Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rachael "Raygun" Gunn was named the world's No.1 B-girl, despite a much-panned Olympics performance.</li><li>To head off criticism, the World DanceSport Federation explained how its rankings work.</li></ul>Rachael "Raygun" Gunn, the Australian breakdancer who earned notoriety at the Paris Olympics, has been named the world's No.1 female performer in the sport.To those who know Gunn through her much-mocked Olympics performance, the ranking will likely come as a surprise. As such, the World DanceSport Federation — the governing body that produces the ranking — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.worlddancesport.org/News/WDSF-Statement-Regarding-World-B-Girl-Ranking-List-3479">issued an explanation to go along with the news</a>.Gunn came to global prominence in Paris over the summer, when she lost three battles in the round-robin stage of the competition, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/breaking/b-girls?day=9-august">earning zero points</a>.Clips of her unusual performances — which included hopping like a kangaroo and touching her toes while lying sideways — quickly spread, sparking both <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/raygun-breakdancing-video-olympics-memes-controversy-explained-2024-8">criticism and viral memes</a>.The WDSF statement about the sport's global rankings on Tuesday said it wanted to "provide clarity" and "address the concerns raised."The ranking, the body explained, does not take into account scores notched up at the Paris Olympics, nor at their qualifying rounds.It also doesn't hold ranking events in the seven months leading up to the Olympics, it said, in order to allow athletes to focus on the competition."Consequently, by the end of the Olympic Games, many of the competition results included in the ranking had expired, leading to the current situation where many athletes have only one competition result contributing to their ranking," the statement said.The body pointed to one event — the Oceania Continental Championships in Sydney in October 2023 — at which Gunn gained 1,000 points.<div type="image" title="rachael gun, raygun, competing at the wdsf oceana breaking championships. she's wearing baggy jeans, sneakers, and a red windbreaker, leaning on her head and hands with one lg on the ground and another up in the air" height="2326" width="3490" msid="113261963" hostid="261" sizebytes="324730"></div>The current WDSF world No.2, Japanese breaker Riko, also gained 1,000 points in a qualifying competition.In the event of a tie, the federation said it looks to the status of the competition.Some in the breakdancing community have criticized the WDSF for not accurately reflecting the state of the sport and its culture.The WSDF "actually don't have any real merit with the breakers or the breaking community," Zack Slusser, vice president of Breaking for Gold USA, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/raygun-breaking-ranking-australia-21ad01ba3e54a4adbd07569578c6608e">told the Associated Press</a>.He added that the body hasn't organized enough events to create an accurate ranking.37-year-old Gunn is a lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, where she researches the cultural politics of breakdancing.According to her academic profile, Gunn was AusBreaking's top-ranked B-girl in 2020 and 2021 and has represented Australia at events in Paris, Seoul, and Leuven, Belgium.She has also contributed to a number of academic papers on the field.Following the backlash after her Olympic performances, Gunn defended herself, saying <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/10/paris-2024-olympics-breakdancing-breaking-australia-breaker-raygun-rachael-gunn-online-hate">in an interview with The Guardian</a> that while she believes she can't compete on athleticism, she is "artistic and creative" and wanted to "move differently."She also responded to a wealth of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rachael-gunn-australian-breakdancer-online-bullying-misinformation-2024-8">online mockery and misinformation</a> around her qualifications, saying <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-sDDtfokE4">in an Instagram reel</a> that it was "pretty devastating."Representatives for Gunn did not immediately respond to requests for comment, sent outside of Australian working hours.

Australian breakdancer Raygun who was trashed at the Paris Olympics just got ranked world No. 1. Here's why.

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s rank on the <keyword id="20020435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Economic-Forum" source="keywords">World Economic Forum</keyword>'s <keyword id="21747126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Tourism-Development-Index-2024" source="Orion">Travel &amp; Tourism Development Index 2024</keyword> has risen to 39th place, with global tourism activities returning to pre-pandemic levels, the annual report showed on Tuesday. While the US topped the list, India is ranked highest in South Asia and among the lower-middle-income economies, the <keyword id="102110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WEF" source="Orion">WEF</keyword> said. India was ranked 54th in the previously published index in 2021, though changes made to the index parameters limit its comparability to earlier years. After the US, Spain, Japan, France and Australia figure among the top five in the 2024 list. The index, prepared in collaboration with the University of Surrey, showed India is highly price-competitive (18th) and boasts competitive Air Transport (26th) and Ground and Port (25th) infrastructure. In particular, India's strong Natural (6th), Cultural (9th) and Non-Leisure (9th) Resources help drive travel, and the country is only one of three to score in the top 10 for all the resource pillars, the WEF said. Moreover, despite a decline compared to 2019, the country still scores well for <keyword id="2173225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-and-tourism" source="Orion">travel and tourism</keyword> demand sustainability, especially thanks to more sustainable long stays among inbound visitors. It further said that as with many economies, travel and tourism enabling conditions in India have been impacted by global inflationary supply-side trends for the sector, with price competitiveness declining, while air transport and tourist services infrastructure are yet to recover to the 2019 level. As a result, the country's overall TTDI (Travel and Tourism Development Index) score is 2.1 per cent below its 2019 level. High-income economies in Europe and Asia-Pacific continued to lead the index. "International tourist arrivals and the travel and tourism sector's contribution to global GDP are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, driven by the lifting of COVID-19-related travel restrictions and strong pent-up demand," the WEF said. The Middle East had the highest recovery rates in international tourist arrivals (20 per cent above the 2019 level), while Europe, Africa and the Americas all showed a strong recovery of around 90 per cent in 2023. The biennial index analysed the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of factors and policies. Germany was ranked 6th, followed by the UK, China, Italy and Switzerland in the top ten. The results highlighted that high-income economies generally continue to have more favourable conditions for travel and tourism development. This was helped by conducive business environments, dynamic labour markets, open travel policies, strong transport and tourism infrastructure, and well-developed natural, cultural and non-leisure attractions.

