These snacks are more than just food. They are part of our festivals, traditions, and daily life. Adding health warnings may scare people and reduce their trust in these age-old delicacies, directly impacting the small shop owners who depend on them for their livelihood.

Meanwhile, fast food items like burgers, French fries, and pizzas — which are often made with unhealthy ingredients and linked to rising obesity among youth — continue to be sold without any such warnings. This has led to questions about why only traditional Indian food is being targeted.

Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of CAPSI (Central Association of Private Security Industry), has raised this issue and expressed concern. He said that this kind of one-sided action could damage our local economy and traditional businesses, just like malls and online shopping have already affected small kirana stores.

Instead of blaming traditional Indian snacks, the focus should be on promoting balanced eating and healthy lifestyle habits. Every type of food — whether Indian or Western — should follow the same health rules.

Protecting our small businesses and food culture is very important. The halwai shops are not just sellers — they are keepers of our food heritage and a proud part of Indian life.

Begin Her Day with a Pause, Not a Rush
Offer her a slow start to the day with a warm cup of tea and a few minutes of calm. It’s the small comforts that truly set the tone for a day meant for her.

Make Bath Time All About Soft Se Bhi Soft Skin with Vivel
Give her a bath experience that feels like self-care, not a routine. The Vivel Red Aloe Vera & Cherry Blossom Shower Gel is enriched with Red Aloe Vera for soothing hydration and Cherry Blossom for a delicate floral freshness. It gently cleanses with plant-based ingredients and leaves her skin feeling soft se bhi soft—free from parabens and tested by dermatologists for everyday use.

Wrap Her in Softness from Head to Toe
Have her towel, fresh clothes, and moisturiser ready. These little steps turn a simple bath into something relaxing and thoughtful. After all, softness is not just in touch, but in the way we care.

The Bath That Says “This Time is Yours”
Let her take her time. No knocking, no rushing—just a few uninterrupted moments in the bathroom with calming fragrance, warm water, and a body wash that makes her feel refreshed and valued.

Skip the Gifts, Offer Gentle Care Instead
Instead of buying something, give her what she rarely gets—care. Whether it’s drawing the bucket, adjusting the water to the right temperature, or handing her the all-new Vivel body washes, these acts say more than any present can.

End the Day with a Thank You That Feels Real
After a day of softness and thought, tell her what she means to you. No need for long speeches—just a quiet, honest thank you. That, paired with a comforting bath, is a gift she’ll always remember.

This Mother’s Day, let every drop of water, every soft bubble, and every fragrance carry a message—she’s loved, she’s appreciated, and she deserves every bit of care. With Vivel Red Aloe Vera & Cherry Blossom Shower Gel, her bath can be more than cleansing—it can be her moment of calm in a busy world.

This year, the festival will be celebrated on 30^th April 2025. As the celebrations around Akshaya Tritiya evolve, the significance of purchasing ‘true white’ continues to hold great meaning as it symbolizes purity and auspiciousness. Besides being intrinsically white, Platinum jewellery with its 95% purity and timeless appeal, perfectly embodies the spirit of this occasion. One of the rarest & purest metals to exist on this planet, platinum is known for its naturally white, that remains untarnished over time, making it a fitting choice for auspicious events. Platinum jewellery thus becomes particularly favoured for this occasion due to its association with purity.

Consumers looking to commemorate Akshaya Tritiya with platinum jewellery have a diverse range to choose from. Options include contemporary pieces for women by Platinum Evara, unique statement jewellery for men from Men of Platinum, and beautifully crafted commitment-bands for couples by Platinum Love Bands.

Platinum jewellery, blending tradition and modernity, symbolizes everlasting prosperity and beauty for generations. The “Pt 950” inscription on each piece signifies the highest purity, making it a fitting choice for Akshaya Tritiya celebrations.

SHOP THE PLATINUM JEWELLERY COLLECTION AT LEADING JEWELLERY RETAILERS NATIONWIDE

Summer haircare musts

1. Lock in moisture from the inside out

Moisture levels within your hair can vary depending on the humidity levels in your environment. Excessive heat can compromise your hair’s natural moisture balance by making the hair more porous, causing it to gain or lose water more easily. Opt for machines with intelligent heat control, that have been engineered to prevent excessive heat damage and safeguard your hair’s moisture balance.

