Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in the World 2019

The most wanted criminals in the world are the persons you definitely don’t ever want to deal with at any point in your life. They are the most notorious and elusive criminals on earth and have evaded capture for years.

Here’s a list of the top 10 most wanted criminals in the world, which will most likely stay fixed for quite awhile.

1. Ayman al-Zawahiri

Ayman al-Zawahiri is the current leader of al-Qaeda, a multi-national militant organization formerly headed by Osama bin Laden. He was named the leader of al-Qaeda shortly after bin Laden was assassinated in 2011. Before that, he was the operational and strategic commander and was the top lieutenant to bin Laden in the organization.

An Egyptian, al-Zawahiri had a direct hand in the 1998 US embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania which killed hundreds of people. In 2008, the Pakistan Army claimed that they almost captured al-Zawahiri in northwest Pakistan.

In 2012, al-Zawahiri made headlines when he called on Muslims to kidnap Western tourists visiting Muslim countries. He remains at large and is one the most wanted criminals in the world. The US Department of State is offering $25 million for any information about the location of the current al-Qaeda leader.

2. Dawood Ibrahim

Dawood Ibrahim is the most wanted man in India. He is a crime lord and leads the Indian organized crime syndicate D-Company. He founded the organization in the 1970s and has been a wanted man since the 1980s, though he wasn’t branded a global threat until 2003.

Ibrahim is currently living in Pakistan, though the Pakistani government has denied that he is in the country. He is widely believed to be the man behind the 1993 Bombay bombings, which involved a series of 12 bomb explosions in Mumbai, India. The attacks killed 257 people and injured 717 others.

Ibrahim and D-Company mostly operate in India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. Ibrahim is wanted for a number of charges, which includes murder, targeted killing, and drug trafficking. Like Ayman al-Zawahiri, he has a $25 million bounty on his head.

3. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the leader of the militant terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) – also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). I think it’s safe to assume that by now you’re already familiar with the organization, which has orchestrated a series of terror attacks in European cities the last two years.

Al-Baghdadi was a part of al-Qaeda from 2006-2013. Apart from crimes related to terrorism, he has been accused of kidnapping, enslaving, and raping American human rights activist and humanitarian aid worker Kayla Mueller.

It is believed that al-Baghdadi, the top target in the war against ISIS, is currently hiding in Raqqa, Syria, though there have been numerous conflicting reports of his arrest or death the last two years. Nevertheless, al-Baghdadi has a huge bounty on his head, with the US Department of State offering $25 million, up from the original $10 million, for any information which may lead to his capture or death.

4. Semion Mogilevich

Semion Mogilevich is believed to be the boss of bosses of Russian Mafia syndicates around the world. He commands a huge criminal organization involved in weapons trafficking, drug trafficking, contract murders, prostitution, fraud, and possibly even nuclear materials trafficking.

Mogilevich is considered the most dangerous mobster in the world and allegedly has powerful political connections everywhere in Russia. In 2006, former Russian secret service member Alexander Litvinenko alleged that Mogilevich has a “good relationship” with current Russian president Vladimir Putin. Litvinenko was assassinated via radiation poisoning shortly after making that claim.

Nicknamed “Don Semyon” and “The Brainy Don,” Mogilevich lives freely in Russia. He was arrested in 2008 in Moscow for tax evasion but was released the following year. He was added to the FBI Top Ten Most Wanted list in 2009 but was removed in 2015, mainly because the US and Russia don’t have an extradition treaty, which basically makes him untouchable to the FBI.

5. Matteo Messina Denaro

Matteo Messina Denaro is a Sicilian Mafia boss, now considered the boss of bosses in the infamous criminal organization after the deaths of Bernardo Provenzano and Salvatore Riina and the 2007 arrest of Salvatore Lo Piccolo. He has proven to be one of the most elusive targets for the Italian police, successfully evading arrest a number of times in the past.

Nicknamed “Diabolik,” Denaro stands out because of his lifestyle and outgoing nature, which is in contrast with other Mafia bosses who keep conservative family values close to heart. Denaro is a notorious womanizer, drives expensive Porsche cars, wears luxurious Rolex watches, and prefers high-end products from Ray-Ban, Giorgio Armani, and Versace. And apparently, he’s big on video games.

Denaro has been involved in extortion and illegal drug trade, the latter of which has caused the FBI to keep a close eye on the Mafia boss. In 1993, Denaro played a big role in a series of bomb attacks orchestrated by several Mafia bosses in Italy. The attacks killed 10 people and injured 93 others. Denaro has not been seen since the bomb attacks.

6. Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov

Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov is a Russian businessman suspected of being involved in organized crime. He is believed to be nicknamed “Taiwanchik” because of his noticeable Asian facial features. He has been accused of numerous crimes in the past, which includes smuggling, fixing competition events, committing fraud, and running an illegal gambling ring.

