Life & Style

7 secret underground cities around the world you can actually visit



RÉSO in Canada can be considered one of the most modern underground cities in the world. Stretching over 20 miles under the city of Québec, the underground city was originally created in the 1960s to provide relief from the brutal winters but was later rebranded in 2004. It is now a popular tourist spot with over 2000 stores, 200 restaurants, theatres, art galleries, a library and more.





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What? Prince Harry almost ended up with a Kardashian before meeting Meghan Markle — Here’s how


What? Prince Harry almost ended up with a Kardashian before meeting Meghan Markle -- Here's how

Hold onto your teacups, because Prince Harry’s love life almost took a seriously wild turn — and it didn’t involve Meghan Markle!
Comedian Katherine Ryan just spilled some tea, revealing that before Harry met Meghan, she actually tried to set him up with none other than Kourtney Kardashian. Yep, you read that right — a royal and a Kardashian! Here’s what a report by Hello! reveals:

What could have happened if Harry met Kardashian instead

Kourtney Kardashian

Katherine Ryan recently revealed, as per reports, that back in 2016, she was at a party hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr. When she walked in and she was surprised to immediately notice Kourtney Kardashian hanging out with Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry’s cousin. “I saw Kourtney with Princess Beatrice and just made a beeline for her… I’m obsessed with the Kardashians, so obviously I was starstruck,” Katherine said.
At the time, Kourtney was still in her messy on-again, off-again situation with Scott Disick, with whom she has three children. Katherine met Kourtney, and advised her, “You need to leave Scott!”. But Kourtney was still in two-minds, as she replied, “How can I? He’s in my house right now.” To this Katherine had told her not to go back home.
Somewhere between the cocktails and the drama, Katherine came up with the thought of fixing up newly-single Prince Harry with Kourtney Kardashian. This could have been the perfect– Royal family, meet Reality TV Royalty– moment!

Kardashians and Jenners

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But, there’s no confirmation that Katherine ever actually pitched the idea to Harry or managed a formal intro between the duo.

When fate had other plans for Harry

Instead, fate had other plans for Prince Harry and later that year, he spotted met Meghan Markle— and the rest is royal history. Although Harry and Meghan have long said they met on a “blind date,” Harry later admitted in his memoir ‘Spare’ that he had definitely seen her pictures before on Instagram.
Meghan and Harry’s matchmaker is widely believed to be Violet von Westenholz, though there’s been a bit of buzz that Meghan’s designer pal Misha Nonoo had a hand too. Either way, Prince Harry and Meghan hit it off instantly and got married in 2018. In 2020, the couple announced their big exit from the UK royal family as senior members and shifted to California, USA where they are now living an independent life with their two adorable children– Archie and Lilibet.
As for Kourtney? She found her happily ever after too, marrying Travis Barker in 2022.
History could have been SO different… but honestly, we’re still obsessed with what almost happened.

Prince Harry UNFILTERED: Drops RARE Business Bombshell About Meghan Markle





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The untold story of Hadi Rani: Why the Rajput Queen from Mewar beheaded herself


The untold story of Hadi Rani: Why the Rajput Queen from Mewar beheaded herself

Royals and their extraordinary lives have always fascinated people. Be it their stories of courage and victory or their oppulent lives, they continue to grab people’s attention even today. History is filled with stories of royals who lost their lives when empires crumbled. But have you ever heard of a queen who chose to behead herself — not out of defeat, but out of love, honour, and sacrifice?
Here’s the unforgettable story of Hadi Rani, the Rajput Queen from Mewar whose act of courage still echoes through the deserts of Rajasthan.

The lesser-known story of Hadi Rani

At a time when Rajasthan was soaked in the blood of battles, when honour and duty were heavier than life itself, Hadi Rani made a choice that would stun generations to come. She was the daughter of Hada Chauhan Rajput Sangram Singh and the newlywed wife of Rawat Ratan Singh, a valiant chieftain of Mewar.
According to legends, just days after their marriage, Rawat Ratan Singh was called to lead his forces against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s armies. Torn between his love for his new wife and his duty to his people and land, he hesitated. Sensing her husband’s conflict to choose between her and Mewar, Hadi Rani did something unthinkable — something only a heart fueled by immense love and fierce patriotism could endure.
She believed she was holding her husband back from his duty to their people. And so, she severed her own head, got it placed on a plate by a servant, and sent it to her husband as the memento he had requested to take with him at war.
When the King lifted the cloth and saw her lifeless face, his soul shattered — yet her final sacrifice filled him with unbreakable resolve. He tied her hair and head around his neck like sacred armour, charged into battle with fearless might, and fulfilled his duty to fight for his people and save them from the Mughals. But once the war got over, grief consumed him. Without his wife, life felt hollow for Rawat Ratan Singh. He knelt, drew his sword, and followed her into death.

