I hate winters. But somehow I love snow, thanks to “Harry Potter and the depiction of snow in the Hogsmeade”. But the irony is, I had never seen snow before. Not the kind you see in movies or Instagram reels—soft, white, untouched and unreal. I mean real snow! Cold enough to burn your fingers but soft enough to disappear under your boots. And that’s the only reason that the dreamy snowlover in me decided to travel all the way to Lansdowne in Uttarakhand from Delhi recently. It was peak winter and the forecast promised snowfall. That’s when my soul whispered: this is it. If I didn’t go now, I might never get to see the white beauty. After battling hours of traffic jams, car honks, and vomiting, I finally reached. The town looked like it had paused mid-breath. And I was like, “ya, the sight is actually worth all the pain”!Snow rested gently on rooftops, some clung to tree branches just like I had seen in the movies. The roads were also covered in a soft white blanket. The endless valleys, layered in white and grey, fading into mist. The tin of the houses buried deep under snow looked smaller. Every step I was taking was making a crunching sound. There I stood still. Took a deep breath as coming from Delhi’s pollution, this was my moment to fill my lungs with clean, unpolluted air. It was an overwhelming moment.It was magic.It was pure.It was love at first sight.It was like I was in Hogwarts enjoying winters.It was everything I had imagined.And then I saw a bottle.

At first, I thought it would be snow in the shape of a bottle. But no, it wasn’t. It was a green and white glass bottle poking out of the snow. Somebody took their time to bury it close to the roadside walking path. I walked closer and saw it was a bottle of alcohol, half buried, frozen into the snow like it was its home.I looked around, there were little kids with families. My heart sank. Then I noticed another bottle, not far from it. And then I couldn’t stop seeing them. Beer bottles. Some dug deep into the snow, some tossed carelessly.But the doers didn’t realise that snow doesn’t erase bad behaviour. It only hides it for some time.That’s when I saw a little boy. He must have been eight or nine, all bundled up in a jacket too big for him, heavy gloves clinging to his small but strong hands. I saw him sitting across the road. The little boy was trying to pull something out with all his strength. His parents were also there, trying to help him while watching carefully.I walked closer. It was a dark brown coloured beer bottle, stuck solid in the snow. He, with the help of his father, was successful in removing the bottle. The boy looked up at anyone who passed by and said, “Let’s remove all these glass bottles. It’s bad. We can’t play in the snow because of these bottles. Someone might get hurt.”The irony! Kids are paying for adults’ misbehavior. Here was a child who had come all the way up in the hope of playing with snow, to build a snowman and instead, he was trying to clean up some adult’s mess.I felt ashamed for us.Soon, it became a quiet collective effort. Two-three youngsters joined in. Other snow lovers, photographers, travellers like me also paused, bent down, and one by one, we managed to move more bottles out.Six.Seven.More. I did not count.When we were done, the snow looked better and safe. It was just a small patch of snow. There was snow all over. And I was imagining how many more bottles the snow hides. Meanwhile, the boy smiled and ran off and started his game of making a snowman with his family.

Later that night, while scrolling through Instagram, I saw several reels and pictures from snowy destinations where people had spat paan and gutkha and liquor bottles. They don’t realise that snow is not our dustbin. Mountains are not the places where responsibility goes on vacation.We’ve somehow made “zero civic sense” a trend. But maybe it’s time we make bringing civic sense back a trend instead. If a little kid can understand that glass doesn’t belong in the snow, why can’t we?While Lansdowne gave me my first snowfall experience, it also gave me a lesson I didn’t expect. As travellers, we say “leave only footprints.” But maybe it’s time we actually mean it.Let’s stop hiding our mess under snow, sand, or sea.Let’s follow, “civic sense is cool”, a trend worth following.Disclaimer: The above account is based on the author’s personal experience, and The Times of India does not endorse or verify these views.

Humpback whales surface, leap out of the water, slap the sea with their massive fins and tails. And its seems very similar to whales, but humpbacks have something extra. Up to 60 feet long, weighing as much as 40 tons. Some can live close to 90 years. They travel thousands of miles every year from tropical breeding grounds to cold, nutrient-rich feeding areas. But, humpback conservation threats from humans add a risk. Fishing nets, busy shipping lanes, and even ocean noise. Still, these whales persist. They are playful, dramatic, and somehow enduring. Humpback whales are more than just giant mammals. They are performers, athletes, and symbols of resilience. Each breach, tail slap, or bubble-net feeding session is a reminder of the ocean’s wonder.

