The Times of India

Critical thinking is a vital skill that develops from childhood through everyday interactions. Parents can foster this by encouraging questions, allowing independent decision-making, teaching diverse perspectives, and letting children solve age-appropriate problems. Modeling thoughtful thinking yourself also significantly shapes a child's analytical abilities.

Ravichandran Ashwin aka R. Ashwin aka spin wizard is counted among the greatest off-spinners in modern cricket. With over 500 Test wickets in his record, the sportsman has played a significant role in many of India's biggest domestic and international victories.

Growing lotus at home feels like bringing a slice of ancient Asia right to your balcony or pond; those pretty pink blooms bloom in muddy waters but are pure symbols of purity and calm.Although the lotus originally belongs to warm puddles across India and beyond, its sacred nature has wowed cultures for millennia as a symbol of resilience, dying in winter only to bloom again in the coming spring.Although growing them can seem difficult, with some careful steps and regular care, lotus can also gro

The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is famous for its rich heritage, greenery, and modern city facilities. Over time, many areas have become excellent residential areas because of their accessibility, tranquillity, and proximity to important organizations, IT parks, and lifestyle centers.

It is rightly said that nature has everything for human sustenance, we must only know how to use things wisely.Similarly, nothing goes to waste in a smart garden, not even vegetable and fruit waste. They're goldmines for your plants, and turning kitchen scraps into fertiliser feels like a win for your wallet, the planet, and your green babies.It reduces chemical exposure in the soil, enhances soil health, and helps in lush growth without fancy store items. Amid rising eco-awareness and a passion

Selena Gomez captivated onlookers at a special screening in Los Angeles, showcasing a vintage-inspired black Carolina Herrera midi dress. The singer's elegant ensemble, featuring shimmering embellishments and puff sleeves, exuded timeless Hollywood glamour. Paired with classic accessories and a striking red lip, her effortlessly chic look proved that subtle sophistication can make a powerful statement.

Sometimes, the way you see things says more about you than you realize. Thats what makes an optical illusion personality test so quietly fascinatingit turns a simple image into something that feels oddly personal, like a tiny mirror held up to your mind.Take a moment to really look at this one and go with your first instinct. What do you see firsta woman or trees? Dont overthink it. Thats where the magic of the test lies. The goal isnt to solve the image; its to notice what your brain naturally

A 16-year-old tourist tragically died after falling from a cliff swing in China, despite repeatedly warning staff her safety rope was insecure. The incident, captured on viral video, has sparked outrage over negligence and highlighted global concerns about adventure tourism safety. The park has been temporarily shut down as investigations proceed.

A widow's profound connection to her late husband's voice, Mind the gap, on the London Underground led to its restoration at Embankment station. This deeply personal request transformed a routine announcement into a cherished memorial, highlighting how ordinary urban infrastructure can hold significant private meaning and memory.

R. Madhavan is having a bit of a moment after his massive box-office success with 'Dhurandhar'. Recently, the actor reshared a post on social media about the subtle habits men truly value in a partnerand it wasn't about grand romantic gestures or movie-style declarations. Instead, it was about the tiny, everyday behaviours that make a man feel like hes in a safe harbour rather than a storm.Here is a breakdown of the elationship cheat codes that actually move the needle for most men.

What is micro-retirement? The Gen Z work trend replacing hustle culture in 2026

India is home to a diverse range of birds found across the country. While some soar high in the sky, others dot the waterbodies.Wetlands and woodlands fill with excitement each year as birds fly in from distant lands during the summer. These feathered travelers chase better weather, plenty of food, and safe spots to nest and raise their young. From Africa's swamps to Europe's forests, they cross oceans and mountains, landing in places like Gujarat, Haryana, and Bengal.Spotting one of these feels

Words alone do not create a persons entire future, but they can leave a lasting imprint. Here are seven phrases that children who hear often may carry into adulthood in the form of worry, fear, and overthinking.

Coimbatore has established itself as a promising real estate location due to its booming industries, IT growth, and infrastructure development. High-end residential locations within Coimbatore include luxury, connectivity, and good return on investment.