Hadi Rani’s legacy

Hadi Rani’s sacrifice is not just a legend — it is Rajasthan’s living soul.
Even today, her spirit breathes in the folk songs sung by village storytellers, in the textbooks that teach children about true devotion, and in the heroic ballads that float through the dry winds of the desert. The Hadi Rani Ki Baori in Todaraisingh stands as a timeless tribute to her bravery. The Rajasthan Police even named a women’s battalion after her — the Hadi Rani Mahila Battalion — honouring her as the epitome of courage and loyalty.
There were also plans for a Bollywood movie based on her life, it was later shelved following Padmavati’s controversy.

Madhuri Dixit’s Husband Drops Relationship Truth Bomb





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Can’t wait for Dan Da Dan season 2? Here are 5 anime to hold you over



After a long wait, the second season of the Japanese manga series Dan Da Dan, written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, has finally been announced along with a new trailer. The story follows two teenagers with extraordinary abilities as they, along with their allies, battle aliens and yōkai. Dan Da Dan season 2 is set to release in July 2025. If the wait feels too long, here’s a look at 5 anime like Dan Da Dan to keep you entertained in the meantime.

Can’t wait for Dan Da Dan season 2? Here are 5 anime to hold you over

Mob Psycho 100 – Netflix

It has often been discussed by fans that Dan Da Dan and Mob Psycho 100 are among the easiest to compare. Teenagers with extraordinary psychic powers are at the heart of both stories. Just like Momo and Okarun in Dan Da Dan, Mob is a shy boy with incredible psychic abilities in Mob Psycho 100.

One-Punch Man – Crunchyroll

The artist ONE is the creator of the Japanese anime and manga series One-Punch Man. It centers on Saitama, a rather regular-looking man who transforms into a superhero and, as the name implies, is able to destroy the enemy in “One Punch.”

Gintama – Crunchyroll

Both Gintama and Dan Da Dan incorporate a great deal of humour. A Japanese manga series and anime adaptation, Gintama is renowned for its distinctive fusion of humour, science fiction, and historical fiction. It tells the tale of Gintoki Sakata, a freelancer and ronin who lives in the alien-invaded metropolis of Edo.

Cowboy Bebop – Netflix

Set in 2071, the series spanned 26 episodes and chronicled the life of a roaming bounty-hunting crew onboard the Bebop starship. Director Shinichirō Watanabe, author Keiko Nobumoto, character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto, and other members of the production crew led Sunrise’s creation and animation of the anime.

Sakamoto Days – Netflix

Sakamoto Days may become your favorite show to watch if you enjoy humour. Both Sakamoto Days and Dan Da Dan are jam-packed with action-filled, heart-pounding sequences. While Sakamoto Days combines humorous moments with dramatic action, Dan Da Dan is known for its ridiculous, often slapstick humor throughout supernatural events.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.



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Nose vs mouth: Which way we breathe can affect our heart, brain, and lungs


Nose vs mouth: Which way we breathe can affect our heart, brain, and lungs

Most of us breathe without giving it a second thought. However, how we breathe, whether we breathe through our nose or mouth, can make a huge difference to our health. Heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London has explained the difference in a video on social media, presenting the science behind why it is much better to breathe through your nose than your mouth. From soothing the nervous system to enhancing cardiovascular health, the advantages of breathing through the nose extend beyond mere air entry into the lungs.

Activates the parasympathetic nervous system

One of the greatest advantages of breathing through the nose is that it can activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is sometimes called the “rest and digest” mode of the body. When triggered, it decelerates the heart rate and decreases blood pressure, inducing a feeling of relaxation and calmness. This is different from the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” response, which is easily activated by mouth breathing. Through nasal breathing, one can transition the body into a relaxed and balanced state.

Nasal breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system

Increases the production of nitric oxide

Another important advantage of breathing through the nose is the stimulation of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a molecule that is made in the nasal cavities and is only present when one breathes through the nose. The molecule is important for cardiovascular health. It opens up blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the rest of the body. Better circulation results in oxygen and nutrients being transported more effectively to tissues, and also assists in lowering blood pressure. Mouth breathing skips this critical function altogether, forgoing the natural advantages associated with nasal breathing.

