Life & Style

Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice, central London, England, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)

Prince Harry made a rare appearance at the Royal Courts of Justice, central London, England, today (April 8, 2025), as the first day of his appeal against the UK Home Office over the withdrawal of his security detail began.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is challenging a previous High Court ruling that upheld the UK government’s decision to no longer provide him with the highest level of taxpayer-funded security. This was done after he and Meghan Markle officially announced in 2020 that they were stepping down from their roles as senior working royals and later relocated to the United States. Since then, Harry and Meghan have been living in California, USA, with their two children– Archie and Lilibet.
In written submissions, Harry’s lawyer, Shaheed Fatima KC, told the Court of Appeal that both Harry and Meghan felt they “were not being protected by the institution” when they stepped away from their duties in January 2020. However, the couple had “wished to continue their duties in support of the late Queen as privately funded members of the royal family”, reported The Independent.

Reports claim that Harry is torn up over being estranged from his father, King Charles

Although a High Court judge previously ruled that the government panel’s decision to offer Prince Harry “bespoke” security on a case-by-case basis was lawful and reasonable, Harry’s lawyer, Shaheed Fatima argued against it in the appeals court. She said that the panel failed to follow its own established procedures and did not conduct a proper risk assessment of the Duke’s security needs.
“The appellant does not accept that bespoke means better. In fact, in his submission, it means that he has been singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment,” Fatima said, reported AP.
It is noted that Harry doesn’t usually attend court hearings, but since he made a rare appearance today– it shows how personally significant the case is to him. His last major appearance came during a phone-hacking trial, where he became the first senior royal to testify in court in over a century.

Prince Harry gestures as he arrives at the High Court in London, England, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

It is noted that Prince Harry arrived in the UK just hours before his father, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla departed for a state visit to Italy. However, Prince Harry and King Charles did not have a meeting.
At the close of Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos noted time constraints for the remaining sessions, urging the legal teams to keep arguments concise. The appeal is set to continue on Wednesday, with some portions of the hearing expected to be held in private due to the sensitive nature of the information being discussed.
This particular case reflects how deeply Prince Harry is concerned about his and his family’s safety and his complicated relationship with the Royal Institution he once served.

The colourful permanent lighting of the Vidhana Soudha was inaugurated recently.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

From next month, tourists coming to Bengaluru will be able to go on a guided tour of the iconic landmark Vidhana Soudha. This follows the State government giving its approval to the Tourism Department’s proposal for the guided tour.

The officials of the Tourism Department said that the concept of conducting a tour of governing centres is popular abroad as well as in Delhi where visitors can get a tour of Rastrapathi Bhavan.

History, archives

“Vidhana Soudha is a historical monument in Bengaluru. During the tour, we want to give visitors more information about its history, interiors, historical elements, archives, and the functioning of the government. We want to conduct guided tours and we have prepared an internal circuit for it,” said a senior official from the Department.

While many details such as ticket prices, gate for entry, etc., are being worked out, the Tourism Department plans to divide the time into many slots between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. “We don’t want people to throng the venue all at once for security reasons. We want tourists to get a good, informational experience. Our plan is to take 30 people in at a time for a one-hour tour,” the senior official said.

Security features

The guides of each group will submit information about the visitors in their batches to security officials of Vidhana Soudha on the same day of the visit. The visitors should mandatorily have a government ID proof like Aadhaar Card or Voter’s ID to enter the premises.

On April 6, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the permanent lighting system at Vidhana Soudha which will be turned on during weekends and on special occasions.

‘Why the fee?’

However, many people have questioned why there should be an entry fee to get a tour of the governing centre of the State, which is not the case in other countries.

Dopamine, also known as the feel-good chemical, regulates pleasure, reward and motivation. It is released when you anticipate or achieve something you always wanted to, whether it’s winning a game, purchasing something that was on your wish list for a long time now. Dopamine spikes anticipation of a reward. You need to learn to be happy, small things keep you motivated.