The Spanish saying Amor con amor se paga highlights how consistent kindness and care are reciprocated, fostering deeper connections. Real love often manifests in quiet, everyday gestures rather than grand displays, building trust and emotional safety. This principle applies across all relationships, demonstrating that genuine affection creates more affection.

A passport is one of the most important travel documents which allows people to travel across the globe. However, beyond being a travel document, a passport also reflects how freely citizens of a country can move across the world.

Researchers have developed a clear nail polish that makes long fingernails conductive, allowing them to interact with capacitive touchscreens. This innovation uses acid-base chemistry to transfer electric charge, enabling taps and swipes. While still in early testing with concerns about longevity and safety, the concept aims to resolve the common frustration of using smartphones with long nails.

Once a cleaner for coal-soiled wallpaper, a failing company found new life when its owner's sister-in-law suggested its putty could be a children's toy. Stripped of detergents and infused with colour and scent, this humble cleaner transformed into Play-Doh, a global sensation now valued at over $500 million, proving that failure can indeed be a launchpad for incredible success.

A chance discovery at a Michigan sanitarium in 1894 led to the creation of flaked cereal. Brothers Will and John Harvey Kellogg, seeking healthy food alternatives, accidentally produced toasted wheat flakes. While John Harvey focused on health, Will envisioned commercial success, eventually adding sugar and using corn to launch a global breakfast empire.

Gardens in the US may feel private, but they are shaped by rules connected to safety, wildlife, public health, and environmental protection. From burning leaves to feeding animals or planting invasive species, several common backyard habits can actually violate local laws. Understanding these rules helps homeowners protect not only their gardens, but also the communities and ecosystems around them.

A 4-year-old boy, Trishan, reportedly showed unusual fear of water and expressed a premonition before the tragic Jabalpur boat accident on April 30, 2026. His father recounted Trishan's words, Papa, we should not go into the water, and a chilling question asked during the cruise. The family's unpacked luggage serves as a painful reminder of the lives lost.

Goa is so much more than its beaches and party culture. The place is also about luxury houses which are no longer just vacation retreats but are architectural marvels with high-value real estate.

Gardens in the UK come with more responsibilities than many people realise. From noisy gardening habits and smoky bonfires to protected trees and invasive plants, several actions can create legal or environmental problems. Many of these rules exist to protect neighbours, wildlife, and local communities. Understanding these lesser-known restrictions can help homeowners enjoy their outdoor spaces without accidentally crossing legal boundaries.

For a long time, if you were the person who preferred a book and a quiet corner to a loud party, people assumed something was wrong. You were labeled antisocial, shy, or just plain weird. But heres the reality: choosing solitude isn't about hating people; its about how you process the world. Some of the most insightful, creative, and grounded people aren't the loudest ones in the room. Instead, theyre the ones quietly observing from the edges. They don't just sit in silence; they live in it. Her

May is a crucial month for Japanese maples, requiring specific care to ensure vibrant foliage. Light pruning in late spring tidies the tree, while a two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch retains moisture and cools roots. Smart watering, checking soil moisture before watering, is essential to prevent over or under-watering, setting the stage for a beautiful display all season.

Nile monitor lizards are large, intelligent reptiles that often wander into human spaces in search of food, water, or shelter. While their size can look frightening, these reptiles usually avoid people unless cornered or threatened. This article explains whether Nile monitor lizards are dangerous, why they enter home gardens, and what practical, humane steps can help keep them away without harming them or disturbing the local ecosystem.

But the strange thing about this bond is that many of its deepest truths dont become clear while we are growing up. They arrive later during adulthood, after arguments, distance, shared struggles, or sometimes after becoming a mother ourselves.Here are eight truths about motherdaughter relationships that many people only fully understand much later in life.

Meryl Streep's homes reflect her acting style, blending art, craft, and beauty. Her Manhattan penthouse featured modern artworks complementing its sleek design, while her Connecticut estate includes a sculptor's studio, fostering a creative, art-centered lifestyle. Both residences showcase art as emotional anchors, deeply integrated into her life.

A Hangzhou court ruled that companies cannot use AI adoption as an excuse to unfairly dismiss employees. The case involved a supervisor demoted and facing a pay cut after AI automated his tasks. The court emphasized that technological change must be handled with fairness, preserving reasonable pay and status, not just employment.