India rises to rank 39th on WEF's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, becomes highest ranked South Asian nation

<ul><li>In the rankings, released in London recently, <keyword id="61708" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="iit-bombay" source="Orion">IIT Bombay</keyword> was evaluated as India's top higher education institution.</li><li><keyword id="6354859" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="iit" source="Orion">IIT</keyword> Bombay was also included in the world's top 100 institutes based on the employability of its graduates.</li><li>Globally, the University of California was declared the top university.</li></ul> IIT Bombay is the best educational institution in India, as per the '<keyword id="421975" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="qs-world-university-rankings" source="Orion">QS World University Rankings</keyword>: Sustainability 2023'. In the rankings, released in London recently, IIT Bombay was evaluated as India's top higher education institution for its excellence in employability, social concern, and environment. IIT Bombay was featured in the 281-300 rank range, followed by IIT Delhi (321-340 rank) and <keyword id="58265" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jawaharlal-nehru-university" source="Orion">Jawaharlal Nehru University</keyword> (JNU) at the third rank (361-380). Apart from this, IIT Bombay was also included in the world's top 100 institutes based on the employability of its graduates. IIT Delhi was ranked for its employability and environment while Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was ranked for gender equality and removing other inequalities. In terms of competition and academic freedom, <keyword id="6360099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="delhi-university" source="Orion">Delhi University</keyword> ranked fourth in India. Globally, the University of California was declared the top university, followed by the <keyword id="127994" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-toronto" source="Orion">University of Toronto</keyword> and the <keyword id="156050" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-british-columbia" source="Orion">University of British Columbia</keyword> in second and third ranks respectively. The US dominates the rankings with 135 ranked universities (19.2 per cent of the total). Of these, 30 universities are included in the top 100. Similarly, the UK was ranked second with 67 British universities being included in the rankings. After the US and the UK, Australia and Germany are at the forefront of this ranking. The students and teachers of JNU are excited by the university's performance in the rankings. JNU Vice Chancellor Professor Santishree D. Pandit said that she congratulates the students and teachers of JNU "for fulfilling the dream of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>". In the rankings, IIT Kharagpur was featured in the 551-600 rank range. IIT Kharagpur has secured the highest in continuous and regular research efforts. IIT Kharagpur has taken many special initiatives to improve lifestyle and health which are being appreciated globally. IIT Roorkee was included in the 451-500 rank range of the list. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/it-took-a-3-hour-operation-to-remove-coconut-sized-tumour-from-a-72-year-olds-thyroid-gland/articleshow/95134552.cms">It took a 3-hour operation to remove 'coconut-sized' tumour from a 72-year-old's thyroid gland</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/musk-is-now-twitter-boss-fires-indian-origin-ceo-agrawal-other-top-execs/articleshow/95134427.cms">Musk is now Twitter boss, fires Indian-origin CEO Agrawal, other top execs</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/india-needs-to-invest-12-1-trillion-to-achieve-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-mckinsey/articleshow/95125243.cms">India needs to invest $12.1 trillion to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050: McKinsey</a>

