Ministry promotes Clean Tourism Movement in eight pilot destinations

Travel

Badung, Bali (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Tourism implements the Clean Tourism Movement program in eight pilot destinations, including Bali Province, to improve the quality and attractiveness of domestic tourism.”This movement will create a clean ecosystem from waste and build public awareness of the importance of maintaining cleanliness,” Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa said on Sunday.According to her, the eight tourist destinations are divided into two, namely super priority tourist destinations (DPSP), namely Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Borobudur in Central Java, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Likupang in North Sulawesi, and Lake Toba in North Sumatra.Then the three main destinations contributing to a large number of tourists including Bali, Jakarta, and the Riau Islands.”If it runs well, we can continue in other locations,” she added.She explained that the movement consisted of two indicators namely waste management and cleanliness of toilets at tourist destinations.Puspa stated that the clean tourism movement was initiated due to the low performance in health and hygiene pillars, as measured by the Tourism and Travel Development Index (TTDI).Currently, the health and hygiene pillars of Indonesian tourist destinations are ranked 89th out of 114 countries.Meanwhile, Indonesia’s overall ranking in TTDI is at the 22nd position in 2024, an increase from the 32nd position in the previous year.”Therefore, we initiate this program to increase our health and hygiene pillars index,” she remarked.She then lauded the management of cleanliness carried out by tourist attractions in Bali, including Taro Village and Monkey Forest in Gianyar District.She hoped the two tourist destinations can inspire cleanliness management in other tourist destinations in Indonesia.”Monkey Forest and Taro Village have a good waste management system. We can replicate it in other regions to improve their waste management,” she disclosed.Related news: Joint measures vital for tourism betterment: deputy ministerRelated news: Govt prepares 3B tour package to disperse visitor traffic across BaliTranslator: Dewa Ketut S W, Resinta SulistiyandariEditor: Arie NovarinaCopyright © ANTARA 2025

Kashmir Scientist Dr Khalid Shah’s Dual Breakthrough in Cancer Therapy Will Revolutionise Oncology

Science and Health

    by Masood HussainSRINAGAR: Dr Khalid Shah, a Kashmiri scientist of global renown, has made another groundbreaking advancement in cancer research by developing a safety mechanism to eliminate cancer-killing cells after they have served their purpose. This latest innovation builds upon his earlier revolutionary work, where he engineered cancer cells to transform into cancer killers—a pioneering approach that has redefined possibilities in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer in adults.[embedded content]
The newly devised “safety switch” leverages RIPK3, an enzyme essential for programmed cell death, to ensure that the engineered cancer-killing cells self-destruct after completing their therapeutic mission. This method enhances the safety of cell-based therapies while maintaining their effectiveness. Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation on January 16, the research demonstrates that this mechanism not only eliminates the therapeutic cells but also stimulates the immune system to continue its fight against tumours. In laboratory models, the technique has shown promising results, including improved tumour suppression, better survival rates, and reinvigoration of immune cells.This breakthrough complements Dr Shah’s earlier work, in which he developed a method to repurpose tumour cells into cancer killers. Harnessing the natural ability of cancer cells to locate and target other cancerous cells, his therapy involves editing tumour cells to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the tumour. The approach addresses significant challenges in drug delivery by ensuring that treatments reach even the most inaccessible tumour sites.Dr Shah’s earlier research introduced two innovative techniques. The first, referred to as the “off-the-shelf” method, uses pre-engineered tumour cells matched to a patient’s immune fingerprint to target cancer. The second approach, known as the “autologous” technique, involves editing a patient’s tumour cells using CRISPR technology to deliver therapeutic molecules. These modified cells are then reintroduced into the patient to combat the disease.The integration of these two discoveries represents a comprehensive approach to cancer therapy. By engineering cancer cells to act as precise tumour killers and then devising a mechanism to safely destroy these therapeutic cells after their job is done, Dr Shah’s work has opened a new frontier in oncology.Dr Shah, who is currently the Vice Chairman of Research at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Centre for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy, has been widely recognised for his contributions to the field. His work has been featured in leading journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Science Translational Medicine, and Lancet Oncology. His innovations have also drawn significant media attention, with outlets like CNN and BBC highlighting his achievements.Beyond his research, Dr Shah has mentored students from over 45 countries and authored two influential books on stem cell therapeutics. He holds more than fifteen patents and has founded two biotech companies dedicated to translating his discoveries into clinical applications. His achievements have been recognised with numerous awards, including honours from the American Cancer Society and the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.Making Cancer Fight Cancer“Our goal is to create therapies that are both innovative and translatable,” Dr Shah stated. “By ensuring the safety and efficacy of cell-based therapies, we aim to make a lasting impact on medicine and improve the lives of patients worldwide.”With these dual breakthroughs, Dr Shah has redefined the landscape of cancer treatment. His pioneering work not only offers hope for glioblastoma patients but also lays the groundwork for safer and more effective cell-based therapies in the future.Dr Shah’s advancements come at a critical time when glioblastoma, despite being the most common type of brain cancer, has one of the bleakest prognoses, with most patients surviving only 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. His research not only offers hope for extending survival rates but also opens new avenues for targeting other types of cancers.The safety switch mechanism developed by Dr Shah and his team has potential applications beyond glioblastoma. The technology could be adapted for use in other cell therapies, such as those involving T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and stem cells. This adaptability positions the discovery as a cornerstone for the next generation of personalised cancer treatments, where therapies are tailored not only to the type of cancer but also to the individual needs of patients.

