8 baby boy names inspired by the strength of nature’s strongest animals



Across culture, animals are not just part of nature. They stand for strength, courage, patience, and balance. Many ancient names grew from this deep respect. Choosing a baby name inspired by powerful animals can feel meaningful and timeless. These names carry stories, values, and a quiet reminder of nature’s force. Here are 8 baby boy names inspired by nature’s strongest animals.



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The chilling way ‘Korean Love’ looks like Blue Whale – the online game tied to teen suicides |


The chilling way ‘Korean Love’ looks like Blue Whale - the online game tied to teen suicides
Dangerous online ‘task games’ like the Korean Love Game are resurfacing, preying on vulnerable youth through emotional manipulation and gradual escalation of risky behaviors. Following a tragic incident in Ghaziabad, parents are urged to address digital safety and mental health, as these games exploit the need for belonging and validation.

Dangerous online “task games” are creeping back into conversations, and honestly, it’s rattling parents all over again. Names like the Korean Love Game, Blue Whale, Blackout Challenge, and the Salt and Ice Challenge are popping up online – not because they’re trends, but because they’re being linked to really disturbing outcomes. After the heartbreaking deaths of three teenagers in Ghaziabad made national headlines, people are once again asking an uncomfortable question: how safe is the internet for our kids, really?The truth is, no one has clear, verified details about the so-called Korean Love Game yet. Most of what’s circulating online comes from reports and patterns that feel uncomfortably familiar. What’s being said is that it works like earlier task-based challenges that went viral years ago – especially the Blue Whale challenge. The pattern is the same slow trap: start with harmless tasks, build routine, then quietly move towards risky and harmful behaviour.

Korean ‘Love Game’ Under Lens After Ghaziabad Sisters Suicide Raises Alarm On Digital Addiction

What makes these games so dangerous isn’t just the tasks – it’s how they get inside a kid’s head. Much like Blue Whale, the Korean Love Game is believed to rely on daily “missions” that slowly create a sense of dependence. Over time, players may feel like someone is watching, guiding, or controlling them. This unseen “handler” is said to use emotional pressure, fear, and sometimes threats to keep kids hooked and obedient.

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The extra scary part? The Korean Love Game doesn’t appear dark on the surface. Unlike Blue Whale, which had a creepy reputation from day one, this one is said to disguise itself as something softer. It reportedly taps into young people’s love for K-pop and K-dramas, creating a fantasy of being “chosen” or emotionally connected to a virtual lover. Once that emotional hook is set, the fear of losing that connection can be used to push kids into doing things they normally wouldn’t.Some reports claim that children pulled into these games slowly start cutting themselves off from real life. School takes a back seat. Family gets pushed away. Online identities change. Their world shrinks to what’s happening on their screen. Teens who are already feeling lonely, stressed, or unsure of themselves are especially vulnerable. These games feed on emotional highs, online validation, and the deep need to belong – all things young minds crave but don’t yet know how to protect themselves from.The tragedy in Ghaziabad has made all of this hit closer to home. The three girls – just 16, 14, and 12 years old – were found dead in the Loni area under the Tila Mod police station limits. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors could not save them.Police later said a note was found at their home. It reportedly mentioned the influence of Korean culture, but didn’t name any specific game or app. Investigations are still ongoing, and it’s important not to jump to conclusions. But the case has reopened a bigger, uncomfortable conversation about what children are being exposed to online – often without parents realising what’s really going on behind a screen.The hard truth? The internet isn’t just funny reels and harmless trends. There are dark corners designed to emotionally trap vulnerable kids. Which is exactly why talking about digital safety, mental health, and online habits can’t be optional anymore. These conversations are awkward, yes – but they’re necessary.



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Two Dollar Steve’s luck charm or crypto’s sneaky money laundering plot? The internet has theories



The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 1 (local time) were marked by jaw‑dropping fashion, historic wins, and plenty of memorable moments, but one detail had fans really talking online: photos of several celebrities holding or spotted with $2 bills during the ceremony and after‑party. And yes, the internet now has conspiracy theories.

