If you’re from the 90s, you will definitely remember the iconic Nokia 3310, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon after it arrived on the market in September 2000. It was the start of Nokia’s dominance in the mobile phone market. Its blend of durability, simplicity, and groundbreaking features set it apart from its contenders and secured its place as one of the most beloved mobile phones of all time.
Origin of Nokia 3310
The Nokia 3310 was created as the successor to the popular Nokia 3210, aiming to improve its design and functionality while maintaining user-friendliness. It was designed for a broad audience, from tech enthusiasts to first-time mobile phone users, offering innovative features and reliable performance. The 3310 was meant to be a robust, straightforward device accessible to people of all ages, aligning with Nokia’s strategy to make mobile communication affordable and reliable. Its design highlighted simplicity and durability, making it suitable for users needing a sturdy everyday phone.
Revolutionizing the Market
The Nokia 3310 was a game-changer in the mobile phone industry with its exceptional battery life, offering up to 200 hours of standby time and 10 hours of talk time. It also introduced customizable ringtones and screensavers, making it personal. The user-friendly menu system and T9 predictive text input technology made it easy and efficient to use. Its compact, ergonomic design and interchangeable covers added a stylish touch, allowing users to express their individuality.
A Benchmark for Durability
The most legendary aspect of the Nokia 3310 is its durability. It became infamous for its ability to withstand drops and rough handling without damage, earning it a reputation as virtually indestructible. The 3310’s ruggedness was a major selling point, appealing to many users. Its durability extended its lifecycle, keeping many 3310s operational long after other phones became obsolete. This longevity made the 3310 a cost-effective and dependable device, contributing to its cult status.
My Nostalgic Journey
Looking back, my own memories with the Nokia 3310 are filled with nostalgia and a sense of simpler times. I still remember the excitement of customizing my phone with different-coloured covers and setting my favourite ringtone. It was a new and thrilling process at the time. Text messaging felt like a novelty, and I spent numerous hours perfecting the art of typing with T9 predictive text.
I remember playing “Snake II” and “Space Impact” after reaching home from college, trying to beat my own high score and the satisfaction that came from a game well played. The Nokia 3310 wasn’t just a phone but a companion that connected me with my friends and family. Today, when I see the sleek, feature-packed smartphones of the modern era, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the simplicity and reliability of the Nokia 3310. Its role in shaping my early experiences with mobile technology remains a cherished part of my personal history.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Nokia 3310, with over 126 million units sold, is a cultural icon and one of the best-selling phones of all time. Its games and user-friendly features made it famous, and in 2017, Nokia released a modernized version to capitalize on its nostalgic appeal. The Nokia 3310 set new standards for reliability, user-friendliness, and durability, deeply impacting the mobile phone industry. It remains one of the most iconic and best-loved mobile phones ever produced.
Well, you are in the market looking to upgrade your gadgets to meet your needs and fit your budget of ₹35000. In that case, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the suitable gadget that delivers exceptional performance, impressive features, and great value for your money. I’m here with the best suggestions to help you find the gadget of your dreams that will make your life easier.
Nothing Phone 2(a)
Price: ₹22999
The Nothing Phone 2a is an affordable smartphone that delivers excellent value for money. It has a sleek and durable design, a powerful processor, ample RAM, and sufficient storage capacity, ensuring a smooth multitasking experience. The vibrant display with crisp visuals is perfect for watching videos or browsing the web, and the camera setup captures stunning photos and videos. The battery life is commendable, and the regular software updates from Nothing enhance the user experience. One of the major highlights of this phone is its transparent back and LED lighting, which enhances its appearance. Overall, the Nothing Phone 2a is the top choice for those on this budget seeking a reliable, feature-packed smartphone.
OnePlus Buds 3
Price: ₹5499
The OnePlus Buds 3 are the best TWS earbuds in this budget range. These amazing earbuds offer top-of-the-line audio quality, advanced noise-cancellation technology, and comfortable usage for hours. You’ll never miss a beat with their incredible battery life and lightning-fast charging. The seamless connectivity means you can pair them with any Bluetooth-enabled device to enjoy uninterrupted playback wherever you go. All of this is wrapped up in a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. Take advantage of the OnePlus Buds 3 – the perfect choice for smart consumers who demand the best in wireless headphones.
StuffCool Nomad
Price: ₹4299
The packaging of Nothing Phone 2(a) does not include a charger, which means you need to have a charger to power up your phone and TWS before heading out to enjoy the technology. The Nomad GaN charger is an excellent option for this purpose, with a massive power output of 102W available from three ports. It also comes with three interchangeable plugs, making it suitable for use in over 100 countries. The Nomad can provide up to 100W of power from a single type C port, making it capable of charging most smartphones and laptops. Additionally, it supports Super-Fast Charging for flagship Nothing phones and other smartphones.
India has become an essential player in the global electronics market, especially when it comes to manufacturing televisions. Few companies have their own manufacturing unit, but Thomson stands out for its remarkable progress. Under Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of Super Plastronics Private Limited(SPPL), had an exclusive brand licensee of Thomson in India. The company’s success is attributed to its focus on innovation, quality, and scalability while producing a wide range of televisions that cater to diverse consumer preferences, including LED and QLED TVs. I recently visited the Thomson Factory, where I gained insight into TV manufacturing in India, showcasing the journey from raw materials to finished products.
Upon entering the factory premises, the first impression was the organized chaos, with machinery humming, workers bustling about, and raw materials stacked neatly in designated areas. The tour began with an overview of the manufacturing process, starting from the assembly line where the various components of the TVs come together.
