Adjudication cloud over West Bengal election candidatesThe ruling TMC has already announced the names of 291 candidates for the 294 assembly seats in the state. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Joydeep Thakur Share via Copy link Kalita Majhi, 38
Air India flies ‘wrong’ Boeing 777 jet to Vancouver, plane makes U-turn after 4 hoursAccording to Flightradar24, the flight turned back while flying over Chinese airspace after being airborne for roughly four hours. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:35 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link
The probability of a US recession by the end of 2026 has surged to 36%, according to the prediction platform Polymarket, which tracks real-world events through crowd-sourced betting markets. Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction market, allows traders to buy and sell shares on real-world
I have been asked this, in one form or another, more times than I can count. Sometimes it arrives wrapped in curiosity – a raised eyebrow from a guest who has just noticed my accent, my name, the fact that I come from somewhere else entirely. Sometimes it arrives as a pointed observation
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region due to escalations by Iran, Israel, US could send a ripple effect in the Indian property market. New Delhi: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region due to escalations by Iran, Israel
Travel: Visit these 5 cities for a blend of culture, sport and heritage
Travel: Visit these 5 cities for a blend of culture, sport and heritage
This year, major anniversaries, sporting events and cultural landmarks will turn cities around the world into open-air stages, with exhibitions, concerts and other celebrations. Travellers too, especially those from India, are redefining what journeys mean to them and are picking events, celebrations and experiences over just destinations with a sightseeing list.
“Travel has always been deeply personal, but in 2026 we will see it evolve into something more expressive and individual,” says Santosh Kumar, regional manager, South Asia, at Booking.com.
Against this backdrop of seeking out events, experiences and unique adventures, here are five cities that will mark their own milestones and host unusual gatherings in 2026, making them stand out as essential journeys for the year.
PHILADELPHIA, US: A YEAR OF MILESTONES
Philadelphia is gearing up for a landmark year. Three big moments—US's 250th birthday, the 50th anniversary of the film Rocky, and the FIFA World Cup—will combine to turn the city into a huge celebration of history, sport, film, food and culture through the year.
“Philadelphia in 2026 offers something truly special,” says Svetlana Yazovskikh, vice-president, global tourism, at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As the US marks its 250th anniversary, the entire city becomes a year-long celebration, with exhibitions, outdoor pop-ups, bold public art and a Michelin-recognised dining scene—all alongside a powerhouse summer of global sporting events.” This is the city where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted.
Travellers are already paying attention. “Philadelphia has emerged among the top 10 trending destinations for 2026,” Kumar points out.
With icons like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, visitors can immerse themselves in the birthplace of the nation while exploring a city that's witnessing a creative reinvention.
“Travellers have many options in 2026, but few destinations will deliver this combination of heritage, innovation and pure celebratory spirit,” Yazovskikh says.
BARCELONA, SPAIN: GAUDÍ'S GRAND FINALE
In 2026, Barcelona will mark a moment the world has been waiting more than a century to witness: the completion of La Sagrada Família, the iconic Catholic church. The milestone coincides with the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death, turning the city into a year-long tribute to one of architecture's most inventive minds.
The celebrations, led by the Gaudí Council, began in late 2025 and will stretch to Christmas 2026 with special exhibitions, architectural routes and new public programmes that explore how Gaudí's radical ideas continue to shape Barcelona's urban identity.
“Gaudí's work shows what happens when architecture refuses to behave,” says Ahmedabad-based architect Arundhati Dutta. At a time when global cities are chasing sameness, Barcelona is celebrating an imagination that broke every rule.
“The completion of Sagrada Família 144 years after the first stone was laid isn't just an architectural milestone; it's a reminder that visionary design can outlive its own century,” says the Gaudí fan who's planning a Barcelona trip this year with her architect friends.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND: SPORT AND SOCIAL ENERGY
Glasgow is gearing up for a landmark summer as it prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23 July to 2 August.
The city's mix of sports, culture and energy will be on full display with events unfolding across iconic venues and newly revived districts.
Beyond the stadiums, visitors will find a city in the midst of a cultural resurgence: world-class music, bold contemporary art, and a food scene shaped by indie makers, global influences and a strong commitment to sustainability.
VisitScotland's regional director Lynne Cooper captures the mood: “Glasgow is a lively and culturally rich destination, and the city can't wait to give visitors the famous Scottish warm welcome in 2026. The Games will take visitors on a journey around the city's blend of grand historic buildings, modern architecture and fascinating neighbourhoods.”