The two‑dollar bill is one of the rarest notes in U.S. currency today. Most people rarely see one in circulation, and many haven’t seen one at all. That fact alone was enough to get social media talking when stars were caught carrying them at the Grammys.

Celebrities spotted with $2 bills at the 2026 Grammys

While there’s no official list of every celebrity who had a two‑dollar bill at the Grammys, several appeared in photos with them in hand. Images circulating on X show vocalist Rosé posing with Sabrina Carpenter, both holding what looked like the unusual bills, and Lady Gaga chatting with tech executive Michael Polansky, with several $2 notes on their table. Fans also pointed out pop star Chappell Roan cradling a folded $2 bill in one candid shot.

This detail turned into one of the biggest side stories of the night, almost as viral as Bad Bunny making history with Album of the Year and Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar delivering powerhouse wins.

And then you have the more out-there theories, like the idea that the bills were tied to some mysterious figure dubbed “Two Dollar Steve,” a New York lawyer known for handing out $2 bills as tokens of health, wealth, and luck to musicians and industry folks at major events. According to some posts, he’s handed out thousands in $2 notes over the years, meaning this might not have been random at all.



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Georgia E-Visa: With a 40% surge in Indian treavellers visting Georgia, all about the e-Visa process, eligibility, documents, fees and validity for short-term travellers |


With a 40% surge in Indian treavellers visting Georgia, all about the e-Visa process, eligibility, documents, fees and validity for short-term travellers

Georgia is one of those pretty destinations that is gradually becoming popular among Indian travellers. And to cater to the growing demand, here we discuss the e-visa process that can help one enter the country legally for short-term purposes without visiting a Georgian embassy or consulate. According to tourism officials, the first six months of 2025 witnessed a 40% rise in Indian visits, as compared to the same period of the previous year. The Georgia e-Visa is a fully online visa system introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to make short-term travel simpler and faster. It allows eligible visitors to apply for a visa without visiting a Georgian embassy or consulate, using a straightforward digital process. All those who have been planning a trip to this beautiful destination, will find their answers here. Indian passport holders will also follow the same process.Here’s a clear breakdown of how the Georgia e-Visa works, who it’s for, and what travellers need to know before applying.

Georgia

What is the Georgia e-Visa?

The Georgia e-Visa is a short-term multiple-entry visa issued online. Once approved, it gives travellers the same right of entry as a traditional sticker visa placed in a passport.The entire process is completed online in three basic steps:

  • Fill out the e-Visa application form
  • Pay the visa fee online
  • Download and print the approved e-Visa

Applicants do not need to book appointments or submit original documents at an embassy or consular office.Read more: A history traveller’s delight: Ancient treasures and tools recovered at Kodumanal in Tamil Nadu., ASI confirms in detailed report

Validity and permitted stay

  • Visa validity: 120 days from the date of approval
  • Maximum stay: Up to 30 days in Georgia during the validity period
  • Number of entries: Multiple
  • General short-term rule: Stays must comply with the 90 days in any 180-day period limit

It’s important to understand that visa validity and period of stay are not the same. The validity period determines when you can use the visa, while the stay period limits how many days you can remain in Georgia.

Do you need a visa

Georgia e-Visa fees

  • Visa fee: USD 20
  • Payment method: Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit)
  • Additional charges: Bank service fees apply
  • Refunds: The e-Visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused

Mandatory two-step application process

The Georgian e-Visa process includes two compulsory stages:

  • Complete the e-Visa application and pay the consular fee
  • Complete the DuVerify verification
  • A DuVerify link is sent by email after the first step
  • Must be completed within 24 hours
  • Additional fee: USD 15 per applicant
  • Failure to complete the DuVerify step within the deadline can result in refusal.

Documents required for the application

Applicants must upload the following during the online process:

  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Passport scan (entire passport uploaded as a single PDF)
  • You should prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays or resubmission.

