When Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood beside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to announce the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, it wasn’t just the deal that grabbed attention. What really made people pause was what they were wearing. Draped over both leaders’ shoulders was a simple, elegant stole from India’s Northeast – understated, yes, but packed with meaning.After nearly 18 years of back-and-forth, the trade agreement is being called one of India’s most important global partnerships. Ursula von der Leyen summed it up in an X post, calling it the “mother of all deals” and pointing to a new free trade zone connecting almost two billion people. But while policy headlines did their rounds, social media zoomed in on something else entirely: those matching Eri silk stoles.

A Republic Day gift with deep roots

The stoles weren’t a random styling choice. They were part of India’s Republic Day 2026 invitation extended to Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The idea was simple but thoughtful – spotlight the living craft traditions of the Northeast.The design honoured the Ashtalakshmi states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, and the artisans who keep these traditions alive. During the 77th Republic Day celebrations, several ministers and visiting dignitaries were seen wearing the same stole, quietly reinforcing that India’s global image today isn’t just about power and policy, but also about culture and craft.

So, what exactly is Eri silk?

Eri silk isn’t your typical glossy, high-shine silk. It’s softer, warmer and far more grounded. It carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is often called an “Ahimsa silk” – because no silkworm is killed in the process. The moth is allowed to emerge before the cocoon is spun, making it one of the most ethical silks in the world.This fabric has been traditionally nurtured by indigenous communities, especially the Khasi people of Meghalaya. The spinning and weaving are done by hand, often within homes, passed down through generations. Every Eri stole comes with stories – of patience, skill and a slower way of making things.

Why it’s called the ‘wool of silks’

What really sets Eri silk apart is how wearable it is. It keeps you warm without feeling heavy, and breathes beautifully even in milder weather. Soft, sturdy and comfortable, it works across seasons – which is why it’s often called the “wool of silks”.Eri stoles and shawls are known to last for years, even decades. Beyond stoles and gamosas, the fabric finds its way into sarees, scarves, dresses, sweaters and blankets – pieces meant to be used, loved and lived in, not locked away.It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a favourite for people with sensitive skin – a detail that matters more than ever as people become choosier about what they wear.

More than just a fashion choice

At a time when fast fashion dominates and trends change overnight, choosing Eri silk for a moment of global diplomacy sends a quiet but clear message. It speaks of sustainability, ethical choices and respect for regional craft – and puts the Northeast front and centre on the world stage.The stoles worn by PM Modi and EU leaders weren’t about flashy luxury. They stood for something deeper – a fabric that values life, honours tradition, and carries India’s cultural story into global conversations, without needing to say a word.

TikTok trends usually promise chaos, humour or a new slang word that makes millennials panic. This one is different. Over the past week, a deeply emotional trend centred around the phrase “drag path” has taken over feeds, leaving viewers confused, teary-eyed and unexpectedly reflective.

A new TikTok trend that hits a little too hard

At first glance, the videos look simple. A short clip. Muted music. Text on screen. But then you read it, and it lands right in your chest. Creators are sharing moments connected to someone they lost, often a final interaction they did not realise was the last at the time.

Imagine clocking into the same office for 65 years straight—not switching jobs, not chasing promotions, just showing up with quiet dedication while the world around you spins through recessions, tech revolutions, and generations. That’s Yasuko Tamaki, a 95-year-old from Osaka, Japan, whose story feels like a warm hug for anyone who’s ever wondered, “What’s my purpose in life after all these years of work?” In November 2020, the Guinness World Records crowned her the world’s oldest office manager, but reports rom 2024-2025 suggest she’s still going strong at Sunco Industries. At 95? That’s not a career; that’s a love letter to life and work itself!

Meet Yasuko Tamaki, who is still working in her 90s

Born May 15, 1930, Yasuko joined Sunco Industries, a tiny company back then, in 1956 at age 26—a fresh-faced dreamer amid just 20 coworkers. Roughly seven decades later, Sunco now has over 430 employees– including Yasuko. As per reports, over the years, she has evolved from basic admin to general affairs powerhouse: crunching numbers, streamlining communications, even mastering computers in her late 60s when most people of her age were learning solitaire. She was promoted to section chief at 40, and she never stopped growing. Yasuko even aced the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test at 86 to keep her mind razor-sharp. Who says age is a limit?Her daily ritual includes waking up at 5:30 a.m., doing 30 minutes of yoga, reciting Buddhist sutras for wisdom, and then commuting to work by foot, bus, or metro. In her free time she enjoys reading books, mahjong marathons, card games, and dishing gentle advice to her coworkers.

