Swiggy Instamart’s 2025 report revealed unusual shopping habits, including a Chennai user spending over Rs 1 lakh on condoms through 228 orders. Condoms appeared in one of every 127 orders, peaking in September. The report also highlighted big spends on gadgets, pet supplies, tips for delivery partners, and gifting spikes across Indian cities.
Kashmir’s 40-day harsh winter period, Chillai Kalan, has begun with fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains, ending a long dry spell. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam received season’s first snow, delighting tourists, skiers and the travel industry. Chillai Kalan replenishes water sources, improves air quality and offers travellers peak winter charm.
Indians are elevating house parties by hiring bartenders and mixologists at home. For as little as Rs 3,000, professionals bring bar setups, craft bespoke cocktails and handle guests effortlessly. Popular across metros and smaller cities, the trend offers comfort, control and value, helping hosts avoid crowded clubs while delivering premium, drinking experiences.
The Christmas tree tradition traces its roots to 17th-century Germany, particularly near the Strasbourg region. German traders later introduced it to Britain, where it gained popularity under Queen Victoria’s reign. By the early 19th century, the festive custom crossed the Atlantic and became established in USA, evolving into a central symbol of celebrations.
Christmas 2025 in Vizag brings festive parties, dinners, and brunches across hotels, cafes, and malls. Highlights include Radisson Blu’s Christmas Eve party, Vista’s 2-day celebrations, and Celest Mall’s Christmas carnival. Dining spots like Glutton Garage, Salsa Restobar, and Roto Cafe offer special menus, making them perfect for celebrations.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said Sundays on Cycle has transformed youth mindset and attitudes toward fitness. He flagged off a cyclathon on the beach road to mark the movement’s anniversary celebrations. Mandaviya said what began as a New Delhi experiment a year ago has grown into a nationwide phenomenon.
An Indian expat in the UAE, Palani Andavar Ayyanar, won a BMW R 1300 RS bike in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Draw, planning to sell it. Other winners included Salem Alfzari, who won a Mercedes, and Ali Alnuaimi, who finally won a Land Rover after 20 years of trying.
Christmas in Goa blends sun, faith and community. Churches glow for Midnight Mass, beaches stay calm by day and festive by night. Homes shine with star lanterns. Seasonal food like sorpotel, bebinca and plum cake defines the table. Caroling, village walks and live music round out a warm, unhurried holiday experience across coastal towns statewide.
Mount Everest is heavily polluted with climbers’ waste, including plastic, tents, and oxygen cylinders. A video sparked outrage online, urging stricter rules, clean climbing practices, and limits on climbers. Melting snow has also revealed dead bodies. Experts warn urgent action is needed to protect the mountain’s fragile ecosystem.
Bath salt is a mineral-based salt used while bathing. It helps reduce oily skin, prevent pimples, and relax the body. Bath salts can ease body pain, tiredness, and mental stress. They also exfoliate the skin, making it soft and fresh. Popular types include Himalayan and Dead Sea bath salts, meant only for bathing purposes.
A loco pilot in Maharashtra touched hearts by greeting his wife with a special train horn as he passed her home. Filmed from her balcony, the short whistle was meant just for her. The video went viral, with many people sharing similar memories of loved ones working on trains and small gestures filled with love.
★1952: Nehru announces the formation of a separate Andhra State★1961: Liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule★1978: Indira Gandhi expelled from the Lok Sabha★1929: Birth of Gandhian Nirmala Desh Pandey★1935: Birth of former cricketer Raj Singh Dungarpur★1974: Birth of ex-Australian cricketer Ponting.
Chinese artist Fan Zheng, 87, who married 37-year-old Zhu Meng last year, announced the birth of their son on social media. He also revealed that he has ended relationships with his other children. Fan Zheng has been married three times before and has two other children. Now he has one son with Zhu Meng.
International Migrants Day is celebrated annually across the world today. The day is observed to raise the awareness of the rights, safety, and dignity of migrants and refugees across the world. Millions of people cross the borders due to conflicts, political unrest, lack of opportunities, etc. The 2025 theme is ‘My Great Story: Cultures and […]
Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna faced hair loss early in life but proved talent matters more than looks. He debuted at 19 with Himalay Putra and rose to fame with Border, later earning recognition as a character actor and villain in films like Chhawa and Dhurandhar. Now 50 and single, his net worth is around ₹167 […]