Rinku Singh–Priya Saroj love story: When Priya revealed her father wanted her to marry an IAS officer – and how they convinced him |


Rinku Singh–Priya Saroj love story: When Priya revealed her father wanted her to marry an IAS officer - and how they convinced him
Rinku Singh–Priya Saroj love story

Rinku Singh, Team India’s ace cricketer, is stealing the show off-field too. His romance with Priya Saroj is pure Bollywood – think love at first sight, family drama, postponed weddings. After a few years of knowing each other, the couple got engaged on June 8, 2025, and they are set to get married this year.In an earlier interview with Pyaar Ki Adaalat (clips of which are doing the rounds on social media), the couple revealed their filmy love story – from how they met, to Priya’s father wanting her to marry an IAS officer, to eventually convincing their families. Let’s take a look at their heartwarming love story:

Insta sparks to love: The COVID-era meet-cute

Their love journey started during the COVID-19 lockdown. Priya’s sister’s clothing business needed promotions, and their mutual friends (a friend whose father was a cricketer) looped in Rinku.“Conversation started there, turned into friendship… then love,” Rinku revealed in a fun Insta video. Priya laughs that it was love at first sight for her – she “liked” his Instagram posts (okay, twice). Rinku teases: “She stalked, but I messaged ‘Hi’ first!”The couple further shared that for their first meeting, Rinku was four hours late, which prompted Priya to scold him. Not just that, Rinku jokingly recalled how Priya was dressed in a long dress and looked stunning, while he arrived in simple shorts. But, as fate would have it, sparks flew anyway.

Dodging marriage plans: “Papa was going to get me married to someone else…”

In the interview, Rinku shared that it was love at first sight for him and he proposed to Priya. But Priya’s father, Tufani Saroj, didn’t agree initially. So, for three years, they played the long game – Rinku worked hard to get selected for Team India, while Priya chased her dream of becoming a judge.No secret dates here. Early meetings were family affairs, just once every 3-4 months, the couple revealed.“Never dated alone,” Priya shared.In 2022, Priya revealed that her father, a three-time Member of Parliament, wanted her to marry an IAS officer and was looking for an arranged match. But she stalled it. Soon after, her brother called Rinku and asked if he would marry Priya, and Rinku’s answer was an instant “YES!”

Wedding rollercoaster: Twice postponed for cricket

Meet Rinku Singh's fiance Priya Saroj, the youngest woman MP

Meet Rinku Singh’s fiance Priya Saroj, the youngest woman MP

After years of knowing each other and receiving family approval, Rinku and Priya finally got engaged on June 8, 2025, in Lucknow. Their Varanasi wedding was set for November 18, 2025, but a cricket series cancelled it. Later, it was scheduled for February 2026, but again got postponed because of the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League.Now, the buzz is that their wedding will take place in June 2026 after the IPL. The ceremony will be held in Kashi, followed by a reception in Aligarh, reports suggest.

Rinku’s humble roots

From Aligarh, Rinku and his four brothers often helped their father deliver cylinders. In his struggling days, he practised cricket with a tennis ball at government stadiums. His mother always supported his cricket dreams – she once even paid his ₹1,000 tournament entry fee from her shop earnings.

Power couple alert

Rinku Singh and Priya Saroj’s union is an epic mix of cricket and politics. While Rinku is known for his on-field performance, Priya is a lawyer by profession and a Member of Parliament from Machhlishahr, representing the Samajwadi Party.Here’s wishing the couple many more years of love and togetherness.



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Avalanche Derailes Train: Train struck by avalanche in Swiss Alps; several feared wounded: What we know so far |


Train struck by avalanche in Swiss Alps; several feared wounded: What we know so far

A passenger train was derailed early Monday morning after being struck by an avalanche near the Swiss village of Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, southwest Switzerland. Police said the incident likely resulted in injuries, though the full extent remains unclear as rescue operations continue.The derailment occurred at around 7:00 AM local time. Authorities in Valais confirmed on social media platform X that emergency services were deployed immediately.

