New Delhi is buzzing as it prepares for the India AI Summit 2026. The city is already feeling the effects, with people from all over, including government officials, tech experts, researchers, and business leaders, expected to arrive. AI is now part of almost everything, from government decisions to business strategies, which is putting India in the global spotlight. Beyond the meetings and speeches, hotels are under pressure. Rooms close to major venues and busy areas are filling up quickly, and prices are rising almost daily. Many places are nearly full as delegates finalise their travel plans, leaving little room for last-minute bookings.

India AI Summit 2026: Dates, venue, and what to expect

The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, right in central New Delhi, from February 16 to 20, 2026. The main discussions will focus on how countries handle AI, the risks it brings, its impact on jobs, and how it can be used responsibly. Thousands of delegates are expected to attend, and hotels nearby have already raised their prices, affecting both business travellers and tourists.

India AI Summit 2026: Luxury hotel prices surge with global guests arrival

The Leela Palace New Delhi

The Leela Palace in Chanakyapuri is no stranger to diplomats. But during the AI summit, with delegations arriving from across the world, room prices have jumped quickly. The location plays a big role.

The Oberoi New Delhi

The Oberoi has always been about quiet comfort rather than noise or show. That’s part of its appeal for diplomats. As the AI summit nears, though, the calm comes at a much higher cost. Located near central Delhi, the hotel offers easy access to meeting venues and government offices.

Taj Mahal, New Delhi

Facing the greenery of Lodi Gardens, the Taj Mahal Hotel has long been a familiar stop for visiting dignitaries. The AI summit has pushed demand up, and prices have gone with it. Its central location makes moving between meetings simpler, which diplomats tend to value.

ITC Maurya, New Delhi

ITC Maurya has hosted top officials and leaders for many years, so a busy summit isn’t new. This time, with the AI event, room prices have gone up noticeably. The hotel’s location near diplomatic areas makes it convenient, especially when schedules are packed. On top of that, its security and ability to handle official visits make it a preferred choice for many delegates.

JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

The JW Marriott at Aerocity has become popular with summit delegates arriving on tight schedules. Its closeness to the airport is a major factor and as AI summit traffic builds, prices have risen sharply.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Shangri-La Eros offers some distance from the city rush while still staying central. That balance has made it appealing during the AI summit. With diplomats trying to avoid long travel times, bookings have picked up and prices have followed.

Taj Palace, New Delhi

Taj Palace is often chosen by larger delegations, and the AI summit has reinforced that trend. Located near Chanakyapuri, it offers space and security, both important for official stays. Prices have risen, but guests say it’s less about luxury and more about timing. When Delhi hosts global diplomacy, rates rarely stay calm for long.

Quitting a job can feel like escaping a bad date – awkward, overdue, and deserving of some flair. But when the boss is a micromanager, colleagues are backstabbers, or the coffee’s undrinkable, why not bow out with sarcasm? So, if you too are planning to call it quits at work, then here’s a look at some sarcastic resignation letter ideas that can make your day:

Airports, train stations, and street corners around the world have vending machines, but they usually stop at chips and cold drinks. But, this country does this very differently and takes it up to the next lever. In short, they go much further. Here, vending machines appear in the middle of crowded cities, quiet rural roads, and almost everywhere where you can’t even imagine—and what they sell can be genuinely surprising. From fresh eggs and hot meals to umbrellas and collectibles, Japan has turned vending machines into an everyday curiosity.

A country powered by vending machines

With an estimated four million vending machines nationwide, Japan has one of the highest machine-to-people ratios in the world. They are so deeply woven into daily life that you might often come across them where you least expect them, and sometimes, what’s inside is far from ordinary.

Drinks, but not just cold cans

Most machines do sell beverages, but even the basics feel elevated. Hot and cold canned coffee, tea, and soup are common, and machines adjust their offerings based on the weather. Brands such as Kirin, Asahi, and DyDo operate machines that shift inventory with the seasons, serving warm drinks in winter and chilled ones in summer.Alcohol also makes an appearance. In certain neighbourhoods and rural areas, vending machines dispense beer, sake, shochu, and chu-hai cocktails. Some require age verification through a TASPO card, reflecting Japan’s strict alcohol regulations. Read more: This Karnataka village found buried gold during construction—but it’s not a treasure. Here’s why

Full meals at the press of a button

Japanese food vending machines do not stop at vending treats such as snacks. They can be used to heat up meals like soba noodles, curry dishes, rice meals, hamburgers, among others. Some can be found in Gunma, which have remained operational since the 1980s. New ones are equipped with advanced equipment.Cup noodle vending machines by Nissin can frequently be seen in train stations as well as dormitory rooms. Dessert vending machines can provide customers with jarred cakes, mochis, canned bread, as well as ice cream. This can especially be seen in areas such as Harajuku and Shibuya, where appearance is just as important as taste.

