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Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, has become a global icon since its inauguration in 2010, symbolising the United Arab Emirates’ ambition, growth, and architectural prowess. Soaring 828 metres into the sky, the building has redefined luxury and remains a magnet for both tourists and locals, with observation decks on levels 124, 125, and 148 offering panoramic views of Dubai. Purpose behind Burj KhalifaThe primary goal of constructing Burj Khalifa was to create a landmark for Downtown Dubai that would attract tourists and investors while serving as a hub for economic activity. The vision was to design a vertical city encompassing residences, luxury hotels, tourist attractions, and corporate offices. By doing so, Dubai aimed to diversify its economy beyond oil, drawing global investment into real estate, business, and tourism. Backed by the UAE government, the project was intended as both an architectural and economic statement. Construction journeyConstruction began in 2004, led by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with Adrian Smith as the chief architect and Bill Baker as the structural engineer. The design process involved rigorous studies on wind resistance, material strength, and temperature variations along the building’s height, pushing engineering boundaries. The tower was completed in October 2009, just over five years after construction began. Among its remarkable features are the 26,000 exterior glass panels, each weighing 362 kg, installed by more than 300 Chinese cladding specialists — a world record for aluminium and glass façade installation at 512 metres. The telescopic spire, the building’s crowning feature, contains 4,000 tonnes of structural steel and houses communication equipment, with xenon lights flashing 40 times per minute to prevent collisions. How Dubai’s Burj Al Arab became the world’s ‘only 7-Star Hotel’ amid Iran strikes Burj Khalifa’s infrastructure is equally impressive, with 57 elevators, eight escalators, the world’s tallest service elevator capable of carrying 5,000 kg, stairways reinforced with fireproof concrete, and a water system supplying an average of 946,000 litres daily. Economic impactThe project cost $1.4 billion and was officially opened in January 2010. Named in honour of former UAE president Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a gesture of gratitude for financing, Burj Khalifa has since become a major economic driver. Entry ticket sales alone generate $621 million annually, and the residential units have earned $2.18 billion since 2010, with over 76% priced above $1 million. The tower draws millions of visitors and investors, significantly boosting Dubai’s economy. What’s inside Burj KhalifaBurj Khalifa combines luxury, business, and lifestyle under one roof. It houses the Armani Hotel on floors 1 to 8 and over 900 private Armani residences from levels 9 to 108, designed by Giorgio Armani. Corporate suites, observation decks, spas, gyms, and swimming pools extend up to level 154. For dining, Atmosphere on level 122 is the world’s highest restaurant from ground level, offering spectacular views alongside fine cuisine. Beyond its height, the tower features the most floors, the highest elevators, the tallest habitable floor, and the highest residential apartments in any building worldwide — truly embodying the concept of a vertical city. Burj Khalifa remains a landmark of ambition, luxury, and innovation, cementing Dubai’s place on the global stage.

A new travelling exhibition in San Francisco is paying tribute to second-generation Japanese Americans who fought for the United States in World War II while their families were held in government-run internment camps. Titled “I Am an American: The Nisei Soldier Experience,” the 1,500-square-foot exhibit highlights the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers, known as Nisei. The name comes from a sign placed on a Japanese American store in Oakland the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, declaring loyalty to the US. After Pearl Harbor, about 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry two-thirds of them US citizens were forced into remote camps. Despite this, around 33,000 Japanese Americans joined the US military. Many served in the highly decorated but segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion, while others worked as linguists in military intelligence. Nearly 800 were killed in action. The exhibit displays personal items, photos and stories shared by families. Among them is a travel bag belonging to Sgt. Gary Uchida, decorated with drawings of Hawaii, and an Army ID card where George S. Hara wrote his nationality as “American.” One moving item is a handmade note holder crafted in an Arkansas camp by Rihachi Mayewaki, featuring an American eagle and stars for his three sons who served in the Army. The exhibition also honors Staff Sgt. Robert Kuroda, who was killed in France in 1944 after bravely attacking enemy positions. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor. His medal and high school class ring  found in France in 2021 and returned to his family  are on display. The five-year exhibit runs in San Francisco through August before touring 10 other US cities.

