To handle the surge in passenger travel during the upcoming Holi festival, Indian Railways has announced plans to operate more than 1,410 Holi special trains across its network, with the number expected to go up to 1,500 services. As per the press release by the Ministry of Railways, the special trains will run throughout March, a peak travel period as people head home to celebrate the festival with family. The initiative is in a bid to provide improved travel connections between key cities and popular routes, by easing congestion on normal services. For perspective, the number of special train trips being planned by Indian Railways on Holi 2025 stood at 1,144 making this year’s proposed operations more than double.

Zone-wise deployment of Holi special trains

Of all zones, the East Central Railway (ECR) will run the maximum number of Holi special trains, which is precisely 285, to handle heavy rush of passengers over the eastern and north-central network. This is followed by the Western Railway (WR) with 231 trains and the Central Railway (CR) with 209 services, both catering to dense intercity and long-distance travel corridors. The South Central Railway has planned to run 160 Holi special trains, and the Northern Railway will operate 108 Holi special trains, mainly for northern states where Holi celebrations are widespread. The other zones have also developed substantial capacities:North Western Railway (NWR): 71 trainsNorth Central Railway (NCR): 66 trainsNorth Eastern Railway (NER): 62 trainsEast Coast Railway (ECOR): 62 trainsSouth Western Railway (SWR): 47 trainsWest Central Railway (WCR): 43 trainsSouthern Railway (SR): 39 trainsSouth East Central Railway (SECR): 15 trainsIn addition, the Konkan Railway (KR) will operate 9 special trains, while the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has planned 2 services to meet regional travel requirements.

Focus on smoother festive travel

Holi is usually the busiest travel period for Indian Railways, when a large number of passengers travel from metros and their work hubs to their hometowns. Taking into consideration the festive rush of passengers during the upcoming holiday season and anticipating demand for travel would increase on specific routes, the special train services will be put into place to ensure that passengers can be accommodated easily. Officials said the railways remain focused on passenger convenience, safety, and efficient operations during major festivals, and additional services may be introduced if booking trends indicate further demand in the coming weeks.

Imagine this: Just when you’re at the peak of your career, the two people you trust the most shatter your world. For Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik this was a reality. Born into a Telugu family, Dinesh picked up a bat at 10, made his international cricket debut in 2004, and soon became a sensation. But off-field, heartbreak nearly ended it all. Here’s his story, which is no less than an emotional rollercoaster of betrayal, hitting rock bottom in life, and getting a second chance at love, a story that still can give you chills.

Childhood sweetheart to shattered vows: Dinesh Karthik and Nikita Vanjara‘s failed marriage

Dinesh and Nikita Vanjara were that perfect story – childhood friends in Chennai, friendship turning to love, families cheering them on. At just 21, in 2007, they said “I do,” eyes full of forever. But their marriage was short lived and within five years, the cracks deepened. Nikita’s found love in Murali Vijay, Dinesh’s teammate and close friend. And Nikita and Murali’s betrayal to Dinesh was nothing less than gut-wrenching.

It was during the 2012 Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka that Dinesh learned the truth about his wife and his best friend having an affair. The sting of double betrayal crushed him – public silence masking private agony. As their divorce papers were finalised, Nikita was pregnant with Murali’s child! Dinesh chose grace, stepping away without a word of mudslinging in public. Nikita and Murali soon got married and they welcomed their son Nirav in 2013, daughter Eva (year not known), and another boy Aarav in 2017. Meanwhile, Dinesh hit rock bottom in his personal life.

Rock bottom: Depression steals the cricketer’s spark

The man who once dazzled on IPL grounds went silent. Depression gripped Dinesh – gym skipped, practices dodged. Soon, he was dropped from the Indian team. Betrayal didn’t just break his heart; it dimmed his fire. Nights blurred into doubt: How do you rebuild when trust evaporates? Enter lifeline: Friend and mentor Abhishek Nayar, who encouraged him to restart his life. Abhishek urged, dragging him back to the gym. There, amid sweat and second chances, fate whispered hope.