The next big tech power grab is here. Does America have the will to police it? | Opinion 

Technology

Call me antisocial, but I deleted my X account last year. I’ve made exactly one Facebook post in each of the past two years.I’ve been in local journalism long enough — and at the right time — to watch social media support, usurp, and ultimately dismantle my profession around me. I’ve watched with disgust (and that’s precisely the right word) as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk padded their pockets by monetizing content exploiting our society’s most base desires, all along knowing the harm their platforms have caused.Social media is like strong medicine, it turns out. There’s always been good to be found, but the side-effects become intolerable over time.Maybe that’s why I was struck Thursday night by a brief section of outgoing President Joe Biden’s farewell address. Biden offered a warning about the rise of a “tech-industrial complex” as social media billionaires cozy up to our nation’s highest seats of political might.”The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking,” Biden said. “The truth is smothered by lies, told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power.”Biden went on to say, “it’s going to be up to the president, the presidency, the Congress, the courts, the free press, and the American people to confront these powerful forces” while also touching on artificial intelligence’s potential for both benefit and harm to democracy.It’s clear that the tech billionaires see President-elect Donald Trump’s second term as an opportunity to exploit. Trump’s inauguration donor and attendee list reads like a who’s who of Silicon Valley — Musk, Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sunda Pichai, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, among others.It’s not exactly the “people over profits” crowd, so count me among those skeptical about big tech’s willingness to police itself. That’s where Trump, Congress and the courts will walk the razor’s edge of protecting free speech in an era when this most basic American right can be weaponized by bad actors both foreign and domestic and disseminated for maximum harm.A free press remains vital to helping the American people understand this evolving nexus of big tech and our nation’s politics. “Crumbling” as it may be, it’s the alternative to these powerful platforms monopolizing the flow of information about their own attempts to influence and wield our nation’s considerable might.Thankfully, examining these issues isn’t the sole purview of those in Washington, D.C. Local lawmakers, local citizens and, yes, local journalists are leading these discussions across the country.Last week, Indiana Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, introduced a bill that would require parental consent before Hoosiers younger than 16 can access social media.IndyStar senior politics reporter Hayleigh Colombo wrote of the bill: Such policies are gaining traction nationwide as concerns grow about the impacts of social media on minors. For example, Florida residents under age 14 are now banned from accessing social media platforms. And Tennessee also now requires social media companies to verify parental consent for minor users. The Tennessee law resulted in a lawsuit filed by Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta, alleging free speech violations.While acknowledging that motivated youth have ample ways to get around the bill’s provisions, Bohaceck said the safety of children gives the state a “compelling enough reason to be able to put these restrictions in place.”ACLU executive director Christopher Daley testified against the bill, stating it would open up Indiana to litigation and infringe on younger Hoosiers’ First Amendment rights, Colombo reported.I don’t pretend to be smart enough to know if or where a line can be drawn concerning Americans’ open access to and expression of information. But as the father of three children who will grow up in an era when “is this real or an attempt to mislead me” will be the question of their time, I’m grateful for the leadership of Bohaceck and Daley in wrestling with the issue.I’m also grateful that Biden is only half right in his assessment of the free press that’s here to bring these discussions to light in the communities we serve. Diminished as the national press corps’ headcount may be, Hoosiers don’t have to look far for a counterpoint to “disappearing editors.”Not when IndyStar has added 14 journalists since this time last year. Not when Mirror Indy launched in December 2023 with nearly 20 journalists as part of Free Press Indiana’s efforts to expand journalism across the state. Not when our peers in numerous other newsrooms in Indy and across the state stand ready to tell Indiana’s stories.Journalists are hypercompetitive. You can expect us to fight for scoops, to compete to hire and retain talented reporters, photographers and editors who are dedicated to telling Indiana’s stories. We’re not always going to move in unison, but more journalists is a good thing for Indianapolis.Why? Because to a person we stand resolute to rise to the challenge Biden set forth. To confront these powerful forces with you, for you.Thank you, as always, for reading IndyStar.Eric Larsen is IndyStar executive editor. Reach him at [email protected].

