The Economic Times
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Poorna Sundari, who lost her vision at five, defied all odds to achieve an All India Rank of 286 in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services Examination on her fourth attempt. Despite facing immense challenges with accessible study materials, her unwavering determination, supported by her parents and friends, led her to become an IRS officer.
A techie named Shubh Jain has sparked discussion online after sharing why he left a job paying around 1.2 lakh per month in Mumbai and later felt happier earning about 40,000 in his hometown. In a post on X, he explained how high living costs, convenience spending and the fast-paced lifestyle in a Tier 1 city reduced the benefits of a larger salary. While he credited Mumbai for professional growth and independence, he said moving back home brought more space, family support, lower expenses and g
Ancient Indian thinker and strategist Chanakya offered a parenting principle that continues to be discussed centuries later: Pamper a child for the first five years; discipline them tightly for the next ten years; but once they reach their sixteenth year, treat your child as your equal friend. The proverb outlines three stages of parenting, early affection, guided discipline, and mutual respectand reflects Chanakya's practical approach to human development.
Ancient Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium continues to inspire modern discussions on resilience and self-discipline through his timeless teachings. His widely attributed quote, Steel your sensibilities, so that life shall hurt you as little as possible, emphasizes the importance of developing emotional strength and maintaining a balanced mindset in the face of life's challenges. Rather than suppressing emotions, Zeno's philosophy encourages people to cultivate self-control, focus on what they can
Pune's oldest ice cream parlour, Ganu Shinde, established in 1885 on Laxmi Road, boasts nearly 150 years of serving pure milk ice cream. What began as a medicine shop by Vithojirao Shinde's son, Ganpatrao, evolved to include delightful cold drinks and ice cream. Initially offering mango, pista, and kesar flavours, the establishment has since expanded its delicious, natural offerings, maintaining quality with fresh produce and dairy fat.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's Maa Inti Bangaaram has been performing well at the box office and is expected to make its digital debut soon. Reports suggest that JioHotstar has acquired the film's streaming rights, with an OTT release likely in late July or early August after its theatrical run. Directed by Nandini Reddy, the action comedy-drama follows Swarna, a woman with a hidden past who must protect her family while keeping her secrets buried. The film has also received praise from audiences and ce
An Indian tech professional, Aman Vaishnav, has gone viral after revealing why he left a high-paying machine learning job in Singapore and returned to India to start over in Bengaluru. In an Instagram video, the 26-year-old said personal circumstances prompted the move and that he chose the life that feels right over one that simply looked successful. While admitting he is still unsure whether it was the right decision, Vaishnav said he has never made choices out of fear.
From Akola with just Rs 24, Munna Thakur's journey to becoming a celebrated celebrity photographer is a testament to grit. He overcame immense financial struggles, working odd jobs before finding his passion in photography. With early support from friends like Sonu Sood and Arjun Rampal, Thakur's determination paved his way to capturing Bollywood's biggest stars and an annual income of Rs 25 lakh.
Scientists are collecting ice cores from endangered glaciers around the world and storing them in the Ice Memory Sanctuary in Antarctica to preserve vital climate records before the glaciers disappear due to global warming. Hidden beneath Antarctic snow at a constant temperature of -52C, the archive contains ancient ice that holds information about past temperatures, atmospheric conditions, volcanic eruptions and greenhouse gas levels. Researchers believe the preserved samples will help future g
An IIT BHU graduate, Saurabh Bothra, defied expectations by leaving a stable career path to pursue yoga. After facing financial uncertainty for six years, his journey took a significant turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by his mother and a fellow IITian, he launched online yoga classes, which rapidly grew into Habuild, the world's largest yoga community, empowering millions, especially women, to prioritize their well-being.
Decades after its release, Forrest Gump's iconic 'life is like a box of chocolates' quote still continues to inspire. The film masterfully uses this simple analogy to illustrate life's inherent unpredictability, showing how unexpected events shaped Forrest's remarkable journey. This timeless message encourages embracing uncertainty, finding resilience in both good and bad times. Read on!
Industrialist Anand Mahindra praised 15-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his record-breaking 11-ball half-century in the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A. In a post on X, Mahindra said the youngster's temperament impressed him even more than the record, noting how he responded to a recent on-field confrontation by letting his bat do the talking. Sooryavanshi's explosive 94 off 29 balls helped him set a new world record for the fastest fifty in List A cricket.
Ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus advised embracing reality rather than demanding life conform to our wishes. Much suffering stems from unmet expectations. He taught that true peace comes from adapting our desires to how events actually unfold, a principle still vital today for navigating life's inevitable challenges and finding serenity amidst uncertainty. His teachings emphasize personal accountability for our actions, even when external events are beyond our control.
A renowned nutritionist, Sonia Narang, who has advised prominent Indian leaders, shared simple dietary additions for healthy blood pressure. She recommends incorporating bananas for potassium, beetroot for its nutritional benefits, and barley flour for fiber. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are highlighted for their healthy fats and nutrients, while garlic is deemed essential for blood pressure support. These everyday foods offer a practical approach to well-being alongside professional guidance.
Pop sensation Katy Perry recently likened anger to nuclear energy, emphasizing its immense power. She believes this potent emotion, often seen as dangerous, can be a source of great strength or destructive force depending on how it's managed. Perry advocates for understanding and carefully directing anger, rather than suppressing it, to channel it into constructive action and positive change.
In today's fast-paced world, protecting your peace of mind is paramount. Just as a ship remains afloat by keeping water out, you can shield yourself from negativity. External challenges, whether criticism or failure, only become detrimental when allowed to penetrate your inner self. Cultivating mental boundaries and personal responsibility empowers you to navigate life's storms without letting them sink your spirit, ensuring resilience against external influences.
The iconic Baahubali franchise is set to expand with a new project, Baahubali: The Torchbearer, on OTT. While details remain scarce, speculation suggests it could reportedly be a documentary exploring the making and cultural impact of the blockbuster films. This announcement has sparked considerable fan excitement and discussion online. Read on to know where to watch it online.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's leadership is deeply influenced by his reading. Books like 'Forged in Crisis' highlight resilience, while 'Mindset' champions a growth-oriented culture. 'Nonviolent Communication' emphasizes empathy, and 'The Boys in the Boat' underscores teamwork. Nadella's choices reveal a commitment to continuous learning, responsible business, and strong institutions, offering insights into his remarkable journey.
After numerous delays, Yash's highly anticipated film, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, has finally secured a worldwide release date in August, 2026. The action drama, also penned and produced by Yash, faced postponements due to international market concerns. Directed by Geetu Mohandas and featuring a stellar cast, the film's journey to the big screen has been closely watched by eager fans. Read on!
Nature continues to astound with plants that uncannily mimic animals. From orchids resembling monkey faces and flying ducks to flowers that look like white egrets, bees, parrots, bats, and doves, these botanical wonders are a testament to evolution's artistry. Found across diverse habitats, these species offer a captivating glimpse into nature's boundless creativity and surprising designs.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's sister-in-law, Sheetal Nidimoru, recently shared touching stories about the actress' kindness and down-to-earth nature. She recalled Samantha helping with dishes after a family dinner and personally taking care of her when she fell sick in the middle of the night. Through these moments, Sheetal described Samantha as a warm, caring family member. Read on!
An ex-Goldman Sachs employee's flight to San Francisco led to a profound encounter with a 78-year-old man. This gentleman, traveling alone for medical research, shared how a stranger's past donation granted him five precious extra years with his late wife. Now, he's paying it forward, volunteering for the same program, hoping to give another family the gift of time.
Hollywood's former rom-com queen, Meg Ryan, once candidly shared her struggles with divorce and public scrutiny, finding freedom in letting go of external opinions. Her 2001 divorce from Dennis Quaid, amidst intense tabloid coverage of her brief relationship with Russell Crowe, taught her that life's complexities can't be captured by headlines. Read on!
A man's four-year relationship with his cook ended abruptly when she left for a higher-paying job, despite his consistent salary increases, gifts, and bonuses. He learned that perceived loyalty doesn't always equate to shared value, as her decision was driven by a better opportunity. This experience highlighted how individual priorities shape relationships, even those seemingly built on trust and kindness.