Many people feel tired all the time even after getting enough sleep, and experts say the reasons go far beyond how many hours we spend in bed. Studies show that constant fatigue is common worldwide. A 2023 global analysis found that one in five adults experienced ongoing fatigue for up to six months without any clear medical illness. In the United States, a 2019 survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that 44 percent of adults felt sleepy several days each week. In the UK, a 2022 poll by YouGov showed that one in eight adults felt tired all the time. Women reported fatigue more often than men. Doctors say tiredness is one of the most common complaints they hear. In the UK, the National Health Service even uses the term TATT, meaning tired all the time. However, experts say fatigue is not the same as sleepiness. Sleepiness means feeling likely to fall asleep, while fatigue is broader and can affect the body, mind and emotions. Specialists explain that fatigue can be physical, such as muscle tiredness after exercise, but it can also be mental and emotional. This type of fatigue can cause brain fog, low motivation, poor focus and irritability. Scientists say they are only beginning to understand how fatigue affects the brain, thanks to new imaging and lab techniques. Fatigue can be linked to serious illnesses such as cancer, depression, long Covid and multiple sclerosis. But doctors stress that many people feel tired without having a major disease. That is why doctors first try to rule out medical causes using blood tests. Tests can help detect thyroid problems, hormone imbalances or shortages of nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D and magnesium. Experts say nutrient deficiencies can reduce energy because these nutrients are vital for normal body functions. However, doctors say test results are normal in most patients who complain of fatigue. In such cases, lifestyle factors are often the cause. These include poor sleep habits, stress, diet, mental health and lack of rest due to work or family responsibilities. Experts say sleep quality is often more important than sleep length. Interrupted or poor quality sleep can leave people feeling unrefreshed even after many hours in bed. During deep sleep, the brain clears waste products through a system known as the glymphatic system. Disrupted sleep reduces this process and may increase tiredness. Timing of sleep also matters. Sleep that does not match the body’s natural daily rhythm is less effective. This is why shift workers often face health problems. Experts say sleeping at irregular hours can reduce REM sleep, a key stage needed for emotional balance, memory and brain health. Stress is another major cause of fatigue. When people are stressed, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that raises heart rate and body temperature. High cortisol levels make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to the feeling of being tired but unable to rest. Sleep disorders are also common hidden causes. Loud snoring and breathing problems during sleep may signal sleep apnoea, a condition that disrupts sleep throughout the night. People may still sleep for seven to nine hours but wake up feeling exhausted. Dehydration, excessive caffeine and alcohol use can also worsen fatigue. Experts say caffeine can stay in the body for hours and affect sleep, while alcohol may help people fall asleep faster but disrupts sleep later in the night. Health experts say improving energy usually requires basic but consistent steps. These include balanced nutrition, regular sleep routines, stress management, physical activity, enough water and good sleep habits. While these changes may sound simple, doctors say they are often the hardest to maintain in daily life. Experts stress that anyone with long lasting or worsening fatigue should seek medical advice to rule out serious conditions and get proper guidance.   With inputs from BBC

Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped hotel, the Burj Al Arab, briefly made headlines after a minor fire broke out on its exterior due to debris from an intercepted drone amid Iran-US tensions. The attack, part of Iran’s retaliatory measures, caused no injuries but slightly damaged the hotel’s facade. Often called the world’s only “7-star hotel,” Burj Al Arab’s legendary status actually began in 1999 when a British journalist, impressed by its luxury, described it as “more than anything she had ever seen” and labeled it a 7-star hotel. While the management never officially adopted the term, it stuck and became a symbol of Dubai’s unmatched opulence. The hotel’s history dates back to the early 1990s when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum envisioned a landmark that would define Dubai, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Sydney Opera House. Architect Tom Wright of Atkins designed the building to resemble a traditional Arabian dhow, symbolizing Dubai’s seafaring heritage and ambitious future. Since its opening in 1999, the Burj Al Arab has been a defining feature of Dubai’s skyline. Built on a man-made island 280 metres offshore, the hotel is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. Its steel exoskeleton is designed to withstand extreme desert temperatures. All 199–202 suites are duplexes, featuring the world’s largest atrium, a rooftop helipad, Statuario marble interiors, and extensive 24-carat gold leaf detailing. Guests enjoy personalized butler service, luxury toiletries, and high-end tech, while the Royal Suite includes a private elevator, rotating canopy bed, cinema, and library. The hotel offers nine signature restaurants and bars, including Al Muntaha, perched 200 metres above the sea, and an underwater-themed restaurant with a 990,000-litre aquarium. Leisure facilities include saltwater and freshwater infinity pools, a private beach, a luxury spa, and access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. A night in the Royal Suite costs around 8,100 AED (Rs 2,00,876), offering panoramic views, Rolls-Royce transfers, and exclusive perks. Constructed at an estimated $1 billion USD, the Burj Al Arab remains a symbol of ultimate luxury and Dubai’s architectural ambition. With inputs from NDTV    