• Don’t skip scalp care

Your scalp is skin, too—and just like your face, it needs extra care in summer. Sun exposure, sweat, and product buildup can disrupt its natural balance. A weekly gentle exfoliating scrub followed by a cooling serum can help soothe and reset your scalp. To go a step further, use a hair dryer that features a Scalp Protect mode that intelligently lowers heat as it nears the scalp, allowing you to style without compromising scalp health.

• Heat-style smarter, not harder

Opt for styling tools with intelligent heat control to reduce damage. Devices like the Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler and dryer and the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer offer precision styling while protecting hair integrity. For daily use, set tools to the lowest effective heat to retain moisture and avoid breakage.

• Build a protective barrier

UV rays, salt water, and chlorinated pools can be damaging. Mist on a hair UV protectant spray before stepping out, and rinse your hair with fresh water before and after a swim to reduce the absorption of salt and chemicals.

• Avoid rough towel drying your hair

Wet hair is at its most fragile rubbing it with a towel can cause overstretching and breakage. Instead, gently blot or squeeze out moisture with a soft towel. Better yet, opt for wet-to-dry styling tools, which has no hot plates and uses controlled airflow to dry and straighten simultaneously, helping reduce damage while saving time.

Styling solutions for summer challenges

1. Bye-bye frizz, hello smooth

Humidity can wreak havoc on your hair. Use lightweight serums or frizz-control sprays on damp hair and finish with a cool shot from your dryer. For next-level smoothness use the Coanda smoothing Dryer for taming flyaways without frying your strands.

• Style refresh on the go

No time for a full wash and style? Use a dry shampoo to add freshness to the roots and a round brush attachment to revive limp sections. A loose low bun or claw-clip twist adds instant polish with minimal effort.

• Volume that lasts

For flat, lifeless hair, the trick is in your prep. Use a root-lifting spray or foam before blow-drying and flip your head upside down while drying for instant lift. For extra bounce, style with the round volumizing brush— it builds body from the roots, so your style stays full and defined all day long. It’s also important to avoid overusing hair styling products, especially near the roots, as this can weigh down your hair and diminish the lift you worked to achieve.

• Beachy texture, no salt required

Skip the crunchiness of salt sprays—opt for a texture cream or lightweight curl enhancer to achieve soft waves. You can even braid your hair while it’s damp and let it air dry for a heatless tousled look.

New Delhi: In today’s world, young women are redefining strength and embracing their unique journeys with pride. The latest Platinum EVARA campaign features Jemimah Rodrigues, a star of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, and Nithyashree Venkataramanan, a musical prodigy from Tamil Nadu, as they share their top platinum jewelry picks for the season.

These remarkable women embody self-discovery and personal growth, choosing platinum pieces that celebrate their unique journeys and milestones. Each piece of jewelry symbolizes their achievements, emotional revelations, and the triumphs that have shaped their lives.

Jemimah and Nithyashree select platinum, a metal born from the stars, for its exceptional durability, purity, and naturally white sheen that never fades. This rare metal, with its unmatched strength and eternal elegance, perfectly complements their distinctive styles and the milestones they continue to achieve. For them, platinum is not just a choice; it’s an expression of their individuality and authenticity.

Draw inspiration from Jemimah & Nithyashree’s top platinum jewellery picks from the Platinum Evara collection to enhance your style and celebrate your unique identity

Jemimah’s top three picks from Platinum EVARA –

Platinum Drops Necklace

Like a mesmerizing dance, this platinum necklace showcases a cluster of free-flowing drop-shaped motifs studded with diamonds. These free-flowing raindrops symbolize the hope and optimism with which you look at life, embracing each aspect of what it offers you with open arms. Crafted in 95% pure platinum, found in limited quantities and in select locations across the world, this is a precious metal that’s undeniably rare.

The Platinum Buds Bracelet

Crafted with a series of delicate platinum buds gracefully lining its length, this sleek bracelet symbolizes your growth and how you’ve flourished over time. Cast in 95% pure platinum, a naturally white metal that stays true to itself, making it truly rare, it’s an ode to your unique abilities that are so precious and help craft your unique story.

Platinum Bold & Beautiful Necklace

Platinum links hold a unique multi-faceted form at the heart of this one-of-a-kind stunner. Crafted in a metal found in limited quantities around the world, platinum is exquisite and rare. The statement motifs represent the bold decisions you make as you navigate through your story, celebrating each one without hesitation.

