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The Times of India

Lifestyle / The Times of India

Use Ice To Fix Carpet Dents: Melt dents with cubes, then add steam for deeper marks; drying stops damage

Sad carpet dents from furniture can be fixed with a simple ice cube trick. The melting ice hydrates compressed fibers, helping them spring back. For tougher dents, steam or a vinegar spray combined with a carpet rake might be needed. Prevent future damage by using furniture coasters or rotating your furniture regularly.

25 Apr 2026 5:20 pm
Keep Supermarket Basil Thriving: Double-pot watering extends plant life; daily pinching boosts flavour

Struggling to keep basil alive? Two simple tricks can transform your windowsill herb garden. The double pot method, using a larger container with a shallow water layer, provides consistent moisture. Daily pinching encourages bushier growth and delays flowering, ensuring tastier leaves for longer.

25 Apr 2026 5:06 pm
5 heritage-inspired Indian design elements influencing modern housing trends

Indian residential design is increasingly returning to its roots. Architects and homeowners are rediscovering heritage-inspired elements that once shaped traditional homes for climate comfort, family life, and visual richness.

25 Apr 2026 4:00 pm
This is where I studiedWhy MP board topper Chandanis parents say theres no one like her

Chandni Vishwakarma, hailing from Bhopal's Bhim Nagar, exemplifies resilience as she emerged as the 12th board topper with an impressive 98.8% in commerce. Living in a modest one-room home with her father, a carpenter, and her mother, who serves in a mid-day meal program, she navigated through the challenges of limited resources and constant noise.

25 Apr 2026 3:13 pm
Top 5 posh areas of Thane for luxury living

Thane has rapidly evolved from a quiet suburb into a thriving urban destination known for premium residential living. Its efficient infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and beautiful green settings have made it popular among buyers who are looking for a luxurious place.

25 Apr 2026 10:00 am
Rihanna takes over Mumbai in two head-turning looks

From posing effortlessly for the cameras outside Phoenix Palladium to switching up looks like it was nothing, Rihanna turned the whole evening into her personal runway.And honestly, two outfits in one night? Both completely different moods? We love to see it.

25 Apr 2026 9:26 am
Is your toddler constantly hitting you and others? Common triggers and how to control this behaviour

Toddlers often hit due to frustration, overstimulation, or unmet needs. Parents can manage this behavior by staying calm and redirecting their child. Teaching toddlers to express emotions and demonstrating gentle touch are key. Understanding these triggers helps parents respond effectively. This approach fosters better emotional regulation in young children.

25 Apr 2026 5:00 am
Nita Ambani owns the global stage in a saree at TIME100 Gala

Nita Ambani captivated the TIME100 Gala by opting for a classic handwoven Banarasi saree and a bold, handcrafted blouse, eschewing typical red carpet trends. Her choice, complemented by historically significant jewelry and understated makeup, powerfully represented Indian culture and identity on a global stage, aligning with Reliance's initiative to spotlight rising Indian talent.

24 Apr 2026 10:19 pm
5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar

It all began at a busy airport in the early 90s, long before selfies and social media could turn a moment into a headline. Strip away the fame, the pressure, and the crowds, and what youre left with is a relationship thats actually a masterclass in doing things right. Here are five real, practical takeaways from their journey:

24 Apr 2026 9:00 pm
Jiske upar koi nai hota.. usko: Teenage orphan shares heartbreaking reality of children without parents

Meet Chand, a resilient 16-year-old who navigates the dual challenges of unloading bricks and attending 10th grade. Captivating audiences on social media, his journey, marked by the loss of his parents, emphasizes a profound truth: true maturity often arises from necessity and confrontation with life's trials, reminding us that wisdom doesnt always come with age.

24 Apr 2026 9:00 pm
France removes Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirement; what it means for Indian travellers

Indian nationals can now transit through France without an airport transit visa, a significant policy shift officially implemented on April 10, 2026. This long-awaited change simplifies international travel for millions of Indian passengers connecting through French airports to destinations across North America, Europe, and Latin America.

