Tag: IndiaPride

Travel

Mumbai Tops Time Out’s 2025 List as the Happiest City in Asia

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Happiness means different things to different people, but sometimes, numbers tell a story of their own. According to Time Out’s City Life Index 2025, Mumbai has been named the happiest city in Asia, with an overwhelming 94% of residents saying that their city makes them happy. The global survey, which asked over 18,000 people across the world about their cities, measured factors such as culture, nightlife, food, quality of life, and overall positivity.

The findings reveal that 89% of Mumbaikars feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else, 88% say people in the city seem cheerful, and 87% believe happiness in Mumbai has grown recently. Experts point to Mumbai’s entertainment scene, diverse street food, and dynamic career opportunities as key drivers of this positivity. But perhaps more than anything, it’s the city’s deep sense of belonging, resilience, and community spirit that makes it stand out.

“Mumbai has always been more than just a city — it’s an emotion,” said one respondent. “Even in its chaos, there’s connection. Everyone’s chasing dreams together.”

Following Mumbai in the rankings are Beijing and Shanghai, where 93% and 92% of locals, respectively, reported feeling happy in their cities. Both scored high on safety, culture, and convenience and have been recognized as top destinations for Gen Z professionals due to their innovation and modern lifestyle.

Chiang Mai in Thailand and Hanoi in Vietnam also made it to the top five, each with 88% of residents saying their city makes them happy. Both cities were praised for their slower pace of life, community-driven living, and green environments — appealing to those seeking balance and connection.

Not all megacities fared equally well. Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore ranked lower, with Tokyo recording just 70% of residents saying they feel happy in their city — a figure that experts link to long working hours and high pressure.

The top 10 happiest cities in Asia for 2025 are:

  1. Mumbai, India
  2. Beijing, China
  3. Shanghai, China
  4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
  5. Hanoi, Vietnam
  6. Jakarta, Indonesia
  7. Hong Kong
  8. Bangkok, Thailand
  9. Singapore
  10. Seoul, South Korea

The results underline that the happiest cities are not necessarily the richest or most modern, but those with a strong sense of community and joy in everyday life. In 2025, Mumbai’s blend of ambition, culture, and connection has made it a symbol of urban happiness — proving that in the city of dreams, the biggest dream of all is simply to belong.

Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.

Human Interest

Virat Kohli Ranks 6th Among World’s Most Influential People on Instagram in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time, has achieved yet another milestone — this time beyond the cricket field. In 2025, he has been ranked as the 6th most influential person in the world on Instagram, according to global influencer rankings and industry reports. This recognition places Kohli among an elite list of global figures from entertainment, sports, and fashion, reaffirming his unparalleled global influence.

Known for his passion, performance, and leadership on the field, Kohli has seamlessly translated his sporting excellence into digital impact. His Instagram following, spanning hundreds of millions, reflects not only his athletic achievements but also his authentic personality, disciplined lifestyle, and powerful brand presence. His posts — whether celebrating a victory, sharing glimpses of fitness routines, or moments with family — consistently generate some of the highest engagement rates among athletes worldwide.

Over the past decade, Kohli has emerged as one of the world’s most recognized and respected athletes. From captaining India to historic wins to becoming the face of a new generation of fitness-conscious sports fans, his influence extends far beyond cricket. His online persona mirrors his professional ethos — confident, focused, and inspirational — resonating with fans from every corner of the world.

Industry experts credit Kohli’s global appeal to his ability to balance authenticity with ambition. While he remains rooted in Indian values, his voice and personality connect across cultures, making him one of the few athletes whose fame transcends sport. His Instagram presence also serves as a platform for advocacy — from fitness and mental wellness to sustainability and animal welfare — further amplifying his impact as a responsible global citizen.

Brands have long recognized the power of Kohli’s digital influence. His collaborations and campaigns are known for record engagement and reach, making him one of the most valuable brand ambassadors in sports marketing today. This recognition as the 6th most influential person globally cements his status not only as a cricketing legend but also as a global cultural force.

For millions of fans, Virat Kohli represents the spirit of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His journey from a young Delhi cricketer to a world leader in both sport and social influence is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and hard work. Whether on the field or online, Kohli continues to inspire, lead, and redefine what it means to be a modern global icon.

National

Divya Deshmukh Receives Hero’s Welcome in Nagpur After Historic Women’s World Cup Chess Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

July 31, Nagpur: Divya Deshmukh, India’s rising chess sensation, returned to her hometown of Nagpur to a grand reception after her stunning victory at the Women’s Chess World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.

At just 19 years old, Divya made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in a high-stakes tie-breaker after their classical games ended in a draw.

“I am feeling very happy that so many people have come to felicitate me, and chess is getting recognition,” she said, visibly moved by the overwhelming support.

Originally aiming only to secure a Grandmaster norm, Divya ended the tournament with much more: the World Cup trophy, the Grandmaster title, and a confirmed spot in the FIDE Candidates 2025, the final step toward challenging for the World Championship.

Divya’s victory was as emotional as it was historic. She paid tribute to her late coach Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020:

“He always wanted me to become the Grandmaster. This is for him.”

She also credited her parents, sister Arya, extended family, and coach GM Abhijit Kunte, whom she called her “lucky charm.”

Looking ahead, Divya plans to rest through August and then prepare for her next major challenge — the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 2–16.

Her victory signals a new era for Indian women in chess, proving that passion, preparation, and perseverance can defy even the steepest odds.

Sports

FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 Final to Feature Two Indian Chess Queens: Koneru Humpy vs Divya Deshmukh

allycaralgoa

Batumi, Georgia | July 24, 2025 — In an unprecedented moment for Indian chess, the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 will be contested entirely between two Indian players — Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh.

This is the first time in history that two Indians — and two Indian women — have reached the finals of a global chess World Cup.

🧠 Experience vs Youth

  • Koneru Humpy, one of India’s most celebrated grandmasters, brings years of experience, poise, and a legacy of elite-level chess.
  • Divya Deshmukh, just 18, has been the breakout star of the tournament, defeating top-ranked players including former World Champion Mariya Muzychuk in the semi-finals.

🗓️ The Final Match

  • Date: July 25, 2025
  • Location: Batumi, Georgia
  • Format: Classical games followed by tie-breaks if needed

This final not only ensures India will claim the title but also marks a symbolic generational handoff — as a future star challenges a living legend.

“This final is not just about a trophy. It’s a victory for Indian women in sport, a showcase of talent, and a story that will inspire millions,” said a representative from the All India Chess Federation.

📈 India’s Rising Chess Power

With names like Vishy Anand, Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Nihal Sarin, Vaishali, Divya, and Humpy — India’s presence in world chess is at an all-time high.