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1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, TurkeyThis grand structure has seen the rise and fall of many powerful empires. It is a perfect example of the transfusion of many religious symbols, designs and architecture to form a transcending work of art that sits in the heart of Istanbul. In 537 AD, it was first built as a Church by the Emperor of Constantinople and after the commencement of the Ottoman Empire, it was converted to a mosque. The minarets, minbar and mihrab were later added and now can be seen as a symbol of tolerance, peace and humanity. 2. Casa Mila, Barcelona, SpainThis masterpiece by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi is so distinctive that it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Resembling a ‘stone quarry’ shaped like the waves of the ocean was inspired by Gaudi’s love for nature. The building boasted many innovations that were unheard of in the early 1900s like underground parking, a self-supporting stone façade and a free plan floor. Even the interior walls are curved and of rough appearance but the most spectacular is the terrace roof with different forms of gargoyles. The twisted wrought iron balconies also enhance the overall appearance of the building. 3. Petra, JordanThe ancient city of Petra was heavily featured in the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ where each structure is intricately carved out of red sandstone and has withstood the perils of time. Included in the seven wonders of the world, this city was inhabited in 7000 BC and was the capital city of the Nabataean kingdom. These nomadic Arabs settled here and the city flourished, the most famous is the Al-Khazneh or the Treasury, a temple that has become a tourist hub due to its otherworldly charm that transports the visitors to an era gone by. 4. Colosseum, Rome, ItalyThe pride of the Roman Empire and the marvel of Rome, The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre that has been the setting of important and historic events all through history. Commenced under Emperor Vespasian it was completed in 80 AD and could have accommodated 65,000 visitors. This structure was used famously for gladiatorial contests, public speeches, entertainment games and performances based on Roman plays. Some parts of the Colosseum were demolished by earthquakes and robbers who looted its stones but still it is listed as one of the seven new wonders of the world. 5. Sydney Opera House, AustraliaWhen one thinks of Australia, it is not possible that the image of the glorious Sydney Opera House doesn’t come to mind. Inaugurated almost 43 years ago, this building has become a hub for art and culture since it hosts more than 1,500 performances annually and is visited by around 8 million people. Strategically located on the Sydney Harbour resembling white shells clustered together exquisitely creating a unique formation. Many ferries and boats ride along the banks of the harbours to capture the proper glimpse of the building and there are many night tours too. 6. Neuschwanstein Castle, GermanyIt is believed that this opulent castle was the inspiration behind the many Disney castles that we see in movies. It could be due to its fairy tale setting atop a rugged hill overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Surrounded by dark green trees this castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria where the construction began in 1869 using his own personal wealth. Romanticising the Middle Ages it used the Romanesque style for its dreamy effect and has many beautiful windows, arches, columns and towers. 7. Angkor Wat, CambodiaThe crowning jewel of Cambodia is so much so that it is on the country’s flag and is the largest religious complex in the world spanning 420 acres. It was constructed by the Khmer King Suryavarman II during the 12th century as a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu and is built in a way to resemble the sacred Mount Meru. Using the Angokorian architecture techniques of temple-mountain and the later galleried temple, the subsequent temples were converted into Buddhist temples. Gracefully residing in the middleof the jungle, visiting this site is an out of the world experience. 8. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, IndiaThe vast complex where these caves are located can be considered some of the finest craftsmanship of ancient rock-cut caves. Located near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, this elusive site is embellished with intricate paintings, sculptures and frescoes that are in devotion to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The Ajanta Caves were built between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century BC, whereas the Ellora Caves were built after that. In total there are 63 caves that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Themost famous cave is the Kailash Temple which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. 