@PoliceValais

@PoliceValais/X/Twitter

According to Swiss Federal Railways, the accident was triggered by an avalanche that hit the train along the RE1 line, which runs between Bern and Brig. Regional rail operator BLS said the incident took place in the Stockgraben Tunnel between Goppenstein and Hohtenn, beyond the Lötschberg Tunnel, a key rail corridor through the Alps, as per swissinfo.ch. The affected service was a RegioExpress train that had departed Spiez at approximately 6:12 AM and was heading south toward Brig when the avalanche struck. BLS reported that around 30 passengers were on board at the time of the derailment. Emergency response teams, including ambulances and helicopters, were dispatched to the scene to assist passengers and assess potential injuries. By mid-morning, dozens of passengers had been evacuated from the train carriages. Authorities have not released confirmed numbers of those injured, and investigations are ongoing. Train services between Goppenstein and Brig have been suspended, with disruptions expected to last at least until late afternoon. Delays and cancellations are expected on the affected routes, rail officials said. The Valais region has seen new snowfall and strong winds in the past few days, leading to heavy snow drifts. As the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF explains, in such conditions, the risk of avalanches is high. They can be easily triggered or occur spontaneously. The Goppenstein area is famous for its avalanches during the winter season. The region’s topography, with high alpine slopes and high snowfall, makes it susceptible to avalanches. Before the accident, high avalanche warnings had been issued in the Swiss Alps. According to reports, rescue efforts will continue throughout the day as the teams make sure that all passengers are safely evacuated and assess the effects of the derailment. Further updates will be provided once the authorities complete their safety checks and gather more information about the incident.



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Why Shah Rukh Khan calls his kids his “biggest critics” |


Why Shah Rukh Khan calls his kids his “biggest critics”
Shah Rukh Khan recently shared insights on the influential role of parenting in his life, affectionately referring to his kids as his ‘North Star’ and his ‘most honest evaluators.’ He conveyed the importance of creating lasting memories over chasing awards, drawing a beautiful comparison to The Lion King’s timeless message.

Shah Rukh Khan spoke with rare honesty about parenting, legacy, and the role his children play in shaping him in an interview with SCREEN. After a four-year break that followed the lukewarm response to Zero in 2018, the actor returned with major releases such as Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. But he makes it clear that the real shift did not happen on a film set. It happened at home.During the pandemic, like many families across the world, he found himself spending uninterrupted time with his children, Aryan, Suhana and AbRam. That pause changed the pace of life. It also changed perspective. He describes his family as his “North Star.” Not as an emotional slogan, but as a daily compass.

“My children are my biggest critics”

Many parents assume children need guidance. What goes unnoticed is that children also guide their parents.Shah Rukh Khan says his children are his “best critics.” That statement carries weight. In an industry where applause is constant and fame can blur judgment, honest feedback at home matters. Children do not respond to box office numbers. They respond to authenticity.When a parent allows children to question, critique, or disagree, it builds mutual respect. The relationship stops being hierarchical and starts becoming collaborative. Children feel heard. Parents stay grounded.That balance prevents distance. It keeps conversations open. And it ensures that success outside does not create silence inside the home.

Legacy beyond awards and records

For many public figures, legacy is measured in trophies and numbers. But he speaks of legacy in simpler terms, shared memories and values.He explains that achievements alone do not define what remains. The real inheritance lies in everyday moments: family movie nights, shared laughter, and quiet lessons that stay long after the spotlight fades.This belief connects deeply with his involvement in The Lion King, where he voiced Mufasa and his son Aryan voiced Simba. Later, his younger son AbRam lent his voice to young Mufasa in Mufasa: The Lion King.

Shah Rukh Khan

The story itself revolves around responsibility, growth and the “circle of life.” For him, that message mirrors parenting. A parent prepares a child for a world where guidance will not always be physically present.That awareness often begins with a simple truth: children are not extensions of their parents. They are individuals walking their own path.

Giving freedom without withdrawing love

The actor lost his father at the age of 15. That early loss shaped his understanding of love and independence. He recalls how his father never hesitated to show affection. At the same time, he hopes to guide his own children while allowing them space to explore. This is not an easy balance. Overprotection limits growth. Total detachment creates insecurity. Healthy parenting sits in between.Children need two things at the same time: a safety net and open skies. When parents offer both, children learn confidence without fear.Aryan recently made his directorial debut with The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Suhana is set to star alongside her father in the upcoming film King. These steps reflect freedom with support, not pressure with expectation.Voice acting for The Lion King became more than a professional project. It became a shared experience.He admits that while he showed his children the ropes in the recording studio, they also opened his eyes to new perspectives. Curiosity works both ways.When parents collaborate with children, whether through art, sport, or simple hobbies, the power dynamic softens. The relationship shifts from instruction to interaction.Creative partnerships reduce generational gaps. They create shared language. And most importantly, they build memories that feel earned, not scheduled.