24 Apr 2026 8:04 pm
'I realise our lives are much easier, but we still keep complaining' Surat womans post on juice seller is breaking hearts online

A Surat resident's observation of a roadside juice seller revealed the stark reality of his daily earnings. Despite selling many glasses of juice and coconuts, his net income after expenses and rent is modest, supporting a family of four. The story highlights the unseen effort behind everyday services and challenges assumptions about pricing.

24 Apr 2026 6:00 pm
Your backpacks midlife crisis: The science of why bag sag is wrecking your back

Your backpack's shape is crucial for spinal health, not just aesthetics. Poor storage habits like hanging by one strap deform its internal support, disrupting your body's balance and leading to strain. Researchers emphasize treating backpacks as equipment, storing them vertically to maintain their structure and prevent musculoskeletal pain. Organizing your bag daily ensures comfort and good posture.

24 Apr 2026 5:35 pm
What do American children carry in their school bags? How it is different from India

In Indian classrooms, students tote around a mountain of textbooks, while their American peers enjoy the luxury of lighter school bags. This weight disparity is largely due to differences in educational frameworks, access to technology, and the use of lockers.

24 Apr 2026 5:00 pm
Global Property Hotspots: 5 most valuable residential markets

Residential real estate remains one of the most important pillars of global wealth reflecting both economic strength and living standards across nations. Even with changing market conditions, housing continues to hold long-term value and attract investment worldwide.

24 Apr 2026 4:00 pm
Top 8 beaches in the world in 2026 and why travellers cant get enough

For anyone who loves beaches and for those who are planning beach vacay in 2026, this is for you. Every year, millions of travellers, photographers and visitors leave behind reviews and photos, not knowing how important those are for shaping the future of travel. Here are 2026 rankings by Tripadvisor of best beaches in the world drawn from real traveller feedback (in over 12 months). It is an experience of a lifetime.

24 Apr 2026 3:53 pm
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers are not the same: What their colours actually tell you about nutrition

Red, yellow, and green bell peppers differ mainly because of ripeness. Red peppers are richest in nutrients, especially vitamin C and antioxidants. Yellow peppers provide a middle-ground option with eye-health benefits, while green peppers are lower in sugar and calories. Eating a mix of all three, both raw and lightly cooked, offers the most balanced health benefits.

24 Apr 2026 3:46 pm
'I am 98 but still young: Her husband died, her home fell silent then Prabhavati Nani turned her kitchen into a thriving business

Prabhavati Nani from Ahmedabad found a new purpose later in life. After her husband passed away, she started Nani's Nashta from her home kitchen. This venture now serves over 200 families. Anand Mahindra shared her inspiring story, highlighting that age is not a limit for starting something new. Her simple, home-cooked food connects with many.

24 Apr 2026 3:31 pm
The mistake that makes your space look more cluttered than it is

Most homes feel cluttered not because of too many items, but because of how they are arranged. Scattered placement creates visual noise, while grouping objects brings calm and structure. By organising decor into clusters and leaving some spaces empty, any room can feel more open and intentional.

24 Apr 2026 2:35 pm
The one thing that children need more than advice from their parents

Children learn more from how parents make them feel than from lectures. Emotional safety allows them to listen and grow. Being heard validates their feelings and teaches them their voice matters. Parents' presence and owning mistakes offer valuable lessons. This understanding builds strong relationships, fostering growth.

24 Apr 2026 2:01 pm
5 signs your lover doesn't love you and is only after your money

Relationships are supposed to feel safe, easy, and balanced. Like you can just be yourself without constantly thinking, Wait am I being used here? or silently checking your bank balance after every date.

24 Apr 2026 1:51 pm
AC vs Fan in a heatwave: What actually keeps you safe when temperatures soar?

Extreme heat poses a health risk, shifting cooling from comfort to necessity. While ACs offer superior protection by reducing temperature and humidity during heatwaves, they can cause dryness if misused. Fans are effective in moderate heat but can worsen exposure in extreme conditions. A balanced approach using both, with mindful habits, is key to staying healthy.

24 Apr 2026 1:51 pm
GK Fact of the Day: Not just chameleons; 5 animals that can change colour

When we think of animals that can change colour, chameleons are usually the first to come to mind. However nature is far more fascinating and diverse. Many other creatures have developed the ability to change their colour for survival, communication or camouflage.