Sparks at the gym: Falling for squash star Dipika Pallikal

It was at the gym where Dinesh met Dipiaka Pallikal a fellow sportsperson. They had the same coach Basu Shankar.While Dipipka initially kept hed distance from Dinesh to avoid wanted media drama, their friendship soon blossomed into love. Dipika became Dinesh’s quiet strength, pulling him from the pit. In an IANS interview, Dipika shared, “The first time we met was at a marathon five years ago… I left without even saying bye. Slowly, we got to know each other.”What sealed their love? Dinesh’s heart. February 2013: Dipika wins in Canada; Dinesh plays domestic in India. She heads to Leeds; he flies across oceans just to see her. “Not many would do that,” she told Sportskeeda. His humility and care won her heart. And soon, Dinesh and Dipika turned from gym buddies to soulmates, building their new life together.

A fairytale wedding and twins

Post-Champions Trophy 2013 win, Dinesh proposed to Dipika in London and she said ‘Yes’! They got engaged in Chennai that year, and got married twice in 2015: A Christian ceremony on August 18, followed by a Telugu Hindu style wedding on August 20. In 2021, Dinesh and Dipika welcomed their twins – Kabir Pallikal Karthik and Zian Pallikal Karthik. Dipika paused her career for her family, while Dinesh returned to cricket. In 2024, Dinesh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.Dinesh’s story is a raw inspiration to many. Nikita and Murali’s betrayal could’ve ended Dinesh, but it instead made him stronger. He chose to close Nikita’s chapter gracefully, while Dipika’s chapter opened eternal love. From whispers of depression to his twins’ giggles, Dinesh shows: Love heals everything.

The 13th-century Sufi poet and mystic, Rumi, captivates readers across the world today even today. His wise words on love and joy feel as fresh now as they did centuries ago. Since love is a universal language and it speaks to every heart, here we list some of Rumi’s timeless quotes to warm yours.

Japanese authorities in Fujiyoshida, a picturesque town near Mount Fuji, have cancelled their annual cherry blossom festival this year, citing an unmanageable surge in tourist numbers that has begun to seriously affect daily life for locals. The decision brings an abrupt end to a decade-old spring event that had turned the town into one of Japan’s most photographed sakura destinations. During peak cherry blossom season, as many as 10,000 visitors a day now arrive in Fujiyoshida, drawn by the rare combination of cherry trees in full bloom framed against Mount Fuji’s snow-capped slopes. But what was once seen as a boost to local tourism has increasingly been described by authorities as a crisis. “We have a strong sense of crisis,” Fujiyoshida mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said while announcing the cancellation. “To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival.”

From tourism push to overtourism problem

The festival began in 2016, when city authorities opened the gates of Arakurayama Sengen Park to host visitors during the cherry blossom season. Home to a pagoda overlooking the town, the park quickly became famous for its sweeping panoramic views and “Instagrammable” spots that blended traditional architecture, sakura trees and Mount Fuji in a single frame. Officials initially hoped the event would create a lively atmosphere and enhance the town’s appeal. Instead, they say visitor numbers have “increased dramatically, exceeding the city’s capacity and resulting in overtourism.”Read more: Indian skies perfect for stargazing, and why February is the best time Residents have complained of chronic traffic congestion, overflowing rubbish, and increasingly intrusive behaviour. According to statements released by the city, tourists have been reported trespassing on private property, opening residents’ doors without permission to use toilets, littering, and in some cases even defecating in private gardens. Authorities also noted incidents of visitors causing disturbances when confronted by homeowners. The surge has been driven by multiple factors, including the weak yen, which has made Japan more affordable for overseas travellers, and the explosive reach of social media platforms that rapidly amplify visually striking locations.

Festival cancelled, visitors still expected

Despite cancelling the official festival, Fujiyoshida authorities acknowledge that large crowds are still likely in April and May, when cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom. The city says it is preparing for increased footfall even without organised events, underlining how difficult it has become to control visitor flows once a destination gains global visibility online.

