. Taking this gothic as an inspiration, Zelda Williams has carved a movie titled Lisa Frankenstein with a blend of horror and romance. The movie revolves around the protagonist’s spooky adventure with her crush who’s a reanimated corpse. Release Date: 9 February 2024 Orion And The Dark Orion And The Dark by Emma Yarlett is a children’s book about a boy named Orion who lives in a box full of irrational fears from fear of bees to waves. The story thrills readers when Orion gets visited by his worst fear “dark” to embark on a wonderful adventure. This book is adapted into a movie by Sean Charmatz, exciting the readers all around the world to see the animated, coloured version of words. Release Date: 2 February 2024 The Idea Of You The Idea of you, a contemporary romance by Robinne Lee published in 2017, tells an emotional tale of an age-gap relationship, blended with pathos and humour. The story highlights the aching reality of aged women’s position in society and the dark side of being a celebrity. Michael Showalter’s yet-to-release The Idea of You starring Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway is based on this book. Release Date: 2 May 2024 It Ends With Us It Ends With Us is a contemporary hit by Colleen Hoover published in 2016. From growing up in an abusive atmosphere to being trapped in another doomed romance, the book portrays the theme of toxic relationships, and the protagonist’s struggle to break the vicious circle of domestic violence. The yet-to-release movie starring Blake Lively as Lily, Justin Baldoni as Ryle and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas is being directed by Justin Baldoni. Release Date: 21 June 2024

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Technology

Chrome M121: Three Generative AI Features for Easy Browsing

Google has unveiled pathbreaking AI features with the latest release of Chrome M121. These experimental AI features not only pave the way for easy and smooth browsing but also make it compellingly personalised. Tab Organiser, AI-Generated Themes and Help Me Write are the three cutting-edge features uncovered by Google in its fierce competition against the tech giant like Safari. This trio of AI-infused features will be initially available for US users’ Chrome (for Macs and Windows PCs). Tab Organiser and AI Generated themes will arrive within a few days, but Help Me Write will be available from next month only. Inorder to get access to these features, one must go to the Settings page and manually flip on the “Experimental AI”. Tab Organiser With Tab organiser, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed with too many tabs open when juggling with different things. This new feature will suggest and help you sort tabs into groups. All you need to do is click “Organise similar tabs”, and it’ll organise tabs based on topics. For example, all open tabs related to planning trips might come together, and Chrome might even suggest a name like “Holiday Planner” or emoji of map, making it easy for you to go back later. AI-Generated Themes This AI-Generated Themes feature was already introduced in Android 14 and Pixel 8 devices. This year, Google is extending this feature to Chrome with an aim to make it compellingly personalised while browsing. All you need to do is to visit the “Customise Chrome” side panel, select “Change Theme”and click “Generate with AI”. Users can instruct AI to generate themes by selecting the subject and other details from colour to style. Help Me Write This feature will help users draft text from writing product reviews to formal and informal emails. Users can right-click on any text box or field anywhere on any site and click “Help Me Write”. Just typing a few words about what you are looking forward to writing will kickstart the AI writing process for you. This Help Me Write feature will make writing effortless as well as help users save time.

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