Humpback whale patterns and feeding habits

They are mostly black in colour but many have white patches on bellies, fins, and tails. Southern Hemisphere whales often show more white than northern ones. Each tail is unique. Scientists spot whales by tail shape, scars, and colours. Like fingerprints. This helps track behaviour, movement, and health over decades. Some carry scars from fights or entanglements. They eat krill and small fish. Filter huge amounts of water through baleen plates. Bubble-net feeding is clever. A group swims in circles, blows bubbles to trap fish, then lunges up to catch them. It looks like play. Like a choreographed move. But it works.

Humpback whale migration and reproduction

Humpbacks live in all oceans. They travel long distances. Some go 5,000 miles from summer feeding spots to winter breeding areas. North Pacific whales swim from Alaska to Hawaii in around 28 days. North Atlantic whales move from the Gulf of Maine to the West Indies or Cape Verde. Southern Hemisphere whales feed in Antarctic waters. Calving happens in shallow, warm waters. Adults dive deep for food. Exhausting trips. But they do it every year. It seems instinctive.Whales mature between 4 and 10 years. Females usually have one calf every 2–3 years. Some calve yearly. Gestation about 11 months. Calves 13–16 feet long. Stay near mothers up to a year. Mothers protect them, swimming close, nudging them with fins. Bonds are temporary but strong.

Human impacts and threats to humpback whales

Humans make life risky. Vessel strikes common in busy lanes. Can be fatal. Fishing gear traps whales. Injuries, fatigue, sometimes death. Climate change alters water temps and food. Migration, feeding patterns shift. Whale-watching boats can stress whales, though they seem to tolerate them. Noise underwater messes with communication. All this adds up. Even strong humpbacks are vulnerable.Before 1985, commercial whaling nearly wiped them out. Populations dropped 95% in some places. The International Whaling Commission’s ban helped. Scientists track whales with photos, maps, and habitat protections. Management reduces entanglement, avoids collisions, and protects feeding areas. Humpbacks are performers, athletes, survivors. Each splash, breach, and feeding display is a reminder. Protect them, and you protect the oceans too.

Imagine opening a map and looking for blue lines. Blue lines usually mean rivers. Now imagine finding none at all. It sounds strange, doesn’t it? But there is a real country where no river flows across the land. That country is Saudi Arabia.Yes, not one permanent river runs through it. Here’s everything that you need to know about how that is even possible.

Why are there no rivers?

Saudi Arabia is mostly desert. Large parts of it are covered by sandy lands like the Rub’ al Khali, also called the Empty Quarter. It is one of the largest sand deserts in the world.Rivers need steady rain or melting snow from the mountains. Saudi Arabia gets very little rain each year. In many areas, the annual rainfall is less than 100 millimetres. That is very low compared to countries like India, where many places receive over 1,000 millimetres.Without regular rain, rivers cannot form and flow throughout the year. So, there are no permanent rivers.

But what happens when it rains?

Rain does fall sometimes. When it does, water rushes quickly across dry land. These temporary streams are called “wadis.”One well-known example is Wadi Hanifah near Riyadh. During heavy rain, water flows through it. But after some time, the water dries up.So technically, water moves across the land. But it does not stay long enough to become a river.

Then how do people get water?

This is where smart planning comes in.Saudi Arabia uses underground water stored deep below the earth. This water collected over thousands of years. The country also runs some of the world’s largest desalination plants.Today, Saudi Arabia is one of the top producers of desalinated water in the world. Through the process of salt removal, it transforms seawater from the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea into drinking water for urban areas.It is possible to live without rivers, but it requires careful planning.

How does this shape daily life?

Water is precious in Saudi Arabia. People are taught not to waste it. Gardens are planned carefully. Many homes use water-saving systems.Because there are no rivers, there are no riverbanks for picnics or boat rides. Instead, desert landscapes and oases shape the culture.

Are there other countries without rivers?

