Asianet Newsable

Cheap Alcohol in Goa: Luxury Liquor Bottles Available for Just Rs 100? Here’s Why

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:54:09 +0530

Indians love their drinks, and liquor sales heavily fund state budgets. But do you know where you can score the cheapest booze in the country? We break down the massive price gap between states and tell you exactly where alcohol costs the most.

Indians love their drinks, and liquor sales heavily fund state budgets. But alcohol prices change drastically the moment you cross state borders. Goa sells the cheapest booze in the country, while Karnataka charges the highest rates. You can grab a good liquor brand for just Rs 100 in Goa. The exact same bottle costs Rs 134 in Delhi and shoots up to Rs 513 in Karnataka. Premium scotch brands show an even crazier price gap of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 between states.

State governments control liquor prices because alcohol does not fall under the GST bracket. States decide their own excise duties and taxes. Goa heavily promotes tourism and keeps its excise duty at just 49 percent. Karnataka charges a massive 83 percent tax on liquor. This huge tax gap directly decides how much you pay for your bottle at the local wine shop.

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan join Karnataka in charging heavy taxes on liquor. Karnataka recently introduced a new volume-based tax policy, which pushed up the prices of regular brands even more. Delhi and Haryana keep their taxes fairly reasonable, making booze cheaper there compared to other states. India simply does not have a single price tag for alcohol, as state excise rules control the entire game.

Eating Mutton? Avoid These Foods and Drinks Right After Your Meal

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:38:37 +0530

Mutton is definitely good for your health, but you should never eat certain foods right after having it. You might face severe health issues if you do this.

Non-veg lovers have a huge soft spot for mutton. You will smell chicken or mutton curry in almost every house during the weekends. Some people eat non-veg three to four days a week. Mutton tastes great, and it also offers many health benefits. But experts warn that you might face severe health issues if you eat certain foods right after having mutton. Let us look at the foods you must completely avoid after a mutton meal.

We often make small mistakes while eating non-veg, especially chicken and mutton. These mistakes can cause indigestion, heartburn, gas, and skin problems. Mutton contains high amounts of protein and iron. Therefore, your stomach takes more time to digest it. This is why you should never consume certain foods after eating mutton.

Milk, curd, or buttermilk

Some people drink milk, curd, or buttermilk right after a non-veg meal. Experts say this is very bad for your body. You might face digestive issues if you drink these after eating meat. Experts also warn that this habit can cause stomach bloating, diarrhea, and skin rashes.

You harm your health a lot if you eat honey after mutton. Honey naturally increases your body heat. Your body heat shoots up even more when you mix it with mutton. This combination can cause heartburn and physical discomfort. So, you must stop this habit immediately if you eat honey after mutton.

Sweets and bananas

You should also avoid bananas and sweets after a mutton meal. Your stomach takes time to digest mutton, so eating these immediately can cause stomach issues and make you feel sick. You can rest for a while after eating mutton and then eat whatever you like.

Doctors advise against eating mutton at night. You must drink enough water after eating mutton. Experts recommend a ginger or fenugreek decoction if your stomach feels very heavy after the meal.

Looking for a One-Day Trip From Hyderabad? Explore Telangana’s ‘Ooty’, Ananthagiri Hills

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:32:06 +0530

You do not need to travel hundreds of kilometres or spend thousands of rupees to visit places like Ooty and Kodaikanal. Hyderabad has its very own hill station right on its outskirts, and people lovingly call it the Ooty of Telangana.

You really do not have to pack your bags for Ooty or Kodaikanal just to see green hills, thick forests, and peaceful nature. Many people still travel far and spend thousands of rupees for a cool weekend getaway. They simply do not realise that a beautiful hill station sits right outside Hyderabad.

You can save your travel time and money now. Ananthagiri Hills offers breathtaking natural beauty just a short drive away from the city. Tourists call this scenic spot the 'Ooty of Telangana' thanks to its cool climate and lush greenery.

Ananthagiri Hills is located in the Vikarabad district of Telangana. This beautiful spot is just 80 to 90 kilometres away from Hyderabad. It serves as the perfect destination for people who want to escape the city traffic, pollution, and noise. The easy road access from Hyderabad makes it a massive hit for weekend trips.

You can start your journey from Hyderabad in the morning, explore the hills all day, and return home by evening. This makes it an ideal one-day trip destination for those who cannot take long leaves from work. It is the perfect tourist spot for a quick morning-to-evening weekend getaway.

The thick forest around Ananthagiri Hills gives this place a very unique climate. The temperatures stay much lower here compared to the city, making the weather extremely pleasant. The hills and trees look incredibly green and fresh, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.

The green grass covers the hills like a carpet during the rainy season. Cool breezes blow through the trees, and clouds cover the area to give Ananthagiri a magical look. Nature lovers visit this place frequently for this exact reason. The cool and pleasant weather truly reminds you of Ooty.

The monsoon season is the best time to enjoy the beauty of Ananthagiri Hills. Small streams and water bodies come alive across the hills when it rains. You can even spot small waterfalls that attract many tourists. The rain-washed trees, green hills, and cloudy skies offer a great experience for nature lovers.

Great spot for trekking lovers

Ananthagiri Hills attracts adventure lovers just as much as nature enthusiasts. The area has great spots for trekking through the forests and hill paths. Walking through the trees and exploring the hills gives you a completely different vibe from city life. However, you should always stick to the routes suggested by locals. You must take proper precautions and avoid wandering alone into unknown areas, especially during the rains.

Ananthagiri Hills holds great spiritual importance along with its natural beauty. The ancient Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple attracts a large number of devotees here. The temple sits in a peaceful environment on the hills, giving visitors a chance to experience spirituality and nature at the same time.

The calm surroundings, green trees, and beautiful hills around the temple easily capture the attention of tourists. Most people make it a point to visit this temple during their Ananthagiri trip.

Birthplace of the Musi River

Ananthagiri Hills has another special feature, as it is the birthplace of the Musi River. The Musi River, which is deeply connected to Hyderabad, starts its journey from small water springs in these hills. These small streams merge and flow forward to become the Musi River. The river then flows through Hyderabad and plays a key role in the city's geography and history. This gives the Ananthagiri region a special historical importance alongside its natural beauty.

Perfect for photography and nature lovers

Ananthagiri Hills is a fantastic spot for people who love capturing nature on their cameras. The green landscapes, forests, clouds, and changing colours of nature during sunrise and sunset make it a photography paradise. The area turns even greener during the monsoon. The morning fog on the hills and the sun rays filtering through the trees give tourists a truly special experience.

The close distance to Hyderabad is one of the biggest attractions of Ananthagiri Hills. Families, friends, and nature lovers can easily drive down here for a full-day weekend trip. You can plan a perfect day out with temple visits, trekking, and photography while enjoying the natural beauty.

However, it is everyone's responsibility to protect the environment by not throwing plastic waste or leaving garbage behind. Visitors must stay away from lighting fires in the forest or disturbing the wild animals.

Head to Ananthagiri if you cannot visit Ooty!

Ananthagiri Hills stands out as a major tourist spot around Hyderabad because it offers cool weather, green hills, beautiful forests, water streams, and a spiritual centre all in one place. You can definitely visit this 'Ooty of Telangana' if you do not have the time or budget to travel to hill stations like Ooty or Kodaikanal. Ananthagiri Hills is simply the best choice for anyone who wants to spend a few peaceful hours in the lap of nature.

Why Are Chips Bags Half-Empty? Here’s Real Reason Behind All That Air

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:20:21 +0530

Whenever we buy a packet of chips in the market, it looks heavy. But when opened, it is only half full. Moreover, how do the chips remain crispy even when filled with air?

When we open a puffy chip bag, finding it half empty makes us feel scammed. However, this extra air is not a trick but a scientific necessity to protect your snacks.

Chip bags are filled with nitrogen gas, not oxygen. Nitrogen acts as a cushion during transport, prevents chips from crushing, and keeps them fresh and crispy for long.

Women’s Safety 101: Legal Self-Defence Tools to Keep Handy, Personal Alarms to Tactical Flashlights

Shreya Tinkhede — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:13:38 +0530

Indian women are increasingly looking for ways to feel safer. A recent social media post threw the spotlight on a range of legal self-defense tools available to them. These include personal alarm keychains, tactical flashlights, tactical pens, and pepper spray. They provide practical, legal options for deterrence and defense.

Women's safety remains a key public concern. That's why these self-defense solutions are gaining traction. Indian law specifically allows private defense. Individuals can use necessary force to protect themselves from unlawful threats. Just ensure your response matches the danger.

Practical and Portable Options

Need to grab immediate attention? Personal alarm keychains are a legal, effective option. They blast sounds, usually 120 to 140 decibels. That noise alerts everyone nearby, scaring off potential attackers. These compact devices clip right onto your handbag or keychain.

Tactical flashlights also make great legal self-defense tools. The law mandates no specific lumen count. But over 1000 lumens — that intense brightness can disorient any aggressor. Most have a quick-activation button at the back.

Close-Range Defense and Deterrence

Thinking about close-range defense? Tactical pens are perfectly legal for self-defense. These specialized pens feature a reinforced tip. You can use it to apply pressure to vulnerable points — the chest, neck, or hands — in a close-combat scenario. They are non-lethal, discreet, and very effective.

Pepper spray is the go-to legal self-defense tool for Indian women. It temporarily incapacitates an attacker. How? By causing severe irritation, temporary blindness, and breathing difficulties. That gives you key time to escape.

Navigating Public Transport with Self-Defense Tools

Good news for commuters: You can generally carry these self-defense items when traveling within cities. Metro systems, for example, allow pepper spray. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) specifically permitted women passengers to carry it on trains for self-protection. Just remember: seal your pepper spray, keep it under 100ml, and make sure it's easily accessible – not buried deep in your bag – for quick use.

But don't try taking them to the airport. Airports strictly prohibit these items. Airlines don't allow pepper spray, or similar items, in either carry-on or checked luggage on commercial flights. It's standard global aviation security.

Ultimately, these tools help women take charge of their safety. They operate within the clear boundaries Indian law establishes. Knowing these rules means women can protect themselves — effectively, and legally.

Man Quits Prison Like Corporate Job, Reddit Post Goes Viral - ‘I finally escaped...’

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:52:59 +0530

A young man recently shared his exit story from the most toxic workplace he has ever experienced, and the internet is talking about it. A Reddit user named 'Such_Cauliflower_937' posted on the 'Toxic Work place' page about the severe mental harassment he faced at his office.

Boss zoomed into computer screens

The man joined the company expecting a normal corporate job. But he faced a work environment full of strict rules and zero trust. He alleged in his post that his boss installed high-definition CCTV cameras in the office. The boss used these cameras to zoom into employee computer screens in real-time. He would read their private messages and track every single keyboard movement. The man felt like the boss was spying on them just like prisoners in a high-security jail.

I finally escaped the most psychotic workplace on earth, and my exit email was a scorched earth masterpiece.by u/Such_Cauliflower_937 in ToxicWorkplace

Seven days of work, shifts ending at 2 AM!