Nithyashree’s top three picks from Platinum EVARA –

Platinum Graceful Rectangular Drops Earrings

These gorgeous earrings are a symphony of captivating rectangular motifs. Seamlessly intertwined and designed to sway rhythmically, they symbolize your many facets, that you discover, embrace and love because they are what makes you unique. It’s what steers you on your extraordinary path of becoming yourself. Crafted in pure platinum that’s found only in select locations worldwide, making it truly rare, this Platinum Evara speaks of your one-of-a-kind gifts that you love to wear with pride.

Platinum Mosaic Medley Necklace

Platinum Mosaic Medley Necklace​ A mosaic of triangular facets with a play of versatile patterns, makes for a contemporary centerpiece in this platinum necklace. Its varied textures echo the many facets of your personality, each bringing you joy and making you truly unique. Cast in 95% pure platinum, embossed with the Pt950 mark – one of the highest standards of purity in precious jewellery, it’s a metal that’s truly one of a kind. Just like you.

Platinum Precious Pellets Bracelet

This sleek platinum bracelet features delicately intertwined links anchored by a striking pellet centerpiece. A beautiful reminder of all that keeps you anchored and makes you – you. Crafted in 95% pure platinum, a naturally white metal whose colour never changes, it’s a precious metal that is truly one of a kind, mirroring just how unique you are.​

 Choose from the latest Platinum EVARA collection available across leading jewellery retail stores. These pieces from Platinum Evara are not just jewellery but emblems of each young woman’s distinct path and the milestones that define their growth and individuality. With their unique designs and the enduring quality of platinum, these selections are perfect for celebrating significant moments and milestones.

New Delhi: Priyanka Chopra, the global superstar and fashion icon, recently made headlines with her surprise visit to India for her brother Siddharth Chopra’s wedding celebrations. Known for her impeccable style and ability to set trends, Priyanka dazzled onlookers with her exquisite choice of attire and accessories at one of the wedding functions.

For the special occasion, Priyanka opted for a breathtaking berry-hued chiffon sari, crafted by none other than Bollywood’s favorite designer, Manish Malhotra. The sari, with its rich color and delicate fabric, was a perfect choice, accentuating Priyanka’s natural elegance and enhancing her radiant appearance. Her choice of traditional Indian wear was a nod to her roots, beautifully showcasing her ability to blend contemporary style with classic elements.

Priyanka’s look was further elevated by her choice of jewelry, which was nothing short of spectacular. As a brand ambassador for the luxury Italian brand Bulgari, she chose to adorn herself with pieces from their iconic Serpenti collection. The centerpiece of her accessories was a Serpenti Viper Bracelet, crafted in 18 kt white gold and encrusted with full pavé diamonds. Valued at ₹30,79,000, this bracelet is a testament to Bulgari’s craftsmanship and Priyanka’s penchant for luxury.

To complement the modern allure of the diamond bracelet, Priyanka added a vintage pearl choker necklace to her ensemble. The pearls, with their timeless beauty, provided a perfect contrast to the contemporary sparkle of her bracelet, creating a balanced and sophisticated look.

Priyanka Chopra’s appearance at her brother’s wedding once again demonstrated her status as a global fashion icon, seamlessly blending tradition with luxury. Her carefully curated look was a masterclass in elegance, reflecting her deep connection to her cultural heritage while embracing modern fashion sensibilities.

New Delhi: Ladakh’s Administrative has Landscaped to Change with Addition of 5 New Districts, a move announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This development aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a more developed and prosperous Ladakh, aiming to enhance governance and bring essential services closer to the region’s remote population.

The five new districts—Changthang, Zanskar, Drass, Sham, and Nubra—will join the existing districts of Leh and Kargil, bringing the total number of districts in Ladakh to seven. This restructuring is designed to streamline administrative processes, making governance more efficient and ensuring that development projects reach even the most isolated areas of this high-altitude territory.

Currently, the administration of Ladakh is divided between Leh and Kargil, each managed by independent district councils. The creation of these new districts is expected to decentralize governance further, facilitating more localized management and quicker implementation of government initiatives. This is especially crucial in a region like Ladakh, where challenging terrains and extreme weather conditions often impede access to essential services.

In a post on X, Minister Shah underscored the significance of this decision, stating, “The new districts will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny.” This move is not only a step towards better governance but also a strategic enhancement, given Ladakh’s critical location.