9. Hallgrimur Church, IcelandThis fascinating church resembles the basalt lava flows that are a natural phenomenon prevalent in Iceland. Being the tallest church structure in Iceland standing at a height of 244 ft and is named after the famous Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson. This church is the centrepiece and one of the most important tourist attractions in the capital Reykjavik and is visible from almost all parts of the city. Completed in 1940, the church has become symbolic of the country’s national identity and its raw beauty derived from nature is outstandingly built. Using the expressionist architectural design this church displays the quality of elegance in simplicity. 10. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAEThe tallest building in the world with a staggering height of 829.8 m which is just a few metres shy of a kilometre tall building touching the sky. Having held its reigning crown since 2009, no other structure has been able to match its height which demonstrates the skilled engineering that was undertaken. Amalgamating the Islamic architecture of the Great Mosque of Samarra into this modern marvel, the project took a swift 5 years to complete. It has 163 floors that are used for various purposes including corporate suites, Armani residences, Armani Hotel,

Do you ever think that when you buy a t-shirt, order food online, try exotic fruits, or simply drive your car, how much carbon emissions are you contributing to the atmosphere? Well, a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, an organisation, or a society as a whole. This could culminate in climate change and is a tool to measure an individual, society, or a country’s impact on the overall carbon emissions, which could subsequently reflect on the future of the planet. The burning of fuels, production, manufacturing, construction and other factors are also included in this. The ever-increasing population rates drastically increase carbon emissions and also deplete the earth’s resources. We, as conscious citizens, can do our small bit for the earth, which will result in big changes, and these are some simple steps that we can be mindful about. FOODMeat and dairy consumption are responsible for 14.5 percent of the earth’s greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing our daily intake of these items will be beneficial. Try consuming more fruits, vegetables, grains, and pulses and make sure they are organic and locally sourced. Since foods that are not in season use more transportation and storage, it leads to more emissions. Reusable bags made from jute and other natural and sturdy fibres will ensure that less plastic is consumed and avoid products that come with imprudent packaging. Be mindful of what you shop for and don’t hoard food since it has a shelf life and will get thrown away after being spoilt. Try eating home-cooked meals more as opposed to takeouts, online orders or even eating out. CLOTHINGWe have all been guilty of buying on a whim and getting meddled into the trap of fast fashion, which is one of the biggest polluters on the planet They are made from cheap materials that we throw away quickly and get dumped in the landfills soon. Buy good quality clothes that last a long time and maintain good care for them. You can also opt for vintage, rented, thrifted, or borrowed clothes so that there isn’t an additional production of clothes. Try to buy clothes that are recycled or have an ecolabel on them that are consciously made. Many homegrown labels offer sustainable clothes and are safe for the environment too. TRANSPORTTry to use public transportation more often as opposed to driving a car since it reduces carbon emissions as well as traffic congestion. You can also walk, carpool, or bicycle to your destination whenever possible. Good upkeep of the car with properly inflated tyres and removal of excess weight from the car can reduce the emissions. Switch off the car during red lights and also use air conditioning when not required. Switching to hybrid and electric cars is the new way forward since their long term benefits outweigh their production costs. Try to travel by train for your next vacation since air travel is the largest contributor to an individual’s carbon footprint. But if you have to travel, try to fly nonstop as it uses less fuel. ENERGY AND WASTESwitch off lights when they are not in use and stop charging your phone even after a full charge as it is an unnecessary energy load. Setting the temperature of the air conditioning to above 24 degrees and turning down the heating by 1 degree will make a huge difference. When buying electronic items, check if they are more energy efficient and how many energy stars they have. Take short showers and turn off the water while brushing. Also, water purifiers discharge a lot of water that can be easily used to water plants or mop the floor. There is a thing called a digital footprint too when we use excess data in the cloud or send too many emails.

WHY ARE THEY THE HAPPIEST IN THE WORLD? The World Happiness Report is a global initiative by the United Nations that ranks 150 countries according to the level of happiness evaluated by their citizens. For the past five consecutive years, Finland has retained the top position, and it was noted that many Nordic countries were placed in the top 10. The ranking is estimated on six main factors, including GDP per capita, Healthy life expectancy, Generosity, Social Support, Freedom of making life choices, and Perceptions of Corruption. Even after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, they still hold a high position as they grappled well with the disease. When it comes to happiness, it doesn’t mean that the Scandinavian people are always happy and don’t suffer from mental health issues. It simply signifies the feeling of being content in the long run. This could be due to the region’s high societal trust and low unemployment, which means a low crime rate. They have some of the highest taxes in the world, but they are more than happy to comply since their state welfare and social benefits provide for better access to education, healthcare and security. When they have important issues like job security, health and education in place they can invest emotionally in more important things that multiply the level of happiness, like friends, family and recreation. Even though Northern most parts of Europe receive very little daylight, Finnish people don’t let it dampen their spirits and have a huge number of saunas. They love to relax in a hot sauna on harsh and cold winter days and have adapted well to their climatic conditions. They believe in the philosophy of living simply amidst nature and often take hikes with their families or ski in the mountains. In Denmark, there is the concept of ‘Hygge’ with its variations in countries like Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and more. It is basically a concept that focuses on the feeling of cosiness, warmth, love and fulfilment. They have always placed the feeling of comfort and contentment as the topmost priority, which reflects in their general behaviour and lifestyle. When it comes to the work-life balance, they have aced that facet of life too, which can be described as a ‘recipe for happiness’. Having a thriving professional life along with the time and space to practise one’s passion is the essence of life. In Denmark, this can be attributed to the fact that they do not have long working hours, which is typically 37 hours in 5 days. Their working arrangements are flexible and they can work from home on some days. The employees also get a guaranteed five weeks of vacation time. There is interestingly a thing called ‘stress leave’ so they can work on their mental health and find another suitable job option. Freedom of choice is another factor that the Nordic people take very seriously, which means freedom to lead a life the way you want, like pursuing one’s passion, choosing the right partner, and more. A degree of autonomy leads to better well-being and studies show that a rise in freedom of choice leads to a 30 per cent increase in the total well being of an individual. This included material prosperity, tolerant behaviour, liberal cultural values and room to express each unique identity which is possible due to a wellfunctioning democracy. The government schemes and state welfare generosity were also deciding factors, which increased the overall GDP and provided an optimal distribution of goods and services. Their policies benefit both the rich and the poor, and during times of unemployment, they provide income security. Progressive taxation helps by keeping healthcare, education, and public transportation at a high standard. People in Nordic countries have a trust value in the government and have political stability. This makes corruption very low and even has very lowincome inequality.

ShumukhUSD 1.29 millionPriced at a staggering 1.29 million USD and is artistry packed in a bottle of perfume. Unveiled at Burj Khalifa, its display case is made from luxurious leather that is 2 meters high and is adorned with symbols reflecting UAE’s glorious heritage. Opulent pearls are attached on silver clamshells along with roses made from pink gold and a globe with gold continents.Designed by the legendary perfumer Asghar Adam Ali, he has craftily infused notes from sandalwood, Indian agarwood, musk, Turkish rose and a few secret ones that are not revealed. With just one bottle ever made, this is certainly a rare beauty. DKNY Golden DeliciousUSD 1 millionDKNY is a prestigious luxury brand known for offering sensual and celestial fragrances, its special edition range called Golden Delicious is valued at 1 million USD. Delicately assembled by master jewellery experts, it houses 2,700 white diamonds, 183 yellow sapphires, 15 pink diamonds and more such assortments on the bottle itself. Interestingly, the stones have been placed in such a regal manner that it depicts New York City’s skyline. Sold for charitable purposes, the proceeds go to the cause of ‘Action Against Hunger’. Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial MajestyUSD 12,722 per ounceThis uber luxurious perfume was curated by renowned British perfumer Roja Dove which is an aromatically immortal scent of jasmine, rose oil and Tahitian vanilla. The brand was particular to offer the perfume to very special customers, in a bottle that is fit for royalty made with nest polished crystals where five-carat white diamond sits majestically in 18-carat gold collar. Only ten such bottles were made and the people who get a whiff of its scent claim it to be irresistible with the brand calling it ‘the perfume of his heart’. Baccarat Les Larmes Sacree de ThebesUSD 6,800 per ounceThe intoxicating scent is generously trapped inside the most exquisite bottle which is shaped like a pyramid embellished with handcrafted crystals topped with an amethyst cap. Baccarat had a long-standing reputation of being the foremost crystal glassware manufacturer for three centuries. So when they decided to produce a perfume it had to be crème de la crème which is why it was launched in 1998 with just three high end limited edition fragrances. Translated as ‘Sacred Tears of Thebes’ it captures the essence of Egypt in a bottle and uses amber, rose, jasmine, myrrh, frankincense and Egyptian cassie. Chanel N°5 Grand ExtraitUSD 4,200 per ounceIf luxury and legacy could be encapsulated in a bottle, then this one is surely one of the grandest perfumes made which can be quantified by any perfume connoisseur. Crafted in 1921 by Coco Chanel herself and perfumer Ernest Beaux who wanted the focus on the fragrance itself rather than the bottle. Thus the bottle is simple yet elegant but the perfume is delicately extracted to produce a nuanced feminine scent which has blissful top notes of neroli, may rose and Grasse jasmine. Aldehydes give it a robust burst of exotic freshness. Hermes 24 FaubourgUSD 1,500 per ounceIf luxury and legacy could be encapsulated in a bottle, then this one is surely one of the grandest perfumes made which can be quantified by any perfume connoisseur. Crafted in 1921 by Coco Chanel herself and perfumer Ernest Beaux who wanted the focus on the fragrance itself rather than the bottle. Thus the bottle is simple yet elegant but the perfume is delicately extracted to produce a nuanced feminine scent which has blissful top notes of neroli, may rose and Grasse jasmine. Aldehydes give it a robust burst of exotic freshness.

After opening its border for the first time around 50 years ago, Bhutan has captivated the mind and souls of tourists and has since become a popular destination. This landlocked country is a haven of peace with picturesque mountains, lush greenery, ancient monasteries and colourful traditional flags that can be found along its length and breadth. Now the question arises what makes this small country standout from the rest of the world? In the 1970s, Bhutan sought a new way to measure the prosperity and development of the country by using a unique tool called the ‘Gross National Happiness’ which takes into account its residents’ mental, emotional, physical, societal, and ecological well-being, as well as the surrounding ecosystem. Ever since then they have used this Index rather than the universally accepted GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and have set a benchmark. Primarily being a Buddhist nation that fundamentally values inner happiness above all forms of external interests might be the reason behind their holistic approach towards development. Buddhist values and teachings are seamlessly integrated into the philosophy behind the Index and in one of the UN Climate change conferences, Bhutan warned the world of the large impact of global warming and its hazardous outcome. They have adopted the four pillars that guide the GNH namely 1. Good Governance: This kingdom was led by a succession of Kings and now the current King has placed the governance of the country in the hands of a democratically elected parliament in order to promote fair and equal opportunities for all the citizens. 2. Conservation and Promotion of Culture: Bhutan greatly values its principles of diversity and inclusiveness when it comes to embracing the varied cultures prevalent in the country. Their culture is also one of the deciding factors for the adoption of this tool since they have valued happiness above all. 3. Environmental Protection: Bhutan proudly wears the title of being the only carbon neutral country in the world with over 72% of its area covered in forests. They are extremely conscious to make policies that do not hurt the environment and practice a mutual development of infrastructure and industries taking into mind their natural impact. 4. Sustainable Socio-economic Development: They value the social and economic well-being of all households. Each individual’s education, health, leisure activity, and economic independence make up the contributing factor in the calculation of Happiness. Now before the implementation of any policy first its impact is evaluated in a ‘Stress Test’. It can be noted that Bhutan’s policies have paved the way to substantial growth including doubled life expectancy, better infrastructure and primary school enrolment of 100 per cent of its children. Also, this monumental shift can be taken as an example by developing countries that majorly focus on economic growth leaving behind a plateau of other issues. The government has launched many measures including banning export logging, a strict tourist policy that should be in sync with their sustainable environmental impact and also a day in the month where private vehicles are banned from the roads to promote eco-friendly methods of travelling. Children in school are oriented with basic agriculture and ways to protect the environment along with regular subjects. They are also taught the practice of meditation and regular exercising sessions. Though Bhutan has its own share of problems with being amongst the poorest nations and is seen struggling to make the living standards and daily income of its citizens better. Still, the country relies on this index since it is futuristic and signifies the long-standing commitment to making holistic changes. Though the scenario is slower in the process its impact will have a ripple effect for the generations to come.