The company forced employees to work seven days a week. They got no weekends or holidays. Work shifts often dragged on until 2 AM. The boss even punished latecomers by making them stand outside the office. The man suffered through months of mental stress and exhaustion. Finally, he drafted a strong resignation email. He listed every single toxic behavior in that email and sent it to his entire team. He reached the office the next morning before his boss arrived. He packed all his belongings and walked out without getting into any arguments. He called this exit his final release from a corporate prison.

Terrible work culture

Netizens are heavily criticizing this terrible work culture. One user asked him if the boss called him on the phone or replied to the resignation email. The young man replied that the boss did not reach out because his ego is bigger than anything else. Another user commented that they hope this monster gets his deserved punishment soon. The user also advised the man to expose the boss publicly and approach the media.

Gardening Tips: Make Your Plants Bushier, Healthier With Homemade Cocopeat—Here’s How

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:15:00 +0530

Aspiring gardeners looking to cultivate bushier, healthier plants might find their answer in a surprising, sustainable material: homemade cocopeat. This organic growing medium, derived from coconut husks, offers a natural way to enhance soil quality and promote robust plant growth, proving to be a game-changer for many home gardens.

Often overlooked, the fibrous exterior of a coconut, traditionally known for yielding ropes and mats, also provides the raw material for cocopeat. It is a readily available, eco-friendly alternative to conventional soil, supporting vigorous root development and addressing common gardening challenges like soil compaction.

What Exactly is Cocopeat?

Cocopeat, also widely known as coir pith, coir dust, or coconut coir, is a natural byproduct formed during the processing of coconut husks. After the long fibers are extracted from the husks, the fine, spongy material that remains is collected, cleaned, and processed to create this versatile growing medium. Unlike traditional soil, cocopeat is inherently lightweight, sterile, and highly porous.

This makes it an excellent base for various gardening applications, from starting seeds to amending potting mixes for both indoor and outdoor plants. Its increasing popularity stems from its effectiveness and its role as a renewable and sustainable resource in modern horticulture.

Crafting Your Own Cocopeat at Home

Creating cocopeat at home is a simple process, allowing gardeners to ensure its purity and avoid adulterations often found in commercial products. First, collect clean coconut husks and ensure they are thoroughly dry.

Once dry, chop them into smaller pieces using scissors or cutters. Next, grind these pieces into a fine powder using a mixer grinder. A sieve can then be used to separate any remaining coarse fibers from the fine cocopeat powder.

Crucially, the resulting peat should be washed to remove excess salts. Soak the cocopeat in water for about an hour, then squeeze out the excess water. Drying it in direct sunlight for a day prepares it for immediate use in your garden.

Unlocking Gardening Benefits

Incorporating cocopeat into your gardening routine offers a multitude of advantages, directly contributing to bushier and healthier plants. One of its most significant benefits is its superior water retention capacity. Cocopeat can absorb and hold up to 10 times its weight in water, acting like a sponge that slowly releases moisture to plant roots. This drastically reduces the frequency of watering, making it ideal for busy gardeners or regions with water scarcity.

Furthermore, cocopeat ensures enhanced aeration and drainage. Its unique fibrous structure creates vital air pockets within the growing medium, preventing soil compaction. This allows plant roots to breathe effectively, promoting robust root development and preventing issues like root rot.

A balanced pH level, typically between 5.5 and 6.8, makes cocopeat suitable for a wide variety of plants, including most vegetables and flowers. It also boasts natural resistance to diseases and pests, helping to protect plants from soil-borne pathogens.

Its lightweight nature and reusability also contribute to its appeal, making it easy to handle and a cost-effective choice over time. By providing an optimal environment for root growth, homemade cocopeat can significantly boost your plants' health and overall yield.

‘Boyfriend For Rent’ This Durga Puja? Viral Poster Lists Prices For Dates, Hugs And More

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:01:01 +0530

Social media platforms often see the weirdest ads going viral. Right now, a strange poster called 'BF For Rent' has caught the attention of netizens. People are sharing this poster as a Durga Puja special. The poster lists separate rates for everything, from spending time with a boyfriend to other specific perks. The poster even shares the guy's details like his height, weight, beard, glasses, and the languages he speaks.

The viral poster mentions a rate of ₹3,999 to spend time on a bike. You have to pay ₹5,999 for a car date. The poster clarifies that the car option includes a car and a female driver. You even have to pay a separate fee just to hold hands while walking. The poster prices this service at ₹2,999.

The poster gets even more interesting when you look at the rates for friendly gestures. The poster lists a hug for ₹499, a forehead kiss for ₹399, and a lip kiss for ₹599. The poster also mentions a separate charge if you want to shoot reels together.

This poster with the 'BF For Rent' title is currently making huge waves across social media. The creator designed the poster like a special Durga Puja offer. The poster does not give clear details about whether this service is actually real. Some users think this is just a funny viral ad or social media content. Other users are simply shocked after seeing the rate card.

Overall, this unique 'BF For Rent' poster has sparked a massive discussion online. People are curious to know the person behind this poster. Everyone wants to find out if this is a genuine service or just a prank post created for viral content.

Primebook Festive Sale: Laptops Under Rs 24,000 On Flipkart And Amazon, Check Top Deals

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:41:36 +0530

Primebook’s festive sale brings discounts on budget-friendly laptops priced under ₹24,000. Check the latest Primebook offers, prices and deals available through Amazon and Flipkart during the festive season.

Smartphone and laptop prices are touching the sky these days. Primebook, an Indian homegrown brand, brings a massive relief just in time for the Dussehra and Diwali festive season. The company announced mind-blowing offers on its laptops even before the main festive sales begin.

Primebook offers features worth Rs 50,000 at a crazy deal price of Rs 25,000. You can grab these discounts during the Flipkart Big Billion Days and Amazon Great Indian Festival sales. These laptops handle daily tasks and student needs perfectly, though they are not meant for heavy gaming or editing. We explain the laptop offers, processors, and other details below.

Primebook 2 Neo grabs everyone's attention in this festive sale. Flipkart lists its starting price at Rs 23,990. The company gives a direct Rs 3,000 discount on this model. You can also save an extra Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 through instant bank card discounts.

Primebook 2 Neo packs a MediaTek Helio G99 processor. The laptop features 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The device weighs just 990 grams. It sports an 11.6-inch HD IPS display and a 29.6Wh battery. The company claims a single charge delivers 7.5 hours of video playback.

Primebook brings the 2 Pro and 2 Max models for users who want a bigger screen and more productivity.

Primebook 2 Pro costs Rs 26,990 in the Flipkart sale. It includes a Rs 2,000 discount. The laptop features a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 8GB RAM.

Primebook 2 Max 128GB variant sells for Rs 27,990 after a Rs 3,000 discount. Amazon and Flipkart offer this model at the exact same price. It packs a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The company claims its 60.3Wh battery gives a solid 12 hours of battery life.

Both models feature high-end specs like a Full HD display, a backlit keyboard, and a 1440p webcam. These laptops work perfectly for online classes, office work, and browsing.

Primebook introduces the 3 Max model for users who want next-generation hardware and AI features. The 128GB model costs between Rs 33,490 and Rs 33,990 during the sale.

This laptop runs on a completely different platform compared to older models. It packs a MediaTek Genio 720 processor, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 128GB UFS storage. The 8th Gen MediaTek NPU delivers up to 9 TOPS of AI computing support. The device includes advanced features like a 5MP camera, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. The laptop weighs 1.59 kg and offers 12 hours of playback with its 60.3Wh battery.

These laptops stand out because they do not run on a regular Windows operating system. Primebook uses its own PrimeOS. Primebook bases its PrimeOS 3.0 in the Primebook 2 series on Android 15. The company designed it specifically for big screens, keyboards, and trackpads.

You can run all your regular smartphone Android apps directly on this laptop. The native app store gives you access to over 50,000 Android apps. You also get a Cloud PC option if you want to use Windows software. The Cloud PC lets you use Windows and Linux environments. However, this feature requires a separate subscription fee and an active internet connection.

You must understand your exact needs before buying this laptop. This device does not replace a standard Windows laptop for everyone.

Students attending online classes, people doing document work, and users watching YouTube or OTT videos will find this perfect. It also works great for basic office tasks and Android app usage.

You should stay away from these laptops if you need heavy Windows software, professional video editing, or heavy gaming. Users who rely on specific apps unavailable on Android must also avoid this.

Primebook offers a solid choice if you want a budget laptop for basic needs during this festive sale.

Dasara 2026 Holidays: How Many Days Off Will Telangana-Andhra Pradesh Employees Get?

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:24:52 +0530

Dasara 2026 is approaching, and employees in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are looking forward to the festive break. Check the holiday dates, number of days off and key details for government employees.

Telugu students are enjoying 12 to 13 days of Dasara holidays. Educational institutions across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will shut down on October 10. Schools will welcome students back on October 22 and 23. This gives Telangana students 13 days and Andhra Pradesh students 12 days of vacation. But what is the holiday scene for employees? We break down the exact number of days government and private offices will stay closed.

Telangana employees get more Dasara holidays compared to Andhra Pradesh. People in Telangana celebrate Bathukamma on a grand scale, making Dasara a major festival season. The government has declared October 18 (Sunday) as a holiday for Saddula Bathukamma. Employees can take an optional paid leave on October 19 (Monday) for Mahar Navami. October 20 (Tuesday) is a general holiday for Vijayadasami. The government has also declared October 21 (Wednesday) as an official holiday.

Private Employee Holidays

Private IT and corporate employees already have their weekend off on October 17 (Saturday) and October 18 (Sunday). They also get a holiday on October 20 (Tuesday). Private employees can just take a leave on October 19 (Monday) to enjoy a long four-day weekend with their families.

Andhra Pradesh students have holidays until October 21, which is one day less than Telangana students. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh employees also get fewer festival holidays. The government has declared October 18 (Sunday) as an official holiday for Durgashtami. Employees get another holiday on October 20 (Tuesday) for Vijayadasami. Government employees get these two days off, but they are not continuous. However, IT and corporate employees will get a three-day break because they already have their weekend off starting October 17 (Saturday).

Educational institutions in Telangana have official Dasara holidays from October 12 to October 22. Students also get the preceding weekend off, as October 10 is a second Saturday and October 11 is a Sunday. These two weekend days push the total holiday count to 13 days. Andhra Pradesh students get one holiday less than Telangana students. Their holidays also start on October 10 but end on October 21. Schools in Andhra Pradesh will reopen on October 22, giving students a total of 12 days off.

Also read: Where Should Bengaluru Travellers Go This October? 5 Getaways Worth Considering

Gardening Tips: 8 Flowers To Sow In October For A Blooming January Garden

Deevika NM — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:50:02 +0530

October is the perfect time to prepare for winter blooms. Sow these eight flowering varieties now, and with sunlight, well-drained soil and proper care, enjoy a colourful January garden.

Marigolds are a classic choice for an Indian winter garden, bringing cheerful yellow and orange shades to outdoor spaces. October sowing gives them time to establish before the cooler months. Plenty of sunlight and careful watering can encourage healthy flowering.

Petunias can turn balconies, pots and garden corners into colourful displays during the cooler season. Their trumpet-shaped flowers come in several attractive shades and can create a striking visual effect. Give them adequate sunlight and avoid keeping their soil constantly soggy.