QS Rankings: IIT Bombay best in employability, IIT Delhi ranks second

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Lithuania has been ranked as the happiest country for young people in the World Happiness Report.</li><li>Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, has proved attractive for young professionals, one consultant said.</li></ul>Lithuania has been crowned the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/finland-happiest-country-in-world-happiness-report-rankings-rolls-eyes-2023-6">happiest country</a> in the world for young people.The honor comes from the World Happiness Report, which published its finding on Wednesday by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.The report is based on Gallup World Poll data analyzed by a team of experts. The rankings are largely based on life-satisfaction polls conducted in each country, which represents "subjective well-being."Lithuania was ranked 19th on the overall happiness list but secured the top spot in the under-30 rankings. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brazil-lithuania-move-career-safety-progression-make-friends-2024-1">Vilnius, the country's capital city,</a> has a reputation for being a vibrant location for young workers.Ricardo Sergio Schmitz, a Brazilian consultant based in Vilnius, previously told Business Insider that young professionals were flocking to the city because of the career opportunities. He said moving to Lithuania allowed young workers to grow and access better positions than they would in their home countries.On the flip side, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-america-hates-its-children-parenting-expensive-childcare-schools-kids-2024-1">America's youth seems to be struggling</a>.The US plummeted in the rankings this year, falling from the 15th position in 2023 to 23 in 2024. The country fared even worse in the under-30 category, falling behind <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-male-humanoid-robot-inappropriately-touched-female-reporter-video-shows-2024-3">Saudi Arabia</a> and Guatemala into 62nd place.Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, a professor and editor of the World Happiness Report, said the US falling out of the top 20 happiest countries was "quite astonishing.""The young are the ones that have fallen off a cliff in terms of their well-being, and that's feeding through into the overall ranking score for the United States," he told BI.De Neve said that while happiness in young people had fallen in some regions, it wasn't a global trend."It is really a North American thing and, to a lesser extent, a Western Europe and UK thing," he said.Happiness among Finnish youth also dropped comparatively to adults in the country. While the country hung onto its spot at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/finland-happiness-masterclass-grattitude-nature-community-2023-12?r=US&amp;IR=T">top of the overall rankings, Finland</a> fell into seventh place for people under 30.

Lithuania has been ranked the happiest country in the world for young people, data shows

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Lithuania was ranked the happiest place for under-30s in the World Happiness Report 2024.</li><li>Lithuania was ranked 19th on the overall list but secured the top spot in the under-30 rankings.</li></ul>Lithuania is the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lithuania-happiest-country-young-people-2024-3">happiest place in the world</a> for children and those under 30, <a target="_blank" href="https://worldhappiness.report/news/world-happiness-report-2024-most-comprehensive-picture-yet-of-happiness-across-generations/">according to the World Happiness Report 2024</a>.And the Guardian <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/jun/04/lithuania-happiest-place-in-the-world-young-people">reports</a> that factors such as low rent, free education, and a vibrant nightlife are to thank.The World Happiness Report ranks countries based on a happiness measurement survey conducted by Gallup, where respondents evaluate the quality of their lives.Lithuania was ranked 19th on the overall happiness list, but secured the top spot in the under-30 rankings.Lithuania's under-30s rated themselves 7.76 out of 10 on the happiness scale. In comparison, those in the same age group in the US rated themselves 6.392 out of 10, placing it 62nd globally.The Guardian looked into why Lithuanian <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-wholesome-workplace-generation-2024-5">Gen Zs</a> and younger <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/croatia-meet-millennials-living-with-parents-home-highest-rate-europe-2024-5">millennials</a> are so satisfied with their quality of life.One reason young Lithuanians are happier is that university is free for a large chunk of the population.Gantas Bendikas, 23, told The Guardian that he will graduate with no debt. Meanwhile, in the US the average student debt is about $39,000, according to Experian.Rents are also low — <a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/interactive-publications/housing-2023#:~:text=Rents%20up%20by%2018%25,and%20Ireland%20(%2B84%25).">according to Eurostat</a>, Lithuania is one of the cheapest places in Europe <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cheap-homes-apartments-low-rent-scarce-expensive-housing-real-estate-2024-1">to rent</a>.Jolita Vaitkutė, 28, told The Guardian that this also extends to renting studio space. "When I talk to friends in other places — Paris, Tokyo, London — I realize how lucky I am to have my own space," she said.According to The Guardian, studio spaces in Vaitkutė's building costs the equivalent of $109 to $544 a month.This allows those in the arts to thrive in Lithuania.Artists feel like they can "still make it" in Lithuania, filmmaker Marija Kavtaradzė told the newspaper.In comparison, the <a target="_blank" href="https://prismreports.org/2023/07/07/artists-grapple-unforgiving-housing-market/">nonprofit news outlet Prism reported</a> that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/croatia-millennials-cant-buy-houses-build-on-top-parents-homes-2024-6#:~:text=Many%20Croatian%20millennials%20are%20being,their%20adult%20children%20and%20grandkids.">unaffordable housing</a>, expensive studio spaces, and unsteady incomes make working in the arts a challenging prospect in the US.In an as-told-to essay <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lithuania-happiest-country-young-people-2024-3">earlier this year,</a> Ricardo Sergio Schmitz, a Brazilian consultant in Vilnius, told Business Insider that young people have ample career opportunities and that money goes further in Lithuania than in many other places.He also noted Vilnius's "startup mentality," with tech unicorns like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/milda-mitkute-vinted-cofounder-lithuania-success-2024-2">Vinted</a> and Nord Security emerging out of the city.Beyond economic opportunities, a Gen-Z resident of Vilnius said Lithuania also offers a vibrant nightlife."I would rate the nightlife one of the best in Europe," Daniil Švager, 21, told The Guardian.