Remembering Bob Uecker, TikTok ban and La Crosse’s mayor race: Highlights from La Crosse Talk PM with UW-L political scientist Chergosky

Science and Health

Dr. Anthony Chergosky, political science professor at UW-La Crosse, joined Friday’s La Crosse Talk PM and covered a variety of topics, including the passing of Milwaukee Brewers legend Bob Uecker, the TikTok ban, and key issues in La Crosse’s upcoming mayoral election. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM…

‘Writing is a pleasure, an obsession’: A publisher’s tribute to MT Vasudevan Nair

Arts & Culture, Books

Writer MT Vasudevan Nair.

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EP Sajeevan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Growing up in Bangalore in the 1950s and early ’60s, far from my roots and in a school which actively discouraged our mother tongues, I hadn’t the faintest idea about Malayalam writers or literature. Bored with unimaginative Kannada and Hindi lessons, I thought that “MT”, whose name I heard nearly every day, was a family member I had never met. My brother and I were taken to the occasional Malayalam film. We heard the drone of Malayalam news which came through a small radio atop a shelf only because our uncle was the broadcaster. No wonder Wittgenstein wrote, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”In the six months after high school and before pre university, a tutor was appointed to teach us Malayalam. We studied it only to please Amma but it came in handy 25 years later when I began working in Macmillan India and led a programme of English translations from eleven Indian languages. The year was 1992.One of them was PK Ravindranath’s translation of Randamoozham, which we titled Second Turn, (1997) referring as it did to Bhima’s silent and hopeless passion for Draupadi, for whom he waited …and waited…By then I had woken up to our massive post-colonial amnesia and with the help of MR AR Educational Society which made available a Rs 50 lakh grant, began working against the market tide which prized Indian writers in English several levels above translations of Indian literature. If at all there was a session on translation at a literary seminar or conference anywhere in the country, the room emptied by the time the speakers reached the microphone. No one outside these language-islands even knew what our national writers looked like.In his Author’s Note to Second Turn, MT says, “In November 1977 when I reached death’s door and returned I decided to reserve a portion of my remaining years to writing a novel based on the Mahabharata. I have not changed the framework of the story put together by the first Vyasa. I merely read between the lines and expanded on the pregnant silences. …Dhritarashtra says that the single reason he could not sleep was because Bhima was on the opposite side. The leader who won the war but did not gain anything. For that very reason, I adopted Bhima’s point of view.”“No one can teach another person how to write fiction or poetry…a writer dissects himself…” (Samvatsar lecture, Sahitya Akademi 2000)I began editing PKR’s translation in June 1996 and with his concurrence, and through three drafts, sent MT ten pages every day. He told me not to wait for his responses by post and that I was to call him at 10 am every day. Our conversations never lasted more than a minute.“Namaskaram…did you?” “Yes. Approved. Please carry on…pages in post.”I usually panic when it comes to selecting a cover image for the translations I publish but in this case, I had no doubts at all – it had to be Namboodiri’s illustration of Bhima. Fortunately, PK Ravi agreed. “Shall we try shades of sandalwood and gold?” I asked MT. “Gold-o? What about red?” “I will send you some alternatives.”“Hmmm.”Jayan G Menon of Shanka Graphics who designed the Macmillan India translations did a glorious cover – back and front – using red, and the colour of fresh sandalwood paste. He outlined Bhima in gold. To my indescribable relief, there was a smile in MT’s voice when he called to say that he liked the printout I had posted. He also appreciated the blurb I prepared for the back cover. The late VC Harris wrote a marvellous introduction to this now out-of-print edition, saying, “To wrest this huge mass called Bhima out of the epic tradition, endowing him with a raging mind and a tormented spirit, and ultimately rereading the whole of Mahabharatha through his angle of vision – this is no mean achievement.”Second Turn was one of a cluster of seven translations published in time for India’s 50th year of Independence. Macmillan UK lifted 200 copies of all the books and presented them at Pembroke College, Cambridge in December. A member of the jury that had awarded that year’s Booker Prize to The God of Small Things was in the front row, a faint smile on her face. No one in the room had heard of any of the writers. The translators and project editor were not even mentioned in the leaflet. “You call when you can,” MT had said before I left India. International phone calls those days were very expensive and I did not feel like calling anyone.“Why didn’t you call?” “There was nothing to tell.”“Oh.”Three years after that day, MT delivered the 13th Samvatsar lecture in which he said, “And now yet another anxiety assails third world intellectuals: that, as a far-reaching result of globalisation, regional languages may disappear in order to accommodate a trade language convenient for everyone.” A quarter of a century after that day a multi-crore film is under preparation, based on Harper Collins India’s retranslation of the same novel.“The best way to write a good story is to write a good story.”(Samvatsar lecture, Sahitya Akademi 2000)Ten years after publishing Second Turn, and by which time I was in Oxford University Press I asked Gita Krishnankutty if she would contribute to the OUP list of translations. She suggested Naalukettu, MT’s first novel, then in its 40th reprint. The translation was readied in time for the golden jubilee of the original in 2007. The cover was an exercise in translation! I wanted to convey something about the complex mystique of a tharavad via a photograph. I think someone went out and photographed many tharavads in Malabar from the outside. The central courtyard around which the house is traditionally raised just wasn’t coming through. Finally, Lathika Digital Studio (Thrissur) sent us photos from which emerged the silent, brooding quality I had been moving towards unable to articulate a precise requirement. Gita contributed much more than the translation. I see her as three pillars of the Naalukettu OUP published, MT being the fourth. In her introduction, she described at length the sarpa-puja to propitiate serpents of misfortune, the construction of the special enclosure for the performance and the kalam or sacred drawing made on the floor with different powders made of rice, paddy husk, turmeric and green leaves. She even sourced a drawing of a kalam by Basant Peringode showing intertwined snakes. The back cover of the book carries an evocative photo of the two-hundred-year-old Chalapurathu Puthenveedu tharavad which belongs to MT’s physician Dr R Krishnan. “As for the reader – he is uncompromisingly demanding.”(Samvatsar lecture, Sahitya Akademi 2000)In 1990 when The Hindu launched its Literary Review I rang Nirmala Lakshman to campaign for translations. “You must create a space for Indian writers and translators…” When she invited me to help with suggestions, themes, and articles, one of the first things I sent was Gita’s translation of “Sherlock”. When he saw the newspaper, a delighted MT asked Gita, “How did this happen?” I finally met MT Vasudevan Nair 19 years later when his physician Dr R Krishnan took me to “Sithara.” Dr Krishnan took a photo of us together. I have besides this photo, something else to treasure – an acknowledgement he wrote for the Macmillan translation of Randamoozham.The acknowledgment.MT Vasudevan Nair and Mini Krishnan.