The sea, humility and perspective

Years before fame, he arrived in Mumbai with hope and uncertainty. He stood by the sea, reflecting on who he wanted to become.Today, he lives at Mannat, facing the same Arabian Sea. But the sea remains constant. It humbles.He describes it as a reminder that not everything needs to be controlled. For parents, this lesson holds value. Children cannot be scripted. They cannot be perfectly planned.Parenting demands dreams, but it also demands surrender. When parents accept that they cannot shape every outcome, they build healthier relationships. Control reduces trust. Perspective increases it.Children notice when parents are distracted. They also notice when parents listen. A grounded parent raises grounded children.Disclaimer: This article is based on an exclusive interview given by Shah Rukh Khan to SCREEN. All statements attributed to the actor are drawn from that published interview. The content is presented for informational and reflective purposes.



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Why Gen Z scores lower: What should parents pay attention to


Why Gen Z scores lower: What should parents pay attention to
The emergence of Gen Z has brought a surprising challenge: a decline in academic performance, unprecedented in recent history. As students spend more time glued to screens, they often forgo the deep, immersive learning that strengthens cognitive abilities. Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath emphasizes that this digital distraction hampers essential skills like attention and problem-solving.

In recent years, a sharp claim has unsettled educators and families. According to neuroscientist Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, Generation Z is the first modern generation to score lower than the one before it. The statement gained weight when Horvath submitted formal testimony to the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in January. The concern is not about laziness or lack of effort. It is about how children are learning, and what constant screens may be doing to young brains.

The first generation to break the upward curve

For more than a century, each generation improved on academic measures like reading, memory, and problem-solving. That pattern stopped with Gen Z, those born between 1997 and the early 2010s. Horvath’s analysis of global test data shows declines across attention span, literacy, numeracy, executive function, and even overall IQ. This matters because these skills shape not just school success, but daily decision-making and emotional control.

When learning became skimming

One core concern is how information reaches children today. Short videos, bullet points, and summaries now replace long chapters and slow reading. Horvath argues that the human brain is not built to learn this way. Deep learning needs time, repetition, and effort. Skimming trains the brain to jump, not to stay. Over time, this weakens memory and reduces the ability to solve complex problems without help.

Gen Z

Gen Z Employment

Screens everywhere, focus nowhere

Teenagers today spend more than half their waking hours looking at screens. That includes schoolwork on tablets and laptops, followed by social media and short-form videos at home. Horvath, who has taught at Harvard University and the University of Melbourne, stresses that learning works best through human interaction and sustained study. Screens offer speed and convenience, but they rarely demand mental effort.

Reading is fading, and the effects show early

Independent research supports this worry. A 2024 survey by the National Literacy Trust found that only one in three children enjoys reading in free time. Just one in five reads daily. A study from the journal iScience showed daily reading has dropped by over 40 percent in two decades.

Is technology the villain, or how it is used?

Horvath does not call for banning technology. He describes himself as “pro-rigour,” not anti-tech. His argument is simple. When digital tools replace effort, learning drops. Across 80 countries, once schools adopted heavy digital learning, performance declined. This pattern appears again and again in global data. Horvath’s work through LME Global focuses on bringing research back into classrooms, with fewer screens and more thinking.

Can this trend be reversed for future children?

Experts believe change is possible, but it needs adult guidance. Children need books, boredom, and time to struggle with ideas. Limiting screens during learning hours, encouraging reading aloud at home, and valuing effort over speed can help rebuild focus. The goal is not to go backward, but to balance tools with discipline.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly reported research, expert testimony, and media coverage, including reports cited by outlets such as the New York Post. The findings reflect ongoing debates in education and neuroscience and should be understood as part of a broader discussion, not a final judgment on an entire generation.



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Sober, smoky, or something in between? Why Gen Z is ditching booze but not the buzz


By the time previous generations reached their early twenties, drinking was practically a personality trait. House parties, blurry nights, dramatic hangovers, rinse and repeat. For Gen Z, however, alcohol is no longer compulsory. In many circles, it is optional, unfashionable, or simply “not needed.”

Pinterest | Dry bars, zero-proof beers, curated mocktails and sober social events are gaining traction.

Image credit : Pinterest | Dry bars, zero-proof beers, curated mocktails and sober social events are gaining traction.