It seems winter has once again tightened its grip across the Himalayas, with several popular destinations in North India recording sub-zero temperatures. Chill nights, frost mornings and snow-covered roads – these are some of the issues that a few regions are grappling with as cold waves intensify. There are places from hill towns to isolated high-altitude cold deserts that are under blankets of snow and biting winds. Water pipes freeze, travel is hindered, and residents try to grapple with the way of life that challenges both the infrastructure and one’s endurance. The brutal cold, while inconvenient for travel and daily life, also turns the region breathtakingly beautiful. Here are five locations where temperatures have fallen far below freezing, where most of the roads are closed, and are likely facing the last touches of winter, but are at their best form in snowy white.

When exhaustion hits, shallow breaths starve your brain of oxygen, reducing your concentration. So, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique instead: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Do three rounds at your desk— no one notices. It’s like a stealth nap for your nervous system, making you feel calm amid the chaos. In turn, focus returns.

When you consider animals that have a lot of teeth, sharks are likely to be the first ones that come to mind, since they can grow and shed thousands of teeth in their lifetime. However, as shocking as it may sound, the animal that holds the world record for the most teeth in a lifetime is not a ferocious predator. The world record for the most teeth in a lifetime belongs to a gentle, slimy creature known as the umbrella slug, which has more teeth in its lifetime than any other animal. According to the Guinness World Records, this peculiar creature produces an astonishing number of teeth as it grows and replaces them in its lifetime. In fact, the total number of teeth it produces, through generations of replacement, is more than that of any other animal on Earth.

Umbrella slug produces more teeth than any other in the world

The umbrella slug is a species of sea slug that lives in oceanic waters, and one of its most fascinating characteristics is its radula, which is a tongue-like structure covered in rows of tiny teeth. While humans and most other animals have a set of teeth that remain with them for their entire lives, the umbrella slug grows and replaces teeth constantly. It can produce as many as tens of thousands of teeth, which is more than any vertebrate animal.These teeth are not like the ones you think of as biting teeth; instead, they are microscopic and come in hundreds of rows on the radula, which allows the umbrella slug to graze on algae and small particles for food. While the teeth are small, the number of teeth that the umbrella slug produces in its lifetime is what gives it the world record.

How the slug’s teeth work

In contrast to mammals, which rely on teeth for biting and chewing, the umbrella slug’s teeth are more like a conveyor belt for rasping. Here’s how it works:

This is similar to how many snails and slugs eat, but the umbrella slug’s tooth replacement rate is unbeatable. Eventually, the total number of teeth that the umbrella slug produces is more than that of any other animal, even sharks, which are well-known for replacing their teeth many times.

How does this record compare to other animals

To give you some perspective on this record:

The umbrella slug produces teeth at such an incredible rate that it blows all of the above away just because of the sheer volume of teeth it is producing. This is why it has the Guinness World Record for the most teeth produced in a lifetime.

Why it matters

The record-breaking number of teeth of the umbrella slug may appear to be an interesting piece of trivia about an animal, but it also points to the vastly different ways in which life has developed on different species. Researching animals that have continuously regenerating teeth can help scientists learn more about survival, feeding patterns, and the processes of renewal in nature. The way in which the slug’s radula is structured makes it clear that some animals have developed the ability to renew and replace continuously, which is a far cry from the way in which human teeth function. It is important to remember that the most interesting things in the natural world are not always the most apparent.

Dandelions are literally everywhere, sprouting up in gardens, lawns, and even the cracks of pavement, and are considered by most people to be nothing more than a nuisance weed. However, the bright yellow blooms of the dandelion plant are much more than that. For many years, the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) has been used in traditional medicine, and many of its healing properties are now being confirmed by modern science. Each part of the dandelion plant, from the leaves to the roots to the flowers, has been found to have nutrients and natural compounds that work to support the body in a variety of ways. From supporting healthy digestion and liver function to helping to boost the immune system and protect the body from oxidative damage, dandelions are a wonderful addition to any natural health regimen. Dandelion has a mild effect on blood sugar, joints, and even weight, making it a true all-around herb.

8 Benefits of dandelion plant

As per a study titled “A comprehensive review of the benefits of Taraxacum officinale on human health”, dandelion has properties that can be used for digestive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial purposes, among others.Some of the most important uses of dandelion are listed below, so you can understand how this common plant can help you with your health.

Dandelion can help your body get rid of excess water naturally. Traditionally, people have used dandelion leaf tea to promote healthy kidneys and alleviate mild swelling without the use of harsh drugs.

