The Times of India

As supply pressures and price concerns grow, many kitchens are likely to lean more heavily on traditional sweeteners and fruit-based alternatives already used across Indian cooking. Here is why these six alternatives deserve attention now.

Alia Bhatt is clearly having her big Cannes fashion moment this year, and honestly, shes making sure every appearance feels completely different from the last one. After giving us soft fairytale gowns, elegant drapes, and old-Hollywood glam over the past few days, the actor stepped out for a L'Oral event looking like modern royalty and the internet is absolutely eating it up.

Our lives have become quite fast-paced, amid work pressure, stress, personal worries, and constant comparison, so our minds rarely get a moment of peace.Some days, our thoughts motivate us, help us stay positive, and push us towards success. But on other days, the same mind fills us with fear, doubt, anger, and overthinking. This inner battle is something almost everyone experiences.The Bhagavad Gita reflects on this thought and helps us take the right decisions and channelise our thought proces

Eight-year-old Om N. from Karnataka has achieved a world record by reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram while performing a wall-supported hands-free Shirshasana. He completed the challenging feat, requiring immense concentration, balance, and discipline, in 3 minutes and 47 seconds. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the enduring appeal of Sanskrit chanting and yoga among younger generations.

A recent social media personality test, shared by Dasha Takhisho, uses images of bananas in various ripening stages to reveal insights into your core traits. From structured control to deep emotional awareness and ongoing transformation, your chosen banana offers a glimpse into your inner world. Discover what your banana choice signifies about your personality.

Soft, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, figs are more than just a seasonal fruit. From improving digestion to supporting heart health, figs offer several benefits when eaten the right way. Heres a closer look at why this ancient fruit still holds a place in modern wellness routines, how to consume it properly, and what science says about its health value.

Heartbreak often leads to profound internal shifts, not just recovery. Individuals stop romanticizing past hurts, embrace silence without panic, and develop a lower tolerance for emotional inconsistency. Attention turns inward, noticing personal patterns rather than solely external actions. Once-essential desires become optional, fostering a preference for calm over intensity, ultimately reshaping one's view of attachment and self.

In a recent update, the new government of West Bengal has announced free bus service for women commuters (on government-run buses) from June 1, 2026.

Former US President Barack Obama reveals his mother's profound influence on his leadership. Ann Dunham instilled values of kindness, respect, and compassion. Obama credits her parenting for shaping his approach to public life. These lessons guided his presidency and continue to define his legacy. His mother's impact remains a powerful example of parental influence.

Small dogs steal hearts with their adorable personalities packed into tiny packages, and suit well into apartments, laps, and endless cuddles.But even though pet dogs make a cherished part of the family, grooming them and keeping up with their health is essential.Some dogs shed so much of their fur that it sticks to various home accessories, be it sofas, bedsheets, and sometimes also enters kitchens.Dogs that shed less can be a great choice for people who want a cleaner home and easier grooming

Structured native gardens can be elegant and bee-friendly, contrary to the myth of wild landscapes. Landscape experts suggest selecting plants with predictable forms, repeating them, and mixing flowers with evergreen accents. This approach enhances biodiversity and creates a well-manicured, inviting front yard without appearing overgrown.

Ornamental shrubs are vital for summer gardens, offering structure and visual appeal beyond their blooms. Experts recommend using them as backbone plants, providing year-round interest with foliage, berries, and autumn colours. Hydrangeas, Spirea, and Viburnum are highlighted for their ability to maintain garden beds and add cohesive beauty, even in smaller spaces.

Hellstrips, challenging areas between sidewalks and streets, can be transformed into neat gardens with the right drought-tolerant plants. Experts recommend repeating a few hardy species like lavender, daylilies, blue fescue, yarrow, sedum, and Russian sage. These plants thrive in heat, poor soil, and drought, requiring minimal maintenance for an attractive display.

Veteran actor Neetu Kapoor shared insights on parenting on a podcast. She spoke about Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's distinct parenting styles for their daughter Raha. Kapoor also expressed her worries about social media's influence on children today. She emphasized the importance of giving married children space and respecting their privacy.