A wider issue across Japan

Fujiyoshida is not the first place near Mount Fuji to take drastic steps. In 2024, officials in Fujikawaguchiko erected a large black barrier to block views of one of the area’s most famous photo spots. Residents there had accused tourists, particularly those chasing viral images, of littering, jaywalking and parking illegally.Read more: This tiger reserve near Delhi is an interesting mix wildlife adventure and spirituality

Global cities push back against overcrowding

Elsewhere, European cities are experimenting with new measures to rein in tourist numbers. Italian authorities recently introduced a €2 fee to access the viewing area of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, a site that had previously been free to visit. Officials say the fee will help manage crowds and fund maintenance of the historic monument. In Venice, day trippers visiting on select days between April and July are now required to pay €5 if they book in advance, or €10 for last-minute access. The policy is aimed at discouraging short, high-impact visits that strain infrastructure without benefiting local communities. As this Japanese town goes ahead with the cancellation of the cherry blossom festival, it reflects how overtourism can actually impact the lives of local people. Although the views in the town are considered iconic, and might continue to still attract tourists from across the globe, the town authority has made it clear that it will be prioritizing its people for now.

“Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are, not to spend your whole time trying to correct them.” – Bill AyersThis quote cuts through a common parenting habit. Many parents spend days fixing, guiding, and improving. The intent is good, but the impact can feel heavy. Children do not grow best under constant correction. They grow best when they feel safe, seen, and accepted. This quote reminds parents that love is not a reward for good behaviour. It is the ground on which all learning stands.

Children are not unfinished projects

Kids are often treated like problems waiting to be solved. Their habits, marks, tone, or choices become daily targets. This approach quietly sends a message that they are never enough. Bill Ayers’ words ask parents to pause. A child is already a whole person, not a draft version of an adult. Guidance works better when it starts with respect, not repair.

Constant correction can blur self-worth

Correction has a place, but too much of it can confuse a child. When most conversations point out what went wrong, children start linking love with performance. Over time, they may hide mistakes or stop trying new things. Loving a child for who they are builds a steady inner voice. That voice helps them handle feedback without feeling broken.

Love does not mean ignoring limits

This quote does not ask parents to remove rules. It asks them to change the order. Love comes first, limits come second. When a child feels accepted, rules feel safer and fairer. A calm boundary taught with warmth stays longer than one taught with fear. Discipline works best when it protects, not when it controls.

See the reason behind the behaviour

Children often act out before they can explain feelings. A messy room, sharp reply, or poor focus usually hides something else. It could be tiredness, jealousy, or pressure. Correcting the surface behaviour without noticing the cause misses the point. Love shows up when parents ask what the child might be feeling, not just what the child did.

Celebrate effort, not personality fixes

Many corrections target who the child is, not what they tried. Labels like “lazy” or “too sensitive” stick longer than advice. This quote pushes parents to shift focus. Notice effort, progress, and honesty. When feedback talks about actions, children feel safer being themselves. They learn that love stays, even when improvement is needed.

Everyday ways to practice this love

Loving children for who they are does not need big speeches. It shows up in small moments. Listening without interrupting.

Have you ever been in a situation with your partner where no matter what you say, it feels like you’re speaking different languages? You’re not alone. Melinda French Gates, American philanthropist and author, addresses this in her quote from the book ‘The Moment of Lift’ as she says: “When people can’t agree, it’s often because there is no empathy, no sense of shared experience. If you feel what others feel, you’re more likely to see what they see. Then you can understand one another. Then you can move to the honest and respectful exchange of ideas that is the mark of a successful partnership. That’s the source of progress.”It’s a simple yet profound truth: Empathy is the secret to real connection. Drawing from her own experiences, Melinda shows how stepping into other people’s shoes can help turn your problems into mutual growth. Let’s break it down and see how you can make it work in your relationships, too.