24 Apr 2026 1:00 pm
5 things teens wish parents would stop doing

They are not asking for perfection. They are asking for parents to stop repeating the same patterns that make them shut down, lie, withdraw or feel smaller than they are. Here are five things many teens wish parents would stop doing.

24 Apr 2026 12:11 pm
Generational trauma must end with us, says Rashmika Mandanna, questioning the burden placed on children

Actress Rashmika Mandanna's comments on generational trauma are sparking a vital conversation about parenting and emotional inheritance. She asserts that children shouldn't bear the weight of parental expectations or unresolved pain, emphasizing that childbirth is a choice that shouldn't burden offspring with inherited wounds.

24 Apr 2026 9:11 am
10 beautiful baby girl names that mean grace and elegance

Choosing a baby girls name is a heartfelt journey, especially when you want something that reflects beauty, grace and timeless elegance. In Indian culture, names often carry deep meanings rooted in tradition, spirituality, and poetic expression. Here are ten graceful girl names.

24 Apr 2026 7:00 am
Love quote of the day by Julianne Moore: Loving someone is giving them the power to break your heart, but trusting them not to

Julianne Moore's quote highlights that true love involves granting someone the power to hurt you, yet trusting them to protect your heart. This means embracing vulnerability and expecting honesty, respect, and kindness in return, applicable to both romantic relationships and friendships.

24 Apr 2026 6:00 am
The pantry secret that erases years of tea and coffee build-up from your mugs

Stubborn coffee and tea rings in your favorite mugs can be effectively removed using baking soda. This mild abrasive, with its unique crystal structure, gently scrubs away stains without damaging the ceramic. Baking soda's alkaline properties also help to separate acidic stains from the cup's surface, restoring a spotless appearance.

24 Apr 2026 4:35 am
Beyond the scrub: The new science of lifting oil stains without harsh chemicals

Say goodbye to harsh detergents! Scientists have developed a revolutionary fabric coating that repels oil using just water pressure, making stains vanish effortlessly. Even with current machines, optimizing drum speed and load size enhances stain removal. A 40C wash temperature further aids oil dilution, proving physics plays a key role alongside chemistry for a cleaner wardrobe and planet.

24 Apr 2026 4:22 am
Why drying clothes indoors is changing your homes air

Winter brings a common household challenge. Drying clothes indoors releases moisture, increasing humidity. Poor ventilation traps this dampness, creating ideal conditions for mould. This can lead to respiratory problems for residents. Experts advise opening windows or using fans. Maintaining humidity below 50 percent is crucial for a healthy home environment.

24 Apr 2026 4:11 am
Why your 'squeaky clean' wood routine might be a recipe for rot

Your cleaning habits could be silently destroying your prized wooden furniture. Experts reveal that water, even when seemingly dried, penetrates wood's porous structure, causing internal swelling and stress. Finishes offer limited protection, trapping moisture and fostering decay. Learn the gentle, effective cleaning method to preserve your cherished pieces for years to come.

24 Apr 2026 4:00 am
The dark truth: Why your cooking oil belongs in the cupboard, not the countertop

Sunlight triggers photo-oxidation in oils, forming free radicals that degrade fatty acids, impacting taste and nutritional value. While natural antioxidants offer initial protection, their depletion leads to rapid deterioration, with rice bran oil showing the most resistance. Proper storage in cool, dark, opaque containers is crucial to preserve oil quality.

24 Apr 2026 3:51 am
Why cutting aluminium foil isn't actually sharpening your scissors

While slicing aluminum foil might offer a temporary fix for dull scissors by gently realigning minor burrs, scientific facts indicate it's not a true sharpening method. True sharpness requires grinding away metal to recreate the precise cutting edge, a task foil cannot accomplish. Regular maintenance like tightening the pivot screw and oiling blades is more effective for long-term efficiency.

24 Apr 2026 3:31 am
The temperature trap: Why your prime egg storage spot is actually a safety risk

Storing eggs in the refrigerator door is a common mistake that compromises their safety and longevity. Constant temperature fluctuations in the door area can lead to condensation, allowing bacteria to penetrate the shell. For optimal freshness and safety, keep eggs in their original carton in the cooler, more stable middle or lower sections of the fridge.