Documents you must carry for border entry

Approval of an e-Visa does not guarantee entry. Travellers must present the following documents at the Georgian border if requested:

  • Valid passport/travel document
  • Proof of travel purpose
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
  • Travel and health/accident insurance covering the entire stay
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Return or onward ticket

If you cannot produce these documents at the border, you may be denied entry, even with a valid e-Visa.

Georgia

Health insurance requirement

Health or accident insurance covering the entire duration of stay in Georgia is mandatory. Travellers without valid insurance risk being refused entry at the border.

Passport and application rules

  • Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa validity
  • Applications cannot be submitted from within Georgia
  • Each traveller, including minors, must have:
  • A separate passport
  • A separate e-Visa application
  • For minors or persons under guardianship:
  • Details of a legal representative must be provided
  • Certified consent documents may be required at the border

Photo and data requirements

  • Digital photo size: 472 × 591 pixels
  • Scanned photo size: 4 × 5 cm, 300 DPI
  • Personal details must exactly match the passport
  • Only specific characters are allowed (A–Z, 0–9, and limited punctuation)
  • Incorrect or false information can make the e-Visa invalid and lead to refusal at the border.

Read more: Japan multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals: Eligibility, documents and application process explained

Overstay rules and compliance

Travellers are fully responsible for ensuring they:

  • Do not overstay the permitted period
  • Correctly calculate previous stays within the last 180 days
  • Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or future travel bans.

Extending your stay

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply through Georgian diplomatic missions or consular posts abroad, based on your nationality or residence. Extensions are not handled through the e-Visa system.The Georgia e-Visa offers a convenient, embassy-free option for short-term travel, but strict compliance with document, insurance, and stay requirements is essential—both during the application process and at the border.



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The only river that flows through 5 states of India and what are the other things which makes it unique |


The only river that flows through 5 states of India and what are the other things which makes it unique

India is home to hundreds of big and small rivers which have shaped the identity, culture, tourism and economy of the land. These are more than water bodies as these rivers have supported farming, fishing, drinking water, and are also known for their religious significance. However, do you know which river flows through the most Indian states? Well, it’s not just any river but the longest and oldest rivers in the country. This particular river has touched many lives across the nation. And the answer is the revered Ganga. Stretching about 2,525 km, the river Ganga flows through the maximum number of Indian states, including Uttarakhand (its source), Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. But not many must be aware of the fact that Ganga’s expansive basin covers 11 Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. And that’s why Ganga is also regarded as the ‘lifeline’.Ganga’s journey

Varanasi

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The river basin that flows through most states in India is the Ganga (Ganges) basin. Ganga’s journey starts from the mighty Himalayas, at the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. It’s here where the river becomes the Bhagirathi and joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag and becomes the Ganga River. It eventually joins the Bay of Bengal in the Ganges Delta in West Bengal and Bangladesh.Uttarakhand (Origin: Bhagirathi and becomes Ganga at Devprayag).Uttar Pradesh (Flows through major cities like Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, among others).Bihar (Flows through Patna and Bhagalpur).Jharkhand (Flows through a small stretch in the Sahibganj district).West Bengal (Splits into two distributaries)Fascinating facts about the river:

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

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Bifurcation in Bengal: In West Bengal, the river divides; one branch, the Hooghly River, flows south past Kolkata, while the main stream enters Bangladesh and is known as the Padma.Deepest Point: In Patna, the capital city of Bihar, the river reaches its deepest point, at over 100 feet (30 metres).World’s largest delta: The Ganga and Brahmaputra together form the Sundarbans Delta, which is also the world’s largest river delta.Home to endangered Ganges Dolphin: The Ganges River Dolphins are among the few species of freshwater dolphins left in the world. These dolphins are now endangered. Traveller’s takeaway

Bihar, Buxar Ganga

For river travellers, following the path of the Ganga is like discovering India. From the holy ghats of Varanasi and Rishikesh to the lush mangrove lanes of the Sundarbans, Ganga’s sacred water is a new chapter. Whether it’s the devotees gathering at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam or the fishermen throwing nets in West Bengal, the Ganga remains the protagonist in human stories forever.