The root part of the dandelion helps your liver remove toxins and promotes digestion. It increases the production of bile, which helps in the breakdown of fat and promotes digestion. It may help your liver function better, and that is why dandelion has been traditionally used in herbal supplements for the liver.

Dandelion has the ability to provide your body with the necessary nutrients to boost its immune system. This will help your body fight off common ailments. It can also help boost your body’s immune system to fight off infections. Moreover, it can also help your body recover from common illnesses.

According to research, dandelion has the ability to fight off some viruses and bacteria. However, this doesn’t mean that you should rely solely on dandelion for treatment. But it can definitely help boost your immune system.

Dandelion can also help your body maintain a balanced level of blood sugar. Dandelion also has the ability to help your body process glucose more effectively. This will help your body maintain a balanced level of blood sugar.

Dandelion can also be used as a digestive and metabolism booster, which can be very helpful in weight management. The diuretic quality of dandelion also helps in dealing with bloating. Using dandelion tea or leaves in food might be a good way to manage weight naturally.Some properties of dandelion have been found to naturally relieve stiffness or pain in joints. This is why dandelion is often used in herbal supplements for joint relief.Antioxidants help to counteract the negative effects of harmful molecules in your body that can cause damage to tissues over time. Using dandelion in your diet might help you age healthily and prevent chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. Leaf, root, and flower parts all have antioxidant compounds, making the plant entirely useful.

Dandelion tea: A simple way to enjoy its benefits

One of the simplest ways to incorporate dandelion into your life is through dandelion tea, which can be prepared using leaves, roots, or flowers. Here’s how it can be useful to you:

To make dandelion tea, you can simply steep dried dandelion leaves, roots, or flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drinking 1-2 cups of dandelion tea per day is a safe way to get many of the benefits listed above, although people with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor first.

Some real estate terms and rules can leave people confused; especially for those from non-real estate background wanting to rent property. So there is a 2% rule which not many must be aware of. The 2% rule is a simple guideline that helps people assess the potential profitability of a rental property before diving into detailed calculations.Understanding the 2% RuleIn simple words, the 2% rule says that a rental property is financially profitable if the monthly rent is at least 2% of the total purchase price of the property, which includes acquisition and basic repair costs too.To understand it better, here is an example.Say you have bought a property for INR 60 lakh. Now as per the 2% rule the monthly rent should be around INR 1,20,000 (2% of INR 60 lakh). If the expected rent is less, the property may struggle to deliver strong cash flow.However, you should also know that the 2% rule is not a guarantee of profit. In fact, it acts as a screening tool which helps investors shortlist properties worth deeper analysis.Why do investors use the 2% Rule?The main feature of the 2% is its very simple rule as compared to several variables like loan interest, maintenance and taxes, among others. The 2% rule allows investors to choose properties that are unlikely to perform well. The rule came in markets where property prices were relatively low compared to rents. How the 2% Rule works Understand it with an example:Purchase price (including repairs): INR 60 lakhExpected monthly rent: INR 1,20,000Since INR 1,20,000 is 2% of INR 60 lakh, the property meets the 2% rule. This means that the rental income may be sufficient to cover mortgage payments, maintenance and taxes, while still leaving room for profit. If the rent were only INR 60,000 (1%), the property might still work, but it would be over expensive.Is the 2% Rule practical in today’s timeWell the answer is no, not really. It’s only a rule on papers not in practical life. In many metro cities, meeting the 2% rule is not possible. It is because of high property rates and regulated rental growth. In rare cases, the yields are closer to 2–4% annually, not monthly. As a result, the 2% rule is more commonly achievable in smaller cities or emerging markets. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s an outdated rule. Limitations It does not account for interest rates or tenure of the loan Operating expenses do not countIt does not factor in capital appreciationIt may not reflect local rental laws or vacancy risksIn short, the 2% rule works as a first-level filter when comparing many properties.