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt turned heads at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week, dazzling in an all-black look that blended glamour with a gothic edge. She attended the much-anticipated debut runway presentation of Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia as the brand’s new Creative Director. The show took place at Palazzo Delle Scintille, a renovated sports arena that hosted a star-studded audience. Alia, who is Gucci’s first Indian Global Ambassador, stood out with a bold “femme fatale” style drawn from Demna’s debut collection, which mixed gothic themes with ironic streetwear elements. She wore a glossy black leather car coat with a tailored fit, paired with pointed black kitten heels. Her accessories included oversized dark-tinted aviator sunglasses, pearl stud earrings and a structured black Gucci Horsebit handbag, adding an elegant finish to the look. Keeping her makeup fresh yet powerful, Alia chose dewy skin with soft blush and highlighter, nude lips and thin eyeliner. Defined brows, minimal nails and a sleek, wet hairstyle completed her polished appearance. Demna’s first show for Gucci highlighted the brand’s roots while bringing back ‘90s and early 2000s nostalgia with a modern twist. The high-profile event was also attended by celebrities such as Demi Moore, Gulf Kanawut, Xiao Zhan and Lee Know.  With inputs from BBC.

From the coast of Perth, a striking blue rise appears on the horizon, sometimes vivid, sometimes obscured by mist or ships at sea. To Glen Stasiuk, a lecturer at Murdoch University and director of the documentary Wadjemup: Black Prison — White Playground, the island feels alive. “Sometimes it wants to be seen, sometimes it wants to hide,” he says. “It has a heartbeat.” That island is Rottnest Island, known to the Noongar people as Wadjemup, located about 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle. Today, more than 800,000 visitors flock there each year for its white beaches, turquoise waters and quokkas, the small marsupials that have become global social media stars. For the Noongar people, however, Wadjemup is a deeply spiritual place. Len Collard, emeritus professor at the University of Western Australia, explains that in Noongar belief, spirits travel west to the islands after death. “It was always a place of spirits,” he says, “but it became even more so after colonisation, when it turned into a site of immense suffering.” A prison island Wadjemup became a prison for Aboriginal boys and men in 1838. Britain had claimed Australia in the late 18th century, and violent clashes between colonisers and Indigenous peoples followed. Aboriginal prisoners were transported to the island, often in chains, accused mainly of stealing livestock or food rations. Many inmates came from far-flung regions such as the Kimberley, more than 2,000 kilometres away. Some had never seen the ocean before arriving. They were forced into hard labour, quarrying limestone and constructing much of the island’s infrastructure, including jetties, cottages and government buildings. ‘Fabled knights of old’: the real story behind Japan’s samurai Conditions were brutal. Cells were overcrowded, disease was widespread, and punishment was severe. One superintendent, Henry Vincent, was notorious for his cruelty, yet was never convicted. By the time the prison closed in 1902, nearly 4,000 Indigenous men and boys had been incarcerated there. At least 373 died, most of them buried in unmarked graves. From prison to playground After the prison shut down, Wadjemup was quickly reimagined as a leisure destination. In 1911, the main cell block was converted into holiday accommodation, stripping away much of its historical fabric. Even more disturbing, the burial ground of deceased prisoners was turned into a campground known as Tentland. For nearly 90 years, holidaymakers unknowingly slept just metres above one of Australia’s largest Indigenous burial sites. Although human remains were discovered in 1970, the campground was not closed until 2007. The former prison itself continued operating as tourist lodging until 2018. Reckoning with the past For Noongar communities, the island remains both painful and powerful. Collard describes Wadjemup as a sentinel or lighthouse, signalling a truth that must not be ignored. In 2020, the Rottnest Island Authority launched the Wadjemup Project to formally acknowledge the island’s history of Aboriginal incarceration and deaths in custody. The initiative focuses on truth-telling, memorialisation and healing. As part of this effort, the Wadjemup Wirin Bidi or Spirit Trail was held in 2024, bringing together around 200 Aboriginal people from across Australia to honour those buried on the island and help lay their spirits to rest. Today, visitors can also take Aboriginal cultural tours that explore both the beauty of the island and its traumatic history. Local Noongar guide Casey Kickett, who runs Koordas Crew, works with children through art and nature-based activities to introduce them gently to Wadjemup’s cultural significance before confronting its darker chapters later in life. Road to Heaven: Gujarat’s surreal highway flanked by water and salt pans Despite everything, Collard says he still loves visiting the island. “My people are buried there,” he says. “I go over and say hello to them.” Kickett offers visitors a simple gesture of respect: when stepping off the jetty, throw a handful of sand into the water and introduce yourself to the land and its ancestors. It is a small act, she says, but one that acknowledges the deep, complex history beneath this island paradise.

