From BSF jawans bursting crackers in Jaisalmer to lakhs of diyas lighting up Ayodhya’s Deepotsav ghats, India celebrated Diwali with fervour; girls lit lamps in Prayagraj, and markets glowed in Delhi’s South Extension.

From Jaisalmer’s Border to Ayodhya’s Ghats: India Lights Up for Diwali — IN PICS

PM Narendra Modi has celebrated Diwali with the armed forces for 13 consecutive years since taking office in 2014. The tradition, which dates back to his personal association with security personnel over three decades ago, continued in 2026 with celebrations in Chhattisgarh's Bastar.

PM Modi warns against ‘dimagi Naxals’ in Diwali speech, celebrates festival with jawans | IN PICS

From Keshav Maharaj to Rashid Khan, here's a look at the top five bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026. This list also includes Shaheen Afridi, Mitchell Santner and Abrar Ahmed&nbsp;

Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026

Anushka Shetty turned 45 today. From Baahubali to Rudhramadevi, the actress has delivered several acclaimed performances across genres. On her birthday, look at these five films that highlight her versatility and talent.

Anushka Shetty birthday special: From Baahubali to Vedam, 5 must-watch films of the actress on OTT

From Mohammed Shami to Kuldeep Yadav, here's a look at the top five Indian bowlers fastest to 150 wickets in ODIs. This list also includes Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah

Meet top 5 Indian bowlers fastest to 150 wickets in ODIs

 6 Risks Associated with Excessive Protein Consumption  

Protein consumed in excess gets typically stored as fat, contributing to weight gain over time, specifically if accompanied by a calorie surplus during efforts to increase protein intake. 

 Overconsumption of dairy or processed foods, combined with insufficient fibre, can result in diarrhoea, especially for lactose intolerant individuals or those relying on protein sources like fried meat, fish, and poultry. 

The body eliminates excess nitrogen through fluids, potentially leading to dehydration, even without an apparent increase in thirst. Adequate water intake is crucial.   

Those with pre-existing kidney conditions may be at risk. The excess nitrogen in amino acids constituting proteins can contribute to kidney strain.     

 Research indicates that certain high-protein diets, particularly rich in red meat-based protein, correlate with an elevated risk of health issues, including cancer, emphasising a potential connection between diet and colorectal health.  

 A diet high in red meat and full-fat dairy, common in high-protein regimens, may be associated with heart disease. This could be attributed to elevated saturated fat and cholesterol intake.

6 Risks Associated with Excessive Protein Consumption

Typhoon 'Puppy': Netizens Storm Social Media with AI-Generated Memes of Koinu

Typhoon Koinu's name in Japanese translates to Typhoon Puppy.


Inspired by the fact, netizens have created images of typhoons, but with puppies as 'eye of the storm'.

The memes make light of Typhoon Koinu that has caused significant damage in Taiwan, battering it with record-breaking winds.

While some photos are your basic dog pictures placed on a storm image, others are seamless works of art, mixing the two elements.

Koinu in Japanese means puppy, and this cute coincidence has triggered a meme fest on social media even as the Typhoon hit Taiwan.

 7 Ways to Make Your Wedding Sustainable

 Choose sustainable jewellery to avoid contributing to environmentally harmful practices in the industry, and consider incorporating family heirlooms for added sentimental value.

 Select eco-friendly decorations from rental vendors, ensuring the use of non-disposable items like cutlery, linens, plates, and utensils. 

Prioritise local vendors to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions, while also supporting the local economy. Explore options like locally sourced flowers for added sustainability. 

Make an environmentally conscious choice by starting your engagement with an antique diamond for your ring.


  Back ethical designers who adopt recycled fabrics and positive business practices, promoting sustainable choices for wedding attire.

 Choose sustainable cutlery options such as steel, glass, porcelain, or edible/reusable materials to minimise environmental impact.

 Integrate eco-friendly food and drink ideas into your wedding plans to address food waste, a significant threat to the planet, and decrease the overall environmental footprint of your celebrations.

