Narayanhiti Palace stands in the heart of Kathmandu, once the seat of Nepal’s monarchy and today one of the country’s most visited heritage museums. The palace, with its pink roofs and Nepali-inspired design, was not always what it looks like today. In the 1960s, King Mahendra ordered the construction of a new royal residence, replacing the older Rana-era building. American architect Benjamin Polk was tasked with designing the new palace. He combin
Narayanhiti Palace stands in the heart of Kathmandu, once the seat of Nepal’s monarchy and today one of the country’s most visited heritage museums. The palace, with its pink roofs and Nepali-inspired design, was not always what it looks like today. In the 1960s, King Mahendra ordered the construction of a new royal residence, replacing the older Rana-era building. American architect Benjamin Polk was tasked with designing the new palace. He combin
Voting for India’s vice presidential election is underway, with lawmakers choosing between the NDA’s nominee CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, and the INDIA bloc’s candidate Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge. The election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. While the contest has drawn significant political attention, three parties have opted to boycott the poll, signaling
Voting for India’s vice presidential election is underway, with lawmakers choosing between the NDA’s nominee CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, and the INDIA bloc’s candidate Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge. The election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. While the contest has drawn significant political attention, three parties have opted to boycott the poll, signaling
Onam, Kerala’s most awaited festival, is a 10-day harvest celebration filled with culture, tradition, and community spirit. This year, Onam began on Attam, August 26, and will conclude on Thiruvonam, September 5. The festival commemorates the homecoming of King Mahabali and unites Malayalis across the globe with food, games, rituals, and vibrant traditions.
During these ten days, houses are thoroughly cleaned and courtyards are coated with a paste of cow dung before being decorated with intricate floral designs called pookalams. These colourful patterns welcome prosperity and joy. Families and communities gather to celebrate together, strengthening bonds and passing traditions across generations.
Women usually wear the elegant kasavu saree, while men don the traditional mundu, symbolizing Kerala’s heritage. Throughout the days, various rituals and activities are organized. Vadamvali, the tug-of-war, is one of the most enjoyed competitions that involves men, women, and children participating enthusiastically. Uriyadi, a thrilling sport where blindfolded participants try to break a hanging pot, adds another layer of excitement.
Rituals, Dance, Games and Feast
Cultural performances are an integral part of Onam. Pulikali, also known as the tiger dance, is a must-watch street performance where men and women paint themselves as tigers and dance energetically to traditional beats. Another important highlight is Kaikottikali or Thiruvathirakali, a graceful group dance performed by women dressed in matching kasavu sarees, circling a lamp and moving in synchrony to devotional songs.
Snake boat races, or Vallam Kali, are a spectacular sight during Onam, especially in Alappuzha and nearby districts. Dozens of skilled oarsmen row the majestic snake boats in rhythm to traditional boat songs called vanchipaatu, creating a breathtaking experience for spectators. In Palakkad and Wayanad, Kummatikali is performed by men wearing wooden masks and colourful attire, enacting mythological stories while entertaining crowds.
The celebrations extend beyond homes and communities. Even offices, especially IT hubs in Kerala and Bengaluru, join in with festivities that include cultural ramp walks, dance performances, and dress competitions.
The grand feast, Onasadhya, remains the heart of the festival. This lavish vegetarian meal, served on banana leaves, can include up to 26 or more dishes ranging from curries to payasams. It reflects Kerala’s hospitality and love for sharing food with family and friends.
Onam is more than a festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that binds communities, celebrates prosperity, and keeps Kerala’s age-old traditions alive. Whether through dance, games, rituals, or food, Onam captures the true spirit of unity and joy.
Onam, Kerala’s most awaited festival, is a 10-day harvest celebration filled with culture, tradition, and community spirit. This year, Onam began on Attam, August 26, and will conclude on Thiruvonam, September 5. The festival commemorates the homecoming of King Mahabali and unites Malayalis across the globe with food, games, rituals, and vibrant traditions.
During these ten days, houses are thoroughly cleaned and courtyards are coated with a paste of cow dung before being decorated with intricate floral designs called pookalams. These colourful patterns welcome prosperity and joy. Families and communities gather to celebrate together, strengthening bonds and passing traditions across generations.