From medieval beginnings, the samurai have captured imaginations across centuries, inspiring art, literature, and films—from Shōgun to Star Wars. Yet their true history is far more complex and nuanced than the myths suggest. The samurai’s legacy is unique in world culture. Few medieval social groups have been celebrated and mythologized as relentlessly as they have—from 18th-century ukiyo-e prints to contemporary video games, TV shows, and films. Over time, however, fame often bends toward exaggeration, and the samurai are no exception. Were they truly fearless, loyal, self-sacrificial, disciplined, and uniquely Japanese? The British Museum’s new Samurai exhibition seeks to cut through the myth, presenting a more accurate and fascinating history of these enigmatic warriors. Origins and evolutionThe samurai did not constitute a uniform group across history. “The perception in the West is that samurai are warriors—and they certainly were,” says Rosina Buckland, the exhibition’s curator. “That’s how they rose to power in the Middle Ages. But that’s not the full story.” Samurai origins trace back to the 10th Century, when they were recruited as mercenaries for the imperial courts. Over time, they evolved into rural gentry, but contrary to popular belief, they were not idealized crusaders bound by codes of chivalry. In battle, they often employed ambushes, deception, and opportunistic tactics, motivated more by land and status than honor or duty. The samurai were adaptable, embracing foreign technology and multicultural influences. For instance, a samurai cuirass in the exhibition shows a Portuguese-inspired design, with a pointed front and angled sides to deflect musket bullets—a necessity after European firearms arrived in Japan in 1543. Power, culture, and governanceThe samurai rose to political power amid imperial succession disputes, with the Minamoto clan eventually establishing a government parallel to the imperial court in 1185. Buckland emphasizes that even early on, culture was central to power: “Culture is power.” Military leaders, or Shōguns, complemented their battlefield might with cultural sophistication to consolidate authority. They drew on Neo-Confucian philosophy, balancing military force with cultural skill. Alongside warfare, samurai mastered refined arts such as painting, poetry, music, theatre, and tea ceremonies. One notable exhibit features a 19th-century fan painted with orchids by a samurai artist. The Disney/FX series Shōgun fictionalizes one turning point: in the 1500s, Tokugawa Ieyasu (represented by the fictional Yoshii Toranaga) established a government that lasted 250 years. With peace established, samurai shifted roles from warriors to bureaucrats: ministers, lawmakers, tax collectors, and guards in castle gates. Role of womenDuring the Tokugawa Shogunate, Daimyo families were relocated to Edo (modern Tokyo) to ensure loyalty, placing women in charge of households. Buckland explains that women oversaw large households—sometimes 40–50 people—managing staff, tradespeople, children’s education, and hosting guests according to strict rituals. Exhibition items, including robes and etiquette manuals, reveal the crucial role of samurai women. The era also saw the rise of legendary portrayals in plays, poems, and artworks, often celebrating male heroism but sometimes highlighting female warriors. An 1852 ukiyo-e print depicts Tomoe Gozen, wife of a Minamoto general, who reportedly fought at the Battle of Awazu in 1184, defeating enemy warriors with her bare hands. Demise and legacyDuring the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japan modernized politically, socially, and militarily, officially abolishing the samurai class in 1869. “At this point, the samurai image becomes pure fiction,” Buckland says, noting that nostalgia revived the image about 25 years later. International fascination grew, including Nitobe Inazō’s Bushido: The Soul of Japan (1899), which explained Japan’s success in the wake of the Sino-Japanese War and victory over Russia. The samurai image was later used domestically as military propaganda and a national symbol. Samurai culture also influenced global media: Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) inspired Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), and the costumes drew on samurai armor, with Darth Vader’s iconic outfit on display in the exhibition. The true story of the samurai is one of evolution—from medieval mercenaries to gentrified bureaucrats and patrons of the arts. Yet their legend continues to captivate through art, film, video games, and fiction. Buckland hopes the British Museum exhibition will inspire new representations of these fascinating warriors. The Samurai exhibition is open at the British Museum until May 4.