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“There seems to be some kind of anti-India hate campaign… but Indians tend to…”: A foreign traveller’s honest take on India |


“There seems to be some kind of anti-India hate campaign… but Indians tend to...”: A foreign traveller’s honest take on India

For years, India has occupied an intriguing reputation in global travel conversations. It is spoken about with awe and anxiety in equal measure, praised for its history, spirituality and colour, yet often portrayed online as chaotic, unsafe or overwhelming, especially for women travelling alone. Scroll through social media or travel forums long enough, and the warnings begin to blur into something more dramatic than nuanced.That disconnect between online narratives and lived experiences is becoming increasingly visible on Reddit, where travellers are pushing back against one-dimensional portrayals of India. One recent post, shared by a solo female traveller, stood out precisely because it offered a grounded account of what it was actually like to spend a month travelling through the country alone.

india travel

The traveller (Background_Age_852) shared her experience on reddit, saying, “I (F32) recently returned from a one-month solo trip to India and I’d like to share my tips and experiences, especially considering how controversial India seems to be as a travel destination, a t least on the interwebs.”She explained that her decision to visit India didn’t come out of nowhere. Friends who were deeply interested in Eastern religions and history had travelled there before, some solo, some together, and their largely positive experiences stayed with her. She added, “Their stories inspired me. I’ve always found India a fascinating country, with a rich and ancient history.”Based on their advice, she planned a route focused on southern and central India, avoiding the much-hyped Golden Triangle. She added, “I visited Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Mysore, Kochi, Visakhapatnam and Bangalore. I also visited other places for landmarks or temples, but I didn’t stay there very long.”Read more: “Waiters hesitated to attend to us …”: After living abroad, this professional explains what India does better than othersShe was upfront about the fear she felt before leaving. “Before embarking on my trip, I searched for information online and basically shat my pants. The stories were quite horrendous.” At the same time, she noticed what she described as an “anti-India hate campaign” across parts of social media. When statistics failed to offer clarity, she chose to trust real-life advice over online panic.“Eventually, I just decided to trust my friends and went.” What followed surprised her, and she agreed that she actually had a great time.She acknowledged that she stood out and that curiosity was unavoidable. “In rare instances, some people came up to me for a picture. Indians tend to stare at anything that stands out, they’re very extroverted, but that was all. No scary situations or anything.”

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In fact, she drew an unexpected comparison. “To be honest, I got worse stares in Eastern Europe.”Her experience, she stressed, was shaped by conscious choices rather than blind optimism. She added that speaking to local women made a significant difference, something she felt many travellers overlook.On clothing, she was pragmatic rather than rigid. “I don’t wear cleavage or booty shorts even in the UK, so I wasn’t going to do that in India.”At the same time, she didn’t feel the need to completely alter her wardrobe. She also addressed how her appearance may have shaped her experience.Read more: Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026: Dates, and what to expect this year“People often see me as Black, mixed or Polynesian. I stood out, but I’m not blonde—and my blonde friends didn’t have problems either.”One non-negotiable aspect, she said, was accommodation and that she didn’t cheap out, and always stayed in hotels.The discussion that followed echoed many of her points. One commenter, identifying as a South Asian man, summed up a widely shared view: “For anyone in India, regardless of gender, this advice is perfect.”He listed practical rules: stick to central and southern regions, take cues from how many women are out in public, dress appropriately, don’t compromise on hotels, eat at proper restaurants or mall food courts, and plan transport in advance.