Why Empathy Unlocks Agreement (Even When You Disagree)

Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. Money fights, parenting clashes, or even misunderstandings with colleagues – they pop up because we all carry our unique lenses shaped by our pasts. Melinda points out why they happen: Without empathy, we’re stuck defending our view, not understanding the other person’s thoughts. No shared emotional ground means no progress.Think of empathy as emotional detective work. It’s feeling their frustration, not just hearing words. Melinda calls this “the source of progress” because once you get it – truly feel it -you shift from being opponents to being teammates. Research from psychologists like John Gottman also highlights this: Couples who validate emotions during arguments are five times more likely to stay together. It’s not about agreeing on everything; it’s about agreeing to understand first.

5 easy ways to practice empathy

Here’s are some simple, doable steps inspired by Gates’ wisdom:1. Mirror their feelings: The next time you have an argument, say, “Sounds like you’re frustrated because…” Repeat until they nod. It shows you’re listening.2. Share your “why” vulnerably: Instead of “You’re wrong,” try “This bugs me because it reminds me of…” Opens the empathy door both ways.3. Pause for perspective: Ask, “What would this feel like for you?” Imagine their backstory. Melinda’s “shared experience” in action.4. Validate first, solve later: “I see why that hurt” before jumping to fixes. Builds trust fast.5. Daily check-ins: Talk over dinner and ask, “What was tough today?” This creates ongoing empathy habits.Over time, you’ll notice that your fights have shortened, and bonds have deepened.

Empathy: Your Partnership Superpower

Melinda’s quote isn’t just fluffy advice – it’s battle-tested from boardrooms to bedrooms. Long-term partnerships thrive on this cycle: Feel, understand, exchange ideas, and all of this will lead to progress. Singles, note it for dating. Parents, use it with kids. Friends, it mends rifts too.In a divided world, empathy’s radical. But in your relationship? It’s revolutionary. What’s one empathy move you’ll try today? Share below – let’s lift each other up!

Across culture, animals are not just part of nature. They stand for strength, courage, patience, and balance. Many ancient names grew from this deep respect. Choosing a baby name inspired by powerful animals can feel meaningful and timeless. These names carry stories, values, and a quiet reminder of nature’s force. Here are 8 baby boy names inspired by nature’s strongest animals.

Dangerous online “task games” are creeping back into conversations, and honestly, it’s rattling parents all over again. Names like the Korean Love Game, Blue Whale, Blackout Challenge, and the Salt and Ice Challenge are popping up online – not because they’re trends, but because they’re being linked to really disturbing outcomes. After the heartbreaking deaths of three teenagers in Ghaziabad made national headlines, people are once again asking an uncomfortable question: how safe is the internet for our kids, really?The truth is, no one has clear, verified details about the so-called Korean Love Game yet. Most of what’s circulating online comes from reports and patterns that feel uncomfortably familiar. What’s being said is that it works like earlier task-based challenges that went viral years ago – especially the Blue Whale challenge. The pattern is the same slow trap: start with harmless tasks, build routine, then quietly move towards risky and harmful behaviour.

What makes these games so dangerous isn’t just the tasks – it’s how they get inside a kid’s head. Much like Blue Whale, the Korean Love Game is believed to rely on daily “missions” that slowly create a sense of dependence. Over time, players may feel like someone is watching, guiding, or controlling them. This unseen “handler” is said to use emotional pressure, fear, and sometimes threats to keep kids hooked and obedient.