International Vodka Day: Interesting Facts About the Beverage

The United States celebrates the Vodka Day every year on October 4. By extension, it became International Vodka Day, first celebrated in 2009. 

Historians believe that ‘Vodka’ originated in Russia or Poland in the 8th or 9th century. Vodka comes from the Russian word ‘vodka’, which means ‘little water’. 


 

Earlier, vodka was used as an antibacterial agent to clean wounds. Often mixed with herbs, people used vodka to treat common cold and flu. 


Vodka became popular in Europe after World War II. One of the most significant factors contributing to vodka’s popularity was its cheap production cost. 


If the vodka bottle is not open yet, it will last forever. However, once you open it, the vodka degrades and turns stale over time. 

Another reason behind vodka’s popularity is its purity. It has only four ingredients: water, wheat, rye, and barley. Moreover, it goes under distillation multiple times, making it one of the purest spirits. 


The most expensive bottle of vodka is Billionaire Vodka by Leon Verres. It is a 2015 iteration of the vodka worth $7.25 million.  


The United States celebrates the Vodka Day every year on October 4. By extension, it became International Vodka Day, first celebrated in 2009.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It accounts for about 30% of total protein and is the primary building block of body’s skin, muscles, and bones. 


Genistein in soy helps stimulate collagen synthesis, potentially enhancing skin elasticity and reducing signs of ageing.

Bursting with vitamin C, bell peppers play a vital role in collagen formation, contributing to skin structure and resilience. 


Abundant in antioxidants, leafy greens combat oxidative stress, promoting collagen integrity and supporting a youthful complexion.

 Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, berries aid in collagen production, fostering skin health and defending against environmental damage. 


Lycopene in tomatoes not only adds a vibrant hue but also supports collagen strength, offering protection against UV-induced skin ageing. 

Packed with healthy fats, avocados nourish the skin, promoting elasticity and providing essential building blocks for collagen production.

7 Vegetarian Food that Boost Collagen

7 Must-Read Healing Books to Rejuvenate Your Soul

Dr. Nicole LePera is a clinical psychologist who wrote the book to overcome the limitations of traditional psychotherapy by combining mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Dr. Bradley Nelson made a skilful attempt to inform the readers about the inner workings of their subconscious minds through the book. He also explains how suppressed emotions can smoulder your mind and body.

The New York Times bestseller teaches you to eliminate negativity, anxiety, and overthinking, and find inner peace. It's the ultimate book for people who need mental clarity.

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk

Pioneer researcher and traumatic stress expert Bessel van der Kolk helps us understand traumatic stress and how it affects our brains. He shares ways to break 'trauma bonds' to improve mental health.

The book has bite-sized chapters, entertaining and inspiring stories, easy practical exercises, and sage advice that can help you burst the bubble of your past and take exciting risks.

The Hilarious World of Depression, by John Moe

John Moe, an acclaimed radio personality who suffered from depression, researched about the illness and shared his journey. The book will enlighten you about the disorder in a refreshing and illuminating way.

The Witch's Book of Self-Care, by Arin Murphy-Hiscock


The book features self-care advice for your mind and body that you will enjoy. The powerful tips help you connect with the earth and harness your power.

Here's a list of some books which will motivate you to do better and live healthier lives.

 1. Potential Hazard for Diabetic Patients

 While Tulsi is linked to reduced blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes taking medication may experience intensified effects, resulting in dangerously low sugar levels.


Research from the NCBI suggests that Tulsi may have a detrimental impact on fertility in both males and females, affecting sperm count and the weight of reproductive organs. 

3. Interaction with Blood-Thinning Medications


Tulsi intake may disrupt the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications, posing risks for individuals already undergoing such treatments.

 Tulsi contains eugenol, found in cloves and balsam of Peru. While small amounts can safeguard the liver, excessive consumption may lead to damage, manifesting in symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat, and convulsions.



  Tulsi leaves contain mercury, which can stain teeth if chewed. To avoid discoloration, it is advisable to swallow the leaves rather than chewing them.


  Due to its potential to stimulate blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area, Tulsi may induce contractions, making it unsuitable for pregnant women.

 Excessive Tulsi consumption carries the risk of eugenol overdose, potentially resulting in poisoning and adverse health effects. 

 7 Side-effects of Tulsi Leaves

Acrylic nails, widely popular in both professional salons and home applications, carry potential health and safety risks. 

Individuals may experience contact dermatitis, a form of eczema, as an allergic response to either the artificial nails or the adhesive used. 

The use of acrylic products can lead to "worn-down nail syndrome," resulting in nail thinning following exposure to acrylics and filing. 

 Exposure to manicuring chemicals and UV light, utilised in the curing or drying process, may elevate the likelihood of developing cancer. 

Residue in hard-to-clean areas beneath the nails, particularly when using MMA-based acrylics, can heighten nail sensitivity. Despite toxicity concerns leading to bans, some lower-end salons still employ these materials. 

Depending on individual nail strength, acrylics may cause splitting or pain in the nail plate. Consider your nails' strength, as excessively thin nails may not be ideal for acrylic application. 

 Monitor your nail growth as acrylics have a tendency to weaken nails, rendering them susceptible to breakage over time.

 6 Hazardous effects of Acrylic nails

Brad Pitt to Lady Gaga: 9 Celebs Blacklisted from Countries Across the World

'Rare' singer Selena Gomez is banned from China after her picture with Dalai Lama went viral.

Gadar star Sunny Deol is banned from Pakistan due to his many powerful patriotic films and his harsh dialogues against the South Asian country, as per the entertainment website Telly Chakkar.

Beyonce is banned from performing in Malaysia or entering the country after her shows were deemed to be a promotion of "Western Sexy culture." The singer refused to make any changes and thus was banned.

The 'Baby' famed singer has been banned from China since 2017. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture in a statement said, "Justin Bieber is a gifted singer. But in order to maintain order in the Chinese market and purify the Chinese performance environment, it is not suitable to bring in badly behaved entertainers."

In 2016, Lady Gaga was banned in China after she met with the Dalai Lama. But this was not her first run-in with the Chinese authorities. In 2011 her music was put on a blacklist and the sales were also prohibited until 2014, as it was described as having "poor taste and vulgar content."

Rapper Chris Brown is banned from Australia due to his 2009 assault on his then-girlfriend Rihanna. The country's authorities cited their "zero-tolerance" policy on domestic violence.

Our favourite Disney girl, Miley is banned from visiting Beijing after she posted a photo on her social media account, widely perceived as racially insensitive. In the picture, Miley and her friends were seen pulling their eyes back to mimic a slanted appearance which the Chinese authorities considered culturally offensive, thus leading to her subsequent ban.

The Hollywood actor was banned from China for more than 15 years over his role in the film Seven Years in Tibet.

The American rapper was banned from Norway for two years after he tried to enter the country with eight grams of cannabis. Snoop added the ban to his extensive collection of drug charges. The ban has since expired.

Here are 9 celebs blacklisted from countries across the world

7 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain & Memory 

Research has shown that eating nuts improves heart health and is linked to having a healthy brain. Regular consumption of nuts is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults. 

Oranges are high in vitamin C and are associated with improvements in tasks involving focus, memory and attention. 

Eggs are a good source of several nutrients tied to brain health and are high in vitamins B6 and B12 and choline which help with brain-related work. 

Both dark chocolate and cocoa powder are packed with brain-boosting compounds and have caffeine and antioxidants. Researchers believe that these compounds may enhance memory and also help check age-related mental decline. 

Pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants that protect our body and are an excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc and copper.

Blueberries have several health benefits, especially for your brain. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects besides helping improve communication between brain cells. 

Broccoli is packed with powerful compounds and is high in vitamin K which helps in better memory and cognitive status. It contains a number of compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. 

9 Must-Watch Anime Based on Japanese Mythology

The story revolves around a deity who is not low on worshippers and finds himself without a weapon. The Studio Bones series has stunning animation, character designs, and incredible actions.

The anime movie features a young boy who finds a new family with a mighty Japanese god searching for some disciples.


Chihiro, a young girl, finds her family stranded in the spirit world during an ill-advised venture in a strange, off-road tunnel.


The horror anime dives into the world of Japanese folklore and spirits that haunt the abandoned house next door.

Chosen by a band of forest spirits to become their god at a tender age, Kotoko Iwanaga acts as a mediator for the supernatural world while pursuing her love interest with a new boy on the block.


The anime series focuses on a unique love story that depicts the modern incarnation of a Japanese priestess who connects with a demon that she once tried to slay.


The anime series directly inhabits some of Japan's deepest sects of mythology and folktales. Ginko, the series protagonist, investigates the various occurrences of spirit within his world.


Three boys break a kappa statue and get connected to the deity residing within. Together, they combat a threat in a new spiritual world.

Below is a list of anime series and movies inspired by Japanese mythology.

Nita Ambani's 18 kg weight loss journey is attributed to specific lifestyle choices that contribute to her overall well-being. Here are seven key practices she follows:

 As an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer, Nita incorporates this freestyle exercise to stay in shape. Regular dance practice builds endurance and agility, promotes balance, and serves as a stress reliever.

 Recognising the nutritional density of beetroot, Nita includes a glass or two of beetroot juice in her daily routine, contributing to her weight loss.


 Nita values green veggies for maintaining essential nutrients like vitamin K, magnesium, and vitamin B. Vegetable soup is sometimes her choice for lunch.

 In addition to gym sessions, Nita embraces a diverse workout routine, encompassing yoga and swimming to sustain her health and physique.

  Acknowledging the importance of fruits in daily nutrition, Nita never skips a day without incorporating them into her diet. Fruits contribute to heart health, improved eyesight, and blood sugar control.


 Nita enjoys mint and lemon-infused detox water throughout the day. Nutritionists have highlighted its health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, and radiant skin.


 Nita Ambani's Weight Loss Diet

 6 Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to Premature Gray Hair

  Elevated stress levels can hasten the greying process. Research indicates that stress also results in the depletion of pigment-producing stem cells in mice.

 Tobacco smoke carries detrimental chemicals that can speed up hair ageing. Smoking enhances the hydroxylation of the hormone estradiol and slows the production of the enzyme aromatase.



A shortage of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals, may trigger grey hair. However, a well-balanced diet has the potential to reverse this effect. 

 Inadequate sleep can impact overall health, including hair health. Scientific evidence links sleep deprivation to premature greying, causing inflammation and weakening stem cells.

Dehydration influences hair texture and colour. Dry, dehydrated hair can result in grey strands due to insufficient moisture. Applying warm coconut oil to the scalp is recommended. 

 Many hair products contain harmful ingredients that reduce melanin. Hydrogen peroxide, found in numerous hair dyes, is one such detrimental chemical.

6 lifestyle factors that contribute to premature gray hair

Exceptional Ayurvedic Solutions for Minimising Acne at Home 

Ayurveda, an ancient herbal science and alternative medicine, offers effective remedies for various conditions, including acne. Numerous Ayurvedic solutions can alleviate acne and pimples by eliminating toxins and maintaining hormonal balance.

Start your day by consuming half an inch of washed and peeled turmeric root. Applying turmeric to the skin can address acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin, with visible results in about three weeks. 

 Harness the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of neem leaves by boiling 10 to 15 leaves in 500 ml of water until it is reduced by half. Store the mixture in the refrigerator and consume it the following morning for optimal results.

 Blend aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of gram flour, applying the mixture to your skin for 20 minutes before washing off. Repeat this process every other day to benefit from aloe vera's healing properties

  Create a paste by combining 1 drop of basil oil, 2 teaspoons of fuller’s earth, and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply to your face, leaving it on for 10 minutes before washing off. Repeat twice a week.

  Utilise organic or manuka honey as a spot treatment by applying it to affected areas with a clean Q-tip. Rinse off after 30 minutes.

 Leverage the antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties of red or white sandalwood. Apply externally to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation, or use sandalwood oil for various skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.

  Soak 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds overnight in 375 ml of water. Strain and drink the water each morning for a daily acne-fighting routine.


Exceptional Ayurvedic Solutions for Minimising Acne at Home

Space is not a complete vacuum, so it can transmit sound, but because there's no air, it's just not the same as sound on Earth. You wouldn't hear an explosion like in the movies.


 The Moon rotates, so all sides receive sunlight. However, there's a "far side" that we can't see from Earth.

Space is neither hot nor cold because it's a vacuum. Temperature depends on whether you're in direct sunlight or shadow. In the sunlight, it can be scorching, and in the shadow, it's incredibly cold.


4. Black Holes Are Cosmic Vacuum Cleaners

 Black holes have a strong gravitational pull, but they don't "suck" everything. Objects need to be very close to get pulled in.


5. You Explode in Space Without a Spacesuit

 While space is hostile, your skin and circulatory system can protect you for a short time. You'd lose consciousness, but not explode.

 Meteoroids burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating beautiful meteor showers. They rarely reach the ground so pose no danger.

7. Stars Twinkle Due to Atmospheric Gases

 Stars twinkle due to atmospheric turbulence, not gases. Planets don't twinkle as much because they appear larger in the sky.

8. The Great Conjunction Will Cause Disasters

 Planetary alignments, like the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, have no impact on Earth; they're just interesting celestial events.

Space is full of mysteries, which sometimes fuel misconceptions and false theories among the curious populace. Here we bust some of such theories.

8 Space Myths Busted

Top Best-Selling Video Games of All-Time 

Initially released for the Soviet Union-developed Elektronika 60 computer, the variations of the classic puzzler have since been made for over 50 different platforms.  520 million copies of Tetris has been sold. 

.The Microsoft has sold 238 million copies as of April 2021. The company notes that the figure captures the total sales across its 22 available platforms.

Arguable one of the best-selling console/PC-only games of all time, the Rockstar creation has surpassed sale of 185 million units as of August 2023.  

According to Nintendo’s official sales figures, Wii Sports is the company’s best-selling game ever. At nearly 83 million copies sold, it’s the top-selling single-platform exclusive of all time.

Released only five years ago, PUBG has attained of the massive sales. Krafton creative director Dave Curd told The Verge it has sold 75 million copies of PUBG as of December 2021. 

With over 55 million copies sold as of June 30, 2023, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Switch game. Combining the sales of the original Wii U release and that total rises to around 64 million.

8 Side-Effects Of Consuming Too Much Milk Tea  

Tea contains caffeine, which if consumed in excess amounts, can lead to bloating.  

Along with caffeine, tea contains theophylline, which dehydrates our body and leads to constipation.  

According to experts, consumption of too much caffeine may trigger anxiety and cause acute restlessness.  

Excess consumption of caffeine disrupts the sleep cycle and leads to insomnia.  

As per experts, too much consumption of tea carries the risk of shooting up blood pressure and triggers heart-related issues.  

Studies have shown that combination of caffeine and theophylline dehydrates the body and might lead to other health-related issues.  

Too much consumption of milk tea leads to a chemical imbalance in the body and increases the temperature, which results in acne and pimples.  

Generally, people consume tea for subsiding headaches, however, as per experts too much tea dehydrates the body and causes acute headaches.

8 Side-Effects Of Consuming Too Much Milk Tea

6 Foods That You Should Never Store in the Fridge

It is advised not to store unripe avocados in the refrigerator as they achieve their ripeness quicker when stored at room temperature. 

Keeping potatoes in the fridges makes them gritty and sweet. You can store them in ventilated containers or open paper bags to prevent sprouting. 

We all store cucumbers in the refrigerator but this leads to water-soaked spots, shrivelling and yellowing after three to four days. If you still choose to store them in the refrigerator, wrap them in plastic first. 

Bread kept in the fridge can become stale and dry, so avoid doing it. 