After the huge success of Manjummel Boys, director Chidambaram is back with Balan: The Boy. The Malayalam thriller has started its box-office run on a strong note, with collections rising significantly on its second day. Positive audience response and word-of-mouth appear to be driving the film's momentum. Read on to know where it will stream online after its theatrical run.
A high salary doesn't guarantee wealth; your savings rate is the true indicator of financial success. CA Nitin Kaushik emphasizes that if expenses rise with income, you're merely upgrading your lifestyle, not building wealth. He advises tracking savings rate (savings/net salary) and aiming for over 35% for significant wealth creation through compounding. The gap between income and spending, not just earnings, defines lasting financial freedom.
A culinary battle is brewing as Italian tiramis appears to be overshadowing its British counterpart, trifle. While both desserts feature layered cake and creamy elements, tiramis's distinct coffee and chocolate profile, coupled with its individual portion appeal, has led to its widespread popularity. The article laments the decline of trifle, once a beloved dessert in India, and warns of a similar fate for butterscotch against the rise of salted caramel.
India's Got Latent returned with its second season on June 20, featuring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh in the premiere episode. While some viewers enjoyed the comeback, others felt the show was more scripted and promotional than before. Despite the mixed response, Alia and Sharvari were praised by fans. Read on!
This weekend is packed with exciting K-dramas, from grand finales to fresh episode drops. Viewers can choose from fantasy romances, military comedies, medical dramas and BL stories, including The Legend of Kitchen Soldier, My Royal Nemesis, Doctor on the Edge, Love Class 3, The Lie We Lived In and Reborn Rookie. Read on!
A job seeker rejected a Rs 7.5 lakh offer, which was presented as a 50% hike, arguing it undervalued his four years of experience and was lower than what others were offered. He stood firm, seeking Rs 10 lakh. Months later, another company, assessing his skills independently, offered him Rs 14 lakh, highlighting how past salary shouldn't dictate future worth.
Cocktail 2, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, has got off to a strong start at the box office. The film has become Shahid Kapoor's second-biggest opener after Kabir Singh. Despite getting mixed reviews, the romantic comedy saw a good rise in collections on its second day. Read on to know how much it earned in India.
Despite being bed-ridden since childhood due to a rare bone disorder, 27-year-old Venkatramana from Telangana has achieved remarkable career success. Diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, he learned from home, pursued education through open schooling, and mastered web browsing with one hand. Now a Digital Marketing Lead earning Rs 6 lakhs annually, his journey highlights immense determination and passion overcoming significant challenges, inspiring many.
Johnny Depp's quote of the day reflects on the difference between growing older and losing the spirit of childhood. The actor suggests that while aging is inevitable, people can preserve qualities such as imagination, curiosity, and wonder if they consciously protect them. The quote is often associated with Depp's views on creativity and his role in Finding Neverland. It also offers insight into the life and career of the Hollywood star, whose unconventional roles and enduring popularity have ma
Roopkund Lake, nestled in the Himalayas, holds a chilling secret: hundreds of ancient skeletons. Once thought to be victims of a single epidemic or a lost military expedition, recent genetic studies reveal a more complex, centuries-long story. The remains belong to distinct ancestral groups, including those linked to South Asia and Europe, suggesting multiple migration events and deaths over a millennium.
A Bengaluru-based tech professional has gone viral after sharing his 12-year career journey on Reddit, revealing how he grew from earning Rs 5,000 a month as a junior web developer to a Rs 45 lakh annual package. Despite having little savings until 2021, he built a net worth of around Rs 70 lakh through aggressive investments in mutual funds, provident fund contributions and career progression. The employee also reflected on his regrets about not pursuing a bachelor's degree earlier, while expre
The Korean proverb of the day reflects the realities of family life and parenthood. Using the image of a tree constantly moved by the wind, the saying suggests that parents with many children often face ongoing worries and responsibilities. While it highlights the challenges of raising a family, the proverb also underscores the deep connections and sacrifices that come with caring for loved ones.
A Reddit post from a US-based Indian tech worker facing layoffs has sparked discussion about financial security and relocating to India. The user, who has around Rs 6 crore in savings, asked whether it would be enough to live in India without a job while also worrying about an underwater house in the US and his children's education. Many Reddit users said the savings should be sufficient for a comfortable life, arguing that the bigger challenges are managing the move.