The assembly line is a carefully orchestrated dance of human and machine, with each worker assigned a specific task, such as placing components, attaching screens, and quality control checks. It was fascinating to witness the precision and efficiency with which the workers operated, ensuring that each TV met the highest quality standards.
One of the main highlights was observing the skilled labour force in action. The TVs are assembled at various stations going through a roller belt. Each section had specific tasks, such as attaching backlight LEDs, panels, installing motherboards, WiFi and conducting inspections. The integration of components tracking technology in the manufacturing process increased efficiency and reduced the margin of error, resulting in the production of high-quality products.
As we walked through the assembly line, we witnessed the transformation of raw materials into sleek and beautiful televisions. The factory produces TVs ranging from 32 inches to 75 inches, catering to different market segments. The process for manufacturing LED and QLED TVs follows a similar path, after which specialized techniques are employed for QLED panels to test picture quality and colour accuracy.
Quality control is a crucial requirement in the manufacturing process, with strict measures in place to ensure that every TV meets the highest standards. Random spot checks are conducted at various stages of production to ensure the quality is maintained. This commitment to quality is reflected in the final products, with TVs made in India gaining recognition for their reliability and performance. Moreover, during our visit, we saw a machine with a complete TV unit placed on it to test its ability to withstand the bumpy Indian roads while delivering the products across the country.
The tour ended with a glimpse into the SPPL warehouse, where rows upon rows of fully packaged TVs were neatly stacked and organized. It was an impressive sight, with each TV is ready for delivery across India. The warehouse was bustling with activity as workers were busy preparing the items for shipment, ensuring they were properly secured and labelled for their final destinations. It was clear that SPPL took great care in delivering their products to their customers, and seeing their dedication firsthand was truly inspiring.
Overall, the factory visit provided valuable insights into the complexities of TV manufacturing in India. Every aspect of the process, from the assembly line to the fully assembled package units, is geared towards producing high-quality televisions that compete in India. With a focus on innovation, automation, and sustainability, Thomson TVs will continue significantly contributing to the electronics industry.
In this world, every moment can be a story waiting to be told. However, capturing those precious moments can be challenging, as, by the time you take out your phone camera, the moment may have already passed. That’s where the Ray-Ban Meta glasses come in. These glasses are powered by Meta and beautifully crafted by Ray-Ban, offering a stylish combination of fashion and technology.
At first glance, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses look like a stylish pair of sunglasses, but they are actually packed with technology. With a camera to capture any moment and a speaker that eliminates the need for headphones, this device is automatically connected once you put on the glasses.
The sound quality of the glasses is impressive, and you can listen to music or take phone calls without needing headphones. One of the remarkable features of the glasses is that you can capture precious moments with just a click or long press to capture a video. Once you capture the moment, it can be transferred immediately to your paired phone.
The sunglasses have an inbuilt 12-megapixel camera that allows you to capture high-quality video footage at 1080p resolution. The camera can record videos for up to 60 seconds, making it perfect for capturing events or creating short clips. Despite the size of the lens packed into the sunglasses, the quality of the video footage captured is impressive and comparable to that of larger cameras. You can confidently capture your favourite moments without compromising on quality.
These glasses have an advanced feature that sets them apart from all other glasses in the market, which is the inclusion of Meta AI. This means you can easily use them to ask questions and get immediate answers. For example, you could ask, “What am I looking at?” and the glasses will quickly reply with a concise answer. You could also ask about the current weather or time, and the Meta AI will instantly provide you with the information you need. With this feature, these glasses are not just a mere fashion accessory but a powerful tool that can help you stay informed and connected with the world.
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are an exceptional blend of style and technology, making them a popular choice among fashion enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals. These glasses are sleek and modern, crafted with high-quality materials that ensure durability and comfort. The advanced technology in these glasses offers a range of features, including polarized lenses that provide crystal-clear vision and protection against harmful UV rays. Additionally, the glasses feature an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and enhances visual clarity. All in all, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are a perfect accessory for anyone who wants to make a fashion statement while enjoying the benefits of cutting-edge technology.
As we welcome the new year and bid farewell to the old, it’s time to prepare for an enhanced gaming experience. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or just starting out, this New Year’s gift list has covered you with the latest gaming gadgets. Get ready to make your gaming escapades extraordinary with these must-have products.
PlayStation VR2
Price: ₹57,999
Take your gaming experience to the next level with the PlayStation VR2. Get immersed in stunning graphics, breathtaking virtual worlds, and 3D audio that will make you feel right in the heart of the action. Whether you’re into epic adventures or heart-pumping thrills, the PS VR2 is a game-changer for any PlayStation enthusiast.
ASUS TUF Gaming F15
Price: ₹74,990
Take your gaming on the go with the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 laptop. With high-performance hardware and a sleek design, this gaming laptop is ready for action wherever you go. Whether you prefer intense multiplayer battles or solo quests, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 delivers a smooth gaming experience with powerful graphics and lightning-fast processing.
Ambrane Wireless Gaming Controller
Price: ₹1,999
Cut the cords and embrace freedom with the Ambrane Wireless Gaming Controller. This controller is designed for comfort and precision, becoming an extension of your gaming prowess. With customizable buttons and a reliable wireless connection, you’ll easily dominate the gaming battlefield.
Sony INZONE H5 Headset
Price: ₹19,990
The Sony INZONE H5 Headset is the perfect companion for the ultimate gaming experience. You can precisely listen to every footstep, explosion, and dialogue with high-quality sound and noise-cancelling technology. Comfortable for long gaming sessions, this headset ensures you stay fully immersed in your favourite games without missing a beat.