Enhances oxygen efficiency

As you breathe through your nose, your body becomes more effective at utilizing the oxygen you breathe in. The oxygen is filtered, slowed down, and heated while traveling through the nasal passages, giving the lungs extra time to pull in oxygen. With increased oxygenation efficiency, your heart has less workload, so it doesn’t have to work as hard to deliver oxygenated blood to the body. In the long run, this can result in diminished cardiovascular stress and enhanced endurance and energy levels.

As you breathe in through your nose, your body becomes more effective at utilizing the oxygen that you breathe in

Filters and humidifies the air

The nose is also a natural filter. Small hairs and mucus in the nostrils catch dust, allergens, and disease agents before they have a chance to enter the lungs. Beyond filtering, the nose moistens the air, making it easier on the respiratory system. Mouth breathing, in contrast, lets dry, unfiltered air flow directly into the lungs, possibly irritating, inflaming, and making them more susceptible to infections. By decreasing this load on the lungs, nose breathing also indirectly promotes the health of the heart and blood vessels.

Overall cardiovascular benefits

Considering all of these things, it’s evident that breathing through the nose is a global benefit for the cardiovascular system. It not only decreases heart rate and blood pressure but also avoids putting unnecessary strain on both the heart and lungs. For those interested in controlling stress, maintaining good heart health, or even optimizing sports performance, taking the conscious choice to breathe through the nose can be of real benefit.
In short, nose-breathing is not a small habit, it’s a powerful health tool. As Dr. Jeremy London describes it, it has a major function in soothing the body, enhancing circulation, making oxygen more efficient, and reducing the strain of breathing. Making a small change in your breathing can have long-term benefits on your body and mind. So the next time you catch yourself taking a deep breath, take it through your nose. Your body will be grateful.





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It’s official: Shah Rukh Khan to make his historic Met Gala debut in 2025 with Sabyasachi! |


It's official: Shah Rukh Khan to make his historic Met Gala debut in 2025 with Sabyasachi!

Get ready for a seismic moment in fashion history! As the world counts down to Met Gala 2025, set for May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, an electrifying announcement has just shaken up the global style scene. Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s undisputed King of Hearts, is officially making his first-ever appearance on the iconic Met Gala red carpet. And that’s not all, the superstar will be joining forces with India’s most celebrated designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, for a collaboration that’s already being called historic.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and its official dress code, “Tailored for You,” promise a night that will celebrate craftsmanship, personal storytelling, and fashion as an art form. With Hollywood A-listers and global tastemakers preparing to bring their best to the red carpet, Shah Rukh’s debut is poised to be one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.
The buzz first began when fashion watchdog Diet Sabya dropped a cryptic Instagram post, teasing, “STOP THE PRESSES!!! The impossible just happened! Two titans of their craft, the greatest Bollywood superstar and the biggest designer of our generation-are joining forces for their Met Gala 2025 debut… HISTORY in the making!”

Poll

Do you think Shah Rukh Khan will steal the spotlight at Met Gala 2025?

Soon after, the suspense ended with confirmation: Shah Rukh Khan would be stepping onto the Met Gala steps for the very first time, dressed by none other than Sabyasachi. The announcement by Diet Sabya

Shah Rukh Khan

The “King Khan” of Bollywood, a global superstar, has also been a victim of shocking death hoaxes that have spread rapidly through digital channels. Fake news articles or fabricated social media posts claiming his demise have surfaced on several occasions, causing distress and confusion among his millions of fans worldwide. One such fake news that created a commotion among the fans was the news of the death of the star in a plane crash through a report released by a European News channel that announced the breaking news of his demise. The news was later said to be untrue with the actor himself clarifying his well-being. Reports also suggest that these hoaxes are likely to be a result of his intense fame making him a target for such sensational and untrue reports.

immediately set the internet on fire, with fans and fashion enthusiasts flooding Reddit threads, Instagram comments, and Twitter feeds with excitement.
This move not only cements Bollywood’s growing dominance at the Met Gala, following the trail blazed by Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt but also signals a fresh era where Indian craftsmanship and global celebrity truly collide on the world’s most prestigious red carpet.
Adding to the excitement, actress Kiara Advani is also rumoured to make her Met Gala debut this year, possibly flaunting her baby bump in what’s expected to be another showstopping moment for India on the global stage. But for now, all eyes are firmly on Shah Rukh Khan and Sabyasachi, two icons whose collaboration promises to be nothing short of legendary.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan

Mark your calendars: May 5, 2025, is about to be a night for the history books. Fashion, fandom, and film royalty are about to meet in a way we’ve never seen before!





