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Jet crash disaster in South Korea marks another setback for Boeing
Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday.Weekly Horoscope Taurus, Dec 29- Jan 4, 2025 predicts travel on the cardsIn a dramatic turn of events at the Qatar Grand Prix, Mercedes' George Russell found himself elevated to pole position following a penalty handed to Max Verstappen of Red Bull for driving too slowly during qualifying. The decision came after stewards assessed the intricate dynamics of an incident described as 'super-dangerous' by Russell. Despite Verstappen's celebration of a first pole in five months, the reigning world champion was penalized due to Russell's sudden approach on a cool down lap. Although the penalty was mitigated, Verstappen's grid drop put him in a tighter spot for Sunday's race, where McLaren stands a strong chance in the constructors' competition. McLaren's drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, qualified strongly in third and fourth places, boosting the team's bid for a first constructors' title in 26 years. Other notable positions included Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, as different teams prepare for a heated contest in Qatar. (With inputs from agencies.)
This is CNBC's live blog covering European markets. European stocks are set to open in negative territory Thursday, with French markets in focus after Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government was toppled in a vote of no confidence Wednesday. 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are A majority of lawmakers from both the left-wing New Popular Front alliance and the far-right National Rally supported a no-confidence motion in the country's lower house yesterday evening. Motions had been tabled by both the left- and right-wing blocs Monday after Barnier, who has been in power for only three months, used special constitutional powers to force a social security budget bill through Parliament without a vote. The move angered opposition parties and, last night, deputies on the left and right ousted the government. Barnier is expected to resign Thursday, but he could remain in charge of a caretaker government while President Emmanuel Macron searches for a replacement. Elsewhere overnight, Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed after Wall Street stock benchmarks notched record highs yesterday. U.S. stock futures were broadly unchanged on Wednesday night. There are no major earnings or data releases in Europe Thursday. Money Report Britain forecast to reach peak gasoline this year in landmark moment for electric vehicles Ed Sheeran announces concert in Bhutan — with tickets starting at $10 Bitcoin tops $100,000 for the first time ever The price of bitcoin soared past the long-awaited $100,000 benchmark for the first time ever late Wednesday evening. The flagship cryptocurrency was last higher by more than 7% at $102,879.60, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier, it rose as high as $103,844.05. The move came hours after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to nominate Paul Atkins as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The same day, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said bitcoin was "just like gold only it's virtual, it's digital," speaking at the DealBook conference . For more on bitcoin's historic milestone read our full story here . — Tanaya Macheel CNBC Pro: 'It is key to remain invested,' Julius Baer portfolio manager says. Here's how she's investing The persistent uncertainty in financial markets has raised questions on portfolio construction and how to invest across asset classes as 2025 nears. One long-term investor is now playing the market by staying invested and being well-diversified. "We believe it is key to remain invested and view any potential corrections as technical and temporary opportunities to get into the market," Julius Baer International's portfolio manager Aneka Beneby said. She also revealed how and what she is allocating to in the lead up to the new year. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Amala Balakrishner European markets: Here are the opening calls European markets are expected to open lower Thursday. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 17 points lower at 8,342, Germany's DAX down 7 points at 20,225, France's CAC down 28 points at 7,275 and Italy's FTSE MIB down 82 points at 33,747, according to data from IG. There are no major earnings or data releases in Europe Thursday. — Holly Ellyatt Also on CNBC Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: American Eagle, Five Below and more Stock futures are little changed after S&P 500, Nasdaq notch new closing highs Trading the jobs report: How the S&P 500 may react to different scenarios‘Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai’ Has Become Country’s Mahamantra: PM Modi in Victory Speech
OpenAI details plans for becoming a for-profit company