The end of the boozy rite of passage

Across India and globally, surveys show that young adults are drinking less and smoking more. The binge-drinking culture that once defined youth is steadily losing its shine. Social media permanence, mental health awareness, and a desire for control have made reckless intoxication less appealing. For a generation that documents everything, the fear of one drunken mistake living online forever is real.

The rise of the ‘sober curious’… sort of

The phrase “sober curious” has become a quiet flex. Some even call themselves “California sober,” meaning they avoid alcohol but may not abstain from everything else.

While alcohol consumption dips, alternatives have entered the chat. Vapes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, THC-infused drinks and traditional forms like bhang during festivals have become part of youth culture conversations. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, is often marketed as offering a buzz without the brutal hangover.

Freepik | For Gen Z, however, alcohol is no longer compulsory. In many circles, it is optional, unfashionable, or simply “not needed.”

Image credit : Freepik | For Gen Z, however, alcohol is no longer compulsory. In many circles, it is optional, unfashionable, or simply “not needed.”

Several public health researchers have observed that young people today appear to be making more deliberate choices about intoxication and identity. In other words, they are not necessarily rejecting substances altogether; they are being selective about what fits their lifestyle.

A cultural shift, and not a clean break, definitely!

Dry bars, zero-proof beers, curated mocktails and sober social events are gaining traction. Not drinking no longer requires a dramatic backstory or justification. That alone marks a significant cultural shift.

At the same time, experts caution that swapping one substance for another is not inherently harmless. Reduced alcohol harm is a positive development, but the broader health implications depend on frequency, regulation and awareness.

Freepik | oung people today appear to be making more deliberate choices about intoxication and identity.

Image credit : Freepik | oung people today appear to be making more deliberate choices about intoxication and identity.

Gen Z is clearly rewriting the script even in this field, because for them, the party has not ended. It has simply changed shape. The question now is whether this new era of “informed choices” truly prioritises long-term wellbeing, or just replaces one vice with another.



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From scandal to couture: The day Epstein entered Hermès


From scandal to couture: The day Epstein entered Hermès
Hermes, a luxury brand, guards its image fiercely. A past visit by Jeffrey Epstein to an Hermes workshop highlighted the brand’s strict control over its associations. The company prioritizes discretion and reputation over potential business. This careful curation of its social circle preserves its exclusive mythology in a world increasingly obsessed with access and visibility.

Luxury fashion likes to project a very specific illusion: calm ateliers, quiet craftsmanship, lineage and heritage untouched by chaos. The world of haute leather and silk scarves exists, at least visually, far from tabloids and courtroom drama. But occasionally the outside world walks straight through the workshop doors.More than a decade ago, during what should have been a routine visit to one of the most guarded creative spaces in Paris – an Hermès leather atelier – an unexpected guest arrived alongside a group of high-profile visitors. The moment was brief, awkward, and largely forgotten at the time. Years later, it resurfaced through newly released documents, turning a quiet industry anecdote into an uncomfortable cultural footnote.At the centre of that story is Axel Dumas, the sixth-generation heir running Hermès, and a man whose leadership philosophy revolves around keeping the brand deliberately slow, private and insulated from spectacle.And then there was Jeffrey Epstein – a figure who represented the exact opposite of that philosophy.

A house built on discretion

To understand why the encounter felt so jarring inside fashion circles, you first have to understand Hermès itself.Unlike most global luxury giants, Hermès never chased expansion at the speed of demand. The brand became famous not by producing more, but by producing less – fewer bags, fewer stores, fewer public appearances. Waiting lists became part of its mythology. Silence became its marketing strategy.Where many houses operate like global corporations, Hermès still behaves like a family workshop that accidentally became a multinational empire.So when visitors enter an atelier, they usually do so quietly. Carefully selected journalists, select clients, occasionally artists. Not financiers known for cultivating influence networks.Which is why Dumas later described the moment with blunt simplicity: the visitor had essentially arrived uninvited.

The 2013 workshop visit

The visit took place in March 2013, just outside Paris, during a group tour that included filmmaker Woody Allen. According to Dumas, the controversial financier was not scheduled – he simply arrived with the group.Fashion insiders would later describe the situation as socially awkward rather than dramatic. No confrontation. No spectacle. Just the kind of polite distance the French luxury world specialises in when encountering people it does not wish to engage with.

