Travelling to any foreign place can be overwhelming, with unfamiliar customs, new languages, different food habits, and the list can go on. And then there are some destinations that have the potential to amplify that feeling, not because they are unwelcoming, but because they operate at an intensity that few places can match.Likewise, travel accounts about India also often tend to swing between extremes, either romanticised spiritual awakenings or horror stories of culture shock. A recent Reddit post brings together all the narratives in one place, confusion, exhaustion, admiration, with a bit of appreciation too.

So this traveller in his post shared that he spent 15 days in India visiting New Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur, and said his experience was “equal parts love and hate.” He clarified though that his impressions were limited to a small slice of the country, and is absolutely worth it if you’re prepared. He shares that he was in India to attend a wedding in a rural area, which was followed by city-hopping with five friends in their early 30s. He adds, “I don’t believe I even scratched the surface of the reality of India in all its complexity.” Still, what emerged was a portrait of travel that feels recognisable to many first-time visitors to India: overwhelming, intense and unforgettable.Read more: 5 hill forts of Rajasthan and why they are a traveller’s favourite“Nothing can prepare you for Delhi,” the traveller wrote. “You can read all the Reddit posts and watch every YouTube video, but you have to experience it firsthand.”He says, “We visited some incredible historic sites that are definitely worth it, like Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb, but the streets of Old Delhi were one of the highlights of the trip. Chandni Chowk felt like an endless river of humanity. It felt like I lived 30 different lives in a single day. There everything really happens everywhere all at once, like a weird TikTok feed coming to life in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, all blending together in a chaotic, almost hallucinogenic experience. In perspective, it makes the rest of the world seem dull and bland, empty and repetitive. At the end of the day, I was drained and just collapsed in my bed, feeling like an overstimulated child who needed sleep to process everything.

And as many visitors would definitely do, they did the obligatory one-day trip to the Taj Mahal, which was as expected, touristy, and although it was undeniably beautiful, the experience was okay-ish.Expectations were high for Jaipur, but the experience felt underwhelming. The traveller rated it a 6/10, describing the city as crowded and chaotic, though smaller than Delhi.One exception was Amber Fort, which they found stunning, and “arguably more impressive than any site in Delhi.” However, he adds, “Seeing elephants and dromedaries in the streets was cool but bittersweet, as they all looked drugged as hell.” He and his friends chose to walk up to the fort instead of paying for an elephant ride, observing that the rides appeared short, expensive and uncomfortable for the animals. Like many, they also opined that it’s better to avoid paying to ride an elephant up. They spent an evening at Raj Mandir Cinema, watched a Bollywood film despite not understanding Hindi, which they loved every bit of it.Read more: Thailand overhauls visa rules: 60-day visa-free stays, DTV, and digital entry system to boost tourism and economy After days of intensity, they made a trip to Udaipur that felt like a relief. “Watching the sunset over Lake Pichola was breathtaking.” Unlike Delhi and Jaipur, Udaipur felt calm. Vendors were not pushy, streets were cleaner in tourist areas, and the pace was slower. “It was like a peaceful paradise after the craziness of the first days.”They even suggested Udaipur as a possible alternative base for digital nomads seeking something quieter than Southeast Asia’s usual hotspots.

Challenges they faced

Language proved more challenging than expected. Although they thought that English is widely spoken in India, they found communication in service settings tiring over time.Hygiene and visible inequality stood out. He added, “You see huge mountains of garbage, and right next to them, an upper-class modern mall. The overwhelming presence of men in public spaces also struck them. While the women in the group did not report feeling unsafe, the imbalance felt noticeable and occasionally uncomfortable.”The group took strict food and water precautions, bottled water even for brushing teeth, avoiding street food and ice, and successfully managed to avoid illness.Despite the exhaustion and contradictions, the traveller concluded that the journey was worth it.India, in their words, may not be for inexperienced travelers, but for those open to intensity and cultural shock, it offers something unmatched. He concludes saying, “Honestly, I don’t think there’s anywhere else quite like it.”

