We truly seem to be living in a strange world it seems. At a time when couples are getting divorced over petty issues, a woman in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, India had recently filed for a divorce from her husband within only 18 months of her marriage. The reason? The wife told the Sharia court in Sambhal that her husband loved her “too much” and would not fight with her because of which she was “fed up”, according to Dainik Jagran. “Neither he [husband] ever shouted at me nor he ever disappointed me over any issue. I am feeling suffocated in such an environment… Whenever I make a mistake, he always forgives me for that. I wanted to argue with him,” she complained, as per the report.

However, listening to her bizarre reason for divorce, the cleric of the Sharia court was not only baffled, but he also dismissed her plea, calling it frivolous. The woman had also approached the local panchayat for the same, but they too had refused to give a ruling on this matter!

Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported by Khaleej Times sometime back when an Arab woman had sought divorce because her husband is “too nice and weak”, and never fought back with her! The couple were married for 12 years and had two children together.

This is the story of a couple from Hyderabad and their love for Sky. This is no ordinary tale of an animal-loving couple who reunited with their dog in Australia because they had been sorely missing him ever since they had moved base to the new continent. Divya and John prove that love can fathom all heights and move all barriers. Software professionals with steady jobs, they lived modestly, saving for a home, pinching pennies on weekend outings, and dreaming of stability. But their world revolved around Sky, their super cute golden retriever. Sky wasn’t just a pet; he was their anchor, their laughter on tough days, the wagging tail that greeted them after grueling 12-hour shifts. When a life-changing job offer called them to Australia, joy turned to dread. Leaving Sky behind? Unthinkable.

The couple moved to Melbourne to set up a life in Australia, but they constantly missed Sky. Meanwhile “Sky started suffering from anxiety issues after we left. He would have these bouts when he would have these fits. The doctor explained to us that these are symptoms of separation anxiety,” says Divya.But what kept Sky from reuniting with John and Divya were the stringent pet rules of Australia. Dogs from India can’t fly directly to Australia. They must spend 180 days in a rabies-free country undergoing tests, vaccines, and quarantine. The cost? A staggering ₹15 lakh! “We are not born with a silver spoon. We had to save every penny to bring him here,” says John. “We were also dissuaded by friends and family who said that you can easily get another pet for Rs 2 to 3k. But what they did not understand was that Sky was not our pet; he was like a child to us,” he added.

After saving a part of their salary, they finally set out to bring Sky to Australia. “We chose Dubai as the quarantine country because we felt that Sky was a Hindi guy, and he would understand the language and not feel that the place was totally alien,” says Divya. They boarded him at a premium facility, video calls became lifelines.“We lived on daily updates about him and counted each day. Did Sky eat well today? Is he okay? Does he miss us? We stayed connected on video calls.” John’s heart shattered hearing Sky’s barks through the phone, a sound that once filled their tiny flat with joy.

Nothing helps build trust in a relationship like truth, even if it stings. So, be honest and share your fears, mistakes, and small wins— without any filters. John Gottman’s research reveals that couples who disclose daily (those “bids for connection”) can weather storms 5:1 positively. Honesty isn’t brutal— it’s the glue that turns suspicion to “I believe you.”

Inside India’s “crocodile river” in Gujarat where reptiles live beside homes and roads (Image source: Wikipedia)

The Vishwamitri River passes through the city of Vadodara in Gujarat and is commonly known as India’s Crocodile River due to the presence of mugger crocodiles in and around the urban area. Unlike other rivers, where crocodiles are known to reside in distant forests, Vishwamitri is special in the sense that these reptiles are found to thrive in proximity to human habitations. The river originates from the Pavagadh hills, passes through the city of Vadodara, and finally merges with the Dhadhar River, forming marshes, ponds, and riverbanks that are conducive to the habitation of crocodiles. Over the years, encounters, particularly during the monsoon season when the water level rises, have brought the river to the notice of the entire nation. Today, the Vishwamitri River stands as a testament to the survival and coexistence of wildlife in the urban setting of India.