Screenshot 2026-02-16 092905

Dumas would later explain that he had previously declined multiple meeting requests and had no intention of forming a relationship.In other words: proximity, not association.The earlier refusal: a private jet and a boundaryThe most telling detail surfaced from an earlier year.In 2012, the company had reportedly been approached to decorate a private aircraft interior, the kind of ultra-bespoke project luxury houses sometimes accept for top clientele. Hermès declined. In luxury culture, refusals speak loudly. Brands rarely say no to money – they say no to context.At the time, Hermès leadership was already navigating an intense corporate battle against LVMH, which had quietly accumulated shares in the family-controlled house. The attempted takeover triggered paranoia, loyalty checks and heightened awareness about who was circling the brand.Dumas was young in leadership then, protective and cautious. The last thing the company wanted was another powerful outsider inserting themselves into its orbit.

Who Jeffrey Epstein actually was – and why his presence felt different

Before his criminal case became globally infamous, Epstein operated within elite financial and social circles across New York, London and Paris. He cultivated relationships with politicians, academics, billionaires and celebrities — often positioning himself as a connector rather than a traditional financier.He did not build a conventional investment firm empire in the way Wall Street figures typically do. Instead, his influence came from proximity to power: private gatherings, introductions and curated networks of wealthy individuals. This mattered in the context of fashion.Luxury brands survive on access – but carefully controlled access.There is a difference between wealthy clients and socially strategic operators.Inside couture culture, reputation functions like currency. Once a brand becomes associated with the wrong type of attention, distance becomes nearly impossible to rebuild. So houses like Hermès historically maintain strict social boundaries – even more than financial ones.By the early 2010s, Epstein already carried a controversial reputation in certain elite circles, long before his later arrest turned him into a global headline. For a brand built on generational trust, caution came naturally.

Why fashion houses guard their social circles

To outsiders, it may seem strange that a single unexpected visitor could matter. But fashion isn’t just design, it’s signalling.Luxury clients aren’t only buying leather or silk. They’re buying belonging to a cultural ecosystem: dinners, art patronage, private viewings, quiet prestige. The wrong association risks transforming exclusivity into spectacle.This is why heritage brands:rarely dress everyonequietly refuse certain collaborationslimit celebrity partnershipsand avoid overtly transactional relationshipsHermès, more than most, operates on social filtering.Not everyone wealthy fits the brand’s definition of luxury.

The tension between wealth and taste

The story also reveals a deeper truth about fashion: money and cultural acceptance are not identical.Some of the richest individuals in the world still struggle to enter certain legacy spaces – art patronage circles, old European maisons, heritage ateliers because those worlds operate on continuity, not only capital.Fashion historians often describe this as the difference between economic capital and cultural capital.Hermès historically protects the latter.So the workshop visit became symbolic – not scandalous, but illustrative – of how tightly controlled those spaces remain, even in a globalised era.

A brief moment, a long shadow

At the time, the encounter barely registered publicly. Years passed. Fashion continued its cycles – collections, handbags, waiting lists.Only much later, when large batches of legal documents became public, did the photo resurface and prompt questions. The image itself showed nothing remarkable: people standing in a workshop.Yet context transforms images.Dumas clarified the circumstances: no planned meeting, previous refusals, and deliberate distance. Within fashion circles, the explanation aligned with what insiders expect from a house like Hermès – polite acknowledgement paired with firm boundaries.

What the incident says about modern luxury

The episode highlights how the luxury industry has changed.In earlier decades, fashion often welcomed powerful patrons unquestioningly. Today, reputation risk travels faster than exclusivity can repair. Social media collapsed the barrier between private elite networks and public perception.Modern luxury therefore filters not just aesthetic collaborations but social ones. Heritage brands increasingly act less like sellers and more like curators of association.

The paradox of privacy in a visible world

Hermès built its identity on quietness – yet the digital age archives everything. Even accidental proximity can be rediscovered years later and reinterpreted.The atelier visit wasn’t significant because of what happened inside it. It mattered because luxury no longer controls narrative timing. Moments once forgettable now live permanently online.

Fashion’s unwritten rule: Distance is also branding

In the end, the story isn’t really about a single visitor or a single day. It’s about how legacy fashion houses maintain aura in a world obsessed with access.Saying yes builds business.Knowing when to say no preserves mythology.Hermès has survived nearly two centuries by choosing the latter more often than the former.And sometimes, maintaining that identity simply means keeping interactions brief, polite – and unmistakably limited.In luxury, the most powerful statement is rarely who enters the room. It’s who doesn’t stay.