Dragon fruit is a vibrant pink-skinned fruit with specks of bright green on its prickly edges. It has kiwi-like flesh speckled with tiny black seeds, and it feels like a tropical dream straight out of a jungle adventure.The plant mainly grows well in warm spots, and all it needs is patience, Sun, space, and a little love. It's also sustainable, needing minimal water after settling in.Here is a step-by-step, simple guide to growing dragon fruit in your garden

Mouni Roy has come a long way from her shy debut as Krishna Tulsi in the TV serial 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. That breakout role in the early 2000s launched her into stardom, but it was her Bollywood debut in Akshay Kumar's 'Gold' (2018) that sealed her as a confident fashion icon. Fans adore her transformation-- from small-screen sweetheart to red-carpet queen. Yet, lately, the spotlight's shifted to her personal life, with whispers of trouble in paradise alongside husband Suraj Nambiar.

Often, they are communicating something they do not yet have the language to explain. When parents meet that moment with patience instead of ridicule, the child learns a lasting lesson: my feelings can be shared without making me unloved. Scroll down to know more...

A remarkable kea parrot named Bruce, born without an upper beak, has defied expectations in New Zealand. Rescued and thriving, Bruce has become an alpha, dominating his flock through an ingenious 'beak jousting' technique. His unique adaptation showcases incredible intelligence and resilience, proving that challenges can foster extraordinary survival skills.

Nature does not always follow the same rulebook. While many animals rely on a brain to think, sense danger, or move, some creatures survive perfectly well without a centralised brain. Instead, they use strategies such as cellular-level coordination, diffuse nerve nets, nerve rings and radial nerves.

It is a heavy realisation when you figure out that the person youve been sharing your life with is more of a character than a confidant. Betrayal by a stranger is annoying; betrayal by a friend is hurtful.Fake friends usually dont show up with a warning label. They arrive with big laughs and ide or die energy, only to slowly reveal a transactional heart. Here is how to spot the snakes before they get a chance to bite you.

A child may wake with a scratchy throat, a blocked nose, dry lips or irritated eyes, even when the temperature itself feels perfect. That is where a simple bucket of water comes in. It is old-fashioned, low-cost and almost laughably plain, yet many families still rely on it for a reason. Scroll down to know more.

The move comes at a time when the government is trying to manage rising import costs and protect foreign exchange reserves amid global uncertainty and tensions in West Asia. While the larger economic reasons are being discussed widely, for most people the real concern is simple will gold jewellery now cost significantly more?

European summer travel faces significant disruption with over 230 flight cancellations and 1,284 delays reported across Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and Germany. Labour strikes, staff shortages, air traffic control issues, extreme weather, and rising operational costs are contributing to widespread airline chaos, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Power couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, known for their privacy, find rejuvenation in art and nature. Their home aesthetic features vibrant flowers like magenta dahlias, lush indoor plants, and earthy stone-walled interiors. Thoughtful lighting and light curtains enhance the serene, artistic ambiance, creating a perfect escape.

Indian childhoods diverge significantly between villages and cities, each offering unique strengths and pressures. Village life fosters community and practical skills, while city life provides opportunities and exposure. Both approaches shape children differently, highlighting the need for balanced parenting that combines warmth, structure, and freedom for holistic development.

That is what makes them risky. The kitchen deserves the same care as any other part of the home, especially in households where cooking happens fast, often, and with many hands moving at once. A few small changes can prevent burns, fires, bad smells, and avoidable chaos. Here are seven things Indian families should never keep near the stove.

Meet KK Create, the YouTuber whose videos feel less like content and more like reality checks

Architectural design in India has always reflected a combination of aesthetics and functionality. In the past, houses and other structures were built not only to be aesthetically pleasing but also to consider factors like climate and people's lifestyles.

This is no ordinary island but a landmass infested by the worlds most venomous snakes, including the golden lancehead viper.

Every woman should do what she wants to do as an individual person, he said. That line carries the foundation of his view. Choice matters. Freedom matters. What he pushes back against is the idea that working outside the home is automatically superior to staying home and raising children.

The flavours are often simple, yet deeply layered because they were designed not for indulgence alone, but for balance, purity, and community. Here are seven temple dishes from India whose origins stretch back hundreds of years.

A Chinese proverb highlights that genuine love makes even simple things like water satisfying, while its absence leaves abundance feeling empty. This enduring wisdom emphasizes that emotional connection and care are more crucial for happiness and fulfillment than material possessions or luxury, a truth often overlooked in modern life.

Despite losing both parents at a young age and facing significant hardship, Assam's Vikram Chhetri achieved an impressive 89.4% in his Class 12 Arts exams. He managed household responsibilities and studied under difficult conditions until his community provided electricity just before his exams. Vikram's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration.

