Life & Style

In early March, while on a family outing near Beit Shemesh at Tel Azekah, three-year-old Ziv Nitzan from Moshav Ramot Meir made an extraordinary, albeit accidental, discovery that would transport her and her family back in time by thousands of years. As Ziv walked along a seemingly ordinary path, she bent down to pick up what appeared to be just another stone. But after brushing off the sand, she revealed something far more significant, an ancient scarab amulet, dating back around 3,800 years.
“It was just another walk, nothing out of the ordinary,” recalled Ziv’s sister, Omer Nitzan. “But when Ziv picked up the stone, we realised something was different. It didn’t look like any stone we had ever seen before.” The family immediately alerted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), who confirmed that they had found an artefact of immense historical value. The scarab, a symbol of both spiritual and social significance in the ancient world, would go on to be displayed in a special exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, alongside other rare items from Egypt and Canaan – many of which have never been publicly displayed before.

For the Nitzan family, it was a moment of unexpected history. Judah Region District Archaeologist Semyon Gendler commended them for their prompt action and even awarded little Ziv a certificate of appreciation for her contribution to preserving history. But for experts like Daphna Ben-Tor, an authority on ancient amulets and seals, the scarab represented something much deeper than a mere relic; it was a window into the intertwined cultures of Egypt and Canaan.
“Scarabs were incredibly important in the Middle Bronze Age,” explained Ben-Tor. “They were often used as seals and amulets and were found in graves, homes, and public buildings. Their symbolism went beyond simple decoration, they conveyed religious beliefs, social status, and personal identity.” The scarab, shaped like a dung beetle, was regarded in ancient Egypt as a symbol of creation, renewal, and the divine. It was believed to be a representation of the Creator God and had a powerful protective quality. Though originating in Egypt, scarabs eventually spread throughout the ancient world, becoming iconic symbols that bridged various cultures.
This particular scarab was discovered at the foot of Tel Azekah, a site famous for its archaeological richness. Known for its historical significance, Tel Azekah has yielded evidence of multiple civilisations, including remnants from the Judahite Kingdom. Excavations here have also uncovered structures dating back to the biblical period, with the site famously associated with the battle between David and Goliath, as recounted in the Book of Samuel. The discovery of Ziv’s scarab adds another layer to the growing collection of Egyptian and Canaanite artefacts found at the site, reinforcing the deep cultural connections between the two ancient civilisations.
Professor Oded Lipschits, director of the Tel Aviv University excavation at Tel Azekah, highlighted the importance of the scarab’s discovery. “The artefact further supports the notion that Egypt’s influence on Canaan was profound during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages,” he said. “It is a testament to the shared history and interactions between these two mighty ancient cultures.”
Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu marvelled at how such an important artefact was uncovered by a child. “This scarab is not only a link to ancient civilisations, but it also serves as a reminder that history is within reach for everyone, even the youngest among us.”
The scarab, along with other Egyptian artefacts, will be featured in a special Passover exhibition showcasing the deep-rooted cultural ties between Egypt and Israel. This unique exhibition will allow the public to appreciate ancient seals, ritual vessels, statues, and other items that underscore Egypt’s enduring influence on the Land of Israel.

Amulets: Ancient symbols of faith and fashion

The discovery of Ziv’s scarab reminds us that while amulets have always had deep spiritual and religious significance, they’ve also played a crucial role in fashioning personal identity and status. Throughout history, amulets were not just protective talismans but also fashionable accessories, proudly worn by the elite to signal their faith, wealth, and cultural standing.