Eggs, bananas, and bottled broth

Fresh produce is where Japan’s vending machines become truly unexpected. Bananas are sold daily from machines inside Shibuya Station, stocked by Dole Japan. In rural areas, simple vending huts sell fresh eggs and rice around the clock, often operated directly by local farmers.Some machines take novelty further. Dashidouraku sells bottled dashi broth containing a whole flying fish inside the bottle. Takeo Tokyo operates insect vending machines offering edible crickets and beetles, marketed as protein-rich snacks.

Built for emergencies

Japan’s vending machines are also used during disaster situations. In several districts across Hyogo Prefecture, for instance, vending machines are equipped with a function that unlocks during disasters, providing free food and drink items near the shelters. Others are equipped to function during power outages, utilizing solar panels to provide services.Read more: This traveller spent 13 days in Afghanistan and says online narratives miss the truth; challenges the misconception that women can’t travel there safely

Anime, souvenirs, and surprises

In Akihabara and other areas dedicated to pop culture, vending machines are used to sell anime-themed products, capsule machines, mystery boxes, and other collectibles. Gachapon machines are abundant in entire buildings. They sell all sorts of things, such as figurines and enamel pins.Tourist spots are placed with these machines carrying local specialties such as momiji manju from Hiroshima, jingisukan from Hokkaido, matcha sweets from Kyoto, and street food-flavored snacks from Osaka. Even major transport hubs are now home to souvenir vending machines for the busy tourist.

Umbrellas, shirts, and commuter fixes

Vending machines also cater to daily emergencies. Face masks, toothbrush kits, deodorant, socks, neckties, and dress shirts are commonly available in business districts and transport hubs. During the rainy season, umbrella vending machines appear in select locations, offering quick relief when the weather turns.

Cashless, convenient, and everywhere

Although older machines or machines in rural areas still offer coin and note options, modern machines in cities like Tokyo offer IC card systems like Suica and PASMO, credit card systems, and mobile payment systems. The machines are user-friendly due to the availability of English language options and the convenience of using credit cards.One might think little of vending machines, but they say a great deal about Japan—who values convenience, dependability, and ingenuity above all, sometimes serving up an umbrella for sale or a meal or a tale you weren’t expecting.

Dubai Opera reflects contemporary elegance with a design inspired by the traditional Arabian dhow boat. Situated in Downtown Dubai, the venue hosts concerts, theatre, and cultural performances in a transformable interior space. Its architecture blends cultural heritage with modern engineering, making it a prominent artistic landmark within the city’s urban core.

Dubai is a standout example of how visionary planning and design can change and redefine a city. Among these seven structures, each represents something unique in innovation, whether it be height, luxury, sustainability, or symbolism. These structures represent Dubai’s transformation to an architectural and tourism hub of creativity to reinvent what is possible in urban design.

Image Credit: Canva

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give to your partner is to simply listen without judging. Your silence and patience can help your partner open up about their darkness to you. Instead, say, “I’m here, tell me more,” and let them vent. Nod, hold their hand, validate feelings: “That sounds exhausting – I hate that for you.” But, avoid toxic positivity; it’s dismissive. Create space weekly – no phones, cozy tea – and follow their lead. This builds intimacy, reminding them they’re not alone in the shadows.

Snakes are among the most misunderstood animals in human surroundings. For many people, the fear begins not with an actual encounter, but with the uncertainty of where a snake could be hiding and why it might appear near a home at all. In reality, snakes do not seek out humans. They are quiet and careful animals that spend most of their lives trying to stay out of sight and save energy. But snake sightings are becoming more common near homes, gardens, construction sites, and farms in cities, towns, and rural areas.This rise in encounters is often linked to changing landscapes, seasonal weather patterns, and the availability of shelter and food. Snakes respond strongly to temperature. Extreme heat and cold influence where they rest, hunt, and hide. Human environments unintentionally provide many of the conditions snakes look for, such as shade, moisture, warmth, and small prey like rodents and frogs.Understanding where snakes prefer to take shelter, how weather affects their movement, and what attracts them to gardens can help reduce surprise encounters. It also helps people do things that will keep them safe and working. Families can reduce the risks and let snakes stay in the ecosystem without any problems by learning how they act instead of being afraid of them.

