The Times of India

Walk into any Indian kitchen during Navratri and the it looks quietly rearranged. The wheat flour and rice move to the back. Rock salt comes forward. For nine days, a short list of ingredients has to do the work of an entire menu, and that limit is where the creativity starts.Five of them, it turns out, are enough to build a full day of eating: sabudana, kuttu, samak rice, potatoes and makhana.

Marigolds are the unofficial flower of Navratri, strung into torans, piled on the puja thali and offered to the Goddess every single morning. They’re sturdy as flowers go, yet they often look tired and droopy well before the nine days are over, and it’s usually not the flowers’ fault. A few everyday habits, most of them done with the best intentions, quietly shorten their life. The fix doesn’t ta…

On the morning of October 23, 1947, residents of Marksville, Louisiana, were astounded to witness fish raining down during breakfast. This extraordinary event was later documented by biologist Alexander Bajkov in a scientific journal, where he proposed that a waterspout had lifted fish from local lakes only to drop them onto the town. Similar reports have emerged globally, highlighting this baffl…

Intelligence can help people solve problems, build careers and make thoughtful decisions. But when it comes to relationships, knowing the right answer is not always enough. Sometimes, what matters more is knowing when to listen, when to offer comfort and when to put aside the need to be right. Charles Dickens’ quote, “A loving heart is the truest wisdom,” captures this quiet truth. It reminds us …

A Redditor sought advice on budgeting for a move to Bengaluru, expecting an income of Rs 23,000 supplemented by parental support. Commenters resonated with the inquiry, sharing their stories of financial adjustment while recommending strategies like shared housing and home-cooked meals. The collective insights illustrated that a fulfilling life in the city can indeed be achieved on a tight budget.

A woman appeared in a bathrobe on the Delhi Metro, creating a viral sensation with her eccentric behavior and under-eye patches. The incident incited a flurry of reactions on social media, with some criticizing her choice of outfit while others applauded her boldness. This varying commentary opens up a wider debate about the boundaries of public decorum and the expression of individuality in ever…

Take Niamh, an Irish name pronounced “neev”, or Isla, usually pronounced “eye-luh”. Neither looks quite the way it sounds to someone unfamiliar with its history. And they are not alone. For parents choosing a name, that difference can be part of its charm. But it can also mean a lifetime of correcting pronunciation. Here are seven more names that look straightforward on paper but may surprise you…

Pratham learned about a small business supplying smartphone screen protectors after a talk about family finances. The cook’s son operates a Rs 70,000 glass-cutting machine to create custom screen protectors. Each protector costs Rs 8 to Rs 10 to produce and sells for Rs 25 to Rs 30. Monthly profits are reported to be around Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 through sales to local mobile shops.

A clinical data specialist from Bengaluru is torn between an enticing new job offer boasting a 127 percent salary increase and the possibility of working remotely. While the current employer may match the salary with a retention offer, the fears of a heavier workload and shifting team dynamics loom large. This scenario highlights the intricate balance between pursuing financial advancement and ma…

Grace, strength and divinity are qualities that have inspired baby names across cultures and generations. From names rooted in mythology to those associated with wisdom, courage and beauty, each carries a meaning that can make it special for a child. For parents looking for a name with depth and timeless appeal, these choices offer a blend of spiritual significance and feminine strength. Here are…

Elon Musk's strained relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, is back in the spotlight. This time, it's his first wife, Justine Wilson, who has shared a deeply personal account of the family rift, making fresh allegations about how the billionaire reacted when their daughter came out as transgender.

Mahhi Vij reflected on her upbringing, sharing how her childhood experiences crafted her parenting philosophy. She juxtaposed her own carefree days with the current trend of overprotective parenting. Remembering the harsh consequences she faced for school failures and teenage romances, Mahhi highlighted the need for children to encounter minor challenges while knowing their parents are supportive…

Hikaru-san, a renowned Japanese creator, shares her reflections on living in India and the obstacles she faces in her journey. She points out that many narratives misrepresent the country, stressing the need to highlight its positives. Social media users contribute their viewpoints on various issues and societal dynamics, prompting her to advocate for cultural immersion. The dialogue illustrates …