Latest news with #Swati
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Love vs Arranged? Nakshatra-Specific Signs the Stars Already Picked the Plot
Because let's face it—some souls elope like a '90s Bollywood movie, while others RSVP to an astrologer-approved wedding faster than the barfi disappears from the thali . Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika (Aries Zone) – High Love Marriage Vibes People born under Ashwini act on impulse, Bharani loves to challenge rules, and Krittika sets everything on fire—including traditional timelines. Together, these Nakshatras practically shout: "Why wait? Let's just fall in love, maybe argue a bit, then fall in love all over again!" Love Marriage Likelihood: Sky high. Family Reaction: Probably something like, ' Beta , couldn't you have waited a little bit?' Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra (Taurus-Gemini Zone) – The Wild Card Trio Rohini natives charm everyone like they're starring in a rom-com. Mrigashira tends to overthink everything, like they're in an Oscar-winning drama. And Ardra ? Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster. They often flirt with the idea of a love marriage but might surprisingly give in to a good resume and Kundli (horoscope match). Love Marriage Likelihood: A solid 50/50. Decision Maker: Could be their gut feeling, or it could be their grandma—it really just depends on the day. Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha (Cancer Zone) – Traditional with a Twist Punarvasu seeks a love that truly feels like coming home. Pushya is the ultimate, mom-approved emotional support system. And Ashlesha plays it cool on the outside but has probably been secretly manifesting their soulmate since they were nine years old. They're quite likely to say yes to an arranged match—and then fall completely head over heels in love after the wedding. Love Marriage Likelihood: Low. Plot Twist: Their arranged marriage often ends up feeling just like a love marriage anyway. Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni (Leo-Virgo Zone) – Regal Lovers These individuals truly believe their love story deserves a grand soundtrack and full royal approval. Magha needs status and recognition. Purva Phalguni demands passion and excitement. And Uttara Phalguni ? They'll probably be reading the prenup very carefully. A love marriage with a side of dramatic flair is perfectly on-brand for them. Love Marriage Likelihood: High. Arranged Marriage? Only if it genuinely feels like destiny and the wedding photographer is really good. Hasta, Chitra, Swati (Virgo-Libra Zone) – The Slow Burners Hasta will flirt forever, Chitra likely has about 300 crushes at any given time, and Swati ... well, Swati needs cosmic signs before they'll even text you back. An arranged marriage might just quietly sneak up on them while they're still busy deciding between two different options. Love Marriage Likelihood: Medium. Reality: Their parents might just end up making the better pick for them. Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha (Scorpio Zone) – Lovers or Nothing These Nakshatras love incredibly hard or not at all. Do they have control issues? Yes. Intensity? Absolutely. They would genuinely fight anyone for their person—even if that means fighting destiny itself. Love Marriage Likelihood: VERY high. Problem: They might just resist both options, love or arranged, just for the sheer fun of it. Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha (Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp) – Rebels in Disguise Mula is all about cutting ties and new beginnings. Purva Ashadha often picks poets or free spirits. Uttara Ashadha wants a partner with a clear mission in life. If they fall in love, they dive in without asking for permission from anyone. Love Marriage Likelihood: High. Marriage Type: Likely wild, full of passion, and possibly taking place abroad. Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha (Capricorn-Aquarius Zone) – Traditional Package, Secret Love Files These Nakshatras appear to follow all the norms on the outside, but they often have a whole secret K-drama unfolding on the inside. Secret lovers? Definitely possible. Settling for a stable, arranged setup? Also, very possible. Love Marriage Likelihood: Medium. Verdict: They might just end up marrying their best friend. Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati (Pisces Zone) – Soulmate Seekers These are the dreamy-eyed romantics who are desperately looking for a cosmic connection. They might even walk into an arranged marriage situation and genuinely find their soulmate there… or they'll end up writing a heartfelt poetry blog about the one who got away. Love Marriage Likelihood: Medium to High. Expectation: Pure Bollywood romance. Reality: Usually close enough to their dreams. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Sultanpur girl lifts the veil of secrecy, fights for menstrual dignity