Storing honey in the refrigerator makes it unpalatable. Instead, one should store it in a container and place it in some dark spot.

Garlic is prone to mould growth in the fridge, due to the humid conditions. So, store it in the open. 

Skipping Breakfast Can Lead to GI Tract Cancer 

Skipping breakfast increases the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers substantially, indicates a recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Those who only consumed breakfast once or twice a week faced a much higher risk of stomach and liver cancer compared to daily breakfast consumers. 


Omitting breakfast can induce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to cancer in the long term. 

Journaling is any form of patterned writing that helps you put to paper your thoughts and feelings. Psychologists suggest journaling as a form of self-expression, but it is more than just that. Here is why you should start journaling today:

 The risk of bile duct cancer surged by over five-fold among individuals abstaining from breakfast. 

 Gastric juice, designed to break down food before intestinal digestion, consists of 100% pure hydrochloric acid. Its continuous impact on the stomach and intestinal lining causes damage, setting off a sequence of pathological changes that can ultimately lead to cancer. 

 Digesting any consumed food typically takes two to four hours. It is advisable to have breakfast around 6 or 7 am if a meal is consumed at 8 or 9 pm, allowing the stomach an appropriate timeframe for emptying. 

Skipping Breakfast Can Lead to GI Tract Cancer

Alia Bhatt prioritises wholesome nutrition by indulging in 6-8 well-balanced meals a day. Her dietary focus centres on protein-rich foods, incorporating healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and fresh fruit juices.


  For breakfast, Alia opts for a cup of herbal tea or coffee sans sugar, paired with vegetable poha or an egg white sandwich. 

 In the mid-morning, the actor enjoys a bowl of fruit, often papaya, or an idli with sambar. A wholesome meal including veggies and grain.  

Her evening snack typically consists of fruit, kurmura, or idli with sambar, accompanied by sugar-free coffee.  


 Alia concludes her day with a glass of milk, ensuring her final meal is consumed at least 2 hours before sleep. Occasionally, she indulges in cheese or sweet treats like ‘rabri’ or ‘kheer’ once a week.  

 Weight loss Diet of Alia Bhatt

Top 7 Countries with Best Mobile Download Speed 

Top 10 Most Hackable Passwords: Check if Yours is on the List

In this digital era, it is easy to hack into just about anything because most people use easy-to-guess passwords. These security passwords are often reused or follow common patterns and themes. Specops, a software-based research website, released a list of 10 weak or most compromised passwords that are easy to hack.


The password mentioned above is one of the most common passwords used as it is based on a pattern and is easy to guess.

Similar to the one mentioned earlier, this password ranks as the ninth-most-hackable password. If this is your password too, change it ASAP.

Wondering why someone would have this kind of password? Well, yes people do have this as their password. It's third on the top row on the keyboard.

The security password mentioned above is the seventh-most hackable and compromised PIN.

This is the sixth-most-hackable password, as per Specops research.

This is also a pattern-based password, so avoid setting your security pin in such a pattern form.


P@ssw0rd is the fourth-most-hackable password in the world.

According to Specops research, welcome is the third-most-hackable password.

People are often in a hurry and don't think much while setting up the security password. In such cases, they end up using words like admin as the password which increases the possibility of their accounts being hacked.

The most common password across the world is the word "password" itself and has been ranked as the most hackable security pin.

6 Ways Over-Hydrating Can Cause Water Toxicity 

 Water intoxication can cause swelling in the brain, creating a life-threatening situation. It’s vital to know these situations to avoid water toxicity.

Hazardous impact of drinking excessive water.

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From Jaisalmer’s Border to Ayodhya’s Ghats: India Lights Up for Diwali — IN PICS

PM Modi warns against ‘dimagi Naxals’ in Diwali speech, celebrates festival with jawans | IN PICS

Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026

Anushka Shetty birthday special: From Baahubali to Vedam, 5 must-watch films of the actress on OTT

Meet top 5 Indian bowlers fastest to 150 wickets in ODIs