Meghalaya's Khasi community crafts extraordinary 'living bridges' from the roots of rubber fig trees, a testament to natural engineering. These durable, self-strengthening structures, guided by generations of artisans, span rivers and ravines, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. Believed to connect heaven and earth, these remarkable bridges can endure for centuries, showcasing incredible patience and ingenuity in adapting to the region's heavy rainfall.
Tamil actor Kathir's upcoming web series Lingam is set to premiere on JioHotstar. The crime thriller follows a talented kabaddi player whose dream of becoming a government officer is shattered after a tragic incident changes the course of his life. Directed by Lakshmi Saravanakumar and featuring Divya Bharathi in a leading role, the series promises a mix of action, emotion, and transformation as its protagonist navigates a dangerous world.
At 71, Rekha's timeless beauty is attributed to her disciplined lifestyle, not surgery. Her diet emphasizes home-cooked meals rich in green vegetables, lentils, and nuts, avoiding oily and spicy foods. She prioritizes hydration, consuming 10-12 glasses of water daily and eating her last meal before 7:30 pm. Daily meditation, pranayama, dance, and yoga keep her fit and youthful.
Speculation is rife that actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu is expecting her first child with husband Raj Nidimoru. A video of the couple celebrating her film's success has fans convinced they spotted a baby bump. The couple, who married in December 2025, has previously collaborated on several projects. This potential pregnancy news has generated significant buzz among her followers.
Alex Freeman's quote, Now I'm here, it shows you can never give up. Keep pushing and you never know what chance you're going to get and how you can go and make stuff happen. You don't know when this chance will come again, reflects the perseverance that has defined his journey to the FIFA World Cup. The young USA defender, who recently scored his first World Cup goal against Australia, uses his own experience to highlight the importance of staying committed to a dream despite challenges and unce
Jackie Shroff, now worth over Rs 200 crore, once managed his household on just Rs 30. He shared his journey from abject poverty, emphasizing life's cyclical nature and learning from failures. A pivotal moment came when his wife, Ayesha, invested Rs 1 lakh in Sony Entertainment Television, which yielded extraordinary returns, transforming their financial future and catapulting them to immense wealth.
Actor Jesse Eisenberg, known for his roles in The Social Network and ombieland, shared his profound experience donating a kidney. He revealed that the act of giving back has brought him a sense of comfort and purpose, balancing the many accolades he has received. Eisenberg's words highlight the deep fulfillment found in contributing to others' lives, suggesting true confidence stems from gratitude coupled with meaningful action.
Life's inevitable challenges shouldn't define our happiness. This piece highlights a profound truth: true contentment lies not in avoiding trouble, but in learning to see beyond it. By actively seeking small joys amidst difficulties, we build resilience against modern pressures. This perspective offers an essential anchor, empowering us to maintain inner peace and hope, even when external circumstances are chaotic.
Weight loss plateaus can be baffling, even with seemingly healthy eating. Celebrity nutritionist Suman Agarwal reveals five common 'health foods' that might be secretly sabotaging your efforts due to their high calorie content. Avocado, nuts, smoothies with toppings, muesli, and salads with rich dressings require careful portion control to ensure your diet supports your fitness goals effectively.
Acid reflux can turn simple pleasures into discomfort. Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi revealed six natural, science-backed methods to combat this common issue. These include chewing sugar-free gum, sleeping on your left side, reducing refined carbs, taking short post-meal walks, finishing dinner early, and elevating your bed. These simple lifestyle changes offer a pill-free path to relief.
Feeling overwhelmed by missed opportunities and societal pressures? Today's proverb of the day offers a timeless life lesson: what's meant for you will find you. It encourages releasing the need for control, trusting that rejections are redirections, and embracing your unique timeline. In today's fast-paced, comparison-driven world, this ancient wisdom provides a vital anchor, transforming anxious waiting into sacred preparation and fostering inner peace.
Robert Downey Jr. credited his wife, Susan, with saving him during his Oscar acceptance speech, likening her to a rescuer who loved him back to life. Their enduring romance, spanning over two decades, highlights the profound impact of unconditional love and support, especially amidst personal struggles and the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges. Susan's unwavering belief has been a cornerstone of his remarkable career resurgence.

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