Best Web Design & Development Agency in USA 2025

Technology

(MENAFNEditorial) Building a well-designed website with SEO aspects is a challenge. Zone Websites tackles this challenge easily. Zone Websites provides web design services along with additional services such as website maintenance, domain hosting, graphic design, content writing, SEO, SMO, and other digital marketing solutions. Learn more about Zone Websites- top web design Service Provider in USA in 2025 and the digital marketing services provided by Top web design agency of USA. What is the Top Web Design & Development Agency in USA 2025?  Zone Websites is the best web design and development agency in USA 2025. They work hard to create amazing websites that meet the needs of their clients. Their team is made up of qualified website designers & developers who use the latest technology to build user-friendly sites.  Zone Websites focuses on making sure that every website appears great and works well on all devices, like computers and smartphones. They also provide support and updates after the website is finished. If you want a website that stands out and helps your business grow, Zone Websites is the right choice for you. What Types of Websites Can Zone Websites Build? Zone Websites knows how to create four different kinds of websites. Let’s explore each type and see how they can help people and businesses with their online presence. • Static Websites    Static websites are simple and easy to understand. They show the same content to every visitor and usually consist of a few pages. With a static website, information like text and images is fixed and does not change unless a developer updates it. These websites are fast and cost-effective, making them a great option for small businesses or personal use.  Zone Websites is the top website development agency that excels in creating static websites. Web design professionals at Zone Websites- the top web design agency- ensure that a business website look professional and is both mobile-optimized and desktop optimized. • Dynamic Websites  Dynamic websites are generally more complex than static ones. This means the information can change based on a user’s actions or preferences, making the website interactive and engaging. For example, social media sites and online news platforms are dynamic.  Zone Websites, a leading website development agency, creates dynamic websites at a lower budget. They use the latest technology to help your website stay fresh and appealing so that users can have a unique experience every time they visit.  • E-commerce Websites   E-commerce websites are online stores where you can buy and sell products or services. They have features like shopping carts, product pages, and payment systems to make online shopping easy for customers. With an ecommerce site, businesses can reach more customers, regardless of their physical location.  Zone Websites is the top website development agency for building e-commerce websites. They create user-friendly designs that not only attract customers but also make the buying process smooth and secure, which leads to higher sales for your business. • WordPress Websites WordPress websites are popular because they are easy to create and manage. Using WordPress, anyone can build a professional-looking website without needing to know how to code. This platform offers many themes and plugins that allow you to customize your site easily. Businesses, bloggers, and artists often use WordPress for their websites.  Zone Websites is the best website design & development agency specializing in creating and customizing WordPress sites. They work with you to create a website that fits your needs, making it simple for you to share your ideas or sell your products online. Why Choose Zone Websites for Web Development Services? Zone Websites is the best web design and development agency in the USA. Their team creates high-quality website templates and customizes websites to fit each business’s needs. Here are some reasons why Zone Websites is the top professional web design service provider in the USA 2025: • Expertise and Experience Zone Websites has a qualified team with years of experience in website development. They know what business needs according to the latest trends, and hence, they create a website that shows the face of the business.  • Custom Solutions Zone Websites designs and develops a website that meets the special needs of a business. User-Friendly Design To allow visitors to find information or navigate the site easily, you should have a user-friendly web design, and the team of Zone Websites are experts in creating interactive user interfaces.  • Lower Pricing Zone Websites offers web design & development services at lower prices, which makes it easier for customers to take advantage of their services easily. MENAFN19012025008015016813ID1109105470

Top Web Development Agency in New Jersey, USA 2025

Technology