Redgear A-15 Wired Gaming Mouse
Price: ₹799
The Redgear A-15 Wired Gaming Mouse is a must-have for gamers who demand precision and speed. This mouse is engineered for optimal performance with customizable DPI settings, programmable buttons, and a sleek design. Take control of your gaming destiny and outmanoeuvre your opponents with this gaming essential.
You can’t say you haven’t heard the name Disney. The mass media and entertainment conglomerate has been in the show business for about 100 years, and thanks to its iconic cartoon character ‘Mickey Mouse’, who helped them become a household name throughout the globe. The company was founded by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney on October 16, 1923, with the name Disney Brothers Studio.
Laugh-O-Gram
Disney Brothers Studios wasn’t the first company co-founded by Walt Disney. Before Disney, he started a film studio, Laugh-O-Gram, with his friend and animator Ub Iwerks. In here, Walt made a short film called ‘Alice in Wonderland, the first in his series of famous Alice Comedies. The company went bankrupt, but the short became a hit after New York film distributor Margaret J. Winkler bought it.
Walt Before Mickey
Walt’s fate changed when he got a contract to create six Alice Comedies series, but before signing it up, he decided to move from Kansas City to Hollywood. He convinced his business associate Iwerks to move, and he agreed due to the then circumstances – Walt’s brother, Roy, was recovering from tuberculosis there, and he wanted to become a live-action film director.
In 1926, the first ever official studio was established at Hyperion Avenue,and it was named Walt Disney Studio. Margaret J. Winkler, the distributor of the Alice Comedies series, handed over the distribution work to her husband, Charles Mintz. The relation between Walt and Charlez wasn’t going well, as Walt wanted to move away from the mixed format to all animation.
In 1927, Charlez decided to start a new series of films under the distribution of Universal Pictures. He asked Walt to create a new character, and as a result, along with Iwerks, he created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, one of the peppiest artworks from the studio. Later on, Charlez decided to reduce fees of Walt instead of raising them, and it became the reason Walt backed out with Iwerks.
The Birth of Mickey Mouse
Walt lost the rights to Oswald’s character in 1928, and to conquer that, he co-created a new character who resembled Oswald in appearance, Mickey Mouse, one of the most famous cartoon characters in the world. The world thinks that Walt Disney is the man who created Mickey Mouse, but it was actually his best friend, Ub Iwerks, who designed the cartoon in 1928.
Mickey is the offspring of two fathers, Walt – the known father and Iwerks – the father who never got the limelight. Mickey is an anthropomorphic mouse who usually wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. He is one of the world’s most recognisable fictional characters of all time, and his calm personality is inspired by the character of Champ, portrayed by Charlie Chaplin in many silent films.
The Gutsy Move by Walt Disney
After the formation of Mickey Mouse and enjoying the success of movies from the Silly Symphonies series, Walt decided to make Disney’s first-ever feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. When Walt decided to go for a realistic approach to make the film, his brother Roy warned him by saying it would bankrupt the studio.
However, Disney decided to trust his guts and created scenes from the movie as if they were live-action. It took Disney three years to make the movie, as the budget lifted from $0.15 million to $1.5 million. The gutsy move helped the movie to become the highest-grossing film of all time; it collected around $8 million at the box office, equivalent to $150,796,296 in 2021.
La La Disneyland
The idea of creating an amusement park came into Walt Disney’s mind when he visited Griffith Park with his daughters, Diane and Sharon. While watching them ride the merry-go-round, he started thinking about the idea of a place where adults and their children could have fun together, and the answer to his question resulted in him constructing Disneyland.
The Halt of a Walt
Walt Disney Studio and the other ventures associated with the company made Walt Disney one of the most popular personalities in the world. The pioneer of the American animation industry died on 15th December 1966 after a month-long fight with lung cancer. He was the first to be nominated for Academy Awards in six categories, and throughout his career, he won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations.
The Disney Renaissance
After the death of Walt Disney, the company continued making live-action films but almost abandoned the animation industry until the late 1980s when the “Disney Renaissance” began with the 1989 released movie – The Little Mermaid. The Renaissanceperiod was from 1989 to 1999, when the company produced critically and commercially successful animated films, mostly musical adaptations of well-known stories.
Valuation
Assets: US$203.63 billion (2022)
With over 2,00,000 employees, Disney’s current* net worth is about $98.88 billion.
Television and Entertainment Networks Owned by Disney
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
National Geographic Channel
ESPN (Disney owns an 80% stake)
A&E (50% equity holding with Hearst Corporation)
The History Channel (50% equity holding with Hearst Corporation)
Fusion TV
NBC Universal
Disney Junior
Disney Radio
Disney Channel
Streaming Services Owned by Disney
Disney+
ESPN+
Hulu
Hotstar
ABC+
Studios and Other Companies that Disney Owns
Pixar Animation Studios
Marvel Entertainment Inc
Caravan Pictures in Hollywood
Core Publishing
Walt Disney Studios
Vice Media (10% stake)
Lucasfilm Ltd
Hollywood Records
Theme Parks Owned by Disney
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Paris
Fantasy Land
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Mermaid Lagoon
American Waterfront
Mickey’s Toontown
Avengers Campus
Arendelle – World of Frozen
Image of Adventureland
Adventureland
Image of Liberty Square
Liberty Square
Image of American Waterfront
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Key People
Walt Disney, Founder
Roy O. Disney, Founder
Susan Arnold, Chairwoman
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer
7 Interesting Facts about Disney!
Before changing its name to the Walt Disney Company in 1986, the company operated under names like Disney Brothers Studio, Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions.
