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Parenting Secrets: 7 Meaningful Lessons Every Mother Should Teach Her Son to Succeed in Life

Zetan Kumari — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:55:36 +0530

A mother's guidance plays a vital role in shaping her son's values and character. This article explores seven meaningful life lessons that can help him grow into a respectful, confident, responsible, and compassionate adult.

Our society often tells boys, 'Don't cry like a girl!' A mother needs to teach her son that this is completely wrong. Crying is just like expressing anger, love, or happiness. He shouldn't have to bottle up his emotions. Make him understand that crying isn't a sign of weakness. In fact, holding back sadness is bad for his health.He must learn to respect not just his mother, but every woman in his life—be it his wife, sister, or a friend. This isn't something that comes overnight when he's an adult. A mother must teach her son from a very young age that true strength lies in respecting others.Everyone makes mistakes; it's only human. But what's really important is to own up to them. Teach your son to admit when he's wrong and to apologise. It's a sign of great character. Also, teach him that housework is everyone's responsibility, not just a woman's job. Whether it's cooking or cleaning, he should learn to do it all.Success isn't just about earning a lot of money. Being honest, kind, and helping those in need is what real success looks like. Also, teach him to control his words in anger. Angry words can leave scars for a lifetime. He must learn to think before he speaks.Life teaches you a new lesson every day. You don't just learn from books, but also from people, experiences, and even your own mistakes. This will help him win at life. A mother is the best person to teach him this. But remember, kids follow what you do, not just what you say. So, lead by example.

Sleeping Polar Bear: Waking One Up Could Land You A Hefty Fine HERE

Amrita Ghosh — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:43:29 +0530

A person in Norway has been fined 50,000 Norwegian kroner (around $5,350) after using a ship’s horn to wake a sleeping polar bear.

The incident took place earlier in August in Lomfjorden, a fjord along the western side of Hinlopenstretet in Svalbard. A vessel spotted a polar bear sleeping on land when someone on board decided to sound the ship’s horn.

The loud noise startled the animal and caused it to wake up and move to another location.

According to the Governor of Svalbard, the incident was later reported by other people who were on board the vessel. Officials concluded that the polar bear had been intentionally disturbed. The person involved has not been identified.

Person Accepts $5,350 Fine

The individual was fined 50,000 Norwegian kroner, equivalent to approximately $5,350, for violating Section 30a of the Svalbard Environmental Act. The person accepted the fine and paid it.

Norwegian law has specific rules governing how people must behave around polar bears. The legislation prohibits anyone from unnecessarily disturbing, luring or pursuing the animals.

The rules are particularly strict because encounters between humans and polar bears can potentially put both sides at risk.

How Close Can You Get to a Polar Bear in Svalbard?

People in Svalbard are required to maintain a distance of at least 300 metres from polar bears. The minimum distance increases to 500 metres between March 1 and June 30.

The law also states that anyone who finds themselves closer to a polar bear than the permitted distance must retreat to maintain a lawful distance.

People are also required to take necessary precautions to avoid dangerous encounters and protect themselves from potential polar bear attacks without unnecessarily injuring or killing the animal.

In other words, approaching or deliberately disturbing a polar bear is not something authorities take lightly.

Why Are Polar Bears Protected in Svalbard?

Svalbard is an important habitat for polar bears and is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Polar bears have been protected under international law since 1973. Hunting polar bears was also banned in Svalbard that year.

According to Polar Bears International, there are around 26,000 polar bears remaining across the world. Around 250 polar bears from the Barents Sea population are estimated to live on Svalbard. With their Arctic habitat already under pressure, authorities place considerable emphasis on limiting unnecessary human interference.

Climate Change Remains a Major Threat

Human disturbance is only one of the challenges facing polar bears. Climate change, declining sea ice, pollution, disease, inadequate habitat protection and increasing commercial activity are among the other threats facing the species.

A study published in Scientific Reports in January offered a somewhat encouraging finding. Researchers discovered that adult polar bears in Svalbard maintained their body condition between 1995 and 2019, despite the region experiencing rapid sea-ice loss.

However, scientists warned that the finding should not be interpreted as evidence that Svalbard’s polar bears are safe from climate change. Continued loss of sea ice could eventually make it increasingly difficult for the animals to find food and survive in the Arctic.

A Costly Reminder to Leave Wildlife Alone

The Svalbard incident may sound unusual, but it highlights why strict wildlife rules exist in the Arctic.

A person apparently decided to wake a sleeping polar bear with a ship’s horn. The result was not just a startled animal moving away, but also a 50,000-kroner fine.

For visitors travelling through Svalbard, the message from authorities is clear: seeing a polar bear in the wild may be an extraordinary experience, but keeping a safe distance and avoiding unnecessary disturbance is essential.

Would You Eat Here? Ahmedabad's 72-Year-Old Restaurant Serves Chai Beside Graves

Divya Danu — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:51:40 +0530

Unique dining experiences are becoming increasingly popular, with people searching for more than just good food. They want a story, an unusual setting and something worth remembering. In Ahmedabad, one restaurant has been offering exactly that for decades.

At Lucky Restaurant, also known as New Lucky Restaurant, diners can sit down for a cup of chai and bun maska while old graves stand just a few feet away from their tables. For some, the idea may sound unsettling. For others, it has become one of Ahmedabad's most fascinating and unusual landmarks.

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Where graves became part of the restaurant

Located in the Lal Darwaja area, Lucky Restaurant has been serving customers since the 1950s. The story goes that the establishment began as a small tea stall on land that contained old graves.

Instead of removing or disturbing them as the business expanded, the owners built the restaurant around them.

Today, the graves remain part of the dining area. Small metal railings separate them from the tables, while customers sit nearby, drinking tea, eating bun maska and carrying on with everyday conversations.

The unusual arrangement has become the restaurant's defining feature.

Graves are cleaned and decorated every day

The graves are not treated as props or simply as part of a marketing gimmick. According to the restaurant's long-told story, staff members clean the graves every morning and decorate them with fresh flowers as a mark of respect.

Over the years, locals have also associated the restaurant with good fortune. The graves, rather than being viewed purely as a reminder of death, have become woven into the identity and folklore surrounding the old eatery.

That combination of everyday food, local belief and an unusual setting has helped Lucky Restaurant build a reputation far beyond Ahmedabad.

Interestingly, the restaurant has achieved much of this fame through word of mouth. Its story has travelled from one visitor to another, while photographs and videos shared online have introduced the place to a wider audience.

A favourite of M. F. Husain

Lucky Restaurant also has a connection with celebrated Indian painter M. F. Husain, who was known to visit the establishment, according to a report by the Times of India.

One of Husain's paintings has long been associated with the restaurant's interior, adding another layer to the story of a place already filled with character and history, the TOI repot added..

Despite its fame, the food remains simple. Chai and bun maska continue to be among the best-known items associated with the restaurant.

There is no elaborate fine-dining concept. The appeal lies in the contrast: an ordinary cup of tea served in an extraordinary setting.

Cemetery cafés are not unique to Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad's Lucky Restaurant is unusual, but the idea of eating or drinking near burial grounds is not entirely unique.

In cities such as Berlin, cafés have also been established in or near cemetery spaces, including old chapels and former cemetery buildings. These places often offer visitors a quiet environment away from busy streets.

The experience is usually presented less as something frightening and more as an opportunity for calm, reflection and a different relationship with spaces traditionally associated with mourning.

A place that continues to divide opinion

Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of a restaurant operating around graves. Some people have criticised such businesses as disrespectful to the dead.

Others see Lucky Restaurant differently. For them, it is part of Ahmedabad's local history, where an old burial site and a bustling food joint have existed side by side for decades.

Perhaps that is why the restaurant continues to attract attention. Visitors arrive for the chai and bun maska, but they leave with a story.

At Lucky Restaurant, a simple tea break comes with something few dining experiences can offer: a table beside history, mystery and a reminder that life and death sometimes occupy the same space.

