Life Style

Keeping the toilet clean is a daily task, yet persistent dampness and drainage-related foul odour often refuse to go away. Expensive room fresheners and toilet cakes available in the market provide only temporary relief and add to household expenses. However, a simple and low-cost solution shared by popular YouTube channel “Surendra Ki Duniya” is now gaining attention for its effectiveness. The trick involves using camphor (kapoor) — a small white tablet that costs barely ₹2 — to eliminate unpleasant smells and maintain long-lasting freshness in the toilet. Why Camphor Works Camphor is known for its strong fragrance and antibacterial properties. It helps neutralise bad odours caused by germs, moisture and sewer gases, while also keeping insects at bay. Unlike chemical-based produc...

Renowned lyricist, poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest wordsmiths, turned 81 on January 17, 2026. Born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Javed Akhtar has spent decades shaping the emotional and literary landscape of Indian cinema and poetry with his powerful words. Often described as a magician of words, Akhtar’s poetry has touched generations across age, time and language. His verses speak of love, loss, loneliness and the harsh truths of life in simple yet deeply profound language. When heartbreak renders emotions speechless, his poetry becomes the voice of that silence. What sets Javed Akhtar apart is his ability to confront pain without romanticising it, while still offering strength and understanding. His lines do not hid...

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural and self-cleaning substance produced inside the ear canal. It plays an important role in protecting the ears from dust, bacteria and other foreign particles. However, excessive buildup of earwax can sometimes lead to discomfort, pain and hearing problems. ENT specialists caution that inserting cotton buds, matchsticks, hairpins or pouring hot oil into the ears can be dangerous and may worsen the problem instead of solving it. Why Excess Earwax Can Be a Problem Under normal circumstances, earwax moves outward on its own while talking or chewing and falls off naturally. But when it accumulates excessively, people may experience symptoms such as: A feeling of heaviness or blockage in the ear Mild to severe ear pain Itching in...

Sonia Khatri’s fitness journey is an inspiration for girls looking to gain weight healthily and achieve a toned physique. Once weighing just 46 kg, Sonia focused on proper nutrition, a calorie-surplus diet, and regular strength training to increase her weight to 64 kg while building a strong, toned body. Sonia followed a calorie-surplus diet—consuming 500–700 calories above her daily requirement—which provided her body with extra energy for healthy weight gain. Her meals included high-protein foods like eggs, chicken, paneer, and lentils, complex carbohydrates such as rice, oats, and potatoes, and healthy fats from ghee, butter, and olive oil to support muscle growth and overall nutrition. Her daily routine started with warm water in the morning to boost metabolism. Breakfast often i...

In many households, pea pods are discarded after peeling the peas, but gardening expert RN Kushwaha says these pods are a free and highly effective natural fertilizer for plants. He shared several simple ways to reuse them, helping your garden thrive. Pea pods enhance soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth. According to Kushwaha, one of the easiest methods is to make a liquid fertilizer: soak 2–3 handfuls of pea pods in 1–2 liters of water, add 50 grams of jaggery, and let the mixture release the nutrients. Once the color changes, strain the liquid and pour it directly onto your plants. The pods themselves can be dried in sunlight and later used as mulch. For new plants, place a thick layer of pea pods at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. Over about 15 days, the pods...

Despite progress, gender discrimination remains widespread in society. In some cases, women giving birth to daughters face abuse rather than celebration. A shocking incident recently came to light where a woman was verbally abused by her own family simply for delivering a baby girl. Typically, childbirth is a joyous occasion, with family members offering congratulations and affection. However, in this case, the new mother faced humiliation and anger from relatives solely because her child was a girl. Renowned gynecologist Dr. Samra Masood shared the incident on her Instagram, expressing her shock at such cruelty. She emphasized that no one has the right to abuse a woman for giving birth to a daughter. Dr. Masood further highlighted the deep-rooted societal bias where women are pre...

The biting winter cold has everyone bundling up in multiple layers of clothing, often making it difficult to move or even sit comfortably. Yet, piling on clothes does not necessarily provide relief. Experts say that choosing the right clothing and following a few simple measures can keep you warm within minutes, without wearing layer upon layer. 1. Wear Thermals FirstStart with a thermal base layer. Thermals are designed to prevent cold air from penetrating while wicking away sweat. Even sleeveless thermals can be highly effective in retaining body heat. 2. Keep Your Legs WarmJeans alone often fail to protect your legs from the cold. Wearing pajamas or woolen leggings underneath prevents the chill from reaching your legs, providing added warmth. 3. Protect Your FeetCold feet can m...

Actress Aalia Furniturewala recently revealed on social media that she is suffering from a digestive disorder that causes persistent bloating. The condition, known as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), has left her dealing with swelling, fatigue, and “brain fog,” among other symptoms, while she continues her treatment. What is SIBO? According to the Cleveland Clinic, SIBO occurs when bacteria grow excessively in the small intestine. While some bacteria in the small intestine are normal and necessary, an overgrowth—especially of harmful bacteria—can disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption. These bacteria ferment carbohydrates into gas and short-chain fatty acids, causing bloating and discomfort. Impact on Health Excess bacteria also consume vital nutrients like prot...

Many people turn to home remedies for skin problems, often applying anything lying around the house. However, this approach can sometimes do more harm than good. Dermatologists advise against self-treatment without proper knowledge, as even minor mistakes—like popping a pimple—can worsen skin issues, causing multiple new breakouts or larger, inflamed pimples. Are Home Remedies Always Safe? While home remedies are popular because they use natural ingredients, not all of them are safe. Items like baking soda or lemon juice can cause burns or irritation if applied directly to the skin. It is essential to understand the effects of any ingredient before use. Dr. Anchal’s Approved Skin Hacks Dr. Anchal has shared a few simple, effective, and safe home-based tips for common skin conce...

Sejal Chauhan, 22, lost her father when she was just six years old. Despite the early loss, she started contributing to her family’s needs from a young age. Today, her passion for dance has not only shaped her career but also given her a strong sense of identity. A Mother’s Inspiration After her father’s death, the responsibility of raising Sejal and her older brother fell on her mother’s shoulders. Working multiple jobs, including her primary job, sewing, and therapy work, her mother ensured that the children lacked nothing and received a good education. Sejal recalls learning the value of hard work not through lectures, but by observing her mother’s dedication. Helping Her Mother Through Dance From an early age, Sejal trained in Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dance alongside her...