Bengal Insight

Author: Manoj Mahata

  • What is the world’s most visited country? Here’s the answer

    What is the world’s most visited country? Here’s the answer

    round the world there are magnificent places which attracts millions of tourists every year.

    Whether its exploring scenic mountains, relaxing on pristine beaches or admiring history, travelling is one of the most popular hobbies. Here are the most visited countries in the world.

    France remains in number one

    As per latest international tourism statistics, the most visited country in the world, with over 102 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, is France.

    It has consistently maintained its position. One of the biggest reasons for this is France’s mix of world-famous landmarks and rich cultural experiences.

    The country offers an unmatched combination of history, art, fashion and natural beauty and this blend keeps France at the top. Visitors can experience the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the picturesque French Riviera, along with a charming countryside, vineyards, villages and cuisine.

    Spain occupied the second spot on the list, with 93.8 million international tourists in 2024.

    It presents a combination of vibrant culture, sun-soaked beaches, lively festivals and historic cities that blend centuries of heritage with modernity.

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    The third spot was secured by the United States of America, with an estimated 72 to 79 million international tourists annually. Popular places include the New York City, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood, and numerous national parks.

  • Kolkata to see cloudy skies today as IMD forecasts light to moderate rain

    Kolkata to see cloudy skies today as IMD forecasts light to moderate rain

    Kolkata woke up to cloudy skies on Friday as the impact of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal weakened. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Kolkata and several parts of South Bengal through the day, indicating that the monsoon is far from over.

    According to Alipore Meteorological Department Director Habibur Rahman Biswas, rainfall intensity has reduced compared to the past few days. However, intermittent showers are still expected on Friday. From Saturday onwards, rainfall activity over South Bengal is likely to decrease further. In contrast, North Bengal is expected to continue receiving heavy rainfall.

    Low-pressure impact weakens, monsoon trough remains active

    The latest update from the Alipore Meteorological Department said the deep depression that formed over the Bay of Bengal has dissipated. Even so, the monsoon trough currently stretches from Ganganagar in Rajasthan to the Bay of Bengal, keeping favourable conditions for rain over the state.

    Alipore Meteorological Department Director Habibur Rahman Biswas said, “Although the intensity of rainfall has decreased, Kolkata and several parts of South Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rain on Friday. From Saturday, rainfall over South Bengal may reduce further. On the other hand, heavy rainfall will continue across North Bengal.”

    Kolkata weather today

    Kolkata is expected to witness a cloudy sky throughout Friday, with spells of light to moderate rain likely at isolated places.

    The weather office said the city’s maximum temperature on Thursday was 29.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 27.1 degrees Celsius.Between 6:30 am on Thursday and 6:30 am on Friday, Kolkata recorded 9.6 mm of rainfall.

    South Bengal weather forecast

    The weather department said rainfall has eased across South Bengal for now. On Friday, all districts in the region are likely to receive light to moderate rain, but no heavy rainfall has been forecast.

    From Saturday, both the intensity and coverage of rainfall are expected to reduce further.

  • Taipei Open 2026: Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Kiran George reach quarterfinals

    Taipei Open 2026: Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Kiran George reach quarterfinals

    India produced an encouraging set of results at the Taipei Open Super 300 on Thursday, with Kiran George, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag securing places in the quarterfinals after convincing performances. Their victories kept India’s challenge alive in both the men’s and women’s singles competitions.

    However, it was a disappointing day for HS Prannoy and Anmol Kharb, who bowed out after second-round defeats.

    Kiran George cruises into last eight

    Experienced campaigner Kiran George delivered a clinical display against fellow Indian Tharun Mannepalli, registering a straight-game victory in just 32 minutes.

    The 25-year-old wrapped up the contest 21-15, 21-16 to move into the quarterfinals without much trouble. Kiran, who has previously won the 2022 Odisha Open, 2023 Indonesia Masters, and 2023 Odisha Masters, will now face fourth seed Yudai Okimoto of Japan for a place in the semifinals.

    Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag shine

    India’s women’s singles campaign also gathered momentum as three players advanced to the final eight. Third seed Unnati Hooda came through an all-Indian clash against Tanya Hemanth, winning 21-19, 21-12. The former Odisha Masters champion recovered after a close opening game before taking complete control in the second.