Calendula is another colourful flower that suits the cooler gardening season. Its bright blooms can add a warm burst of colour when many summer flowers begin to fade. October is a useful time to get the seeds started for a winter display.

Snapdragons are known for their tall flower spikes and vibrant colours, making them excellent choices for adding height to a flower bed. They prefer bright conditions and soil that drains well. With timely sowing, they can contribute to a lively winter garden.

Chrysanthemums are among the most recognisable winter flowers, available in numerous colours and forms. They can bring a fuller, more decorative appearance to garden beds and containers. Regular removal of faded flowers can help maintain a neat-looking plant and encourage further blooms.

Pansies are compact flowering plants that work particularly well in pots, borders and small balcony gardens. Their multicoloured petals can make even a modest space look vibrant during winter. They prefer cooler conditions, good drainage and suitable sunlight for healthy growth.

Dianthus can add both colour and charm to a winter flower collection. Its neat growth habit makes it suitable for containers as well as garden beds. Planting at the right time and providing well-drained soil can help establish stronger plants before peak winter.

Salvia is a colourful flowering option that can add vertical interest and variety to a seasonal garden. Its flowers can also make the space more attractive to pollinators. Choose a sunny spot and avoid excessive watering to support healthy growth.

Trisha Krishnan’s Sunlight Routine Sparks Attention - Here Is Why Vitamin D Is Vital After 40

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:56:58 +0530

Trisha Krishnan’s viral sun-time post has sparked interest in the importance of Vitamin D after 40. Here’s how the essential nutrient supports bone, muscle and overall health as we age.

Star actress Trisha stays super active on social media alongside her movie shoots. She regularly shares updates about her personal and professional life on Instagram. Trisha recently dropped a post about Vitamin D, and it is going viral right now.

The 43-year-old South Indian beauty queen shared pictures of herself soaking in the morning sun. She added an interesting caption about getting some sun time for Vitamin D. This post is currently grabbing a lot of attention from her fans.

Trisha did not share many details about this. But health experts say Vitamin D becomes extremely crucial because of the bodily changes that happen after you cross 40.

Your bones, muscles, and metabolism slowly change once you cross 40. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium properly during this phase. It plays a key role in maintaining bone strength and keeping your muscles active.

Bone density drops and muscle strength decreases naturally as you age. This causes fatigue and increases your chances of getting injured or fracturing bones if you fall. Doctors highly recommend maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels in your body to prevent these issues.

Sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D naturally. But the same amount of sunlight does not work for everyone. Factors like your skin type, age, weather, clothing, location, and pollution affect how your body makes this vitamin.

You should not assume you get enough Vitamin D just by sitting in the sun. You must get a blood test and consult a doctor if you suspect a deficiency. Medical experts say we cannot exactly measure how much Vitamin D our body absorbs directly from the sun.

Vitamin D deficiency does not show the same symptoms in everyone. Many people do not notice any signs for a long time if the deficiency is mild.

Some people might experience muscle pain, bone discomfort, or constant fatigue. But you cannot blame these symptoms entirely on low Vitamin D levels. Other health issues can also cause them.

You should not pop Vitamin D supplements randomly just because you feel tired. Your bones and muscles also need enough protein food, regular exercise, and adequate sunlight to stay healthy.

You do not need to take Vitamin D supplements simply because you crossed 40. You should take them only if blood tests confirm a deficiency or if your doctor prescribes them. Taking excess Vitamin D causes serious health issues. An abnormal spike in your body's calcium levels is one of them.

You must understand what your body actually needs and consult a doctor instead of self-medicating just because you crossed 40. Trisha definitely sparked an important conversation about Vitamin D with her sun time post. But taking expert advice is always safer than trying home remedies for your health.

Also read: Where Should Bengaluru Travellers Go This October? 5 Getaways Worth Considering

Can Crows Really Remember Human Faces? What Scientists Have Discovered About Their Memory

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:36:43 +0530

Can crows really remember human faces? Scientists have found remarkable evidence about how these intelligent birds recognise people, remember encounters and respond differently to familiar and unfamiliar faces.

We hardly pay attention to the crows around our homes and streets. But if you trouble a crow, it might not forget you. The same crow might even caw at you and alert other crows when it sees you next. Can crows really remember human faces?

Scientists at the University of Washington in America conducted special experiments on crows to find the answer. They proved that crows can recognize individual humans. Crows especially remember the face of a person who seems dangerous to them.

Researchers wore a special mask while catching the crows. The crows identified this mask as a threat. Later, the crows saw a person wearing the exact same mask. They started cawing loudly and alerted the rest of the flock. The surprising part is that this recognition lasted for a long time. University of Washington records show that crows remembered that specific mask for up to two years during the experiments.

The story does not end here. Research shows that if one crow spots a dangerous person, other crows will also learn about that person. Researchers published a study in 2011 about this behavior. They found that crows learn about a dangerous face not just through direct experience, but also by watching the behavior of other crows. The study suggested that crows spread this information to the flock. Sometimes, they even pass this knowledge to future generations. A single crow shares its bad experience with the entire group.

Crows do not just remember a face. Research says they also link their past experiences with that specific person. University of Washington researchers studied the brain activity of crows in 2012. The crows showed clear signs of fear when they saw the dangerous mask. Studies confirm that a crow looks at a face and recalls its past experience with that exact person.

You might have noticed a crow cawing repeatedly at you sometimes. This is not a random event. A past experience with you likely influences the behavior of that crow. However, we cannot say that every crow remembers every single human face. Science confirms that some crows might not remember all faces, but they definitely remember the ones they find dangerous.

So, pay attention if a crow caws loudly in front of your house next time. Think if it recognizes you or if it is telling the other crows about you.

Where Should Bengaluru Travellers Go This October? 5 Getaways Worth Considering

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:11:52 +0530

Planning an October escape from Bengaluru? Explore five long-weekend destinations including Coorg, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi, Wayanad and Puducherry for nature, heritage and coastal breaks.

An ideal time to plan a getaway from Bengaluru would be the month of October, more so if your desire is to enjoy a vacation more extensive than a regular weekend. As South India emerges from the monsoon rains, tourists have the options of green hill stations, heritage destinations, and seaside resorts.

For those who wish to spend a weekend in October, there are these five destinations which give varied vacation experiences without any need for a complex travel plan. The Chikkamagaluru resort, for example, is some 250 km from Bengaluru and an ideal road trip destination starting from October onwards.

One of the easiest destinations when you seek hills, greenery and coffee plantations, Coorg sees a high number of visitors during October which falls in the midst of the destination's peak season. Visit Madikeri, view points and waterfalls or indulge more into coffee estates.

Suitable for: nature, coffee estates and leisure visits.

This destination makes perfect sense when you wish to combine peace along with some outdoor adventure. Famous for its coffee estates, Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri hills are worth visiting. October to February is the best period to visit the place.

Suitable for: coffee lovers, road trip adventures and short treks.

Should hills not be your idea for a vacation then plan an adventure to Hampi. Offering a unique feel to the vacation with its monuments and temples along with unusual boulder landscape, Hampi is also a better season to visit as compared to summer months.

Suitable for: history, photography and monuments.

Another choice for those desiring more of nature and a longer drive is Wayanad, which features forests, hills, caves, and waterfalls that lend themselves to a vacation of 2-3 days. The month of October is usually seen as a good time to visit the region post monsoon.

Good for: Nature, waterfalls and sightseeing.

As an alternative to the Western Ghats, Puducherry is a good choice for a long weekend getaway. White town, heritage streets, cafés, and coastal promenade will bring in some change to your itinerary. October is also a good time to plan a visit prior to the rest of the year.

Good for: Cafés, heritage streets and a coast break.

Hurun India Rich List 2026: Which Zodiac Sign Made The Most Money This Year?

Amrita Ghosh — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:01:59 +0530

Hurun India Rich List 2026: The M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026 reveals which zodiac signs saw the highest wealth growth among Indian billionaires. Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani still hold the top spots on the personal wealth chart

Gemini leads the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026 for wealth growth. This zodiac sign saw a massive 30.2% jump in combined wealth over one year. Lakshmi Niwas Mittal and his family, along with Kumar Mangalam Birla and his family, drove this massive growth.

Aquarius takes the second spot with a 27.2% growth, led by Anil Agarwal. Virgo follows closely in third place with a 23% jump, thanks to Roshni Nadar Malhotra. Leo takes the fourth spot with 17.2% growth, driven by Azim Premji. Sagittarius rounds out the top five with a 16.9% increase.

Scorpio secures the sixth position with a 12.5% wealth increase. Taurus follows with 10.7% growth, and Cancer sits right behind at 10.2%. Capricorn and Libra recorded much lower growth rates at 2.8% and 2.2% respectively. Overall, ten zodiac signs saw their wealth increase this year.

Aries and Pisces are the only two zodiac signs that lost wealth this year. Aries saw a 2.3% drop and slipped to the 11th position. Pisces recorded the highest wealth drop at 4.1% and sits at the very bottom of the list.

The personal wealth list tells a different story about India's top billionaires. Gautam Adani and his family lead the pack with Rs 9.23 lakh crore. Mukesh Ambani and his family follow closely with Rs 8.63 lakh crore. The report notes that Adani is a Cancer and Ambani is an Aries.

Gemini businessman LN Mittal and his family hold the third spot with Rs 3.39 lakh crore. Kumar Mangalam Birla and his family take the sixth spot with Rs 2.69 lakh crore. These massive numbers helped Gemini secure the top rank in overall wealth growth.

Taurus businessman Cyrus S Poonawalla and his family rank fourth with a net worth of Rs 3.03 lakh crore. Virgo billionaire Roshni Nadar Malhotra and her family follow right behind them with Rs 2.79 lakh crore.

Gemini topped the billionaire list in 2025 as well. Virgo and Capricorn followed them last year. However, this specific 2025 ranking was based on the number of billionaires from each sign, rather than their annual wealth growth.

Aquarius showed the biggest improvement this year by jumping from the 10th spot to the 2nd spot. Virgo held onto its 3rd place, though it shared the 2nd spot with Capricorn last year. Capricorn has now dropped down to the 9th position.

Leo jumped from joint 8th to 4th place, while Sagittarius moved from joint 8th to 5th place. Scorpio slipped from 4th to 6th position. Taurus climbed from 11th to 7th, and Libra moved from 12th to 10th. Pisces suffered the biggest fall, dropping from 5th all the way to 12th place.

What is your zodiac sign?

Aries falls between March 21 and April 19 and belongs to the Fire element. Taurus runs from April 20 to May 20 and represents the Earth element. Gemini covers May 21 to June 20 and belongs to the Air element.

Cancer falls between June 21 and July 22 and belongs to the Water element. Leo runs from July 23 to August 22 and represents the Fire element. Virgo covers August 23 to September 22 and belongs to the Earth element.

Libra falls between September 23 and October 22 and belongs to the Air element. Scorpio runs from October 23 to November 21 and represents the Water element. Sagittarius covers November 22 to December 21 and belongs to the Fire element.

Capricorn falls between December 22 and January 19 and belongs to the Earth element. Aquarius runs from January 20 to February 18 and represents the Air element. Pisces covers February 19 to March 20 and belongs to the Water element.