Lucknow: Every Saturday afternoon during a menstrual hygiene management club meeting, the dusty blackboard at Sultanpur's govt high school in Kanakpur Shikva village transforms into a vibrant canvas of ideas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here, 16-year-old Shraddha Tiwari and her fellow club members gather to discuss menstrual hygiene and create informative and innovative communication materials on the topic. Powering an outreach that includes not just girls but also boys, mothers, male family members, and teachers, Shraddha has become a revered peer educator and menstrual health advocate, impacting hundreds of lives. Shraddha's journey began in the stifling silence of her own home. "My mother handed me a piece of cloth and instructed me not to speak about this to anyone," she recalls in a voice still laced with the memory of confusion and isolation. She adds, "And then, the 'don'ts' piled up – no temples, no pickles, no washing hair – a litany of restrictions that painted menstruation as a curse, not a natural process." This wasn't just her story. It was the story of Ragini, who thought she had a disease; of Roshni, who was forced to miss a week of school every month; of Swati, who was caught in the throes of pain during Diwali, clueless and alone. It was also about Anukalp, watching his sister withdraw, her joy replaced by a silent, inexplicable sadness. The winds of change arrived in the form of the Swachh Garima Vidyalaya initiative and a teacher named Sangeeta Gupta, who dared to write "menstruation" on the blackboard. That word, once taboo, became a catalyst. Shraddha, shy and reserved, found her voice. "That day, I realised that educating my peers could empower them," she says. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shraddha's initiatives are as practical as they are revolutionary. Pad-making workshops, where even boys learn to create cloth pads, empower girls with choice and independence. Informative charts and posters, created by her peers, demystify the process. And then, there's the open dialogue, the raw, honest conversations that break down barriers and dismantle myths. "As a male teacher, I found it challenging to address menstruation. Seeing Shraddha speak openly was an eye-opener," says Ram Teerath Rajak, head teacher of a neighbouring school. Recognising the crucial role mothers play, Shraddha initiated community-level interactions, educating them about menstrual hygiene and dispelling age-old myths. She unveiled the dangers of using unsuitable cloth, the importance of proper disposal, and the need for medical guidance. "Now, Girls no longer fear asking their fathers or brothers for menstrual products," says Sangeeta. Swati, a workshop participant, said, "I learned that only muslin cloth should be used. Before this, my mother would tear cloth from anything – even terrycloth and synthetic fabrics. This would often lead to rashes and itching." Kumar Bikram, WASH Officer, UP, says, "Shraddha's story exemplifies essence of Swachh Garima Vidyalaya: empowering girls to share knowledge on menstrual hygiene and health practices."
NDTV
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
HyLo Review: Enjoy The Robust Flavours Of Regional Indian Delights At This Kala Ghoda Restaurant
Mumbai's Kala Ghoda neighbourhood has long been one of the city's most iconic cultural hubs. The locality is home to different types of food establishments - from hole-in-the-wall cafes to grand fine-dining restaurants, from traditional bakeries to experimental bars. In recent times, one of the most distinctive new openings in this part of South Mumbai was that of HyLo - a restaurant and bar with a regional Indian focus. HyLo stands for "Hyper Local," and both its food and drink menus embody this theme in different ways. Some time ago, we had the chance to visit this restaurant and came away highly impressed with its offerings. Read our full review below: HyLo is housed in a heritage building from the pre-independence era, situated right opposite the famous Kala Ghoda statue. This prime location undoubtedly complements part of its mission to celebrate the cosmopolitan and diverse spirit of Mumbai. Its interiors blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance, with elements like vaulted ceilings, vintage Persian carpets, and locally sourced artwork. HyLo is the flagship restaurant of All In Hospitality, a company launched by Mayank Bhatt (the former CEO of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality). The culinary program is helmed by Chef Swati Harsha and Chef Mrigank Singh, while the beverage program is led by Razvan Zamfirescu. Browsing the extensive appetiser options is what made us truly understand HyLo's approach to pan-Indian regional food. For instance, the vegetarian section had delicacies ranging from specific types of Paneer Tikka and Dal Vada to Andhra-style Chilli Paneer and Dal Ka Keema. Different states