US woman lists pros and cons of living in India. Internet reacts to viral video
Her caption contrasted life in India with that in the US: 'I love India, but it is by no means perfect. It certainly has flaws and aspects I don't like. I love the USA, but it has a lot of problems and is not the perfect picture everyone thinks it is.'She continued, 'I believe we have the power to create our own happiness, no matter where we are. It is a choice. Will you choose to focus on the negative, or will you choose to see the positive? I believe that this outlook significantly affects our joy and satisfaction in life. Choose to focus on the good today. Choose happiness.'In the clip, Fischer admitted she misses her family back home, but couldn't deny the many things that have made her feel at home in India. She added that she prefers Indian food and doesn't mind being a minority here. 'India has better hospitality and is a better place for kids. Local farming is better, and the food is healthier here,' she said.While pointing out the perks of living in India, she also spoke about the challenges she has encountered. 'I hate the pollution in Delhi, and I hate the garbage on the streets,' Fischer said in her video.'India is a more modest country. I don't think India is perfect. We must find our own happiness,' she concluded.Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen Fischer (@kristenfischer3)Social media users praised her honest take on the country. "I admire your honesty & you are absolutely correct! No place is perfect. If we can adjust comfortably, that's enough," a user said, while another added, "Agree with everything you said. India isn't perfect, but we can work towards making it the perfect nation we want it to be.""Such an inspiring post. I have been focusing on the negative for quite some time now. But this post of yours and your writing motivated me to look into the positive. Truly, you are amazing. Much Love," another user said.See the comments here:Kristen Fischer has made headlines several times. Earlier this month, she also shared 10 ways her life changed since moving to India.- EndsMust Watch
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India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Beyond raves and speakeasy bars, how Delhi's past is redefining nightlife
Cue: Yeh Dilli hai mere yaar... bas ishq, mohabat, is a pop-colour mood board that has something to offer everyone. A small dot on the Indian political map, albeit it abounds in the history, culture and heritage that have shaped the city it is lots to do here. Lots to eat (duh!), lots to scout, lots to shop and a lot of stories to unfold. A day out in the capital is nothing short of a vivid experience of diversity. But what about the nights? That's a whole different mood. And no, it's not just about speakeasy bars, coffee raves or fake weddings. In fact, night tourism is slowly becoming a real thing in There's history, and it's quietly slipping into the city's the longest time, Delhiites have complained that there isn't much to do post-sunset. But Delhi being home to a rich heritage, there's a different side that not many people are aware night tourism in DelhiWhat makes the night so special? Maybe it's the silence on the streets where the traffic horns blare, or the strange comfort of the city resting. There's something about late-night strolls, drives or that spontaneous ice-cream run that makes it all hit of nightlife, Mumbai probably crossed your mind. Hold it right there. This isn't a Delhi vs Mumbai rant. Yes, Mumbai has Marine Drive and other things. But Delhi? Delhi has its own kind of story etched in the British columns of Connaught Place, the towering Qutub Minar, the red sandstone of Red Fort, the greens of Sunder Nursery. And now, some of these places are open beyond sunset. Monuments in Delhi light up after sunset Let's be honest, when you think about what to do in the late evening or nights in the capital, monuments don't make the cut because the common perception is that they are all closed by 5 or 6 pm. not really the case any Sunder Nursery and the Humayun's Tomb and Museum extended visiting hours till 10 pm. Why? To boost like Qutub Minar or India Gate have been part of the nightlife in the capital but not as popularly as it is today. Since 2019, the government has actively pushed to expand access to monuments like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun's Tomb. 'This initiative was started so that people can visit monuments at night and even post-sunset. It will increase tourist footfall and encourage night stays,' Atul Pandey from Delhi Tourism tells India Today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunder Nursery (@sundernurserygardens)But this just doesn't benefit only tourists from other places. It's also for those tied to their desks from 9 to 5. Evening access opens up Delhi for extending timings helps, the bigger attraction is the initiatives being taken to make it an enriching experience by introducing the light and sound shows and walks. Red Fort hosts an immersive show called Jai Hind. Meanwhile, Qutub Minar also offers short projections mapping India's cultural diversity. There are also private and government-led night heritage walks that