In ancient Egypt, the scarab was one of the most iconic symbols. Carved from precious stones or metals, scarabs were often worn as jewellery, making them both a spiritual and fashionable accessory. Their symbolism -representing creation, rebirth, and divine protection – made them highly prized by Egyptians, who believed they could bring good fortune and ward off evil. These amulets were often worn as pendants, rings, or seals, serving not only as symbols of devotion but also as markers of social position.
As ancient Egyptian culture spread, so did the scarab. Canaanites, Greeks, and Romans adopted the beetle-shaped amulet, incorporating it into their own rituals and jewellery collections. In many cultures, amulets were worn as much for their aesthetic appeal as for their protective qualities. In fact, many individuals would wear these charms in prominent places, around their necks, wrists, or even as hair accessories – ensuring they were visible to others.
Today, the tradition of amulets continues, with modern jewellery designers often drawing inspiration from these ancient symbols. The scarab, in particular, has made its way into contemporary collections, proving that even in the world of high fashion, the combination of spirituality and style is as timeless as ever. Whether as a safeguard against misfortune or a statement piece, amulets remain a beautiful fusion of tradition, faith, and fashion, bridging the past and present.

Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 globally in the January to March quarter [File]
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

Tesla sales fell 13% in the first three months of the year, another sign that Elon Musk’s once high-flying car company is struggling to attract buyers.

The leading electric vehicle maker has faced a growing backlash from Musk’s embrace of right-wing politics and his role in the Trump administration. Opponents have staged protests at Tesla showrooms in the U.S. and in Europe, where the sales declines have been steeper.

Tesla’s line-up is aging, and some consumers may have held off from buying its bestselling Model Y while waiting for an updated version. The Austin, Texas, company also faces fierce competition from other EV makers offering vastly improved models, including those of China’s BYD.

Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 globally in the January to March quarter. The figure was down from sales of 387,000 in the same period a year ago. The decline came despite deep discounts, zero financing and other incentives and could be a warning that the company’s first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.

Dan Ives of Wedbush said Wall Street financial analysts knew the first quarter was likely bad, but turned out even worse than expected. He called the sales results a “disaster on every metric.”

“The brand crisis issues are clearly having a negative impact on Tesla…there is no debate,” he said.

Musk has been President Donald Trump’s point man in his effort to cut government spending. As criticism of Musk mounted and Tesla’s sales and stock price slumped, Trump last month held an extraordinary press conference outside the White House in which he praised Tesla, blasted boycotts against the company and bought a Tesla himself while TV cameras rolled.

Tesla investors have complained Musk’s work at the Department of Government Efficiency has diverted his focus from running Tesla. On Tuesday, New York City’s comptroller overseeing pension funds holding Tesla stock called for a lawsuit accusing a distracted Musk of “driving Tesla off a financial cliff.”

After falling as much as 6% in early Wednesday, Tesla stock shot up more than 5% on indications that Musk may soon return his attention to Tesla. Politico, citing anonymous sources, reported Trump has told Cabinet members that Musk will step back from his role at DOGE in coming weeks.

Tesla’s stock has plunged by roughly half since hitting a mid-December record as expectations of a lighter regulatory touch and big profits with Donald Trump as president were replaced by fear that the boycott of Musk’s cars and other problems could hit the company hard. Analysts are still not sure exactly how much the fall in sales is due to the protests or other factors.

Still, even bullish financial analysts who earlier downplayed the backlash to Musk’s polarizing political stances are saying it is hurting the company, something that Musk also recently acknowledged.

“This is a very expensive job,” Musk said at a Wisconsin rally on Sunday, referring to his DOGE role. “My Tesla stock and the stock of everyone who holds Tesla has gone roughly in half.”

Tesla cars have been smashed and set on fire in recent weeks, and protests have been staged at hundreds of Tesla dealerships. Owners have put bumper stickers on their cars saying, “I bought this before Elon went crazy.”

Europeans have also balked at buying Tesla, especially Germans upset after Musk publicly supported a far-right party in national elections and gave what many say was a Nazi salute at a Trump inauguration rally in January.

Tesla is expected to report earnings of 48 cents per share for the first quarter later this month, up 7% from a year earlier, according to a survey of financial analysts by research firm FactSet.

Nearly all of Tesla’s sales in the quarter came from the smaller and less-expensive Models 3 and Y, with the company selling less than 13,000 more expensive models, which include X and S as well as the Cybertruck.

A viral video shared by a Pune-based makeup artist, Pritam Juzar Kothawala, has sparked a fierce debate online after she demonstrated how to fake accident scars as a way to get work excuses. The video, intended as a light-hearted skit, has been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing her of encouraging unethical behaviour in the workplace.