24 Apr 2026 3:21 am
Keep Indoor Air Healthy: Over-sealed rooms trap pollution; window bursts clear stale air

Sealing homes for winter saves energy but can trap harmful indoor pollutants like CO2 and VOCs. Over-sealing without proper ventilation leads to poor air quality and potential health issues. Short, timed window openings can effectively refresh air without significant heat loss, balancing warmth and clean indoor environments.

24 Apr 2026 3:11 am
That invisible layer on your phone screen is more important than you think

Your phone's screen has a delicate nano-coating that can be damaged by rough fabrics and harsh cleaners like alcohol or ammonia. Aggressively wiping your screen with the wrong materials slowly removes this protective layer, making it prone to smudges and scratches.

24 Apr 2026 3:01 am
Keep Onions And Potatoes Apart: Storing them together speeds rot; separate spots extend shelf life

A common pantry habit of storing onions and potatoes together is harming your groceries. Onions release moisture, promoting fungal growth, while potatoes emit ethylene gas that speeds up onion decay. This leads to premature sprouting and rotting for both. Separating these vegetables into well-ventilated, cool, and dry spaces significantly extends their shelf life.

24 Apr 2026 2:51 am
Egg Boiling Physics Hack: Study backs 32minute hotcold method; eggs stay creamier, more nutritious

Achieving the perfect boiled egg, with its creamy yolk and tender white, isn't luck but physics. Researchers discovered that egg whites and yolks cook best at different temperatures. A new periodic cooking method, involving alternating between boiling and cool water, ensures both components reach their ideal states, resulting in a superior taste and increased nutritional value.

24 Apr 2026 2:41 am
Meet Alan Sindhu Dinsha, Kerala youth who built AI-powered armour for paralysed patients moved by his father's condition

Inspired by his father's paralysis, Alan Sindhu Dinsha developed Exobonic, an AI-powered exoskeleton. This pneumatic suit translates brain signals into physical movement, enabling paralyzed individuals to walk. The innovative device, developed with a team, aims to revolutionize mobility for those with lower-limb paralysis and has potential applications beyond healthcare.

24 Apr 2026 12:11 am
Top 5 elite residential neighbourhoods in Lucknow for end-users and investors

The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a perfect example of harmonious integration between traditional values and contemporary urban planning. Over time, there has been tremendous progress in terms of infrastructure, connectivity and increasing demand.

23 Apr 2026 7:00 pm
'Unke chehre ki khushi meri life ki sabse badi achievement thi': Son takes auto driver father, homemaker mother on first flight, video goes viral

A viral reel captured a son's joy as he took his parents on their first flight, a moment born from years of his father's sacrifice as an auto driver. This simple trip, funded by his success in professional jump rope, marked a profound shift, finally allowing his parents to experience life beyond necessity and hear his father's proud words.

23 Apr 2026 5:49 pm
5 books for toddlers to read this World Book Day

Celebrate World Book Day by igniting the imaginations of little readers with enchanting tales that foster compassion and a love for nature. Explore five delightful recommendations, such as Alia Bhatt's heartwarming 'Ed Finds a Home' alongside 'We Are Water Protectors,' which beautifully instill values of environmental stewardship and self-acceptance.

23 Apr 2026 5:29 pm
I feel my father did this one thing which was the reason for our success, Woman shares the habit which helped her crack UPSC and her brothers IIT and IIM

Anupma Chandra attributes her family's academic success, including civil services and IIT/IIM admissions, to a childhood steeped in books. Her parents' admiration for book-filled homes instilled a belief that learning, curiosity, and dedication, fostered by her father's advice to surround yourself with books, were key to achievement. This simple, yet profound, home environment nurtured ambition.

23 Apr 2026 2:46 pm
St Georges Day Around the World: The story behind it and countries celebrating It

April 23 marks St. George's Day, a commemoration with roots in the 3rd-century Roman Empire, not England. The legend evolved from a Christian martyr to a dragon-slayer, spreading across Europe and adopted by various cultures. While England's national celebration has waned, countries like Catalonia, Georgia, and Bulgaria continue to observe the day with unique traditions, highlighting its enduring, adaptable legacy.

23 Apr 2026 2:24 pm