When Charlez threatened Walt to start his own studio and kept most of his animation staff with him, Iwerks was the only animator who remained with Walt.
Mickey Mouse was originally named Mortimer Mouse, but Walt’s wife urged him to change it to Mickey Mouse, and the rest is history.
Disneyland Park (previously Disneyland), a theme park constructed in 1955 in Anaheim, California, is the only park designed and constructed under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.
The Jungle Book (1967) was one of the last films Walt worked on, and it remained as Disney’s most successful film for the next two decades.
The actors who voiced Mickey (Wayne Allwine) and Minnie (Russi Taylor) began dating, and the cartoon romance became real life as they got married.
When Mickey Mouse turned 50, they put him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to celebrate his achievement in the entertainment industry. He was the first animated character to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Christmas has carols and Valentine’s Day has chocolates, however, Halloween simply would not be the spooky affair it is without horror movies. While the costumes and candies are definitely nice, scary movies to go with them add to the fun. Whenever October rolls around, there is no shortage of fun Halloween activities but the one for me is to curl up on the couch with a big bag of popcorn and immerse myself in movies that scare the living wit out of me. The list below is purely subjective and might miss out on some of your best horror film picks, forgive me for that. Whereas the idea of horror for me is not limited to spirits and evil forces as some psychological horrors are also noted in the list. Without further ado, here are some of the best scary films to watch this Halloween.
Get Out (2017)
2017’s Jordan Peele directorial debut Get Out is an oddly spine-chilling film. The director managed to merge two themes of horror and racism into a film that charts territories you cannot imagine. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) who goes to meet his girlfriend’s parents only to get trapped in a situation he never anticipated. The film’s subtle creepy hints toward the ultimate horrific reveal are what make it one of the best neo-horror films out there.
The Shining (1980)
I watched The Shining only back in 2020 not knowing it was a horror film! Watching Stanley Kubrick’s films are always a treat for cinephiles but this one with Jack Nicholson’s creepy performance makes it one of his best. The ‘Here’s Johnny’ moment from the film has been parodied and holds pop-culture value to this day which proves the film’s prominence. If you wish to watch a classic horror film this Halloween, The Shining should be your pick.
Hereditary (2018)
The film is definitely not the one for everyone, but if you’re someone who can stomach gruesome visuals and wild jumpscares, then go for Hereditary. The film revolves around a mother who loses her child and descends into madness. However, there’s a big twist here that I wouldn’t reveal. The film is sure to shock you with the falling family dynamics and horrifying moments.
Midsommar (2019)
From the same production house, A24, and the director of Hereditary came Midsommar in 2019. The film for sure is a slow burner where one doesn’t anticipate the steep left turn. But once the film goes ‘Goblin’ mode with its depiction of cults and their activities, it’s sure to spook you out. The twist ending is also something to take you by surprise.
The Conjuring (2013)
How does one talk about horror films and not include The Conjuring? The first film in the Conjuring universe is for sure one of the best horror films ever produced. The film was so successful that it enabled the studios to churn out spin-offs and sequels that are indeed successful. The film revolves around paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren who help protect a family from evil forces. The crux of The Conjuring films revolves around the same base of saving a haunted family, which is an effective formula to base a horror franchise in, to say the least. If you end up enjoying The Conjuring, make sure to check out the sequels as they are equally scary (The spin-offs can be skipped in my opinion)
IT (2017)
The original IT film based on Stephen King’s novel was surely creepy but the 2017 retelling of the story is more chilling. The film revolves around a severe-dwelling murderous clown who goes around creeping children out. The ‘They All Float Down Here’ line is surely iconic in cinema history and after watching the flick ‘You’ll Float Too’. However, the 2019 sequel with the ensemble of children all grown up can be skipped.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
The Paranormal Activity film surely made a fool out of me when I watched it as a kid. The found footage approach to filmmaking portraying a documentary-style horror film was an innovative outing. However, knowing that it is a scripted film as opposed to real people going through paranormal activities in their homes does break the illusion a little. Watch this film if you’re looking for a raw horror movie with little to no pretentious horror film tropes.
Devil (2010)
With a runtime of 80 minutes, M Night Shyamalan written Devil should definitely be on your horror binge list. The film revolves around five strangers getting stuck in an elevator and dying one by one. The film has a twisted reveal in the end that is tied up to Biblical teachings. Made on a budget of $10M, the film rake up a box office collection of $62.6 million, which should indicate how good this elevator horror film is.
When was the last time you looked up to check the time? Perhaps, when your mom asked you to check the time while you were busy watching comic fights between two lifelong enemies, Tom and Jerry. Good old days, huh? Now, come back fast to the present and think again.
Nowadays, we don’t look up to check the time as we have smartwatches, fitness trackers, laptops, smartphones and many more gadgets which show the time but back in the 19th century, everyone couldn’t afford to own a wristwatch and clock towers were the only option to check the time.
Big Ben, London, England – 1858
Big Ben, AKA Clock Tower, is situated in London, England, famous for its accuracy and massive bell. The tower was renamed Elizabeth tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The construction of the British cultural icon was completed in 1858, and currently, it is the 22nd tallest clock tower in the world.
