Plants are the life and soul of a house. These not only bring positivity and much-needed greenery, but plants also have long been valued for their role in promoting wealth, health and harmony. According to Vastu Shastra, there are some plants which are believed to attract prosperity, and financial stability when placed in the right position. These plants are also said to balance energies. Plants including the Money Plant, Tulsi, Jade, and Peace Lily, among others each serve a purpose. However, Vastu emphasizes that plants must be placed in the right corner and well-cared-for to deliver best results. These require regular maintenance and proper attention to ensure healthy growth.

On this note, let’s have a look at five Vastu-approved plants widely recommended for inviting prosperity.

If you are a corporate employee then this situation might sound familiar to you: You pour your soul into work – working hard, filling in for others’ gaps, meeting deadlines. But, when it comes to promotions, it goes to someone else, who talks big but delivers average results. Welcome to the invisible employee trap: Where quiet employee’s excellence gets ignored while the average worker, who is boastful, climbs the corporate ladder. It’s demoralising, universal, but fixable. Here’s how:

When good work doesn’t lead to recognition

You’re the go-to person in office – you solve problems even before they arise. But that’s where you go wrong. Workplace invisibility hits when reliable performers fade into the background. Introverts work silently, newbies lack networks, and those who avoid promoting themselves slag behind others.Daily diary study (PMC, 2018) links networking to promotions/salary via resources/positive affect. HBR/LinkedIn echo: 73% high managers stall without visibility.Being any of them hurts your career: Your ideas get stolen, successes uncelebrated, promotions missed. Toxic cultures amplify it – some managers favour those who always say “yes” to them. Their biases sideline minorities, who might be working hard but silently. Result? Quiet quitting. Gallup’s longstanding research estimates actively disengaged employees cost U.S. companies $450-550 billion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. Being in such a situation kills your innovation, making you feel more resentful. Companies lose talent, while you lose hope.

Why loudmouths (poorly) win promotions

Here’s the ugly truth: Promotions are often 70% visibility, 30% results. Extroverts self-promote naturally, while grinders don’t. And the halo effect seals it – one charming trait colours everything.The worst part: These promotions create mediocre leaders who hire more talkers.

5 silent promotion killers (you’re probably guilty of at least 3)

1. Saying “Yes” every single timeYou say yes to everything – bug fixes, note-taking, covering other’s work while they relax on vacations. You’re helpful, but invisible. Boss see someone who is reliable, but not who is leadership material.Fix: Practice saying: “Happy to help after I finish X task.” Say yes to growth, no to others’ work.2. Staying silentYou spot problems (toxic teammate, unclear goals) but stay silent just to maintain peace. Issues continue, while leadership potential evaporates. Remember, being nice always is not seen as promotable. Leaders confront early.Fix: Have weekly tough conversations with your manager. Speak first in one meeting. Small courage builds big presence.3. Work-speaks-for-itself mythYour results shine, but only in your head. While you grind, an average worker’s emails weekly wins. So, instead of working silently, narrate your excellence to win promotions.4. Mind-reader fallacyYou hope managers notice your potential. But, the sad truth is that they don’t.Fix: Have “Growth conversation” with your boss and request for the role you want. Get dates and feedback, not maybes.5. Being in your comfort zoneNot stretching projects leads to no leadership exposure. You’re perfect at your work but unknown everywhere else.Fix: Get out of your comfort zone and ask for quarterly bigger projects. Present to executives. Lead cross-team initiatives. Take risks and accelerate your growth.So, stop waiting to be discovered. and claim your spotlight at the workplace today.

Water intrusion can weaken concrete, promote mould, and accelerate structural decay. Signs such as damp basements, bubbling paint, soft flooring, or deteriorating concrete often indicate underlying moisture problems that threaten long-term stability and must be resolved quickly to avoid major repairs.

Such structural flaws usually do not suddenly happen but rather progress gradually due to movements in foundations, moisture, or degradation in materials. Because of this, one can identify issues with floor cracking, uneven surfaces, sticking doors, distorted walls, and water damage, prompting them to seek expert evaluation services before the repair works become extensive. Preventive awareness is, therefore, still the best way forward in ensuring one protects their property value and safety.