Lithuania is the happiest place in the world for under-30s — Gen Zs say low rent, free university, and good nightlife are to thank

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tom Hatfield, 74, has been to every state and is set to visit his last few national parks this year.</li><li>Hatfield put Utah and California as his favorite states and Mississippi and Nevada as his least favorite.</li></ul>Tom Hatfield, 74, spent the first 60 years of his life living in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/louisiana-company-processes-4-million-pounds-of-crawfish-a-year-2023-12">Louisiana</a>. However, after traveling extensively over the last few years, the retiree has visited <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/50-states-ranked-according-to-frequent-traveler-2024-8">all 50 states</a> and is set to visit his last few <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-worst-national-parks-states-financial-independence-retire-early-fire-2024-7">national parks</a> this year.Hatfield has been to over 75 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visited-went-to-every-country-in-the-world-favorites-2023-11">countries</a>, and he plans to continue his frequent travels while he's still healthy. The former chemical engineer said hitting all the states and all seven continents has been a point of pride, given he and his wife have found <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-the-world-on-a-budget-2024-7">economical ways</a> to travel in their retirement.Hatfield said they had saved money by grouping national parks within one road trip, cooking most of their meals, rarely paying for accommodations, and avoiding larger cities."We'd rather go out and visit the scenery than in big cities, so we tend to stay away from the cities as much as we can," Hatfield said.Hatfield ranked his top five favorite and least favorite states and national parks.<h2 id="51876166-691f-4ee2-8cec-11ca89001cf1">Embarking on travel in retirement</h2>Hatfield has spent most of his life in Louisiana. He was born in a small town 20 miles north of New Orleans, got a chemical engineering degree at Louisiana State University, and moved to Lake Charles for his job. He worked as a chemical engineer for 43 years and was a manager for the last decade of his career.Hatfield <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-retired-to-italy-at-55-despite-reducing-pension-2024-8">retired</a> 11 years ago, but he knew he wanted to explore the world after spending nearly all his life in the same state. He and his wife had a large nest egg, and they learned to be frugal on their past trips. They have a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-couple-moves-maryland-florida-buys-mobile-home-trailer-renovates-2024-1">mobile home</a> that uses a lot of gas, but they use an app that tells them the cheapest gas stations along their route.To escape the heat, he and his wife took longer trips during the summer, often to the Western US. They also tried to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-states-ranked-by-travel-blogger-visited-each-multiple-times-2024-3">hit every state</a>, taking shorter trips across the US to knock off the remaining ones. A few years ago, they hit their last two states: North Dakota and New Hampshire.Hatfield said he and his wife cut costs by cooking most of their meals on their trips and staying in as much as possible."When we go on most of our trips, unlike some of our friends, dining is not at the top of the list," Hatfield said. "The state parks or regional parks in Canada don't cost as much, and they usually have some very nice scenery, though sometimes, they're a little bit off the beaten path."The couple also went on various international trips, hitting over 75 countries. They took a bus trip through the Bavarian Alps, explored Dubai, took a cruise across the Greek islands, and went on an expedition to Antarctica. They spent two weeks driving across Ireland, took a river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, and went on a mission trip to Egypt.Over the last four years, they have concentrated on hitting <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-worst-national-parks-usa-from-man-visited-each-one-2024-4">all national parks</a>. They hit 17 during trips in the 1990s and mid-2000s, though they visited over half of them starting in 2020. One of their first national parks-focused trips was to Alaska, where they hit all but two. They also took a road trip through California, hitting all but Redwood National Park due to RV trouble; they flew to Redwood earlier this month.To get the remaining <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-unique-national-parks-in-us-according-to-frequent-traveler">national parks</a>, they went to Isle Royale National Park in Michigan en route to the two in Alaska they missed — Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley. On their way back to Louisiana, they plan to hit Great Basin in Nevada. They also have a cruise scheduled to American Samoa, home of the National Park of American Samoa, their last national park.<h2 id="07d2ff34-af5d-4449-9449-32673cfcc5ba">Favorite and least favorite states</h2>Hatfield acknowledged his favorite states were also the ones with the most diverse national parks. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-california-utah-cost-of-living-san-diego-weather-slc-2024-7">Utah</a> took the top spot, boasting five national parks — including his two favorites. His favorite sites, besides the national parks, are the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Great Salt Lake, and downtown Salt Lake City.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-national-parks-to-visit-instead-of-yosemite-from-local">California</a> ranked second on his list, as it has eight national parks with their own character. He noted that he stayed away from the major cities on his trips to California.He ranked <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-mistakes-to-avoid-from-local">Alaska</a> third for similar reasons, admiring the vast outdoors and wildlife. He said it's not cheap to get to Alaska, though taking an RV cuts some costs because "there are a lot of places where you can pull over on the side of the road and sleep in your vehicle." He added that driving through Canada en route to Alaska saves some money because of conversion rates.He said he visits <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-colorado-after-traveling-to-all-50-states">Colorado</a>, his fourth favorite, nearly every summer, pointing out Colorado's expansive mountains, fairly consistent temperatures with low humidity, and strong infrastructure.His last pick for the top five is Montana, which he acknowledged is a polarizing state given its "big and wide open" nature. Still, he said he treasures Montana's scenery and serenity, as well as its national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier.On the flip side, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economic-boom-south-poorest-states-us-mississippi-west-virginia-arkansas-2024-7">Mississippi</a> is his least favorite, noting there wasn't much there that Louisiana didn't also have. He also said the heat is sometimes overwhelming.He ranked Nevada as his second-least-favorite state, explaining there was little to do outside Las Vegas. He said Las Vegas also didn't live up to his expectations.Many people save North Dakota for last on their journeys to reach all 50 states, and Hatfield said it's because there was little to do between the major cities, which he acknowledged were quite nice and calm. He also said the same about Nebraska, which was monotonous and fairly flat, and Indiana, which he viewed as "nothing special."<h2 id="6c0af6c5-9653-40f2-a119-5dd7eeb9c34c">Favorite and least favorite national parks</h2>Hatfield said he enjoyed every national park, though some have more to offer than others. He and his wife try to take five-mile hikes in each park to see the top destinations.His favorite park is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/favorite-us-national-parks-according-to-former-ranger-2024-4">Zion</a>, particularly hiking The Narrows, aptly named because it is the narrowest section of the canyon. The hike has no trail, as it traverses the Virgin River. Hatfield also praised Angels Landing, a strenuous and steep hike with chains offering some of the best views of the park.His second favorite is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/national-parks-biggest-mistakes-people-make-on-first-visit-guide">Bryce Canyon</a>, noting he greatly enjoyed The Needles, a series of zebra-striped sandstone spires. He said the hikes weren't too difficult, and the scenery was stunning."All five national parks in Utah are fairly close, and you could hit all five in a week easily," Hatfield said, noting this is one of the most economical options for knocking a few of the parks out.One of his earliest and most memorable national parks was Yosemite, which he visited 15 years ago. His hikes took him through the wilderness and snow-capped mountains, and he saw sites like Half Dome and El Capitan.His fourth and fifth favorites are Crater Lake and North Cascades, both in the Pacific Northwest, both on the same trip. He said he couldn't believe how blue Crater Lake was and how pristine North Cascades' mountains and hills were.Conversely, their least favorite so far has been Congaree in South Carolina, which he said was "just a boardwalk that went through a cypress tree." He said that because Louisiana has a lot of cypress trees, there wasn't anything in the park that impressed him.He wasn't a fan of Hot Springs in Arkansas, which he said was too small with few hiking opportunities. He also thought some of the park's amenities were somewhat run-down.He had similar comments about Guadalupe Mountains in Texas, which he viewed as fairly monotonous with little greenery or waterways.He enjoyed the scenery of Isle Royale, though he didn't enjoy the two-hour boat ride to get there or the limited hiking trails. He said it would be more worth it to spend the night on the island instead of a day trip to get the full experience.Rounding out his least favorites list is Indiana Dunes, which he said couldn't compare to other parks like Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.Have you visited every state or national park? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com">nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</a>.