The Clock tower is a British cultural icon, and only British citizens are allowed to enter the building. The 316 feet (96.3 m) tall tower is designed in Pugin’s Gothic Revival style, and its dials are 180 feet (54.9 m) above ground level. The tower adds beauty to the skyline and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 2012
At the height of 601 m (1,972 ft), the Makkah Clock Royal Tower is the fourth-tallest building and the sixth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. The clock tower is a part of an Abrāj al-Bayt, a government-owned complex of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The complex was constructed and completed in 2012 by the Saudi Binladin Group. The Abrāj al-Bayt complex is just a block away from the world’s largest mosque, the Great Mosque of Mecca. Currently, it is the world’s second most expensive building and has the tallest clock tower in the world.
Saint Mark’s Clock Tower, Venice, Italy – 1493
The culture, style of art and architecture developed during the Renaissance (during the 15th to 16th century) can’t be ignored even after 500+ years. The architectural masterpiece of 15th-century engineering, the St. Mark’s Clock Tower or Torre dell’Orologio, was designed by Maurizio Codussi and commissioned in 1493.
The clock tower is topped by two noteworthy bronze figures (the moors), which strike the hours on a bell. The clock on the building not only displays the time but also shows the dominant sign of the Zodiac and the phases of the moon. The clock tower was restored several times, including major renovations in 1752, 1857, and 1996.
Rajabai Tower, Mumbai, India – 1878
British may have ruled our country brutally and maltreated us, but they have left a few incredible architectural marvels in the country, which we’re no doubt proud of. Rajabai Tower is one such marvel constructed in the British era, which is situated on the Fort campus of the University of Mumbai.
The clock tower, which stands at the height of 85 m (280 ft), is designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The tower was completed in 1878 and has a similar model to the Big Ben Clock Tower of London. It was named after broker Premchand Roychand’s mother, Rajabai, as he donated a large portion of the construction cost.
Peace Tower, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – 1920
The peace tower of Ottawa was dedicated to remembering the sacrifice and service of Canadians in the First World War. The clock tower, formerly known as the Tower of Victory and Peace, is situated between the central axis of the Centre Block of the Canadian parliament buildings in Ottawa, Ontario.
The present incarnation replaced the old 55 m (180 ft) Victoria Tower, which burned down in 1916. The current 98 m (322 ft) tall tower was completed in 1920 and designed by Jean Omer Marchand and John A. Pearson. The peace tower has a 53-bell carillon, inaugurated in 1927 in honour of Canadians who lost their lives in World War I.
The Zytglogge Tower, Bern, Switzerland – 13th Century
The Zytglogge Tower was built in the 13th century and is probably one of the oldest clock towers in the world. Over the last 800+ years, the tower has served the city as a fortification, prison, clock tower, and civic memorial. Situated in the Old City of Bern, Switzerland, the Zytglogge Tower is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
The Zytglogge Tower stands tall at 54.5 m (179 ft) and has an hour bell of the weight of 1,400 kilograms. The tower has overgone multiple reconstructions over the last few centuries, and the premises we see now only hold two visible structures from the earlier history, the late Gothic cornice below the roof and the stair tower.
New Town Hall Clock Tower, Munich, Germany – 1867
When they ran out of space in the old town hall, they decided to build a new one in 1908. The new town hall hosts the city government buildings, including the city council, offices of the mayors and a small portion of the administration. The tower is home to the Rathaus Glockenspiel, a tourist attraction clock with 43 bells and 32 figures.
The facade of the tower and clock bells were repaired in 2006–07, ahead of the city’s 850th birthday in 2008. The name of the clock tower, glockenspiel, is in German and means bell play. Every day at 11:00 AM and during the summer at noon and 05:00 PM, the figures on the top portion re-enact two stories from the 16th century.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, Baltimore, Maryland – 1911
The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, previously known as Emerson Tower, is a 15-story clock tower situated at 21 South Eutaw Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The 88 m (289 ft) was completed in 1911 and designed by architect Joseph Evans Sperry. The tower features four clock faces on the North, South, East and West sides of the 15th floor.
Earlier, the tower was a landmark of the Emerson Drug Company with its office headquarters and manufacturing plant tower, but now it is home to studio spaces for artists and writers. Instead of numbers, the clock face on the building runs and displays the letters BROMO clockwise from 10:00 to 2:00, while SELTZER is counterclockwise from 9:00 to 3:00.
Zimmer Tower, Lier, Belgium
Zimmer Tower or Cornelius Tower of Lier, Belgium was initially built as a Lier’s city fortification in the 14th century. Later in the year 1930, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Belgium’s independence, a clock was added to the tower, which astronomer and clockmaker Louis Zimmer designed.
The central clock of the tower is encircled by 12 small clocks, which show time on all continents, phases of the moons, and times of tides. The Zimmer Tower obtained the status of a state-protected monument in the year 1980, and now the tower and pavilion with the wonder clocks are a part of the museum.
Hussainabad Clock Tower, Lucknow, India
You must have heard about the Rumi Darwaza, one of the famous monuments of Lucknow, but have you heard about or seen the Husainabad Clock Tower, which is located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza? The clock tower was constructed in 1881 by Hussainabad Trust to welcome and mark the arrival of Sir George Couper.
The Hussainabad clock tower stands 67 metres (220 ft) from the ground level and was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne. Just like the Rajabai tower, the Hussainabad clock tower is also a replica of London’s Big Ben clock tower. The tower features a gigantic pendulum of 14 feet, and they have used gunmetal to build the clock parts.
