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No matter how many times you have ambled through the ancient alleys of Jew Town, it never fails to leave you spell bound. It could be an artifact, cafe, or nugget of history hitherto unknown, that makes you want to linger a little longer.Just a few kilometres away from Fort Kochi, Synagogue Lane in Jew Town, Mattancherry, straddles the old world and the new in curious ways. The best way to find out is to explore it on foot and without a fixed agenda.Despite this though, there are sights that one cannot miss. Here is our list:  The sculpture of…

For decades, the calculus of Bangladesh’s electoral politics was a simple binary equation. The country faces quite a different picture with the 13th general election on February 12, 2026. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) is no longer playing fiddle in a convenience coalition but has stepped out of the shadow of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in its bid to present itself as a primary alternative to the old two-party system and as a vanguard of a new national identity. Amidst the ongoing election conundrum, it is necessary to understand where the BJI exactly stands in the country’s electoral landscape as…

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. File | Photo Credit: PTI Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday (February 18, 2026) said Indian cricketers not shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the recently played cricket match is “dadagiri” (bullying) by the BJP and the Centre.Mr. Raut said his party is of the opinion that matches should not be played between India and Pakistan.Also read: India-Pakistan encounter: In defence of the ‘boring’ match“(But) If you are doing that, then show sportsmanship,” Mr. Raut said.“Indian players not shaking hands with Pakistani players is dadagiri of the BJP and the government…

Sri Lanka is trending, especially among Indian travellers, given its proximity, connectivity, pristine beaches, boutique hotels, safari parks and outstanding experiences for travellers. According to the numbers released by the Sri Lankan tourism board, the island nation clocked 2.17 million tourists by December 11, which, despite the effects of the cyclone, have surpassed last year’s numbers, with the India continuing to be the highest generator of tourists.We ask three influential locals, insiders in their own right, to give us their ‘local’ recommendations on things to do that are off the beaten path. Colombo can be looked at as a hub for trendy…

Officially concluding over 30 years of diplomatic seclusion for the self-declared republic on Somalia’s northern coastline, Israel became the inaugural UN member state to acknowledge Somaliland’s independence in late December 2025. The declaration issued on December 26, 2025, triggered swift reactions throughout Africa and the Middle East. The action was denounced by the Somali Federal Government as a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty. In Mogadishu, protests broke out, and within days Egypt made it clear that it would increase military and security cooperation with Somalia, placing the defence of Somali territorial integrity at the forefront of its regional strategy.STORY CONTINUES BELOW…

India’s Hardik Pandya reacts during an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Pakistan, at R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI It was customary for fans of the losing team in an India-Pakistan match to console themselves with “after all it was only a game”. The winners took the result as endorsement of their politics, way of life, mutton curry and everything else. But such triumphalism was absent after India beat Pakistan by 61 runs in the World T20. The match was a damp squib, and so…

At Anand Warehouse, Mattancherry | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT As the activities pick up around the various venues of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, with art enthusiasts, tourists and locals heading to the 29-odd venues hosting art-related events, some of the Indian art world’s prominent names delve into what the Biennale means to not just the art community, but also to the regular folk of the city. Kiran Nadar | Photo Credit: @MOHAMMED ROSHAN I love itThe Kochi Biennale is evolving, I love it. There have been problems in the past but they seem to have been ironed out. For me,…

The recent layoffs at The Washington Post, which eliminated around one-third of its workforce and more than 300 newsroom employees, represent one of the sharpest cuts in the paper’s recent history and a troubling moment for American journalism. This decision raises serious concerns, as the layoffs included many prominent journalists, columnists, and editors. It reflects the changing nature of capitalist management and a market-driven approach to journalism, both of which risk undermining the credibility and independence of the press.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADAmong those affected was Ishaan Tharoor, a widely read columnist on international affairs. Others included Amazon beat reporter Caroline…

Jammu and Kashmir’s Vanshaj Sharma with teammates celebrates after the team’s victory in the Ranji Trophy semifinal cricket match against Bengal, at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, in Kalyani on February 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI Jammu and Kashmir cruised to a six-wicket win over a star-studded Bengal in the semifinals to reach its maiden Ranji Trophy final at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Wednesday.Last season’s quarterfinalist, J&K, resuming from 43 for two, achieved the remaining 83 runs in about two hours on day four.After virtually throwing away the match due to its below-par second innings batting,…

Walking through the art venues at the Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025 at Fort Kochi can be tiring, especially in humid weather. Here’s a guide to cafes and eateries around the galleries where you can grab a glass of something cold and comforting to quench your thirst and find a nice dish to go with it. From sandwiches and pastas to traditional Kerala flavours, there is a selection to choose from. Toast and omelette at Qissa Cafe | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Qissa CafeIf you are not in the mood for a full meal, try the sandwiches here. These tuna, cheese,…