A retired boomer who visited all 50 states ranks his top picks and least favorites

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="20138372" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lithuania" source="keywords">Lithuania</keyword> ranks as the <keyword id="23243125" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="happiest-place" source="keywords">happiest place</keyword> for those under 30, but it also has very high suicide rates.</li><li>On the surface, it seems like a paradox. But a closer look reveals a stark generational divide.</li></ul>Domantas Katelė, an official in Lithuania's Ministry of Social Security and Labour, is widely known as his country's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-sick-leave-pto-mental-health-work-from-home-2024-8">"Gen Z"</a> minister. Rings adorn Katelė's tattooed fingers, which he uses to proudly point to his "Politicians make me sick" door sign. At 25, he's the country's youngest-ever deputy minister (he still wears braces), and rarely lets visitors leave his office without taking a selfie. Katelė's portfolio includes <keyword id="20654323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="youth-affairs" source="keywords">youth affairs</keyword>. "It's a golden age for the youth of Lithuania," he told Business Insider during a visit to Vilnius in August. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-lithuania-happiest-country-young-people-from-local-2024-6">The World Happiness Report</a> backs up his claim, ranking <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-lithuania-world-happiest-country-for-gen-z-millennials-education-2024-6">Lithuania as the happiest place in the world for those under 30</a> earlier this year. But it would be inaccurate to paint <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brazil-lithuania-move-career-safety-progression-make-friends-2024-1">Lithuania</a> as some sort of dreamland, Katelė adds. After all, it's also Europe's <keyword id="23243126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="suicide-capital" source="keywords">suicide capital</keyword>. <h2>A paradox?</h2>Though the suicide rates have declined since its independence from the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Lithuania still often leads the European Union in this grim statistic. Between 2019 and 2021, Lithuania had the highest rate of death by intentional self-harm in the 27-country bloc, and, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oecd.org/en/data/indicators/suicide-rates.html">OECD's most recent data</a>, it had the second-highest suicide rate globally. It seems paradoxical: How can <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vilnius-lithuania-happiest-gen-z-cheap-safe-fun-tech-hub-2024-9">a country be great for young people</a> while also being Europe's suicide capital? Katelė lists some of the reasons Lithuania is ranked so highly for young people — some of the<a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/digpub/housing/bloc-2b.html"> most affordable housing</a> in Europe, free education for many Lithuanians, and a growing economy providing ample job opportunities. Walking the streets of Vilnius in the summer, you'll find stylish young people wherever you look — sipping Aperol Spritzes at Old Town bars, lounging by the river in the artsy Užupis district, or skateboarding at the Baltasis Tiltas Skate Park. <div type="image" title="Užupis waterway" height="4284" width="5712" msid="113488780" hostid="261"></div>Although the city is steeped in history — some very dark and recent — it feels modern and vibrant. But when you talk to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-men-women-leisure-spending-habits-differ-report-shows-2024-9">Gen Zers</a> in Lithuania about its preeminence, the reaction is often the same: disbelief. A few said it made them laugh. "I was very surprised, and my friends who are living in Vilnius were also surprised," said Adriana Doroškevičiūtė, 23, sipping on an iced coffee at a café in the capital. "I thought we were depressed," she added. "When we receive the opposite of that, you think, what is happening?" Richard Bogu, 23, was also shocked. It's not that he thinks Lithuania is a bad place for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/young-people-are-developing-money-dysmorphia-2024-7">young people</a>; just that, like others, he has come to associate the country with bleakness. "We are known for being very sad people," he said, adding: "But, slowly, we're going toward being a small, happy nation." <div type="image" title="Richard Bogu sits down at a coffee table" height="4284" width="5712" msid="113488790" hostid="261"></div>Bogu said he feels optimistic about the future, especially for people his age — the tech industry, in which he works, is booming, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2210828/average-wage-in-lithuania-up-12-sodra">salaries are rising</a>, and jobs are ample. "This country gave me opportunities," he said. A key benefit is that most Lithuanians can enter the workforce unburdened by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/regret-paying-off-student-debt-instead-earning-passive-income-2024-7">student