So, would you want to have chai and bun maska here?

Not Originally Indian? The 1,000-Year Middle Eastern Journey of Your Favourite Crispy Jalebi

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:36:10 +0530

Jalebi may feel unmistakably Indian, but its earliest recorded relatives can be traced to West Asia, where sweets called zalabiya appeared in medieval Arabic cookbooks. Bengal's jilipi to Indore's jaleba show how a sweet became a part of our culture.

The next time you bite into a hot, crisp jalebi, there is a good chance you will not think about medieval cookbooks, travelling recipes or centuries of culinary exchange. You will probably think about its syrup, its crunch and whether you should have one more.

Yet behind those familiar orange spirals is a remarkably long journey.

Jalebi is deeply woven into Indian food culture today, but its earliest recorded history points beyond the subcontinent. Similar fried sweets were known in West Asia as zalabiya, zulabiya or related names. One of the earliest surviving written records comes from the 10th-century Arabic cookbook Kitab al-Tabikh, compiled by Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq. A later 13th-century cookbook by Muhammad bin Hasan al-Baghdadi also describes zalabiya.

That does not mean today's jalebi was simply imported into India unchanged. Its story is better understood as one of adaptation.

Food rarely travels in a straight line. Recipes move with merchants, travellers, cooks and communities, changing as they enter new kitchens.

Over centuries, the West Asian sweet found its way into the Indian subcontinent and acquired a form and identity that became distinctly South Asian. The name itself is believed to be related to the older words used for zalabiya, although the exact linguistic journey is not completely settled.

The earliest widely cited Indian literary reference is found in Priyamkarnrpakatha, a Jain work associated with Jinasura and dated to around 1450 CE. The sweet appears in the account of a merchant's dinner, showing that it was already familiar in India by the 15th century.

Later Indian culinary writings provide further evidence that the sweet had become part of the local food landscape.

So, while its ancestry appears to reach West Asia, the jalebi that Indians know today is the product of centuries of Indian culinary evolution.

Part of the fun is that there is no single jalebi experience across India.

The familiar version is generally made by piping batter into hot oil or ghee in tight spirals, frying it until crisp and then soaking it in sugar syrup. But recipes, thickness, texture and serving styles vary considerably from one region to another.

In Bengal, for example, jilipi can refer to several preparations. There are versions made with different batters, while chhenar jilipi uses chhena and can be fried in ghee. In parts of Bengal, moong dal is also used for a preparation known as moong jilipi or papri.

Then comes imarti, jalebi’s more intricate cousin, known as amriti or jangiri in different parts of the subcontinent. It looks related to jalebi but is made differently, traditionally using urad dal (black gram) batter, and has a thicker, flower-like shape. The two sweets are therefore similar but should not simply be treated as the same dessert.

Travel across India and the sweet keeps changing.

In some places, jalebi is thin and sharply crisp. Elsewhere, it is thicker, softer or more intensely syrupy. Madhya Pradesh is known for its large jaleba, while regional versions such as khoya jalebi add another layer of texture and richness.

In Bengal, the word jilipi itself has become part of the local food vocabulary. Similar naming variations can be found across South Asia, reflecting how recipes travelled and were absorbed into different culinary traditions.

This regional diversity is perhaps the strongest evidence that jalebi's story in India is not simply about an imported recipe. It is about what happened after the recipe arrived.

Today, jalebi comfortably moves between different parts of Indian life.

It appears at weddings, festivals and religious celebrations. In some cities, it is an early-morning treat, eaten alongside milk, curd or other breakfast foods. In Gujarat, the famous pairing of jalebi and fafda has become closely associated with festive eating, particularly around Dussehra.

Street-side halwais have also turned its preparation into a spectacle. A steady hand squeezes batter into bubbling oil, creating almost perfect spirals within seconds. Once fried, the coils are lifted and dropped into warm syrup, where they absorb sweetness while retaining their characteristic bite.

That combination of crunch, warmth, sweetness and slight tang is what makes a good jalebi instantly recognisable.

The simplest answer is: its ancestry appears to be West Asian, but its identity is unmistakably Indian today.

Trying to give jalebi a single modern nationality misses the more interesting part of its history. The evidence shows an older family of fried sweets in West Asia, followed centuries later by clear references to jalebi in India. Between those points came movement, experimentation and adaptation.

India did not merely receive jalebi. It reshaped it.

That is why the question of whether jalebi is 'Indian' has a more delicious answer than a simple yes or no. Its origins may cross borders, but generations of Indian cooks, halwais and families turned those syrup-soaked spirals into something that now feels completely at home here.

And perhaps that is the real story behind jalebi: a sweet that travelled across regions and centuries, only to become one of India's most recognisable tastes.

Purple Haldi? Couple's Unusual Wedding Ritual Sparks Thanos Jokes Online | WATCH Viral Video

Divya Danu — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:14:11 +0530

A couple’s unusual take on the traditional Haldi ceremony has gone viral after they ditched the familiar yellow turmeric paste and covered their faces in bright purple masks instead. Aaditya and Mansi’s pre-wedding celebration has sparked plenty of reactions online, with some users praising the couple for trying something different while others were left wondering how a Haldi ceremony ended up looking purple.

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Haldi gets an unexpected makeover

The viral video shows Aaditya and Mansi sitting together during their Haldi ceremony with their faces covered in a striking purple paste or face mask. Haldi ceremonies are traditionally linked to turmeric, which gives the ritual its well-known yellow colour. The bright yellow theme is also usually seen in the clothes, decorations and flowers used for the occasion.

This time, however, purple stole the show.

The couple appeared happy with their unusual choice, turning a familiar wedding ritual into something that stood out from the usual Haldi celebrations.

The video quickly caught the attention of social media users, many of whom were amused by the unexpected colour change.

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‘Is this Haldi or Thanos’?

As the video spread, the internet wasted little time turning the purple look into a meme.

Pinterest weddings are getting out of hand (i love it) pic.twitter.com/GJHBEqJgta

— SwatKat (@swatic12) August 1, 2026

Several users compared the couple to Thanos, the purple Marvel character, while others joked that the ceremony looked like it had been sponsored by a purple face mask brand.

One comment asked whether the wedding was being sponsored by “Colgate Purple”, while another jokingly suggested that “Thanos is coming soon”.

Others compared the purple paste to a face mask or even blackcurrant ice cream.

Some users were simply confused by the change and asked why the couple had chosen purple for a ceremony traditionally associated with yellow.

There was also a playful suggestion that if Haldi had gone purple, other wedding functions could soon get their own unusual colour makeovers.

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Why the purple Haldi divided viewers

Not everyone saw the colour change as a problem. Many users liked the couple’s decision to put their own spin on the ceremony. For them, the unusual look was simply a fun way of making their wedding celebrations more personal.

Others took a more traditional view and questioned whether a ceremony called Haldi should still be considered Haldi without the familiar turmeric-yellow look.

One user even pointed out that the couple’s clothes and the rest of the ceremony still appeared to follow a yellow theme, making the purple face masks stand out even more.

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Weddings are changing

The viral moment reflects how Indian weddings are increasingly becoming more personal.

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While traditional rituals remain important, couples are experimenting with colours, themes, decorations and photography styles to make their celebrations different.

Aaditya and Mansi’s purple Haldi may have confused some viewers, but it certainly succeeded in getting people talking.

Whether social media sees it as a creative wedding idea or simply “Thanos-themed Haldi”, one thing is clear: this ceremony was anything but ordinary.

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'One Step At A Time': Mother's Heartwarming Cane Lesson For Visually Impaired Daughter Wins Internet

Divya Danu — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:19:43 +0530

A heartwarming video of a mother patiently teaching her visually impaired young daughter to walk with the support of a cane has touched thousands of people online. The video, shared by Aeny Mishra's mother on her Instagram handle, captures a quiet lesson in confidence, independence and perseverance.