She adds that Glasgow's Unesco City of Music status, ceilidh traditions, major festivals such as Celtic Connections and Piping Live!, and year-round attractions like the National Piping Centre ensure the celebrations won't stop at the closing ceremony.
AICHI & NAGOYA, JAPAN: THE NEXT BIG STAGE
The Asian Games, Asia's biggest multi-sport event and a showcase of Japan's culture, innovation and design-forward cities, will train the global spotlight on host cities Aichi and Nagoya.
From 19 September to 4 October, the Games will unite athletes from 45 nations, but organisers aim to highlight much more than sport.
Aichi and Nagoya are using the event to reveal Japan's next chapter: sustainability-focused infrastructure, smart mobility and community-centred public spaces.
Long known for its manufacturing legacy, from Toyota's early factories to design museums and aviation hubs, the region offers a compelling blend of tradition and technology.
The sporting lineup mirrors this mix. Alongside athletics and swimming, the 2026 Games will debut mixed martial arts and surfing, while regional favourites like kabaddi and sepak takraw add local flavour.
MILAN & CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY: THE OLYMPICS OF STYLE
Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will put Italy front and centre as they co-host the Winter Olympics (6-22 February) and Paralympics (6-15 March).
For travellers, it's a rare chance to experience Italy in two distinct moods: Milan's fashion-driven energy and Cortina's dramatic Dolomite landscapes.
Milan will host key ice events in newly upgraded venues, but the city itself becomes part of the celebration. Visitors can explore its design districts, see special Olympic-themed exhibitions at the Triennale Milano, visit the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and enjoy winter fashion shows that spill into the streets.
In Cortina, the Dolomites will transform into a gorgeous backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, and sliding events. Off the slopes, travellers can explore Lago di Misurina, take cable-car rides over the peaks, visit cosy mountain rifugi (huts), and soak in the region's Unesco-listed alpine beauty.
Teja Lele writes on travel and lifestyle.
Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: First major Jallikattu bull-taming sporting events begins in TN's Avaniyapuram Union budget 2026 supercharges India’s sporting ambitions through Khelo India Mission Hard to explain…from a non-sporting background’ - KL Rahul on IPL captaincy Ex-PSG sporting director breaks silence on Lionel Messi's ‘complicated’ stint Joshua and Paul earn riches but deliver budget sporting spectacle No bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan Ex-Barca sporting director backs Xavi in Messi return block by Laporta Major Global Events That Reshaped The World — Tariffs To War Somnath events to run for a year The rain catastrophes in western Himalayas this year are not isolated events
Love Horoscope Today for March 21, 2026: Today's cosmic shift's impact on your love lifeLove Horoscope Today, March 21, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 6:11 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Our astrologer, Neeraj Dhankher
1 days ago
A Patiala-based photography and cinematography service has won hearts online with a beautifully crafted pre-wedding video that blends vintage storytelling with modern filmmaking. Shubhdeep Films, a Patiala-based photography and cinematography firm
1 days ago
With energy prices still high due to the conflict in the Gulf, governments around the world are being urged to reduce driving speed limits and encourage more working from home. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has suggested ten measures to reduce the amount of energy being consumed across the
1 days ago
Ronnie O'Sullivan has set a new record for the highest break in professional snooker history, achieving an astonishing 153 at the World Open in China. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 148 and further solidifies O'Sullivan's status as a legendary figure in the sport
1 days ago
TMC releases manifesto for West Bengal elections, promises to widen its social sector schemesOne of the 10 pledges of the manifesto focuses on empowerment of women, with the party promising to enhance financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar Published on: Mar 21
1 days ago
Think your iPhone is secure? This new iOS 18 hack may change thatA new iOS exploit can steal users' private information from their iPhones simply by users visiting an infected website on Safari web browser. Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 7:37 PM IST By Shweta Ganjoo Share via Copy link If you haven’t
1 days ago
On social media a heartwarming video is making people smile for all the right reasons. Amid the viral trend of recreating a popular scene from Falguni Pathak’s Sawan Mein, one woman has stood out in the most unexpected and beautiful way. While many have been recreating the scene with props like
1 days ago
Cristiano Ronaldo set to recover in time for FIFA World Cup as Portugal head coach gives major injury update Updated on: Mar 21, 2026 6:11 AM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link Cristiano Ronaldo is currently recovering from an injury
1 days ago
A jury in the federal court in San Francisco has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during the period leading up to his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022. According to the jury, Musk deliberately pushed down the company’s stock price in the months before completing the deal
