Morning Digest: Filing ITR-3? Basics You Shouldn't Miss & Other Top Stories
Desk job dangers, the US losing charm for Indian students, ITR filing know-how & more, today's brief packs health tips, money moves & celeb buzz into one quick read.
☀ ️ Good Morning, India!
From a tragic family history behind a known Bollywood name to a fresh controversy over NCERT textbooks, and a viral Jadeja moment from 2014, here's your daily news dose packed with emotion, debate, nostalgia, and insight.
🗨 ️ When Jadeja's Viral DM To England Cricketer
Back in 2014, Ravindra Jadeja's cheeky late-night message to Sarah Taylor accidentally became public. The viral moment had fans in splits. 👉 Blast from the past
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July 20, 2025, 06:00 IST
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Time of India
6 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indian man revives Louis Armstrong's spirit in Paris with surprise stage performance. Netizens say, ‘What a Wonderful World!'
When an Indian man was pulled onstage by an Australian band in Paris, no one expected magic. But as he began singing 'What a Wonderful World,' his soulful voice evoked Louis Armstrong himself, leaving the crowd in awe. The video has since gone viral, with netizens calling the moment joyful, nostalgic, and pure musical serendipity. In a heartwarming moment on the streets of Paris, Indian singer Carlton Braganza stunned a crowd by joining an Australian band to sing Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World.' With a voice strikingly similar to Armstrong's, Braganza's impromptu performance turned into a viral sensation, reminding everyone of music's power to unite beyond borders. (Screenshot: Instagram/ ) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads An Unplanned Encore That Moved Paris Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Netizens Say, 'What a Wonderful World Indeed' In the heart of a summer evening in Paris, beneath soft lights and the casual buzz of a street performance, magic unfolded—not in fireworks or grandeur, but in the unmistakable timbre of a voice that felt like it had time-travelled straight from the soul of jazz legend Louis started with an impromptu gesture. As the Australian band Adam Hall and The Velvet Playboys entertained a lively Parisian crowd with their rendition of 'What a Wonderful World,' they turned to the audience and invited a quiet-looking Indian man onstage. No one knew what to as Carlton Braganza took the mic and sang the first note, time seemed to stand man's voice—gravelly, warm, and deeply reminiscent of Armstrong's signature growl—sent a ripple of astonishment across the crowd. The band stopped in awe for a beat. Cheers erupted. What began as a casual street gig had transformed into an unforgettable a now-viral video circulating on social media, Braganza, dressed in relaxed casuals, stands confidently under the open Parisian sky, surrounded by musicians and an enchanted audience. The Australian band follows his lead as he pours soul into every note of the timeless those unfamiliar with the name, Carlton Braganza isn't just a lucky passerby. He is an acclaimed Indian singer who rose to online fame during the COVID-19 lockdown for his soulful virtual performances from home. Braganza's initiative, Jukebox Jammies, brought solace to thousands stuck in isolation—offering nightly concerts filled with classics, banter, and even with his growing digital fan base, few could've predicted that a spontaneous moment in Paris would showcase his voice on such a global stage.'Paris is amongst my fave places in the world!' Braganza later wrote on Instagram . 'To be asked to join on that last song was special! Thank you @adamhallmusician and the velvet playboys. You guys were a vibe!'The comments on the viral video capture the sentiment that words can barely contain.'He's got the gruffy voice as Louis Armstrong🔥❤️🙌 Love!' wrote one user. 'This band genuinely was impressed! Well done, mate,' said especially from India, expressed pride: 'You're making us Indians proud.'And the one comment that echoed the moment's magic: 'What a wonderful world!'