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Little girl takes one step at a time

In the video, the little girl walks along a corridor holding a cane in one hand and using a railing for support with the other. As she approaches the stairs, she repeatedly says, 'downstairs, downstairs', while carefully preparing to descend.

Her mother stays close, calmly guiding her through every step. 'Watch your step', she tells her daughter, encouraging her with reassuring words such as 'yes' and 'one step at a time'.

The child listens closely and follows her mother's instructions as she carefully makes her way down the stairs. She then climbs back up, showing remarkable concentration and confidence.

At one point, she stumbles while climbing, but quickly regains her balance. She even says sorry to her mother. Her mother immediately reassures her that it is alright and encourages her to continue slowly and carefully.

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Her curiosity makes the video even more special

What has particularly touched viewers is the girl's awareness of what is happening around her despite being unable to see.

While climbing the stairs, she notices the sound of a vehicle outside and tells her mother, “Mumma, the police car is going outside on the road.”

The moment highlights how closely she listens to the sounds around her and how naturally she communicates with her mother while learning to move independently.

The video also shows that the mother is not simply helping her daughter get from one place to another. She is teaching her to explore her surroundings, follow instructions and build confidence in her own abilities.

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Internet praises mother and daughter

The video has drawn an outpouring of emotional reactions, with viewers praising both the mother's patience and the girl's determination.

One commenter said the mother was 'instilling confidence' and teaching her daughter self-reliance, while another admitted that the moment the girl stumbled made their 'heart skip a beat'.

Several users called the child brave, smart and confident. Others praised the mother for allowing her daughter to learn rather than constantly stepping in to protect her.

Responding to the appreciation, the woman said that her daughter also does karate and participates in STEM activities. She added that she was simply doing her role as a mother and wanted her child to 'explore the world happily like other kids'.

The video has resonated with viewers not because the child takes a perfect journey, but because every careful step shows determination and every word from her mother reminds her that she can keep moving forward.

8 Of The World's Most Colourful Buildings And The Stories Behind Them | SEE Pics

Divya Danu — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:40:44 +0530

From a centuries-old temple in Tamil Nadu to a colourful waste plant in Osaka, 8 buildings show how architects have used colour to transform architecture. Featured in Chromatic Architecture, the structures use vivid pigments, ceramics and mosaics.

Colour has been part of architecture for thousands of years. From painted temples and ancient mosaics to stained-glass windows and bold modern buildings, architects have repeatedly used colour to make spaces more memorable, dramatic and joyful.

A new book, Chromatic Architecture - the Craft of Colour in Design, as mentioned in a report by BBC explores this relationship between buildings and colour. Designer Adam Nathaniel Furman and author Kate Mazade argue that colour can do much more than decorate a structure. Used well, it can change how people experience a building and even give an ordinary place a strong identity.

The book brings together striking examples from around the world. They range from a huge temple complex in Tamil Nadu to a waste incinerator in Osaka and a public library in Spain.

Here are eight buildings where colour is not an afterthought but a central part of the architecture.

Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of using vivid colours in religious architecture. One of its best-known examples is the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.

The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Ranganathar, a form of Vishnu. Built in Tamil architectural style, it is the world’s largest functioning religious complex. The temple has been expanded over centuries and features 21 gateways. It received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit in 2017.

Construction of the temple complex began in the 1st Century AD and continued under several dynasties for centuries. Later additions continued into modern times. Today, the complex covers more than 150 acres and is among the world's largest functioning Hindu temple complexes.

Its 21 towering gateways, known as gopurams, are covered with brightly painted sculptures. Gods, mythical figures, animals and other decorative forms fill the gateways, creating a striking wall of colour.

For Furman, the use of pigment is closely linked to the spiritual experience of the place. The intense colours help separate the temple from the ordinary world and create an atmosphere of wonder for visitors and worshippers.

Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana opened in 1908 and quickly became a symbol of Catalonia's cultural confidence.

Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the concert hall combines elements of Art Nouveau, Gothic Revival and Romanesque architecture, along with Moorish and Valencian influences.

Colour appears almost everywhere. Decorative tiles, stained glass, mosaics, columns, sculptures and intricate stonework work together to create an interior that feels closer to a fairytale than a conventional concert hall.

Furman describes the building as a place where every architectural detail contributes to the overall effect. Rather than being applied simply as decoration, colour becomes part of the building's identity.

The Guardian Building in Detroit was completed in 1929 and is one of the city's best-known Art Deco landmarks. Designed by Wirt C. Rowland, it became known locally as the "Cathedral of Finance".

The building's exterior is covered with nearly two million orange-toned bricks and terracotta tiles. Inside, the main lobby is even more dramatic, with a three-storey vaulted ceiling and a rich arrangement of tiles in strong primary colours.

The colourful interiors also reflect the craftsmanship of the Great Lakes region during the early 20th Century.

At a time when Detroit was becoming a major centre of American industry and commerce, the building made a confident statement. Its colours and decoration still communicate that sense of ambition today.

The large, windowless building could easily have become another dull concrete structure. Ponti took a very different approach.

He covered the exterior with a striking geometric pattern of green tiles. Reports suggest that the design was inspired by the patchwork appearance of Dutch farmland when seen from above.

The result was a building that stood out strongly from its surroundings.

Furman sees the project as an example of how colour can rescue an otherwise plain modernist structure. Instead of hiding its large concrete form, Ponti turned the building into something closer to a giant piece of public art.

The Reversible Destiny Lofts in Tokyo were completed in 2005 by artist-architect Shusaku Arakawa and poet Madeline Gins.

The unusual residential complex was created as a tribute to American disability rights advocate and writer Helen Keller. Its nine apartments contain brightly coloured cylinders, spheres, cuboids and uneven surfaces.

The unusual design was intentional. Arakawa and Gins believed that an environment that challenged the body and senses could encourage people to remain active.

Colour plays an important part in that idea. Strong shades cover different surfaces, while uneven floors and unusual room shapes prevent the apartments from feeling like conventional homes.

The result is deliberately intense. Rather than allowing residents to disappear into a predictable domestic routine, the designers wanted the building to keep them alert and engaged with their surroundings.

Perhaps the most surprising building on the list is the Maishima Waste Incineration Plant in Osaka.

Designed by Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the plant looks more like a colourful fantasy castle than an industrial facility.

Hundertwasser strongly opposed the rigid lines and uniform appearance associated with much of modern architecture. He believed buildings should feel more like living organisms.

That philosophy is clearly visible at Maishima. Yellow stripes appear to drip down parts of the building, while red stripes decorate its tall cylindrical tower. Rounded structures, colourful walls and unusual shapes make the plant look remarkably playful.

The building's appearance also challenges the usual image of waste facilities as purely functional spaces. Its bright colours turn an essential but often overlooked public service into a visual landmark.

Completed in 2019, the Leganés Central Library was designed by BN Asociados Arquitectos.

The building uses colour to reflect what is inside it. Large pastel ceramic panels cover its rounded exterior, creating a soft and unusual appearance.

The architects were also responding to the character of the surrounding neighbourhood, which lacked major cultural landmarks. The library was designed to become a visible public destination.

As sunlight moves across the curved ceramic surface, the colours and textures change during the day. The pale tones can resemble sheets of paper, creating a visual connection between the building and the books housed within it.

Here, colour helps the library communicate its purpose before a visitor even enters.

The Croydon Colonnade in East Croydon was completed in 2003. Designed by Adam Nathaniel Furman, it creates a colourful pedestrian space near the railway station.

The 50-metre structure consists of 16 large columns and two walls covered with thousands of handmade porcelain tiles.

The tiles are coated in thick, translucent glaze. The colour begins with a deep blue near the bottom and gradually changes to creamy white towards the top.

The effect is designed to surround pedestrians with colour rather than simply present it as a distant feature.