happen. Isn't it a great way to engage with history; no textbooks needed! Light and Sound show at Qutub Minar (Credit: Author) 'Back in May 2019, we began night walks after timings were extended for four monuments - Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun's Tomb,' says Anoushka Jain, founder of heritage organisation Enroute Indian further adds how these night walks have been a hit segment amongst the citizens as well. And these walks bring together people of all age groups - school-going kids to senior citizens - everyone curiously walk around the just the government, but certain private entities like the Aga Khan Trust For Culture (they help in the restoration of Humayun's Tomb, Sunder Nursery amongst others), The Dalmia Bharat Group (looks after upkeep of the Red Fort) have become a part of the initiative to revive and enhance the about safety?advertisementOne of the first things people ask when they hear 'monuments open at night' is if it is safe?While some areas still remain dimly lit, like parts of Humayun's Tomb, others, like Qutub Minar and Safdarjung, are well-lit and secure.'Safety concerns aren't there, honestly, especially at places like Safdarjung, Qutub Minar and Sunder Nursery. They are well-guarded and have a strong footfall,' Jain Pandey echoes this. 'The entire area is not open at night, there are designated zones. The officers of the Archaeological Survey of India, are on duty there. Around most heritage sites, Delhi Police has also deployed tourist police, and some safety measures have been taken. So far, there hasn't been any incident where safety has been an issue."Monuments after dark - is it really catching up?Let's just say it's a work in no doubt how people are flocking to these places and enjoying nighttime lit monuments. But there is a gap."Earlier, people believed there was nothing to do at night except pubs and cafes. Now, people are exploring monuments at night. People are showing up. Families, couples, friend groups. They visit monuments, pair it with dinner, click photos and experience a side of Delhi that did exist, but people didn't really know,' says the bigger issue is awareness. Many still don't know these sites are open post 5 pm. Even when they do, the timings online are inconsistent.'I knew Qutub Minar was open till 9 pm but wasn't sure about others. Honestly, online timings can't be trusted. It's is a bit difficult to track if these places are open till 7,8 or 9,' says Prateek, a Delhi-based media shares how people were shocked when her night walks first launched. 'They just assumed all monuments were shut at 5 pm.'With social media in place, there has been an increase in awareness owing to viral reels that showcase the beauty of Qutub Minar at night. But what about others?"When I told my parents I was going to Humayun's Tomb, they were surprised. 'yeh raat ko thodi khule hote hain (These aren't open at night)', they quipped. So, I think there's a gap in terms of information availability and accessibility too because even I got to know about it when I came across a friend's social media story," a 24-year-old performance marketing expert shares with India Today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SHubham Jha (@luvshubhamj)advertisementDushyant Singh Panwar, heritage experiences curator and cultural revivalist agrees. 'Everyone knows about Qutub, but there are others too. The monuments that are open late aren't publicised well. There needs to be a proper government-led campaign. Not just these; in fact, many people walk past historic havelis in Chandni Chowk and don't even realise their value. Why? It's simply not well preserved."Heritage is more than monumentsAnd here's the bigger thought: are we defining heritage too narrowly?'Why are we only limiting ourselves to monuments? Heritage is also the lovely food that has been served over the centuries; the languages, the clothes, the customs, the traditions - everything is heritage, isn't it? Because heritage is something that is passed down from one generation to the other. That's the definition of heritage. Somewhere, some mistakes have happened where we have come to consider heritage as synonymous with built monuments,' says about night tourism in Delhi, he further adds, "We're on the right track but more can be done. If Qutub Minar can stay open till 9 pm without issues, why not others? There's no clear reason why a uniform policy can't be implemented across the board."Jain agrees too. There is a visible shift, a new kind of excitement. But to truly unlock the potential of Delhi's nightlife, the experience needs better communication, better lighting, and a broader, more inclusive idea of heritage is not just some backdrop to a Bollywood story - it is a character, a story in when you Google 'things to do in Delhi at night,' chances are it will still list places like Hauz Khas or India Gate. But there's more waiting in the quiet glow of lit-up monuments, in the stories whispered through heritage walks. You just have to look a little closer.- Ends
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Why wellness design matters: Simple ways to create a home that feels calm, healthy and easy to live in
Homes are no longer just about good looks or plush finishes. Looks are fine, but if your home doesn't make you feel good, it's just another showroom. Interiors should go beyond matching curtains and trendy sofas. They should help you breathe better, sleep deeper and maybe even cut down on that constant mental noise. That's where wellness design comes in. Soft lighting, natural materials and airy layouts help create peaceful, breathable homes that support better moods and everyday comfort.(Meena Murthy Kakkar) It's about building spaces that support how you live, feel and function every day. Across Indian cities, more people are tuning in. They're starting to ask, 'Why does my home look good but still feel off?' This piece cuts through the fluff. It ditches the frills and keeps it straight to the point. We're talking real, workable ideas to make your home calmer, lighter and more in sync with the way you want to live. Why wellness design matters more now than ever Life is loud. Screens are constant. Sleep is messy. And if your home adds to that chaos with bad lighting, stale air or synthetic everything, it's not doing you any favour. Wellness design flips that. The focus shifts from just aesthetics to the vibe your space gives you. In India, we've always had a thing for balance with open verandahs, earthy textures, homes that breathe. This isn't new thinking, just a smarter application. Here's what it helps with: Better sleep and clearer focus Lower stress levels Spaces that support your routine Environments that feel lighter, calmer and more liveable Tips to adopt wellness design at home Wellness design is all about creating a home environment that supports your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From letting natural light in to choosing a soothing colour palette, there's a lot you can do to ensure that your personal space exudes a sense of calm. In an interview to you HT Lifestyle, Meena Murthy Kakkar, Partner & Design Head at interior and architecture firm Envisage, shares wellness design tips that you can incorporate in your home easily: 1. Let nature in. For real. Plants are nice, but wellness design starts with air, light and breathing space. The more your home connects with nature, the better it feels. 'Most homes shut out the very things that make them feel alive – sunlight, air, views and green elements. The planning of your windows and openings is key. Even small upgrades like bug meshes can help you leave them open and let your space breathe," shares Kakkar. What works: Let in natural light with sheer curtains Use bug meshes to keep windows open longer Add plants near natural light sources Choose materials like wood, linen and stone for texture and calm 2. Choose materials that won't mess with your air Not everything that looks sleek is safe. Some materials release toxins, especially in heat. Wellness design means knowing what your home is made of. 'Materials like epoxy may work in offices. But at home, they can emit fumes when the AC is off,' says Meena Murthy Kakkar. 'We always ask how the material behaves in heat, when the home is shut, or when it's locked for days.' What to look for: Low-VOC paints and adhesives Natural fabrics like cotton, jute or linen Locally sourced wood and stone Skip synthetics that trap heat or off-gas 3. Use lighting that matches your life, not just your ceiling Good lighting does more than brighten a room. It sets your mood, supports your sleep and helps you stay focused. 'Lighting should respond to your life, not the other way around,' says Meena. 'We suggest automating lights and curtains so they adjust with your routine and boost your energy levels.' What helps: Cooler lights for reading and focus Warmer lights for calm conversations Use smart lighting to shift tone across the day Place work zones near natural light for better energy efficiency Why Wellness Design Deserves Your Attention(Meena Murthy Kakkar) 4. Build pockets of quiet, even in a full house Your home doesn't need to be silent, but it should have at least one space that gives your brain a break. 'Soft materials do more than just look cosy. Rugs, fabric walls, and even drywall partitions help buffer noise,' says Meena. 'Acoustical paints and layered furnishings can completely shift how a space sounds and feels.' What works: Soft furnishings like carpets and dense drapes can help soak up everyday sounds Add fabric panelling or soft wall hangings Create drywalled or partitioned zones for work or rest Try acoustical paint if you can't redo the walls 5. Use Vastu like a design guide, not a rulebook. Vastu can be practical when you keep the superstition out. It's about flow, balance and function, not rituals. Meena adds, 'Vastu has solid logic. Kitchen in the southeast keeps it dry. Avoiding bed heads in the north helps with sleep. Even layout tweaks like keeping the northeast light and the southwest heavier can improve ventilation and energy flow.' What helps: Place the kitchen in the southeast or northwest for ventilation Avoid placing your bed head facing north Keep the northeast area open and uncluttered Let the southwest zone carry the weight by placing larger furniture there Wellness design isn't a trend. Think of it as everyday logic, just with sharper choices and improved lighting. The goal isn't to turn your home into a spa. It's to make it a place that supports how you live, sleep, think and recharge. Small tweaks, not massive overhauls, make the biggest difference. Let your space breathe. Let the light in. Use materials that aren't silently working against you. And create corners that feel like a break. Because at the end of the day, a calm home is way more useful than a fancy one. Similar articles for you 10 popular Indian art forms you can use in your home decor Why vintage decor is making a comeback: Textile museum designer Ravisha Merchant weighs in Best mattresses for a peaceful and comfortable sleep; Here are our top 8 picks for you Mattress matters: Find your dreamy match made in heaven; Nap like a champ! Wellness design for homes: FAQs Do I need a complete makeover to try wellness design? Not at all. Small changes like better lighting, breathable materials and a few indoor plants already make a big difference. Is wellness design only about natural materials? Natural materials help, but it's more about how everything works together—light, air, layout and sound all play a role. Can I still follow wellness design in a rented home? Yes. Think sheer curtains, rugs for quiet, movable plants and avoiding harsh lights. No renovation needed. What's the easiest place to start? Start with your windows. Let in more light, get bug meshes, use sheer curtains and place a few plants nearby. The author of this article holds a Master's Degree in Interior Design and has spent over a decade in research, teaching, and designing homes from scratch. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kiara Advani's clean diet for ‘War 2' revealed: Here's how protein pancakes, grilled chicken and sattu chaas helped her achieve a toned, action-ready look
Kiara Advani , who is currently embracing motherhood with the birth of her baby girl, has also been grabbing headlines for her stunning transformation and powerful action scenes in the upcoming film 'War 2'. While the actor is cherishing the joys of new mum life, glimpses from the trailer of 'War 2' have left fans awestruck, particularly her high-energy sequences and lean, action-ready look. Not crash dieting, but clean and sustainable eating In a chat with Pinkvilla, celebrity nutritionist Nicole Linhares Kedia explained, 'Kiara had a fairly clean eating style, she loves ghar ka khana but for this transformation. The biggest change was dialing in her macros, specifically increasing her protein intake while keeping her in a steady caloric deficit. We had to be extremely precise. Our goal was to tone and build lean muscle while reducing body fat, and that meant every ingredient had to be measured, even down to the oil used in cooking or a few shavings of Parmesan on her Buddha bowl. It wasn't about removing foods she loved, but optimising what she ate to align with getting her into her best shape.' Protein pancakes were her morning staple Despite a packed training schedule and rigorous shoot hours, Kiara maintained her daily rituals especially her breakfast. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After Losing Weight Kevin James Looks Like A Model 33 Bridges Undo Her go-to meal to kickstart the day? Protein pancakes. These pancakes were made using oat flour, walnut flour and protein powder. She would top them with maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener, fresh berries, and a generous dollop of homemade hazelnut butter. The high-protein, fibre-rich breakfast gave her a satisfying and energising start to the day, while still aligning with her fitness goals. Grilled chicken, curries and veggies for main meals Kiara's lunch and dinner plates were always full of flavour and nourishment. Nicole revealed, 'Lunch and dinner often featured grilled chicken, chicken curries, asparagus, baby potatoes, avocado, edamame pesto hummus, vegetable crudites, foods she genuinely enjoys. We kept her meals light but high in protein and tailored them closely to her training and shoot schedule.' Her desi secret for post-workout recovery For her post-workout and snack sessions, Kiara returned to a familiar Indian classic, sattu chaas. This refreshing drink is made using roasted Bengal gram flour, jeera (cumin) powder and coriander leaves. Known for its cooling properties and high protein content, this old-school remedy helped her stay hydrated and refuelled without turning to protein shakes or energy bars. This choice once again reflected Kiara's commitment to incorporating traditional, wholesome Indian foods into her fitness journey. Kiara's high-octane role in 'War 2' Kiara Advani isn't just romancing onscreen in 'War 2', she's taking charge, quite literally. The trailer has taken fans by surprise with her full-fledged action avatar. From aiming a gun at Hrithik Roshan 's character to engaging in a gripping combat scene, Kiara is clearly not playing a passive role. Her involvement in gunfights and intense sequences hints that she has a far more pivotal role than initially expected. 'War 2', which also stars Jr NTR , is shaping up to be a high-stakes action thriller packed with showdowns, power-packed stunts and emotionally charged confrontations. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the much-awaited sequel is set for a release on 14 August 2025.