Vishwamitri River is called the ‘Crocodile River of India’

Vishwamitri River originates in the Pavagadh Hills of Gujarat and flows straight through the heart of Vadodara. Yes, through the city. Not around it.Unlike India’s giant rivers, the Vishwamitri is relatively short and stays entirely within Gujarat. It eventually joins the Dhadhar River before meeting the Arabian Sea. On paper, it doesn’t sound dramatic. In reality, it is.The river is home to hundreds of Mugger crocodiles, a freshwater species known for adapting well to lakes and rivers. Seeing a crocodile basking on a muddy bank isn’t unusual here.

Why the Vishwamitri River became a crocodile hotspot

Not every river with crocodiles earns a reputation for it. Many rivers across India support small crocodile populations, but the Vishwamitri stands out for how comfortably its reptiles have settled into city life. A big reason is the river itself. Long stretches of the Vishwamitri move slowly, especially outside the monsoon season, and its muddy, uneven banks are almost perfect for Mugger crocodiles to bask, nest, and slip back into the water unnoticed. It’s the kind of landscape they seem to prefer.Then there’s human behaviour. Ironically, pollution and limited recreational use may have helped the crocodiles. Since people rarely swim or wash clothes in the river, the animals face less disturbance than they would in cleaner, more crowded waterways. Conservation awareness has also played a role. Instead of being hunted or removed, many crocodiles were protected and monitored, allowing their numbers to grow steadily over time. Strangely, the city and the crocodiles learned how to coexist.

How crocodiles and urban life adapted to each other over time

The Vishwamitri River shows that wildlife doesn’t always vanish when cities expand. Sometimes, it adapts, waits, and learns how to survive alongside us. A river full of crocodiles flowing through a major Indian city feels like it shouldn’t exist. And yet, it does, calmly, stubbornly, and on its own terms. It makes you wonder how many other wild stories are hiding in plain sight.

How many crocodiles are there currently in the Vishwamitri River

The Vishwamitri River in Vadodara, Gujarat, is now known for its unexpectedly large population of mugger crocodiles, which seem to thrive in spite of being found in the middle of an urban area. The latest census conducted in 2025 by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation estimates that there are currently 442 crocodiles in the area, spread out in different parts of the river. This is a significant increase from the 2020 census.This increase has been attributed to several factors by experts, including the availability of food in the form of fish and stray animals, the adaptability of the crocodiles to the river environment, and the fact that there is less human interference in some parts of the river.

Whether you need a visa to travel to Switzerland depends primarily on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of travel. Switzerland follows the Schengen visa framework, which governs short-term and long-term entry rules for third-country nationals. For more clarity, visit Switwit

Short-term vs long-term visas

Switzerland issues two main categories of visas:Short-term visas (Schengen visas) for stays of up to 90 daysLong-term visas (National visas) for stays of more than 90 daysOnly short-term visa applications, such as those for tourism, family visits or business travel, can be submitted online, whereas long-term visas are required to be filed directly with the responsible Swiss representation abroad.A Schengen visa application can be submitted at the earliest six months before the intended date of entry into the Schengen Area.

Where to apply

Depending on your place of residence, a Swiss visa application can be submitted in one of the following ways:Directly at a Swiss representation abroadBy filling out the visa application onlineThrough an external visa service providerAt the representation of another Schengen state, if applicableAppointments for both Schengen and national visas may be required, depending on the Swiss representation. Scheduling an appointment is free of charge, but applicants are advised to check the website of the relevant Swiss representation in advance, as waiting periods may apply.

Visa requirements for Indian nationals

For Indian passport holders, a visa is required for travel to Switzerland:For stays of up to 90 days: Yes, a visa is requiredFor stays of more than 90 days: Yes, a visa is requiredIndian nationals holding a diplomatic passport are exempt from visa requirements when entering Switzerland on an official mission or for other travel purposes, provided they do not engage in gainful employment.

Who is exempt from visa requirements?

Certain travellers are exempt from Swiss visa requirements:Third-country nationals who hold both:a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state, ora valid Schengen type D (long-term) visa,along with a recognised and valid travel documentThese exemptions apply only if the individual is not engaging in gainful employment during their stay. Read more: Which country issues passports to falcons, and why?

Travel document requirements for short stays

Third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA) entering the Schengen Area for a short-term stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period must carry a recognised travel document that meets both of the following conditions:The passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen AreaThe passport must have been issued within the last 10 yearsThe date of issue is decisive, regardless of any extension to the passport’s validity.These two conditions do not apply to travellers who hold:a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country, ora valid category D visa (long-term national visa) issued by a Schengen countryIn such cases, the travel document must be valid at the time of entry and remain valid for the entire planned stay in Switzerland or any other Schengen country.