As the Nigeria Premier Football League board battles another case of violence among clubs in the Nigerian topflight, ABIODUN ADEWALE writes on the need to avoid foot-dragging while dealing with issues that should have no place in Nigerian football Another season and yet again, another case of violence in the Nigeria Premier Football League. It’s been over a week since a video showed Rivers United officials being assaulted during their visit to Nasarawa United for an NPFL match-day 18 game on Sunday, December 22, and it just begins to seem like something really happened at the Lafia City Stadium. The NPFL board called for an inquest into the matter on Saturday, December 28 – six days after the incident – and that further provoked the thought of enabling the barbarism on display in the said video, more than it suggested that the league body needed time to investigate or listen to both parties. In the video that was circulated by the former media officer of Rivers United and now Special Assistant to the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Sammy Wejinya – who was the victim – he was rounded by several persons within the VIP stand of the stadium and visibly keeping his calm even while looking irritated until he was wrestled to the ground in the chaotic atmosphere. As kicks and blows flew at the stand, chairs were also pelted at the spot where Wejinya was standing and it appeared another person was getting hits from some irate fans in front of him. In between the two spots was the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Chris Green, who was also confused as he turned around, not knowing whom to pacify or save before eventually wriggling out of the chaotic scene. Amid the pandemonium, there were motionless individuals within the VIP stand while some made frantic efforts to restrain some of the irate fans. What followed was a chronicle of woes by Wejinya, which was swiftly countered by Nasarawa United. According to Wejinya, that chaos began when he reacted to a missed chance by their team, Rivers United in the closing stages of the game – a gesture which presumably didn’t go down well with the hosts with the score locked at 1-1. “As I screamed and put my hands on my head at that missed opportunity by Rivers United, several Nasarawa United fans who were beside and behind me at the VIP stand of the stadium immediately asked me to shut my mouth. I was taken aback and moments later, these irate fans descended on me and gave me the beating of my life,” Wejinya wrote. “At that moment, I thought about my wife and two young daughters. “My life flashed before my eyes and I wondered if coming to the stadium to watch a football club I love (Rivers United FC) was worth my life. It was a sorry and scary sight. I pleaded with the fans and begged for my life but they wouldn’t listen.” The hosts had a response for every line in Wejinya’s statement, describing the incident as a “minor altercation.” “Our fans had been exemplary in their behaviour throughout the game, cheering and applauding our team all along,” Nasarawa United said in a statement sent to The PUNCH by the club’s media officer, Eche Amos. “Unfortunately, a minor altercation occurred between Sammy Wejinya who was seated in the midst of the stronghold of the local fans, as he was heard loudly cheering his side. Upon noticing the situation, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, and other key stakeholders, including the stadium security personnel, swiftly waded in to rescue the situation as normalcy eventually returned and Sammy Wejinya and the aforementioned members of Rivers State’s delegation were escorted out of the stadium,” the statement read in part. However, in a chat with The PUNCH, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Chris Green, noted that the presence of Nasarawa State officials could not stop the fans from descending on Wejinya, the Rivers United general manager Okey Kpalukwu and himself until their attached security aides came to their rescue. “Help did not come from anywhere. The only thing that gave us respite was our security men that we normally travelled with. They shot teargas and a few of them scampered, that was when we were able to carry Sammy out of the place. We didn’t eventually know when the match ended,” Green told The PUNCH. “For us, we were treated for minor injuries but Sammy was admitted to our medical facility and had to go for further tests for his eyes and others. My driver also left with swollen hands because he was trying to pick up Sammy’s phone when it fell.” Regardless of who tried to portray their stories in the proper light between both parties, the scene in that video was barbaric and should no longer have a place in popular stands, let alone a VIP stand. Particularly, it raises questions about security and access to certain areas within the stadium. “I’m still in pains,” Wejinya told The PUNCH. “I have pains in my ribs and I can’t stretch or turn properly. Over 20 persons pounced on me. This happened in broad daylight and they are saying this is a slight disturbance. I could have been killed.” Although Nasarawa United said they provided 70 security personnel including 30 police officers, the ones on the sidelines were rather looking helpless while havoc was being wreaked in the VIP stand and objects were thrown onto the pitch as well. Related News NPFL: In-form 3SC beat Rangers in Enugu 3SC stun Rangers in Enugu, as Remo Stars regain NPFL leadership NPFL: Musa fit for Tornadoes clash With the NPFL inquest set to be held on January 10 in Abuja, the league body has said it is in a bid to safeguard the integrity of the league. “The NPFL is opening an inquest to establish facts, identify causes and determine action to take on the matter,” the league body said in a statement on Saturday. “Both clubs are required to submit detailed reports of the incidents on the match-day to include actions taken by officials of the clubs, security arrangements as well as other relevant information not later than January 5, 2025. “Representatives of the clubs are also to appear in person at the inquest, including individuals from both clubs responsible for disparaging write-ups in the media to provide further clarification on their statements. Also, match officials, Musibaudeen Ibrahim (referee), Ikenna Okerulu (first assistant referee) and Godfrey Mamman (match commissioner) are to appear in person to give an account of the events of the match. The match officials are expected to provide further clarification on their reports, and actions taken during the match.” Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davison Owumi, further told The PUNCH that the procedure was delayed by the incoherence of reports on the incident. “We don’t take our verdicts from social media. We take our verdicts from the match officials, including the referee and match commissioner. If need be, we will get more evidence from other sources until we get an assemblage of the full reports. Since we have conflicting reports, we need to have the inquest,” Owumi said. “Once there is a delay in getting the necessary reports, we can’t just go out for the sake of being timely.” Without playing down the need for fairness on the part of the league body, condemning the act that was displayed in the video would have done more good than the silence before the inquest. Thankfully, there was no casualty but everything in the video, even without showing the state of the victims, suggested it could have been worse. Nasarawa United aren’t strangers to breaches of NPFL rules with one of their players and media director getting the stick under the defunct League Management Company in 2019 over an attack on a referee. One of their forwards in 2019, Paul Komolafe, was handed a one-year ban for assaulting match officials during a top-flight game against Plateau United just the team’s equipment manager, Aliyu Mohammed Hamzat, was been banned for life from all NPFL match venues and activities for the same offence. The North Central club were also asked to play their games behind closed doors for an indefinite period and given 10 days to pay a fine of N4.2m for breaches of league rules. In the last couple of seasons, similar offences in the NPFL have cost teams fines and three points deduction and this might be the season Nasarawa United will take the hit. This season alone, Plateau United and Bendel Insurance have been docked three points over the club’s supporters’ attack on match officials. In 2023, Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United also served the same punishment with the former eventually relegated to the second tier. But in cases like this and many others that have happened in the past, how much succour can a three-point deduction from the erring team or financial compensation to the victims provide, if a life was lost? That is even if the fines and compensations were dutifully enforced. For instance, in 2022, a journalist Tobi Adepoju was beaten in Ibadan after a southwest derby game between 3SC and Remo Stars and the media officer of 3SC, Tosin Omojola, said audaciously on live radio that there would have been no repercussions if Adepoju was killed in the incident. It’s almost certain that Nasarawa United would be punished, but it remains to be seen how grave it would be. There are feelers that Rivers United fans might be gunning for a revenge in the reverse fixture against the Lafia-based side but Green says the club will do whatever it takes to prevent their fans from joining issues with any opponents while they await the verdict of the league body. “We try not to allow these things to get here (Port Harcourt). Our supporters were there and they tried to come to our rescue. Now you can imagine the orientation they will have. Theirs will just be about retaliation and it will take a lot of efforts from us to reeducate them against that,” Green told The PUNCH. “We have installed cameras around the stands at our stadium and we won’t allow our fans to go the way of their people. We should not live like barbarians. It’s inhuman and condemnable. “The general manager has filed our report and we are waiting to hear from the league body,” he said..
Indian diaspora in the UK immersed in the divine ambrosia of devotion Updated: November 30th, 2024, 18:43 IST in Feature 0 Raseshwari Devi Ji’s UK Tour Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: Bhakti is the science of the soul, whose principles and practices are embodied by the crown jewel of Puranas, the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana. Therefore, the Shrimad Bhagavata is known as the essence of all the Upanishadas. The recently concluded discourse on Shrimad Bhagavata in the UK by Raseswari Devi Ji, the seniormost disciple of Jagadguru Shri KripaluJi Maharaj, is a milestone in her spiritual journey. “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” – the Essence of the Upanishadas. Also Read Weekly Horoscope Nov 25–Dec 1: Here’s a guide to the week ahead of you 6 days ago Dibyakanta Nayak: The man who makes a difference in disaster zones 6 days ago This program named “Shrimad Bhagavata Gyanamritam,” which is profoundly meaningful because along with the Bhagavata discourse, she served the listeners the nectar of knowledge imparted by her guru. During the program, Devi Ji herself stated, “This discourse is not for entertainment. It is for our inner elevation and purification of mind and intellect. I have a unique principle that will transform your life, this is my challenge.” Viewed from the perspective of its purpose, through this program on foreign soil, Devi Ji disseminated the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which is the essence of the Upanishadas. 