Hundreds of patients have reported that certain medications for movement disorders, including GSK’s Ropinirole, triggered compulsive behaviours such as gambling, overspending, and hypersexuality, according to a BBC investigation. Emma, a patient who developed Restless Legs Syndrome during pregnancy, lost tens of thousands of pounds to gambling after taking Ropinirole. She only discovered the link between her medication and compulsive behaviour after reading media reports. Many others contacted the BBC, including healthcare professionals and banking executives, describing similar experiences. The drugs, part of a family of dopamine agonists, boost dopamine levels in the brain, which regulates movement, motivation, and reward. Experts warn that overstimulation can lead to harmful behaviours, including sex addiction, binge shopping, and criminal acts. Despite these risks, doctors in the UK are reportedly still not fully warning patients about potential side effects. Past incidents show the severity of the issue. In 2000, GSK identified a case of paedophilia linked to Ropinirole, but warnings on sexual urges only appeared years later. Legal cases are emerging internationally, including in Belgium and France, where patients claim these medications have caused financial and personal devastation. Health authorities and charities advise patients to discuss any concerns with their doctors. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that warnings took time to issue because all evidence must be reviewed, and leaflets cannot list every possible individual reaction.   With inputs from BBC

Adults seeking career growth or personal interests are increasingly becoming the “new majority” in higher education, as millions enroll in college courses to gain new skills, certificates or degrees. Many of these learners are working full-time, raising families or returning to study later in life. Experts say continuing education helps them improve job prospects, earn higher pay or simply explore new passions. Eric Deschamps, director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University, said returning to school opens new opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access to higher education. However, older students often have to balance studies with jobs, childcare and other family duties, making time management a key challenge. Universities across the U.S. are expanding flexible programs to meet this growing demand. For example, UCLA Extension offers more than 90 certificate and specialization programs ranging from interior design and accounting to photography and music production. Nearly half of its 33,500 students last year were over the age of 35, showing the strong interest among adult learners. Education experts say rapid technological change and economic uncertainty are pushing many adults to update their skills. Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence are encouraging workers to refresh knowledge gained years ago so they can stay competitive in the job market. Before returning to study, advisors suggest adults review their time, budget and long-term goals. They should consider how additional training will help them reach where they want to be in five or ten years, whether that means a promotion, career shift or starting a business. To make learning easier, many institutions now offer low-cost courses, financial aid, online classes and self-paced options so students can fit studies around work and home life. Still, psychological barriers remain. Some adults worry their academic skills are outdated or feel uncertain about re-entering a classroom. Building a strong support network and using counseling and advising services can help them stay motivated. Experts stress that lifelong learning brings personal satisfaction as well as career benefits. Their key message to adult learners: it is never too late to return to school and invest in personal growth.

Ultra-processed foods, widely consumed for convenience, may be disrupting gut health and reducing microbial diversity, according to recent research. Experts say the additives in these foods, such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and colorings, can negatively impact the gut microbiome – the complex community of trillions of microorganisms that plays a key role in digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even mental health. A healthy and diverse microbiome is associated with better gut function, lower inflammation, and longer lifespan, while reduced diversity is linked to sleep disorders, digestive issues, and chronic diseases. Studies have shown that emulsifiers, commonly added to improve texture and extend shelf life in processed foods like ice cream, bread, and cakes, may lead gut bacteria to penetrate the intestinal mucus, triggering inflammation. Research in mice and humans has linked these additives to inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. Clinical trials indicate that individuals with Crohn’s disease experienced fewer symptoms when consuming a diet low in emulsifiers, highlighting their potential impact on gut health. Nutritionists recommend reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods and opting for fresh, minimally processed ingredients to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. “Moderation is key. Cooking from scratch and eating a variety of fibre-rich foods can help protect gut health,” said experts.   With inputs from BBC