Saudi Arabia is the largest country with no permanent rivers. A few very small countries, like some desert city-states, also do not have rivers. But Saudi Arabia stands out because of its size. It covers more than 2 million square kilometres, yet no river flows across it.That makes it unique on the world map.Nature works differently in every place. Some countries have mighty rivers. Others have snowy mountains. And some, like Saudi Arabia, have vast deserts and no rivers at all.Disclaimer: This article is based on widely accepted geographical data about Saudi Arabia’s climate and water systems. It refers to permanent rivers, not temporary rain-fed streams. Information is simplified for educational purposes for young readers.

“We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.” – Henry Ward BeecherThis line feels simple. Yet it carries years of sleepless nights, silent worries, and unspoken sacrifices. Many people grow up thinking they understand their parents. But something shifts the day they hold their own child for the first time. The meaning of care changes. So does the weight of responsibility.This quote is not just about love. It is about awareness. It asks parents to pause and see their own role with honesty and humility. It invites them to raise children with deeper empathy, not just authority.

Love is often invisible, not loud

Parental love rarely looks dramatic. It hides in routine.It is in the packed lunch at 6 a.m.It is in checking the door twice at night.It is in saving money for school fees.Children may not notice these acts. And that is natural. Young minds focus on what they can see and feel immediately. But parents should remember this: love does not need applause to matter.The lesson here is simple. Continue doing the small things with consistency. One day, children will connect the dots. Even if they do not say it, they will understand.

Empathy for one’s own parents changes parenting

Becoming a parent softens the view of one’s own mother and father. Previously inflexible decisions begin to make sense. Previously unjust rules now appear protective.Parenting can be changed by this introspection. Parents can make deliberate choices rather than mindlessly repeating or rejecting trends.Ask: What did previous generations do well?

What needs to change?

This balanced thinking prevents two extremes, harsh repetition or complete rebellion. It builds thoughtful parenting instead of reactive parenting.Love is responsibility, not just emotionThe quote reminds us that love is not only a feeling. It is action.Real love means setting boundaries. It means saying no when it is easier to say yes. It means protecting a child from harm, even if it leads to tears.Many parents struggle with guilt. They fear being disliked. But responsible love is not about being popular. It is about being dependable.Children feel secure when parents stay firm yet kind. That security shapes confidence later in life.

Sacrifice should not erase identity

Parental love is deep. But it should not consume a person’s entire identity.Many parents give up hobbies, friendships, and dreams. Some sacrifices are necessary. But losing the self completely can lead to silent resentment.Children benefit when they see parents who care for themselves too. It teaches balance. It shows that adulthood includes self-respect.Healthy love includes personal boundaries. It says, “I care for you deeply, and I also value myself.”

Gratitude should be taught early

If most people only understand parental love after becoming parents, then how can gratitude be encouraged earlier?Through conversations.Parents can talk about effort without sounding dramatic. For example, explaining why work is important, or how planning a family budget helps everyone. These small discussions make children aware of unseen effort.When children grow up understanding effort, they become more respectful adults. Gratitude does not appear suddenly at 30. It grows slowly from childhood awareness.

Parenting is a long-term investment

Parental love rarely shows instant results. Values take years to sink in. Habits form slowly. Respect deepens over time.Many parents worry when children argue or question rules. But questioning is part of growth. What matters is consistency.Love mixed with discipline creates resilience. Patience mixed with structure creates maturity.The quote reminds parents to think long term. Parenting is not about winning daily battles. It is about shaping a stable human being over decades.

Finding a baby name can feel like walking through a crowded room. Many names sound nice but feel familiar. Some are overused, while others lose their charm over time. This list takes a different route. These names are rare, rooted in Indian sounds, and shaped for a modern world. Each one carries feeling and depth, without sounding heavy or outdated. The idea is simple: names that feel personal, fresh, and worth cherishing.

Valentine’s Day is today, and if love caught you off-guard, or you were stuck chasing the deadlines, it’s still not late. Valentine’s Day doesn’t need weeks of planning, or a five-course dinner that was booked three months ago. Sometimes, the best stories are created spontaneously, and the surprise that lands on your lap. Anybody out there, who is feeling lost and cannot decide how to make their partner feel special, here are some last-minute Valentine’s escapes you can still do today.

There was a time when travel meant chasing sunsets, collecting fridge magnets, and pretending you enjoy hiking. Then came digital nomads, coolcations and set-jetting. Now? Enter the Glowmads, the travellers who refuse to board a flight without SPF, a serum, and a solid skincare routine.