Furman drew inspiration from the long history of blue-and-white architectural ceramics used across different civilisations and regions, including ancient Egypt, Portugal, Turkey, Iran and Babylon.

The result gives an otherwise ordinary transport setting a more memorable character.

These eight buildings show that colour can serve very different purposes.

It can express religious devotion, as seen at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. It can represent cultural identity, as at the Palau de la Música Catalana. It can celebrate commercial success, as in Detroit's Guardian Building.

In other cases, colour can make an industrial building more welcoming, give a new neighbourhood a landmark or turn a transport route into an experience.

That is why colour remains such a powerful architectural tool. It can change how people feel about a building before they have even understood its design.

For Furman and Mazade, that is precisely the point. Architecture does not have to be grey, restrained or purely functional. Colour can give buildings personality, create memories and connect them with the communities around them.

From an ancient temple in southern India to a futuristic apartment complex in Tokyo, these examples make one thing clear: when architects use colour boldly, a building can become much more than a structure. It can become an experience.

10 Best Vegetables to Grow on Your Terrace Garden This August

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:22:45 +0530

August can be a useful month to start a small terrace vegetable garden in many parts of India, particularly with warm-season and kharif-friendly crops. The key is good drainage, adequate sunlight and protection from prolonged heavy rain.

The monsoon can make gardening a little easier in many parts of India. Warm temperatures, regular moisture and longer growing days can give several vegetables a good start. But there is one important catch: a terrace garden during the rainy season needs drainage, not just water.

August is not automatically the right month for every vegetable in every part of the country. Local temperature, rainfall, sunlight and the variety being grown all matter. Still, several vegetables are suitable for warm, rainy conditions and can be grown in pots or grow bags.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) advisories list crops such as okra, brinjal, tomato, beans and several gourds among vegetables that can be cultivated in kharif conditions.

If you have a sunny balcony, terrace or even a small outdoor corner, these 10 vegetables are worth considering.

Okra or Bhindi is one of the easiest choices for a beginner's terrace garden. It enjoys warmth and can be grown in a suitably sized container.

Sow the seeds directly in well-drained potting soil and place the container where the plant gets several hours of sunlight. Keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.

ICAR records varieties of okra that are specifically suitable for rainy-season cultivation, with some varieties producing their first harvest roughly 45 days after sowing under suitable conditions.

Radish does not need a huge amount of space, making it useful for balcony gardeners. Choose a reasonably deep pot or grow bag so the root has room to develop.

Use loose soil that drains quickly and avoid compacting it. Sow the seeds directly rather than moving young seedlings unnecessarily.

The exact harvest time depends on the variety and growing conditions, so the seed packet is a better guide than assuming every August-sown radish will be ready in exactly 30 days.

French beans can be grown in containers, provided the soil is fertile and drains well. Bush varieties are particularly convenient when space is limited.

Sow the seeds directly and give the plants plenty of sunlight. If you choose a climbing variety, provide a simple support structure before the vines become heavy.

ICAR lists French bean varieties among crops that can be grown in suitable Indian conditions, with some varieties capable of producing pods in around 70 days.

Brinjal is another practical choice for an Indian home garden. It needs warmth, sunlight and a reasonably large container.

Instead of planting too many plants together, give each one enough space for air movement. This becomes particularly important during humid weather, when poor ventilation and excess moisture can encourage disease.

ICAR lists brinjal among vegetables cultivated in kharif conditions and recommends varieties suited to different regions.

Tomatoes can be grown at home, but August needs a little more care than a dry season. Continuous rain can leave foliage wet and soil saturated, creating problems for the plant.

If you are starting from seed, use a small container or seed tray initially. Once the seedlings are established, move them into a larger pot. Place the plant where it receives good sunlight and use a stake or support as it grows.

Tomato is cultivated during kharif conditions in India, although the best planting window varies by region and variety.

Lauki or bottle gourd is an excellent option if you have a terrace with room for a vine. The plant needs space to spread, so a strong trellis or similar support is important.

Use a large container with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid allowing rainwater to collect around the roots.

Bottle gourd is recognised as a kharif crop, and ICAR lists varieties suitable for kharif and rabi cultivation.

Karela can also make good use of vertical terrace space. Instead of allowing the vine to crawl across the floor, train it upwards on a sturdy support.

Good drainage is particularly important during the monsoon. Waterlogged soil can damage roots, so make sure the container has unobstructed drainage holes.

Bitter gourd is among the cucurbit vegetables grown during the kharif season.

Ridge gourd is another vine that can be trained vertically. This makes it more suitable for a terrace than its size might initially suggest.

Give it a large enough container, sunlight and a strong trellis. ICAR lists ridge gourd varieties with early first picking in suitable growing conditions, although home-garden results will vary.

Pumpkin needs considerably more room than radish or beans, but it can still be grown on a terrace if you have space and a strong support system.

Its vines can spread widely, so plan where they will go before sowing. Keep the container away from areas where excess rainwater collects.

Pumpkin is among the cucurbit crops associated with kharif cultivation in India.

Cucumber can be another useful addition to a monsoon kitchen garden, particularly where temperatures remain warm.

Give the plant a large enough container, good drainage and a trellis. Training the vines upwards saves floor space and also improves air circulation around the plant.

ICAR includes cucumber among cucurbit vegetables suitable for kharif cultivation, while also stressing the importance of drainage during periods of heavy rain.

The most important August gardening rule

The biggest mistake during the monsoon is assuming that plants need extra watering simply because they are growing.

They don't. Check the soil first. If rain has already kept it damp, do not add more water. Make sure every pot has drainage holes and that excess water can escape freely.

Terrace gardeners should also watch for cloudy spells that reduce sunlight, remove damaged leaves and avoid overcrowding plants. For vegetables such as gourds and beans, provide support early rather than waiting until the vines become difficult to manage.

August can therefore be a rewarding month for a kitchen garden, but success depends less on planting a long list of vegetables and more on choosing crops suited to your local conditions. Start with a few containers, give them sunlight and drainage, and let the monsoon work for you rather than against you.

Man Tattoos Friend and His Wife on His Chest, Groom's Reaction Goes Viral (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:26:40 +0530

A viral video of an unusual gift has left social media users laughing, confused and divided. The clip shows a man presenting his friend and his wife with a hand-drawn sketch of the couple on their special day. At first, the gesture appears simple and heartfelt. But the moment takes an unexpected turn when the man reveals that he has gone one step further. He opens his shirt to show that the very same sketch of the couple has been permanently tattooed on his chest.

Friend tattooed his friend and his wife on his chestThe friend’s emotions might genuinely be pure and heartfelt, but look at the husband’s face the moment he sees his wife permanently tattooed on his friend’s chest. Bro went from “aww, that’s wholesome” to “wait… why exactly… pic.twitter.com/mkSiDpKSgO

— Ritik (@ThenNowForeve) August 24, 2026

What may have been intended as a grand tribute to friendship quickly became the part of the video that caught everyone's attention.

The groom's expression steals the show

Viewers were particularly amused by the groom's facial expression after he saw the tattoo. One viral reaction summed up the moment perfectly, saying the groom appeared to go from thinking, “That’s wholesome” to wondering, “Why exactly did you choose my wife?” in just seconds.

Another user joked that tattooing a close friend might still be understandable, but including the friend's wife on the chest made the gesture feel “creepy”.

Several people also joked about what could happen if the couple ever divorced. Comments such as “Divorce loading”, “What if they get divorced?” and “This is guaranteed to end badly” flooded the post.

Internet divided over the unusual friendship gesture

Not everyone saw anything strange in the tattoo. Some users described the gesture as touching, praising the man for showing deep affection and loyalty towards his friend.

One person wrote that people should stop judging a relationship they knew nothing about, while another suggested there could be a meaningful personal reason behind the tattoo.

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However, the mixed reactions kept coming. Some found the act sweet and emotional, while others questioned why someone would permanently tattoo another man's wife on his chest.

A few users made jokes about the trio's friendship, while others focused entirely on the groom's visibly surprised reaction.

'They Are Security Bhaiyas': Little Girl Ties Rakhis to Society Guards, Wins Hearts | WATCH Viral Video

Divya Danu — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:49:26 +0530

Raksha Bandhan is more than just a festival of brothers and sisters for millions of Indians. The festival celebrates affection, trust and the promise of protection, with sisters traditionally tying a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. Ahead of the festival, a little girl has reminded the internet that some of the sweetest sibling-like bonds do not always come from blood relations.

A little girl in her society tied rakhis to the security guards this Rakshabandhan. Her mom said she insisted on tying the same rakhis for her “security bhaiyas” no different from her own brothers. Some bonds don’t need blood. pic.twitter.com/JDnQpRgeMr

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) August 26, 2026

'Security bhaiyas' get the same rakhis

A heartwarming video shared online shows the young girl tying rakhis to the security guards in her housing society.

According to her mother, the child insisted that her “security bhaiyas” should receive the same rakhis as her own brothers. For the little girl, the men who watch over her society and greet residents every day were deserving of the same affectionate gesture.

The simple moment has struck a chord with social media users, with many praising both the child and her mother.

Internet calls it a lesson in respect

“Children should learn to respect people. Maybe the next generation will be better than us,” one user commented.

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A post shared by The Brief India (@thebrief.in)

Another wrote that a rakhi could be tied to everyone who protects us, while several others simply called the child adorable and praised the gesture as thoughtful and beautiful.

Many viewers felt the video perfectly captured the wider spirit of Raksha Bandhan, recognising care and protection beyond conventional family relationships.

A small gesture with a big message

Not everyone agreed though with the gesture. One user argued that the sacred tradition should not be diluted beyond its usual meaning. However, most reactions focused on the warmth of the child's gesture.

As Raksha Bandhan approaches, the little girl's decision to include her society’s guards has given the festival a touching modern expression.

After all, some bonds are formed by family, while others grow through everyday kindness, care and respect. And sometimes, all it takes is a small rakhi to acknowledge them.

This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Friday, August 28. For Delhi, the main morning window for the rakhi ceremony falls between 5:57 am and 9:48 am, while the exact timing may vary slightly by location.

'Good Morning, Are You Hungry?': Viral Video Of Unborn Baby Smiling After Hearing Dad's Voice Melts Hearts

Divya Danu — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:25:06 +0530

A routine prenatal ultrasound turned into an emotional family moment when an unborn baby girl appeared to smile on the screen after her father spoke to her. The touching incident took place in Canada during an ultrasound appointment involving expectant parents Lia Oliveira and her partner. What began as a normal scan soon became a moment the family said they would remember for years.

Sweet moment unborn baby girl smiles to the sound of dad's voice pic.twitter.com/OdUL5QG99a

— New York Post (@nypost) July 30, 2026

An unborn baby girl appears to smile the moment she hears her father's voice during an ultrasound.The sweet moment was caught on video as the dad spoke to his daughter and kissed her mother's belly, prompting smiles from everyone in the room."I was completely overwhelmed with… pic.twitter.com/fEWfy4WBGY

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 31, 2026

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Dad talks to his unborn daughter

During the scan, the baby's father leaned towards Oliveira's baby bump, kissed it and began talking to their daughter.

"Good morning. Happy Saturday," he said before asking her, "Are you hungry?"

Soon after, the ultrasound monitor appeared to show the baby girl smiling. The unexpected expression immediately caught the attention of the people in the room. Family members and medical staff watching the scan reportedly cheered and encouraged the father to continue talking to his unborn daughter.

Oliveira's sister was recording the appointment and managed to capture the moment on video.

Mother bursts into happy tears

For Oliveira, seeing what appeared to be her daughter's smile was an emotional experience. She said she immediately began crying after noticing the expression on the ultrasound screen.

"I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and immediately started crying happy tears," Oliveira reportedly told Storyful.

She described the moment as a "core memory" for her family and said it made the pregnancy feel even more special.

The mother also said she was happy that the video had brought joy to millions of people online.

She hoped the clip would spread "a little sunshine" to people who watched it.

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Video gets emotional response online

The ultrasound clip quickly attracted attention on social media, with many viewers describing it as beautiful and heartwarming. One user joked that they were crying too after watching the video, while calling the moment "incredibly sweet".

Another viewer said the baby's apparent smile brought tears of joy and described the scene as beautiful.

Some parents also shared their own experiences of talking to their babies before birth.

One woman recalled how her husband regularly spoke to their daughter during pregnancy and later used his voice to comfort her after an emergency caesarean delivery.

Another parent said the first time seeing their daughter during an ultrasound had brought tears to their eyes. Several commenters also congratulated the couple and wished them a safe delivery.

While most of the reactions were emotional and positive, some viewers questioned whether the baby was actually responding to her father's voice.

One commenter argued that an unborn baby would not necessarily understand who was speaking and suggested that the expression could simply have been a natural movement.

Others pointed out that interpreting a facial expression seen during an ultrasound can be difficult.

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What can an ultrasound show?

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of a baby inside the womb. During pregnancy, scans can show the baby's movement, position and development.

An unborn baby can also move its mouth and face during pregnancy. However, a single image or short clip cannot establish with certainty why a particular facial movement happened.

That means the viral video can be enjoyed as a special family moment without assuming that the baby consciously understood her father's words or deliberately smiled in response.

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Raksha Bandhan 2026: Chant This Sacred Sanskrit Mantra While Tying Rakhi for Brother's Protection

Divya Danu — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:27:39 +0530

Raksha Bandhan is not only about tying a rakhi but also about expressing prayers. Chanting Raksha Sutra mantra while tying the sacred thread is said to be auspicious. The mantra recalls King Bali and symbolises protection, strength and goodwill.

Raksha Bandhan is one of the most cherished festivals celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. While the colourful rakhi, sweets and gifts are central to the celebration, Hindu tradition also attaches importance to the prayers and rituals performed while tying the sacred thread.

According to religious belief, chanting a traditional Raksha Sutra mantra while tying the rakhi adds a deeper spiritual meaning to the ceremony. Raksha Bandhan in 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, August 28.

While tying the rakhi on her brother's wrist, a sister may recite:

येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः। तेन त्वामपि बध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल॥

(Yena baddho bali raja danavendro mahabalah, tena tvamapi badhnami rakshe ma chala ma chala)

The mantra refers to the sacred thread with which the powerful King Bali was bound. In simple terms, the sister invokes the same protective spirit while tying the thread around her brother's wrist and prays that the bond of protection remains firm.

येन (Yena) = By which

बद्धो (Baddho) = Bound

बली राजा (Bali Raja) = King Bali

दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः (Danavendro Mahabalah) = The great king of demons, who was very powerful

तेन (Tena) = By that same thread

त्वामपि (Tvamapi) = You too

बध्नामि (Badhnami) = I am tying

रक्षे (Rakshe) = O Raksha / protective thread

मा चल मा चल (Ma Chala Ma Chala) = Do not move, do not go away from your vow of protection

The Raksha Bandhan matra thus translates, "The thread by which the mighty demon king Bali was bound, I tie that same thread around you. O Raksha thread, stay firm and don't move away from your vow of protection."

The phrase “मा चल, मा चल” is traditionally understood as a prayer asking the protective thread to remain steadfast.

For many families, Raksha Bandhan is not simply about the exchange of gifts. The rakhi represents affection, trust and the wish for each other's happiness and safety.

After tying the rakhi and chanting the mantra, the sister may offer a heartfelt prayer for her brother's health, happiness, success and well-being. The brother, in turn, traditionally gives a gift and expresses his love and support for his sister.

The ceremony usually begins with both siblings preparing for the festival and arranging a puja thali. The thali may include roli or kumkum, akshat, a diya, sweets and the rakhi.