(MENAFNEditorial) Having a strong online presence is very important for businesses. Many people use the internet to find products and services, so a good website is key to getting customers. In New Jersey, companies need the best web development agencies to beat their competitors. Since more people are using smartphones and tablets, websites have to work well on these devices. The article mentions the top web development agency in New Jersey of 2025 and its key services. What Makes Zone Websites Top Web Development Agency in New Jersey Zone Websites is the top web development agency New Jersey for 2025. Let’s take a look at the following points to know why Zone Websites is the best web development company in New Jersey: • Innovative Approach to Web Design Zone Websites takes a fresh look at web design. The agency cares about the user experience (UX). They focus on building web designs that are easy to use and look great. With the latest trends and best practices in web design, they build websites that are not just pretty but also super functional. This means that when someone visits a website made by Zone Websites, they will find it enjoyable and easy to navigate. • Client Satisfaction Zone Websites, a top web development agency New Jersey for 2025, is dedicated to making clients happy. They work together with clients to manage projects effectively. During website development, they keep communication open and clear so that customers know about the whole process of creating a website. After the website is launched, they also provide continuous support. They continue to provide support and maintenance to ensure everything runs smoothly. • Website Maintenance and Support Zone Websites has a professional team of website experts who provide easy maintenance and support services. The support team provides regular updates to fix any problems that come up and improve features. They also offer hosting solutions that can grow with customers’ needs, which makes it easy to manage business websites as they get bigger. Main Services Offered by Zone Websites || Zone Websites offers many helpful services. These services can assist customers in creating and managing their online presence easily. Let’s have a look below: • Custom Website Design and Development Zone Websites offers tailored web solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. Their responsive and mobile-friendly web design increases user engagement. With its seamless integration with various content management systems (CMS), the agency tries to provide the best web design solution on a budget. • E-commerce Solutions with Payment Gateway Integration An e-commerce website is necessary if one wants to sell their products online to huge customers. Zone Websites helps build online stores with secure and user-friendly shopping experiences. They integrate features such as payment gateways for secured transactions and inventory management systems for tracking and controlling product stock. • Digital Marketing and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Zone Websites has key services like digital marketing and SEO, which are important for ranking websites at the top of Google SERPs. By using these strategies, web developers can increase the website’s visibility in Google searches. This helps more people find it. This way, businesses can connect with more customers who are interested in what they offer. Conclusion || Zone Websites is the top web development agency New Jersey for 2025 because they have a team of experienced web developers. These developers are really skilled and know the latest web technologies, which helps them create great websites. They have a previous record of successful projects, which indicates that they have done a lot of good work in the past. These valuable experiences make Zone Websites a reliable choice for every business and entrepreneur. Frequently Asked Questions || Why Choose Zone Websites for Website Design & Development? Zone Websites’ team has a strong history of success in New Jersey. They promise to provide high-quality, custom websites that fit every customer’s needs. Their experienced web developers are talented and ready to help every business. They have a wide range of services to cover all the website needs at budget-friendly costs. What Is the Best Web Design Company in New Jersey? Zone Websites is the top web development agency New Jersey. This company creates beautiful and user-friendly websites that help businesses grow. Zone Websites focuses on meeting the needs of its clients with a team of skilled web designers and developers. They listen carefully to what each customer wants and make sure to deliver a product that matches those ideas. Their services include website design, development, and maintenance. Many businesses in New Jersey choose Zone Websites because of their dedication to maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. What Is the Top Ecommerce Web Development Agency in New Jersey? Zone Websites is the best ecommerce web development agency in New Jersey for 2025. They help businesses create online stores, making it easy for people to shop online. Their team knows how to design user-friendly websites that are nice to look at and easy to navigate. They also offer services like search engine optimization (SEO) to help websites rank higher in search results. Many businesses trust Zone Websites because they have a good reputation for quality work and great customer service. MENAFN19012025008015016813ID1109105473