Durga Puja 2026: 11-Day Or 10 Days? Here’s Why This Year's Celebration Dates Are Different

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:07:59 +0530

While Sharadiya Navratri 2026 is expected to commence from October 11, it should be noted that some difference in the number of days can be noticed when observing the Durga Puja calendar for this year. According to some regional Panchangs, the festival will be celebrated for 11 days instead of 10 days due to the zero day between Maha Ashtami and Mahanavami.

When Does Navratri 2026 Start?

The first day of Sharadiya Navratri is scheduled on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during Ghatasthapana and the worship of Maa Shailputri. The following days will be devoted to the worship of various incarnations of the Goddess Durga.

Why Are Ashtami And Navami Dates Different?

Mahashtami will fall on October 18, whereas Navami will continue up until October 20. The mentioned interval is considered special in such regional Panchang calculating.

Vijayadashami 2026 Date

According to Rashtriya Panchanga, Vijayadashami falls on October 20, 2026, whereas in Bengal and other regional practices, the festival will be held on October 21. Thus, people should take their regional Panchang into consideration for puja and other rituals.

Goddess Durga’s Elephant Arrival

According to the regional practice, the arrival and departure of Goddess Durga this year is associated with an elephant. The elephant is known to be a symbol of stability, prosperity, peace, and abundance in Hindu religion.

As Navratri is approaching, the temples and puja committees have started preparing themselves in various ways.

Navratri 2026: Broken Mirrors To Stopped Clocks, What Should Be Removed From Your Home?

Zetan Kumari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:05:24 +0530

Sharadiya Navratri is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus in which the devotees worship Durga Maa along with her nine incarnations for nine days. The Sharad Navratri will be celebrated from October 11 to October 20 in 2026.

Sharadiya Navratri 2026 Worship Calendar

October 11 - Pratipada, Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri
October 12 - Maa Brahmacharini
October 13 - Maa Chandraghanta
October 14 - Maa Kushmanda
October 15 - Maa Skandamata
October 16 - Maa Katyayani
October 17 - Maa Kaalratri
October 18 - Maa Mahagauri
October 19 - Durga Ashtami & Mahanavami
October 20 - Vijayadashami/Dussehra

The cleaning of the house is considered very important before Ghatasthapana and Navratri puja by many families. Besides cleaning and washing, this also helps you get rid of unnecessary objects like broken and damaged things.

7 Thing To Remove

1. Broken Idols and Damaged Pictures

The first step is to clean the puja room. If your idols and pictures have become damaged, broken or old then do not store them forever. You can bury the clay idols and immerse the old photos in correct way.

2. Broken or Non-Working Clocks

Non-working clocks tend to be forgotten at some corner of your walls. Household beliefs consider these clocks to be a cause of stagnation in your wealth and positive progress. It should be removed from your house for better luck and wealth flow.

4. Damaged Footwear

Old footwear that is beyond repair can lead to quick accumulation of mess. They should be removed from the house when you clean your house before Navaratri.

5. Broken Mirrors And Utensils

Broken mirrors and damaged utensils that are chipped are frequently cited in home-cleaning traditions. They are believed to bring in more negative energy in the house. At the same time, there is a scientific reason why one needs to replace such items. They could pose danger like cutting your fingers etc.

6. Defective Electronics

Defective electronic items such as damaged appliances, chargers, used-up batteries and non-functional electronics should be removed from the household.

7. An Old And Damaged Broom

A broom symbolizes cleanliness and house care. If your broom is old and not usable, you should get a new one instead of storing it.

Navratri Is Just Around The Corner

Since Sharadiya Navratri in 2026 is scheduled to start on October 11, you might want to take advantage of this period to clean up your house and prepare prayer spaces used for everyday worship activities.

Money Plant Vastu Rules: Avoid These Mistakes To Protect Financial Growth

Nancy Tiwari — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:00:39 +0530

According to Vastu beliefs, the direction and placement of a money plant are considered important for attracting prosperity. Certain placements are believed to support positive energy, while incorrect positioning may affect financial growth.

Get the best out of your money plantVastu Shastra says a money plant brings positive energy and peace to your house. But you will face financial losses if you plant it in the wrong direction or on the wrong day. You must follow these basic rules to get maximum benefits from your money plant.

1. Which day is best to plant a money plant?Astrology and Vastu Shastra say Friday is the best day to plant a money plant. Friday belongs to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of wealth. Friday also represents the planet Venus. A strong Venus brings more luxury into your life. You will never face a shortage of money if you plant it on a Friday with Goddess Lakshmi's blessings.

2. Which direction is the best?You must always keep your money plant in the South-East direction of your house. Lord Ganesha rules the South-East direction, and the planet Venus represents it. You will destroy negative energy and increase cash flow when you place the plant in this corner.

3. Do not make this direction mistake!You should never keep a money plant in the North-East direction. The planet Jupiter rules the North-East direction. Astrology says Jupiter and Venus are enemy planets. You will face family fights, unrest, and heavy financial losses if you keep the money plant in the North-East corner.

Other important rules you must followVines must not touch the floor: Money plant vines should never trail on the ground. This indicates a financial downfall. You must use a thread or stick to help the vine grow upwards towards the sky.

Remove dry leaves: You must immediately cut and remove yellow or dry leaves. Dry leaves bring negative energy into the house.

Do not gift it: You should never give your money plant as a gift to others. People believe you are giving away your luck and Goddess Lakshmi to someone else when you do this.

You will see financial stability and prosperity in your house when you plant it on a Friday in the South-East direction and follow these simple Vastu rules.

Chanakya Niti: Marry a Person With These Qualities For Super Happy Life

Asianet News — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:12:50 +0530

Marriage is a lifelong journey between two people. You must choose your life partner very carefully. Acharya Chanakya explains the exact qualities you should look for in a partner to enjoy a happy married life. Let's check them out.

You make one of your biggest life decisions when you get married. People usually look at beauty, property, jobs, and family background, but you must notice a few other crucial things. Acharya Chanakya shared many valuable tips about marriage, family life, and personality in his Niti Shastra. You should look for these specific qualities in your life partner according to him.

Chanakya Niti gives more importance to a person's character and behavior than their physical appearance. Your partner's behavior affects you much more than their beauty after marriage. You should observe how they react during tough times, how they respect others, and how they speak when angry. You must also see if they accept their mistakes. A beautiful face might attract you, but only a good nature builds a strong foundation for your relationship.

Trust plays a very crucial role in any relationship. You will face many misunderstandings and doubts if your partner says one thing and does something else. You must check their honesty before tying the knot. You should carefully notice if they have a habit of lying about small things.

Husband and wife will not always share the exact same opinions. You will naturally face minor disagreements in your married life. You must see how your partner resolves these issues. Your bond becomes weak if they insult, shout, threaten, or belittle you in anger. You should value a partner who stays calm and speaks politely even under heavy stress.

Married life involves much more than just romance and fun. You will face many family responsibilities, financial decisions, health issues, and parenting duties. You need a partner who understands the situation and takes firm decisions without running away from their duties.

An Adjusting Mindset

You will face a lot of stress if your partner constantly compares you with others or expects too much. You can solve problems peacefully if your partner has an adjusting nature. Both of you must express your needs and opinions with mutual respect.

Your relationship will face problems if your partner lacks respect in their words, even if they love you. You need to see how they talk with family members, friends, and strangers. You can easily understand their true character by watching how they treat people weaker than them. You need a partner who speaks sweetly, listens to your opinions, and maintains respect even during arguments. Acharya Chanakya says you will always lead a happy life with such a person.

Easy DIY Manicure at Home For Glowing Hands This Festive Season

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:39:31 +0530

The Puja season brings new clothes, new sarees, and lots of dressing up. We take care of our face but we often forget our hands. We wash dishes, wash clothes, and cook food all day. These chores make our hands rough and dark. Dirt collects in our nail corners. You will wear mehndi and bangles during the festival. A rough pair of hands will ruin your entire festive look.

You do not need to visit a salon and spend Rs 500 to 600 for a manicure. You can bring back that salon glow at home in just 15 minutes. You will only need three or four simple things from your house. Here are four easy steps.

Things you need:

1. Warm water in a big bowl 2. Shampoo or handwash 3. 1 spoon of lemon juice 4. 1 spoon of honey 5. 2 spoons of sugar or coffee 6. Coconut oil or moisturizer 7. Nail cutter

Step-by-step manicure process:

1. Cleansing and cleaning nails: You need to remove your old nail polish first. You cut and file your nails neatly. You take some warm water in a bowl next. You add a little shampoo, 1 spoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to this water. You soak your hands in this bowl for 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens your dead skin and brings out the dirt.

2. Scrubbing away dark spots: You take a bowl and mix 2 spoons of sugar, 1 spoon of honey, and a few drops of lemon juice. You make a nice scrub with this. You apply this mixture on your hands and massage gently for 2 to 3 minutes. You must rub well on your finger joints because they get darker. The sugar removes your dead skin. The honey and lemon act as a natural bleach.

3. Massage for soft hands: You wash off the scrub and dry your hands with a towel. You take 1 spoon of coconut oil or olive oil now. You massage your hands with this oil for 5 minutes. You should massage the areas around your nails properly. This massage improves blood flow and makes your hands super soft.

4. Applying moisturizer: You wash your hands one last time and apply a good moisturizer or body lotion. You will see the best results if you do this manicure at night before sleeping. You will wake up to soft and bright hands the next morning.

You should follow this manicure routine twice a week before Puja. You can also apply a mix of glycerin and rose water on your hands every night before bed. Your hands will look absolutely beautiful during the festive days.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Can't Find Crow For Shraddh Meal? Here Is What You Should Do

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:33:41 +0530

Offering Shraddh and Tarpan to ancestors during Pitru Paksha is very important. People usually give the Shraddh food to crows first. But these days, finding crows and other birds in city areas is becoming very rare. So, what should you do if you do not get a crow during Pitru Paksha? What is the solution according to religious beliefs?

What to do if you do not find a crow?

Religious beliefs say that crows are the messengers of our ancestors. People believe that if you feed a crow during Pitru Paksha, the food reaches the ancestors directly. There is also a strong belief that ancestors visit us in the form of crows to accept the Shraddh food. That is why feeding crows has a lot of special importance. But you do not need to worry if you cannot find a crow nearby. In such situations, religious texts say you can feed the other living beings mentioned in the Panchabali ritual.

Who gets the food in Panchabali Shraddh?

Doing the Panchabali Shraddh during Pitru Paksha has its own special importance. Under the Panchabali rules, people divide the Shraddh meal into different parts and offer it to living beings and gods. The Panchabali ritual involves offering food to cows, dogs, crows, ants, and deities.

If you cannot find a crow, beliefs say you can give the crow's share of the food to a cow or a dog. This way, you can still follow the Panchabali tradition properly. The most important thing is to perform the Shraddh with pure devotion and dedication. Remembering your ancestors and doing the Shraddh with a pure heart will surely bring you their blessings.

When is Mahalaya Amavasya?

