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News18
14 minutes ago
- News18
Around The World With Pride: 10 LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations That Redefine Inclusivity
Last Updated: As we celebrate Pride Month, check out these top 10 LGBTQ+ friendly destinations from across the globe. Travel is more than just sightseeing and relaxation; it is about feeling welcome, safe, and celebrated. For LGBTQ+ travellers, choosing a destination that embraces diversity and inclusivity can make all the difference between a good trip and a truly unforgettable one. According to a recent survey by a majority (86%) of LGBTQ+ travellers in India mention that being part of the LGBTQ+ community has an impact on the preparation they do before booking a trip, and three out of four consider whether they can be their most authentic self while traveling as a key factor. As we celebrate Pride Month, has shared its list of ten LGBTQ+ friendly destinations from around the world. The list includes classic destinations with a twist to newer must-visits for LGBTQ+ travellers. Turin, Italy Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Turin offers elegant boulevards, baroque palaces, and a vibrant café culture, alongside a powerful LGBTQ+ history. It was the birthplace of Italy's first gay liberation movement, FUORI!, laying the foundations for modern LGBTQ+ rights. Turin's inclusive LGBTQ+ scene thrives in San Salvario, a cosmopolitan district rich with bars, clubs, and cafés. Beyond cultural landmarks like Palazzo Madama, the city is a dream for food lovers, being the birthplace of both vermouth and gianduiotto (hazelnut chocolate). Panama City, Panama Panama City, a historic crossroad linking oceans, continents and cultures, is now Central America's exciting emerging LGBTQ+ destination. Neighbourhoods like Casco Viejo, Via Argentina and San Francisco from the heart of its inclusive scene, offering everything from rooftop bars to community events. Beyond its growing LGBTQ+ appeal, the city showcases dramatic contrasts: explore the engineering marvels of the Miraflores Locks or wander the colonial charm of UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo. Panama City offers a dynamic, increasingly open and diverse experience. For an under-the-radar yet thriving LGBTQ+ scene, Zurich is a top European city pick. Switzerland's largest city boasts a sophisticated vibe with its famous lake, vibrant culture, and charming old town. Enjoy over 40 badis (open-air pools which line the city's lakes and rivers), shop Bahnhofstrasse or explore Kunsthaus's art. Zurich also holds a rich LGBTQ+ history, home to Der Kreis, an early gay rights organization from the 1930s. Brighton & Hove, UK Brighton & Hove isn't just LGBTQ+-friendly; it's truly fabulous, often hailed as the UK's gay capital. This vibrant seaside city blends progressive spirit with classic pier charm, drawing the LGBTQ+ community for decades. Head to Kemptown, the heart of the party, with its rainbow flags, drag brunches, LGBTQ+-owned cafés, and proud street art. Enjoy bottomless mimosas at Bar Broadway or outrageous performances at Komedia. Beyond the sparkle, explore The Lanes for vintage finds, ascend the i360 tower for beach views, or visit the Brighton Museum to learn about Pride's evolution. Florianópolis, Brazil Located on Santa Catarina Island, days here are spent hiking jungle trails, exploring lagoons like Lagoa da Conceição, or sipping caipirinhas at Praia Mole, the island's unofficial gay beach. The island thrives with LGBTQ+-friendly spaces, from beachside bars to drag shows and vibrant year-round celebrations. Expect major festivities during the annual Gay Carnival, with parties, parades, and competitions. Florianópolis offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. Chicago, USA Chicago stands as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration. Its heart is Northalsted, formerly Boystown – the first officially recognised LGBTQ+ neighbourhood in the U.S., still a vibrant symbol of pride with bars, clubs, and drag shows. Beyond one district, the city buzzes with LGBTQ+ culture, from drag brunches to art exhibitions. As the birthplace of house music, spun by LGBTQ+ DJs in underground clubs, Chicago's sound still echoes through Pride Fest, one of the country's largest Pride parades. Sydney, Australia Sydney is a global LGBTQ+ hotspot, blending natural beauty with a vibrant pride scene. Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are key LGBTQ+-friendly neighbourhoods, buzzing with rainbow crossings, cafes, and bars like the historic Stonewall Hotel. While Mardi Gras is a highlight, Sydney's LGBTQ+ spirit thrives year-round with events like drag bingo and inclusive surf clubs, plus the new Qtopia Museum. Enjoy drag shows at The Imperial Erskineville, sunrise yoga at North Bondi, or ferry trips to Manly. Catch a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre at the Sydney Opera House. Sydney warmly welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers seeking diverse experiences. Porto, Portugal Portugal's charming second city, Porto, quietly welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers with cobbled streets, riverfront views, and an inclusive spirit. Here, slowing down comes naturally, and the intimate LGBTQ+ scene thrives in bars like Pride and Café Lusitano, offering drag and disco nights. Explore Ribeira's winding lanes, join historic city walks, or cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for riverside port tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal offers romantic sunsets. First Published:
News18
14 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
Nobel Recommendation To Condemnation: How Iran Strikes Strain Pakistan's Ties With US
Last Updated: The country, which had recommended US President Donald Trump's name for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize on June 21, condemned the strikes on Tehran on June 22 The United States' strikes on the nuclear sites in Iran is a major diplomatic setback for Pakistan. The country, which had recommended US President Donald Trump's name for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize on June 21, condemned the strikes on Tehran on June 22. 'Pakistan condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities which follow the series of attacks by Israel. We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region," said Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in an official statement. — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 22, 2025 WHAT HAPPENED ON JUNE 21? Pakistan lauded Trump for his role in negotiating the May 2025 India-Pakistan ceasefire, a move they believed demonstrated his commitment to peace. India has maintained that the US had no role in putting Operation Sindoor on halt and that the ceasefire was agreed upon based on Pakistan's request. Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir's White House meeting with Trump on June 18 also signalled closer ties. 'Pakistan's nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize was not just a symbolic gesture. It was a strategic effort to secure the U.S. support on key issues such as the Kashmir conflict and economic cooperation in emerging sectors like cryptocurrency and critical minerals," said intelligence sources. Analysts said Pakistan was also attempting to appeal to Trump's ego in the hope of dissuading him from taking aggressive action against Iran, thus maintaining regional stability and gaining leverage in their ongoing diplomatic efforts. WHAT HAPPENED ON JUNE 22? The U.S. strikes on June 22 have put Pakistan in a precarious position. The country, which shares a 900-km border with Iran, relies heavily on Tehran for trade, security, and the stability of its Shia community, which constitutes 15-20% of its population. The escalation threatens to destabilise Balochistan, a region already plagued by separatist movements, and could potentially embolden Sunni jihadist groups like Jaish al-Adl. While Tehran has refrained from publicly criticising Pakistan, the trust between the two neighbours is undoubtedly strained. Indian intelligence sources said Pakistan's diplomatic manoeuvre with the Nobel nomination was fraught with risks, given its significant dependence on Iran. The fallout from the U.S. strikes underscores Islamabad's limited influence in the broader U.S.-Iran conflict and highlights the fragility of its multi-alignment strategy. 'Moving forward, Pakistan faces the daunting task of balancing its relationships with both Tehran and Washington. This requires deft diplomacy to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, a challenge that appears near-impossible amid the current crises," said sources.