Although referenced through the evolution of curtain-wall design, the Seagram Building (1958) became one of the most influential glass skyscrapers in modern architecture. Its refined bronze-tinted façade and minimalist composition shaped corporate tower design worldwide, proving that simplicity, proportion, and material clarity could define architectural elegance for decades.

Glass buildings have continually pushed architecture toward greater openness, light, and structural innovation. From early experimental pavilions to record-breaking skyscrapers, these structures reveal how a single material can transform aesthetics, engineering, and urban identity. Together, they demonstrate that transparency in architecture is not merely visual, it represents progress, creativity, and the evolving relationship between people and the built environment.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Thailand has taken another step toward reshaping its visa framework as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and economic recovery. Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, made an official announcement recently stating that the Cabinet has recognised a comprehensive series of visa policy guidelines that was proposed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. For more clarity, check the official page. These range from short-term facilitation, medium-term structural reforms, and long-term digital upgrades. Together, they aim to simplify entry procedures, expand visa exemptions, streamline non-immigrant categories and modernise Thailand’s arrival systems.

The Cabinet’s acknowledgment formalises a series of changes already implemented in 2025, including expanded visa exemptions, the introduction of new visa categories such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and ED Plus, a reduction in non-immigrant visa codes, and the rollout of a fully digital arrival system. Below is a summary of the completed and ongoing measures outlined by the government.

Matters that have been accomplished

The cabinet has acknowledged several short-term visa adjustments, such as:

Visa exemption (Form 60)

A list of 93 countries and territories has been established whose passport holders, or holders of documents used in lieu of passports, may enter Thailand temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business without a visa, and are permitted to stay for up to 60 days as a special case.

Visa on arrival (VoA)

A separate list of 31 countries and territories has been designated whose passport holders may apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at immigration checkpoints.

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Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), allowing foreigners to stay in the Kingdom for tourism and remote work under a special category.

ED Plus Visa (Non-Immigrant)

A new Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa category has been introduced, allowing foreigners to stay in Thailand for study or combined study-and-work purposes under special provisions.

Visa policy committee

A Visa Policy Committee was appointed in 2025, and two meetings have already been held. The Prime Minister has since signed an order appointing a new committee, with further meetings to be convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Read more: Guess the place: It’s home to the world’s only floating national park

Medium-term measures

Reduction of visa codes

The number of temporary residence (Non-Immigrant) visa codes has been reduced from 17 categories to 7, effective from August 31, 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, notified relevant agencies and publicised the changes through its official channels.

Expansion of e-Visa services

From January 1, 2025, Thailand expanded its electronic visa (e-Visa) service to cover all 94 embassies and consulates-general worldwide via the official portal: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.

Long-term measures

Electronic travel authorization and TDACThe Immigration Bureau has developed the TM.6 online system, known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), replacing the earlier Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The TDAC system has been in use since May 1, 2025.Read more: This Himalayan village has a 500-year-old preserved mummy; who does it belong to?

Ongoing measures

Additional VoA expansion (phase two)Thailand is considering adding 8 more countries to the Visa on Arrival list, allowing their passport holders to apply for VoA at immigration checkpoints. Long-stay visa adjustmentsThe authorities also review and modify the criteria and conditions for long-stay visas, especially for elderly individuals who want to retire in Thailand.

Broader policy direction

These measures, collectively, seek to:

By leveraging the expansion of visa exemptions, the digitalisation of processes, and changes to long-stay, the country is preparing the ground for the growth of tourism, long-term visits, and increased economic activities.

Are Kritika Kamra-Gaurav Kapur getting married? Here’s a heartwarming peek into their love story

There’s something magical and heart-warming about love that grows naturally, away from people’s gaze. And TV actor Kritika Kamra and IPL host Gaurav Kapur’s relationship seems to be one such bond. After much speculation, the couple made their relationship official in 2025, and now, buzz has it that they are getting married this year! While neither Kritika nor Gaurav has confirmed the rumours, sources close to the couple have hinted at their upcoming intimate wedding ceremony which will be held in Mumbai by late March or early April 2026.A source close to the couple told Pinkvilla that Kritika and Gaurav are ditching destination wedding glamour, and they’re instead choosing a modern, minimalist wedding in Mumbai – surrounded by close family and friends. “For Kritika and Gaurav, the wedding was never about scale; it is about meaning,” the insider shared.