are represented on the menu, but not necessarily by the same old dishes they are popularly associated with. Chef Swati revealed, "The research behind it was immersive - we travelled across the country, from the Gangetic plains to the cashew belt of the Konkan coast, engaging with home cooks, local communities, and culinary custodians. What stood out most was how deeply food is woven into the fabric of our hospitality, whether at home or in restaurants." We loved the Kaaley Chane Ke Shaami, which was made using Chef Swati's family recipe. It was so beautifully soft that big pieces were falling off our fork before we could take a bite. We have usually only encountered this level of melt-in-the-mouth texture in meat shammi kebabs, and it allowed the spices to shine too. Next, we tried the Injipuli Mushroom and were struck by its novelty - while different versions of crispy mushrooms are common at many bars, it's not often you get to enjoy them slathered with a Kerala-style ginger-tamarind pickle. Sweet and tangy with a hint of spice, they contrasted with the subtlety of the shaami at our table. The non-vegetarian options are also quite varied, with different meat and seafood preparations being spotlighted. If there's one dish you should not miss, it's the Apollo Fish. It was coated in a wonderfully fiery sauce made with red and green chillies, the fish surprisingly retained its crispiness. We were curious about its name and Chef Swati explained, "After much research, we've come to believe that iconic Hyderabad bar snacks like Apollo Fish, Majestic Chicken, and Loose Prawns are essentially variations on a theme - crispy, deep-fried morsels tossed in a heady mix of Chinese-style sauces, Indian masalas, and often a touch of yoghurt for richness. The names, we suspect, are simply catchy monikers designed to stand out on bar menus." Another unique discovery was the Chicken Sekua. These Nepalese-style skewers were slow-cooked over a traditional sigdi and served atop a red chilli and tomato chutney. They were smokier and lighter than typical Indian kebabs. Before we tell you about the mains, let us introduce you to HyLo's bar program. While the food transports you to different corners of the country, the signature cocktails root you in Mumbai. If you want to begin with something light, opt for the Bombay 01 (Vodka, Aam Panna, Coconut & Basil Soda), which promises to capture the essence of Indian summers in a glass. Another refreshing option we liked was the Berry Bawa (Vodka, Raspberry and Elderflower), a take on the legendary Parsi-style Raspberry soda familiar to many Mumbaikars. For a fun, nostalgic twist, it also came in a bottle reminiscent of the Pallonji one. There are more daring concoctions on the menu - one incorporates beetroot kanji while another combines jackfruit with coconut and curry leaves! The most memorable one for us was the Musk-eteer, a gin-based cocktail innovatively topped with a salted lassi foam. Each sip starts with a hint of saltiness before giving way to the smooth sweetness of muskmelon and vermouth. Razvan revealed that he uses Xanthan Gum to ensure the foam remains stable and never collapses or integrates into the liquid below. There's another array of signature cocktails worth trying, which are made using the HyLo-Genizer. This is a one-of-a-kind piece of equipment that HyLo claims they were the first to use for mixology purposes. Razwan explains, "This homogeniser squasher allows us to break down and emulsify ingredients at a molecular level, creating textures and flavour integration that traditional blending or shaking simply can't achieve. It gives us the ability to create ultra-smooth foams and suspensions as well as extract natural sugars and pure flavours from ingredients like fruits or citrus zests without pulling in unwanted bitterness or vegetal notes. It also allows us to work with delicate ingredients like oils, gums, or aerated components that would typically separate or fall apart using conventional techniques. We experienced the results of this technique first-hand in the form of a Pisco Sour. Refined and smooth, it had a delightful mouthfeel enhanced by naturally formed foam at the top. Razvan noted that compared to a traditional Pisco Sour, the HyLo-Genizer method delivers a creamier texture and a longer-lasting foam that holds its structure. A few other classics are also made with this method - these are separate from the section featuring selected "Evergreen" cocktails. Given the creativity of the drinks program, we were surprised that HyLo doesn't have a specially curated line-up of zero-proof drinks. However, note that staples like iced teas, sharbats and non-alcoholic versions of a few classic cocktails are available. Now, coming back to the food, HyLo continued to stand out with not just the taste of its offerings, but also their conceptualisation. The main course offers a range of set meals, including comfort meal combos, elaborate thalis and niche platters. Expect pairings and curations like Ema Datshi with Tingmo and Ezay, UP (Uttar Pradesh) Ki Shaadi Ka Khaana, Nagpur Saoji Mutton with Indrayani Rice, Goan Fish Curry and many more. Chef Swati points out, "Being located in Kala Ghoda, surrounded by offices, the court, and the stock exchange, we knew we wanted to offer something quick, hearty, and delicious. You can walk in during your lunch break, pick your favourite set meal, and be in and out with no fuss." Since we visited in summer, we grudgingly skipped the heavier options in favour of the Jaffna Rice Plate. But we were far from disappointed. The tropical flavours of the cashew and pineapple stew with rice were supremely satisfying for a hot day. We also relished the spicy Chicken Chettinad with flaky bun parottas and an omelette on the side. We ended our meal with a decadent Chocolate Toast made with three types of Manam chocolates. As we savoured the sweet bounty from the Godavari Delta, we realised that this chocolate also reflects the range of rich, homegrown ingredients India has to offer beyond the repeatedly cited examples. It made for a fitting conclusion as it exemplified HyLo's overall mission. We left with scrumptious memories and a deeper appreciation for the vastness of our country's regional foods. Address: HyLo, 2nd Floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai.
New Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Techie from Odisha's Cuttack helps victims of cyber fraud cope with trauma
BHUBANESWAR: The emotional and financial aftereffects of cyber fraud on victims can be overwhelming. Cuttack-based IT professional Swati Das has been on a mission to help such victims come out of the trauma for the last three years, by equipping them with coping mechanisms. She has been volunteering for Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police for counselling people falling prey to cyber crimes in Bhubaneswar. 'Such crimes can lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),' said the 32-year-old IT professional. Working from home since 2023, Swati has been associated with various cybercrime awareness programmes organised by the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police. 'Cyber crimes disrupt people's psychological and emotional well-being. In many instances, victims develop loss of trust, PTSD, frustration and even suicidal tendencies. Lack of social support in such situations aggravates victims' distress and to counter this, healthy coping strategies should be provided to them,' said Swati. She has conducted cyber awareness and mental wellness workshops in various schools, colleges and private/government organisations and advised more than 1,000 participants including students on coping mechanisms that can be used to deal with the trauma of facing a digital attack. Swati is the only woman volunteer for Commissionerate Police's cyber crime awareness programmes that the latter has been organising regularly since the last three years. She has been trained in mental health counselling by the IT firm she is employed with under its 'Supporting Mental Health' initiative.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Folk singer Swati Mishra's father, 2 RJD netas join BJP
1 2 Patna: Mumbai-based folk and bhajan singer Swati Mishra 's father Rajesh Mishra , besides two RJD netas, joined the BJP on Saturday. Swati would also render her services to strengthen the BJP and NDA partners in the coming assembly elections . Rajesh belongs to Mala Mahiye village under mofussil police station of Chhapra town in Saran district. Swati, who was present on the occasion, vaguely indicated that her father might not be averse to contesting the coming assembly elections. "I will contribute to the prospects of the BJP to my utmost capacity," she told reporters. Swati is a familiar name in the BJP circles. In Oct 2023, she had sung the popular 'Ram Ayenge' devotional song dedicated to Lord Ram, four months ahead of the 'pran pratishtha' (consecration) of the idol of Ramlalla at Ayodhya that was to be performed by PM Narendra Modi on Jan 22, 2024. Soon after the 'Ram Ayenge' devotional song hit the music market and also caught the imagination of connoisseurs of 'bhajans', PM Modi shared it on his social media platform, and thereby, jacked up its popularity pull further. Given the backdrop, Saturday's 'milan samaroh' for the induction of Rajesh Mishra and two other RJD netas– its former state general secretary Harivansh Paswan and its contestant in the assembly poll from Jhajha (Jamui) Vinod Prasad Yadav—acquired the colour of a high-profile function. State BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal gave the party's membership to the three and their supporters at the party's state headquarters. Others present on the occasion included ministers Mangal Pandey and Sanjay Saraogi, while the party functionary Anamika Paswan conducted the proceedings.