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Other commenters pushed back against the idea that northern India should be written off entirely. A white woman shared her experience travelling through Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, calling places like Reckong Peo and Rishikesh “incredible.” Another South Asian woman highlighted how much she loved India’s northeastern states.What made the thread resonate wasn’t the claim that India is perfect or problem-free. It was the absence of extremes. Instead of fear-mongering or defensive nationalism, the post reflected something far more useful for travellers: context, self-awareness and practical decision-making.In a digital landscape where travel narratives are often driven by outrage or viral anecdotes, this Reddit account offered a quieter reminder—that India, like most places, is neither a nightmare nor a fantasy. How it feels depends largely on where you go, how you travel, and how willing you are to listen to people who live there.Disclaimer: The above article is based on a Reddit post and Times of India has not verified the veracity of the claim



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Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee: What Indians pay, who pays USD 100, and till when |


Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee: What Indians pay, who pays USD 100, and till when

Bhutan follows a regulated tourism system, and entry rules differ slightly for travellers from neighbouring countries. According to information published on Bhutan’s official tourism portal, here is what visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives need to know before planning their trip. For more details and clarity, visit their offical page.

Entry requirements for Indian nationals

Visitors from India require a permit to enter Bhutan, which can be availed in various ways, which offer you the flexibility on how you plan your trip.

Bhutan

You can apply for the permit before travelling or choose to apply on arrival at their point of entry. Those travelling through a tour operator or staying at a hotel can also have the permit applied for on their behalf. No permit fees are payable in advance.If you choose to apply on arrival, you should be prepared for possible waiting time, as queues can be long depending on the number of applicants. In this case, you will need to carry a passport-size photograph along with your travel documents.Read more: With a 40% surge in Indian treavellers visting Georgia, all about the e-Visa process, eligibility, documents, fees and validity for short-term travellers

Application options at a glance

  • Permit or visa can be applied for before travel
  • Hotels or tour operators can apply on behalf of travellers
  • Applications can also be made at the point of entry
  • Passport-size photograph required for on-arrival applications
  • SDF payable at the time of application, online or in person

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s long-term development. Since the Kingdom opened to tourism in 1974, visitors have played an important role in the country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and channelled into projects that create sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people. These include funding for free healthcare, education and skills training, upskilling within the tourism and hospitality sector, infrastructure development, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural protection programmes, and initiatives that support local businesses and economies.

Who needs to pay the SDF?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is charged to all visitors at the time of applying for a permit or visa. The Sustainable Development Fee is charged to support the development priorities of Bhutan, such as infrastructure development, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and public services.

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For Indian nationals, the SDF is charged at INR 1,200 per person per night. The fee applies for each night spent in Bhutan and must be paid when the entry permit is processed. Children aged 12 and above, will need to pay in full. For visitors, except those from India, the SDF is USD 200. However, effective September 1, 2023, a 50% discount on the SDF has been in place for US Dollar paying tourists. This means, the SDF comes down to USD 100 per person, per night. It’s important to note that this incentive will remain in place till August 31, 2027. Do note that the day visitors to the Bhutanese towns that border India, will also remain exempt from paying SDF, until they reach a point designated by the Bhutanese Government.Read more: How ‘ghat aarti’ fits into Goa’s religious tourism push and where it’s planned

Who is eligible for an SDF waiver or concession?

Bhutan’s official tourism policy clearly outlines limited exemptions and concessions under the SDF framework:Children aged 5 years and below are fully exempt from paying the Sustainable Development FeeThere are no general waivers for adult visitors from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives. All eligible adult travellers are required to pay the SDF as prescribed at the time of application.If you cancel your trip, your SDF amount will be refunded. One must submit requests for SDF refunds to the Department of Immigration.

Bhutan

How Indian visitors apply and pay the SDF

  • Before travel, through official channels
  • On arrival at the point of entry, though waiting times may be long during peak periods
  • Via a tour operator or hotel, which can apply on the traveller’s behalf
  • No permit fees are payable in advance, but the SDF must be paid when the permit is issued. Travellers applying on arrival are required to carry a passport-size photograph.