Fall back in love with books: 4 must-reads for 2025

Arts & Culture, Books

Have you ever found yourself drifting away from the joy of reading? Maybe the fast pace of life, endless digital distractions, or simply a lack of time has made it difficult to dive into a good book. For many of us, reading was once an escape, a source of comfort and discovery. But somewhere along the way, that habit slipped through the cracks.If you’re ready to rekindle your love for reading in 2025, you’re not alone. The beauty of books lies in their ability to transport us to other worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and offer a moment of respite from the noise of everyday life. To help you get back on track, we’ve curated a list of four captivating books—each uniquely crafted to pull you back into the magic of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone looking to reignite that spark, these books are guaranteed to remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.4 books to rekindle your love for reading1. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka MurataThis quirky and thought-provoking novella introduces us to Keiko Furukura, a socially awkward woman who has spent 18 years working in a convenience store. Keiko finds comfort in the predictable routine of her job, but societal pressures to conform—whether through marriage or a better career—begin to disrupt her sense of identity.Murata’s writing is simple yet profound, offering a satirical commentary on societal norms and the struggle to define oneself outside of expectations. The book is short but packs a punch, making it perfect for anyone looking to ease back into reading. Its unique protagonist and relatable themes of individuality and self-acceptance will resonate deeply.Why it helps revive the joy of reading: The story is refreshingly unconventional, and its concise length makes it an easy yet memorable read for those out of practice.2. Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek ShanbhagIn just under 120 pages, Vivek Shanbhag weaves a brilliant tale that captures the complexities of family dynamics, class struggles, and moral dilemmas. The story is narrated by an unnamed protagonist from Bangalore, who reflects on how his family’s sudden rise in wealth changes their relationships and values.The phrase “ghachar ghochar” is a made-up term in the book, symbolising something tangled beyond repair—a perfect metaphor for the tensions within the family. Shanbhag’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery pull readers in, making them feel like silent witnesses to the unravelling drama.Why it helps revive the joy of reading: The book’s brevity, combined with its gripping narrative, ensures that you’ll finish it in one sitting, leaving you craving more stories like it.3. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupéryThis timeless classic may seem like a children’s book on the surface, but its profound themes make it a must-read for adults as well. The story follows a pilot stranded in the desert who encounters a young prince from another planet. Through their conversations, the book explores themes of love, friendship, loss, and the pursuit of meaning.The Little Prince’s simplicity is deceptive—its poignant insights on human nature and the importance of looking beneath the surface will touch your heart. Why it helps revive the joy of reading: Its poetic language, vivid illustrations, and universal lessons make it an unforgettable experience for readers of all ages.4. My Purple-Scented Novel by Ian McEwanIan McEwan’s My Purple Scented Novel is a sharp and engaging short story about two writers and the complexities of envy and ambition. The narrator, Parker Sparrow, recounts his friendship with fellow writer Jocelyn Tarbet, and how he subtly orchestrates Jocelyn’s downfall in a tale that blurs the lines between loyalty and betrayal.This story is a testament to McEwan’s brilliance as a writer, filled with wit, irony, and an undercurrent of tension.Why it helps revive the joy of reading: The story’s pace and clever narrative hook you instantly, reigniting your interest in thought-provoking fiction.TakeawayRebuilding your reading habit doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. These four books—each unique in their style, themes, and length—offer the perfect reentry point into the world of literature. Whether you’re drawn to introspective characters, timeless allegories, or gripping narratives, there’s something here to capture your attention and keep you turning pages.So, carve out some time, find a cosy spot, and let these books remind you of the magic and wonder that only reading can provide. 2025 might just be the year you fall back in love with books.