Mahalaya Amavasya holds a very special place during the Pitru Paksha period. This year, people are celebrating Mahalaya Amavasya on October 10. If you do not know the exact death date of your ancestors, you can perform their Shraddh rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya. According to religious beliefs, doing Shraddh on Mahalaya Amavasya brings peace to the souls of the ancestors and helps you get their blessings.

Washing Powder vs Liquid Detergent: Which Is Better for Fresh, Clean Clothes?

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:06:55 +0530

Powder or liquid? That’s the laundry dilemma many households face. Both promise sparkling clean clothes. But these detergents aren’t created equal — they differ in makeup, stain-fighting power, and what they mean for your budget and wash day. A smart choice saves money and keeps garments looking good. That simple.

Key Differences and Cleaning Power

Consider powder detergent. It's a dry mix of cleaning agents, fillers — often enzymes and bleaches. This stuff fights tough, ground-in dirt: mud, grass, clay stains. Works best with hot water. Have hard water? No problem. Its ingredients tackle mineral buildup effectively.

Liquid detergent, on the other hand, comes as a water-based formula. Expect cleaning agents, enzymes, and fragrances. It dissolves fast, even in cold water. That means no residue on your clothes or in the machine. Liquids excel at tackling grease, oil, and body soil. Perfect for daily washes, or — even better — for pre-treating stubborn spots directly on fabric.

Economical Considerations

What about cost? Powder often wins. It costs less per wash than liquid alternatives. You get more loads per package. Why? It's concentrated, with no heavy water filler. Bonus: powder lasts longer on the shelf. No degradation. No separation.

But don't write off liquid so fast. Yes, it costs more per wash. But those pre-measured cups? They stop you from overusing it. That means real savings down the line. Overdose with powder — it's easy to do — and you lose its cost advantage. Plus, you get residue.

Usage Benefits and Environmental Impact

Liquid brings big convenience. Easy to measure. Easy to pour. You apply it straight to stains for pre-treatment. Manufacturers often formulate liquids with milder ingredients. That makes them a gentler choice for delicate fabrics. And good for sensitive skin.

Powder's environmental footprint? Often better. Less water content and simpler, recyclable cardboard packaging cuts transport weight, reduces emissions. But beware: some older powder formulas contained phosphates. Those harmed our waterways. Liquids are changing too. Concentrated formulas and less plastic packaging grow more common.

So, what’s the verdict? Your laundry habits decide. Heavy dirt? Budget focus? Go powder. Convenience? Cold water washes? Stain pre-treatment? Delicate care? Liquid is your answer. It's that simple.

What Happens To Your Bones When Estrogen Falls? Surprising Hormone Connection

Zetan Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:04 +0530

Menopause is a major turning point in a woman's life. The body goes through many physical, mental, and hormonal changes during this time. Women often ignore one critical issue during this phase, which later causes severe physical trouble. We are talking about dropping bone density, commonly known as osteoporosis.

A sudden drop in estrogen hormone levels is the main reason behind this rapid bone loss in women after menopause. We need to understand exactly what happens to our bones when estrogen levels fall and how we can prevent this condition.

Estrogen and Bone Health: The Science Inside Your Body

Our bones are living tissues that constantly change. The body destroys old bone cells and creates new ones in their place. Doctors call this process bone remodeling. Two main types of cells handle this job:

> Osteoblasts: These cells help build new bone tissue.

> Osteoclasts: These cells break down and remove old or damaged bone tissue.

The activity of both these cells remains perfectly balanced during our younger years. The estrogen hormone plays a massive role in maintaining this balance. Estrogen basically stops the bone-destroying osteoclasts from working too hard. It also increases the lifespan of the bone-building osteoblasts.

The ovaries drastically reduce estrogen production once menopause hits. The osteoclasts then start working out of control. The body starts losing bone mass much faster than it can build new bone. The inside of the bones eventually becomes porous like a honeycomb and turns extremely weak. A woman can actually lose up to 20 percent of her bone density within the first 5 to 7 years after menopause.

The Silent Threat: How To Spot The Symptoms

Medical experts always describe osteoporosis as a silent disease. Patients rarely see any clear symptoms until they lose a lot of bone mass or suffer a fracture. You must pay immediate attention if you notice the following signs:

> Getting fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine even after a very minor fall.

> Feeling like your height is decreasing because of bone loss in the spine.

> Noticing a forward hunch in your upper back.

> Experiencing severe and constant back pain or bone pain.

Getting The Right Diagnosis

The DEXA scan (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Scan) is the most accurate test to check your bone health. Doctors look at the T-Score from this X-ray to understand your bone density. This score tells them if your bones are healthy, or if you have osteopenia (the early stage of bone loss), or osteoporosis (severe bone loss).

(Note: All women above 50 years of age, especially those who have hit menopause, should definitely get this test done.)

Advanced Treatment Options

Modern medicine offers highly effective treatments today to stop menopause-related bone loss and rebuild bone strength:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy: Doctors give the body the missing estrogen through this treatment. Taking this in the right amounts during early menopause can maintain bone density and prevent fractures. You must only take this treatment after a doctor thoroughly checks your medical history.

2. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Medicines like Raloxifene belong to this group. These drugs give your bones the exact same benefits as estrogen, without causing any side effects in other organs. They actively help increase your bone strength.

3. Targeted Bone Therapies:

> Bisphosphonates: These medicines slow down the osteoclasts and stop them from destroying your bones.

> Monoclonal Antibodies: Injections like Denosumab block the specific proteins that cause bone destruction. Patients take this injection once every six months to get excellent bone protection.

> Anabolic Agents: Hormone treatments like Teriparatide directly push the osteoblasts to build fresh bone tissue to replace the lost ones.

Lifestyle Changes And Prevention Tips

Simple daily habits play a huge role in protecting your bones, right alongside medical treatments:

> Calcium-rich diet: You must include plenty of dairy products, green vegetables, eggs, millets like ragi and wheat, and nuts in your daily meals.

> Vitamin D: Your bones desperately need Vitamin D to absorb calcium from your food. You should spend 15 to 20 minutes in the morning or evening sunlight every day. You can also take supplements if your doctor recommends them.

> Exercise: You need to regularly do weight-bearing exercises like walking and climbing stairs. Light strength training with weights also helps build bone strength.

> Quit bad habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and drinking too much tea or coffee will make your bones even weaker.

Osteoporosis is not exactly a disease, but rather a natural phase of life. Anyone can completely prevent severe bone loss and live an active, independent life with the right awareness, timely testing, and proper treatment.

Article prepared by:

Dr. Priyanka Sinha,

Senior Specialist, Endocrinology

Aster MIMS Kottakkal

Stop Chasing a Dream Job: Why Your Career Does Not Have to Define Your Identity

Divya Danu — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:45 +0530

Rejections, low pay and changing interests can make people feel they are failing. Research suggests a healthier approach i.e. build skills, seek mentors and value financial stability. Work is only one part of life, prioritize family, hobby and growth

Finding a good job is hard. Finding one you love can feel harder. At times, finding that 'dream job' can feel almost impossible. For many young people, the pressure begins long before they receive their first salary. They are told to choose the right career, follow their passion and find work that gives their life meaning.

Social media makes it look even easier. Someone has found their calling, turned a hobby into a career and appears to be loving every minute of it. But real life is rarely that simple. Sometimes you need a job to pay the bills before it can fulfil your dreams. Sometimes the job you thought you wanted turns out to be exhausting. And sometimes, despite doing everything right, you simply do not know what you want to do with your life.

For years, we have been given the same advice, 'find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life'. It does sounds wonderful and it also creates a problem.

The idea of a 'dream job' makes people believe that there is one perfect career waiting for them somewhere. Once they find it, everything from money, purpose, identity, happiness and to success will supposedly fall into place.

But what if that job does not exist?

Or what if you find it and realise you do not love it anymore?

The truth is that people change. Their priorities change, their interests change and their responsibilities change. The person who is excited about becoming a journalist, designer, lawyer or entrepreneur at 22 may want something completely different a decade later. That does not mean they failed. It simply means they grew.

Passion can certainly make work more enjoyable. When people care deeply about what they do, they can be more motivated, creative and committed.

But passion can also make it easier for employers to ask too much.

Research by psychologist Aaron Kay and his colleagues has looked at how people view workers who are considered passionate about their jobs. The findings suggest that people can become more accepting of extra demands when they believe an employee genuinely loves the work.

That can mean staying late without extra pay, taking on tasks that were never part of the job or giving up personal time because the work is supposedly rewarding in itself.

This can be especially common in industries where passion is treated almost like a requirement. Media, fashion, entertainment, advertising and the arts are often described as fields where people should be grateful simply to have the opportunity to work.

But passion does not pay the rent.

A person can love journalism and still need reasonable working hours. An artist can care deeply about their craft and still need financial security. A teacher can find meaning in helping students without wanting their entire life to revolve around school.

Loving your work should not mean accepting poor boundaries.

Another problem begins when a person's job becomes their entire identity.

Ask someone who they are and it is common to hear an answer that starts with their profession, 'I am a doctor'. 'I am a journalist'. 'I am an engineer.' 'I am a designer.'

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your profession. But problems can arise when there is no sense of self outside it. Think about it: What is your actual answer to a 'Who are YOU' question (DO NOT think about your profession for once).

Careers are not fixed. Research into career development has long shown that occupational identity develops over time. People discover new interests, experience setbacks, take on family responsibilities and sometimes simply become tired of doing the same thing.

The person you are at 22 does not have to be the person you remain at 42.

A flexible identity can make these changes easier. If your entire sense of worth depends on one job title, losing that job or wanting to leave it can feel like losing a part of yourself.

But if work is only one part of who you are, changing careers becomes less frightening.

You can be a professional, a parent, a friend, a reader, a traveller, a musician, a care provider, a volunteer or simply someone who enjoys quiet evenings at home. Your job is important, but it does not have to explain your entire EXISTANCE.

There is another strange problem with turning something you love into a career: sometimes the thing you loved stops feeling like yours.

Think about a hobby that once helped you relax. You could paint when you wanted, cook when you just felt like trying something new, write when you felt inspired or take photographs simply because you enjoyed it.

Then imagine doing the same thing for clients.

Now there are deadlines. There are revisions. There are targets. There is feedback. And there are BILLS to pay.

The activity has changed because the reason for doing it has changed.

Research on burnout has repeatedly highlighted the dangers of prolonged pressure and emotional exhaustion. When work is also your passion, a difficult day can feel much more personal. You may start wondering whether you have lost your talent, your enthusiasm or even your identity.

Sometimes you have not lost anything. You are simply tired.

Younger workers are increasingly questioning the old definition of career success.

For decades, success often meant climbing the ladder: get a good job, earn more money, become a manager, get promoted and keep moving upwards.

But many workers now want something else.

A 2025 Deloitte survey of Gen Z and millennials found that financial stability and work-life balance were among their major priorities, alongside opportunities to learn, grow and do meaningful work.

That does not necessarily mean younger workers are less ambitious. It may mean they have a broader idea of ambition.

A good career can mean earning enough to live comfortably while having time for family. It can mean having evenings free. It can mean being able to travel, pursue a hobby or simply switch off after work.

Remember, there is no rule saying that the most successful person in the room must also have the biggest job title.