Take action- set a micro-goal today (something that you have been wanting to do for a long time now, try and complete that). Small achievements can be rewarding in ways you will learn later.

Mary Kom and her husband Onler
Photo: Mary Kom/ Instagram

Olympian and Indian boxing icon is much in the news lately, but this time due to her personal life. Rumours are rife that Mary Kom and her husband Karung Onkholer, better known as Onler, are facing issues in their marriage and are reportedly living separately. Not just this, reports suggest that Mary Kom may have moved on and also found love again. But, Mary Kom and her husband Onler haven’t filed for a divorce yet.
A report by the Hindustan Times states that the boxing icon and her husband Onler are living apart, and it happened shortly after Onler lost the 2022 Manipur assembly elections. “Mary moved to Faridabad with their (four) children, while Onler has been living in Delhi with some family members… Their differences escalated after the elections. Mary was reportedly unhappy about the financial losses — around INR 2–3 crores — incurred during the campaign and (the fact) that he lost,” a source, who is close to Mary Kom and Onler, told the media company.
Another source told Hindustan Times, “After the defeat, things worsened. Their usual marital disagreements turned serious, and Mary moved into her Faridabad house with the kids.”
While rumours are rife about trouble in Mary Kom and Onler’s marriage, the duo have not given any official statement.

Meanwhile, the report further suggests that Mary Kom may have moved on to another relationship, as speculated from her social media posts. “The separation rumours about Mary Kom and Onler might not be just rumours. No one knows the reason for sure, though. Everyone whispers about Mary ma’am being in a relationship with another boxer’s husband. Speculation has been fuelled further by her recent Instagram posts featuring him as her business associate,” a boxer told Hindustan Times, on the condition of not being named.
How Mary Kom met Onler: Their love story
It was in 2000, when Mary Kom and Onler first met in Delhi. Onler was a Delhi University’s Law Faculty student, and he had helped Mary when she lost her luggage while travelling for a competition. Soon love blossomed between them and they started dating, finally getting married in 2005. In 2007, they became parents with the arrival of their twin sons; in 2013, they had another son. Since Mary always wanted to have a daughter, the duo adopted a girl child in 2018.
As per reports, Onler wanted to become a professional footballer. But he took a backseat, and helped raise their children and took care of their house– all to support Mary Kom in her career as a boxer. Mary has often credited her husband, Onler, for her incredible success.
Such was their love story that it was also adapted into a biopic in 2014.

The Kodaikanal hills
| Photo Credit: THANGARATHINAM N

When Rajni George came back to her hometown of Kodaikanal after spending several years in Delhi and abroad, she was dismayed to see how much the hills had changed. “It really hit home how bad things were in our hill stations,” she says. “The older generation had done a lot to preserve our environment,” she feels, adding that this changed somewhere along the way. The Western Ghats, her home, was constantly in the news for the wrong reasons: landslides, over development, carrying capacity debate. Rajni realised that one way to contribute to the betterment of the hills was by putting together a reliable resource that would create an impact.

The team’s writers, trustees and advisors
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

“We started out as a fun community project four years ago,” says Rajni, speaking about their WhatsApp group during the second wave of Covid-19, which developed into the Kodai Chronicle that published stories specific to, but not restricted to Kodaikanal. “We brought out bi-monthly issues, each of which carried ten stories,” recalls Rajni, the founding editor and publisher, adding that the idea was to connect other hill stations as well, offering resources for people living there, apart from acting on stories from the region.

While Kodai Chronicle is not active anymore, it has evolved into Sky Islands, a digital media platform administered by the Kodai Chronicle Trust, that will carry stories, as well as audio and video content on the Western Ghats and the lived experiences of its people, told by its indigenous voices. Set to be launched on April 17, the digital platform will initially feature a story a month. The first piece will be by Murugeshwari, a reporter from the Paliyar community. “She is doing a series on the Paliyar lifestyle,” points out Rajni. “They are the first settlers of these hills,” adding that Sky Islands will “amplify voices of the Western Ghats that are not heard often.”