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Parenting quote of the day: “Raising a child is like planting a seed and watching it grow into a beautiful flower.” – Lisa Wingate |


Parenting quote of the day: "Raising a child is like planting a seed and watching it grow into a beautiful flower." - Lisa Wingate
Raising a child resembles tending to a delicate plant, highlighting the importance of unwavering patience and daily nurturing rather than hastily chasing achievements. A loving household acts like nutrient-rich soil, cultivating trust and self-assurance. Just as pruning shapes a plant’s growth, proper discipline fosters development without instilling fear.

“Raising a child is like planting a seed and watching it grow into a beautiful flower,” says Lisa Wingate. This quote carries a strong truth. Parenting is not about quick results. It is about daily care, patience, and faith in the process. Just like a seed, a child grows quietly, often out of sight. The real work happens below the surface, long before anything shows.

Growth cannot be rushed

A seed does not grow faster because someone checks it every day. Children work the same way. Learning, emotional strength, and values take time. When parents rush milestones, children feel pressure instead of support. The quote reminds families to respect the natural pace. A child who learns slowly is not falling behind. That child is growing in their own rhythm, which often leads to deeper understanding later.

The soil matters more than the seed

Most seeds can bloom if the soil is right. In parenting, the “soil” is the home environment. Strict restrictions do not mould a child as much as having calm interactions, feeling safe, and being heard every day. Children develop a foundation of trust when their mistakes are handled with direction rather than fear. That trust later turns into confidence and honesty.

Daily care beats occasional perfection

Flowers do not require great gestures. They require regular water and sunlight. Little activities like reading aloud together, sharing meals, and listening after school have a significant impact. Even though these events appear ordinary, they build emotional strength over time. Consistency is more important than doing everything perfectly on occasion.Every flower blooms differentlyNo two flowers look the same, even from the same garden. Children develop differently as well. Self-worth can be harmed by comparing peers or siblings. Children learn to appreciate themselves when their parents emphasize effort over results. This enables people to explore their true selves and take calculated risks.

Pruning is not punishment

Gardeners prune plants so they grow better, not to hurt them. Discipline works the same way. Discipline that explains “why” instead of only saying “no” teaches responsibility. When correction comes with care, children learn self-control instead of fear.Trust the process, even when growth is invisibleThere are phases when nothing seems to change. Children may test limits or pull away. Growth happens silently. The quote reminds parents to keep showing up, even when results are not clear. One day, the bloom appears, shaped by years of effort.Disclaimer: This article is meant for general awareness and reflection. Parenting experiences differ for every family and child. The content does not replace professional advice from child development or mental health experts.



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10 powerful baby names that mean ‘shining like the sun’



The sun stands for warmth, strength, and new beginnings. Across Indian cultures, it also symbolises clarity and inner power. Many parents look for baby names inspired by the sun, but without falling into overused or predictable choices. Below is a carefully curated list of 10 modern, Indian-rooted baby names that reflect the idea of shining like the sun. Each name feels fresh, meaningful, and quietly powerful, making it easy to cherish for life.



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Not settling anymore! Why young Indians are taking longer to say “rishta pakka” |


Not settling anymore! Why young Indians are taking longer to say “rishta pakka”
Modern relationships in India are shifting from rushed decisions to conscious choices, with singles prioritizing emotional compatibility and long-term alignment over mere timing. People are investing more time and engaging with more potential partners, seeking ‘actually right’ matches rather than settling for ‘good enough,’ leading to deeper, more intentional commitments.

For years, finding a partner in India came wrapped in a quiet deadline. There was always a sense of figure it out soon. Conversations moved fast, families moved faster, and decisions often came from timing rather than true compatibility.That pace has changed.Today, people aren’t rushing toward marriage – they’re walking toward it carefully. Not out of fear, but out of awareness. The goal isn’t just to get married anymore. The goal is to get it right.And interestingly, data now confirms what many singles already feel: partner search has become less urgent and far more intentional.

Why Traditional Marriages Are Being Replaced By New Love Models

From “good enough” to “actually right”

Modern singles are no longer treating relationships like a checklist – job, family, background, done. Instead, they’re asking deeper questions:

  • Do we communicate well?
  • Are our emotional needs compatible?
  • Do we want similar lifestyles?
  • Will this feel peaceful five years from now?