The extra scary part? The Korean Love Game doesn’t appear dark on the surface. Unlike Blue Whale, which had a creepy reputation from day one, this one is said to disguise itself as something softer. It reportedly taps into young people’s love for K-pop and K-dramas, creating a fantasy of being “chosen” or emotionally connected to a virtual lover. Once that emotional hook is set, the fear of losing that connection can be used to push kids into doing things they normally wouldn’t.Some reports claim that children pulled into these games slowly start cutting themselves off from real life. School takes a back seat. Family gets pushed away. Online identities change. Their world shrinks to what’s happening on their screen. Teens who are already feeling lonely, stressed, or unsure of themselves are especially vulnerable. These games feed on emotional highs, online validation, and the deep need to belong – all things young minds crave but don’t yet know how to protect themselves from.The tragedy in Ghaziabad has made all of this hit closer to home. The three girls – just 16, 14, and 12 years old – were found dead in the Loni area under the Tila Mod police station limits. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors could not save them.Police later said a note was found at their home. It reportedly mentioned the influence of Korean culture, but didn’t name any specific game or app. Investigations are still ongoing, and it’s important not to jump to conclusions. But the case has reopened a bigger, uncomfortable conversation about what children are being exposed to online – often without parents realising what’s really going on behind a screen.The hard truth? The internet isn’t just funny reels and harmless trends. There are dark corners designed to emotionally trap vulnerable kids. Which is exactly why talking about digital safety, mental health, and online habits can’t be optional anymore. These conversations are awkward, yes – but they’re necessary.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 1 (local time) were marked by jaw‑dropping fashion, historic wins, and plenty of memorable moments, but one detail had fans really talking online: photos of several celebrities holding or spotted with $2 bills during the ceremony and after‑party. And yes, the internet now has conspiracy theories.

The two‑dollar bill is one of the rarest notes in U.S. currency today. Most people rarely see one in circulation, and many haven’t seen one at all. That fact alone was enough to get social media talking when stars were caught carrying them at the Grammys.

Celebrities spotted with $2 bills at the 2026 Grammys

While there’s no official list of every celebrity who had a two‑dollar bill at the Grammys, several appeared in photos with them in hand. Images circulating on X show vocalist Rosé posing with Sabrina Carpenter, both holding what looked like the unusual bills, and Lady Gaga chatting with tech executive Michael Polansky, with several $2 notes on their table. Fans also pointed out pop star Chappell Roan cradling a folded $2 bill in one candid shot.

Georgia is one of those pretty destinations that is gradually becoming popular among Indian travellers. And to cater to the growing demand, here we discuss the e-visa process that can help one enter the country legally for short-term purposes without visiting a Georgian embassy or consulate. According to tourism officials, the first six months of 2025 witnessed a 40% rise in Indian visits, as compared to the same period of the previous year. The Georgia e-Visa is a fully online visa system introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to make short-term travel simpler and faster. It allows eligible visitors to apply for a visa without visiting a Georgian embassy or consulate, using a straightforward digital process. All those who have been planning a trip to this beautiful destination, will find their answers here. Indian passport holders will also follow the same process.Here’s a clear breakdown of how the Georgia e-Visa works, who it’s for, and what travellers need to know before applying.

What is the Georgia e-Visa?

The Georgia e-Visa is a short-term multiple-entry visa issued online. Once approved, it gives travellers the same right of entry as a traditional sticker visa placed in a passport.The entire process is completed online in three basic steps:

Applicants do not need to book appointments or submit original documents at an embassy or consular office.Read more: A history traveller’s delight: Ancient treasures and tools recovered at Kodumanal in Tamil Nadu., ASI confirms in detailed report

Validity and permitted stay

It’s important to understand that visa validity and period of stay are not the same. The validity period determines when you can use the visa, while the stay period limits how many days you can remain in Georgia.

Georgia e-Visa fees

Mandatory two-step application process

The Georgian e-Visa process includes two compulsory stages:

Documents required for the application

Applicants must upload the following during the online process:

Documents you must carry for border entry

Approval of an e-Visa does not guarantee entry. Travellers must present the following documents at the Georgian border if requested:

If you cannot produce these documents at the border, you may be denied entry, even with a valid e-Visa.

Health insurance requirement

Health or accident insurance covering the entire duration of stay in Georgia is mandatory. Travellers without valid insurance risk being refused entry at the border.

Passport and application rules

Photo and data requirements

Read more: Japan multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals: Eligibility, documents and application process explained

Overstay rules and compliance

Travellers are fully responsible for ensuring they:

Extending your stay

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply through Georgian diplomatic missions or consular posts abroad, based on your nationality or residence. Extensions are not handled through the e-Visa system.The Georgia e-Visa offers a convenient, embassy-free option for short-term travel, but strict compliance with document, insurance, and stay requirements is essential—both during the application process and at the border.