Yes, the holiday has had a glow-up.

What even is a glowmad?

A Glowmad is a traveller who plans trips around beauty, skincare and wellness rituals. Think less “backpacking through chaos” and more “booking a facial between museum visits.” These are the people turning holidays into full-blown glowcations, where the main souvenir is luminous skin.

Reports suggest that a significant percentage of Gen Z travellers are intentionally seeking beauty treatments and skincare shopping while abroad. Travel is no longer just about escape. It is about elevation. Emotional healing, yes. But also glass skin.

Beauty is the itinerary

Glowmad travel is curated. Destinations are chosen for their reputation in beauty and wellness. South Korea for advanced skin clinics. Paris for iconic French pharmacy staples. Kerala for Ayurveda. Tuscany for mineral-rich thermal springs. The vibe is simple: arrive tired, leave transformed.

It is not just about spa robes and cucumber water. It is targeted, tech-forward treatments, spiritual cleansing rituals, and yoga retreats that promise inner peace and outer radiance. Even airports are part of the ritual, with travellers stocking up on duty-free make-up and skincare before take-off.

Skincare at 30,000 feet

The Glowmad does not pause their routine mid-air. Airplane cabins may be dry, but their skin will not be. Travel-sized serums, face mists, sheet masks and SPF-infused moisturisers are now as essential as passports. Hydration is a lifestyle.

Who is driving it?

Primarily Gen Z and Millennials. Beauty influencers amplify the movement with in-flight routines and “pack with me” videos. Frequent flyers swear by compact, multi-tasking products to survive constant climate shifts.

The question for 2026 is simple. If your suitcase is not half spa kit, are you even travelling?

1. Rosemary + hibiscus hair oil

Warm some coconut or almond oil on low heat. Add a handful of hibiscus leaves and flowers and let it gently simmer until the oil darkens a bit. Cool it, strain it, and store it. Massage this into your scalp 2–3 times a week. Leave it on for an hour, or overnight if that works for you, then wash as usual.

2. Herbal hair rinse

Boil rosemary sprigs and hibiscus petals in water for about 10–15 minutes. Let it cool and strain it. After shampooing, pour this over your hair as your final rinse. Don’t wash it off with plain water. It leaves your scalp feeling fresh and your hair looking shinier.

3. Hibiscus mask for dry hair

Grind hibiscus leaves and petals into a paste. Mix in a bit of curd or aloe vera gel. Apply it to your scalp and hair, leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. Your hair will feel softer right after.

Cricketer Hardik Pandya’s love life has always been dynamic, just as his game on the field. Months after his high-profile divorce from Natasa Stankovic followed by dating rumours with Jasmin Walia, Hardik recently turned heads with a deeply personal new tattoo – a subtle yet striking tribute to his current girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. Inked on his nape, it features two leopards: One bold and realistic symbolising strength and ambition, the other a flowing shadow weaving in Mahieka’s initial “M”, reported NDTV Sports. What started as a simple “M” idea blossomed into this powerful metaphor for partnership – two fierce individuals aligned, not merged. It’s intimate (hidden under hair) but bold when revealed, mirroring their story of fresh starts and shared goals in life.

However, this doesn’t seem to be the first time that Hardik has publicly shown his love for his partner. While the cricketer is known for his on-field performance, he is also known for his flamboyant nature. Commenting on it, former Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra took a playful jab at Hardik recently on the podcast ‘Who’s The Boss?’. With Harbhajan Singh, Nehra quipped about Hardik’s romantic shifts, likening him to ‘Devdas” Shah Rukh Khan: “Woh toh roz Paro change karta hai” (He changes Paro every day). A light-hearted dig at Hardik’s colourful past, it highlights how his heart has raced through several chapters.

