The Times of India

Why fictional characters feel more emotionally real than people IRL

A surprising tie at the 98th Academy Awards saw 'The Singers' and 'Two People Exchanging Saliva' share the Best Live Action Short Film Oscar, leaving many viewers stunned. This rare occurrence, allowed by Academy rules for identical vote counts, echoes historical ties, including a famous 1969 Best Actress split. The unexpected win adds to the Oscars' memorable moments.

Weve all been there: trapped in a glass-walled conference room (or a pixelated Zoom tile) while our to-do list grows roots. Time is your most precious currency, yet the modern workplace is swarming with ime thieves disguised as coworkers.Whether its the person who turns a 5-minute sync into a 40-minute podcast or the one who treats every printer jam like a national emergency, these energy vampires don't just steal your minutesthey steal your momentum. The good news? You dont need to be the offi

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia revealed filmmaker Karan Johar offered support during his 2025 controversy on 'India's Got Latent'. Johar advised him to focus on mental health, which proved crucial. Allahbadia shared the incident deeply affected him and his mother, who was physically attacked, highlighting the trauma of online outrage and cancel culture.

Prime Minister Modi downplayed the energy crisis, urging collective efforts and national interest over panic. He highlighted government initiatives like increased LPG connections and LNG terminals to boost self-reliance. Efforts are underway to shield citizens and farmers from the impact of global conflicts, with measures to manage LPG distribution and supply.

Naga men, women, and children were abducted by suspected militants along Manipur's Ukhrul-Imphal Road, potentially escalating ethnic tensions. A Naga organization blamed Kuki militants, demanding their immediate release. The Manipur Chief Minister appealed for the unconditional release of all civilians and urged stakeholders to maintain peace.

We are working day and night (for the welfare of the people), and we will continue to do so, the PM said after inaugurating some completed projects and laying the foundation for new projects.

Mankhurd police have registered a case against five individuals for allegedly duping over 125 people of 5.13 crore. Promising a hefty 5% monthly return on investments, the accused collected substantial sums before shutting down their operation and disappearing. An IT engineer's complaint initiated the investigation into this elaborate investment fraud.

As the Central Government extends LPG booking wait times to 25 days, residents of Patna are grappling with heightened anxieties, experiencing a 50% dip in deliveries. Distributors maintain that there's no overall shortage, yet the staggered supply and suspension of commercial bookingsbarring essential serviceshave left many worried.

Have you ever wondered why some people work so hard but stay broke, while others grow their money effortlessly? Its a mindset glitch, not luck. To flip the script: make money your employee, not your master, and invest smart. Wealth isn't just about the zeros in your bank account; its about the habits in your head. Here we list some of them:

A 26-year-old man was allegedly lynched in Delhi's Uttam Nagar following a Holi celebration dispute. His father is demanding a CBI probe, citing a lack of transparency from the police. Six individuals, identified as wall painters and relatives, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The father of Tarun, a 25-year-old man killed in a brutal attack during Holi celebrations, has demanded a CBI probe, alleging local police inaction. The family claims no details of arrests have been shared and the inquiry has been improper. Security has been heightened in Delhi's Uttam Nagar following the incident, with police engaging community leaders to maintain peace.

In a devastating accident on NH-27 in Madhubani, a Haryana-based SUV carrying seven passengers tragically swerved into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a truck. Four lives were lost, and three others were left in critical condition. The victims, hailed from Kurukshetra, were on a leisurely trip when fate took a grim turn.

Families in Delhi are celebrating Holi and Eid with renewed joy after reuniting with relatives who returned from West Asia amid escalating tensions. Passengers arriving at IGI Airport expressed relief at being back in India, emphasizing the safety of their homeland after experiencing a tense but manageable situation abroad.

Emotional intelligence isnt accidental its rooted in timeless psychological laws and behavioural principles. From the Attitude Principle to Parkinsons Law, from the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy to the Pareto Principle, history has quietly mapped how humans think, react, succeed, and sabotage themselves. Emotionally intelligent people may never name these theories aloud, but they practice them instinctively. They understand the Peter Principle, respect the Circle of Control, and recognise how mindse

Being mentally strong isn't about toughing it outit's about mastering your mind to be more resilient, focussed, and happy amid chaos. High-achievers and calm people often follow some common habits that help them stay balanced even in tough times. These habits blend stoic wisdom with modern psychology. Here we list some of them:

The Union Cabinet has approved renaming Kerala as Keralam, fulfilling a long-standing popular demand. This decision aligns with the state assembly's resolutions and reflects the will of the people. The process will involve the President referring the matter to the state assembly for its views before parliamentary action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartbreak over West Bengal's current condition in a letter to voters, accusing the state government of extreme non-cooperation. He highlighted central government schemes that have benefited millions in the state and pledged to build a developed and prosperous West Bengal if the BJP comes to power.

The Trump administration's crackdown on diversity programs has prompted 31 universities to sever ties with The PhD Project, a nonprofit aiding minority doctoral candidates. The Education Department cited Title VI violations, arguing the group unlawfully limits eligibility based on race. This move signals a broader effort to dismantle DEI initiatives in higher education.

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of hypocrisy and distraction tactics over his opposition to 'The Kerala Story' sequel. Chandrasekhar asserted filmmakers' rights and citizens' freedom to watch, urging Vijayan to use legal channels instead of creating fear. Vijayan had earlier condemned the sequel as a bid to spread communal discord.

Congress MP Jothimani condemned alleged misogynistic remarks by BJP district president V V Senthil Nathan, stating he views her as merely a ody, a sexual object. Police registered a case against Nathan for insulting womanhood during a BJP protest.

Recent studies indicate an intriguing correlation between the emotional attachments formed with video game characters and reduced desires for parenthood among young adults. These immersive gaming experiences can create profound parasocial relationships, potentially meeting emotional needs that might ordinarily drive family planning.