Image Credit: Canva

It wasn’t a scam. It wasn’t a language issue. It wasn’t even a lack of money. It was a QR code that simply didn’t get through. It’s about an American traveller who was on his trip to India for the fourth time.Standing outside yet another tourist site in southern India, the traveler realised they weren’t being turned away because they couldn’t pay, but because they couldn’t scan. Cash was refused. Cards weren’t accepted. Everything hinged on UPI, India’s scan-and-pay system, and their phone simply wouldn’t make it past the final loading screen.As per his Reddit post, this wasn’t his first time in India. It was his fourth time in India. In previous trips, which were mostly across North India, cash had always worked. This time, across Chennai, Mysuru, Bengaluru and beyond, cash wasn’t helping them. Entry gates, ticket counters, even small vendors, almost everything was digital. UPI only.

Using a US phone number with international eSIMs like Airalo and Tello, every payment attempt failed at the same point. Scan. The amount appears. Processing. Stuck. Denied. Repeat. The problem followed them, turning what should have been simple moments, buying a ticket, entering a site, into hassles and rejections.It didn’t stop there. OTPs for airline apps never arrived. Verification messages vanished into the void. Systems assumed a local number that didn’t exist. Add relentless rain, hotel mix-ups, communication breakdowns, and mounting exhaustion, and the trip began to feel less like travel and more like friction.Read more: Most spectacular birds of the Indian forestsIn a frustrated Reddit post, the traveller finally shared the big problem that he was facing in India.The responses came fast, which told a different story, and perhaps, a solution.To regular visitors, this wasn’t a failure of India. It was a failure of preparation. People explained that airports now have UPI help desks specifically for foreigners. The fix, they said, was simple but unintuitive: get a local Indian SIM, which will cost around $5 for 30 days.Others suggested lesser-known workarounds: payment apps that authenticate via WhatsApp instead of SMS, eSIMs that offer an Indian number rather than just data, and the old-school advice of carrying both cash and an international card, because not every place has flipped fully digital yet. As per one suggestion, for foreign nationals and NRIs, UPI access is possible through two main routes: using a foreign mobile number or registering with an Indian phone number. Those opting to use an overseas number currently have limited app choices, including platforms such as CheqUPI and Mony. These apps require users to upload passport and visa details, followed by an in-person verification process to activate the wallet. In the case of CheqUPI, a one-time onboarding fee applies.The other option is to get an Indian phone number and use wallet-based UPI apps, which allow UPI payments directly from an in-app wallet, without linking an Indian bank account, making them useful for NRIs who don’t have one. Wallets can be funded via debit or credit cards or internet banking.Read more: Indian Railways to run up to record 1,500 Holi special trains in March to manage festive rush One commented that activating UPI as an American is nearly impossible unless you know where to go and what to download. Another shared how their UPI setup took under an hour once they followed the right path.This post reflects how travel has changed in ways guidebooks have been telling. India’s digital leap has made daily life smoother than ever, for people inside the system. For those outside it, even small gaps can feel overwhelming.A decade ago, not carrying cash was the risk. Today, not having the right number can create hassles not only in India, but anywhere across the globe.For most travellers, the fix is minor once you know it. But until then, a QR code can become a gatekeeper, quietly reminding you that in a world racing toward frictionless payments, access itself has become something you have to earn.

India is on bird flu, H5N1 alert. Cases have been reported in Chennai. More than 1,500 crows have tested positive for the virus and this has stepped up surveillance in several areas of Tamil Nadu including Adyar, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR).This is a big health concern because H5N1 is classified as highly pathogenic. “H5N1, like several other influenza viruses, is part of the broader family of flu viruses that circulate seasonally. While human cases of H5N1 remain uncommon, the concern lies in its potential severity when infection does occur. From a clinical perspective, we see that influenza viruses tend to cause more significant illness in vulnerable populations rather than in otherwise healthy individuals,” Dr Kaushik N, Consultant Pulmonologist Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore told TOI Health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported over 250 human infections from 2003 to 2024. Most of the reported cases have been severe. In India, no human cases have surfaced, said Dr Ram Gopalakrishnan, infectious diseases specialist at Apollo Hospitals told TOI. In 1996, the HPAI H5N1 virus was identified in geese in China. In 1997, first human infections were reported from Hong Kong, China. Since 2003, this virus has spread in bird populations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is now endemic in poultry populations in many countries. Outbreaks have resulted in millions of poultry infections, several hundred human cases, and many human deaths.“People at higher risk include elderly patients, those with diabetes, chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD, kidney disease, cancer patients, individuals on immunosuppressive therapy, and patients undergoing dialysis. In these groups, viral infections can worsen underlying conditions and sometimes progress to complications like viral pneumonia. We often see acute exacerbations of pre-existing respiratory illnesses during flu seasons, particularly between November and March,” Dr Kaushik N said.The expert added, in most healthy individuals, flu-like viral infections typically settle within 3–5 days. However, in recent months, clinicians have observed that symptoms can last longer, sometimes extending beyond a week. Recovery from influenza infections usually takes about 7–10 days, though in some cases it may take up to two weeks. By this time, the body develops antibodies, and routine retesting is generally not required.“The most important preventive measures remain early detection, avoiding close contact with infected birds or animals, and following basic infection-control practices. Wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated environments, maintaining hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are effective steps. Early medical consultation is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals experiencing persistent fever, breathlessness, or worsening symptoms,” the doctor has urged.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr Kaushik N, Consultant Pulmonologist Aster RV Hospital, BangaloreInputs were used to explain the outbreak of H5N1 in Chennai and the symptoms and preventive tips one should be aware of.