Hardik’s romantic journey

Urvashi Rautela: The actress and Hardik sparked dating rumours early in his career when fans spotted their flirty social media exchanges and sightings together. But it fizzled quickly amid controversy.Elli AvrRam: The Swedish-Greek star was linked to Hardik around 2018 after nightclub meet-cutes and cozy photos. Their relationship was short-lived, but splashed across tabloids.Natasa Stankovic: The big one. They met at a Mumbai club in 2018, went official, and had a lockdown-marriage on May 31, 2020. Their son Agastya arrived soon after, and they renewed their wedding vows in Udaipur on Valentine’s Day 2023. But cracks showed up in their marriafe during IPL 2024 – Natasa was absent from stands, and she dropped “Pandya” from her name on her social media profile. On July 18, 2024, they announced separation, prioritising co-parenting: “Agastya remains at the center... give us privacy.”Jasmin Walia: Post-divorce buzz with Natasa, Hardik was then linked to model-DJ Jasmin Walia. The duo posted vacation snaps, but their relationship too was a short speculation.

Hardik and Mahieka’s journey

Enter Mahieka Sharma in late 2025. Mahieka and Hardik were spotted together at airports, family events, and vacations, and their bond went public last year. A pooja was mistaken for an engagement, fueling “fiancée” talk, but they’re solidly dating.Nehra’s jest aside, Hardik seems settled, channelling his post-divorce energy into love and cricket. And his new tattoo seems to be a permanent nod to growth, not just ink – a story of resilience.What’s your take on Hardik’s new lady love Mahieka Sharma? Do you think they’ll be together or is it just another phase in Hardik’s life? Tell us in the comments below.

is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks that has been luring tourists from across the world for years. But now, it has captured the attention of residents, scientists and visitors alike. You may ask why? As per Arctic Portal.org, there has been an unusual shift in the shoreline, as strong ocean forces over recent weeks have caused extensive coastal erosion, dramatically altering both the appearance and accessibility of the famous Black Beach.The beach’s signature basalt columns, famous for their geometric, honeycomb appearance? Directly impacted. Under the relentless pounding of wave action, sand and sediment has been transported to such an extent that parts of these formations now reach out further into the surf than originally. Once protected by many feet of black sand, the rock base is now exposed and in jeopardy.

Sand that normally buffers the bases of the rock formations has been eroding and failing, local observers say, allowing for more direct access to the sea by waves pounding against the columns. One local estimated the ocean has retreated inland by tens of metres in some parts, taking with it much if not all of the regular beach.The difference visually has been striking. Places where visitors were once able to stroll wide expanses of sand are now much narrower, and some are no longer considered safe for access to the beach.Read more: The only passport offering access to 190+ destinations in latest Henley index — Full list inside

Unusual weather

Experts on coastal change blame the shift in part on a prolonged bout of strong easterly winds that was accompanied by high wave conditions earlier this winter. The relentless pounding of heavy surf aimed at Iceland’s South Coast, scooting sediment along much faster and magnifying the region’s typical erosion patterns.Coastal erosion is a fact of life for Iceland’s shores, formed over millennia by volcanic activity and the unforgiving force of the North Atlantic, but recent patterns and extent upon such visible cliffs appear especially fast.Reynisfjara is known for its jet-black volcanic sands, soaring basalt columns and the offshore sea stacks named Reynisdrangar; it’s famed around the globe. Together, they make up one of the most photographed Icelandic landscapes.Part of the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, which has been internationally known for its geological formations and glaciated landscape moulded by both volcanic activity and glaciers. The area is literally a living museum that offers an amazing insight into how fire and ice have over thousands of years sculpted Iceland’s environment.Read more: Watch: Rare moment as black panther and leopard drink water side by side

Safety concerns as access changes

Reynisfjara has been both celebrated for its otherworldly beauty and honored for its risks. Yet sudden ‘sneaker waves’, it is said, have led to accidents in the past and authorities have consequently installed warning systems as well as designated viewing platforms to ensure visitor safety.With the profile of the shoreline changed, some walking paths and beach access points are even closer to the waterline. In some places, previously accessible areas are now seen as unsafe. Local authorities and organisations are still monitoring the situation, reminding visitors to stay on marker paths, follow safety signs and do not attempt to approach the cliff edge or old shore line.Because of unpredictable surf and the exposed fresh rock faces, highest caution is necessary at high tide and rough seas.Whether sand will be eventually back in place and the shoreline recovered is unknown. Coastal systems are dynamic by nature, and beaches can replenish themselves over time though no one can say when that might happen.Travellers heading to Iceland’s Black Beach over the next few weeks could see a much different landscape than one normally shown in postcards and travel books.