May offers a prime opportunity to transform bare gardens into vibrant spaces. Fast-growing annuals like Cosmos, Zinnias, and Nasturtiums bloom within weeks, providing stunning midsummer colour. Beyond aesthetics, these flowers boost mental well-being and support local pollinators, creating a beautiful and beneficial garden with minimal effort.

A fruit seller's remarkable honesty has captivated thousands online after he chased down a customer to return an accidental Rs 1500 overpayment for bananas. The customer, distracted, paid Rs 1515 instead of Rs 15. The vendor's immediate action to rectify the mistake, without hesitation, serves as a heartwarming reminder of integrity in everyday transactions.

Sudha Murty offers timeless parenting wisdom, emphasizing empathy, humility, and emotional strength. She advises parents to let children pursue their dreams, engage in meaningful conversations, and prioritize reading over gadgets. Murty also stresses the importance of not comparing children, teaching them money isn't everything, fostering patience, and instilling respect for all individuals.

While tigers are apex predators, they are not invincible. Animals like wild boar with sharp tusks, massive gaur, and even large pythons can pose a significant threat. Packs of dholes and their closest rival, the lion, also present formidable challenges, demonstrating that even the king of the jungle can face defeat.

Packing seems like a simple chore at a glance, you think about what you need and where you are going, you make a list and you pack. For some people, these steps are skipped entirely with just stuffing whatever they can grab and fit in the bag. But whats important to note is that every suitcase tells a story.

We live in a world where most people are busy creating an image of themselves-- be it through their appearance or fashion choices. Between the fitness influencers, the get ready with me videos, and the pressure to age backwards, its completely normal to want to look good. But theres a point where looking your best stops being about self-confidence and starts being about survival.In psychology, theres a term for this: somatic narcissism. Its not a formal diagnosis youll find on a medical chart, b

Fresh and glowing in the morning mist, a tiger safari feels like stepping into another world. But many tourists unknowingly make small mistakes that reduce their chances of seeing wildlife and can even disturb the animals.Whether choosing the wrong time of year or rushing through the forest, some common errors can invite unwanted risks and make a serene trip frustrating.Here are some of the most frequent tiger safari mistakes tourists make

Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary on May 7 offers a chance to revisit his inspiring words. His wisdom on potential, creativity, and truth remains relevant for today's children. Tagore's quotes challenge modern definitions of success and happiness. They encourage emotional growth and a slower pace of life.

The Indian real estate industry is steadily growing on account of increasing urbanisation and development. The metro cities still hold their importance, whereas the Tier-2 cities are coming up as good places to invest. Heres a list of India's top 10 real estate markets. Let's take a look!

Trains, globally recognized for their safety, surprisingly lack seat belts. Experts explain this is due to their controlled environment, fixed tracks, and gradual deceleration. Unlike cars and planes, trains' design, including energy-absorbing interiors, makes seat belts potentially hazardous. Even high-speed trains like Japan's Shinkansen operate without them, prioritizing passenger mobility and safety through other means.

The Maharani of Baroda has quietly become one of the most elegant champions of Indian handloom fashion in recent years. While celebrity fashion often swings between trend-heavy and over-styled, Radhikarajes saree choices stand out because they feel authentic. She doesnt wear sarees like costumes for Instagram pictures. She wears them like someone who genuinely loves the craft, the history, and the emotion attached to them. And one of her recent looks during her Indore trip was the perfect remind

Kitchens are just the right places for brewing coffee and conversations, adding the right flavours to dishes and bonds among people, but they are also a magnet for many small insects that love food, crumbs, and moisture.While a few bugs may seem like a minor problem, they can quickly multiply and become an infestation if left unchecked.Here are 5 bugs frequently found behind refrigerators and appliances.

A new employee was fired within a week of starting his job after inquiring about a missing day of pay. He contacted payroll directly, which his supervisor deemed inappropriate. Despite the issue being resolved, he was terminated with no clear explanation, leaving him questioning the company's response to a minor payroll error.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, once resistant to political involvement, has now led his party, TVK, to emerge as the single-largest force in Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections. This dramatic turnaround follows a public dispute with his parents over the use of his name for political activities, highlighting a personal journey of asserting autonomy and eventually choosing his own political path.