A Hindustan Times source echoed the joy: “Kritika and Gaurav are in a happy space together and ready to take their relationship to the next level.” They’re eyeing March end or early April, followed by a reception for industry pals in Mumbai. No extravagance, just authenticity – a celebration that feels like home.In a world that is obsessed with lavish weddings, their choice of an intimate wedding warms the heart. Let’s have a look at their love story and journey so far:

The soft launch

Imagine scrolling through Instagram on a December morning and stumbling upon pure joy. On December 10, 2025, Kritika dropped the hint of dating Gaurav – no grand announcement, just warm cafe pictures with him sitting across the table. Two coffee cups etched with “Bubby’s” in a playful boomerang, captioned simply “Breakfast with.” It was cheeky, and the post broke the internet in the softest way possible. For the unversed, Gaurav hosts the popular sports talk show ‘Breakfast With Champions’. And so, fans were quick to connect the dots and link Kritika with Gaurav.A few days later, on January 5, 2026, Kritika shared a few pictures with Gaurav, Sagarika Ghatge, Zaheer Khan, and others on her social media. Her caption read, “Fell into ’26 nicely.” It felt like peeking into their happy world, where love simmers without the spotlight’s glare.This wasn’t rushed romance; it was slow-cooked perfection.

From friends to partners

Their story reads like a rom-com script with real emotions. Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapoor first met each other through their mutual friends, and they soon became friends. Their bond became deeper while shooting for ‘The Great Shamshuddin Family’, reports suggest.Their bond began as friendship and it soon blossomed into love. While it was speculated that the duo were dating, they kept their fans guessing by keeping their relationship private. This let their bond grow slowly and naturally. By 2025, they were in that “happy space,” as sources describe, ready to share snippets without fanfare.Kritika’s charm shines brightest when she talks love. In a December 2025 Filmygyan interview, asked if things were official, she smiled coyly and said, “For a woman, it’s official only when she gets married.” She defined love as “all about giving,” then melted hearts by naming Gaurav her favourite sports presenter.It’s the beauty of their connection – grounded, unhurried, and deeply felt – which makes them a lovely couple.Are they really getting married in March or this is just another rumour? Drop your thoughts below in the comment section.

One of the most romantic days in the year, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. As February 14 approaches, love is in the air, and couples are getting ready to express heir love for each other. If you too plan to say “I love you” to your partner, but in a new language then read this article. In our globalised world, these simple words transcend borders, turning a heartfelt moment into something exotic and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, surprising your sweetheart with a multilingual card, or just want to add sparkle to your affection, mastering these phrases shows your effort and thoughtfulness to surprise your partner and express your love for them.
These phrases aren’t just words; they’re bridges to cultures, making your Valentine’s Day celebrations stand out.
From the poetic romance of French to the rhythmic charm of Swahili, saying “I love you” differently can deepen your bond and create lasting memories. Read on to know more:

Risk is a crucial differentiator. Under-construction projects may face delays, legal complications, hidden costs, or quality concerns if due diligence is not performed. Buyers must verify approvals, RERA registration, and financial commitments before investing. Ready-to-move homes minimise such uncertainties because the structure is complete and ownership clarity is higher, making them comparatively safer.

There is no universal winner in the ready-to-move versus under-construction debate. While on one hand, the latter works best for buyers who desire a sense of security, timely possession, a rebate on GST, and a steady source of returns, on the other, the former is a better fit for long-term investors who look to benefit from a lower cost of purchase and customisation of the property. The choice between the two options will ultimately depend on the individual buyer’s needs and priorities. A critical evaluation of the potential buyer’s financial capacity and the need for legal protection will ensure that the house bought becomes a worthwhile investment.

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An elderly woman in Kozhikode bravely confronted a scooter rider attempting to use the footpath to bypass traffic. Standing firm, she asserted the pavement is for pedestrians, not vehicles. Her courageous stand, captured on video, has garnered widespread admiration online, highlighting the importance of respecting public spaces and pedestrian safety.