Kothawala posted the video on her Instagram account, describing it as harmless entertainment, specifically targeting IT professionals who she claimed struggle to secure time off from work. In the first video, she showcased a step-by-step process for creating realistic-looking scars, humorously suggesting that “IT managers are advised not to watch this.” The caption emphasized that the content was not meant to be taken seriously and was solely for fun. In the video, Kothawala openly encouraged viewers to share the post, humorously suggesting they keep it hidden from their bosses.
“Here’s a little trick for all those IT professionals who need a break but can’t get leave,” Kothawala said in the video, further cementing the notion that the tutorial was designed for entertainment. However, as the video quickly gained traction and went viral, some viewers began to raise questions about the ethics behind her suggestion.

As the debate escalated, viewers began asking how they could maintain the illusion of the fake scars once they returned to work. In response, Kothawala posted a follow-up video, offering a “solution” to keep the charade going. In this video, she demonstrated how to reapply the makeup to refresh the fake injuries, jokingly referring to it as a “jugaad” (hack) for when the leave period was over.
Despite Kothawala’s insistence that the videos were purely for fun, the backlash was swift and intense. Many social media users criticized her for promoting dishonesty and irresponsibility, particularly in a professional setting. Some called the content unethical, with one user commenting, “Sorry but not funny. This is so cheap and unethical.” Another user wrote, “This is not funny at all. It sets a dangerous precedent, encouraging dishonesty in the workplace.” A third user expressed concern, stating, “This is a disgraceful attempt to undermine trust between employees and employers.”
While Kothawala’s intention was to entertain, the videos have sparked an ongoing conversation about the potential consequences of promoting behaviour that undermines workplace ethics. The debate continues to highlight the fine line between humour and responsibility, especially in the digital age, where content can easily influence public perception and behaviour.

Kareena Kapoor turned heads at Rujuta Diwekar’s book launch, showcasing her effortlessly chic style while supporting the nutritionist. Known for her laid-back yet polished fashion choices, Kareena once again proved her sartorial prowess with a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. She paired an Indian-inspired print with a contemporary wardrobe staple, elevating the look with simple but striking details. Let’s dive into her outfit and explore some key takeaways from this effortlessly stylish ensemble.

After gracing the red carpet at Vivienne Westwood’s show at the Gateway of India and stunning onlookers in Manish Malhotra’s creations at the fashion week, Kareena took a refreshing detour from her usual glam game. Opting for something more relaxed, she embraced a casual yet stylish outfit for the book launch, proving that even the most casual looks can have a touch of elegance. Dressed in a purple Bandhani shirt, she once again demonstrated her ability to blend comfort with high fashion.
At the event, Kareena turned heads in a tie-dye Bandhani shirt by Yesha Sant, priced at Rs 6,499. The shirt, featuring intricate Rabari Tribe artistry, was the perfect choice for such a cultural gathering. Its billowy, drop-shoulder design added an effortless, chic vibe to her ensemble.

Kareena paired her vibrant purple shirt with high-waisted, light-wash, straight-leg jeans, creating a fitted yet comfortable silhouette. The fusion of Indian prints with classic denim showcased how versatile ethnic designs can be in everyday wear. Had she opted for a plain purple shirt, the look would not have had the same fashionable impact, highlighting the beauty of adding traditional prints to modern outfits.
For accessories, Kareena kept it understated yet elegant. She chose black stone opal earrings, framed in gold, which added a touch of sophistication. A diamond ring and a vintage-inspired silver watch, featuring a small rectangular dial with a black leather strap, completed her ensemble, giving it an old-world charm. Classic square sunglasses and light-tan pointed-toe stilettos gave her a glam-chic edge, further elevating the casual outfit.
Kareena’s makeup was fresh and dewy, with a glowing base, subtle blush, and muted nude-pink lips, completing the clean-girl aesthetic. Her hair was styled in a sleek, centre-parted, straight look, giving her an effortlessly polished appearance.
Whether she’s donning glamorous gowns or mastering casual chic, Kareena Kapoor proves time and again that versatility is her style game, and she nails it every time. This Indo-fusion look is the perfect balance of traditional charm and contemporary elegance.