Career coach Emily Durham has described three important needs that people often look for in work: validation, purpose and lifestyle. We want to feel valued, feel that our work matters and earn enough to support the life we want.

And if all that is not enough, a little 'PR campaign' is also needed sometimes to fight office politics.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Durham (@emily.the.recruiter)

The important point is that one job does not necessarily have to provide all three.

Perhaps a better way to think about a career is to focus less on finding the perfect job and more on building skills that can travel with you.

Imagine someone who defines their goal as becoming a marketing director. Their career identity is tied to one particular title.

Now imagine someone who wants to become excellent at writing, data analysis, communication, research and project management.

The second person has more room to move.

Those skills can be useful in marketing, media, technology, education, consulting or many other industries. If interests change, the person can change direction without feeling as though they are starting from zero.

This matters even more as technology and artificial intelligence reshape workplaces. Job titles may disappear, change or evolve, but useful skills can remain valuable across different roles.

A career built around learning can therefore be more resilient than one built around reaching a single destination.

Perhaps the biggest mistake we make is expecting a job to do too much.

We want it to give us money, purpose, identity, status, excitement, security, friendships and happiness, all at once.

That is an enormous burden to place on any job.

A career can be meaningful without being your calling. It can provide financial security without being your passion. It can be interesting without being the most important thing in your life.

And it can change.

The goal does not have to be finding one perfect job and staying there forever. A healthier goal may be building a career that gives you enough stability, enough meaning and enough freedom to live the rest of your life well.

Your job can be one important piece of the puzzle without being the entire picture.

Sometimes, the happiest career is not the one that makes you say, “I cannot believe I get paid to do this.”

It is the one that lets you earn a living, keep learning, protect your time and still have enough of yourself left when the working day ends.

Not everyone knows what they want. And that is perfectly normal.

Sometimes the best career advice does not come from a personality test or a motivational quote. It comes from talking to someone who has already made mistakes, changed direction or tried something you are considering.

Mentors can help people understand the choices in front of them. They can introduce them to different career paths, offer practical advice and provide reassurance when things do not go according to plan.

Good mentoring is not just about telling someone which job to choose. It can also help them understand themselves better.

That matters because career decisions are rarely only about skills. They are also about confidence, values, money, family, lifestyle and the kind of life a person wants outside work.

Gardening Tips: Tulsi Plant Looking Tall, Thin? These Easy Pruning Tricks Can Make It Bushier

Zetan Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:04:05 +0530

Want a bushier Tulsi plant? Learn how to pinch or prune the growing tips correctly, where to make the cut and how light, watering and soil care can support fuller growth.

At times, Tulsi plants tend to be tall and spindly, particularly when their growing tips are not pruned. An easy method for making a Tulsi plant grow into a branching shape is through the process of pruning of its growing tips.

The following is an easy 6 guide on how to prune Tulsi plants.

Before using your scissors, pick up a growing plant that appears healthy.

A plant with multiple stems and healthy leaves should be chosen and avoid heavy pruning of a wilting or severely damaged plant as a healthy plant will be more receptive to pruning.

In pruning, the growing tip, which is also known as terminal shoot, is an important point to consider. It is the newest part of the stem and is located at the top above a leaf pair.

It is better to not cut the stem randomly but instead target the new growing top.

To prune, all you have to do is pinch the stem right above a healthy leaf pair.

This will reduce the growing plant’s urge to extend itself from a single tip.

Higher pruning doesn’t guarantee bushy growth.

Do not cut too much of the Tulsi at one time especially if the plant is small. Pruning should be done through trimming only a few of the stems and not all of them.

Your objective is to get more branching while still retaining healthy foliage for your plant.

After the tips grow, you can proceed to do your light pinching as the tips become long enough.

Pruning the tips regularly can keep it from becoming too leggy. Always take care of the whole plant instead of pruning the same tip over and over again.

It is also important to prune yellowed and unhealthy leaves.

Pruning is best done along with other practices needed by the plants. Tulsi thrives when there is enough sun, correct watering and proper drainage of soil.

Don’t let your soil be wet and muddy all the time. But you must not allow the plant to stay dry for too long.

With sufficient light and proper care, pruning of the tips will give you good results.

Which Metal Is Lucky For Your Zodiac Sign Gold Or Silver? Know Here

Asianet Newsable English — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 19:29:25 +0530

Astrology connects every metal to a specific planet. Gold represents the Sun and Jupiter. It brings you respect, career growth, and wealth. Silver represents the Moon and Venus. It calms your mind, improves your love life, and gives you mental peace. You must choose the right metal based on your zodiac sign for this exact reason.

Which metal suits your zodiac sign?

1. Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (Fire elements) - Gold:

The Sun and Jupiter rule these three signs. Gold remains the luckiest metal for them. Wearing gold boosts their confidence. It also brings success in jobs and businesses. A gold ring on the right index finger works best for them.

2. Taurus, Cancer, Libra (Water and Venus elements) - Silver:

People with these signs have very restless minds. The Moon rules their charts. Silver acts like pure magic for them. Wearing silver keeps their mind calm. It reduces anger and makes their love life better. Cancerians can wear a silver chain or ring to fix their Chandra Dosh (Moon defect).

3. Gemini, Virgo - Silver is better:

Mercury rules these two signs. These people have sharp brains but they worry a lot. Silver keeps their head cool. They can also wear a mix of gold and silver if they prefer.

4. Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius - Wear with caution:

Silver brings good luck for Scorpio. Gold sometimes makes them arrogant. Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius. Iron or silver suits them much better. Gold does not always bring them luck. They should stick to silver, especially during the Sade Sati phase of Saturn. Pisces people can wear both gold and silver safely.

How should you wear these metals?

You should always wear gold on your neck or right hand. This makes your Jupiter strong.
You should wear silver on your left hand or neck. This keeps your Moon calm.
You must never wear gold and silver together on the same finger.
You should start wearing a new metal on a Saturday or Monday.

You should definitely wear gold if Jupiter is weak in your birth chart. You might have a weak Moon if your mind stays restless and you cannot sleep properly. You should drink water from a silver glass or wear silver jewelry to fix this. Astrology experts generally believe in these rules. You should always consult an experienced astrologer before you start wearing any new metal.

DMart Shopping Tips: You go to buy for Rs 1,000 but pay Rs 3,000? The secret buyers must know!

Richa Barua — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:01:24 +0530

Does your bill shoot up when you shop at supermarkets like DMart? We give you super ideas and tips to save money without falling into the discount trap.

You get your monthly salary and go to D-Mart with a grocery list. You tell yourself you will buy only what you need and finish within Rs 1,000. But you walk out with a bill crossing Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000!

Many families face this exact situation. We cannot blame D-Mart alone for this. Large supermarkets use pricing, product placement, discount displays, and our own shopping habits to make us buy more than we need.

D-Mart follows a core business strategy called Everyday Low Cost / Everyday Low Price (EDLC/EDLP). The store sells products at competitive prices through low procurement and operational costs, rather than giving offers on specific days. When you see a low price, you immediately think you can save money if you buy it now. For example, you already have two soaps at home. But you see a new soap on offer and pick up two extra packets just to stock up.

You think you are saving Rs 50 on one item. But you end up spending Rs 500 extra by buying 10 unnecessary items.

You go to buy basic groceries like rice, oil, and dal. But you also see biscuits, chocolates, shampoo, clothes, kitchenware, and home appliances in the same place. D-Mart uses a business model that offers food, FMCG, general household items, and clothing under one roof. You look at each item and think your house needs it. These small items quickly add up and turn into a massive bill.

Supermarkets arrange products in a specific way to influence your decisions. A 2026 study on D-Mart shows that store layout and promotional displays directly impact what customers buy.

You see tags like offer, value, or new product, and you immediately buy things you never planned to buy. Experts call this Impulse Buying.

You must prepare a list on your mobile before you visit D-Mart. You should make a strict rule to buy unlisted items only if it is an absolute emergency. Do not buy something just because it has a discount. Ask yourself if you already have the item at home and if you will actually use it in the next 30 days.

You should fix a budget beforehand and pick only necessary items within that limit. Small unplanned expenses like snacks and toys, especially when you go with kids, can make a huge difference in the final bill.

D-Mart definitely offers lower prices. But a lower price does not mean a lower total expense. You might get a Rs 100 discount, but you save nothing if you buy Rs 1,000 worth of extra items. You should ask yourself if you really need the item, instead of looking at the discount amount.

Every single rupee matters, especially for lower and middle-class families. Real saving at D-Mart means avoiding unnecessary items, not just buying things at a lower price.

People who buy monthly groceries in bulk: Low prices really help those who regularly buy essentials like rice, dal, oil, soap, and detergent.
People who compare prices: You will see clear savings if you compare the actual price at your local shop, online store, and D-Mart.
People who avoid unnecessary items: This is the most important point. You do not save anything if you spend Rs 500 extra just to save Rs 100.
People who stick to a family budget: You get the maximum benefit if your monthly grocery budget is Rs 5,000 and you buy only necessary items within that limit.

Which Is Better For Parathas—Ghee, Oil Or Butter? Know Pros-Cons Before You Choose

Zetan Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:22:17 +0530

Ghee, oil or butter—which is the better choice for making parathas? Compare their nutrition, cooking properties and health considerations to find the right fat for your everyday paratha.

Most Indian homes prefer desi ghee to roast parathas. Ghee gives the paratha a rich flavour, great taste, and a crispy texture. It packs fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Ghee also contains butyrate, which supports your gut health. You can safely cook with ghee at high temperatures because it has a high smoking point. But ghee comes with high saturated fat levels. You should avoid eating it in large amounts. People with high cholesterol must watch their ghee intake and consult a doctor if needed.

You can definitely use oil to make parathas. You should pick oils with unsaturated fats like mustard, soybean, olive, or canola oil instead of daily refined oils. But remember that oil still carries high calories. You should not use too much oil even if it is healthy. Brushing just a little oil to roast the paratha remains the best choice.

Butter takes the taste of a paratha to a whole new level. It contains certain vitamins and short-chain fatty acids that support your energy metabolism. But butter also packs a lot of saturated fat. You should avoid eating butter-loaded parathas every single day. You can use a little butter for taste when you eat parathas occasionally, but always keep the portion size in control.

Ghee and oil both work as great options to make parathas. You must keep the quantity low regardless of the fat you choose. You should avoid saturated fats like ghee and butter if you have high cholesterol. You must not pour excess oil either. You can use a little butter for taste if you eat parathas rarely. You should roast your parathas with a minimal amount of oil or ghee if you eat them every day.

Upma Rava vs Idli Rava: Same or Different? Know What Each One Is Made Of

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:40:10 +0530

Two common names often heard in Indian kitchens, Upma Rava and Idli Rava, are frequently confused despite their distinct origins and culinary applications. While both are granular products, they are made from entirely different grains, leading to varied textures and uses in beloved Indian dishes.

This fundamental difference in their base ingredient dictates how they are processed and what kind of meals they are best suited for, clarifying why a simple swap can significantly alter a dish's outcome.

