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What is the story about?
Good morning! ☕️ This Sunday, we open with the curious case of Gapla, a micronation born on the internet, staking a claim over a disputed strip of land along the Danube, blurring the lines between online identity and real-world geography.
We then move across India’s most walkable cities, from the heritage lanes of Jaipur and Kolkata to the ghats of Varanasi and the French Quarter of Pondicherry, where the best way to understand a place is still on foot. Food takes a regulatory turn in Maharashtra, where restaurants and large chains will now be required to display calorie counts, allergen details and hygiene disclosures.
From there, Mumbai gets a taste of Manila as a Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant arrives for a two-night pop-up, while we also look at how traditional diets across Japan, India, Greece, Korea, Mexico and Scandinavia reveal surprising overlaps in what the “healthiest breakfast” really looks like.
We also explore the world’s most peaceful countries in 2026, India’s best street markets for budget shopping, Goa’s ₹2,000 crore maritime expansion plan, and the story of a 14-year-old Indian running an AI startup from an office in the Burj Khalifa.
Let’s get into it.The internet-born ‘nation’ claiming disputed land on the Danube
On paper, the Federated States of Gapla presents itself as a meticulously structured, highly sophisticated sovereign nation. In reality, it is a border claim over a strip of uninhabited European forest run by a handful of high school and college-aged students via internet portals and an Instagram page with 81,000 followers.
10 Indian cities best explored on foot
Some destinations reveal their true character only when explored on foot. From the heritage lanes of Jaipur and Kolkata to the ghats of Varanasi and the French Quarter of Pondicherry, here are 10 Indian cities where walking offers the best way to experience local history, architecture, culture and everyday life.
From Iceland to Japan: The world's 10 most peaceful countries in 2026
The 2026 Global Peace Index ranks 163 countries and territories based on 23 indicators measuring levels of peace, safety and conflict. Iceland retained the top spot for the 18th consecutive year, while New Zealand, Switzerland and Slovenia also featured among the world's most peaceful nations.
From Delhi to Shillong: 10 best street markets in India for budget shopping
From Sarojini Nagar and Janpath in Delhi to Johari Bazaar in Jaipur and Police Market in Shillong, India is home to vibrant street markets offering everything from fashion and handicrafts to home décor and souvenirs. Here's a look at 10 of the country's best shopping destinations for bargain hunters.
Vande Bharat routes that turn the journey into the destination
From the Kashmir Valley and the Western Ghats to Varanasi's ghats and Jaipur's forts, these Vande Bharat routes connect travellers to some of India's most scenic, spiritual and historic destinations—making the train ride as memorable as the places themselves.
Goa to get ₹2,000 crore maritime boost as Centre unveils water metro plan
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced ₹2,000 crore worth of maritime projects for Goa, including a state-of-the-art water metro system and infrastructure aimed at strengthening the state's ports while preserving its maritime heritage.
From idlis to kimchi: What the world's healthiest breakfasts have in common
Across cultures from India and Japan to Greece and Scandinavia, the world's healthiest breakfasts prioritise whole foods, fermented ingredients, fibre and protein over ultra-processed options. Here's what these morning meals reveal about the link between traditional diets and long-term health.
Mumbai gets a taste of Manila as Michelin-starred Toyo Eatery brings Filipino flavours for a two-night pop-up
One Michelin-starred Toyo Eatery from Manila is bringing its acclaimed Filipino cuisine to Mumbai for a two-night residency at By The Mekong, St. Regis Mumbai. Founder-chef Jordy Navarra has curated a seven-course menu that showcases the cuisine's signature flavours, ingredients and traditions while incorporating locally sourced Indian produce.
What’s on the menu? Now, calories too
Eating out in Maharashtra is set to become more transparent. Under new food safety norms, large restaurants and food chains will have to display calorie counts, allergen information and veg/non-veg labels on menus, while also providing free safe drinking water and complying with stricter hygiene standards.
Who is Ujjwal Nikam? The real-life prosecutor behind Rajkummar Rao's Prahaar
Rajkummar Rao's upcoming courtroom drama Prahaar brings the life of veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to the big screen. Here's a look at the lawyer who led the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial and several other high-profile criminal cases.
The 14-year-old Indian running an AI startup from Burj Khalifa
Most teenagers spend their free time gaming or scrolling social media. But 14-year-old Jainam Jain is building AI tools for businesses, holds two patents, has spoken at TEDx, authored a book, and now runs his startup from an office in Dubai's Burj Khalifa.