Duration rules under the Schengen framework

The maximum duration of a short stay in the Schengen Area is 90 days within any 180-day period. Both entry and exit dates are counted when calculating the length of stay.For stays in Switzerland exceeding 90 days, a residence permit is required. In principle, this permit must be applied for before entering Switzerland through the relevant cantonal migration office. This requirement also applies to nationals of countries that are otherwise visa-exempt for short stays.Read more: UAE rail revolution: Nation’s first passenger train network launching in 2026, know how it will impact travellers

Important notes on travel documents

Only recognised travel documents are accepted for crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. Switzerland refers applicants to official lists of recognised travel documents, including those issued by third countries, Schengen member states, and international organisations. Temporary stay permits are not considered equivalent to residence permits.Travellers are advised to verify their visa requirements and documentation well in advance by consulting the website of the responsible Swiss representation, as rules and appointment availability may vary depending on location and nationality.

You must have heard the term “carpet area” many times in India’s real estate market. It has gained significant popularity after the establishment of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). Before the act, there was no one legal definition of carpet area and builders used to calculate differently. The RERA Act, provided a clear definition of carpet area to bring transparency in property related transactions.Understanding “Carpet Area” As per Section 2(k) of the RERA Act, 2016, “carpet area means the net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding the area covered by the external walls, areas under service shafts, exclusive balcony or verandah area, and exclusive open terrace area, but includes the area covered by the internal partition walls of the apartment.”In simple words, carpet area means the actual area within an apartment or home where you can spread a carpet or the practical space which can be occupied daily. It also represents the true living space, minus all outdoor attachments like anything a homeowner cannot use for living purposes.Why RERA defined Carpet AreaBefore RERA came into force in 2016, builders often promoted properties based on super built-up areas. There were other inflated measures also which included common and unusable spaces. It was extremely confusing for buyers which often led to disputes. That’s when RERA provided an absolute definition:Now buyers understand exactly how much usable space they are buying.No exaggerated figuresComparisons between properties become fair and transparent.The RERA Act also mandates builders to disclose the carpet area clearly in all sale agreements.What is included in the Carpet Area?Net usable floor space which covers all areas that can be used for daily activities:Living roomBedroomsKitchenBathrooms/ToiletsUtility roomsInternal passages within the apartmentInternal Partition WallsRERA carpet area includes the area covered by internal partition walls dividing rooms inside the flat. This is an important point of standardisation because different builders earlier measured internal walls differently — if at all.What is excludedExternal Walls: Outer boundary walls are not a part of the carpet area as they don’t contribute to usable living space.Balconies, Verandahs, and Terraces: Balconies, verandahs, and terraces are also not included in the carpet area as these are outdoor spaces.Service areas: Places that are used for ducts, plumbing, wiring, and other utilities are also not a part of this.Common Areas: Common areas such as lobbies, corridors, staircases, lifts, and common utility spaces do not count. The RERA Act’s definition of carpet area makes things transparent for homebuyers and gives them clarity. By legally defining the term, RERA protects homebuyers from confusing or misleading area calculations which can lead to unfair pricing.

If you wish to transform a plain aquarium into a beautiful paradise, then you are at the right place. The easiest trick is to pair colourful and compatible freshwater fish that create dynamic communities– from neon blues to fiery oranges and shimmering silvers. Here we list some freshwater fish combinations to make your aquarium shine. These fish need matching water parameters (pH 6.5-7.5, 24-28°C), have similar temperaments (peaceful shoals or solo stars), and the tank size should be of minimum 40 litres to roughly 200 litres. Inspired by aquarists worldwide, they blend beauty with balance, thus turning your tank into a living jewel. Read on to know more:

In a heartfelt episode of Serving It Up With Sania, Yuvraj Singh opened up about his parenting philosophy, reflecting on how his own disciplined upbringing drives him to cultivate an atmosphere of joy and leisurely moments for his kids.

In a candid chat on Serving It Up With Sania, former cricketer Yuvraj Singh spoke about fatherhood with quite rare honesty. Drawing from a childhood shaped by pressure and discipline, he shared how becoming a parent changed his priorities. The conversation, hosted by Sania Mirza, offered a look at how Yuvraj and his wife, Hazel Keech, are raising their children with care, balance, and, very importantly, intention.