The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead, places akshat on it and performs the traditional ritual. She then ties the rakhi while chanting the mantra.

After the ceremony, the siblings exchange sweets and gifts.

It is important to remember that the meaning and method of celebrating Raksha Bandhan can vary between families and regions. The mantra and rituals mentioned above are based on Hindu religious traditions and beliefs.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on religious beliefs and traditional practices. It should not be treated as a scientific or universally prescribed practice.

Struggling To Write A 15th August Speech? Easy Independence Day Ideas For Students

Divya Danu — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:43:21 +0530

A powerful Independence Day speech does not have to be long. Keep it short, creative and easy to understand. Add interesting facts and trivia to make your speech engaging, memorable and enjoyable for everyone. Read on for topics, ideas and tips.

Writing an Independence Day speech can feel difficult when you want to sound patriotic without repeating the same lines about freedom fighters, the Tricolour and India’s independence. For schoolchildren, the best speech is usually simple, personal and meaningful. Teachers can also use these ideas to help students prepare speeches for school assemblies, competitions and 15th August celebrations.

India celebrates Independence Day on 15 August every year, marking the country’s independence from British rule in 1947. This year, India will mark its 80th Independence Day celebration as the country completes 79 years since independence.

The first few lines matter. Instead of beginning with a long list of historical facts, students can open with a question, a thought or a short reference to freedom. For example:

"What does freedom mean to you? Is it simply the right to live independently, or is it also the responsibility to make our country better?"

Another option is to begin with a simple greeting:

"Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends, today we have gathered to celebrate a day that changed the history of India i.e.15 August."

Keep the opening short and confident.

Students can choose a topic according to their age and speaking ability. Some useful Independence Day speech topics are:

The importance of Independence Day
The sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters
What freedom means to young Indians
India’s journey from 1947 to today
The role of students in nation-building
Unity in diversity
My vision for India
Freedom and responsibility
How young people can serve the nation

For younger children, “Why We Celebrate Independence Day” is easier. Older students can explore topics such as democracy, equality, responsible citizenship and India’s future.

Leave you audience with some thoughts. A good speech should teach the audience something. India became independent on 15 August 1947, following a long freedom struggle involving leaders, movements and ordinary citizens across the country - everyone knows this, but tell your audience with a trivia or historical fact that may leave a lasting impact.

Students can also mention Jawaharlal Nehru's famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, delivered during the midnight session of the Constituent Assembly on 14-15 August 1947.

However, do not overload the speech with dates and names. Two or three accurate facts are more than enough.

The conclusion should connect freedom with responsibility. Students can talk about respecting others, protecting public spaces, studying sincerely, helping people and contributing positively to society.

A strong ending could be:

"Our freedom was won by the generations before us. Our responsibility is to protect it and build an India that future generations can be proud of. Jai Hind!"

Quick tips for students and teachers

Keep it short: A two- to three-minute speech is easier to remember and deliver well.

Use simple English: Clear words are more effective than complicated vocabulary.

Practise aloud: Students should practise pronunciation, pauses and eye contact rather than simply memorising every sentence.

Sound natural: A speech should feel like a student is talking to the audience, not reading an essay.

End confidently: Look up, pause and deliver the final line clearly.

For teachers, one useful approach is to encourage students to connect the meaning of freedom with their own lives. That makes an Independence Day speech more thoughtful, relatable and memorable.

Family Buys New Home, Then Discovers Hidden Walking Trails In Woods; Internet Loves The Secret Garden

Divya Danu — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:09:08 +0530

A US family got an unexpected surprise after buying a new home with 65 acres of land. They initially thought the surrounding woodland was simply forest, but soon discovered a network of well-kept walking trails.

Buying a new home can come with plenty of surprises, but one US family got far more than they expected after moving into their new property.

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The family bought a house with 65 acres of land. At first, they believed the woodland around their home was simply a large area of forest. However, after they began exploring it on foot, they discovered something that made the property feel even more special.

The family found a network of walking trails running through the green woodland. The paths were wide, clear and well maintained, despite the house having reportedly been vacant for several years.

The discovery was shared on social media by a woman from the family, who said they had been living at the property for almost two months and still could not believe the trails existed.

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The trails were not the only surprise waiting for the new owners.

The property has hundreds of blackberry bushes, along with wild apples and wild grapes growing along the paths. There is also a park bench, giving the family a quiet place to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

The paths are also wide enough to allow the family to add something of their own. Ideas suggested by viewers include a gazebo, campsite, picnic table, treehouse or even a small pond.

The woman said her husband currently mows the grass around the trails, which is no small task given the size of the property.

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The video quickly attracted attention, with many viewers saying the family had effectively found a hidden paradise without knowing it was there.

Several people compared the woodland to The Secret Garden, while others said it looked like something from a film or television series. Some suggested planting wildflowers, fruit trees and native plants, while others recommended adding bird boxes and creating spaces for wildlife.

One person suggested marking and naming the different trails. Another said the family should build a treehouse so their children could create memories there.

The previous owners also came in for praise, with viewers suggesting that they had clearly cared for the land and maintained the trails before the property changed hands.

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While most reactions were positive, some viewers took a more humorous view of the discovery.

A few joked that the setting looked like the beginning of a horror film and some even mentioned movies such as Wrong Turn and The Conjuring. One person even joked about waiting for the trail to lead to a lake.

Despite the jokes, the overwhelming reaction was one of envy. Many viewers said they would never want to leave such a property.

It is simply the biggest surprise for a family that their dream home came with a hidden feature they did not even know they had bought.

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Can You Survive Without Chai? Here's What a 30-Day Tea Detox Does to Your Mind and Body

Zetan Kumari — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:52:10 +0530

Quitting tea for 30 days can lead to noticeable changes in sleep, energy levels, digestion, hydration, and caffeine cravings. Discover the potential health benefits, temporary withdrawal symptoms, and expert-backed insights into a month without tea.

For many of us, the day just doesn't start without a hot cup of tea. Some people even need their fix in the afternoon and evening. But have you ever thought about what happens if you, a total tea lover, stop drinking it for 30 days? Your body will see some amazing changes. Let's check them out.If you drink tea daily, the first few days without it will feel really tough. Your body is used to the caffeine in tea. When you suddenly stop, you might get headaches, feel tired, find it hard to concentrate, and become irritable. Doctors call this 'caffeine withdrawal'. But don't panic and go back to tea! If you can hold on for a week, all these symptoms will slowly disappear. By the second week, you'll notice other changes. Many people drink tea on an empty stomach, which can cause acidity and heartburn. Once you stop drinking tea, your digestion will improve. You'll feel less bloated, and your stomach will feel much more comfortable.The caffeine in tea keeps your brain alert, which can make it hard to sleep. This is especially true for people who drink tea in the evening. Once you quit tea, your sleep quality will get much better. You'll get deep sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed. You'll also cut down on sugar. We usually add at least two or three spoons of sugar to our tea. If you drink tea three times a day, you're adding a lot of extra calories. When you stop drinking tea, you also stop taking in all that extra sugar. This helps you manage your weight and can even make your skin glow. So, is tea bad for you? Not completely. Tea has many good antioxidants. The real problem is drinking too much of it. One or two cups a day with less sugar isn't harmful. But if you're addicted, a one-month break can really help detox your body. If you decide to quit, try reducing your intake slowly. You can try other drinks like lemon water, coconut water, or herbal teas. These small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to your health.

Rajdhani Express Slows Down In Assam To Let Elephant Herd Cross Safely (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:50:53 +0530

A Rajdhani Express train was slowed down in Assam after a herd of elephants was spotted crossing railway tracks, helping prevent a potentially fatal collision. The incident has since gone viral, with social media users praising the railway crew and forest officials for working together to protect the animals.