Murugeshwari, who writes in Tamil, is being mentored by Kamakshi Narayanan, an editor from their team, who is also translating her stories into English. Murugeshwari recently received funding from Shared Ecologies by the Shyama Foundation to support her work.

Sky Islands is set to be launched with a fund-raiser concert featuring vocalists Suman Sridhar and Seema Ramchandani and musicians from the Dindigul Mavattam Kodaikanal Poombarai Grama Kalai Kuzhu. This will be followed by the event The Power of Collaborative Storytelling in collaboration with Kodaikanal International School’s Centre for Environment and Humanity, featuring talks by Murugeshwari and Suman Sridhar. A highlight is dinner made with fresh produce from the hills and indigenous rice varieties.

The fund-raiser concert is on April 17, 5pm, at Mountain Retreat Kodai; while The Power of Collaborative Storytelling is on April 18. For passes and details, visit www.thekodaichronicle.com.

By 2050, diabetes cases in India are expected to rise by 73%, reaching over 156 million people. That’s not just a number—it’s a warning bell. With fast-changing lifestyles, irregular diets, stress, and lack of physical activity becoming the norm, the country is heading towards a serious health crisis. As per International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data, in India alone, 89.8 million people suffer from diabetes.
But there’s something hopeful in all this. The way a day begins can have a huge impact on how blood sugar behaves throughout. Morning hours are like a reset button for the body, and simple habits practiced regularly can go a long way in preventing sugar spikes, even before breakfast is served.
Here are 7 simple things that can be done every morning to help manage blood sugar naturally—without medication.

Wake up with the sun: Let natural light do its magic

Exposure to early morning sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm, which in turn supports better insulin sensitivity. According to research, aligning body clocks with daylight improves blood sugar metabolism. A habit as small as sitting near a window or stepping out on the balcony for 15 minutes can have a long-term impact.

Start the day with soaked fenugreek seeds water

One traditional remedy backed by science. Methi dana (fenugreek) is rich in soluble fibre that helps slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Soaking one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight and consuming it first thing in the morning has shown results in managing fasting blood sugar levels.

Begin with 10 minutes of mindful movement, not heavy exercise

Intense workouts can spike cortisol in the morning, which may in turn, elevate blood sugar levels. Instead, start with gentle movement—think yoga stretches, walking barefoot on grass, or 10 minutes of pranayama. A study highlights how low-intensity morning activities improve glucose regulation better than sudden strenuous activity.

Don’t skip the morning fruit, but choose wisely

Eating a fruit on an empty stomach may not be everyone’s first choice, but when chosen smartly, it helps. Fruits like guava, jamun, kiwi, or amla are excellent picks as they are low on the glycemic index and rich in fibre. These can help in preventing post-breakfast sugar spikes while also supporting digestion.

Sip on warm cinnamon and clove tea before breakfast

This little homemade potion can do wonders. Cinnamon helps improve insulin sensitivity, while clove has anti-inflammatory properties. Boiling a stick of cinnamon with 2 cloves in water and sipping it warm every morning can aid blood sugar control. This simple habit can be a comforting, aromatic addition to the morning routine.

Avoid screen time immediately after waking up

Scrolling through phones the moment the eyes open is a common habit, but it leads to a mental sugar spike—rushing thoughts, anxiety, and an early surge in stress hormones. Instead, begin with five minutes of silence or journaling, which helps regulate morning cortisol and keeps sugar levels stable. Emotional stress is a silent trigger for poor glucose control, especially in urban lives.

Never delay breakfast and make sure it’s balanced

Waiting too long to eat after waking up can cause the body to go into a mini ‘fasting stress’, triggering spikes in blood glucose when food is finally consumed. A well-balanced breakfast within one hour of waking up—ideally with a mix of protein, complex carbs, and good fats—can help manage blood sugar throughout the day. Think moong chilla with curd, oats with nuts, or a besan toast with avocado.