Recent research has shed light on the profound influence of early father-child relationships on a child’s long-term heart and metabolic wellness. Involved fathers who actively engage with their infants not only enhance parenting cooperation but also create a foundation for healthier outcomes, including lower inflammation and improved blood sugar levels as the child reaches age seven.

Parenting is discussed in terms of emotions, habits, and values. But a 2025 study published by the American Psychological Association suggests something deeper. Early parenting may shape a child’s physical health in measurable ways, years later. The study looks closely at how parents interact with each other and with their child during the first two years of life. It then connects those moments to health markers seen when the child is about seven years old. And the findings are much more important to discuss. Parenting leaves traces not just on the mind, but also on the body.

What this study set out to understand

The researchers wanted to know whether early parenting patterns predict later cardiometabolic health in children. Cardiometabolic health includes factors linked to heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. The study followed 292 families, each with a mother, father, and child. These families were part of the Family Foundations trial, a programme designed to strengthen coparenting among first-time parents.

Parenting behaviour was observed at two stages: infancy at 10 months and toddlerhood at 24 months. Later, when the children were around 7 years old, researchers measured 4 biological markers. These were C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, total cholesterol, and glycated haemoglobin. Together, these markers give clues about inflammation and long-term metabolic health.

Why fathers’ early involvement stood out

One of the most striking findings focused on fathers. Fathers who showed sensitive engagement with their babies at 10 months were less likely to show competitive or withdrawn behaviour in coparenting by 24 months. This matters, and the reason is that, competitive-withdrawn coparenting refers to patterns where parents undermine each other or emotionally step back instead of working as a team.Children in families in which fathers avoided this pattern showed lower levels of C-reactive protein and HbA1c at age 7. It is a well-established fact that these two markers are linked to inflammation and blood sugar regulation. Lower levels suggest a healthier long-term outlook. The study did not find the same pattern when looking at mothers, which makes the father-child dynamic especially important here.

How coparenting quietly affects a child’s body

Coparenting is often treated as a relationship issue between adults. This study shows it may also be a health issue for children. When parents compete, withdraw, or fail to support each other, stress levels within the home may rise. Over time, chronic stress can influence how a child’s body manages inflammation and metabolism.The study found that fathers’ coparenting behaviour at 24 months explained the link between early father engagement and later child health. In simple terms, early sensitivity shaped better teamwork later, and that teamwork shaped healthier outcomes for the child. This pathway highlights how daily interactions can ripple forward for years.

What this means for everyday parenting

The results move the focus to presence rather than perfection. Observing a baby’s cues, reacting calmly, and remaining emotionally available are all components of sensitive interaction. Fathers’ parenting roles may be shaped by these experiences, particularly during the first year.

Why this research matters for the future

This study adds to growing evidence that early life experiences shape long-term health. It also expands the conversation around prevention. Reducing future health risks may not begin with diet charts or exercise plans. It may begin with how parents relate to each other and their child during the earliest months.For healthcare professionals and policymakers, the findings support investing in programmes that strengthen coparenting and encourage positive paternal involvement. For families, the message is gentle but clear. Early emotional care can become a form of quiet protection for a child’s future health.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on findings from a single scientific study. It does not provide medical or parenting advice. Health outcomes are influenced by many factors, and individual experiences may vary.

Scenic evening in Meghalaya

“The villagers will not openly talk about U Thlen. The oldies will whisper about Thlen and that’s the best one can get out of them. You see, they still believe that U Thlen will shape-shift into anything, catch hold of them, and suck their blood dry”...whispered my college-friend and guide Tash as I moved uneasily in my little wooden stool. Both the story and the fact that I was sitting on a stool made for a child gave our late night chit chat by the fireplace that extra dose of drama. That cold January night in Mawsynram was a night to remember. We all love a good travel story every now and then. I have travelled to over 25 states in India, sometimes exploring the wilderness, sometimes checking out food and clothes, and most of the time hunting for souvenirs. But my Mawsynram trip had none of these fun side quests.