We then move across India’s most walkable cities, from the heritage lanes of Jaipur and Kolkata to the ghats of Varanasi and the French Quarter of Pondicherry, where the best way to understand a place is still on foot. Food takes a regulatory turn in Maharashtra, where restaurants and large chains will now be required to display calorie counts, allergen details and hygiene disclosures.
From there, Mumbai gets a taste of Manila as a Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant arrives for a two-night pop-up, while we also look at how traditional diets across Japan, India, Greece, Korea, Mexico and Scandinavia reveal surprising overlaps in what the “healthiest breakfast” really looks like.
We also explore the world’s most peaceful countries in 2026, India’s best street markets for budget shopping, Goa’s ₹2,000 crore maritime expansion plan, and the story of a 14-year-old Indian running an AI startup from an office in the Burj Khalifa.
Let’s get into it.The internet-born ‘nation’ claiming disputed land on the Danube
On paper, the Federated States of Gapla presents itself as a meticulously structured, highly sophisticated sovereign nation. In reality, it is a border claim over a strip of uninhabited European forest run by a handful of high school and college-aged students via internet portals and an Instagram page with 81,000 followers.
10 Indian cities best explored on foot
Some destinations reveal their true character only when explored on foot. From the heritage lanes of Jaipur and Kolkata to the ghats of Varanasi and the French Quarter of Pondicherry, here are 10 Indian cities where walking offers the best way to experience local history, architecture, culture and everyday life.
From Iceland to Japan: The world's 10 most peaceful countries in 2026
The 2026 Global Peace Index ranks 163 countries and territories based on 23 indicators measuring levels of peace, safety and conflict. Iceland retained the top spot for the 18th consecutive year, while New Zealand, Switzerland and Slovenia also featured among the world's most peaceful nations.
From Delhi to Shillong: 10 best street markets in India for budget shopping
From Sarojini Nagar and Janpath in Delhi to Johari Bazaar in Jaipur and Police Market in Shillong, India is home to vibrant street markets offering everything from fashion and handicrafts to home décor and souvenirs. Here's a look at 10 of the country's best shopping destinations for bargain hunters.
Vande Bharat routes that turn the journey into the destination
From the Kashmir Valley and the Western Ghats to Varanasi's ghats and Jaipur's forts, these Vande Bharat routes connect travellers to some of India's most scenic, spiritual and historic destinations—making the train ride as memorable as the places themselves.
Goa to get ₹2,000 crore maritime boost as Centre unveils water metro plan
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced ₹2,000 crore worth of maritime projects for Goa, including a state-of-the-art water metro system and infrastructure aimed at strengthening the state's ports while preserving its maritime heritage.
From idlis to kimchi: What the world's healthiest breakfasts have in common
Across cultures from India and Japan to Greece and Scandinavia, the world's healthiest breakfasts prioritise whole foods, fermented ingredients, fibre and protein over ultra-processed options. Here's what these morning meals reveal about the link between traditional diets and long-term health.
Mumbai gets a taste of Manila as Michelin-starred Toyo Eatery brings Filipino flavours for a two-night pop-up
One Michelin-starred Toyo Eatery from Manila is bringing its acclaimed Filipino cuisine to Mumbai for a two-night residency at By The Mekong, St. Regis Mumbai. Founder-chef Jordy Navarra has curated a seven-course menu that showcases the cuisine's signature flavours, ingredients and traditions while incorporating locally sourced Indian produce.
What’s on the menu? Now, calories too
Eating out in Maharashtra is set to become more transparent. Under new food safety norms, large restaurants and food chains will have to display calorie counts, allergen information and veg/non-veg labels on menus, while also providing free safe drinking water and complying with stricter hygiene standards.
Who is Ujjwal Nikam? The real-life prosecutor behind Rajkummar Rao's Prahaar
Rajkummar Rao's upcoming courtroom drama Prahaar brings the life of veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to the big screen. Here's a look at the lawyer who led the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial and several other high-profile criminal cases.
The 14-year-old Indian running an AI startup from Burj Khalifa
Most teenagers spend their free time gaming or scrolling social media. But 14-year-old Jainam Jain is building AI tools for businesses, holds two patents, has spoken at TEDx, authored a book, and now runs his startup from an office in Dubai's Burj Khalifa.
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