Buying a house is a dream of many. It is among the most important and biggest financial decisions most people make in life because of course, it involves a major financial investment, legal understanding, careful negotiations, and so much more. With myriad steps involved, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Many homebuyers, mostly first-timers, have no idea how to begin their journey. From where to start is their biggest issue. Understanding this, we decided to walk you through the entire process, from first to last, the important steps involved in buying a house.Read on:Financial planningAssuming that you have enough savings for downpayment, review your finances and debts: find out how much is your current savings and how much more you need for the down payment, stamp duty, registration fees, and other related charges. Also check your credit score because a good credit score makes your chances better in getting a home loan.Know your budget and stay in it: Now be realistic, because it’s easy to get carried away. Understand your financial capacity realistically as how much you can afford without compromising on essential expenses in future. This Includes EMIs and maintenance costs, among others.Pre-Approved Home LoanHome loan pre-approval gives a clear view of how much a bank or NBFC is willing to lend. This makes your position strong when negotiating with home sellers.For applying you need to get all important documents, identity proofs such as PAN and Aadhaar, income proof and tax returns, among others.Now it is the bank’s turn to check and verify all the submitted documents. Choose the Right Location and Property TypeOnce you have your finances done:Check the location after deciding what property type you want to buy, for example, flat, house, or villa. Check the features also Think from a long-term perspective like proximity to work, availability of good hospitals and schools and public transport.Find a genuine Real Estate AgentThen you need a good and genuine real estate agent:They help you shortlist properties under your budget.Agents also help in negotiations and understanding the legal framework. There is a number of paperwork involved in this whole process. and guiding you through each step, including discussions with sellers.Shortlist properties and site visitsShortlist options and plan a site visit. Check quality, surroundings, and features.Check the certificates, do a legal checkNow this is one of the most important steps to avoid future disputes:If it is a new construction, make sure the project is registered under RERA. Also see all the required certificates. Check if the builder has all necessary approvals (like NOCs, Occupation Certificate (OC) and layout approval).For resale properties, check the title deed, encumbrance certificate, and make sure there are no legal issues.Inspect the propertyThis is for both new or resale properties:Schedule a professional home inspection to inspect the condition of the house. Check plumbing, electricals, among other things.Offer and negotiationOnce you are satisfied with above mentioned features, now comes the important part. Make your offer and be ready to negotiate. Also know the final timelines.Closing the deal, the last stepAfter the deal is finalised, complete the official home loan application with your chosen bank.The loan lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property’s market value.The bank will finalise the legal and technical verifications.Now you sign documents, pay the balance amount, stamp duty, and registration fees.Congratulations! Now you are a home owner. Collect your keys and celebrate.Buying a home is a rewarding yet complex process. It requires a lot of financial readiness and legal understanding. But with the above mentioned steps, you can also make your dream of buying a home come true.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a gathering on Wednesday, said that India’s aviation sector has undergone a historic transformation over the past decade, evolving from an exclusive mode of transport into the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. For more clarity, check the official press release by Prime Minister’s Office.Addressing the Wings India 2026 programme in Hyderabad via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said the rapid growth of the sector reflects the government’s long-term vision of making air travel inclusive and accessible to every citizen.

Recalling that air travel was once limited to a small section of the population, the Prime Minister said passenger traffic has grown rapidly in recent years, with Indian airlines placing orders for more than 1,500 aircraft, indicating strong demand and expansion across the sector.

Highlighting infrastructure development, he said the number of airports in the country has increased from 70 in 2014 to more than 160 at present, while over 100 aerodromes have been activated. He said this expansion has helped connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and significantly strengthened regional air connectivity. The Prime Minister said the UDAN scheme has played a key role in making air travel affordable and accessible. Under the scheme, around 1.5 crore passengers have travelled on air routes that did not exist earlier, he noted. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said the government is working on the next phase of the UDAN scheme to further expand regional and affordable air connectivity. He also referred to plans for the development of sea-plane operations across the country to improve connectivity to remote and coastal areas. By 2047, he said, India is expected to have more than 400 airports, creating a vast air connectivity network.

Emphasising that the expansion of air connectivity will multiply as India moves towards becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister said the aviation sector will see unprecedented growth in the coming years, generating new opportunities for investment. He also highlighted the government’s focus on developing tourism infrastructure nationwide, which is driving increased demand for air travel. Regarding self-reliance in aviation, the Prime Minister stated that India is giving “strong emphasis to aircraft design, manufacture, and the MRO sector. India is already a large supplier of aircraft components and has started domestic production of military and transport aircraft, and is making progress in the manufacture of civilian aircraft. He said India’s strategic geographic location in global air corridors, a strong domestic feeder network and the expansion of long-haul aircraft fleets are helping the country emerge as a major global aviation hub.Talking about the future technology, the Prime Minister said that the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed and developed in India could soon give a new direction to the aviation industry by reducing the travel time significantly. The Prime Minister also said that India is working extensively on sustainable aviation fuel and could soon become a major producer and exporter of green aviation fuel. Mentioning the reforms in the sector, the Prime Minister said India is poised to become one of the major aviation hubs connecting the Global South and the international community. This presents a huge opportunity for international investors and manufacturers. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of air cargo development, including digital cargo platforms, warehousing, and logistics reforms to make the transportation of cargo faster and more efficient. This will help India become a competitive transshipment hub, he said.