June marks the start of the monsoon season in India. Earlier, actors, filmmakers, producers, and distributors used to bypass their big releases during June as the month also marks the reopening of the schools, and people couldn’t afford to spend money on movie tickets. However, the farewell of covid-19 is pushing people towards the big screens again, and of course, OTTs are always there to cure your boredom.
Major
The biographical action movie follows the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who fought against terrorists and was martyred in action during the 2008 attacks at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India. The film marks the debut of Adivi Sesh in Hindi movies, who also wrote the script. The film also stars Saiee Manjrekar, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Revathi and Murali Sharma.
Release: June 3 (in theatres)
Genre: Biography
Directed by: Sashi Kiran Tikka
Samrat Prithviraj
The historical action drama movie stars superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead as Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput king. The film marks the debut of Manushi Chhillar as Sanyogita, one of three wives of Prithviraj Chauhan, who was said to be the incarnation of Tillotama – an apsara from heaven. The movie also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Manav Vij, Ashutosh Rana and Sakshi Tanwar.
Release: June 3 (in theatres)
Genre: Historical
Directed by: Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Vikram
The upcoming Tamil language action thriller film stars one of the most influential star cast we’ve seen in recent times, Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil. The film has no connection with the 1986 released movie of the same name, which also starred Kamal Hassan. The storyline of the movie revolves around the lives of two siblings, one being a gangster and the other a politician.
Release: June 3 (in theatres)
Genre: Action Thriller
Directed by: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Maidaan
The biographical sports drama film is based on the golden era of Indian football (1952–1962) and stars superstar Ajay Devgn in the lead as a football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, who managed the Indian football team for 13 years. The music of the movie is composed by popular musician A.R. Rahman. Along with Ajay Devgn, it also stars Priyamani, Gajraj Rao and Rudranil Ghosh.
Release: June 3
Platform: Amazon Prime
Genre: Sports Biopic
Directed by: Amit Sharma
The Boys (Season 3)
The Boys are back with the show’s third season, and the fans can not contain the excitement. The short synopsis of the show suggests the coming episodes will kick off an all-out war between The Boys and The Seven. Also, the third season will introduce a few new characters, which include Superhero: Soldier Boy. The show stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Erin Moriarty in the lead.
Release: June 3
Platform: Amazon Prime
Genre: Science Fiction
Developed by: Eric Kripke
Jungle Cry
The movie documents the true story of India’s under-14 rugby team’s World Cup triumph in 2007. Jungle cry stars Abhay Deol in the lead, along with Stewart Wright and Atul Kumar. The movie showcases the inspiring and triumphant journey of 12 underprivileged children from Kalinga Institute in Odisha. The sports drama is all set to release on Lionsgate Play.
Release: June 3
Platform: Lionsgate Play
Genre: Sports Drama
Directed by: Sagar Ballary
Ms Marvel
A miniseries is based on the Marvel Comics featuring the character Kamala Khan or Ms Marvel played by a debutant Iman Vellani. The miniseries is based on a fangirl of the Avengers, particularly Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel, who struggles to fit in until she gains her powers. It features Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, and Laurel Marsden.
Release: June 8
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Action Adventure
Created by: Bisha K. Ali
Jurassic World: Dominion
The American science fiction action film is the sequel to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), the sixth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise and the last Jurassic World trilogy. The movie takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed and features a stellar star cast, including Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, and Daniella Pineda.
Release: June 10 (in theatres)
Genre: Science Fiction
Directed by: Colin Trevorrow
She (Season 2)
The first season of the mini-series “She” ended on a thrilling note, and everyone was aware that the makers would come up with a second season. The series stars Aaditi Pohankar as constable Bhumika Pardesi and shows us how she copes with her personal and professional struggles. Along with Aditi, the series features Vishwas Kini, Kishore Kumar G, Shivani Rangole and Suhita Thatte in pivotal roles
Release: June 17
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Crime Drama
Created by: Imtiaz Ali
The Umbrella Academy (Season 3)
The show revolves around highly dysfunctional and wonderfully funny adopted sibling superheroes who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death. The series is based on the comic book series of the same name written by Gerard Way and published by Dark Horse Comics. The cast features Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, and Robert Sheehan.
The first image of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. May 12th turned out to be a historic day as the astronomers at National Science Foundation (NSF) were successful in getting the first image of the black hole residing at the centre of the Milky Way. Sagittarius A* is located 27,0000 light-years away from the Earth and is 4million times bigger than the sun.
The picture does not show the black hole itself, considering black holes do not permit light to escape from them. Instead, it depicts a darkish central region, known as a shadow, surrounded by a shiny ring-like shape that is sparkling gases across the black hole.
“Our own black hole! Astronomers have just revealed the 1st image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy using the @ehtelescope – a planet-scale array of radio telescopes that emerged from decades of NSF support,” NSF said on its Twitter handle.
Our own black hole! Astronomers have just revealed the 1st image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy using the @ehtelescope– a planet-scale array of radio telescopes that emerged from decades of NSF support. https://t.co/bC1PZH4yD6#ourblackholepic.twitter.com/pd96CH3V0m
— U.S. National Science Foundation (@NSF) May 12, 2022
EHT
The black hole was captured using an Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). The EHT is a network of radio dishes launched in 2015 and involved 80 astronomy institutes. 4 years after the launch of the EHT, the first-ever image of a black hole, M87*, in our galaxy was revealed.
The EHT is a unique network of antennae spread across the world that makes a virtual telescope. The role of the EHT is to detect the light cast when a matter disappears in the muzzle of a black hole. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) records the flash of light produced when planets, debris, or something else comes too close — is sucked right into a black hole’s outer boundary, known as an event horizon, which is the point of no return.