30-Day Spiritual Tour The program “Bhagavata Gyanamritam” began November 19, 2024, with a grand procession in Wellington Girls High School, located in Wellington city amidst natural beauty. Sutton city’s Deputy Mayor, Louise Phelan, enthusiastically participated in the event. The closing session was graced by Sutton’s Mayor, Colin Stears, who helped make the program successful. The seven-day-long program was held from November 20, 2024, to November 26, 2024. Devi Ji inaugurated the Shrimad Bhagavata Gyanamritam with a hymn praising God in her divine voice. Explaining the significance of Shrimad Bhagavata, she said, “Bhagavata is the essence of Upanishadic knowledge.” She told the listeners that Bhagavata is truly a nectar of knowledge, by hearing which one attains immortality like Parikshit. Therefore, propagating the essence of Shrimad Bhagavata is the greatest form of charity. She advised, “Take full advantage of this opportunity to listen to the discourse. Do not waste time on negative thoughts. Learn to accept what is happening. Bhagavata empowers us spiritually and has the power to transform our lives. In the Bhagavad Gita where God gave instructions to destroy Arjuna’s delusion, in the Bhagavata, He shows the path to attaining divine love.” Through the divine pastimes of God and His associates all in the 12 chapters, she explained the nature, importance, and means of devotion. Devi Ji said that the listeners of the Bhagavata, like Parikshit, are telling us that this mortal life is given to us to attain God. By embracing this discourse, God becomes captive in our hearts. In today’s technology-driven era, our minds are becoming complex and self-centred by receiving numerous pieces of information. Continuously hearing and singing God’s name and glory removes the complexities of our minds and fills our hearts with joy. The divine combination of Devi Ji’s voice with captivating glimpses of Sri Krishna’s cow-herding play, Govardhan Lila, and Sri Krishna-Rukmini’s wedding created an atmosphere charged with pure energy. Special Program for Future Generations of Indian Diaspora The program also played a crucial role in instilling values in children and teenagers. Under Revered Devi Ji’s guidance, special classes were organised to acquaint them with the knowledge tradition of Sanatan Vedic texts. Children learned that the extensive knowledge described in the Vedas has developed into branches of modern science and knowledge. This rare information was obtained by this generation abroad that the foundations of human life values are inherent in Sanatan Vedic texts, not in material civilisation. Children enthusiastically participated and learned the importance of spiritual values through the divine characters of Dhruva and Prahlada. Additionally, art and craft classes were organised for children, where they learned mindful colouring, origami, creating Narasimha masks, and the art of decorating lamps. The long-term impact of this event on the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of future generations of the Indian diaspora can be clearly seen. Participation from Different Indian States The participants from various Indian states included devotees from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and others. The grandeur of the program was rooted in the remarkable coordination of enthusiasm and team spirit among volunteers of all age groups. Devotees from Sutton, Wellington, and Croydon cities participated wholeheartedly in the program. Approximately 300 devotees, mostly working in IT and other sectors, listened to this nectar-like discourse lasting two and a half hours each day. It is a unique influence of Revered Devi Ji’s loving heart that even foreign lands become compelled to be bound by the strings of her love. Raseshwari Devi Ji, the founder president of Braj Gopika Seva Mission, returned to Bhubaneswar November 18, 2024 after successful completion of this 30-day tour. Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a law that allows those who sign up to fight in Ukraine to write off unpaid debts worth almost $100,000, the government announced. The new legislation will be a strong motivation for some to join up, experts said, as Russia seeks new ways to recruit fighters for the nearly three-year conflict grinding through troops. The new legislation will allow those who sign a one-year contract to fight in Ukraine after December 1 to free themselves of existing bad debts. It also covers their spouses. The law concerns debts where a court order for collection was issued and enforcement proceedings began before December 1, 2024. The total amount of unpaid debt that can be covered is 10 million rubles, around $96,000 at current rates. Parliament approved the bill earlier this month. The legislation will largely concern younger Russians of fighting age, since those in their 30s and younger are most likely to have loans. Russia has extremely high interest rates for loans and many Russians have almost no cash savings, although the proportion of home owners is relatively high. "Previously (for those fighting) there was only provision for taking repayment holidays on loans," Sergei Krivenko of advocacy group Citizen Army Law told Vazhniye Istorii Telegram channel. The new legislation applies to those who are conscripted for national service and those mobilised for the so-called "special military operation", Krivenko said. Conscripts cannot be sent to the front line but can choose to sign a contract to join the professional army and be sent to fight in Ukraine. Russian authorities "are strengthening the motivation to sign a