Tokhtakhunov is perhaps most infamous for being accused of bribing ice skating judges in the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was subsequently arrested by Italian authorities at the request of the US but was later freed before he was extradited.

He is a former amateur football player, which may explain his involvement in sporting events and for being reportedly close to several Russian professional tennis players. Of course, none of the athletes have openly admitted to being closely associated with Tokhtakhunov. Like Semion Mogilevich, Tokhtakhunov lives openly in Russia and is pretty much untouchable to US law enforcement authorities.

7. Felicien Kabuga

Felicien Kabuga is a Rwandan businessman and millionaire. He is the most wanted man in Africa for his direct involvement in the Rwandan Genocide, one of the most despicable acts in human history. Kabuga got the majority of his fortune through tea farms in Rwanda, which he used to fund the Rwandan Genocide.

Kabuga allegedly bankrolled Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines, the Rwandan radio station which played a huge role in inciting violence and kicking off the Rwandan Genocide. Not only that, he also supplied the weapons to the Hutus, importing a total of 500,000 machetes. About 500,000-1,000,000 Rwandans were killed in the infamous genocide, heavily crippling the country economy.

For his role in the genocide, Kabuga was slapped with numerous charges by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, including conspiracy to commit genocide and complicity in genocide. Kabuga, however, has remained elusive ever since his escape after the Rwandan Genocide was ended by the Rwandan Patriotic Front. He is believed to be living and running businesses in Kenya.

8. Omid Tahvili

Born in Tehran, Iran, Omid Tahvili is the kingpin of an organized crime family in Canada. Yes, you read that right – something like that actually exists in goody two shoes Canada. He reportedly operates out of an Iranian community in Canada and is connected to other international criminal organizations.

Tahvili has been apprehended by authorities several times but has escaped fully serving his sentences through one way or another. Most infamously, he escaped from a maximum-security prison in 2007 with the help of a security guard whom he bribed with money. Tahvili remains free to this day and is considered one of the most wanted criminals in the world.

Tahvili has been convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault and has been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, telemarketing fraud, and aiding and abetting. His telemarketing fraud ran from 1999 to 2002 with elderly US citizens being the chief victims. His operation netted him $3 million.

9. Ismael Zambada Garcia

Ismael Zambada Garcia is the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, an international organized crime syndicate which mainly operates from Culiacan, Sinaloa in Mexico, hence the group name. The Sinaloa Cartel is considered one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.

Nicknamed “El Mayo,” Garcia assumed full leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel when Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was apprehended in 2016. He is the most enduring drug lord in Mexico and has been active in the drug trafficking business for years. He was the logistical coordinator of the cartel before assuming full leadership.

Garcia employs different methods for delivering drugs to the US, which includes airplanes and boats. He currently has a $5 million on his head.

10. Joseph Kony

Joseph Kony is the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a guerrilla group which has been active since 1987. He is a self-declared prophet and claims that he is fighting for the Ten Commandments. He also claims to have been possessed by spirits.

The LRA previously operated in Uganda before recently moving operations to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. Led by Kony, the LRA has been involved in mass kidnappings of children and forcing them to become sex slaves or child soldiers for his campaign.

In 2005, Kony was indicted by International Criminal Court in The Hague for war crimes and crimes against humanity. But he is yet to be put behind bars for all his actions. Earlier this year, the US and Uganda ended their hunt for Kony, thinking he is no longer a significant threat because his force has significantly shrunk in recent years, which may have been related to his reportedly declining health.

#Wanted

#Criminals

#Ayman al-Zawahiri

#Dawood Ibrahim

#Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

#Semion Mogilevich

#Matteo Messina Denaro

#Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov

#Felicien Kabuga

#Omid Tahvili

#Ismael Zambada Garcia

#Joseph Kony

#2019

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The World's Most Powerful People 2018

China's President Xi Jinping, center right, and first lady Peng Liyuan, far right, greeted U.S. counterparts Donald Trump, center left, and Melania Trump on Wednesday at Beijing's Forbidden City.

There are nearly 7.5 billion humans on planet Earth, but these 75 men and women make the world turn. Forbes' annual ranking of The World’s Most Powerful People identifies one person out of every 100 million whose actions mean the most.

This year's list highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of an elite few. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, seizes the top spot for the first time ever after China’s congress amended its constitution in March, broadening his influence and eliminating term limits. He enjoys a cult of personality not seen since Chairman Mao.

View the full list of The World's Most Powerful People

Xi's elevation to the world's most powerful person unseats Russian President Vladimir Putin (#2), who held the top spot for an unprecedented four consecutive years. Putin has ruled Russia since May of 2000, and this year he was re-elected to a fourth term with nearly 77 percent of the vote. That's the largest margin of victory for any candidate for the office since the fall of the Soviet Union.