WATCH | Rajdhani Express was slowed down to allow herd of elephants to safely cross the tracks in Assam pic.twitter.com/sOzxGEqdGX

— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) August 19, 2026

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Train slows as elephants cross tracks

According to information shared online, alert staff from the Lanka Range of the Assam Forest Department, along with the loco-pilot of the 167/8 Down Rajdhani Express, helped avert a major accident in the Habipur section.

The control room in-charge at Lumding Station also supported the operation, allowing the train to slow down while the elephants safely crossed the tracks.

A video of the incident shows the herd making its way across the railway line as the train remains at a safe distance. The footage has attracted widespread attention online.

The coordinated response was praised as an example of how quick communication between railway and forest officials can prevent wildlife deaths on railway tracks.

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Internet praises the response

Many social media users called the incident a 'wonderful' and 'excellent' example of responsible action. Several praised the forest guards and the train crew for putting the safety of the elephants first.

One user said real-time coordination between the Lumding control room and wildlife teams 'made the difference', while another said the train crew deserved recognition because ignoring such warnings can lead to deadly accidents.

This morning, alert staff from Lanka Range of @assamforest along with the loco-pilot of 167/8 down Rajdhani Express with support from the control room in-charge, Lumding Station under @RailNf averted a major accident from happening involving elephants on the Habipur section. pic.twitter.com/0KDAvD9HQ8

— Kaushik Barua (@Airawat) August 19, 2026

Several users also thanked the officials for saving the elephants and said such incidents showed the value of patience and cooperation between government agencies.

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Calls for safer elephant crossings

The incident also prompted questions about long-term solutions. Some users asked why dedicated animal underpasses or wildlife crossings had not been built along the railway route.

Others suggested creating elephant corridors, underpasses or specially designed crossings to allow animals to move safely without depending entirely on last-minute warnings to train drivers.

One commenter questioned whether trains should routinely slow down in known elephant movement areas rather than relying only on alerts when animals reach the tracks.

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H1N1 Surge In Delhi-NCR: Symptoms, Risks And What Experts Are Saying | All You Need To Know

Divya Danu — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:52:09 +0530

Delhi has reported 1,777 H1N1 cases in 2026, with the virus emerging as dominant subtype among 2,392 Influenza A infections. ICMR says no new strain has been detected and most cases are self-limiting. Authorities are reviewing hospital preparedness.

A noticeable rise in influenza cases across Delhi-NCR has put seasonal flu back in focus, with H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, emerging as the dominant influenza subtype in the national capital this year.

The latest figures show that Delhi had recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases till August 20. The city reported 2,392 Influenza A cases during the same period, while a further 210 Influenza B cases took the overall influenza tally to 2,602.

On August 20 alone, Delhi recorded 159 fresh influenza cases, including 114 cases of H1N1 and four cases of Influenza B.

The numbers have triggered closer monitoring by health authorities and a review of hospital preparedness. At the same time, scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have sought to calm fears, saying that no new H1N1 strain has been identified in India and that the virus currently in circulation is a seasonal influenza strain.

H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A and has long been popularly known as swine flu. However, the current rise does not mean that a new virus has emerged.

Of the 2,392 Influenza A cases reported in Delhi this year till August 20, H1N1 alone accounted for 1,777 infections. This makes it the predominant influenza subtype currently being reported in the capital.

The pattern is also different from last year, when H3N2 was the predominant influenza subtype in Delhi. During the corresponding period in 2025, Delhi had reported 229 H1N1 cases, making this year's tally significantly higher.

The rise is also being reflected in clinics and laboratories, where more people are seeking tests after developing upper respiratory symptoms.

Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr Dang's Lab, said the laboratory had detected dozens of positive cases in recent weeks and had seen a marked increase in testing requests from people reporting respiratory symptoms.

He said widespread home-collection services and molecular testing systems were helping laboratories provide results more quickly, allowing doctors to intervene sooner when necessary.

The sharp increase in reported cases has naturally raised questions among Delhi-NCR residents, particularly because respiratory infections can spread quickly in crowded homes, workplaces, schools and other enclosed settings.

But the ICMR has stressed that there is no evidence of a newly emerged H1N1 strain behind the current increase.

According to the clarification cited by health authorities and reports, the Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses currently circulating in India are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025(H1N1)pdm09-like strain. They belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a and subclade D.3.1.1 and have been in circulation since 2025.

Scientists have also said that the circulating strains are well matched with the influenza vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.

The message from health experts is therefore one of caution rather than panic: influenza activity is being closely watched, but there is no indication that India is facing a new H1N1 variant.

Seasonal influenza can often begin in a way that feels similar to an ordinary viral illness.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache and body aches. Some people may also experience other upper respiratory symptoms and general fatigue.

The ICMR has said that seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting, meaning that many people recover with appropriate care and adequate rest.

However, not every patient should treat symptoms lightly. People whose condition persists, worsens or becomes severe should seek medical advice.

Doctors are also urging people not to assume that every fever or cough is automatically H1N1. Several respiratory illnesses can produce similar symptoms, making proper medical assessment important when symptoms are serious or prolonged.

Who needs to be particularly careful?

While many people recover from seasonal influenza without serious complications, some groups face a higher risk.

Young children, elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions may be more vulnerable to complications. Immunocompromised people and others with significant health risks have also been advised to remain particularly vigilant.

Arjun Dang said high-risk individuals should seek timely medical advice and testing if they develop symptoms.

Doctors have also reported that while most patients have responded well to treatment, some have developed complications such as pneumonia. Severe cases may require more intensive medical care.

The key point is that a rise in infections does not mean that every person with a cough will become seriously ill. But people in vulnerable groups should not ignore symptoms that are worsening or unusually severe.

The increase in influenza cases has prompted health authorities to review how prepared Delhi's healthcare system is to handle seasonal and vector-borne diseases.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda recently chaired a review meeting to assess Delhi's preparedness for influenza as well as diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh attended the review and briefed the Centre on surveillance measures and hospital preparedness.

The Delhi government has said influenza activity is being monitored through regular surveillance, including the tracking of influenza-like illness, severe acute respiratory infections and influenza cases.

Singh has said there is no shortage of beds, doctors, medicines or essential medical equipment and that patients will receive timely treatment.

The focus is not only on treating people who are already ill, but also on early detection, continued surveillance and ensuring that hospitals can respond if case numbers rise further.

Simple precautions can help reduce transmission

Public health experts continue to emphasise basic precautions.

Regular hand hygiene remains important. People should cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and avoid unnecessarily close contact when they are unwell.

Appropriate masking in crowded settings can also help reduce the spread of respiratory infections, particularly when someone has symptoms or is in close contact with vulnerable people.

According to Dr Dang, people who test positive should follow isolation and treatment advice given by a doctor.

The wider message is straightforward: do not panic, but do not ignore symptoms either. Rest, follow medical advice and take sensible precautions to avoid passing respiratory infections to others.

Delhi's H1N1 tally of 1,777 cases is a significant increase and explains why health authorities are stepping up surveillance and reviewing hospital readiness.

However, the ICMR's clarification is equally important. Scientists say no new H1N1 strain has been detected in India, and the virus currently circulating has been present since 2025.

For most people, seasonal influenza remains self-limiting. The greatest concern is for those at higher risk of complications and for patients whose symptoms become persistent, severe or worse over time.

As Delhi-NCR continues to see more influenza cases and testing requests, the advice remains simple: stay alert to symptoms, follow basic hygiene and respiratory precautions, avoid spreading illness to others, and seek medical guidance when needed rather than relying on self-diagnosis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Flag Ratio: Why The Tricolour Must Always Follow The 3:2 Rule | All You Need To Know

Divya Danu — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:41:47 +0530

The Indian National Flag has a fixed length-to-width ratio of 3:2, according to the Flag Code of India. This means that for every three units of length, the flag must have two units of width. The rule applies regardless of size.