Being a frequent traveller, I’ve learned road trips are not about how quickly you reach your destination, but it’s all about how much you enjoy the journey while heading towards your goal. All you need is a road trip when life hits hard because it will help you focus on the way ahead and help you realise that every exit takes you to an entrance somewhere else. The time has arrived when you must look at life through the windshield, and to help you, we’ve jotted down the top 16 incredible roads in the world for you to take in 2022.
Kolkata to Kumaon
Distance: 1600 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to February
The Route: Kolkata→ Varanasi→ Lucknow→ Nainital→ Pithoragarh→ Munsiyari
A road trip from Kolkata to Kumaon is considered one of India’s unique road trips as it takes you on a journey to witness the plains and uphills altogether in one trip. On the first day of the trip, you can seize the longest and the most challenging leg of the entire road trip, which takes you to the holy city of Varanasi. You can start your day two by taking a dip into the River Ganges and head further towards the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow.
Spend a day by visiting the famous tourist attractions in the city of Nawab’s and head towards Bhimtal, which is on the foothills of the Kumaon mountains. The final leg of the road trip will take you on the challenging ride up the hills of Kumaon, from Nainital to Pithoragarh and at the end to Munsiyari, a paradise for travel enthusiasts. Visit the stunning places around Munsiyari, such as Thamari and Maheshwari lake or go on a hike to the glaciers of Ralam and Milam.
Mumbai to Rann Of Kutch
Distance: 950 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to February
The Route: Mumbai→ Ankleshwar→ Vadodara→ Bhuj→ Rann of Kutch
People living in metro cities of India are always looking for a quiet place, especially Mumbaikars, who can’t even imagine living peacefully in the middle of their dream. We all need a little peace of mind to function well in a fast-moving world, and the Rann of Kutch is the best destination to bring back peace in your life. On the way to Rann of Kutch, your first pit stop would be Ankleshwar, a small town 10kms away from the Bharuch district of Gujarat, famous for a Golden Bridge, a British era bridge constructed between 1877-1881.
You can stay for a day or two in Vadodara, exploring its beautiful streets, royal paces and plethora of temples. Take an early morning drive to Bhuj and experience the beauty of ruins like Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and Rani Mahal. The final destination of a road trip from Mumbai to Rann of Kutch would make you think how barren landscapes can be so mesmerising? The salt desert looks beautiful when it reflects the moonlight at night. Also, don’t forget to buy embroidered bedsheets, carpets, clothes, sarees, and jackets to treasure the trip winks.
Munnar is the most picturesque destination in South India, thanks to the surrounding hills and tea plantations, making the place popular amongst the British officers during the 19th century and now for everyone looking for the elegant beauty of nature. Bangalore to Munnar road trip via Mysore can be a pleasant one even during a monsoon season, but only if you’re comfortable taking a ride in the middle of rains. The first stopover on this route would be Mysore, a city known for its palace, sweets and highway restaurants.
The next major stop on this route would be Ooty, which would demand an enormous level of patience as when you leave Mysore and get back on the road to Ooty, you’d witness heavy traffic, full of numerous trucks and buses. However, you’ll not regret it, thanks to the abundant natural beauty of the place. Spend a day in Ooty to enjoy beautiful lakes, waterfalls, the famous Nilgiri railway ride and head to the final destination, Munnar, which will tempt you with its greenery and take away all the exhaustion from your body, mind and soul.
Srinagar to Leh via Zoji La Pass
Distance: 420 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: April to July
The Route: Srinagar → Sonamarg → Kargil → Leh
Srinagar and Leh are two of the most famous dream destinations for road lovers, and covering these two in one go is like feeding two birds with one seed. Srinagar To Leh via Zoji La Pass is the best alternative for going to Leh compared to the Manali-Leh road, as it remains drivable for a longer time. The 420-Km road doesn’t offer the regular bushes and forests we see on familiar Indian roads, instead, it presents thrilling passes, mesmerizing mountains, and picturesque valleys.
The Zoji La Pass is one of the world’s most dangerous mountain roads. The pass is a part of National Highway 1 (NH1), which offers stunning views of the valley and heart-stopping arches. The 25.8 km long pass consists of unpaved roads, is the gateway to the majestic Ladakh, but indeed not recommended for Sunday drivers. The route runs through the famous war town of India, Kargil, where you can stop for sightseeing before heading towards your final destination Leh.
Jaipur to Daman
Distance: 1000 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to February
The Route: Jaipur→ Udaipur→ Ahmedabad→ Vadodara→ Daman
“Thelma & Louise” and “Y Tu Mamá También” are two of the most popular films on road trips, and if you ever feel like recreating these two road trips in India, then you should consider taking a drive from Jaipur to Daman. The journey starts from the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and till you reach Ahmedabad, you’ll witness vast deserts and grainy yellow sands, just like Utah from Thelma & Louise. After the first half of the trip, when you’re headed towards the beach town of Daman, you’ll catch Y Tu Mamá También vibes.
Jaipur is constantly flooded with tourists, and if you’re a Jaipurian who’s exhausted with all the local sites, then take out that car from your garage and drive down to Daman via Ahmedabad. Explore the city of lakes, Udaipur, which is more peaceful than busy Jaipur and head to Ahmedabad. Spend a day visiting the local diamond cutting shops and have some mouth-watering snacks to satisfy your taste buds. Take a leave from Ahmedabad and head to Daman to enjoy the tranquil beach life you’ve ever desired.