One year into his term, President Donald Trump falls to the No. 3 spot. Trump has seen limited success pushing his agenda through a Congress controlled by his own party, is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, and can't shake off scandals arising from his personal and business life –but he's still Commander in Chief of the world's greatest economic and military power.


The fourth most powerful person in the world also happens to be the most powerful woman: Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany. The de facto leader of Europe, Merkel won a hard-fought election in 2017 and created a ‘grand coalition’ with political partners. She'll have to hold tight to the EU rudder as it faces oncoming storms from Brexit and growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, poses with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Russia's President Vladimir Putin prior to a meeting during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, July 8, 2017. (Tobias Schwarz/Pool Photo)

There are 17 new names on the list this year, including Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud (#8), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. His father remains king, but "MBS" has consolidated power beyond any doubt and taken control of the country. In November 2017, he launched an "anti-corruption campaign" that caused many prominent Saudis to be arrested and forced to turn over their fortunes. The crown prince will be the fulcrum around which the Middle Eastern geopolitics moves for the next generation. Other new members include Jerome H. Powell (#11), chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve; Darren Woods (#34), CEO of Exxon Mobil; Moon Jae-in (#54), President of South Korea; and Robert Mueller (#72), Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Read More: New Members of The World's Most Powerful People

To compile the ranking of The World's Most Powerful People, we considered hundreds of candidates from various walks of life all around the globe, and measured their power along four dimensions. First, we asked whether the candidate has power over lots of people. Pope Francis, ranked #6, is the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics. Doug McMillon (#23), is the CEO of the world's largest private employer, Wal-Mart Stores, with more than 2.3 million workers around the globe.

Next we assessed the financial resources controlled by each person. Are they relatively large compared to their peers? For heads of state we used GDP, while for CEOs, we looked at measures like their company's assets and revenues. When candidates have a high personal net worth, like the world's richest man, Jeff Bezos (#5), we also took that into consideration. In certain instances we considered other valuable resources at the candidate's disposal, like access to oil reserves.

Then we determined if the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres. There are only 75 slots on our list –one for approximately every 100 million people on the planet– so being powerful in just one area is often not enough. Our picks project their influence in myriad ways: Elon Musk (#25) has power in the auto business through Tesla Motors, in the aerospace industry through SpaceX, because he's a billionaire, and because he's a highly respected tech visionary.


Lastly, we made sure that the candidates actively used their power. North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un (#36) has near absolute control over the lives of the 25 million people who live in his country, and is known to punish dissent with death.

To calculate the final rankings, a panel of Forbes editors ranked all of our candidates in each of these four dimensions of power, and those individual rankings were averaged into a composite score. This year’s list comes at a time of rapid and profound change, and represents our best guess about who will matter in the year to come.

Any ranking of the world's most powerful people is going to be subjective, so we don't pretend ours is definitive. It's meant to be the beginning of a conversation, not the final word. So tell us what you think: Is the CEO of Google really more powerful than the CEOs of Facebook and Apple? Is the President of Turkey more powerful than the Prime Minister of Canada? Who did we miss? What did we get wrong? Join the conversation by commenting below.


This story appears in the January 31, 2018

The 10 Most Corrupt Countries in the world

The 10 Most Corrupt Countries, Ranked By Perception
A country in the Middle East tops the list.

Dozens of Iraqis shout slogans and wave national flags during a demonstration outside the local government headquarters in the southern city of Basra in July 2018 as they protest against poor services, unemployment, and corruption.(HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

CORRUPTION IS OFTEN IN the eye of the beholder, largely tied to individual beliefs about right and wrong.

Iraq, a country new this year to the Best Countries rankings, is perceived to be the most corrupt in the world, according to 2019 data from the rankings, a characterization of 80 countries based on a survey of more than 20,000 global citizens.

In the survey, respondents answered how closely they related each of the 80 countries to the term "corrupt," an adjective that has Merriam-Webster juggling definitions from "tainted or rotten" to "morally debased." Respondents were given no further specifications of the term, so interpretation of the word was left to them.

[MORE: The 25 Best Countries in the World]

Demonstrators in Iraq have recently taken to the streets, angry about corruption. In December 2018, protesters ransacked government offices while demanding jobs and better public services, according to Reuters.

Thousands of American troops also remain in the war-torn country, where forces on the ground continue to fight the Islamic State group. Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called for limiting both U.S. and Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs.

Pakistan – a country accused of knowingly harboring the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden – who died in 2011 – follows at No. 2, and Iran places third on the corruption ranking. Mexico, which is plagued by stories of deadly drug cartels, makes an appearance at No. 7, and Myanmar and Guatemala round out the top 10.

By comparison, Russia – the world's largest nation, which has been accused of election meddling and Olympic doping – did not make the top 10 this year. The Kremlin ranked No. 12.

The United States landed at No. 60 in the corruption ranks and Australia and Canada ranked No. 79 and No. 80, respectively, making them the countries viewed as the least corrupt.

Below are the 10 countries perceived to be the most corrupt, and more country-related rankings can be found here.

COUNTRY               CORRUPT RANK                   BEST COUNTRIES OVERALL RANK
Iraq                               1                                           80
Pakistan                       2                                           75
Iran                               3                                           79
Nigeria                       4                                                  74
Colombia               5                                           66
Angola                       6                                           78
Mexico                       7                                           35
Ghana                       8                                           69
Myanmar               9                                           61
Guatemala              10                                           64

Tags: #corruption #Iraq #Pakistan #Iran #Nigeria #Colombia #Mexico #Ghana #Myanmar #Guatemala

Top 10 most haunted places in the World

Top 10 most haunted places in the World

From a ghostly castle in France to a paranormal pub in Britain, these 'possessed' destinations are guaranteed to spook even the most sceptical of travellers ...

1: Château de Brissac, Maine-et-Loire, France

The Castle of Brissac, a renaissance castle rebuilt in the 15th century by one of the ministers to King Charles VII (Shutterstock)

The site: Dubbed as the ‘Giant of the Loire Valley’ this is the highest castle in France boasting seven floors, 204 rooms, numerous portrait galleries, and a private opera house which seats 200 people. It was a fortress built by the Counts of Anjou in the 11th Century and King Louis XIII dropped by in 1620.
The ghosts: The most active is La Dame Verte, (Green Lady), who was apparently the illegitimate child of King Charles VII and was later murdered by her husband in the château in the 15th Century after he caught her having an affair.  She is often seen in the tower room of the chapel, wearing her green dress, with gaping holes where her eyes and nose should be. When not startling guests by her appearance she can be heard moaning around the castle.
Current situation: The château is a popular hotel that hosts special events such as a Christmas market and tastings of the well-regarded wines, produced from its own vineyards. Guests who are brave enough to stay overnight enjoy rooms lavishly decorated with period furniture.

2: Monte Cristo Homestead, New South Wales, Australia

A family that has lived at Monte Cristo for the past 50 years have revealed the chilling tales from inside the 'most haunted house in Australia'

The site:  A late Victorian mansion, with intricate cast iron lattice work, built by wealthy landowner Christopher William Crawley in 1876. Reputedly Australia’s most haunted house.
The ghosts: Take your pick. There’s the young child who was dropped down the stairs, the maid who fell from the balcony or the stable boy who burned to death. The most active, however, is the ghost of the son of the caretaker who was found curled up next to the dead body of his mother and chained up for 40 years.
Current situation: The house currently operates as a B&B, offering dinner followed by a ghost tour where you can learn all about its gruesome past. Those who dare can spend the night in the haunted homestead.

3: Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India

Tourists visiting the ruined fortress in the ancient city of Bhangarh. This palace is said to be cursed and entry during night is prohibited (Dreamstime)

The site: The ruins of a fort city built in the 17th century, Bhangarh Fort consists of fort walls, bazars, havelis, royal palaces, and numerous temples, with three grand storeys you can explore. But do not be fooled by the beauty of these ruins as they are ranked as the most haunted fort in India.
The ghosts: A wizard called Singhia and a princess called Ratnavati who spurned his advances. Legend has it that the enchanted oil he hoped would make her love him turned into a boulder when she threw it away – and it crushed him. But not before he cursed the palace, condemning the inhabitants to death, without any hope of rebirth. Another story suggests a local ascetic cursed the fort because its shadow overpowered his property. And apparently, if anyone attempts to build a roof for the fort, it will collapse.
Current situation: Bhangarh Fort is now an archeological site, known as the ‘House of Ghosts’. It is possible to hire a guide who can show you around the site and give you the details of its eerie past. Be sure to visit in daylight as the fort is closed between sunset and sunrise, with locals convinced that anyone who spends the night amongst the ruins will never be seen again. 

4: Myrtles Plantation, USA

GHOSTS CAUGHT ON CAMERA , Myrtles Plantation , St. Francisville

The Site: Situated in the small town of St. Francisville, north-west of New Orleans is the mansion of Myrtles Plantation, boarded by a 125-foot veranda. The stained-glass front door leads into a grand foyer displaying a huge French crystal chandelier.
The ghosts: With 10 people being murdered in the mansion itself, it’s no surprise there have been so many reported ghost sightings, the most famous of which is Chloe, who had her ear cut off by her lover. She wears a green turban, peering intently at visitors while they’re in bed and has even appeared in a photograph. A more recent photo also shows another young girl, known as ‘Ghost Girl’ peering through the window of the house. More eerie sightings include a child bouncing on the beds, a soldier, a voodoo priestess and the ghost of a previous owner who was shot in the chest has been heard staggering up the stairs where he died.
Current situation: Despite being known as the most haunted house in America, the plantation is now a pretty Bed and breakfast offering 12 accommodations. Ghost tours are run from the site and you can choose between daily tours or the spookier and more popular evening tours. And soon a new restaurant on site will bring fresh, local food to visitors.

5: Dragsholm Slot, Denmark

Dragsholm Slot is a haunted hotel in Denmark (Shutterstock)

The site: Dragsholm Slot, or Dragsholm Castle, was originally built in 1215, making it one of the oldest castles in Denmark and reportedly the most haunted castle in all of Europe. In the 16th and 17th century parts of it were used to house prisoners of noble or ecclesiastical rank, and in 1694 it was rebuilt in a Baroque style.
The ghosts: The castle is thought to be home to at least 100 ghosts including the Earl of Bothwell, the husband of Mary Queen of Scotts who died as a prisoner in the castle. You may also see the White Lady wandering the halls, who’s skeleton was found encased in a wall by builders in 1930.
Current situation: The castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel with lavish rooms and a Michelin-rated restaurant serving locally sourced food. The hotel offers their own guided tour explaining the history of the building but for a truly terrifying experience, book a ghost tour including a two-night stay, a tour highlighting the spooky occupants and dinner at the gourmet restaurant.

6: Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire, England

Ancient Ram Inn

The site: Built in 1145, the inn was used by priests who kept slaves and workers in there to help build the St. Mary’s Church. Located in Wotton-under-edge, it is situated on two ley lines, places believed to have spiritual energy from Stonehenge. It has also been reported that it was the scene of a child sacrifice and devil worshipping.

The ghosts: It is widely believed that the redirecting of water on the Ancient Ram property caused a portal for dark energy to open up, meaning many ghosts haunt the inn. The ‘Witch’s Room’ is said to be haunted by a woman burnt at the stake in the 1500s as she was accused of being a witch. A high priestess has been spotted sitting on a bed, a centurion on horseback has been seen walking through the walls, the agonising screams of a girl heard, a monk in the most haunted room and even a succubus is said to slip into the beds of visitors.
Current situation: Despite being well known as one of the most haunted places in the world, featuring on TV programs such as ‘Most Haunted’ and ‘Ghost Adventures’, the inn has changed hands several times in the recent past, making the owners difficult to track down. However, many paranormal events are hosted at the inn.

7: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa

Castle of Good Hope

The site: Built in the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, the Castle of Good Hope is South Africa’s oldest building.
The ghosts: The first ghost was spotted in 1915 when the apparition of a tall gentleman was seen jumping off the side of one of the castle walls, and then walking between the bastions Leerdam and Oranje. Another famous ghost, the Lady in Grey, was often seen running through the castle holding her face and crying hysterically, but has not been seen since a woman’s body was found during excavations. Other unexplained events include the bell in the bell tower ringing of its own accord and the ghost of a black dog that pounces on unsuspecting visitors, then simply vanishes into thin air. 
Current situation: Arguably one of the world’s best preserved 17th century buildings, the castle is now a popular tourist attraction with three prestigious museums, a memorial to Krotoa the leader of the Khoi nation and an opportunity to learn more of the hidden history surrounding the castle on a guided tour. You can also eat in the restaurant in the front courtyard and watch the Key Ceremony and cannon firing.

8: Hell Fire Club, Montpelier Hill, Ireland

Hell Fire Club

The site: The Hell Fire Club was a hunting lodge, built in 1925 for William Connolly, an Irish parliamentary speaker. The stones of the buildings are from ancient passage tombs, said to have angered the Devil, which first associated the site with the supernatural. The lodge reportedly became a gathering place for a small group of Dublin elites who met for debauchery and devil worship. Its ruins sit atop the summit of Montpelier Hill in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
The ghosts: Tales of animal sacrifice, black masses, cloven-hoofed men and murder are linked to the structure. The most popular tale tells of a visit by a satanic creature, in the form of a man, who was only discovered when one of the players dropped a card and on picking it up, noticed the guest had cloven feet. On his discovery, the creature disappeared in a ball of flames. There are stories about a big black cat, the size of a dog who took on a priest and haunts the lodge. The most regular ghostly visitor is a young lady, believed to have been placed in a barrel, set on fire and rolled down the hill for fun.
Current situation: The Hell fire club is a popular stopping point on a walking trail through the Dublin Hills. Ghost tours of the site are also available, with extra tours running for the week of Halloween.

9: Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada

Banff Springs Hotel

The Site: Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta Canada, is one of Canada’s great railway hotels and reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in the country.
The ghosts: There's a bride who fell down the staircase breaking her neck after panicking when her dress caught fire. She is often seen in the ballroom dancing, with the flames coming from the back of her dress. A family were murdered in room 873. The door to this room has since been bricked up, but the family can still be seen in the hallway outside the room. And former bellman, Sam Macauley who served at the hotel during the '60s and '70s still likes helping guests up to their rooms, dressed in his '60s uniform. If you try to tip him or make conversation, he disappears.
Current situation: Now part of the Fairmont chain of luxury hotels, the Banff Springs, also known as ‘The Castle in the Rockies’ still remains a landmark in the town of Banff, Alberta and remains a popular year-round resort.

10: Poveglia Island, Italy

Poveglia Island

The site: In the Venice Lagoon between Venice and Lido, this small island was a place where mainlanders fled to seek refuge from invaders. In the 14th century Venetians infected by the Bubonic plague were sent here to die – and, when they died, they were burned on giant pyres. The site was also used as a mental asylum during the 1800s where patients were experimented on and tortured.
he ghosts: Ask a local and they will tell you the island is full of ghosts and cursed with unhealthy spirits. Voices and screams are often heard, and visitors have reported seeing dark, fleeting shadows. Many visitors say they begin to feel an oppressive evil feeling as soon as they step on the island.
Current situation: Despite nearly being auctioned off to an entrepreneur, the island remains totally abandoned and off bounds to most visitors. Even if you were allowed to go to the island, you’d be hard to find someone willing to take you as many locals won’t step foot on Poveglia for fear of being cursed and fisherman refuse to fish in the area, worried they’ll drag up human remains.

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World 2019

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World 2019

Here are the top 10 most powerful countries in the world, based on the analysis of US News & World Report. Note that this list is different from the media company’s overall ranking of the best countries in the world.

10. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each governed by an absolute monarchy. The emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two most well-known, with the latter being the more popular tourist destination. The fact that the country is more liberal and open compared to other Arab countries makes it more attractive to foreigners.

The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, thanks in large part to its rich oil and natural gas reserves. A member of the United Nations and a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the UAE has a very strong economic influence and has solid international alliances.

However, the UAE doesn’t have a large and powerful military, although its armed forces have seen significant upgrades in recent years. But it’s worth noting that the Armed Forces of UAE – the primary armed wing of all seven emirates – is equipped with modern weapon systems, purchased from other powerful countries.

9. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest and most powerful Arab countries. It is considered a pro-Western Arab country due to its strong relations with countries such as the US and the UK. It is also very open to foreign workers, with a lot of personnel in private companies and institutions hailing from other countries.

Saudi Arabia has a strong political influence in the region and is allied with other powerful Arab countries such as Pakistan, considered by many as the closest ally of Saudi Arabia. Compared to the UAE, Saudi Arabia is a lot more conservative, though the government has recently made some significant changes to make the country more liberal. For example, last September, the country announced it is finally allowing women to drive.

The Arab country is also known for its military expenditures. It is one of the largest arms importers in the world, with the UK being a major supplier. Other supplying countries include the US (obviously) and Canada. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, has received criticism for selling military equipment to the Arab country. Trudeau is an advocate of human rights – but has sold tools of war to Saudi Arabia, a country with a notorious record in regard to human rights.

8. Israel

Israel is one of the most powerful Middle Eastern countries. It has a large economy and has a high standard of living. Like Japan, Israel is one of the most educated countries in the world, which has played a huge part in making the country a powerhouse in regards to technology.

In terms of foreign relations, Israel is a mixed bag. On one end, it is allied with powerful countries such as the US and Russia. But on the other end, it has a strained relationship with other Middle Eastern countries. And the fact that Israel has a well-developed nuclear program only makes matters worse, though the Israel government has been pretty coy about the country’s nuclear capabilities.

On a related note, Israel has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. Though not exactly large compared to the US and Chinese armed forces, the Israeli Defense Forces are incredibly well-trained and are more than capable of neutralizing various threats, both domestic and international. Israel also has arguably the best intelligence agency in the world, Mossad.

7. Japan

Japan is one of the most influential countries in the world, especially in regard to technology. The East Asian country has long been considered the heart of technological innovation and is arguably more technologically advanced than the US. It has a highly skilled and well-educated population, the biggest reason for its economic prowess.

Japan has the third-largest global economy, right behind the US and China. The country is one of the world leaders when it comes to exporting products, with many of those products related to technology. A member of the United Nations, Japan also has strong relationships with other world powers, though it has had issues dealing with its neighbors, China and North Korea.

In regard to military power, Japan isn’t exactly blessed with the most powerful armed forces. Though it has one of the largest military budgets and has modern military weapon systems, the country primarily deploys its armed forces for self-defense and peacekeeping purposes. The Land of the Rising Sun proves that you don’t necessarily need a strong military presence in order to be considered a powerful nation.

6. France

Not only is France one of the top 10 most powerful countries, it is also one of the top 10 countries with the most powerful nuclear weapons, fielding a reported nuclear warhead count of about 300. It is an official nuclear-weapon state and fields one of the most capable militaries in the world.

Located in western Europe right below the UK, France has one of the largest economies in the world, trailing only a few other world powers such as the US, China, and Japan. A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, France has very strong international alliances and is regularly involved in matters concerning global security and other international issues.

Considered one of the biggest players in the fashion industry, France has had huge contributions in the fashion world and is home to a number of notable fashion houses such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent. The cultural influence of France is something that can never be accurately quantified.

5. Germany

Germany has long been one of the most powerful nations in the world. Every time the country has been ravaged by war and internal conflict in the past, the economy has been able to recover. The German economy consistently ranks in the top 10, thanks to its extremely skilled and highly educated population.

Located in central-western Europe, Germany is a well-developed nation with a high standard of living. It is one of the largest exporters and has a very strong global economic influence. It also has a strong global political influence and has strong international relations.

Germany is a member of the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization and is heavily involved in issues concerning global security. Known for having a rich cultural history and for having some of the most beautiful cities in the world, Germany also has a powerful military and has a very competent government led by leaders well-versed in all manners of political and economic affairs.

4. United Kingdom

Another permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the United Kingdom – composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – is a highly developed country located in western Europe. Though it is currently surrounded by uncertainties due to the infamous Brexit, the UK still remains one of the most powerful countries in the world.

Like France, the UK is an official nuclear-weapon state and is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It has one of the best navies in the world as well as one of the most capable foreign intelligence agencies, the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6.

The UK has a very strong economic and political influence and has long been a trendsetter in various areas such as technology, fashion, culture, arts, and sciences. Known for having a high standard of living, the UK has also produced some of the most accomplished doctors in history, which is why it is included in our list of the top 10 countries with the best doctors in the world.

3. China

China is the most populous nation in the world. It holds a great deal of economic influence and has the second-largest economy in the world, just behind the US. Based on how the Chinese economy has rapidly grown within the last three decades, it is very much possible it could overtake the US economy in the near feature. The Asian country is also the world leader in exports, hence all the “Made in China” products that you see every day.

A member of the United Stations, China has a very strong political influence in the world, though many have criticized the Chinese government for employing questionable methods and for being too aggressive, most especially when it comes to flexing its military muscle.

Speaking of which, China has the largest military in the world and has a navy composed of hundreds of commissioned ships and aircrafts and over 200,000 active personnel. China also possesses nuclear weapons and has one of the biggest military budgets in the world. The country also maintains strong relations with other countries, especially with Russia, though the country has a strained relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

2. Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world by area, entirely covering Northern Asia and the majority of Eastern Europe. It has one of the largest economies in the world, sustained by the extensive natural resources in the country. It is a world leader when it comes to oil and natural gas reserves.

A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. The country is home to the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons with about 7,000 nuclear warheads. The way the Russian government has deployed its armed forces in recent years has received international criticism, however. Most notably, Russia received a lot of flak for its role in the Ukraine conflict.

With a political influence rivaling that of the US, Russia has strong relations with many countries, most especially China. Led by President Vladimir Putin, Russia has a very competent, albeit controversial, government. Not many people may agree with how Putin runs the country. But when it comes to results, the popular world leader definitely delivers for his country.

1. United States 

The United States is the most powerful country in the world. It has the largest economy in the world, thanks in large part to its massive entertainment and media industry. The economy in California alone produces about $2.5 trillion. Assuming California was a country, that number would have made the California economy one of the top six in the world. Imagine that.

In terms of political influence, the US is unparalleled. A founding member of the United Nations, the US plays a huge role in almost all international issues, especially ones regarding global security. Despite being currently led by a dude named Donald Trump, the US remains a powerhouse in the international community. But respect for the US government takes a hit every time Trump sends out a Tweet.

The US has the most powerful military in the world. It has the most modernized and sophisticated military weapon systems and possesses a huge number of nuclear warheads. And the US isn’t shy about showing its military power to the world, one reason why some countries often accuse the US of meddling with international affairs too much.

There is a very good chance that this list of the top 10 most powerful countries in the world will remain the same in 2020. One or two from the bottom-five countries might get replaced with a different country. But the top five countries are likely locks to hold their current position.

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10 Most Genius Child Prodigies of The World

10 Most Genius Child Prodigies of The World

God blessed some selected people with extraordinary talent. Some people are gifted with this magical talent since their childhood. They’re the super genius and really smart. Generally before 10 years old they showed their abilities comparable to those highly skilled adults in specific fields; hence the term child prodigy is used for them. There have been many child prodigies throughout history, and some of them even go on to be prolific adults. Most of them have done more intellectually by that time than we’ll do in our entire lifetimes. This list explores top 10 most genius child prodigies in various fields from around the world.

10. Priyanshi Somani

Priyanshi Somani is a mental calculator from India. She started mental calculation at the age of six. At the age of 11, she was the youngest participant of the Mental Calculation World Cup 2010 and won the overall title. She is the only participant who has done 100% accuracy in Addition, Multiplication, Square Root till date in all five Mental Calculation World Cups. She is the winner of “Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2010” in genius category. Her name is also added in the Limca Book of World Records as well as the Guinness Book of World Records.

9. Elaina Smith

A straight-talking schoolgirl, Elaina Smith became Britain’s youngest agony aunt – at just seven years old. She is the youngest broadcaster ever seen. Her local radio station gave her the job after she called in and advised a listener who wanted to dump her boyfriend. The broadcaster was so impressed with her advice — “go bowling with pals and drink a mug of milk.” They offered her a weekly slot to give tips to thousands of adult listeners. The littler adviser tackles problems and offers many solutions about romance to the listeners on how to select a boyfriend.

8. Michael Kevin Kearney

Best known as the world’s youngest college graduate at the age of 10. Michael was born in 1984 and known for setting several world records and teaching college at the age of 17. Michael spoke his first words when he was just four months old. When he reached six months, he said to his pediatrician “I have a left ear infection” and learned to read at the age of ten months. In 2008, he became a reality show Millionaire, and earned $1,000,000 on the television game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

7. Gregory R Smith

Born in 1990, Gregory Smith was memorizing and reciting books at the age of 14 months and had enrolled in university at 10 years. When Gregory graduates, he was the youngest person ever to receive a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. This young man travels the globe as a peace and children’s rights activist and got the Nobel Prize at the age of 12 only. He is the founder of International Youth Advocates, an organization that promotes principles of peace and understanding among young people throughout the world.

6. Saul Aaron Kripke

Kripke was born in New York on November 13, 1940, and spent his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska. He was labelled a prodigy, having taught himself Ancient Hebrew by the age of six. He read the complete works of Shakespeare by the age of nine. Kripke mastered the works of Descartes and complex mathematical problems before finishing elementary school. He wrote his first completeness theorem in modal logic at the age of 17, and had it published a year later. In 1958, Kripke attended Harvard University and graduated summa cum laude obtaining a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. During his 2nd year at Harvard, Kripke taught a graduate-level logic course at nearby MIT.

5. Aelita Andre

The two-year old artist who showed her paintings in a famous Gallery. Born on 9 January 2007, Aelita Andre is an Australian abstract artist known for her Surrealist painting style and her young age. She began to paint when she was only nine months old. Her work was displayed publicly in a group exhibition shortly after she turned two. Her first solo exhibition opened in New York City in June 2011, when she was four years old.

4. Cleopatra Stratan

A three-year old singer who earns 1000€ per song. Cleopatra was born on 6 October 2002 in Moldova. She was the youngest singer to get the commercial success with her album named “La Varsta de Trei ani”. She also has a record for performing live for straight two hours in front of a huge audience. Cleopatra holds the record for the highest paid young artist. She’s the youngest artist to receive an MTV award and the youngest artist to score a No.1 hit in a country.

3. Arfa Karim

Arfa Karim was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy who in 2004 become the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), just at the age of nine years. She represented Pakistan on various international forums including the TechEd Developers Conference. She also received the President’s Award for Pride of Performance. A science park in Lahore – The Arfa Software Technology Park – was named after her. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in the USA. She died in hospital at Lahore on 14 January 2012, aged 16 years.

2. Akrit Jaswal

With the IQ level of 146, a young Indian Akrit Jaswal, who has been called “the world’s smartest boy”. He is considered the smartest person of his age in India. He came to public attention in 2000, when he performed his first medical procedure at his home. Jaswal shocked the people at the age of 7 years, when he did a surgery on a native girl who suffering from the burns on her hands.

1. Kim Ung Yong

Kim Ung Yong is thought to be the most Genius Child in the world. He was born on March 8, 1962, in Korea. He has broken the Guinness book records by the IQ level of 210. At the age of 4 years only he had the ability to read Korean, Japanese, English and German language, also solved complicated differential and integral calculus problems. He was a guest student of physics at Hanyang University from the age of 3 to 6. At the age of 7 he was invited to America by NASA. He finished his university studies, eventually getting a Ph.D. in physics at Colorado State University before he was 15. This Korean super-genius might just be the smartest guy alive today.

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