News18
14 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Samay Raina's India's Got Latent Makes Comeback On YouTube After Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy
Samay Raina's India's Got Latent returns to YouTube months after controversy involving Ranveer Allahbadia. Fans hail it as the 'best comeback ever.' Four months after being embroiled in a major controversy, India's Got Latent — the YouTube talent show hosted by comedian Samay Raina — has quietly made a return, albeit on a different channel. The show was pulled down earlier this year after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia faced widespread backlash for making an inappropriate comment to a contestant involving their parents. The controversial remark led to public outrage and legal repercussions, with multiple FIRs filed against Ranveer, Samay, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani. Following the incident, Samay Raina took down all episodes from his official channel and issued a public statement expressing his distress. 'Everything that is happening has been too much for me to handle. I have removed all India's Got Latent videos from my channel. My only objective was to make people laugh and have a good time," he wrote. He also confirmed his full cooperation with authorities investigating the matter. Now, months later, the show's segments have reappeared online — not on the original channel but on a newly active page titled India's Got Latent Clips. The revived clips include content from public and members-only episodes, with over 500 videos currently available for viewing. Fans of the show have welcomed its digital return with open arms. Comments like '2025 is the year of comeback," 'Best comeback everrr," and 'Finallyyyyyyyy… comeback ho hi gaya Latent ka" have flooded the clips, suggesting that the core audience has remained loyal despite the controversy. Meanwhile, Samay Raina is currently touring internationally, performing across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. His tour, which began on June 5, will conclude in Sydney on July 20. Whether this quiet return marks a full revival for the show or merely serves as a nostalgic archive remains to be seen — but for now, India's Got Latent seems to be back in the algorithm. First Published:
News18
21 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Anita Hassanandani To Join Reality Show Goriya Chali Gaon? What We Know
Last Updated: Anita Hassanandani is reportedly set to participate in the upcoming reality show, Goriyan Chali Gaon. Television favourite Anita Hassanandani, widely loved for her versatile roles on screen, is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in her career. After earning praise for her performance in Suman Indori, the actress has now been approached for the upcoming reality show Goriya Chali Gaon. According to a source close to the production, Anita has reportedly given her nod to be part of the show following a recent meeting with the makers. During the meeting, the concept and format were discussed, and insiders suggest that she is now confirmed as one of the contestants. Furthermore, Goriya Chali Gaon is a groundbreaking reality show inspired by the popular Marathi series Jau Bai Gavat. This revamped version brings together 12 prominent women from the entertainment industry, immersing them in a traditional village setting, devoid of modern amenities and city comforts. For 10 weeks, these urban women will embark on a transformative journey, navigating the challenges of rural life and discovering their inner strength and adaptability. 12 celebrity contestants, including Anita Hassanandani, will trade their luxurious lifestyles for a rustic village setup, where they'll learn to milk cows, cook on traditional chulhas, and fetch water from wells. Anita, a seasoned reality TV participant with shows like Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, Nach Baliye, and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa under her belt, is reportedly set to take on this new challenge. The show promises to be an emotional and transformative journey, as these urban women immerse themselves in rural life. With Anita being a mother to 4-year-old Aaravv Reddy, it will be intriguing to see how she balances her participation in the show with her family responsibilities, especially being away from her young son and husband Rohit Reddy. First Published:
News18
21 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
Bushehr Airport Hit By Israel As Explosion Rocks Iran Province Housing Nuclear Site
Last Updated: Constructed with Russian support and powered by uranium supplied by Russia, Bushehr is considered to pose a low risk for weapons proliferation. Israel on Sunday launched strikes targeting Iran's Bushehr province, home to a nuclear reactor. The Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran's sole operational civilian facility, is located on the southern Gulf coast, approximately 1,200 km from Tehran. Constructed with Russian support and powered by uranium supplied by Russia, Bushehr is considered to pose a low risk for weapons proliferation since Russia retrieves the spent fuel. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that there are up to 600 Russian workers, including 250 permanent workers and others on temporary assignment at Bushehr. He said Israel had issued a promise to Russia over their safety. On June 19, the head of Russia's nuclear energy corporation warned that an Israeli attack on Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant could lead to a 'Chernobyl-style catastrophe". 'If there is a strike on the operational first power unit, it will be a catastrophe comparable to Chernobyl," the state RIA news agency cited Alexei Likhachev as saying. Likhachev was referring to the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986, when a reactor exploded at Chernobyl in Soviet Ukraine. An attack on Bushehr would be 'beyond… evil," Likhachev added. Meanwhile, in March 2025, Qatar's Prime Minister warned that an attack on Bushehr could 'completely contaminate" Gulf waters, endangering lives in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These countries, which have limited natural freshwater, heavily depend on desalination from the Gulf. First Published: June 22, 2025, 17:55 IST