People are taking time to talk, disagree, understand and observe patterns before committing. Attraction still matters, but emotional safety matters more.

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According to Shaadi.coms Trending 2026 Report, users now interact with far more potential matches before choosing a partner.

Average profiles engaged before commitment

Women

  • 2020: 16 profiles
  • 2026: 25 profiles (+56%)

Men

  • 2020: 8 profiles
  • 2026: 14 profiles (+42%)

That’s a big shift. People aren’t browsing casually – they’re evaluating thoughtfully.

Time is the new emotional investment

The biggest change isn’t just how many people you talk to.It’s how much attention you give the process.

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Average monthly time spent on matchmaking platforms has gone from 14 hours to 22 hours – a 57% increase.That doesn’t mean people are confused.It means they’re careful.Founder and CEO Anupam Mittal explains it perfectly:

“Marriage is becoming more deliberate than ever before, driven by clarity, alignment, and conscious choice. Users are engaging with significantly more profiles and spending more time before choosing a partner.”

In simple terms: commitment hasn’t lost value – impulsiveness has.

The rise of emotional compatibility

Earlier, compatibility often meant similarity.Today, it means understanding.People want partners who:

  • respect boundaries
  • handle conflict calmly
  • communicate openly
  • support individuality

It’s less about fitting into someone’s life and more about building a shared emotional space.Interestingly, smaller cities are leading this shift. Tier-2 India is showing clearer expectations and stronger filters. Women especially are initiating conversations more confidently than ever before, a quiet but powerful social change.

Why this shift is happening

A few things have changed how people view relationships:1. Emotional awareness is higherPeople recognise unhealthy patterns earlier and don’t want to repeat them.2. Independence came before partnershipCareers, friendships and personal identity now exist before marriage – not after.

Tame your language no matter what

My grandmother passed away early due to health issues but I was told by my grandfather that they had a beautiful relationship. He told me that whenever I get married or find that person I want to be with, no matter how angry I get, never have screaming fights with her or else a divorce or breakup will be the next step or happen soon. He told me that people often cross all boundaries and have yelling matches which makes both parties lose respect for the other and eventually there is nothing left between them.

3. Peace beats pressureA delayed marriage feels safer than a mismatched one.4. Compatibility predicts stabilityPeople have seen enough unhappy marriages to know chemistry alone isn’t enough.

Choosing, not settling

The biggest difference between then and now?Earlier the question was: Will this work?Now the question is: Will this feel right long-term?People are okay walking away from “almost perfect.”They are okay waiting through awkward conversations.They are okay staying single longer.Because settling quickly costs more than waiting patiently.

The new definition of commitment

Intentional relationships don’t reduce romance – they deepen it.When two people choose each other after understanding fears, habits, flaws and expectations, commitment stops being a gamble. It becomes a decision.

A recent survey reveals that modern Indian youth are becoming more selective when it comes to relationships, with career goals and personal values taking priority.

A recent survey reveals that modern Indian youth are becoming more selective when it comes to relationships, with career goals and personal values taking priority.

And that’s what modern dating is quietly moving toward:not urgency, not pressure – but clarity.Intentional matchmaking isn’t a trend anymore.It’s how relationships are being built now.



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Sesame laddoo for hair growth: Everyone on Instagram is eating til ke laddoo – but do they actually work? |


Sesame laddoo for hair growth: Everyone on Instagram is eating til ke laddoo - but do they actually work?
Instagram is buzzing about til ke laddoo for hair growth. These traditional sweets, made with sesame seeds and jaggery, offer essential nutrients like zinc and iron. They help strengthen hair roots and reduce shedding by fixing nutritional gaps. While not a cure for all hair loss, these laddoos provide nourishment that supports healthier hair. Consistency is key for noticeable improvements.

Scroll Instagram reels for five minutes and you’ll notice a sudden obsession: people rolling tiny brown laddoos in their palms and claiming “hair fall band ho gaya” in a few weeks.From dermatologists-inspired creators to nani-approved wellness pages, everyone seems to have a version of the same idea — eat sesame daily and your hair will thank you. Recipes differ slightly, but the promise stays the same: stronger roots, less breakage and baby hair growth.

How to know if your hair fall is normal?

So is this just another viral food trend… or is there real science behind it?

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Let’s break it down like a normal person would – no miracle claims, no blind dismissal.