Women usually wear the elegant kasavu saree, while men don the traditional mundu, symbolizing Kerala’s heritage. Throughout the days, various rituals and activities are organized. Vadamvali, the tug-of-war, is one of the most enjoyed competitions that involves men, women, and children participating enthusiastically. Uriyadi, a thrilling sport where blindfolded participants try to break a hanging pot, adds another layer of excitement.
Rituals, Dance, Games and Feast
Cultural performances are an integral part of Onam. Pulikali, also known as the tiger dance, is a must-watch street performance where men and women paint themselves as tigers and dance energetically to traditional beats. Another important highlight is Kaikottikali or Thiruvathirakali, a graceful group dance performed by women dressed in matching kasavu sarees, circling a lamp and moving in synchrony to devotional songs.
Snake boat races, or Vallam Kali, are a spectacular sight during Onam, especially in Alappuzha and nearby districts. Dozens of skilled oarsmen row the majestic snake boats in rhythm to traditional boat songs called vanchipaatu, creating a breathtaking experience for spectators. In Palakkad and Wayanad, Kummatikali is performed by men wearing wooden masks and colourful attire, enacting mythological stories while entertaining crowds.
The celebrations extend beyond homes and communities. Even offices, especially IT hubs in Kerala and Bengaluru, join in with festivities that include cultural ramp walks, dance performances, and dress competitions.
The grand feast, Onasadhya, remains the heart of the festival. This lavish vegetarian meal, served on banana leaves, can include up to 26 or more dishes ranging from curries to payasams. It reflects Kerala’s hospitality and love for sharing food with family and friends.
Onam is more than a festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that binds communities, celebrates prosperity, and keeps Kerala’s age-old traditions alive. Whether through dance, games, rituals, or food, Onam captures the true spirit of unity and joy.
In the modern software development world, DevOps has become a standard methodology to enhance collaboration between development and operations teams. However, as cloud platforms grow in popularity, AWS DevOps has emerged as a cloud-specific implementation of DevOps, leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS). So, how do DevOps and AWS DevOps differ, and which one should your organization choose? Let's dive into the key distinctions between them and explore which might be right for your team.
In the modern software development world, DevOps has become a standard methodology to enhance collaboration between development and operations teams. However, as cloud platforms grow in popularity, AWS DevOps has emerged as a cloud-specific implementation of DevOps, leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS). So, how do DevOps and AWS DevOps differ, and which one should your organization choose? Let's dive into the key distinctions between them and explore which might be right for your team.
US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, the current head of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as the new ambassador to India. This decision comes at a time when the relationship between Washington and New Delhi is under stress, particularly over issues related to trade, agriculture, and India’s ties with Russia. The post of ambassador to India has been vacant since January, followi
US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, the current head of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as the new ambassador to India. This decision comes at a time when the relationship between Washington and New Delhi is under stress, particularly over issues related to trade, agriculture, and India’s ties with Russia. The post of ambassador to India has been vacant since January, followi
Homelessness advocates in Washington, D.C., are raising concerns over former President Donald Trump’s announced plan to remove homeless encampments from the city, warning that it could place an unbearable strain on already stretched shelters, soup kitchens, and hospitals. With thousands of unhoused residents in the District and limited available beds, many fear that displacing people from encampments will push them into already crowded facilities or leave
Homelessness advocates in Washington, D.C., are raising concerns over former President Donald Trump’s announced plan to remove homeless encampments from the city, warning that it could place an unbearable strain on already stretched shelters, soup kitchens, and hospitals. With thousands of unhoused residents in the District and limited available beds, many fear that displacing people from encampments will push them into already crowded facilities or leave
The debate over the H-1B visa program in the United States has flared up again after Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for its end, specifically targeting Indian workers. Her remarks came in response to US president Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian oil imports, which were initially increased to 25 percent and have now doubled to 50 percent. Linking the visa issue to trade policy, she posted on X, stating that Indian H-1B visas were replacing American
The debate over the H-1B visa program in the United States has flared up again after Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for its end, specifically targeting Indian workers. Her remarks came in response to US president Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian oil imports, which were initially increased to 25 percent and have now doubled to 50 percent. Linking the visa issue to trade policy, she posted on X, stating that Indian H-1B visas were replacing American