debt</a>, as university education is free for many. Wages are rising rapidly, and the expanding startup sector is <a target="_blank" href="https://unicorns.lt/en/news/lithuanian-startups-are-looking-hundreds-employees-not-just-it-specialists?ref=philomaths.tech">eager to hire</a> young talent. <h2>No country for old men</h2>But while things may be looking up for the younger generation, older Lithuanians don't seem to share the same optimism. According to <a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/ilc_pw01__custom_12656014/default/table?lang=en">Eurostat's 2023 overall life satisfaction survey of those aged 65 years or over,</a> older Lithuanians are nowhere near as happy as the country's youth. This generational divide bears out in the <keyword id="21021432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Happiness-Report" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="World Happiness Report" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="World Happiness Report">World Happiness Report</keyword>. While Lithuania ranked first for those under 30, it was 19th across all age groups, dragged down by its 44th-place ranking for those over 60. "If you don't have children or grandchildren to care for you, you're basically done," Bogu said. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirees-moving-social-security-cheaper-living-healthcare-canada-japan-mexico-2024-9#:~:text=Retirees%20are%20increasingly%20moving%20abroad,Canada%2C%20Mexico%2C%20and%20Japan.">Retirees</a> in Lithuania receive some of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.etk.fi/en/work-and-pensions-abroad/international-comparisons/pensioners-income-level-internationally/average-pensions-in-europe/">lowest pensions</a> in Europe, and have <a target="_blank" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tespn060/default/table?lang=en&amp;category=t_ilc.t_ilc_ip.t_ilc_pn">among the lowest median relative income</a> of older people across the European Union. Data provided to BI by Lithuania's Ministry of Social Security and Labour shows that 62% of those who died by suicide in 2023 were over 50, with 8.7% under 30. It's a far starker divide than in countries like the US or UK, pointing to a chasm between the generations. <a target="_blank" href="mailto:grizas.antanas@gmail.com">Antanas Grižas</a>, a clinical psychologist specializing in suicide prevention in Lithuania, said the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-kid-baby-boomer-parents-generational-differences-parenting-lessons-2024-4">generational divide</a> is deeply felt in the country, as well as elsewhere in the former Soviet Bloc. He told BI that economic factors, such as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-retirement-savings-social-security-pension-budgeting-2024-7">low retirement incomes</a>, certainly impact mental health, but that the historical context is key, too. <div type="image" title="A Soviet-era building with a sign reading &quot;Vilnius&quot; is seen in Vilnius, Lithuania on 28 July, 2024." height="684" width="1024" msid="113488788" hostid="261"></div>"The changes after the fall of the Soviet Union were very fast and drastic," he says. Those who lived through this period faced a double trauma: enduring Soviet rule and navigating the chaotic transition to an independent capitalist nation. Plus, as Grižas points out, psychiatry was sometimes politicized under <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vintage-photos-show-life-behind-the-iron-curtain">Soviet rule,</a> with dissidents being labeled as mentally ill, which has strengthened a generational <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-hays-mental-health-vc-what-if-ventures-addiction-2024-7">stigma over mental health.</a> "The <keyword id="19919711" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gen-Z" source="keywords">Gen Z</keyword>, haven't experienced that directly, " he noted. "So it makes total sense that they have different conditioning and a different mindset." Reports like the happiness rankings are also often based on self-assessments, and Grižas suggests that comparisons may play a key part in the variation between the generations. "The younger generation can easily compare and see the progress that we as a nation made," he said. <div type="image" title="Domantas Katelė in front of his office door" height="4284" width="5712" msid="113488778" hostid="261"></div>Katelė, the "Gen Z" minister, agrees that the positive self-assessments among the youth may have been influenced by their awareness of the hardships faced by their elders. While the previous generation was deprived of luxuries, he said Gen Z can relish the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-gen-z-feels-good-about-money-inflation-jobs-2024-6">freedom to spend</a> the equivalent of $160 on dinner, to vacation abroad, and to participate in democracy. "If they take a look and think about that," he said, "it's just not possible to not be happy." Correction: September 19, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated Domantas Katelė’s job title. He is a deputy minister, not a minister.