We all have heard that oil is “bad.” Too much oil clogs your arteries. It leads to weight gain. It’s full of calories. And while all of that might hold some truth—there’s more to this narration. Before you banish that bottle of mustard oil or throw out the ghee your grandmother swears by, let’s look at what actually happens when you cut oil from your diet—and whether that’s a smart move or not.

Let’s understand what does oil even do for us

Oil isn’t just fat. It’s concentrated fat. And our body needs fat. Yes, even if you’re trying to lose weight.
Healthy fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, play a role in hormone production, keep your skin supple and your brain sharp, and provide energy—especially for people on low-carb or active diets. Not all oils are created equal, though. There’s a world of difference between cold-pressed olive oil and heavily refined palm oil.

Now, let’s imagine you go completely oil-free. No cooking oils, no dressings, nothing fried, not even a drizzle of ghee on your roti. What happens? “Cutting out all oils from the diet for two weeks can lead to several short-term effects on digestion and metabolism. Oils provide essential fatty acids that absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Their absence may impair nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies and digestive discomfort such as bloating or constipation due to altered gut motility,” dietitian Kanikka Malhotra told Indian Express.

You may drop a few kilos initially

The first thing most people notice when they stop using oil is weight loss. Why? Oil is calorie dense. As per reports, one tablespoon of oil is equal to approximately 120 calories and that adds up quickly if you’re sautéing, frying, or dressing salads regularly.
Cutting it out trims your overall calorie intake, and this might lead to a few kilos shedding off—especially if you were previously using oil liberally. But weight loss isn’t always fat loss. You might also be losing water weight or muscle mass if you’re not eating balanced meals.

Your food might feel bland and unsatisfying

Oil makes food taste good. It enhances texture, aroma, and that satisfying feeling you get after eating a warm, home-cooked meal. Without oil, food can feel dry or incomplete. You might end up eating larger portions of carbs to feel full, which may backfire over time.
The trick, if you are going oil-free, is to learn how to cook without compromising on taste—use spices, slow cooking, roasting, and healthy fats from whole foods like nuts, seeds, or avocados.

You risk missing out on fat-soluble vitamins

When you stop eating oil, your ability to absorb certain vitamins may take a hit. Vitamins A, D, E, and K need fat to be absorbed properly. No fat might lead to poor absorption and lead to potential deficiencies over time.
For example, if you are munching on a raw carrot salad without any dressing or oil, your body may not be able to extract the beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) efficiently.

Your hormone levels might take a dip

Fats play a huge role in hormone production—especially sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Going completely fat-free or extremely low-fat for extended periods can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods in women, or even low libido in men. This is especially crucial for women over 35 or those with thyroid issues. Your body needs good fats to keep hormones stable.

You may feel hungrier, more often

Fat is satiating. It keeps you full longer. That’s why adding a spoon of peanut butter or a drizzle of olive oil to your salad makes it more satisfying.
Without fats, your meals may leave you hungry again in an hour or two. You may find yourself snacking more or reaching for high-carb, low-fat options that can spike your blood sugar.

Skin and hair may lose their glow

This isn’t an overnight change, but over time, not getting enough essential fatty acids can reflect on your skin and hair. You may notice:

Are there any benefits of cutting oil?

Absolutely—if you are doing it smartly.
If you’re someone with a heart condition, cutting back on saturated and trans fats (often found in fried foods and refined oils) can reduce your risk.

People with PCOS, insulin resistance, or obesity may benefit from a lower oil diet to manage weight and hormonal issues.
For those with fatty liver or gallbladder issues, reducing oil can ease symptoms.
But again, cutting back is different from cutting out. A totally oil-free diet isn’t automatically healthy unless it’s well-planned and includes other healthy fat sources.

Here’s a middle ground that actually works

Use less oil, not no oil. Stick to 2–3 teaspoons of oil per day per person. Measure it if you need to.
Switch to cold-pressed or kachi ghani oils like mustard, coconut, olive, sesame or groundnut—depending on your cuisine and climate.