Hillocks in Meghalaya

Some of my friends from the US were visiting Delhi, and one of the get-togethers over pizzas and soups led to us deciding to go check out Meghalaya. The focus was to go see what Mawsynram, the wettest place in the world, looked like. Well, let me tell you. The wettest place in the world, in January, was as dry as it can be. We met up with my friend from college who agreed to be our guide, mainly because she was already working there and knew the lay of the land.The drive from Shillong to Mawsynram was one of the prettiest ones I have ever seen. Rough, yes. But no one even remembered to crib about the bumps and jolts when the view from the passenger seat was drop-dead-gorgeous. Our Google Maps told us that the distance between Shillong and Mawsynram was approximately two hours. But the road made it three and half hours for us.

Dainthlen Falls

We didn’t see a bustling town, no crowd anywhere, no incessant traffic and horns, but what lay in front of us was an endless stretch of gentle rolling hillocks, with a smattering of a pine grove or two. The brown in front of our eyes stretched as far as our eyes could see. Our view was disturbed by just a couple of houses in one corner, a shop or two in the other, and children playing with their wooden “cars” with wooden wheels. The scene was so idyllic and happy, when all of a sudden the shrill voice of a local Khasi woman broke our reverie. She was calling her children indoors as it was getting late. It was 4pm. She was also our host for the night. As we watched the children hurry indoors, my friend Tash told us, “We should go in. I’ll explain inside.” Sat by the fire, Tash began telling us one of the most interesting stories we’ve heard till now. So the villagers believed in the existence of a malevolent entity called U Thlen, a shape-shifting giant serpent who would give immeasurable wealth and good fortune in exchange for blood sacrifice. Don’t get me wrong, U Thlen is both feared and revered in Khasi folklore. The legend of U Thlen, as they liked to call it.

The legend of U Thlen

U Thlen, the gigantic, man-eating serpent or demon-like creature, once terrorised the Khasi Hills. The serpent demanded human sacrifices, and in return, it granted wealth and prosperity to those who worshipped it. Over time, society progressed, but the shadow of U Thlen somehow lingered…is what some thought. You see, there were still families who firmly believed that some people secretly continued offering sacrifices, feeding the creature in exchange for riches. So over time, U Thlen became a symbol of greed, fear, and moral corruption, from a feared and revered entity. U Thlen represented how prosperity gained through cruelty ultimately destroys society. Some believed that if U Thlen got one’s piece of clothing or hair or basically anything, it would shape-shift, catch hold of them and suck one’s blood dry. Villages lived in fear, and any disappearances were often attributed to U Thlen’s hunger. So the locals preferred their little ones safe at home before the sun sets.“But what happened to U Thlen?” the four of us voiced out in our own ways and accents.

How U Thlen was defeated

In one of the most widely told versions of the story, the Khasi people sought help from a clever and courageous man who devised a plan to kill the monster. U Thlen was tricked into consuming lime (calcium oxide), chuna in local terms, a substance commonly used with betel nut. When the creature swallowed it and drank water afterward, the lime reacted violently inside its body, causing immense heat and ultimately killing it. But wait, the end was not that simple.

Rock formations near Dainthlen Falls

The unexpected twist!

After U Thlen’s death, its massive body was said to have been dragged and thrown over a cliff, where it crashed onto the rocks below. The place where the body fell, and later cut up to pieces, came to be known as Dainthlen Falls. Ring any bell? This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Meghalaya, famous for its crater-like surface. As per the local legends, those craters were the places where the pieces fell. Well, now I’d like to request the readers to give creativity some space. So some, this may sound absolutely absurd, and to some “excellent stuff.” We took it as one of the coolest stories we have heard in a long time, and definitely one of the best travel stories we can tell people, like I am doing right now. The name Dainthlen is believed to derive from the Khasi words dain (to cut or slay) and thlen (the serpent), literally meaning “the place where Thlen was slain.”If you let them, the locals will point out large rock formations near the falls that are believed to bear marks left by the serpent’s body. I sat by the fireplace, sipping hot red tea, occasionally getting spooked by the brush of the family’s cat tail, and feeling the look of disdain from a four-year-old whose wooden stool I had hijacked that cold evening. I looked at my American friends, listening intently, and letting out correctly placed gasps. I wondered if they understood anything that day. But one thing I knew, they had one-of-a-kind travel experience in one of the remotest places one could find in our beautiful Northeast. Travel. Gather stories. Repeat.