Lithuania is the world's happiest place for under 30s, but it's also Europe's suicide capital

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANSlife) In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the number of Indian students seeking education abroad. This trend is driven by a desire for high-quality education, global exposure, and enhanced career prospects. However, choosing the right destination is a crucial decision that can shape one's academic and professional journey. In this article, <keyword id="18274300" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="shalini-lambah" source="Orion">Shalini Lambah</keyword>, the Country Head India of Migrate World, shares with IANSlife the optimal immigration destinations for Indian students, considering factors such as educational opportunities, post-graduation prospects and quality of life. The United States: The US has long been a preferred destination for Indian students. With its world-renowned universities and diverse range of programs, the US offers an array of educational opportunities. Institutions like Harvard, MIT and Stanford are renowned globally, making the US an attractive destination for those pursuing higher education in fields like technology, engineering, business, and more. Moreover, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study for up to three years after graduation. This provides a pathway to H-1B visa sponsorship and, potentially, permanent residency. Canada: Canada has become increasingly popular among Indian students due to its welcoming immigration policies and quality education system. Institutions like the <keyword id="127994" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="university-of-toronto" source="Orion">University of Toronto</keyword> and McGill University consistently rank among the top globally. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) enables students to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, enhancing their chances of permanent residency. Additionally, Canada's reputation for multiculturalism and safety makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking a diverse and inclusive environment. Australia: Australia is known for its excellent universities, such as the <keyword id="195075" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="university-of-sydney" source="Orion">University of Sydney</keyword> and the University of Melbourne, and its favourable post-study work visa program. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students to work in Australia for up to four years after graduation, depending on the level of study completed.The Australian job market is robust, particularly in sectors like healthcare, engineering and information technology. This, coupled with the country's high quality of life and stunning natural landscapes, makes Australia an appealing destination. United Kingdom: The UK boasts a rich academic heritage, and institutions like the <keyword id="150557" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="university-of-oxford" source="Orion">University of Oxford</keyword> and the University of Cambridge are globally renowned. While the UK's post-study work opportunities were somewhat limited in the past, recent changes have made it more attractive.The reintroduction of the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, known as the "Graduate Route," allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree (or three years for Ph.D. graduates). This has significantly improved the UK's appeal to Indian students. Germany: Germany offers a unique combination of high-quality education and affordability, particularly at the undergraduate level. Institutions like the Technical University of Munich and the <keyword id="272222" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="university-of-heidelberg" source="Orion">University of Heidelberg</keyword> are renowned for their engineering and technical programs. While language proficiency is crucial for certain courses, many programs are offered in English, making it accessible to international students. Germany also provides post-study work opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency for graduates. New Zealand: New Zealand is known for its welcoming environment and high-quality education system. The Post-Study Work Visa allows international students to stay in the country for up to three years after graduation, and the country's strong economy and low crime rate make it an attractive destination. New Zealand is particularly popular for courses in agriculture, environmental sciences, and tourism management, owing to its stunning natural landscapes. Singapore: Singapore has emerged as a hub for business and technology, offering a range of programs for Indian students. The country's strategic location in Asia makes it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the region's business world. Singapore's education system is highly regarded, and various scholarships are available for international students. Additionally, the country provides a potential pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals.