Travelers planning to visit Switzerland must now strictly follow updated visa requirements. The Swiss authorities have announced stricter measures for Schengen visa applications effective immediately. According to the latest update, only documents listed in the official checklist will be accepted at Visa Application Centres in India. VFS Global, which handles applications for the Swiss Embassy, confirmed that no additional papers or personal explanations will b
Travelers planning to visit Switzerland must now strictly follow updated visa requirements. The Swiss authorities have announced stricter measures for Schengen visa applications effective immediately. According to the latest update, only documents listed in the official checklist will be accepted at Visa Application Centres in India. VFS Global, which handles applications for the Swiss Embassy, confirmed that no additional papers or personal explanations will b
Dallas is a city known for its diverse food scene, where culinary trends are constantly evolving. In recent years, one of the most exciting developments has been the introduction of global ingredients that bring new levels of heat and flavor to the city's dining options. From the tangy, spicy goodness of kimchi to the smoky heat of harissa, these international ingredients are taking over Dallas menus and transforming the way we experience spice in our food
Dallas is a city known for its diverse food scene, where culinary trends are constantly evolving. In recent years, one of the most exciting developments has been the introduction of global ingredients that bring new levels of heat and flavor to the city's dining options. From the tangy, spicy goodness of kimchi to the smoky heat of harissa, these international ingredients are taking over Dallas menus and transforming the way we experience spice in our food
The U nonimmigrant visa, commonly known as the U visa, is a special immigration benefit offered by the United States to noncitizens who have been victims of certain serious crimes and are willing to assist law enforcement or government agencies in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. Established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the primary goal of the U visa program is to support both public safety and humanitarian needs. It provides a way for
The U nonimmigrant visa, commonly known as the U visa, is a special immigration benefit offered by the United States to noncitizens who have been victims of certain serious crimes and are willing to assist law enforcement or government agencies in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. Established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the primary goal of the U visa program is to support both public safety and humanitarian needs. It provides a way for
Drivers everywhere are paying closer attention to how their everyday choices behind the wheel affect fuel consumption. Among the most debated topics is whether turning off the car’s air conditioning actually helps improve mileage. While it's often assumed that keeping the AC off saves fuel, the answer isn’t so straightforward—especially when you compare driving environments in countries like India and the United States. The relationship between AC use and fuel economy de
Drivers everywhere are paying closer attention to how their everyday choices behind the wheel affect fuel consumption. Among the most debated topics is whether turning off the car’s air conditioning actually helps improve mileage. While it's often assumed that keeping the AC off saves fuel, the answer isn’t so straightforward—especially when you compare driving environments in countries like India and the United States. The relationship between AC use and fuel economy de
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has launched a new initiative called "Book Prasadam" to promote Sanatana Dharma and raise spiritual awareness among devotees. This innovative move is part of the temple’s broader effort to counter religious conversions and spread the glory of Hindu traditions. Under the guidance of TTD Chairperson BR Naidu, this programme will provide visitors with sacred Hindu texts along with the traditional laddoo pra
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has launched a new initiative called "Book Prasadam" to promote Sanatana Dharma and raise spiritual awareness among devotees. This innovative move is part of the temple’s broader effort to counter religious conversions and spread the glory of Hindu traditions. Under the guidance of TTD Chairperson BR Naidu, this programme will provide visitors with sacred Hindu texts along with the traditional laddoo pra
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has come under legal scrutiny after being served a notice by the Rangareddy District Consumer Commission. The legal action is related to his role as a brand ambassador for Sai Surya Developers, a real estate company accused of misleading investors through its promotional campaigns. The commission named Mahesh Babu as the third respondent in the case, citing that his image and endorsement significantly influenced consumer decisions.
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has come under legal scrutiny after being served a notice by the Rangareddy District Consumer Commission. The legal action is related to his role as a brand ambassador for Sai Surya Developers, a real estate company accused of misleading investors through its promotional campaigns. The commission named Mahesh Babu as the third respondent in the case, citing that his image and endorsement significantly influenced consumer decisions.