Why the SDF matters

Bhutan’s SDF is a cornerstone of its “high-value, low-impact” tourism model. This move is in line with limiting mass tourism, and also in ensuring that the tourists contribute to the development of the country to preserve the Himalayan environment, as well as maintain the cultural integrity of the country.All those planning a trip to this beautiful destination, it’s important to note how the SDF works, and how you should budget your trip.



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Real-life love story: How Anand Mahindra met his wife Anuradha Mahindra – and built a lifetime of togetherness |


Real-life love story: How Anand Mahindra met his wife Anuradha Mahindra - and built a lifetime of togetherness

Imagine a Harvard student ditching class for love in Indore. That’s exactly how Anand Mahindra, the billionaire chairman of India’s Mahindra Group, kickstarted one of India’s most inspiring romances. At 70, with a net worth of $4.1 billion as per Forbes (and at number 987 in the world as 5/2/26), Anand is one of the richest people in India. His empire spans tractors, SUVs, aerospace, and hospitality across 100+ countries. He even won the 2004 Rajiv Gandhi Award. But fame? Wealth ladders? Not what he is chasing. Back in 2022, when a fan asked him if he’d ever top India’s richest list, Anand Mahindra replied, “I’ll never be the richest. Because this was never my wish.”Read on to know more about the man that Anand Mahindra is and his filmy love story with wife Anuradha:

The charitable heart behind the tycoon

Anand’s not just building businesses- he’s lifting lives. A few years ago, he donated his full COVID salary, $10 million to Harvard’s Humanities Center, backed over 130,000 girls via Nanhi Kali, and driven change through Naandi Foundation. Over the years, he is not not only known for his business ventures but also for his philanthropic work and social media presence. He was awarded the 2016 Social Media Person of the Year considering his huge following on X, and a US-India Leadership nod. This low-key philanthropist proves you can be mega-successful without chasing to be at the richest person.But how did Anand Mahindra meet his life partner Anuradha Mahindra? Here’s their love story which seems to be straight out of Bollywood:

When Anand met Anuradha: Love at first sight in Indore

Picture 1980s Indore. Anand, fresh at Harvard for undergrad, flies in for a student film project. Enter 17-year-old Anuradha – smart, vibrant, impossible to forget. Sparks flew instantly. Smitten, Anand made a wild call: Take a semester off from Harvard to court her. Risky? Absolutely! But he knew in his heart back then that this was forever.

A Bollywood proposal sealed the deal

Dating deepened their bond. Then, the magic: Anand proposed Anuradha with his grandmother’s heirloom ring- which is no less than pure filmi drama! And, Anuradha said yes! On June 17, 1985, they wed in a dreamy ceremony, went to the US, and built an empire. From Indore meet-cute to global icons, their story shows that true love conquers all. Anand often credits Anuradha for fueling his entrepreneurial fire through ups and downs.

Meet Anuradha: The lady who stole Anand Mahindra’s heart

Anuradha Mahindra, founder of luxury mag Verve and co-founder of Man’s World, is Anand’s perfect match. Mumbai-born, a graduate from Sophia College, and Boston University alumnus, she dove into journalism – landing Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone India before advising ARTISANS. Private by nature, she and Anand rarely post family pictures, cherishing their quiet time with daughters Divya and Aalika. He’s called Anuradha his “biggest supporter” in many earlier interviews. Together, they’re one of India’s ultimate power couples – grounded amid the glamour of being famous.

Why their love story still captivates hearts

Roughly 40 years since then, Anand and Anuradha embody real love: Bold risks, unwavering support, zero spotlight-chasing. In a world of fleeting flings, their love is timeless and it proves that dropping everything for “the one” pays off in the long run. Fans swoon over Anand’s viral humility; Anuradha’s quiet strength seals the deal. They’re not just celebrities; they’re couple goals for many.What’s your take on this cutesy love story? Ever taken a leap for love like Anand’s semester skip? Tell us in the comments below.