The most common places snakes like to hide

Snakes like places where they can hide from predators, the temperature stays the same, and they can easily get to food. They don’t stay in open spaces for very long. They stay hidden by using both natural and man-made cover.Rock piles, thick bushes, tall grass, fallen logs, wood stacks, debris piles, and abandoned burrows made by rodents are all common places to hide. Snakes can hide in urban and semi-urban areas under concrete slabs, in drains, under stairs, or along boundary walls that have cracks and gaps.The weather is a big factor in these choices. When it’s hot outside, snakes look for cooler places to stay so they don’t get too hot. Preferred shelters include underground burrows, shaded corners of gardens, compost pits, and places near water sources. Basements, crawl spaces, garages, and areas under floors stay cooler than the ground outside and may attract snakes in the summer.In colder weather, the shelter pattern changes. Snakes move toward insulated spaces that protect them from falling temperatures. They retreat deeper underground into burrows, rock crevices, gaps under foundations, and unused drainage lines. Brumation is a time when many species stop moving around and stay hidden for weeks or months until things get better. These shelters help them stay alive during cold spells without having to move around all the time.

Why snakes seek shelter in human spaces

Snakes do not enter homes or gardens by intention. They are drawn in by conditions that match their basic survival needs.One of the main reasons is the presence of food. Rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects thrive near human settlements, especially where waste is poorly managed or vegetation is overgrown. Snakes follow this prey.Shelter is another factor. Construction activity, deforestation, and land clearing destroy natural hiding spots. As a result, snakes adapt by using alternative shelters such as sheds, storage areas, unused rooms, and stacked materials near houses.Changes in temperature throughout the year also affect movement. When it’s hot outside, snakes go to places that are shady and wet. When it’s cold outside, they move toward warmer, more protected areas. Homes, garages, and gardens often provide both, making them safe places to stay during bad weather without meaning to.The amount of water available is also important. Leaking pipes, garden ponds, water tanks, and open drains draw in both prey animals and snakes, especially when it’s dry.

Common places where snakes like to hide

Piles of wood or debris

Compost heaps and leaf litter

Long grass and dense vegetation

Under rocks and garden containers

Hollow spaces in walls and foundations

Water sources and irrigation systems

How to snake-proof your home and garden

Snake-proofing does not mean sealing a space completely. It means making it less likely for snakes to come in the first place.Trim your plants and don’t let your lawn get too big. Get rid of piles of trash, extra wood, and building materials. Store firewood off the ground and away from walls.Fill in cracks in walls, floors, and foundations. Put a fine mesh over drains, vents, and other openings that are close to the ground. Make sure the doors fit tightly, and there are no gaps under them.Keep your home clean and keep food waste safe to keep rodents away. Stop water from sitting still and fix leaking pipes. In gardens, cut back on thick ground cover close to the house and keep the edges clear.Extra caution is helpful during bad weather. Check shaded storage areas often in the summer. In the winter, check basements, garages, and crawl spaces that stay warm and don’t get disturbed.

Understanding snake behaviour reduces risk

Snakes are very important for keeping pests under control and the environment in balance. Most snake bites happen when the snake is scared, cornered, or stepped on by accident. People can stay away from those situations if they know where they hide and why they move.Households can greatly cut down on unwanted encounters by taking care of their shelter, food sources, and seasonal risks. Being aware, not afraid, is still the best way to live safely with wildlife.

In many cultures, houseplants are treated as more than decorative items. These are believed to attract luck, and prosperity. Among these, succulents hold a special place in both Vastu and Feng Shui. Succulents are known for their resilience and longevity and their presence adds to the overall wellbeing and reduces stress along with purifying air.

Bringing succulents into your home isn’t just about beauty or decor. These are also a symbol of resilience, luck and prosperity. While the “good luck” they bring isn’t guaranteed, these plants can improve the environment and boost wellbeing. With proper care and right placement (according to traditions like Feng Shui or Vastu), these plants can bring positive energy to your space. Let’s have a look at five succulents that are believed to bring prosperity and good luck.

(Canva)

A little protectiveness in the relationship can feel flattering, but excessive jealousy – ike constantly checking your phone, grilling about your friends from the opposite gender, or sulking over social media likes on your post – is toxic behaviour one should not ignore. It stems from insecurity, not love, and escalates into control. In healthy relationships are based on trust.

“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another,and feeling with the heart of another…”-Alfred AdlerEmpathy is the ability to understand the feelings of another person. In simple words, it is like putting yourself in someone’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. Empathy involves listening, understanding and responding with compassion. It plays a crucial role in both- personal and professional relationships. It is a powerful tool to resolve conflicts. In the mediation process, the mediator should be empathetic, which means the mediator should have the ability to listen, to understand and to respond with compassion. It allows them to connect with the parties, understand their emotions, providing environment of trust. With this practice, the mediator helps parties to move towards the resolution of disputes more effectively. Specifically, in family matters, this skill is crucial to deal with the emotional breakdown of the parties. Otherwise, emotional reactions can derail the process. Advocate Chhaya Golatgaonkar, Mediation Expert, Founder & Director at Advocate CSG & Associates, shares a few case studies to frame a picture of this.