Say no to refined oils and trans fats
Get fats from whole foods—avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut, olives.
Oil can absolutely be a part of a healthy lifestyle—if you pick the right type, the right amount, and balance it with the rest of your diet. You don’t have to eat greasy pakoras every day, but there’s no need to feel guilty for enjoying a bit of mustard oil in your saag either.

There are nearly 35 Ramothsava banners in Bengaluru heralding the music season, starting with the distribution of kosambri and paanaka to beat the heat wave that seems to be a part of this Ramanavami celebrations. 

So, what sets apart the Sree Ramaseva Mandali celebrations at Fort High School grounds in Chamarajpet? SN Varadaraj, son of founder SV Narayanaswmay Rao (known as SVN Rao), says, in many places of Karnataka, especially Mysore, Ramanavami was celebrated with music, decorations and food. In 1939, his father SVN Rao, established this mandali for the purpose of integrating different celebratory practices.

The initial three-day celebrations that marked the founders’ love for music is now in its 87^th year. “The most respected names in classical music from all over India have graced this temple of music as C Rajagopalachari termed it, as even the erstwhile Mysore Royals were patrons of the mandali,” says Vardaraj.

“This year, we will have a total of 56 concerts from April 6 to May 2, apart from Ramayana discourses. The 27-day offering will see as many as 225 artistes gracing the mandali platform.” Vardaraj adds the event will play out in a 40,000 squarefoot waterproof pandal with 6,000 seats and LED screens.

Goodwill and grandeur

Varadaraj recalls the initial years when SVN Rao would book star performers of the time over the telephone, offering them ₹20 as an advance. “Neither Chembai nor his student, Yesudas, accepted a paisa; vocalist Balamurali Krishna was given ₹12 for his concerts; sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan considered his performance, a ‘service to the Lord’.”

Violin Chowdiah and MS Subbulakshmi would instantly donate whatever they received during Ramanavami, while Mandolin Shrinivas would humbly accept only divine blessings, Varadaraj says. “Top names from Karnataka such as RK Srikantan and Veena Doreswamy Iyengar as well as mridangist Umayalapuram Sivaraman from Chennai, were given ₹500 for their concerts.”

Shahid Pervez Khan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Musical impetus

Buoyed by the encouragement and passion of SVN Rao and ghatam exponent KS Manjunath, several Ramaseva samitis and mandalis began to take shape in the city. Nearly 120 years ago, compounder Subba Rao started the Rama Bhaktha Sabha and SVN Rao began his Mandali in Chamarajpet in 1939. Soon, every area in the city echoed with music during Ramanavami, and it eventually came to be known as ‘Bangalore’s Music Season’.

In the early-1940s, Narayanaswamy was introduced to violin legend T Chowdiah and flute Mahalingam, both of whom developed an instant affection for the mandali and its purpose. Their strategy to help the Ramaseva Mandali banner flourish was simple — get stars to perform with the bonus that Chowdiah would accompany them on his violin.

Gradually, the mandali’s fame grew and connoisseurs would eagerly wait for programme listings to make their bookings a month in advance. “Today, we have a high digital reach. After we announced the programme on our Facebook page this year, we had over 4.1 million clicks,” says Abhijith Varadaraj, who helps his father SN Varadaraj, with the running of the mandali.

Jayanthi Kumaresh
| Photo Credit:
K_V_SRINIVASAN

Rewards and recognition

Musical Ramothsava celebrations are a unique feature of Karnataka, says vocalist Vidyabhushana, who will be receiving the SVN Rao Global Award for Music this year. A close associate of the family, he says, “As a violinist himself, Rao understood what it took for musicians to be recognised. His reason for inviting star musicians was not to set an affluent ambience, but to help performers and rasikas understand the values associated in opening up a cultural identity for pre-Independent India.”

“If there is one season that democratises classical music, it is Ramanavami, as several mandalis and samitis work towards an inclusive and comprehensive offering for one and all,” he adds.

Arizona-based sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez will be stepping into the mandali as a first timer to accept the Special SVN Rao Global Award for Music in Hindustani.. “This is where stalwarts such as Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Amjad Ali Khan have been honoured. I consider it more than a blessing to receive the award and play for Bengaluru audiences,” says Ustad Shahid. 

The Rama Gana Kalacharya Award of the Mandali will be bestowed on veena exponent Jayanthi Kumaresh this year.

“The Ramanavami melodies at Fort High School, remain a part of growing up for many, much like the Kadalekai Parishe, which is an intrinsic part of Bengaluru culture,” says Jayanthi, daughter of violinist Lalgudi Rajalakshmi. “I have played the tambura for my uncle violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman and have accompanied my mother on stage at the mandali as a junior artiste. The scent of jasmine garlands offered after the concert still lingers in my memory.”

Vocalist Vidyabhushana
| Photo Credit:
SREENIVASA MURTHY V

“As my husband and I enter these portals for our ‘Strings Attached’ concert, we hope to create good memories for younger connoisseurs attending this devotional platform,” adds the musician, who is married to violinist Kumaresh.

Trichur Brothers, Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan, will be conferred with the Mysore Asthana Vidwan Chidambara Ganapatigal Award for music excellence, which will be followed by their concert.

For programme details, log on to ramamavami.org, season tickets on ramanavamitickets.com

Mission Interstellar at Wonderla
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

As I stepped into Wonderla Bengaluru on a sun-drenched afternoon, I could feel the buzz in the air. The amusement park, a beloved staple for thrill-seekers across India, had just unveiled its latest marvel — Mission Interstellar, a next-generation space voyage ride that promised to catapult visitors beyond the stars.

Launched on March 28, just ahead of the company’s 25th anniversary, this cutting-edge attraction had already sparked whispers of excitement. I was about to find out why.

The opening was a star-studded affair with actress Ashika Ranganath cutting the ribbon alongside Wonderla’s top brass — Executive Chairman and Managing Director Arun K Chittilappilly, Chief Operating Officer Dheeran Choudhary, and Park Head Bengaluru, Rudresh HS. Today, it was my turn to step into the spaceship and experience what Arun called the company’s “most ambitious and expensive ride to date”.

From the moment I approached the ride, I knew this was not your average amusement park fare. The entrance, designed like a sleek spacecraft, pulled me into its orbit. Inside, a sprawling 6,500 square foot air-conditioned queue area offered welcome respite from the heat, complete with a preview hall that set the stage for what was to come. But nothing could have prepared me for the real thing.

Mission Interstellar at Wonderla
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Strapped into one of the 60 seats, one felt a surge of anticipation as the hydraulic lift system, imported from Italy, hummed to life. Suddenly, we were soaring 40 feet into the air, surrounded by a massive 22m x 15m curved LED screen that enveloped us in a 3,500 sq. ft. cosmic embrace.

The visuals were breathtaking, crisp, vivid, and so immersive that one could almost feel the void of space closing in. Wind effects whipped through the cabin, synchronised perfectly with the high-tech laser projections, while a 46,000-watt sound system roared, amplifying every pulse-pounding moment.

At the launch of Mission Interstellar at Wonderla. From left: COO Dheeran Choudhary, executive chairman and managing director Arun Chittilappilly, actor Ashika Ranganath, head of Engineering Aji Krishnan, and park head Rudresh HS
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The ride is a game-changer. Comfortable and suitable for all ages, it is the kind of experience that makes you want to call up your friends and say, “You have to try this.”

Dheeran Choudhary, the COO, shared that Wonderla was partnering with schools to weave education into the experience, turning Mission Interstellar into an “edutainment” adventure.

The ride is more than just a thrill, it is a journey. The spaceship-themed entrance, the cutting-edge motion tech, the sheer scale of that LED screen, it all came together to create something unforgettable.