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10-day Europe trip math: You can do it in INR 1.5 lakh or less |


10-day Europe trip math: You can do it in INR 1.5 lakh or less

Europe trip never goes out of fashion, and will forever remain a dream trip for many. But doing the math can be a bit of a task, and many might not be aware of what things to consider and what to ignore. So, recently one of my friends visited Europe, and I was keen to know where most Indian travellers quietly lose money.She gave me the math, and the places she covered. She covered most of her favourite places, which is Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, made better hostel choices, realistic daily budgets, and visa decisions to ensure those don’t sabotage the trip before it starts.

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This is the strategy she followed.Hotels and Airbnbs may look harmless on booking apps, but they quietly inflate your budget. Well-rated hostels in Europe are clean, safe, social, and significantly cheaper—especially for solo travellers.Paris (2 nights): Best-rated hostels, which cost around INR 2,500–3,000 per night. Reason being close to metro stations, and lively common areas. You opt for hostels to save some bucks, as hotels can cost more.Berlin (3 nights): Berlin is a backpacker favourite for a reason. One can easily get hostels at a cost of around INR 2,200–2,700 per night. Reason being to save more, location, and excellent value.Amsterdam (3 nights): Hostel is a must as it’s an expensive city. Get hostels at around INR 3,000–3,500 per night. Reason being easy metro access, and safer neighbourhoodsPrague (2 nights): This destination is underrated and budget-friendly. Hostels can cost around INR 2,300–2,800 per night. It’s a walkable city, offers affordable food, and has strong social vibe

Daily budget

europe traveller

If you keep average daily spend to around INR 7,000 per day, you will spend around INR 70,000 in 10 days.

Transport: Eurail or individual tickets?

This is where many first-timers get confused.When a Eurail Pass makes sense

  • You’re taking 3 or more long-distance trains
  • You want flexibility
  • You buy it before leaving India
  • Eurail Global Flexible Pass costs around INR 30,000

When point-to-point tickets are cheaper

  • Fixed itinerary
  • Booking 2–3 months in advance
  • Typical costs:
  • Paris to Amsterdam (train): INR 3,750–5,000
  • Amsterdam to Berlin (FlixBus or budget flight): INR 3,000–4,000
  • Berlin to Prague (train): INR 2,500–3,000
  • The cheapest approach is simple: compare both early and avoid last-minute bookings.

Schengen visa reality

schengen visa

This part often decides whether the trip happens at all.

Minimum bank balance (the unspoken rule)

There’s no official figure, but for a 10-day trip, INR 1.8–2.2 lakh in savings is generally considered safe. Your funds should be in your account at least 3–4 weeks before applying. Match your itinerary costs. Not look like a sudden deposit.

Which country to apply through

Approval rates vary for Indian passport holders.Some of the places that have higher scrutiny in place for first-timers are Germany and Netherlands. The rule is straightforward: apply through the country where you’ll spend the most nights or where you enter first. Many travellers quietly route their itinerary through Spain for smoother processing.

Final cost

  • Flights (return): INR 45,000–50,000
  • Accommodation (hostels): INR 28,000–30,000
  • Food: INR 15,000–18,000
  • Transport (intercity + local): INR 18,000–20,000
  • Attractions: INR 8,000–10,000
  • Visa, insurance, eSIM: INR 15,000
  • Buffer: INR 15,000
  • Total: approximately INR 1.5 lakh

No luxury. No suffering. Just smarter decisions.Europe doesn’t need to be expensive. With the right hostels, sensible visa strategy, early transport bookings, and clean documentation, a Europe trip is entirely doable for Indian travellers, even on a tight budget.