George Bernard Shaw's quote, Life isnt about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself, emphasizes that identity is dynamically shaped by daily choices and conscious effort. This perspective highlights that self-creation is an ongoing, active process, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their personal growth and the meaning they find in life.

Pete Davidsons latest joke about Charlie Kirk during The Roast of Kevin Hart on Netflix (May 10, 2026) has reignited the publics interest in his personal life. Aside from the social media storm, it also reminds us of his past with reality TV star Kim Kardashian. Their relationship, which started with a spark on Saturday Night Live! and evolved into a whirlwind romance, made headlines from 2021 to 2022. But why did it end? Read on to know more:

Emotional exhaustion rarely announces itself loudly. Most of the time, it appears through subtle changes in behaviour, energy, and emotional responses.Here are 10 signs your inner self may be asking for healing.

A 900-year-old sculpture in Tamil Nadu's Airavatesvara Temple presents a unique optical illusion. It features a bull and an elephant sharing a single head. Your first perception reveals personality insights. Seeing the bull suggests assertiveness, while the elephant indicates wisdom and loyalty. This ancient art offers a fascinating glimpse into individual perspectives.

In a bizarre chapter of early 20th-century America, parents mailed their children via postal service between 1913 and 1915. Leveraging new parcel post rules, families sent youngsters, some with stamps affixed, to relatives. This practice, driven by trust in mail carriers and cost savings, ended when postal authorities banned it due to safety concerns.

Rajasthan's iconic Palace on Wheels luxury train is breaking its 43-year tradition by operating in May for the first time. This unprecedented move is driven by a significant surge in passenger demand and a special charter booking, signaling a new era for year-round luxury rail tourism in the desert state.

Elon Musk champions seeking criticism as a golden key to growth, emphasizing its role in identifying flaws and fostering improvement. This approach cultivates resilience and responsibility, transforming perceived negativity into valuable feedback. By embracing constructive critique, individuals can learn from mistakes, build character, and find motivation to excel, ultimately distinguishing themselves through a commitment to continuous learning and development.

Ever feel someones got you on a stringpulling emotions, time, or decisions without trying? You dont need confrontation to cut those ties. Power dynamics shift when you change your responses, not by arguing. Psychology backs this: emotional detachment and self-reliance neutralize manipulation. So, here we list some subtle strategies that can help you reclaim your power and inner peace without saying a single word.

Bill Gates' $63 million estate, Xanadu 2.0, showcases a unique blend of technology and art. The home features digital art walls, Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester, and a periodic table sculpture, all designed to inspire creativity and reflection. Natural textures like reclaimed wood and concrete also contribute to its innovative ambiance.

Milton Hershey's 1893 visit to the Chicago World's Fair proved transformative. Witnessing a chocolate manufacturing machine, he envisioned mass production, shifting his perspective from artisanal candy to industrial-scale chocolate. This pivotal observation at the exposition laid the groundwork for the iconic Hershey Chocolate Company, demonstrating how evolving technologies can spark entrepreneurial empires.

A failed online game, Glitch, unexpectedly led to the creation of Slack. Stewart Butterfield and his team developed an internal communication tool to aid game development. This tool proved so effective that after Glitch's shutdown, the focus shifted to making it a standalone product. Slack launched in 2013, simplifying workplace communication and quickly gaining widespread adoption.

Elon Musk's 2001 trip to Russia to buy used rockets for SpaceX failed, prompting him to build his own. This pivotal moment, before SpaceX's official founding, shifted his strategy from acquisition to in-house manufacturing. The initial setback ultimately led to SpaceX's revolutionary approach to cost-effective spaceflight and its current industry leadership.

Narrow garden beds often become chaotic due to plant overgrowth. The key to success lies in selecting plants with vertical growth habits and considering their mature size. Opt for columnar shrubs and repeat compact, vertical perennials to create a structured, high-end look that thrives year-round, enhancing both aesthetics and home health.

Hair growth is dictated by the biological clock within hair follicles, which cycle through growth and rest phases. The duration of the growth phase determines hair length, with scalp follicles programmed for extended growth while arm hair follicles have shorter cycles. Environmental factors also influence follicle health and shedding patterns.

The iconic Les Marches staircase at Cannes' Palais des Festivals, built in 1982, has become a symbol of glamour and cinema. Its 24 steps are where stars step into the spotlight, creating memorable moments and embodying the festival's long history and enduring appeal for film enthusiasts worldwide.