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
When Seoul meets Mumbai: The K-beauty revolution through an Indian lens
From Crash Landing on You to glass skin obsession, how Korean beauty brands are reshaping Indian youth's skincare routines and challenging desi beauty standards. Picture this: Your college bestie who once swore by her grandmother's besan-turmeric face pack is now explaining the difference between first and second cleansers like she's defending her thesis. Welcome to the K-beauty revolution in India, where the land of Ayurveda is embracing the 10-step Korean skincare routine with the same enthusiasm we reserve for cricket matches. The numbers don't lie - K-beauty's market value in India jumped from ₹3,200 crore in 2021 to a projected ₹8,500 crore by 2032. That's more growth than most startups dream of! But here's where it gets interesting: the brands killing it globally aren't necessarily the ones Indians are actually buying. Laneige might be selling one Water Sleeping Mask every 12 seconds worldwide, but in India, it's the emerging brands like Torriden and COSRX that are truly winning hearts. Why? Because while the world falls for K-beauty's Instagram-worthy packaging, Indian consumers are doing what they do best - digging deep into ingredients, comparing prices, and making informed choices. When East Meets West - The Great Beauty Philosophy Clash Here's something that would make your sociology professor proud: Indian and Korean beauty philosophies are like distant cousins who grew up in different households. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo We Indians have always been the "matte finish, bold lipstick" crowd - think of how we apply kajal thick enough to survive monsoons, or how red lipstick is our go-to for every festival. Meanwhile, Koreans perfected the art of "glass skin" - that dewy, almost-wet look that makes you wonder if they've been blessed by some skincare deity. The contrast is fascinating. While Indians traditionally focus on bold, statement makeup, Koreans master the art of looking naturally flawless. We're talking about cultures where Indian women would overdraw their lips to make them appear fuller, while Korean beauty celebrates the "bitten lips" look that's subtle enough to pass for natural. But here's the plot twist - Indian Gen Z and millennials are saying "why not both?" They're mixing their grandmother's neem face packs with snail mucin serums, creating hybrid routines that would make both beauty cultures proud. It's like fusion cuisine, but for your face. The Real Winners - Brands That Actually Get the Market Let's talk about the elephants in the room - or should we say, the brands actually flying off shelves. While global lists might crown Glow Recipe as the K-beauty queen with 412.2K monthly searches, the real action is happening with brands that understand the psyche. COSRX has become the poster child for this success story. Their Snail Mucin Essence at ₹1,650 and Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser at ₹800 hit the sweet spot between "effective Korean innovation" and "won't break the bank". Compare that to a fancy dinner at a 5-star hotel, and suddenly Korean skincare seems like a steal. Missha deserves a special mention for playing the long game. Their Time Revolution First Treatment Essence sells one every 10 seconds because they cracked the code - give premium ingredients at prices that don't require EMIs. It's like getting a business class experience at economy prices. Meanwhile, Sulwhasoo remains the luxury exception, appealing to those who appreciate the brand's ginseng-based traditional approach - something that resonates with our own Ayurvedic heritage. When a Korean brand uses ancient Asian wisdom, it feels familiar rather than foreign. From Boroline to 10-Step Routines - The Cultural Shift Remember when Boroline and Nivea cold cream were the ultimate skincare arsenal for most families? Those days feel like a different era now. The Hallyu wave didn't just bring us crash-landing heartthrobs and addictive K-dramas - it completely rewired how young Indians think about skincare. Research shows that 39% of women now incorporate at least 25% K-beauty products in their routines. That's a massive shift from the traditional CTM (Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize) approach our mothers swore by. Suddenly, ingredients like snail mucin, propolis, and bamboo extract - once exotic enough to raise eyebrows - are as common as rice in beauty conversations. The cultural bridge makes perfect sense when you think about it. Both traditions emphasize natural ingredients and holistic wellness. While we've been using turmeric and neem for centuries, Koreans perfected volcanic ash and rice water. It's like two ancient beauty philosophies finally having a conversation. The Price Reality Check - When K-Beauty Meets Budgets Let's address the elephant in the room - money, honey. The average consumer is price-conscious in ways that would make Korean chaebols sweat. But here's what's brilliant about the K-beauty invasion: it's not just about premium pricing. A Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum at ₹1,450 costs less than a weekend movie date with snacks. ROUNDLAB's 1025 Dokdo Toner at ₹1,000 is cheaper than a decent pair of earphones. These brands understood that consumers want efficacy without the luxury tax. The really expensive