As per online sources, on April 27, the Super New Moon will take place, marking a time when the Moon is closest to Earth. While the new moon itself won’t be visible, its absence makes for ideal stargazing conditions. With no moonlight to interfere, it’s a great chance to spot distant stars, galaxies, and nebulae. For astrophotographers, this is the perfect time to capture stunning images of the dark sky.

At this point, we all are well aware that walking is majorly considered one of the simplest forms of exercise. But the secret to making it more effective isn’t about walking more—it’s about walking smarter. The 5-4-5 walking formula is an easy-to-follow and powerful routine that adds structure and intensity to a daily walk, turning it into a longevity-boosting workout.

This method blends short bursts of running, a relaxed walk, and a brisk-paced segment in a cycle that maximises health benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and even enhances mood—without requiring gym equipment or long hours of exercise.

Here’s how this formula works and why it’s worth incorporating into a daily routine.

Key life lessons for future success

Successful children acquire important life skills at an early age, such as discipline, resilience, and emotional intelligence. These traits mold their attitude, enabling them to overcome obstacles, gain confidence, and attain long-term success in life.

If you have black eyes, your personality shows that you are trustworthy, intuitive, responsible, loyal, and hardworking. You take your responsibilities seriously and always put in your best effort. Your strong work ethic, combined with your practical and optimistic attitude, makes you stand out. You are determined to prove your worth and make a difference in the world.

You are a born leader. Because of this you are confident in taking charge and making decisions, and people feel you are dependable and practical. However, you don’t easily share your thoughts or feelings with others, which adds a sense of mystery to your personality. While you may keep things to yourself, your actions speak louder than words, showing your dedication and strength.

Your combination of hard work, confidence, and loyalty makes you a person that others admire and respect. Even if you don’t always express everything openly, those who know you appreciate your depth and reliability.

On Wednesday, the American Supreme Court ruled that the Food and Drug Administration acted lawfully in rejecting applications from two manufacturers of flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes. In a unanimous decision written by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., the justices upheld the F.D.A order that prohibited retailers from marketing flavoured tobacco products.
Why so? Well, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, a 2009 law requires makers of new tobacco products to obtain authorization from the F.D.A and their applications must present that their products are “appropriate for the protection of the public health.”

What makes an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes, vapes or electronic cigarettes use a battery to heat up a special liquid into an aerosol that the users inhale. The juice that makes up an e-cigarette usually contains nicotine (extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol, carcinogens acrolein, diacetyl, heavy metals such as nickel, tin, lead, cadmium, benzene and more.

Who are the consumers of e-cigarettes in the US?

In 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco products among middle and high school students in the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1.63M students claimed to use cigarettes at the time with 410,000 being middle school students and 1.21M being high school students. While some used disposable e-cigarettes, others preferred prefilled or refillable pods, cartridges, tanks and mod systems. The most popular brands were Elf Bar, Breeze, and Mr. Fog.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine

While they are also used to deliver other drugs like cannabis and marijuana, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Acute exposure to nicotine can be toxic and one can be poisoned by swallowing, breathing or absorbing vaping liquid through the skin or eyes. Additionally, nicotine can harm brain development which continues till the age of 25. This can harm parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control.

E-cigarettes contain aerosol

E-cigarettes produce aerosols which are a mix of small particles released in the air. By heating a liquid containing nicotine or some other flavour and chemicals E-cigarettes produce aerosol that the user inhales into their lungs. While aerosols contain nicotine, cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals such as nickel, tin, lead, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and flavourings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.

Health risks from e-cigarettes

In January 2018, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine released a consensus study report based on a review of 800 different studies. Its report stated that there was moderate evidence that youth who consumed e-cigarettes were at increased risk for cough and wheezing and an increase in asthma exacerbations. A study from the University of North Carolina found that the two primary ingredients in e-cigarettes- propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine are toxic to cells. They also contain acrolein, a herbicide used to kill weeds which can cause lung injury and COPD.