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In frames | A town that weaves gold


A town that took shape in stealth during a time of revolt within the princely state of Travancore roughly between 1798 and 1810, Balaramapuram in present-day Kerala has secured a unique brand name for its handloom dhotis and saris.

The town in Thiruvananthapuram district was named after a former ruler of Travancore, Avittam Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, who was instrumental in developing it as a handloom weaving hub.

Families of skilled handloom weavers were brought from parts of Salem and other small towns in modern-day Tamil Nadu to Travancore during his reign and given land and other resources to set up their weaving units. They were tasked specifically with making special handwoven cloth for the royal family.

Originally, skilled workers belonging to the Shaliya caste were brought in and soon a textile revolution started taking shape with Balaramapuram at its centre. Taking advantage of this growth, more settlers who had migrated to Balaramapuram for supporting jobs within the industry, slowly started learning the craft to set up their own small-scale units to cater to the market.

Today, powerlooms have taken over the industry, with even small home-based manufacturers forced to acquire powerlooms that are faster and can meet the seasonal sales demand.

Shaktivel, a craftsman from Coimbatore, migrated to Balaramapuram 15 years ago, enticed by the opportunities that the industry has offered for generations. Although he is a skilled handloom weaver, Shaktivel now works at a small-scale powerloom manufacturing unit with eight devices set up by a former traditional weaving family in Balaramapuram.

Soft texture

“It is the traditional method of crafting what we call the ‘ Unakkapaavu dhotis ’ that brought business to Balaramapuram. It is an intricate method where naturally processed cotton is hand-stretched and sun-dried before it is woven. This method uses natural non-chemical starches and is priced higher in the market for its soft texture that lasts,” says history professor Joy Balan Vlathangara, who hails from Vlathangara, a village next to Balaramapuram town.

Balaramapuram textiles are celebrated in the market today for its unique brand identity, but gone are the days when handloom weavers were celebrated as skilled artists.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Midas touch: A kasavu sari being woven on a traditional handloom in Balaramapuram.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Changing times: Shaktivel, a handloom weaver from Coimbatore, now works in a home-based powerloom unit in Balaramapuram.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Carrying on the legacy: Women work at a small-scale handloom weaving unit in Balaramapuram.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Adding a shine: Golden threads used for kasavu (border) weaving seen at a cottage industry unit.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Cog in the loom: Many independent home-based weavers still continue their work.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Precise craft: A worker carefully weaves a kasavu sari on a traditional device.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Practised routine: The traditional handloom, called kuzhi thari or pit loom, where workers stand in a pit to operate the device.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

In tune: The movement of a loom is a graceful, repetitive motion that reflects the weaver’s skill. It works by holding the warp threads — the long, vertical threads — under tension so that weft threads (the horizontal ones) can be woven through them.

Photo:
Nirmal Harindran

Parts from the past: Local historian and antiques collector V.J. Abey scouting for old machinery and weaving tools at a home-based powerloom unit in Balaramapuram.



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7 laws of life that help in personal and professional journey



In life, it is important to maintain a balance between personal and professional growth. Personal growth can come in the form of better emotional understanding, healthier habits, having a balance between good food and outside food, and the likes. And in the professional journey, it comes in the form of meetings, financial ladders, better deals, more profits, and the likes. And always, there are individual ways in which people achieve these goals and work towards them. But sometimes, there are some common ways to achieve and attract the right things in life, both personal and professional, and many term these ways as the ‘laws of life’. Here we mention some of them.





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​For stronger immunity, pair Vitamin D supplement with this​



When you take a Vitamin D supplement, your body doesn’t use it immediately. It has to convert it into an active form that can help your cells fight off viruses, bacteria, and inflammation. This conversion process heavily depends on magnesium. Without enough of it, the Vitamin D you’re taking might just be sitting idle in your system, not doing much. “A combined magnesium and vitamin D treatment may be more effective in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations compared with vitamin D supplement alone in the overweight or obese population,” a 2022 study had found.

And here’s the shocking fact—most of us are unknowingly low on magnesium too! Blame it on processed foods, stressful lifestyles, too much caffeine, and not enough greens in our diet. Magnesium hides in foods like leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and even dark chocolate. But the way we eat today, it’s pretty easy to fall short.





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