stuff? YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipstick at ₹3,000 might be tempting, but it's competing with an entire month's mobile recharge. That's why mid-range Korean brands are absolutely crushing it - they offer the innovation and quality people crave at prices that don't require financial planning. Beyond the Hype - What This Means for Beauty Culture Here's where it gets really interesting from a cultural perspective. The K-beauty boom isn't just about skincare - it's about changing beauty ideals. For a country that's historically struggled with colorism and rigid beauty standards, the Korean emphasis on "healthy skin over perfect skin" is quietly revolutionary. Youth are moving away from the fairness cream obsession that dominated previous generations. Instead, they're embracing the Korean philosophy of skin health, hydration, and natural glow - regardless of skin tone. It's like a gentle rebellion against decades of problematic beauty messaging. The ripple effects are everywhere. Dedicated K-beauty stores are opening in areas like Humayunpur, Delhi - right next to Korean restaurants and fashion stores. Korean beauty clinics are offering treatments like snail mucin facials that would have sounded like science fiction just five years ago. Looking Forward - The Future of Beauty Diplomacy As we look ahead, the K-beauty phenomenon represents something bigger than skincare trends. It's about cultural exchange, about young people feeling confident enough to adopt global practices while maintaining their roots. The market is expected to grow at 9.4% annually through 2026, driven by Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers who see skincare as self-care rather than vanity. These aren't just consumers - they're cultural ambassadors who are redefining what it means to be beautiful in contemporary times. The real winners will be brands that understand this nuanced landscape - those that respect price sensitivity while delivering on the innovation promise. Brands that can bridge the gap between Seoul's glass skin perfection and Mumbai's practical beauty needs. In the end, the K-beauty revolution isn't about choosing between turmeric and snail mucin. It's about creating a beauty culture that celebrates both - where ancient wisdom meets modern innovation, and where healthy skin is the ultimate goal, regardless of which continent inspired your routine.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Gajendra Verma On 15 Years Of Pop Stardom And The Legacy Of ‘Mann Mera': 'I Must Thank The Pioneers'
Pop icon Gajendra Verma celebrates 15 years in music, reflects on the timeless success of Mann Mera, and shares why honesty and simplicity continue to shape his creative journey. It has been 15 years since Gajendra Verma quietly made his entry into India's music scene—and in that time, he's become one of the most recognizable voices of new-age Indian pop. Best known for his evergreen hit 'Mann Mera," the singer-songwriter continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans with music that blends simplicity, sincerity, and soul. 'I think it's fair to say I'm considered one of India's pop stars," Gajendra said, reflecting on his journey. 'But I must thank the pioneers who came before me." His humility shines through as he pays tribute to the icons of the 1990s who paved the way for the rise of independent music in India—a legacy he has proudly carried forward. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Spotify India (@spotifyindia) While Gajendra has had several chartbusters over the years, Mann Mera remains a defining moment in his career. Released over 13 years ago, the song has become a staple in romantic playlists and continues to resonate across generations. 'First of all, big thanks to everyone who is still listening to that song," he shared. 'It gives me immense pleasure and motivation to make more music. While I am proud of the song, a lot of credit goes to the beautiful lyrics written by Aseem Ahmed—he truly deserves much of the praise." Interestingly, Mann Mera wasn't originally tied to a film. It was an independent release in collaboration with Eros Music that gained popularity for its pure, heartfelt sound. The track caught the attention of filmmaker Aditya Datt, who asked Gajendra to compose a romantic version for his 2013 film Table No. 21. 'Once it was released with the movie, it went viral and the rest is history," Gajendra recalled. The artist has since adapted to an ever-changing music landscape shaped by social media algorithms, viral trends, and streaming platforms. 'It's become more challenging to be an artist in today's times," he admitted. 'The only change I've made is to be more sincere and stress-free in my work." For Gajendra, authenticity is everything. 'I've lived the kind of life most people in this country do," he said. 'When I create something honest and true to my experience, it connects with people. As long as the music is genuine, it will find its way to the hearts of listeners." From his independent beginnings to becoming a household name, Gajendra Verma's story is a reminder that heartfelt storytelling still holds power in a fast-moving digital age. With a career built on emotion, relatability, and unwavering sincerity, the pop sensation continues to evolve—while staying deeply connected to his roots. First Published: July 20, 2025, 19:54 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