Guwahati to Tawang
Distance: 450 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: September to March
The Route: Guwahati → Tezpur→ Bhalukpong→ Dirang→ Tawang
After Kashmir, the North-East region of India deserves to be called heaven on earth, and even a madman will not say no to the road trip from Gangtok to Tawang. The 450-Km long stretch consists of ancient Buddhist monasteries, mighty landscapes, stunning lakes, and high mountain passes. The unique and adventurous trip is for those who like to go offroad and explore offbeat places but make sure you obtain an Inner Line Permit before entering the region. Arrive a day before in Guwahati, get your body acclimated to the cooler weather, and then begin your road trip.
The first destination on this route would be Tezpur, a city located on the banks of the river Brahmaputra. Halt for a day in the cultural capital of Assam and explore the tourist places such as Cole Park, Bamuni Hills and Kalia Bhomora Setu. On the next day, leave early in the morning as your next stopover- Bhalukpong has a lot to offer, as it is the dawn of scenic vistas of Arunachal Pradesh. The Bhalukpong to Tawang road, which consists of towns like Bomdila and Dirang, will keep you engaged with its beautiful hills and valleys.
Delhi to Jaisalmer
Distance: 800 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: November to February
The Route: Delhi→ Jaipur→ Ajmer→ Jodhpur → Pokhran → Jaisalmer
The road trip from the capital city of India, Delhi, to the Golden City, Jaisalmer, allows you to explore a number of stunning places and helps you get an experience of a lifetime. One should avoid taking this route or this trip during summers as these regions are one of the hottest zones in India but happen to be one of the best routes during winters due to their major attractions. The first stopover on this road trip would be Jaipur, where you stay for a day to explore the famous spots like the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort.
Leave Jaipur early in the morning and stop at Ajmer Sharif Dargah – the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The next pitstop for the day could be Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur, known for its beautiful architecture. Spend a night in Jodhpur, wandering the local markets, enjoying the starry view from the fort, and head towards the Pokhran to visit Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Pokhran Museum. The trip’s final destination, Jaisalmer, will amaze you with its fort, which has incredible yellowstone architecture and Longewala War Memorial close to the Pakistan border.
Hyderabad to Kannur
Distance: 900 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: November to April
The Route: Hyderabad→ Hampi→ Kannur
It will be unfair if a place from God’s Own Country isn’t included in the top 10 incredible roads list. A road trip from Hyderabad to Kannur via NH167 takes you from the ancient history of the Nizams to Hampi, the medieval Hindu kingdom of the Vijayanagara Empire and at the end to the Manchester of Kerala, Kannur. Once you commence the journey from Hyderabad, stay on the road till the next 380-Km, and you’ll enter into the ancient Hindu Empire. Though all you can see are ruins, they have their own beauty, only if you have eyes for the same.
Spend a few days in Hampi and explore the famous spots such as Matanga Hill, Virupaksha Temple, Elephant Stables, Lotus Mahal, and Hippie Island by driving down the road, cycling or walking. Next up on the itinerary is Kannur, a city of looms and lores. Head to Kannur, and you’ll witness the exact opposite of what you have seen in Hampi. Kannur is a coastal city often called the crown of Kerala due to its natural treasures and is also known for its handloom industry and folk art called Theyyam. The beaches and backwaters of Kannur are a pleasant sight, and you’ll soon lose the soreness caused by the Hampi ruins.
Visakhapatnam to Pondicherry
Distance: 950 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to March
The Route: Visakhapatnam→ Guntur→ Ongole→ Nellore→ Pondicherry
When water bodies from three sides surround a country, it indeed creates a great chance of having scenic roads that run along the sea, and being a peninsula country, we have a few such roads in our quiver. Mumbai to Goa is one of India’s most-travelled and famous coastal roads, thanks to several Bollywood movies that were shot on this route, but the east coast of India also offers some of the best scenic roadside attractions, and the port city of Visakhapatnam is the Jewel of the East Coast.
The 950-Km route takes you from Vizag – a place of many scenic beaches and drops you at the ex-French colonial settlement where you can explore the preserved French legacy with tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. Pondicherry is a vibrant city located on the south-eastern coast of India and offers a plethora of things to do and see. A drive from Visakhapatnam to Pondicherry would be a pleasant journey, and you’ll not regret the decision of taking your car out on this route.
Old Silk Route
Distance: 350 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to March
The Route: Siliguri → Reshi→ Old Silk Route→ Zuluk→ Gnathang→ Sillery
Hotel Belvédère is the iconic Swiss Hotel on the edge of the Rhone Glacier and perhaps one of the most photographed hotels in the world due to its location. In India, we don’t have such a hotel lying lonely on the beautiful edge of the road, but fortunately, we have a similar route, and it is called the Old Silk Route. The ancient hilly road is a rare confluence of natural beauty and used to play a significant role in cross-country trades and cultural exchanges between the Western and Oriental civilizations.
The route used to connect Lhasa in Tibet via the Jelep La Pass to India, and outlying, it used to connect China and other South Asian countries to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Nowadays, only a tiny part of this route exists in India, in East Sikkim and West Bengal. The Old Silk Route is only a 70-Km long journey, but you must arrive at Siliguri to reach the place. Further, you’ll have to reach Reshi and then drive to Old Silk Route, where you can visit Jelep La Pass, Kupup & Memencho Lake. Later on, you can take the Zuluk→ Gnathang→ Sillery route to reach Siliguri.