contract," political analyst Georgy Bovt wrote on Telegram. The legislation provides "another way to get rid of an unbearable burden of credit, at least for several hundred thousand people," Bovt wrote. Over 13 million Russians have three or more loans, according to a central bank report released last month covering the first two quarters. This was up 20 percent on the same period last year. The average amount owed by those with three or more loans is 1.4 million rubles ($13,400 at current rates). Many start with a bank loan and then apply for further loans from microfinance organisations. Russians serving on the front line are already paid far more than the national average. Ukraine also has legislation allowing those fighting to get preferential terms for loans and in some cases to write off debts. bur/twIt was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”County gives $1,000, $500 bonuses to all employees
The part of India you probably haven’t heard of, but must visitThis story is part of the November 24 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories . Malabar Coast, Arabian Sea. There’s romance enough just in the names. I’m rattling along in a rickety local bus (no windows, driver perched on the springs of a seat that long ago lost its padding) towards Kochi in Kerala state, south-west India. The city, once known as Cochin, was a relatively sleepy place in the 1960s. Since then, the population has exploded from a manageable 250,000 to more than 31⁄2 million. What you’ll see today is a colonial-era district, Fort Kochi, surrounded by a vast Indian city of shopping malls, high-rise apartment blocks and motorways – pumping with life and energy 24/7. Traditional Kathakali dance on New Year carnival in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India. Credit: Getty Images Fort Kochi was a significant trading port long before the local raja (king) negotiated a deal with the Portuguese in 1500. He got the worst of the arrangement, slowly losing power to his erstwhile ally. The Portuguese built a fort, hence the name, and held on to the territory for the next 163 years before losing it in turn to the Dutch. The British wrested it away in 1795, holding on to the growing town until India gained its hard-won independence in 1947. It’s no surprise Kochi is a major tourist attraction. It’s small enough to navigate around easily and is packed with the magnificent architecture of three successive colonial influences alongside Indian, with the whole lot surrounded by sea. With an international airport well serviced by flights from Australia, Kochi is a great place to begin your Indian adventure, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to India. Kerala is considered a politically and socially progressive state relative to the rest of India. It’s also one of the wealthiest and this is evident in Kochi. It’s a city of fine restaurants, hipster cafes, boutiques packed with original designs and a surprisingly large number of art galleries, many housed in exquisite, well-maintained colonial buildings. The city is home to the government-supported Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which has had quite an impact on the art world since its inception in 2012. The sixth edition gets underway in December this year. Wander in the narrow, winding lanes edged by buildings in the Dutch and Portuguese styles housing shops, cafes and private homes. Drop in for coffee at Kashi Art Cafe. Stroll with the locals at sunset on Kochi Beach, dine at a waterfront restaurant watching the boats coming and going across the harbour. There’s a wide range of accommodation here, from luxury hotels to modest guesthouses. Take a state-of-the-art electric ferry to the wharf near the iconic Chinese fishing nets and next door to the gorgeous Brunton Boatyard Hotel, which began life as a British colonial shipyard on the waterfront. Stay here, or pop in for a drink or a meal on the promenade. Loading Nearby, tucked down a quiet, flower-filled lane, you’ll find SeaCoast Inn. This newly built, mid-range guesthouse is owned by Kochi local Shaan. The former IT executive has drawn on his own international travel experience to organise this attractive residence in a way that works for foreign visitors while still being essentially Indian. It’s pristine, well designed and full of lovely artisanal furnishings and fittings that reflect the Portuguese heritage of the area. Fort Kochi is not nearly as busy as many Asian cities with similar attractions. There’s still a homely feel to it, easygoing and genuine. My first day in Kochi, I lunch at Qissa cafe and find myself gravitating back there often during my stay. On one visit, as I step out into the street to take a phone call, I notice I’ve left my bag at my table. I’m about to double back when the waiter, a young man with the delicate beauty typical of the people of this region, his abundant black hair hauled into a topknot, makes me a sign: “No worries, I’ve got my eye on it, go do what you need to do.” Kochi is still that sort of place. WHEN TO GO: The winter months between October and February are comfortable and mild. DON’T MISS: A kathakali performance at the Cochin Cultural Centre’s theatre. FURTHER AFIELD: Rent a houseboat for the day or overnight and explore the Kerala backwaters. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Sunday Life Holidays India Most Viewed in Lifestyle Loading
MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MARA) Stock Position Decreased by Stifel Financial CorpPutin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down