A childhood that redefined his idea of parenting

Yuvraj Singh grew up in a home where cricket came first. His parents separated early, and his father’s strict focus on sport left little room for play. While that discipline built a champion, it also left gaps. Those gaps now guide his parenting choices. He wants his children to enjoy moments he missed, like picnics, theme parks, and unhurried family time.

“My mother suffered a lot”: Lessons from the past

During the podcast, Yuvraj spoke softly about his mother’s struggles. She lived with her parents during difficult years and protected him. The day he earned his first cheque mattered because it let him give her a home. That memory shaped his view of family. Providing safety and dignity, he believes, matters as much as success.

Hazel Keech and the power of shared parenting

Yuvraj gave clear credit to his wife, actor Hazel Keech, for shaping his bond with their children. At first, he hesitated with everyday care like feeding and changing nappies. Hazel pushed him to try. She believed early involvement builds trust. That advice changed everything. Even during long work gaps, daily calls keep the bond strong.

Choosing presence over perfection

Distance is part of Yuvraj’s life, with work across India, Dubai, and England. Yet, he spoke about staying emotionally present. Regular conversations matter more than constant physical closeness. He misses his children, and they miss him too. That mutual longing, he feels, is a sign of a healthy connection.

Breaking the cycle, gently

Yuvraj reflected on moments when parents are absent, not by choice but by circumstance. His own parents did what they knew then. Today’s parents know more. That awareness brings responsibility. He chooses to show up, slow down, and create memories. The goal is not to be perfect, but to be kinder than yesterday.

Love, laughter, and standing together

Beyond parenting, Yuvraj spoke about Hazel as his anchor. She stood by him during his hardest years, including health struggles. Their relationship, built away from fame, rests on respect and humour. He even joked about her “manly laugh,” a detail that shows ease and affection. Laughter, in their home, is not optional.Disclaimer: This article is based solely on statements made by Yuvraj Singh during Serving It Up With Sania hosted by Sania Mirza. No additional assumptions or external claims have been added.

Martyrs’ Day, celebrated on January 30 and March 23, serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery exhibited by patriots like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh. It’s a vital occasion for children to immerse themselves in lessons about valor, integrity, and the true sacrifices that underpin liberty.

Martyrs’ Day, also called Shaheed Diwas, is a day of respect as well as learning. It reminds us that freedom came with real sacrifice and strength. Behind every flag and school assembly lies a story of courage, choice, and love for the nation. This day helps young minds connect history with values they can carry forward.

What is Martyrs’ Day and when is it observed

In India, Martyrs’ Day is observed on more than one date. The two most important ones are January 30 and March 23. January 30 remembers Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1948. March 23 honours Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed in 1931. Each date tells a different story, but both speak of bravery and belief.

Why these dates matter in history

January 30 marks the loss of a leader who believed violence weakens a cause. Gandhi’s death shocked the nation and the world. March 23 remembers three young men who believed fearless action could wake a sleeping nation. Together, these dates show that India’s freedom struggle had many paths, but one shared goal.

Why Martyrs’ Day is important for kids

Martyrs’ Day teaches children that freedom is not automatic. It is earned and protected. It helps kids understand values like courage, honesty, and standing up for what is right. The day also shows that age never limits impact. Some martyrs were very young.

Rare and lesser-known facts kids should know

Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old when he was executed. He loved reading and writing. Gandhi’s last words were believed to be a prayer, showing calm even in danger. Many martyrs were ordinary people, teachers, students, and farmers, before history remembered them.

How the day is observed across India

A two-minute silence at 11 am is observed on January 30 across the country. Schools hold assemblies with stories, not just speeches, to help children relate. Some states honour local heroes on different dates, keeping regional history alive.

Meaningful ways children can take part

Children can listen to such true stories of martyrs and share them at home. This will also help them learn more about the history. Drawing posters or writing short notes helps ideas stay longer in young minds. Small acts like kindness and honesty reflect the values martyrs stood for.Disclaimer: This article is written for educational and awareness purposes for children and parents. Dates and historical references are based on widely accepted public records. Readers are encouraged to refer to official government sources or school curricula for academic use.