What started as just another moment on a crowded Kozhikode street has now become a full-blown internet moment, all because one elderly woman refused to step aside.In a video that’s now doing the rounds on Instagram (shared by @aflu_stories_), the woman is seen stopping a man who tried to ride his scooter on the footpath to avoid traffic. Instead of moving out of the way like most people do, she plants her feet and tells him, clearly and firmly, that the footpath is for people, not bikes.As traffic piles up on the road, a few two-wheelers begin sneaking onto the pavement. Others move aside, but she doesn’t. When the rider tries to squeeze past her, she stands her ground. At one point, she even pulls out her phone, as if to say, “Go on, I’m watching you.” That alone seems to make the man uneasy.There’s a bit of back-and-forth, but eventually, he gives up and turns his scooter back towards the road where it belongs.The caption says the incident happened near the Eranhipalam signal in Kozhikode and calls out how risky this behaviour is – especially for kids and older people who are just trying to walk safely. The person who posted the clip admitted they don’t even know the woman, but said they felt proud watching her speak up when most of us usually stay quiet.And the internet? It’s in love with her.The video has clocked millions of views, and the comments section is full of praise. One person said it’s embarrassing that someone her age even has to fight for something as basic as walking space. Another said her little smile at the end felt like a win for everyone who’s ever been forced off a footpath by careless riders. Someone else recognised her and shared how she’s strict but big-hearted – the kind of person who always stands up for what’s right. Many others called out the rider for arguing instead of simply accepting he was wrong.In a place where traffic rules are often treated like optional advice, this small moment hit home. Sometimes, it really does take just one person refusing to budge to remind the rest of us how to behave.

In the grand tapestry of childhood, the threads woven by parental actions are far more impactful than any sermon. Kids internalize values like integrity, diligence, and perseverance not through admonishments, but by watching their parents navigate life. Each moment spent fulfilling daily tasks, confronting challenges, and celebrating success plants seeds of character that will blossom into a resilient future.

Jennifer Lopez’s quote cuts straight to the heart of parenting. It reminds parents of a simple truth. Children are always watching. They may forget long lectures, but they remember daily behavior. Hard work, honesty, patience, and discipline first enter a child’s life through what they see at home. This quote gently shifts the focus from telling children what to do to showing them how life is lived.

Children copy effort, not advice

Children understand effort before they understand instructions. When they see a parent finish chores after a long day or stay focused on work despite tiredness, they absorb the meaning of hard work. A parent saying “study well” carries less weight than a parent who reads, plans, and follows through on tasks. The lesson settles quietly, without force, and stays longer.

Daily habits become silent lessons

Small routines teach more than grand speeches. Waking up on time, keeping promises, or handling responsibilities calmly sends a strong message. When parents treat everyday tasks with seriousness, children learn that work is not punishment. It is a normal part of life. Over time, these habits shape a child’s attitude toward school, work, and relationships.

How parents handle failure matters

Children watch closely when things go wrong. If parents panic, blame others, or give up easily, children learn the same response. When parents accept mistakes, try again, and stay calm, children learn resilience. Hard work is not just about success. It is also about showing up again after a bad day. That lesson often matters more.

Respect for work starts at home

When parents speak poorly about their own jobs or complain constantly, children learn to dislike effort. But when parents show pride in honest work, even difficult work, children learn respect. This does not mean pretending everything is perfect. It means showing dignity in effort and fairness in responsibility. That balance stays with children for life.

Consistency builds trust and character

Children notice gaps between words and actions. If rules change based on mood, they feel confused. When parents stay consistent, children feel safe and guided. Hard work grows best in stable spaces. Seeing a parent stick to values, even when it is inconvenient, builds trust and shapes strong character.

Turning the quote into daily practice

This quote is not about being perfect. It is about being aware. Parents can pause and ask one quiet question. What am I showing today? Simple choices, like finishing tasks without excuses or treating others kindly, become lessons. Over time, children carry these examples into their own lives, often without realising where they began.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional parenting, psychological, or educational advice. Parenting experiences can vary, and readers are encouraged to seek expert guidance when needed.