As Ladakh prepares for this administrative transformation, the focus will be on ensuring that these new districts are equipped to meet the unique challenges of the region, fostering balanced growth and improved strategic capabilities.

New Delhi: Madhapar, a village near Bhuj in Gujarat, stands out as a beacon of prosperity. Dubbed ‘Asia’s Richest Village,’ Madhapar is home to approximately 32,000 people, most of whom are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Together, these residents have amassed fixed deposits totaling a staggering ₹7,000 crore.

The financial success of Madhapar is evident in its impressive banking infrastructure, with 17 banks operating within the village, including major players like HDFC Bank, SBI, PNB, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Union Bank. The influx of banks reflects the village’s economic strength, with more financial institutions keen to establish a presence in the area. Beyond its financial assets, Madhapar boasts modern amenities such as well-paved roads, reliable water supply, sanitation facilities, and well-maintained schools. The village is also dotted with bungalows, lakes, and temples, showcasing a level of development rarely seen in rural India.

The primary driver of Madhapar’s wealth is its NRI population, which makes up 65% of the village’s residents. Many of these NRIs have migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Central Africa, where they have found success in various industries, particularly construction. Despite their global presence, these NRIs maintain a strong connection to their roots, choosing to invest their earnings in local banks and post offices in Madhapar.

Former District Panchayat president Parulben Kara highlighted the deep ties that these NRIs have with their homeland, crediting their continuous investments for the village’s extraordinary financial health. Madhapar’s story challenges the conventional view of rural India, proving that villages can achieve remarkable levels of wealth and development.

New Delhi: Renowned Indian-American fashion designer Mac Duggal, celebrated for his luxurious hand-beaded creations, has officially launched his brand in the Indian market. This move marks a significant milestone in Duggal’s illustrious career, spanning over four decades, during which his designs have graced international runways and adorned A-list celebrities.

Mac Duggal’s brand, known for its exquisite evening wear, has been a favorite among Hollywood stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Vanessa Hudgens, Kylie Jenner, Eva Longoria, Shakira, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin. Having already made a strong impression at New York Fashion Week, the brand is now expanding its reach to India through strategic collaborations with top retail outlets. These include The White Crow, with stores in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad; Ogaan in Delhi and Hyderabad; and Aza in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

Commenting on his brand’s entry into India, Duggal highlighted the growing demand for high-quality designer wear among Indian consumers who appreciate exclusivity and sophistication. “We observed a burgeoning appetite for high-quality designer wear among Indian consumers who seek exclusivity and sophistication in their attire,” Duggal said. “This growing demographic of discerning fashion enthusiasts has provided a compelling opportunity for us at Mac Duggal to showcase our expertise in crafting impeccable evening wear.”

Currently, Mac Duggal’s brand is available in 52 countries and is featured in prestigious stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Galeries Lafayette. With this expansion into India, the brand aims to make a substantial impact on the country’s luxury fashion market, appealing to those who value intricate craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

New Delhi: Astro-tourism is gaining momentum in India, and a pioneering initiative is set to highlight this exciting trend in Uttarakhand. Starscapes, a prominent astro-tourism company, has joined forces with Magucho, an experiential travel platform founded by acclaimed actor Gul Panag, to introduce Nakshatra Sabha, the country’s inaugural astro-tourism campaign.

This collaboration is designed to offer an extraordinary stargazing experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Uttarakhand. The Nakshatra Sabha campaign made its debut in Mussoorie, with future events planned for Jageshwar on October 4, 2024, and Benital on October 6, 2024. This venture represents a significant development in India’s travel industry, merging the fascination with celestial phenomena with the natural splendor of Uttarakhand.

Gul Panag shared her enthusiasm about the new venture, saying, “We are excited to collaborate with Starscapes to provide our community with a unique chance to explore the wonders of the universe. At Magucho, our goal is to offer experiential activities that create lasting memories.” She emphasized that Nakshatra Sabha is just the beginning, with plans for more astronomy-focused events in the future.

Ramashish Ray, CEO and founder of Starscapes, also expressed his excitement, stating, “Partnering with Magucho and Gul Panag is a thrilling opportunity. Our mission with Starscapes is to make astro-tourism experiences more accessible. This collaboration will allow us to engage a broader audience and provide unforgettable experiences.”

The Nakshatra Sabha campaign is set to offer an exceptional journey into the cosmos, inviting both experienced and new stargazers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the night sky.