The Wheat-Based Wonder: Upma Rava

Upma Rava, also widely known as sooji or semolina, is primarily derived from durum wheat. This coarse, purified middling of durum wheat is a staple in various Indian breakfast and snack items. It is characteristically pale yellow or cream in color, with textures ranging from fine to coarse, sometimes referred to as Bombay rava or bansi rava depending on its granulation.

Preparation for dishes using Upma Rava typically involves dry-roasting the grains before cooking. This crucial step helps prevent the final dish from becoming sticky and enhances its flavour and fluffy texture. Beyond the classic upma, this versatile ingredient is central to making desserts like Kesari (Sheera), savoury items like Rava Pongal, and even instant Rava Idli, which is a quicker idli variant made with semolina and curd, bypassing the traditional fermentation process.

The Rice-Based Essential: Idli Rava

In stark contrast, Idli Rava is a product of rice, not wheat. It is essentially coarsely ground raw or parboiled rice, sometimes marketed as 'cream of rice'. This rice-based rava is distinctly white in colour and possesses a coarser, grittier texture than most forms of Upma Rava.

Unlike its wheat counterpart, Idli Rava is generally not roasted. Instead, it is typically soaked in water and then combined with a fermented urad dal (black gram) paste to create the batter for traditional, soft, and spongy Idlis. This unique processing allows for aeration and provides the characteristic texture of traditional Idlis. Idli Rava is also used in other rice-based dishes like Arisi Upma and Kozhukattai. Crucially, being rice-based, Idli Rava is gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Beyond the Name: Key Distinctions

The fundamental distinction lies in their origin: one from wheat, the other from rice. This difference leads to varied nutritional profiles, including the presence or absence of gluten. The preparation methods also diverge significantly, with Upma Rava often requiring roasting and Idli Rava necessitating soaking and fermentation for its primary use.

Visually, Upma Rava tends to be cream or light yellow, while Idli Rava is a pure white. Their textures, though both granular, also feel different to the touch, reflecting their source grains and milling processes. Understanding these differences ensures that cooks select the appropriate rava for their desired culinary outcome, whether it's a fluffy upma or a soft, fermented idli.

Where Is Asia’s Cleanest Village? You Won’t Believe Where This Hidden Gem Is In India

Zetan Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:00:30 +0530

Discover Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, known for its cleanliness and lush surroundings. From living root bridges and bamboo viewpoints to a historic church, explore 5 things that make this village special.

What stands out in Mawlynnong is how cleaning is considered a community obligation. Bamboo dustbins are placed throughout the village. The collected waste are not event really wasted. They are sent to pits for creation of fertilizers. They take measures such as no plastic use and preservation of the surrounding nature.

Also read: 7 Monsoon Routes Made for Scenic Escapes: Goa to Meghalaya

There is one more beautiful name given to Mawlynnong – "God's Own Garden." It has numerous orchards, gardens, palm trees, evergreen landscapes, etc. Well-kept surroundings and the presence of traditional bamboo structures make the village unique.

Also read: Goa Travel Guide: Palolem To Butterfly - 5 Beaches For Stunning Clear Blue-Water Escape

Close to Mawlynnong there is another place worth visiting. Nohwet Living Root Bridge is one of the examples of Khasi traditional knowledge. It is made by growing and weaving the roots of the Ficus elastica tree throughout many years. As opposed to regular artificial bridges, it keeps growing and becoming sturdier with time.

Also read: Manipur Travel Guide: More Than Scenic Views - This Traditional Fish Thali Is Food Lover’s Dream

Being in close proximity to the Indian and Bangladesh border, there is yet another highlight here. The bamboo Sky Viewpoint offers beautiful views into the Bangladeshi plains.

Also read: Not Just Food, But Memory: Axone To Ngari, Fermented Flavours That Tell Northeast India's Story

The Church of the Epiphany is another important landmark of Mawlynnong. Over hundred years old, this church is nestled within the greenery of Mawlynnong, thus complementing the tour which is otherwise very much nature-oriented.

Meghalaya has many more things in store for the tourists other than the famous reputation for cleanliness. The living-root bridges, local traditions and greenery of Mawlynnong make up a compelling case for its uniqueness.

Also read: Which Place Is Called Amla Capital Of India? Know This Region Famous For Indian Gooseberry

Washing Machine Odor: Clothes smelling bad after a wash? Fix it for just Rs 10!

Richa Barua — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:01:44 +0530

Washing Machine Cleaning Tips: Do your clothes smell bad even after a fresh wash? You can fix this washing machine odor for just Rs 10. Let us tell you how to do it easily at home.

Do your clothes give off a damp, fungal smell right after a wash? Dirt builds up inside the machine drum, rubber gasket, and detergent tray over time. Detergent powder, fabric softener, and moisture mix together and breed bacteria. This bacteria creates that damp smell in your washing machine.

You do not need expensive cleaning powders for this. You can solve this problem easily with regular baking soda from your kitchen. Empty your washing machine first. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water and pour it into the detergent tray.

You can also add one cup of vinegar to this mix, but you must check your machine manual first. Some brands warn that vinegar damages rubber parts. Check this rule, and then run the 'Tub Clean' or 'Drum Clean' option on your machine.

You can run an empty hot water cycle if your machine lacks this feature. The hot water spins without clothes and flushes out old soap and dirt completely. You should always follow the manufacturer manual for safe cleaning.

Water and fabric threads usually get stuck inside the rubber folds around the door in front-load models. You must gently pull these folds open, wipe them with a damp cloth first, and then use a dry cloth. You can also remove the detergent tray, wash it with water, and scrub the hard soap stains in the corners with a soft brush.

People wrongly think that extra soap cleans clothes better. Excess detergent actually builds up inside the machine and causes bad odors. Next, you must turn off the power supply. Open the lint or pump filter at the bottom of the machine, remove trapped hair and paper bits, and fix it back. You can check the manual to find the filter location, as it changes for every model. You must dry the filter completely before putting it back.

You must dry the machine properly after every wash to prevent bad smells. Leave the door and detergent tray open for some time after taking the clothes out. This simple step dries out the moisture inside. You will also get good results if you wipe the machine surface and door areas with a dry cloth.

You should dry wet clothes immediately instead of leaving them inside the machine for a long time. Do not stuff clothes beyond the machine capacity. Water and soap will not reach everywhere evenly if you overload the machine.

You should run a 'Tub Clean' cycle once a month or based on your usage to maintain the machine. You might have a block in the drain pipe or internal parts if the bad smell stays even after doing all this. You should call a service technician in such situations to stay safe.

Nita Ambani’s Luxury Look: Silk Saree, Three-Strand Diamond Jewellery Steal Spotlight at NMACC’s The Library Launch

Shreya Tinkhede — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:08:44 +0530

Mrs. Nita Ambani — radiating in a silk saree and three-strand diamond jewels — invited visitors to a new cultural space. The Library, NMACC’s latest offering, welcomes guests from November 1. It promises a vibrant mix of books, conversations, and shared experiences.

This commitment runs deep. The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) champions Indian arts and culture. The Library’s introduction expands its reach, dedicating a space for engagement and thought right within its expansive campus.

Ambani’s Signature Style, NMACC’s New Space

Nita Ambani, a familiar face in India's cultural scene, once again drew all eyes. She chose a striking silk saree for the occasion. Its exquisite craftsmanship highlighted both timeless Indian tradition and her own elegant taste. She embodies the cultural patron role perfectly.

Her look shone with three-strand diamond jewels. These classic, sparkling pieces gave her appearance a distinct, refined touch. Ambani often picks such significant jewellery. It doesn’t just complement her outfits — it also signals her commitment to excellence and tradition in public life.

In this poised presentation, Ambani formally extended her invitation.

This was no mere formality. She showed she truly cares.

Her gesture underscored deep personal involvement and a passion for fostering cultural growth and accessibility. She wants to see public engagement with this new intellectual hub.

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NMACC’s Library: More Than Books

November 1. That’s the date NMACC’s The Library officially opens. It marks a crucial moment for the cultural centre and Mumbai’s intellectual life. This new space aims to be far more than just a place to store books. It promises an immersive, interactive experience.

What can visitors expect? NMACC designed The Library as a dynamic cultural hub offering a full experience. Books form its core — a rich tapestry of knowledge and stories for all ages, from classic reads to contemporary works. But beyond reading, it will spark lively conversations. Expect author talks, discussions, and workshops.

The space adds another unique touch: food offerings. This transforms a visit into a complete sensory and social experience. Literature, dialogue, and culinary delight will bring people together. Visitors can connect, learn, and grow within an inspiring environment. NMACC sees modern cultural institutions differently. They move past static displays to active engagement.

NMACC: A Growing Influence

NMACC has always championed Indian arts and culture on a global stage. The Library addition broadens its portfolio further. It solidifies NMACC’s place as a premier spot for cultural exploration and intellectual growth.

Nita Ambani leads this new venture. It clearly shows NMACC's broader commitment: fostering creativity and providing accessible platforms for meaningful cultural exchange. The Library offers books, engaging conversations, food, and shared experiences. It is set to become a key destination for literature enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public seeking intellectual and social engagement in Mumbai. Its November 1 launch will draw significant attention. This enhances NMACC's reputation — it’s a dynamic, forward-thinking institution focused on lifelong learning and community building.

Bengaluru To Goa Vande Bharat Express: 14 Stops, Route And Travel Time Explained

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:13:36 +0530

The Vande Bharat Express network is expanding to connect Bengaluru directly to Goa via Mangaluru and Karnataka coastal belt. This Yesvantpur-Madgaon service will cover numerous coastal stations, though passengers are hoping for reduced travel time.

Railway travel between major towns and famous places has been more convenient thanks to the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, which have established many routes that connect various regions of the country. With the projected service that would connect Bengaluru and Goa, the network is going to grow even further. This will provide visitors with the opportunity to travel by train directly through Mangaluru and numerous cities along the coastal belt of Karnataka state.

According to The Hindu, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the present Vande Bharat Express that travels between Mangaluru Central and Madgaon will be extended to Yesvantpur in Bengaluru by means of Mangaluru Junction. The new train numbers 26655/656 will be used for the expanded service, which will be known as the Yesvantpur-Madgaon-Yesvantpur Vande Bharat Express.

Before arriving in Goa, the route would connect Bengaluru with a number of locations located along the coast of Karnataka.

The Railroads have not yet made the schedule public. Sources told The Hindu that the Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat (26655) is likely to leave Yesvantpur at 6:05 am and arrive in Madgaon at 7:15 pm.

The Madgaon-Yesvantpur (26656), the return service, is expected to leave Madgaon at 5:30 am and arrive in Yesvantpur at 6:40 pm the same day.

Expected Stops

The proposed train will cover the following stations:

Yesvantpur (Bengaluru)
Shravanabelagola
Hassan
Sakleshpur
Subrahmanya Road
Kabaka Puttur
Mangaluru Junction
Udupi
Kundapura
Byndoor
Murdeshwar
Gokarna Road
Karwar
Madgaon (Goa)

Since the 31st of December in 2023, the current Mangaluru Central-Madgaon Vande Bharat has been in operation, and it has been able to travel the distance in around seven hours and thirty minutes. As a result of the extension of the service, a direct connection between the Vande Bharat and the coastal Karnataka and Goa route would be added from Bengaluru.