Bollywood has always shaped the way India dreams. Films give us lines we repeat for years, songs we hum at weddings, and characters who stay in our hearts. Some of these characters also bring beautiful, meaningful names that feel fresh even today.
For parents who want something modern yet rooted, film-inspired names can be a lovely middle path. The key is to pick names that carry depth, not just popularity. Here are eight baby names drawn from memorable Bollywood characters. Each one has a story, a meaning, and a personality of its own.

Monitor Lizards (Image source: Canva)

Monitor lizards are often confused with common house lizards. At first glance, both have long bodies, sharp claws and extended tails. When people see a small wall lizard drop its tail and run away, the question naturally follows. Can larger reptiles, such as monitor lizards, do the same thing? If a monitor lizard loses its tail, will it grow back?This question has a clear scientific answer. Many lizard species have been studied and documented for their ability to lose and regrow their tails, a process called autotomy and regeneration. But not all lizards can do this. Monitor lizards are not the same type of animal as geckos or skinks, which often lose their tails.To find out if monitor lizards can grow back their tails, we need to look at reptile biology, how they have changed over time, and scientific studies on how things can grow back. Here you will get to know how tail autotomy works, which lizards can grow back their tails, where monitor lizards fit into the scientific picture, and what studies show about their ability to heal.

What is tail autotomy in lizards

Tail autotomy is a defense mechanism seen in many lizard species. The word “autotomy” comes from the Greek and means “self-cutting.” When threatened by a predator, certain lizards can voluntarily detach their tail. The detached tail continues to move for a short time, distracting the predator. Meanwhile, the lizard escapes.According to a research published in the journal Biological Reviews and studies in reptile physiology, this process occurs because some lizards have fracture planes inside their tail vertebrae. These are pre-formed weak points that allow the tail to break off cleanly without major blood loss.After detachment, many species regenerate a new tail over time. The regrown tail is usually made of cartilage instead of bone and may differ in colour and structure from the original.

What type of lizards can regrow their tails

Tail regeneration is common in several lizard families. Geckos, skinks, and some iguanas are well known for their ability to shed and regrow tails. According to the book Biology of the Reptilia edited by Carl Gans, tail autotomy has evolved independently multiple times in lizard evolution.The regenerated tail is not identical to the original. Various studies show that regenerated tails don’t have real vertebrae; instead, they form a rod of cartilage. The arrangement of muscles and the patterns of scales may also be different.This ability helps lizards survive, especially smaller ones that are at risk of being eaten.

Can monitor lizards regrow their tails

Monitor lizards belong to the family Varanidae and the genus Varanus. There are more than 80 recognised species worldwide, including the Nile monitor, Asian water monitor and Komodo dragon.Scientific evidence shows that monitor lizards do not possess the same tail autotomy mechanism found in geckos or skinks.According to research on tail autotomy and anatomy, many lizard species possess intra-vertebral fracture planes in their tail vertebrae. These fracture planes are specific structural features that allow a lizard to shed its tail as a defensive response. When a tail is dropped, the fracture plane splits along the vertebrae, and sphincter muscles minimise blood loss. This structural adaptation is well documented across reptile taxa that use autotomy as a defence strategy.This means they cannot intentionally drop their tails as a defense strategy.

Why did monitor lizards lose this ability

Evolution shapes survival strategies differently for different animals.Small lizards are vulnerable to birds, snakes and mammals. Shedding a tail increases survival chances. Monitor lizards, however, grow much larger and are active predators. Many species can defend themselves aggressively.A peer-reviewed research article published in PLoS ONE found that when lizards lose their tails through autotomy, it can significantly reduce their running speed and change their behaviour. This supports the idea that losing a tail affects balance, mobility and activity, and thus carries a biological cost for survival and fitness.Monitor lizards use their tails as weapons. Observational studies in wildlife research show that some species whip their tails to defend themselves. This defensive strategy reduces the evolutionary need for tail shedding.

How do monitor lizards defend themselves

Since they cannot drop their tails, monitor lizards rely on other survival mechanisms: