Life Style

White deposits or efflorescence on newly constructed brick walls is a common problem that not only weakens bricks but can also damage plaster and paint. According to civil engineer Amit Singh, the main cause is the salt present in soil and water. He has shared a simple and effective home remedy using tamarind, which can help remove these deposits cheaply and safely. What is Efflorescence and Why Does It Occur? The white layer that appears on red bricks is locally called “shora” or “nona”, and in civil engineering it is known as efflorescence. It occurs when salts from the soil or the water used during construction rise to the surface of the brick as a white powder. Many people make the mistake of washing it with water, thinking it’s ordinary dirt. This can worsen the problem, as wate...

Actress Priyanka Chopra has been making headlines for her film The Bluff, and her latest appearances at promotional events have showcased three distinct glamorous looks. Meanwhile, her husband Nick Jonas caught everyone’s attention in India by casually styling a mangalsutra bracelet with his suit, earning widespread admiration from fans. Nick Jonas Steals the Spotlight Nick Jonas recently shared a video on Instagram where he was demonstrating a recipe, but viewers quickly noticed the mangalsutra bracelet on his wrist. He paired a brown shirt with matching trousers and a checkered grey-brown blazer, keeping the shirt open for a relaxed, stylish look. Fans praised the unique touch of the mangalsutra bracelet alongside his watch, calling him affectionate nicknames like “Nick Jiju” and “...

Haryana’s celebrated wrestler couple, Bajrang Punia and his wife Sangeeta Phogat, are currently making waves on social media with their adorable pictures. During her brother’s wedding festivities, Sangeeta impressed everyone with a series of stunning looks. Her appearance in a traditional lehenga especially captured attention, earning widespread praise from fans. Stunning in a Designer Lehenga Sangeeta Phogat, known for her elegant desi style, looked every bit like a heroine in a multicolor lehenga from Tarun Tahiliani’s Jogiya collection. The outfit, carefully chosen with a vibrant color palette, enhanced her skin tone and added a fresh, contemporary twist to the traditional attire. Even without heavy embellishments, she effortlessly became the center of attention. Bajrang Punia ...

Times Future of Maternity (TFM) Awards 2026 is now accepting nominations. This national initiative recognizes measurable progress in maternal and newborn healthcare across India and celebrates excellence across hospitals, healthcare professionals, technology innovators, public health programs, and consumer solutions. The awards ceremony will be held on 28 March 2026 at Shangri-La Hotel, New Delhi, as part of the TFM 2026 program. The event will witness the gathering of leaders from India’s maternity healthcare ecosystem. Recognizing Excellence Across the Maternity Journey TFM 2026 features 35 award categories across five main pillars, covering the entire maternity journey—from fertility care and IVF to antenatal services, high-risk pregnancy management, childbirth, postnatal recov...

Coriander (cilantro) is a staple in Indian kitchens, adding flavor and aroma to dishes. However, keeping it fresh for more than a couple of days is often a challenge. A creative solution shared by a woman from Lucknow on social media shows how coriander can stay fresh for up to 15 days with a simple storage technique. Step 1: Clean and Wash Thoroughly Coriander stalks often carry dirt and dust, which accelerate spoilage. First, wash the leaves thoroughly in a large bowl of water. Discard any yellowed or damaged leaves, as a single spoiled leaf can affect the entire bunch. Step 2: Remove Excess Water After washing, do not store the coriander immediately. Hang it briefly over a sink or rack so excess water can drain naturally. This step is crucial to prevent wilting and rot. Wait...

In a display of unprecedented craftsmanship, Ambani’s new daughter-in-law stunned everyone by wearing a bridal lehenga made entirely without traditional fabric. The unique piece, reportedly worth around ₹1 crore, draws inspiration from Mughal-era embroidery techniques and took 15,000 hours to complete. A Lehenga Like No Other Unlike conventional bridal wear made from silk, cotton, or other fabrics, this lehenga was crafted entirely from metal threads, showcasing the intricate artistry of Kasab embroidery. Traditionally used for royal garments and court attire, Kasab involves weaving fine gold or silver threads into delicate patterns by hand, creating a 3D effect with motifs inspired by Mughal heritage, including floral, paisley, and lattice designs. The Making: 15,000 Hours of Pre...

If you are looking for a natural and budget-friendly way to keep mosquitoes at bay, Ayurveda offers some effective solutions. According to insights shared by Rajiv Dixit, simple remedies using neem oil and cow dung can protect your home from these pests without harmful chemicals. Why Mosquitoes Increase Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water, dirty corners, and dark spaces. Preventing their growth begins with regular cleaning, using window screens, keeping trash bins covered, and ensuring proper drainage. Dry and well-ventilated areas reduce mosquito populations naturally. Neem Oil Lamp Rajiv Dixit recommends lighting a lamp with neem oil in the corners of your home during evenings. Neem’s natural fragrance acts as a mosquito repellent, making it an excellent alternative to chemic...

Priyanka Chopra once again proved why she remains a global fashion icon. At the world premiere of her film “The Bluff” in Los Angeles, Priyanka turned the red carpet into her runway, showcasing two striking looks that blended traditional Indian elements with modern flair. Red Carpet Premiere Look For the premiere, Priyanka embodied her character Arcel Bowden, donning a bold armor-inspired gown designed by costume designer Antoinette Messam in collaboration with Australian artisans. This black-and-dark-brown piece, crafted over three months, featured a corset-style bodice with shiny brown accents and buckle detailing on the sides. A thigh-high slit and soft flowing brown skirt with gathered pleats enhanced movement, while a long back trail added a dramatic flair, perfect for the red c...

Did you know that common kitchen ingredients like sweet potato and jaggery can work wonders for your garden? According to gardening expert Vidushi Malik from Alpha Vatika, soaking sweet potatoes and jaggery in water creates a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer that promotes healthy, flowering plants with vibrant green leaves. Preparing the Liquid Fertilizer Start with one or two medium-sized sweet potatoes. Cut them into small pieces and place them in a glass or plastic jar filled with water. The nutrients from the sweet potato dissolve easily into the water, allowing plant roots to absorb them quickly. Jaggery and Fermentation Add a small amount of jaggery to the jar. The jaggery acts not just as a sweetener but as a catalyst, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the water and acce...

We’ve often seen IPS and IAS officers in sharp uniforms, but when it comes to winning hearts with style, IRS officer Ritu Meena is no less. Recently, she appeared in a dazzling outfit that left her husband spellbound. Her glamorous yet graceful look is a source of inspiration for anyone aiming to look party-ready. (Photo credit: Instagram @irs_ritumeena) From Jhunjhunu to the Limelight Ritu Meena hails from Parsarampura village in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. Since joining the civil services, her style and elegance often make headlines. In her latest appearance, she looked every bit like a diva, while her husband Rishabh Raj, a software engineer, couldn’t take his eyes off her. Together, the couple continues to impress everyone with their charm. Choosing the Right Color and Detailing ...