Travelling in Asia without breaking the bank in 2025

Travel

ASIA: If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Asia backpacker style, 2025 might just be your lucky year! This guide and ranking of 31 cities in Asia are based on the Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index. It takes into account the costs of essentials such as a bed in a good hostel, three affordable meals, two shared transport rides, admission to a paid attraction, and a small entertainment budget. Below, we explore the latest rankings and the public’s reaction to these travel destinations.
The most affordable cities for 2025 include Vientiane, Laos (SGD 23.92/day), Luang Prabang, Laos (SGD 26.36/day), and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGD 26.69/day). Other inexpensive destinations include Pokhara in Nepal, Hanoi and Hoi An in Vietnam, Chiang Mai in Thailand, and New Delhi or Delhi and Kathmandu in Nepal. These cities offer tourists the chance to visit historical sites, enjoy delicious meals, and marvel at stunning scenery—all at a budget-friendly price.

Although many tourists appreciate these economical travel spots, some have raised concerns about certain inclusions on the list. For instance, Jakarta, which ranks 11th, and Manila, at 12th, surprised many by their positions. Similarly, traditionally expensive cities such as Singapore (31st), Tokyo (29th), and Hong Kong (30th) sparked discussions about the accuracy of the rankings.
Social media has been flooded with reactions to the list. Some travellers and locals have questioned the affordability of places like Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. Others argued that Bangkok is more affordable than Manila or Jakarta. Some also claimed that Vietnam and Laos might not be as cost-effective as they seem, citing the high cost of imported goods. Additionally, locations like Penang, Malaysia, were suggested as overlooked despite their affordability.

One netizen said, “How are Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore cheap? They are expensive.” Another shared, “Bangkok is 100% cheaper than Manila or Jakarta. And having Singapore and Tokyo as cheap is just ridiculous.” A different commenter stated, “Vietnam and Laos are not cheap. Their goods are mainly imported from overseas.”
Meanwhile, another added, “I thought Jakarta and Bali would be higher up the list, especially after the government increased the tax.” They further explained that although the raised tax is for luxury goods, “even the price of bottled water has gone up after New Year.”
While these rankings can guide travellers in planning their trips, they may not provide a complete picture. Factors such as the ratio of living costs to tourism expenses, economic fluctuations, and individual perceptions of affordability should also be considered. For example, while hostels and street food in cities like Singapore or Tokyo can be relatively cheap, transport and entertainment costs can add up quickly.

For budget-conscious travellers, here are some tips to maximise your experience:
Book early: Secure affordable accommodations by booking hostels or budget hotels in advance.
Eat local: Save money by enjoying street food and dining at local eateries.
Use public transport: Opt for buses, trains, or shuttles instead of taxis to cut costs.
Plan free activities: Take advantage of free attractions like parks, temples, and cultural landmarks.
Stay flexible: Travel during the off-season to benefit from lower prices.

This list isn’t just a catalogue of budget-friendly destinations—it’s a reminder that exciting, adventurous travel doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning, it’s even possible to enjoy luxurious experiences at affordable rates. However, it’s crucial to research your destination thoroughly, as what initially seems inexpensive might come with hidden costs.
Ultimately, this list highlights the idea that travel should be accessible to everyone. Regardless of your budget, exploring Asia can be a fulfilling and affordable adventure for all.