Tax-friendly destinations: A guide to the world's lowest taxes countries

The best 25 online MBA programs in the world

The 20 best executive MBA programs in the world

<ul><li>Indian universities rank almost as high as global universities in the engineering and technology domain. </li><li>According to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by subject, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Delhi feature in the top 50 for the first time. </li><li>Department-wise, IIT Bombay and Kharagpur rank at 41st and 66th for mineral &amp; mining engineering and IIT Delhi stood at 49th for electrical &amp; electronic engineering. </li><li>Overall, five Indian institutions ranked in the top 100 universities, compared to three last year. This includes IIT Madras, Kharagpur and Kanpur. </li></ul>Indian engineers are well known around the world. Now, its universities are being ranked high especially in the engineering and technology domain. According to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by subject, India’s premier engineering institutions — Bombay and Delhi campus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) — have been ranked in the top 50 universities for the very first time. IIT Delhi ranked 44th while IIT Bombay crawled up nine spots to rank 47th in the global list. Department-wise, IIT Bombay and Kharagpur rank at 41st and 66th for mineral and mining engineering and IIT Delhi stood at 49th for electrical and electronic engineering. "It is a significant achievement of our premiere engineering institutions, which has made India proud. This is the result of continuous efforts of our government to promote the environment of research and innovation in our educational institutions," Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' said. Overall, five Indian institutions ranked in the top 100 universities, compared to three last year. This includes IIT Madras, Kharagpur and Kanpur. "This is the result of the various measures we have taken in the institute on boosting the research ecosystem on the campus, strengthening our connect with the external stakeholders, significantly enhanced internationalization efforts from the institute and various other measures initiated in the last three years," IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao told news agency PTI. This comes as good news to the Indian universities that were striving to make a mark, globally. Nearly 20 universities were ranked in the top 200 in the <a href="https://www.qs.com/rankings-revealed-qs-wur-asia-2020/">QS World University Rankings: Asia 2020</a> this year. However, the IITs — Bombay, Delhi and Madras campuses — did not make it to the top 30. The rankings suggest India’s strength in the natural sciences, life sciences, and in engineering disciplines, QS <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/education/india-improves-tally-in-top-100-qs-world-university-rankings-by-subject-120030401416_1.html">report said</a>. In Chemistry, 20 Indian universities have been ranked on the top, followed by computer science, physics, astronomy and biological sciences. Globally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) emerged as the best-performing institution, followed by Harvard University and the University of Oxford, which was at the top for eight subjects. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/iits-iisc-and-amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-among-the-11-universities-in-the-emerging-economies-university-rankings-2020/articleshow/74201891.cms">IITs, IISc and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham among the 11 universities in THE Emerging Economies University Rankings 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeetham-enters-the-top-100-in-the-rankings-for-the-very-first-time/articleshow/74202074.cms">Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham enters the top 100 in THE rankings for the very first time</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/iit-delhi-partners-with-new-zealand-universities-to-boost-research-in-data-science-sustainability-and-healthcare/articleshow/74095473.cms">IIT Delhi partners with New Zealand Universities to boost research in data science, sustainability and healthcare</a>

You Searched For "QS World University Rankings" and got 11 results

Australian breakdancer Raygun who was trashed at the Paris Olympics just got ranked world No. 1. Here's why.

Mia Jankowicz

India rises to rank 39th on WEF's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, becomes highest ranked South Asian nation

PTI

QS Rankings: IIT Bombay best in employability, IIT Delhi ranks second

IANS

Lithuania has been ranked the happiest country in the world for young people, data shows

Beatrice Nolan

Lithuania is the happiest place in the world for under-30s — Gen Zs say low rent, free university, and good nightlife are to thank

Joshua Zitser

A retired boomer who visited all 50 states ranks his top picks and least favorites

Noah Sheidlower

Lithuania is the world's happiest place for under 30s, but it's also Europe's suicide capital

Joshua Nelken-Zitser

Tax-friendly destinations: A guide to the world's lowest taxes countries

IANS

The best 25 online MBA programs in the world

Madison Hoff

The 20 best executive MBA programs in the world

Madison Hoff

IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi rank amongst world’s top 50 engineering colleges, as per the QS rankings

Prerna Sindwani

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides