A dense blanket of toxic smog settled over New Delhi on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, pushing pollution to its worst levels in weeks and prompting authorities to tighten emergency controls. Official readings showed the capital’s air remaining in the federal government’s “severe” category for a second consecutive day, a range officials warn can affect even healthy people and can seriously…
Chenab Bridge Marks Historic Engineering Feat The world’s highest railway bridge was inaugurated Friday in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir, an engineering marvel that sits 359 meters (1,180 feet) above the Chenab River—making it 29 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The arched Chenab Bridge, decades in the making and costing more than $160 million, spans 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) across…
Historic Policy Shift Could Revive Commercial Supersonic Travel The United States is taking steps toward ending a decades-long ban on civilian supersonic flights over land, a rule that dates back to the era of Concorde. New legislative efforts in both chambers of Congress could soon clear the way for supersonic commercial travel across American skies. During the Concorde’s heyday, flights…
A Neighborhood, a Flag, a Revolution In 1965, Life magazine declared San Francisco the capital of gay America—and at its heart was the Castro. Perhaps the most iconic “gayborhood” in the United States, the Castro became home to some of the most influential queer artists, activists, and visionaries of the 20th century. It was here that the Pride flag was…
Cultural habits and safety concerns explain Japan’s cleanliness without bins. Japan’s pristine streets and spotless public transportation system often leave tourists amazed—especially considering the puzzling scarcity of public trash cans. For many first-time visitors, the absence of receptacles stands in stark contrast to the country’s near-immaculate cleanliness. So how does Japan stay so clean without public places to toss garbage?…
Record heat and rising tourist numbers challenge Greece’s capital. Athens is bracing for another scorching summer as the Greek capital balances record-breaking tourism with intensifying climate challenges. With forecasts predicting yet another wave of extreme heat, the city’s iconic landmarks—especially the Acropolis—face growing strain amid soaring temperatures and swelling crowds. Over 10 million tourists are expected to visit Athens in…
Travel industry urges calm amid political tensions and boycotts. As summer approaches, a surge of anxiety has emerged among some American tourists questioning whether they’re still welcome in Canada, amid rising political tensions and a growing Canadian boycott of the United States. While diplomatic rhetoric intensifies, Canadian tourism agencies are mobilizing with a unified message: American visitors are still warmly…