Astronomers have confirmed the passage of a rare interstellar visitor comet 3I/ATLAS through our solar system. First detected on July 1, 2025, by NASA’s ATLAS telescope in Chile, it is only the third such object ever observed, following Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Traveling at an astonishing 208,800 km/h, 3I/ATLAS is expected to make its closest approach to the Sun on October 30 at a distance of 1.4 AU, just inside Mars’ orbit.
Astronomers have confirmed the passage of a rare interstellar visitor comet 3I/ATLAS through our solar system. First detected on July 1, 2025, by NASA’s ATLAS telescope in Chile, it is only the third such object ever observed, following Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Traveling at an astonishing 208,800 km/h, 3I/ATLAS is expected to make its closest approach to the Sun on October 30 at a distance of 1.4 AU, just inside Mars’ orbit.
In what appears to be a significant escalation in the ongoing covert conflict between Iran and Israel, two top-ranking officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reportedly been assassinated in targeted strikes within Iranian territory. Saeed Izadi, a commander in the elite Quds Force known for managing relations with Palestinian militant groups, was reportedly killed in the Shia holy city of Qom, while Behnam Shahryari, the head of the IRGC's Unit 190—r
In what appears to be a significant escalation in the ongoing covert conflict between Iran and Israel, two top-ranking officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reportedly been assassinated in targeted strikes within Iranian territory. Saeed Izadi, a commander in the elite Quds Force known for managing relations with Palestinian militant groups, was reportedly killed in the Shia holy city of Qom, while Behnam Shahryari, the head of the IRGC's Unit 190—r
Students at Piscataway High School have made a significant impact in their community by launching a new student-led initiative aimed at promoting teen driving safety. This academic year, the school introduced a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), a national organization that empowers young people to make safe and healthy choices. With strong dedication and creative outreach, the club worked tirelessly to spread awareness about the risks associated with
Students at Piscataway High School have made a significant impact in their community by launching a new student-led initiative aimed at promoting teen driving safety. This academic year, the school introduced a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), a national organization that empowers young people to make safe and healthy choices. With strong dedication and creative outreach, the club worked tirelessly to spread awareness about the risks associated with
The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, entering its third consecutive day with intense missile exchanges resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Iran reports at least 224 fatalities, including senior military
The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, entering its third consecutive day with intense missile exchanges resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Iran reports at least 224 fatalities, including senior military
A long and emotional journey has finally come to a joyful end for a Plano, Texas family. Kathleen and Jordan Smith were officially reunited with their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Esther Smith, after a daring rescue mission from gang-controlled Haiti. The Smiths began the adoption process in December 2023, but it was halted due to escalating violence and the shutdown of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.
Esther&rsqu
A long and emotional journey has finally come to a joyful end for a Plano, Texas family. Kathleen and Jordan Smith were officially reunited with their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Esther Smith, after a daring rescue mission from gang-controlled Haiti. The Smiths began the adoption process in December 2023, but it was halted due to escalating violence and the shutdown of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.
Esther&rsqu
If you're tired of bland office lunches or spending too much on takeout, it’s time to upgrade your lunchbox game with recipes that taste like they’re straight out of a café kitchen. These six dishes are not only loaded with flavour but also come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings. Here's your guide to delicious, fast, and fuss-free lunch ideas that beat restaurant food every time.
If you're tired of bland office lunches or spending too much on takeout, it’s time to upgrade your lunchbox game with recipes that taste like they’re straight out of a café kitchen. These six dishes are not only loaded with flavour but also come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings. Here's your guide to delicious, fast, and fuss-free lunch ideas that beat restaurant food every time.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has imposed a one-year stock market trading ban on Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti, and his brother for their involvement in the manipulation of Sadhna Broadcast Ltd shares, now known as Crystal Business System Ltd. The regulatory body has fined the trio ₹5 lakh each and ordered the return of ₹1.05 crore in illegal gains.
According to Sebi, the group was part of a “pump and dump” scheme that artif
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has imposed a one-year stock market trading ban on Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti, and his brother for their involvement in the manipulation of Sadhna Broadcast Ltd shares, now known as Crystal Business System Ltd. The regulatory body has fined the trio ₹5 lakh each and ordered the return of ₹1.05 crore in illegal gains.
According to Sebi, the group was part of a “pump and dump” scheme that artif