1 days ago
Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star could play vs Kentucky, X-ray results revealed Updated on: Mar 21, 2026 4:31 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) shoots a layup against Tennessee State Tigers forwards Antoine Lorick III
1 days ago
Tributes have been pouring in from around the world to US martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who died aged 86. "He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love," his daughter Danilee Norris said. Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren - who starred
1 days ago
Monday's air strike on Kabul resulted in the highest number of casualties seen since hostilities began again in February. Within hours of explosions ringing across the capital, both sides were posting on social media - a war of words as people searched for answers
1 days ago
Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Hari Singhania has been injured in a speedboat accident in the Maldives. He was among tourists when the boat capsized. Singhania has been rescued and is recovering in Mumbai. Search operations are underway for two other Indian men who are missing
1 days ago
In 2022, as the number of Covid-19 cases began falling and travel opened up again, 30-year-old Irshit Ali’s life changed. There was a sudden surge of tourists in his hometown of Ladakh, where he worked ferrying tourists in his van. This was good for business.In 2022
1 days ago
Another twist in Formula 1’s ever-shifting management landscape, and this one comes with immediate impact. Jonathan Wheatley has stepped down from his role with Audi with immediate effect, just a year after joining the project. And the timing? Hardly coincidental
1 days ago
Two Congress leaders, B.S. Anoop and R.S. Arun Raj, joined the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, expressing dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership. Both leaders, denied tickets for the upcoming Assembly elections, are expected to contest from Chirayinkeezhu and Chadayamangalam respectively
1 days ago
Tarot Horoscope Today for March 21, 2026: Here's your tarot message based on your zodiac signThis article will dive into the daily tarot reading for each zodiac sign for March 21, 2026, with our expert's predictions. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:03 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link The
1 days ago
Washington, Mar 21 (PTI) The United States has announced the temporary lifting of sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil stranded at sea in an effort to cool down soaring global crude prices. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary measure will make available 140 million barrels of
1 days ago
The Supreme Court has permitted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to cut more than 45,000 mangroves. This is for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road project in north Mumbai. The project aims to significantly reduce travel time and distance
1 days ago
Prakash Raj reacts to tweet talking about Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, Jr NTR, and Mahesh Babu praising Dhurandhar 2Prakash Raj also shared a video of the song Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar and wrote that he is very far from Dhurandhar 2. Check his posts here. Mar 21, 2026
1 days ago
Techie earning $85,000 in Canada considers moving to India for ₹26 LPA FAANG job, internet reactsIn a Reddit post, the techie shared that though the Canadian salary looks good on paper, the reality is very different. Published on: Mar 21, 2026 7:45 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A
1 days ago
Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from Thomas Tuchel's largest England squad is the latest blow to his stop-start international career and casts huge doubt on his hopes of playing at the World Cup. Head coach Tuchel said on Friday he had "not yet" spoken to the 27-year-old about his exclusion
1 days ago
Congress leadership has brought peace to Kerala's party affairs. K Sudhakaran will lead the campaign in Kannur. Adoor Prakash has withdrawn his assembly seat claim. The party is optimistic about the upcoming April 9 election. Rahul Gandhi expressed commitment to Kerala's future
1 days ago
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Friday pushed back strongly against US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran was preparing to attack American forces, warning of a forceful response if Iran’s infrastructure is hit. “We are men and women of principles
1 days ago
Fans are pouring into the historic heart of South Korea's capital for what may well be the year's biggest event: the return of the world's most successful band in recent years, BTS. Some 260,000 people are expected to turn up on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, where the seven K-pop stars - RM, Jin
1 days ago
Elon Musk was misleading in his public statements during a crucial period of his 2022 Twitter takeover, a jury has found. After two days of deliberations, a jury in San Francisco federal court decided in a unanimous verdict against the tech titan
1 days ago
Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah instantly agreed to Kapoor & Sons, says film's director: After being rejected by actors…Shakun Batra was asked about taking creative risks with Kapoor & Sons. He said that at that time, honestly, he didn't care. Mar 21, 2026
1 days ago