Case-1.:

A husband and wife approached me with the intention of filing a divorce petition. Both were emotionally exhausted, deeply hurt, and firmly convinced that separation was the only solution. Their stories reflected years of unresolved conflicts and a complete breakdown of communication. I initiated the process through individual and joint sessions, providing each party a safe and non-judgmental space to express their anger, grief, fear, love and sense of loss. These sessions revealed that beneath the demand for divorce, there are emotional wounds, misunderstandings, and insecurities. The focus of the session was on empathetic listening, validating emotions without the blame game. After 10 sessions, the conversation shifted from accusations to underlying needs and expectations. Finally, through 19 sessions, facilitation for communication and helping in understanding each other’s emotional needs resulted in reconciliation. The couple decided not to proceed with the divorce. Instead, they chose to work on their relationship and wanted to give them a chance.

This case reaffirmed that, even in high-conflict situations in family matters where there is emotional crisis, empathetic mediation can transform the situation into understanding and prevent irreversible decisions, allowing families the opportunity to reconcile rather than divorce.

Case-2.:

A couple approached me. They had been in matrimonial litigation with multiple cases pending before different courts for over 10 years. The situation of the parties was worse due to a long-term legal battle, an emotional crisis, child (10yrs old) was suffering, the wife was suffering from anxiety. In the mediation process, individual sessions were conducted to understand emotional distress. The wife’s anxiety and emotional vulnerability were acknowledged, and the need for psychological intervention was sensitively discussed. Joint mediation sessions subsequently facilitated structured communication. As a result of the mediation process, the wife agreed to seek appropriate medical and psychological treatment, and both parties agreed to withdraw their cases against each other. Husband agreed to give permanent alimony for both wife and child.This case underlines the importance of empathy as a tool of mediation in high-conflict family matters. Parties resolved their conflicts, obtained a decree of divorce by mutual consent, thereby concluding a decade-long litigation.The above two cases explain well that the mediation process in family matters aims to resolve conflicts amicably. Empathy, as a tool of mediation, is strengthening the Mediator and Mediation process. The practice of empathy is the key to emotional crisis in family matters. Mediation is the bridge between law and human emotions. Mediation is not merely an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) technique but is a transformative process that helps in balancing emotions, healing relationships, avoids litigation.

In the quiet by-lanes of Hukkeri, a small town hugging the Karnataka-Maharashtra border in Belagavi district, something profoundly beautiful unfolded on February 8, 2026 – a wedding that warmed hearts far beyond its simple rituals. It wasn’t just a celebration of love between Somashekar Pujeri and his bride, Poonam. It was a testament to the unbreakable bonds of humanity, woven by a retired KSRTC driver named Mehboob Hasan Naikwadi and his wife Noor Jahan, who stood proudly at the wedding, their faces glowing with the quiet joy of parents watching their child step into a new chapter.It was 20 years ago, when Shivanand Kadayya Pujeri, a close friend of Mehboob’s, and his wife died untimely in a road accident. The Pujeris leeft behind their two young boys – Somashekar and his younger brother Vasant. When no close relatives of the Pujeris came forward to claim the two young boys, Mehboob and his wife Noor Jahan decided to adopt the Hindu boys. With five children of their own already filling their modest house – four sons and a daughter, they opened their hearts and home to the orphans. Being a Muslim and raising the two Hindu boys as their own children is something that surprises many people, but for the Naikwadi couple, humanity is above all religion. “I feel that all human beings are the same. Both these children have grown up in our house like our children,” Mehboob told The Federal.Fast forward two decades, and those boys have now grown into fine young men. Somashekar, is now a BSc graduate working at an aviation company in Belagavi. When he turned of marriageable age, Mr and Mrs Naikwadis started looking for a suitable match for him, considering it as their parental duty. The Naikwadis, true to their parental spirit, travelled with friends to Tanwad, a village in Gadhinglaj taluk in Maharashtra. Their they finalised the alliance for Somashekar with Poonam, who hails from a Veerashaiva Lingayat family.And on Februaty 8, Somashekhar and Poonam’s wedding was performed following the Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions. Basavaprabhu Vantamuri, who is the Belagavi district president of the Karnataka District Farmers’ Association, praised the Naikwadi couple for being a role model for the society at a time when there are apparent religious tensions, reported The Federal.Meanwhile, Mehboob, now in his 70s with little to his name beyond memories and a lifetime of hard work, believes he just did his duty as a human. “I do not think there is anything special in what my wife and I have done. I believe that all the people in this country are brothers and sisters. I am happy that these children grew up in my house, got educated, and found jobs on their own. I will leave this world, satisfied that I have done my job,” he told reporters in Hukkeri, reported The Hindu.In a world where hate and religious discrimination are easy to spread, the Naikwadi couple are an inspiration to many and a true example of humanity shining even in the darkest of times.What are your views on this heartwarming incident? Tell us in the comment section below.