Why sesame seeds suddenly became a haircare star

Sesame (til) has always been part of Indian winters. We ate it for warmth, energy and bones – not Instagram aesthetics. What social media did was connect a traditional ingredient to a modern concern: chronic hair fall.Here’s why sesame makes sense nutritionally:1. ZincHair follicles need zinc to repair themselves. Low zinc levels are directly linked to shedding.2. IronMany people losing hair unknowingly have borderline iron deficiency. Sesame + jaggery is basically a natural iron combo.3. Healthy fatsYour scalp is skin. Without fats, it becomes dry, inflamed and weak – meaning fragile roots.4. Calcium & magnesiumThey indirectly help by improving blood circulation and reducing stress response in the body.In short: sesame doesn’t magically grow hair overnight – it fixes nutritional gaps that quietly cause hair fall.

The viral recipe most people are sharing

This is the one you’ve probably seen everywhere:Simple hair growth til laddooIngredientsBlack sesame seeds – 100 gFlax seeds – 100 gJaggery – as per tasteGhee – 1 tbsp (optional)Roasted makhana – handfulMethodRoast sesame seeds and flax seeds separately till aromatic.Grind them coarsely with jaggery.Add ghee and crushed roasted makhana.Shape into small laddoos.People prefer this version because flax adds omega-3 fats – helpful for scalp inflammation.

The classic dadi-style recipe

This one is closer to traditional winter laddoos and slightly richer.Traditional til laddooIngredientsSesame seedsJaggeryCashew nutsGreen cardamom powderGheeMethodDry roast sesame seeds on low flame for ~8 minutes.Melt jaggery with ghee slowly till sticky.Add sesame, cashew and cardamom powder.Mix well and cook briefly.Cool slightly and roll into laddoos.Store in an airtight jar.This recipe is popular because it’s easier to digest and more energy-dense – useful if hair fall is linked to weakness or fatigue.

Other variations people are trying

Once a food trend starts, Indians innovate instantly:Protein version: add almonds & peanutsPCOS version: add pumpkin seeds & sunflower seedsLow-sugar version: use dates instead of jaggeryGut-friendly version: add dry ginger powderThe goal stays the same – nourish from inside instead of applying 12 oils outside.So… will they actually stop hair fall?Here’s the honest answer:They help – but only if your hair fall is nutritional or stress-related.They won’t fix:genetic baldnessthyroid disorders alonesevere hormonal imbalancesBut they can improve:seasonal sheddingbrittle hairslow growthbreakagepostpartum recoveryWhy? Because hair is a “non-essential tissue.”Your body feeds vital organs first. When nutrients are low, hair is the first thing sacrificed.Til laddoos simply refill the tank.

What changes people usually notice

Not dramatic Bollywood transformation – subtle improvements:Week 2–3: less hair on pillowWeek 4–6: softer textureWeek 6–10: baby hair near hairlineConsistency matters more than quantity. Two small laddoos daily works better than six for three days.

Health benefits beyond hair

Interestingly, hair growth is just a side effect.Sesame laddoos also support:Skin elasticity (natural oils)Digestion (high fibre)Dental health (oil content reduces plaque bacteria)Energy levels (iron + minerals in jaggery)Blood pressure balanceBone strength (calcium & zinc)Which explains why older generations ate them seasonally – they were winter multivitamins before capsules existed.

The mistake most people make

They expect laddoos to act like a treatment instead of nutrition.If you:sleep at 2 AMeat one proper meallive on caffeinestay stressedNo seed in the world can rescue your hair.Think of til laddoos as support, not magic.

How much should you eat?

Ideal amount: 1–2 small laddoos dailyBest time:Morning empty stomach, orMid-evening snackAvoid overeating – they’re nutrient dense but calorie rich.The real reason the trend went viralBecause for once, the solution is simple.Not a ₹3,000 serum.Not a 10-step routine.Not a scary diagnosis.Just consistent nourishment.People aren’t shocked that sesame works – they’re shocked that something this basic was ignored while shelves filled with complicated products.Til ke laddoo won’t regrow a receding hairline overnight.But they can absolutely strengthen roots, reduce shedding and improve hair quality if your body needed nourishment.Which, honestly, most modern lifestyles do.So the reels aren’t entirely exaggerating – they’re just simplifying an old truth:Healthy hair often starts in the kitchen, not the bathroom shelf.And sometimes, grandma’s winter snack quietly beats modern haircare.



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