The Indian National Flag may be seen in many different sizes, from a large flag flying high on a pole to a small one placed on a table. But there is one thing that does not change, its basic shape.

According to the Flag Code of India, the National Flag must be rectangular and its length-to-width ratio must always be 3:2. In simple terms, if the length is divided into three equal parts, the width must measure two of those parts.

This means the flag can be made bigger or smaller, but its proportions cannot be changed.

The 3:2 rule is simple to understand.

If the length of a flag is 3 metres, its width should be 2 metres. If the length is 6 metres, the width should be 4 metres.

The same rule works with smaller measurements. A flag that is 900 mm long should be 600 mm wide, while one measuring 1,800 mm in length should have a width of 1,200 mm.

So, the key point is that the actual size can change, but the relationship between length and width remains the same.

The Ministry of Home Affairs specifically states that the flag can be of any size, provided its length-to-width ratio remains 3:2.

Why is the Indian flag rectangular?

The National Flag is not simply a coloured piece of cloth. Its shape and design are also defined by the Flag Code.

The Tricolour consists of three rectangular panels of equal width. The top panel is India saffron, the middle panel is white, and the bottom panel is India green.

At the centre of the white panel is the Ashoka Chakra, which is navy blue and has 24 equally spaced spokes. The Flag Code also says the Chakra should be completely visible on both sides of the flag and placed at the centre of the white panel.

Because the three bands have equal widths, keeping the overall shape correct is important when the flag is produced in different sizes.

The Flag Code lists nine standard sizes for the National Flag. They are:

6300 × 4200 mm
3600 × 2400 mm
2700 × 1800 mm
1800 × 1200 mm
1350 × 900 mm
900 × 600 mm
450 × 300 mm
225 × 150 mm
150 × 100 mm

Every one of these measurements follows the same 3:2 ratio.

For example, the largest listed size is 6,300 mm long and 4,200 mm wide. At the other end, the smallest listed size is 150 mm long and 100 mm wide.

This shows why the ratio matters. The flag can be scaled up or down while retaining the same proportions.

Which flag size is used for cars and tables?

The Flag Code also gives specific intended uses for some of the smaller standard sizes.

The 450 × 300 mm flag is intended for aircraft on VVIP flights. The 225 × 150 mm size is intended for motor cars, while the 150 × 100 mm size is intended for table flags.

So, a flag used on a car does not simply have its dimensions chosen at random. The Code provides a standard size for that purpose.

The Ministry of Home Affairs also says that an appropriate size should be chosen depending on where the flag is being displayed.

The important distinction is between size and proportion.

The Ministry of Home Affairs says the National Flag can be of any size, but the 3:2 length-to-width ratio must be maintained.

So, for example, a 4.5-metre-long flag would need to be 3 metres wide if the 3:2 ratio is being followed.

What should not happen is changing just one dimension. Stretching a flag to make it unusually long or compressing it to make it unusually short would change its proportions.

The use, display and hoisting of the Tricolour are governed by the Flag Code of India, 2002, along with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Flag Code came into effect on January 26, 2002.

The Code has been amended over the years. For example, changes made in 2021 allowed the National Flag to be made from hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.

The rules also stress that the National Flag should be treated with dignity and honour.

So, if someone asks what the length-to-width ratio of India's National Flag is, the answer is straightforward: 3:2.

For every three units of length, there should be two units of width.

Whether the Tricolour is displayed on a large flagpole, a motor car or a table, its size may vary, but its basic proportions remain the same. That simple ratio is one of the key details that helps preserve the correct shape and appearance of India's National Flag.

'Gen Alpha's Harmful Trend': Mother's Viral Video Over 'Birthday Bumps' Sparks Debate Among Parents

Divya Danu — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:59:38 +0530

A mother’s complaint over 'birthday bumps' given to her children has sparked a debate online, as parents question whether hitting children in the name of celebration has gone too far. In a viral video circulating on social media, the woman shows her son’s reddened back as his father applies ice to it. She says the child was hit by friends as part of a birthday ritual.

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A post shared by Sangeeta Mahto (@sangeetas_lifestyle)

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"Gen Alpha ka wrong trend", she says, questioning what joy children get from hurting someone on their birthday.

The mother says she is not claiming her children are innocent. She admits her son may have taken part in similar birthday hitting before and says he may have beaten another child on their birthday.

She also says her daughter (a twin) had a similarly red back after being subjected to the same practice.

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'This must stop'

The woman says she has never hit her children and is upset to see their backs reddened by a tradition she considers cruel. She says a 12-year-old girl was among those who hit her son and asks how often children will be expected to endure such treatment as they grow older.

She calls on children to stop the practice at schools, coaching centres and housing societies. She urges parents to pay closer attention to birthday celebrations.

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A post shared by Sangeeta Mahto (@sangeetas_lifestyle)

The mother tells her children that they must neither hit others nor accept being hit themselves. She says she will not tolerate them taking part in what she describes as a harmful trend.

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Social media divided over the ritual

The video has drawn a mixed response. Some users backed the mother and said birthday hitting should not be treated as harmless fun. Some parents described seeing children pounce on birthday boys or girls, hit their backs and leave them in pain.

One commenter recalled a 10-year-old being surrounded by children after a cake-cutting, slammed down and hit repeatedly. The commenter said the child was left crying with a red back while his father applied ice.

Others, however, argued that the practice is not new and should not be blamed on Gen Alpha. Users said they had experienced 'birthday bumps' during their school, college or hostel years. Some joked about having survived much harsher versions of the ritual.

The discussion has shifted beyond generations. While some users see birthday bumps as an old tradition, the viral video also renewed questions about consent, peer pressure and where playful celebration should end and physical harm should begin.

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Cabbage Worm Video Goes Viral: Are These White Thread-Like Worms Dangerous?

Divya Danu — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:34:33 +0530

A video showing extremely thin, white, thread-like worms found while a woman was cutting cabbage has triggered a wave of reactions online. The woman said in her caption that the worm was so small that she initially mistook it for a piece of thread. The footage shows the pale strands moving slightly as the camera zooms in. The woman said she noticed the object only after it came into her hand and urged people to be careful while preparing vegetables.

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A post shared by Kamna Bisht (@kamna7666)

Viral video sparks worm fears

The post quickly attracted comments from people claiming that the worms were tapeworms, 'brain worms' or dangerous parasites. Some users said they would stop eating cabbage, while others advised washing vegetables in salt water or avoiding leafy vegetables during the rainy season.

However, the identity of the worm cannot be confirmed from the video alone. Calling it a tapeworm or a parasite that can enter the human brain would be misleading without laboratory identification.

Some long, slender worms found on plants can be horsehair worms or other insect-parasitic worms. Horsehair worms are parasites of insects and other invertebrates and are considered harmless to humans.

Are worms found in cabbage dangerous?

Not every worm found on a vegetable poses a human health risk. Insects and their larvae can sometimes be present on fresh produce, particularly vegetables with tightly packed leaves such as cabbage.

It is also important not to confuse a worm seen on cabbage with Taenia solium, commonly known as the pork tapeworm. According to a WHO report, Human cysticercosis caused by T. solium occurs when people swallow the parasite's eggs, usually through faecal contamination of food or water. Neurocysticercosis can occur when larvae reach the central nervous system. This is a separate infection and cannot be diagnosed simply by seeing a thread-like worm on a vegetable.

How to prepare cabbage safely

Consumers should wash fresh produce thoroughly under clean running water before cutting or cooking it. The FDA also recommends removing the outermost leaves of cabbage and cutting away damaged areas. Soap, detergent or bleach should not be used to clean vegetables.

If a visible worm or insect is found, it can be removed and the affected leaves discarded. Cabbage should then be washed properly and cooked thoroughly.

The viral video is therefore a reminder to inspect and wash vegetables carefully, but it does not by itself prove that the worm shown is a dangerous tapeworm or a 'brain worm'.