Why Panaji?
Panaji blends eastern grace with western town planning. Under the peaceful veneer are undertones of a city struggling to embrace modernity while integrating its heritage. The central zone of the city, with gardens and broad roads built on a grid pattern, makes places easy to find. Old shops such as Loja Camota defy change. Sporting signboards in Portuguese, they hold their own against glass-frontedshowrooms such as Levi's or Benetton on MG road and Wills Lifestyle on 18th June Road.
Panaji continues to retain much of its heritage because of the intervention of local heritage groups. Its tree-lined promenades, church steeples and colourful Indo-Portuguese houses with circling verandahs and stone corbelled roofs make a pretty sight as you cross the Mandovi bridge. Of the four entrances into this island city, the route over the Mandovi bridge is the best approach.
The city's lifeline is the Mandovi River. With unstinting attention, the Mandovi etched the city's shoreline into coves and sandy beaches like Miramar, Caranzalem, Dona Paula and Hawaii beach.
In the 18th century, the river shaped Panaji from fishing village of mangroves, paddy fields and saline lands into a lovely European-styled city.
When the prosperous city of Old Goa fell to disease and death, the Portuguese shifted the city, brick by brick, to Panaji. Mansions and magnificent structures in Old Goa were dismembered and carried via the Mandovi River to rebuild the new capital, Nova Goa. In the early 19th century, Panaji was enlarged and developed with public sewage, an intricate drainage system and gardens. It became the capital of Goa by a royal decree in 1843, and was known as Nova Goa or New Goa. It was later renamed Panaji.
A comfortable bed
Hotel prices peak at New Year. For five-star comfort, Goa Marriott Resort (www.marriott.com; 00 91 832 2463333) at Miramar offers stunning views of the Mandovi, one of the best sunset spots in Goa (double rooms from 7,500 Indian rupees [Dh620], including taxes).
The Mandovi (www.hotelmandovigoa.com; 00 91832 22 2440 509) is one of Goa's oldest hotels, with double rooms from Rs2,675 (Dh221), including taxes.
Panjim Inn (www.panjiminn.com; 00 91 832 2228 136), a cosy heritage hotel in a quiet Fontainhas neighbourhood, is known for its hospitality and clean rooms. Double rooms cost from Rs2,622 (Dh217), including taxes.
Find your feet
Panaji is a walker's delight, best savoured at a leisurely slow rhythm - in a city where nothing, especially traffic, is rushed. From Boca de Vaca Spring on Dada Vaidya Road, water spews from a beautifully sculpted cow head. Next to the spring is the 1818 Mahalaxmi temple, resplendent in its antiquity and history.
Patto bridge is a marvel of civil engineering, once considered the longest and oldest bridge to be built on alluvial soil. Although designed for horse-driven carriages, the bridge now supports heavy traffic.
Walk west along Panaji's riverfront from the Mandovi Bridge and watch the sun set over the Mandovi as you pass historical sites such as the statue of Abbé Faria, the Adil Shah Palace and the old Customs House, now a museum. Further down to the left is Menezes Braganza Institute; step into the entrance to admire the intricate azulejos, a Portuguese art form that involves painting white tiles with shades of blue then firing them. The paintings depict scenes from The Lusiads, an epic poem about Portuguese explorers.
Meet the locals
Wherever you hear music, you'll find a Goan. Heritage Jazz Yatra is music with a mission: to draw attention to Goa's rich heritage. Armando Gonsalves home forms the backdrop to jazz concerts with local and international acts who perform on the street and rev up the usually quiet neighbourhood of Campal with guitar riffs and bluesy saxophone (visit www.heritagejazz.com).
Kala Academy (00 91 832 2420 452) is Goa's cultural centre, known for its architecture by Charles Correa. At times, the academy puts on musical shows and theatre - western classical, jazz, classical Hindi.
Panjim Corporation Market is where you'll find exotic fruits and a variety of seafood. Stop to taste local palm jaggery, kokum, toddy vinegar and coconut feni.
