The Times of India

Ganesh Chaturthi traditions include offering modaks to Lord Ganesha. A popular legend explains the tradition of offering twenty-one modaks. This sweet is also linked to wisdom and happiness for devotees. The number twenty-one appears in other Ganesha worship practices too. Offering modaks welcomes Bappa and seeks his blessings for well-being.

Choosing a baby name with a positive meaning can give it an added sense of significance. Names associated with prosperity, abundance and good fortune often carry ideas of happiness, success, blessings and a fulfilling life. From ancient Sanskrit names to timeless choices with Latin and Hebrew roots, these names offer a blend of cultural richness and elegant appeal. Whether parents are drawn to a …

Optical illusion personality tests are interesting mind exercises that trick the brain and eyes into believing what a person sees first, what they focus on, or even their mood in that moment, despite the many objects layered into one another in a single image. But what makes these tests even more interesting is that each object tends to reveal a hidden personality trait.This illusion hides two di…

At just 16 years old, Vyasji Mishra crafted a groundbreaking hybrid stove that combines kerosene and steam, aiming to cut down on kerosene use and harmful emissions. His prototype dazzled judges at science fairs, earning him a coveted first prize in 2003. Subsequent tests showcased a remarkable 20% reduction in kerosene consumption. The National Innovation Foundation saw potential in his idea, ba…

The Bengaluru campus of Google came alive with the joyful spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi. Employees engaged in a fun modak-making session, showcasing their creativity online. Known for celebrating diverse festivals, the company provided ready-made batter and moulds to ensure everyone could participate. The finished modaks were a hit, delighting both those who made them and the enthusiastic online aud…

In the 1970s, an American physician traveled to Kainchi Dham where Neem Karoli Baba affectionately dubbed him 'Doctor America.' Inspired by Baba's wisdom, he dedicated himself to fighting smallpox and subsequently joined the World Health Organization’s eradication efforts. This pivotal initiative culminated in a monumental public health victory celebrated in 1980, profoundly shaping his life's mi…

India's sheer range of landscapes, dense rainforests, arid deserts, high-altitude cold deserts, mangrove deltas and everything in between, has quietly produced some of the most bizarre and wonderful creatures on the planet, many of which most people have never even heard of. These aren't animals tucked away in some far corner of the world either, several of them live within a few hundred kilometr…

A recent traffic jam in Mumbai caused a notable delay for Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. This event underscores the pressing infrastructure issues and mounting congestion the city faces. Existing flyovers seem incapable of coping with the burgeoning traffic. Innovative Malaysian technologies could pave the way for multi-level flyovers, built atop single pillars, optimizing precious horizontal spac…

Recent occurrences shed light on a disturbing pattern of impersonators, who assume the guise of high-ranking officials using counterfeit documents. These fraudsters successfully cultivated trust to illicitly acquire funds. Notably, Tripti Singh Rajput was said to have misrepresented herself as an IAS officer for job and lease offers, while Himanshu Panchal, under the pretense of being a collector…

A heartwarming restaurant video featuring a charming young boy in China has captured the imagination of social media users. In the clip, the boy engages with a customer, sharing delightful food recommendations and service tips. His confidence and witty remarks have drawn laughter and admiration, igniting a playful conversation among viewers online. This clip has become a sensation, celebrating th…

In a moving tribute, Mieko Catlett traveled to Bageshwar to fulfill her late husband Robert Catlett's last wish. Their shared history with the town began in 2007, and she honored his memory by immersing his ashes in the revered Saryu River near Bagnath Temple. Following the ceremony, traditional prayers and chants underscored the couple’s everlasting love and connection to this spiritual destinat…

During her first Indian film screening, a South Korean woman encountered a striking culture shock when she mistook the scheduled interval for a potential emergency evacuation. Unlike in South Korea, where films run continuously, the Indian tradition of breaks encourages audiences to stretch their legs and socialize without missing any cinematic moments. This interval has become a beloved componen…

Numerous Indian cricketers have embraced prestigious governmental roles post their sporting careers. Notably, Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni have been awarded honorary military titles, while Sachin Tendulkar proudly holds an honorary IAF Group Captain designation. Furthermore, Deepti Sharma and Mohammed Siraj have ascended to positions of Deputy Superintendents of Police, with others like Joginder Sharma…

To elevate the flavor of their creations, chefs season food during different cooking phases. The timing of salt addition impacts the browning of ingredients and their moisture retention. This approach grants chefs fine control over a dish's final taste. For dishes like soups and curries, seasoning is often done throughout and after cooking to ensure balance, with a gradual process leading to a ha…

Recently, a food vlogger from Mumbai captivated followers by presenting an elaborate thali meal that boasted numerous dishes served in a series of courses. Reactions were mixed, with some praising the spread, while others raised alarms about health risks and food waste. Maharaja Bhog, the restaurant behind the meal, is well-established with various outlets in the city.