On September 10, a test run of the intended service was carried out for the first time between Yesvantpur and Mangaluru Junction using a coach that included sixteen vehicles. It took 7 hours and 5 minutes to travel the route in the downward direction, and it took 6 hours and 49 minutes to travel the road in the other way.

What Does Passengers Want?

Passengers have requested that the travel duration be reduced to at least 11 hours, despite the fact that the planned service is anticipated to take around 13 hours. There is also a desire for a morning departure from Mangaluru to Bengaluru and a night return, which would enable passengers who are heading to Bengaluru for employment or official purposes to finish their business in the city.

Toor Dal vs Masoor Dal: Which Is Healthier for You? Know Nutritional Benefits

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:05:23 +0530

Which dal is healthier? It's a question many Indians ask. Toor Dal (pigeon pea) and Masoor Dal (red lentil) are kitchen staples across the country. Each boasts its own flavour, its own nutritional punch. But do they offer the same health benefits? Let's break down their nutritional profiles. We'll find both similarities and sharp differences, perfect for varying diets and health goals.

Two powerhouses for vegetarians. Both dals give us plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They form key parts of diets nationwide. Eating them helps our well-being, boosting digestion and even heart health.

Toor Dal: What's Inside?

Arhar dal — that's another name for Toor Dal. This stuff is a nutritional powerhouse. 21.7 to 22.86 grams of protein. That's what you get per 100 grams (dry). It also packs in 62.78 to 62.86 grams of carbs. Fat? Just 1.43 to 1.49 grams. For calories, expect 343 kcal (dry) or 108 kcal (cooked) per 100 grams. So, moderate calories.

Minerals? Toor Dal delivers. Expect 57-130 mg of calcium and 3.09-5.23 mg of iron. You also get potassium, magnesium, and folate. This legume also packs B complex vitamins — B1, B2, B3, B9. Plus, vitamins C, E, and K.

These rich nutrients bring many health benefits. Toor Dal helps diabetics greatly. Its low glycemic index, high protein, and fiber content regulate blood sugar levels. Trying to manage weight? The protein and fiber make you feel full. This cuts cravings. It supports weight loss. Your heart benefits too — Toor Dal has low saturated fat and zero cholesterol. Its fiber lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol. And potassium and magnesium help keep blood pressure in check.

Masoor Dal's Health Wins

Red lentils — that's Masoor Dal. This dal boasts a strong nutrient profile. 24 to 26 grams of protein. That's what 100 grams (dry) gives you. Cooked, Masoor Dal delivers 7.14 to 9 grams of protein. You also get 4.3 to 8 grams of fiber per 100 grams. Calories? Around 116 to 129. Fat content is very low; some even report 0 grams per 100 grams cooked.

This lentil is a good source of dietary fiber. It's key for digestive health. It regulates bowel movements and prevents constipation. Masoor Dal also gives us key minerals: iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Plus, it contains vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins.

Many health benefits come from Masoor Dal. Its high fiber and low glycemic index manage blood sugar levels. This helps diabetics. For your heart, Masoor Dal's fiber reduces cholesterol. Potassium and magnesium keep blood pressure healthy. During pregnancy, we particularly recommend this dal. Its rich iron and folate content are vital for fetal development. They prevent birth defects. It also supports bone health with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

So, Which Dal Wins?

So, Toor Dal versus Masoor Dal. Both are very nutritious. Masoor Dal often has a bit more protein per 100 grams (dry weight) than Toor Dal. But that difference isn't big enough. We can't declare one clearly better just on protein.

One key difference is digestion and cooking time. Masoor Dal cooks faster. We generally consider it lighter, easier to digest. That makes it a top choice for sensitive stomachs or quick, light meals.

Both dals help greatly with weight management. They also control blood sugar. Why? High fiber, good protein, low glycemic index. We highlight Toor Dal for its liver health benefits. Some even say it has possible anti-malarial properties. Masoor Dal, however, we specifically praise for its role in pregnancy. It's packed with iron and folate. These are vital. It also promotes skin and bone health.

No clear winner here. Both Toor Dal and Masoor Dal offer many health benefits. Your choice usually depends on personal taste, specific health needs, and how easily you digest them. A smart move? Eat different dals. That way, you get all the various nutritional advantages each one brings.

Gardening Tips: Leftover Rice-Washing Water? Here’s a Smarter Way To Reuse It

Zetan Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:57:08 +0530

Don’t pour rice-washing water down the drain just yet. Learn how gardeners can reuse fresh rice water responsibly, which plants to try it on, and why it should never replace proper watering or fertilising.

The water used in cleaning rice often goes down the drain in the kitchen; however, it is also possible to recycle it to use in your garden. This dirty water consists of some nutrients and organic compounds that have been leached out of the rice while cleaning. It is not an alternative to fertilization of plants.

Below are six easy ways of utilizing rice washing water more effectively.

In case you have washed rice in water, save the water in a clean container and do not throw it away.

It should always cool down to room temperature before feeding it to your plants. Do not ever use hot water near the roots of your plants as the heat may affect them negatively.

Preferably, use fresh water from rinsing rice over old water left standing for days.

There may be small amounts of starch and other minerals in the water, but it is impossible to determine its content because it depends on the kind of rice and the way it was washed.

Think about it as used domestic water and not a full nutrition for your plants.

For plants which require special nutrition, continue using fertilizer instead of trying rice-water.

If you would like to test rice-water on your plants, use mature plants and not seedlings.

Instead of spraying leaves with water, pour it on the soil surrounding the plant.

This is one of the most vital tips.

If the water used to wash rice spoils as a result of sitting for long periods at room temperature, it develops a sour smell or bubbling.

It is always better to go for fresh rice water when growing simple garden crops. Do not store this water for several days and then pour lots of it on plants.

Watering your plants does not imply that they require extra watering when using rice washing water.

Before watering plants, see whether the soil needs moisture. Wet soil reduces oxygen around roots and may be harmful to plants that do not like waterlogged soil.

Do the watering with rice water in the same way as you water the plants normally.

It is possible to take advantage of rice water as a good way to recycle kitchen waste, however plants will require much more.

Good lighting, proper watering, drainage, good soil, and proper nutrition should be kept as they were. When using rice water, treat it as a good addition rather than a growth supplement.

Gardening Tips: 5 Reasons to Grow Methi This Winter for Self-Care, Medicinal Benefits

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:52:18 +0530

This winter, consider cultivating methi (fenugreek) in your garden to reap numerous health and self-care benefits.

Let's talk about home gardens. Growing your own food is deeply rewarding. This winter, though, forget the usual. Focus on methi, or fenugreek — a powerhouse herb for health and self-care. It's simple to grow, even in the cold. And it's packed with nutrients. Our guide delivers key gardening tips. We'll show you why this Indian cuisine staple deserves a spot in your patch.

Methi leaves and seeds? They've graced kitchens and medicine cabinets for centuries. Many cultures use them. Its distinct flavour and health benefits are legendary. This plant loves moderate temperatures. So, this winter is perfect for a big harvest. We found five compelling reasons. Grow methi this season. Enjoy gardening, gain health.

Methi helps manage blood sugar. That's a fact. Studies show fenugreek seeds reduce fasting blood sugar. They significantly improve blood sugar control. This is key for people with metabolic conditions, like diabetes.

Methi leaves are packed with antioxidants. They flush out toxins. They prevent inflammation. And they manage cholesterol. Its soluble fibre targets elevated blood cholesterol, helping regulate it. A truly heart-smart choice.

Methi seeds and leaves contain lots of fibre. This fibre promotes healthy digestion and metabolism. It tackles digestive woes: heartburn, upset stomach, indigestion. It also keeps your bowel movements regular. A happy gut, indeed.

Methi's fibre fills you up. It suppresses hunger. This promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding weight loss. It also boosts your metabolism. A simple way to support your weight goals.

Methi leaves pack a punch: antioxidants, vitamins A and C, minerals. They purify your blood. This gives you healthier skin and stronger hair. People also make a paste from methi leaves. Apply it to your scalp. It aids hair growth, cuts dandruff, and even keeps natural hair colour. Your beauty secret, unearthed.

Weekly Horoscope Oct 5-11: 4 Lucky Zodiac Signs Set For Money, Success, Big Opportunities

Zetan Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:15 +0530

The week from October 5 to 11, 2026, is going to be super special. Astrologers believe planetary movements during this time will impact all zodiac signs. But for a few lucky signs, this October week is going to be a game-changer. These folks will see massive financial growth. Plus, they will get chances for success, respect, foreign travel, and even love marriage. Let us check out which zodiac signs are hitting the jackpot this week.

Taurus

Taurus folks will see their wishes come true along with solid financial gains. Friends and well-wishers will support you during tough times. This week brings pure luck. Unemployed people will finally land great job offers. You can expect some unexpected money by mid-week. Your boss might give you new responsibilities at work. Business owners will also make their targeted profits.

Cancer

Cancer natives will finish all their pending tasks exactly how they want. You will grab excellent opportunities in your career and business. Meanwhile, politicians and people in power will have a fantastic time. You will benefit heavily from new openings. Early in the week, you will get multiple chances to grow your career. Businessmen might even crack deals with foreign clients. People in politics will see great success.

Leo

This week is extremely lucky for Leo people. You will finally see your long-pending wish come true. A senior or influential person will help you solve any big problem this week. You will also meet your loved ones after a really long gap. Working professionals will have a highly productive and positive week.

Scorpio

Scorpio folks will have an average week. Some people might try to block your work, but your chances of success remain strong. Students will get positive results in their higher education efforts. You might have to travel for your job or business. You will also see clear signs of financial improvement.

Does Gold Lose Value If Kept At Home For Years? Here’s What You Should Know

Nancy Tiwari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:45:43 +0530

Gold does not become less valuable simply because it has been kept for a long time. The metal is highly durable and does not easily deteriorate, which is one reason it has been used as a store of value for centuries.

Whether it is a gold chain bought 10 years ago or an old family heirloom, the age of the gold itself does not reduce its purity. However, its market value can change depending on the prevailing price of gold.

Purity And Weight Matter More Than Age

When old gold jewellery is sold, factors such as purity and weight are important. Gold is available in different purities, with 24-carat being the purest form, while 22-carat gold contains other metals to make it suitable for jewellery.

In India, a BIS hallmark helps consumers identify the purity of hallmarked gold. Jewellery carrying the current hallmark includes the BIS logo, purity or fineness and a six-digit HUID number.

Therefore, simply keeping a gold ring, chain or necklace at home for several years does not make the gold less pure.

Why You May Get Less Than What You Paid

The resale value of gold jewellery may not be the same as the amount originally paid for it. This is because the purchase price can include making charges and other costs in addition to the actual value of the gold.

At the time of resale, the gold's purity, weight and prevailing market price are considered. This means an old piece could be worth more than its original gold value if prices have increased, but the final amount offered may still differ from the original purchase price.

Old jewellery without a hallmark can also be sold to jewellers. Consumers can have gold jewellery tested at a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre to determine its purity.

In short, gold does not lose its value simply because it gets old. Its resale worth depends mainly on factors such as purity, weight, current gold prices and the terms offered by the buyer.