FLUID IDENTITIES
KTR, Jagan, Vijay share stage: three States, 81 Seats: the Southern political arithmetic
A recent wedding in Chennai brought together key political figures from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Leaders KT Rama Rao, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and C. Joseph Vijay attended the event, sparking political discussions. Their meeting raises questions about potential collaborations among regional parties. While the gathering is social, it highlights ongoing political dynamics in southern India.
What are Indians watching on OTT? Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Zee 5, SonyLIV reveal the shows, languages and formats winning viewers
India’s OTT audience continued to grow in 2026, with viewers watching content in different languages and exploring new genres and formats. In an exclusive conversation with ET Digital, Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, SonyLIV and ZEE5 discuss changing viewing habits, the growing popularity of micro-dramas and reality shows, and how good stories can find an audience regardless of language or budget. Here’s a look at what Indians are watching on OTT.
Karwa Chauth 2026: Can Husbands Also Keep the Fast? What Tradition Says
Karwa Chauth 2026 is being observed today, Thursday, October 29. Traditionally, married women fast and pray for their husbands’ long life and well-being, but husbands can also choose to observe the vrat as a gesture of love and mutual commitment. While the fast is not traditionally considered compulsory for husbands, many couples now choose to celebrate together. Here is what tradition says about husbands fasting on Karwa Chauth, how couples can participate in the rituals together and whether men are required to observe the vrat.
Karwa Chauth Sargi Thali 2026: What to Include, Ideas, Who Prepares It & What Mothers-in-Law Traditionally Give Their Daughters-in-Law
The Karwa Chauth Sargi thali is a vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits, delectable sweets, and savory snacks, usually prepared or gifted by the mother-in-law in adherence to tradition. Women may also take the initiative to prepare their own thalis, reflecting personal and family tastes. Hydration is vital before the fasting period starts, and portion control is advisable. These customs can differ among families, underlining the significance of honoring local traditions.
Can AI feel human emotions now? Scientists prompted ChatGPT to mimic fear and sadness. A three-minute breathing exercise changed its responses
Researchers at TU Dresden in Germany have found that artificial intelligence models can reproduce patterns associated with human fear, anxiety, sadness and stress, then show measurable changes after psychological exercises designed to regulate those states. The findings raise questions about how AI can be used to study mental health without assuming that machines experience emotions like people do.
Navratri Vrat Food List 2026: What Can You Eat? Kuttu, Singhara, Sendha Namak Rules & Puja Samagri Checklist
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 11 and continues through October 19, with Vijayadashami on October 20. For devotees observing a vrat, knowing which flours, vegetables, grains, fruits and salt are permitted can help avoid confusion during the nine days. This guide also covers the essential Puja Samagri needed for Ghatasthapana, Kalash Sthapana, Akhand Jyot and Kanya Pujan.
- Go To Page 1
There could be a pretty big global shock, says Nobel laureate & economist Michael Spence
Michael Spence highlights the economic growth of India and China, noting India's potential growth trajectory. He emphasizes India's advancements in digital infrastructure, particularly in digital financial services like UPI. Spence discusses the significance of AI in economic development and its anticipated impact over the next decade. He warns of potential economic shocks due to rising debt levels and high market valuations.
Why NASA is studying 1.2-billion-year-old Scottish rocks for clues to ancient life on Mars and the Red Planet’s watery past
Ancient rocks found in Scotland's Stoer Formation are being studied by NASA to understand potential signs of life. These rocks formed 1.2 billion years ago under water-influenced environments and evidence of microbial life is preserved. NASA's Perseverance rover discovered a rock on Mars with distinctive mineral patterns that may indicate biological origins. The Scottish research helps interpret findings from Mars while preparing for possible future sample analysis.
Asian Games wrestling: 'Wrestling is just a page in the book of life', says Dipanshi; ready to take senior leap
At 17, Indian wrestler Dipanshi is set to make her Asian Games debut in the 50kg category with limited senior-level experience. The three-time Asian championship gold medallist says she approaches the challenge with excitement rather than fear, while focusing on learning from established competitors, staying disciplined and developing her own identity.
The winning: Brands and audiences are hungry for celebrities with distinct, dependable style
In the social-media era, personal style has become a valuable business asset for celebrities and influencers. Authentic, recognisable fashion identities can generate massive media value, attract brand partnerships and help luxury labels enter India’s market.
Quote of the day by Stephen King: “Life isn't a support system for art. It's the...” — Are we building a life around our dreams, or sacrificing our lives to achieve them? Life lessons from a motivational quote on self-doubt, creativity, relationships, and personal growth
Today's quote of the day by Stephen King reflects on a difficult truth: our ambitions should have a place in life, not take the place of life itself. His words speak to the quiet tension between work and relationships, achievement and contentment, dreams and the time we give to simply live. The quote invites us to examine what we sacrifice for success, where our sense of self comes from, and whether the life we are building still feels like our own.
Meet Alexander Wong, the young American piano prodigy who took first prize in the 2025 Clara Schumann International Piano Competition's Prodigy Kids category
Alexander Wong, a prodigious young pianist from America, has captured global attention with his remarkable achievements. He recently clinched First Prize at the prestigious Online International Clara Schumann Competition and earned a Gold Award at the WPTA Finland International Piano Competition. His performances, which effortlessly blend works from legendary composers like Mozart and Debussy, showcase his profound technical ability and emotive prowess.
MVN reports ₹120 cr in sales in first 20 days of August, citing strong demand on Dwarka Expressway
Following a strong July, MVN’s rapid August performance reflects growing demand for unique, luxury residences among families across Delhi-NCR.
In 2006, NASA grew Salmonella in space; the bacteria returned more virulent than genetically identical germs cultivated on Earth
In a striking discovery, researchers found that Salmonella bacteria cultivated in space exhibited a heightened level of aggression, proving to be three times more hazardous than those on Earth. The unique microgravity environment mimics human digestive processes, providing insights into how these pathogens evolve. This vital research is poised to enhance the development of effective vaccines and treatments for various infections, marking a leap forward in medical science.
The more kinds of citizens the merrier
The ongoing football World Cup provides a stark lesson, where nations thrive not by excluding but by embracing as many nationalities as possible to make their citizenry. To demand some other atavistic proof of kinship would be to deny the very cosmopolitanism that makes modern societies thrive. The US, more than other countries, should know this. Its innovation economy has been built much on 'imported' talent. Universities, companies and research labs flourish when they attract minds from across the globe.
Transgressive bill ignores individuality
A new bill proposes changes to transgender rights in India. It moves away from self-identification for legal gender recognition. The bill requires certification from boards and authorities. This could exclude many transgender individuals. Experts warn this is a regressive step. It may increase harassment for the community. The government is urged to reconsider the bill.
Quote of the Day by Japanese philosopher Masao Abe, ‘It is not that I am empty, but rather that Emptiness is I’
Japanese philosopher Masao Abe's quote, 'Emptiness is I,' redefines the self in Zen Buddhism. It signifies that our identity isn't fixed but fluid, relational, and interdependent with the world. This perspective, far from nihilism, reveals a deeper truth of existence, fostering openness and interfaith understanding by dissolving rigid ego boundaries.
Federal Bank launches Fortuna Wave to strengthen brand presence
Federal Bank unveiled the Fortuna Wave, its refreshed brand identity developed with Sideways, highlighting its evolution as a digital-first, pan-India bank. The updated identity seeks to boost its appeal among a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Kolkata Police warn of action against attempts to reveal victim's identity in gang rape case
Kolkata Police has warned of strict legal action against anyone disclosing the identity of the law college student allegedly gang-raped in Kasba. Authorities emphasised that revealing a rape victim's identity is a serious legal violation and ethical breach.
Watching birds fly in formation
Observe the effortless ballet of birds in flight, a lesson in fluid leadership and natural harmony. Their synchronized movements, driven by instinct rather than command, reveal cohesion born from shared awareness. Like music against the canvas of the sky, they demonstrate how true unity arises from facing challenges together, creating a beautiful dance of existence.
Why so serious with gender benders?
Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that gender is defined by biological sex at birth, sparking debate about the West's rigid categorization. While intended to protect women's rights under the Equality Act 2010, the decision highlights the challenges of defining gender in an increasingly fluid world. Historically, definitions of equality have evolved, excluding marginalized groups despite legal protections.
Elon Musk's response to an argument by India-origin US person on nationality goes viral
Elon Musk responded positively to a tweet questioning the criteria for national identity based on ethnicity. The argument highlighted the inconsistencies in defining identity and sparked an online dialogue about inclusivity and the complexities of nationality.
Transcend binaries
Many spiritual traditions acknowledge the fluidity and complexity of gender and sexual identities. Taoism emphasizes the integration of yin and yang energies within individuals, while Hinduism reveres Ardhanarishvara, a deity combining masculine and feminine aspects. Spiritually, achieving balance between these energies can lead to profound self-understanding and wholeness, as emphasized by spiritual teachings from various cultures.
Not a man, I'm a hat
In this passage, the author explores the concept of identity using an unconventional analogy of a hat versus a man. They cite William Faulkner's quote, "I'm not a man. I'm a hat," to challenge conventional notions of identity and invite readers to consider the fluidity of self-discovery.
Arcade Fire's frontman Win Butler accused of sexual misconduct, singer denies
Arcade Fire’s frontman Win Butler has been accused of sexual misconduct allegations made against him, though he denied all four citing each one was consensual.
Hidden names, the new parlour game
To understand the gravity of this discovery, one needs to reach out to other cases of 'sleeping' middle names creating ripples once woken up. This includes the practice from some quarters of always mentioning Hussein in the middle of Barack Obama and of addressing former chief election commissioner J M Lyngdoh by de-initialising his name to James Michael.
Equal opportunity has a look: Gender neutral style
If there’s anyone who makes a compelling case for fashion fluidity, it’s Harry Styles.
What are pipes and pipe fittings used for and CPWD guidelines for properly stacking and storing them in construction sites
To standardize the storage, handling and stacking process for pipes and pipe fittings, CPWD publishes specifications which are followed by PWDs, PSUs, engineering departments, architects and builders across the country.
Yatra unveils new brand identity
Vikrant Mudaliar, chief marketing Officer, Yatra said, "The new red logo helps us to stand out in an increasingly cluttered media environment and at the same time lends a sense of confidence and reliability to our brand."
Load More