Book a table
Tamari (00 91 832 6633 636; open daily from 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm) does sushi wraps and rolls of tuna, salmon and eel (Rs355, Dh29). For reasonably priced local dishes such as chicken xacuti, rechado mackerels and semolina-fried squids, try George Bar and Restaurant at Church Square. Ritz Classic Restaurant and Bar on 18th June Road and Viva Panjim in Fontainhas near Mary Immaculate School. Hotel Venite on 31 January Road offers authentic Goan and Portuguese food. Arrive early to avoid waiting for a table.
Shopper's paradise
Visit Wendell Rodricks Design Space at 158, near Luis Gomes Garden, Campal, for evening gowns and casual wear in naturally dyed, organic fabrics.
For antique furniture, Luso-Indian items and artefacts from different parts of India, there's Rebelo's Arte e Mobilia Rebelo (Rua de Ormuz, opposite Café Bhonsle; 00 98 2310 0400). Velha Goa Galleria (00 91 832 242 6628; open from 9.30am to 1 pm and 3pm to 7.30pm) specialises in azulejos.
What to avoid
Evening cruises on the Mandovi - they offer a parody of traditional Goan dance and music. On board, you get hordes of Indian tourists hand pumping the air to deafening bhangra music - a far cry from the peace and quiet Goa is known for.
Don't miss
The church square of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the central axis from which Panaji's arterial roads branch out. On December 8, the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the church is lit up and street vendors line the square, selling everything from furniture to clothes, toys and sweets.
To the left of the church is the heritage precinct of Fontainhas, the Latin quarter of Panaji. Narrow winding lanes, bakeries, violin tunes and pretty homes characterise the neighbourhood.
Fixtures:
Thursday:
Hatta v Al Jazira, 4.55pm
Al Wasl v Dibba, 7.45pm
Friday:
Al Dhafra v Al Nasr, 5.05pm
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Al Wahda, 7.45pm
Saturday:
Ajman v Emirates, 4.55pm
Al Ain v Sharjah, 7.45pm
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
SQUADS
South Africa:
Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada
Coach: Ottis Gibson
Bangladesh:
Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.
Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha
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Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Most wanted allegations
- Benjamin Macann, 32: involvement in cocaine smuggling gang.
- Jack Mayle, 30: sold drugs from a phone line called the Flavour Quest.
- Callum Halpin, 27: over the 2018 murder of a rival drug dealer.
- Asim Naveed, 29: accused of being the leader of a gang that imported cocaine.
- Calvin Parris, 32: accused of buying cocaine from Naveed and selling it on.
- John James Jones, 31: allegedly stabbed two people causing serious injuries.
- Callum Michael Allan, 23: alleged drug dealing and assaulting an emergency worker.
- Dean Garforth, 29: part of a crime gang that sold drugs and guns.
- Joshua Dillon Hendry, 30: accused of trafficking heroin and crack cocain.
- Mark Francis Roberts, 28: grievous bodily harm after a bungled attempt to steal a £60,000 watch.
- James ‘Jamie’ Stevenson, 56: for arson and over the seizure of a tonne of cocaine.
- Nana Oppong, 41: shot a man eight times in a suspected gangland reprisal attack.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'
Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.
Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.
"Moral education touches on every aspect and subject that children engage in.
"It is not just limited to science or maths but it is involved in all subjects and it is helping children to adapt to integral moral practises.
"The moral education programme has been designed to develop children holistically in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation."
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Champions parade (UAE timings)
7pm Gates open
8pm Deansgate stage showing starts
9pm Parade starts at Manchester Cathedral
9.45pm Parade ends at Peter Street
10pm City players on stage
11pm event ends
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The Book of Collateral Damage
Sinan Antoon
(Yale University Press)
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
MATCH DETAILS
Manchester United 3
Greenwood (21), Martial (33), Rashford (49)
Partizan Belgrade 0
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR
US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.
KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5