    Teenage sensation Tanvi Sharma continued her impressive run by overcoming Indonesia’s Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan in a hard-fought encounter. Tanvi sealed the match 21-17, 22-20, holding her nerve in a closely contested second game.

    Eighth seed Devika Sihag also progressed comfortably, defeating Indonesia’s Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi 21-16, 21-15 to book her place in the quarterfinals.

    India guaranteed a women’s singles semifinalist

    The quarterfinal draw has ensured at least one Indian player will feature in the women’s singles semifinals. Unnati Hooda and Devika Sihag are set to face each other in an all-Indian last-eight contest.

    Meanwhile, Tanvi Sharma will take on fourth seed Supanida Katethong of Thailand as she looks to continue her impressive run in the tournament.

    HS Prannoy and Anmol Kharb exit

    The day ended on a disappointing note for two Indian shuttlers. Seventh seed HS Prannoy was knocked out after a 9-21, 19-21 defeat to Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan in a match that lasted 39 minutes.

    Youngster Anmol Kharb also exited the competition after losing 10-21, 20-21 to local favourite and second seed Lin Hsiang Ti.

    With four players still in contention, India remains firmly in the hunt for silverware at the Taipei Open Super 300, with the women’s singles draw guaranteeing at least one semifinal appearance for the country.

  • UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over World Cup investment plan, European football unites in opposition

    UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over World Cup investment plan, European football unites in opposition

    European football has taken a united stand against FIFA’s proposed commercial restructuring, with all 55 UEFA member associations agreeing to boycott the FIFA World Cup and every other FIFA competition unless the governing body withdraws its private investment proposal.

    According to The Athletic, the decision was reached during a virtual meeting involving UEFA’s national associations. It marks the strongest resistance yet to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to open the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major tournaments to outside investors.

    UEFA later confirmed the outcome, stating that its members had unanimously opposed the proposal to transfer ownership interests in FIFA competitions.

    “As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership,” the governing body said.

    FIFA’s commercial proposal explained

    Earlier this week, FIFA unveiled plans to establish a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The proposed company would oversee the commercial operations of FIFA’s flagship events, including the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

    Under the proposal, private investors would be allowed to purchase minority ownership stakes in the new entity. FIFA estimates the venture could raise up to $4.2 billion, placing the value of FFE at around $20 billion.

  • ‘Are you carrying your brain cells today?’: Saurav Ghosal’s contribution to Anahat Singh’s World Junior squash title triumph

    ‘Are you carrying your brain cells today?’: Saurav Ghosal’s contribution to Anahat Singh’s World Junior squash title triumph

    Anahat Singh, the winner of the Squash Youth World Championship became the first-ever Indian player to win the crown defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem. Wrapped in the tri-colour flag when the Indian youth stood on the podium, dreams of Anahat Singh’s and her mentor and coach Saurav Ghoshal’s dreams came true. The journey was not easy, years of hard work by Anahat Singh and the encouragement of her mentor Saurav Ghoshal finally paid off. Speaking about the journey, Anahat Singh addressed the media and spoke about how Saurav Ghoshal contributed to it.

    Ghosal’s contribution

    According to The Indian Express, when Anahat was lacing up her shoes to play in the finals in Ontario, Ghosal asked, “Are you carrying your brain cells today?” to which Anahat replied, “Brain cells are awesome today.” Saurav further said, “That’s debatable…”

    The teen nailed her fifth attempt at a junior world title. As reported by The Indian Express, Saurav also added, “She’s got a few doses this week. But we do it because we know she can take doses. She doesn’t go into a shell.” He further explained that they need to trigger her to unleash her best and she got better with every match.

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    Saurav also highlighted that Anahat’s game is not unidimensional, but it needs high-intensity play, even while keeping a balanced head. Anahat had reached 3 quarters and one semifinal from her last 4 attempts, with Egyptians halting her most times and hence, Saurav also reminded her of her previous 4 losses by saying, “We hammered into her head that you didn’t lose matches but just couldn’t execute the plan, while the other person was better.”

    Saurav also understands the importance of having fun while playing. Saurav’s direct imprint on her game shines in a stroke he used in his playing days; the cross-court lob, using the height of the front wall.