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Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu’s ₹15,000 Crore divorce case: Who is his estranged wife Pramila Srinivasan? |


Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu’s ₹15,000 Crore divorce case: Who is his estranged wife Pramila Srinivasan?
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu and his estranged wife Pramila SrinivasanPhoto (L): Pramila Srinivasan/ LinkedIn

When tech billionaire Sridhar Vembu, founder and CEO of Zoho, recently landed in a California courtroom, few saw a $1.7 billion (roughly INR 15,000 crore) bond order coming. It’s not just any divorce – it’s one of the priciest ever for an Indian tycoon, that’s making headlines worldwide. After roughly 30 years of marriage, Vembu and his estranged wife Pramila Srinivasan are locked in a bitter divorce battle over their assets, custody of their son, and Zoho’s future. She’s accusing him of abandonment and shady asset shifts; he’s firing back that it’s all a misunderstanding.And, in a new development in their divorce case, buzz has it that Pramila has now moved to the Madras High Court. She has asked the Madras HC to appoint a local commissioner. She wants evidence and witness statements collected in Tamil Nadu for their ongoing California divorce battle, reported TOI. On Wednesday, before Justice P Dhanapal, her lawyers cited a “letter of rogatory” from California’s Superior Court (Oct 2, 2025). This legal request bridges the international case, targeting docs and testimonies tied to Vembu’s India move.Read on to know more about who are these power players, and how their love turned into a legal battle that the world is watching:

From Princeton romance to rural dreams: Sridhar Vembu and Pramila Srinivasan’s shared story

Sridhar Vembu arrived in the US in 1989, chasing a PhD in electrical engineering at Princeton. There, he met Pramila Srinivasan, a sharp entrepreneur in her own right. Sparks flew, and by 1993, they tied the knot. The couple built a life in California’s Bay Area, raising a son (now 26, with special needs). Zoho exploded under Vembu and his personal net worth is approximately $5.85 billion, landing him among India’s top 40 richest.But in 2019-2020, Vembu uprooted everything. Drawn to his roots, he moved to a rural village in Tamil Nadu, India to spearhead Zoho’s India operations and rural education projects. Meanwhile, Pramila and their son stayed back in the US, and tensions brewed between the couple. In November 2020, she says he dropped the divorce bomb via WhatsApp. Papers flew in August 2021. But California law suggests: Assets earned during marriage are “community property”— so, split 50/50, no matter where they’re parked. And so, Zoho’s IP, shares, and billions are suddenly fair game.

Pramila’s side of the story: Abandonment claims and hidden assets

Sridhar Vembu’s estranged wife Pramila Srinivasan, didn’t hold back in her 2023 court filings: “My husband of 29 years not only abandoned me and our son… he decided to make fictitious transfers or ‘sales’ of our most valuable community asset to his family members without paying cash, without telling me,” she alleged, as per reports. She alleges secret moves – like a $50 million IP sale to India- based ZPCL with murky payments, and shares funnelled to Vembu’s siblings (who hold most of Zoho; he claims just 5%). Their son’s special needs add to the heartbreak – she’s poured her life into his care, founding The Brain Foundation in 2019 for autism research and support.On the professional front, Pramila Srinivasan is no stranger to success. With her own PhD in electrical and computer engineering, she’s a healthcare tech leader, advocating for electronic health records and specialised care. She’s the steady force behind their son’s world while Vembu chased his dreams in India.

Vembu’s defence

Vembu denies the allegations against him. No asset stripping, he says. He claims he also invited Pramila and their son to join him, but COVID derailed their plans. His lawyer, Christopher C. Melcher, blasted Pramila’s claims on X as he wrote in a post, “All false. Sridhar owns 5% of Zoho – records prove it since 2011. He offered her 50% of his shares unconditionally last year. She rejected it.” The court’s $1.7B bond? A staggering move to secure her potential half of his empire amid the feud.

Global stakes: Billionaire breakups like Bezos and Gates

Vembu’s divorce case joins elite heartbreak club: Bill Gates-Melinda’s divorce in 2021 costed $73 billion, Jeff Bezos-MacKenzie Scott’s split cost $38 billion, even Rupert Murdoch’s exes cost over $1 billion each. But, for India, it’s unprecedented.It’s a reminder that even billion-dollar dreams crack under life’s pressures. Whatever the verdict, it’s reshaping two legacies.What do you think – is it a fair fight or an asset dodge? Share your views below.



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