Life & Style

After stepping down from their duties as senior member of the UK royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been trying their luck in different fields– be it their documentary ‘Harry & Meghan’, Prince Harry’s explosive autobiography ‘Spare’, or Meghan ‘Duchess’ Markle’s new TV show, lifestyle brand, and podcast. However, despite their attempts to make shows or being one of the most popular celebrity names, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly feeling left out of Hollywood’s inner circle!
Radar Online reported that the couple has quietly started looking into why they’re being snubbed and are turning to their trusted celebrity friends like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres for support and advice.
The tipping point? Their Netflix docuseries ‘Harry & Meghan’ was a major hit — racking up over 81.6 million viewing hours in just four days — yet it didn’t receive a single Emmy nomination. That seems to have not gone down well with the duo. And it’s left the Sussexes wondering if someone in the industry is working against them behind the scenes.
To make matters worse, Meghan’s recent podcast, ‘Confessions of a Female Founder, ‘ didn’t land well with critics, and her lifestyle show ‘With Love, Meghan’ also faced a lot of criticism by viewers. Insiders say Meghan may even be quietly keeping a list — jokingly referred to as a “burn book” — of those who’ve been unsupportive or critical of their work.
Despite not wanting to come off as sore losers, sources claim Harry and Meghan suspect there may be a coordinated effort to harm their image — and they’re turning to allies like Oprah and Ellen to help them get to the bottom of it and rebuild their Hollywood reputation.
In other news, the buzz is that Prince Harry was recently in London, UK for a rare court appearance. Interestingly, it happened to be his father, King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 20th wedding anniversary (April 9, 2025). It is noted that Prince Harry had landed just a few hours before King Charles and Queen Camilla left for Italy, but Harry and his father King Charles did not meet!
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan continue living in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet- while trying to find their footing in Hollywood.

Image credits: FaceBook/Councilman Anand Shah

An Indian-origin councilman, Anand Shah was arrested with 39 others in a case of racketeering, money laundering and other offences related to an illegal gambling scheme which netted more than $3 million in illegal profits, as per the news agency AP.
Shah, 42, managed illegal poker games and an online sports book as a part of a gambling ring allegedly run out of restaurants across the Garden State, said the officials on Friday.

Image credits: X/@2_F_I_B

Anand Shah who hails from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad was a local business owner and resident in Prospect Park, New Jersey. For more than 15 years, he owned the franchise of Papa John’s Pizza and Subway along with 14 other restaurants, as per a 2016 interview published on northjersey (dot) com. He began his journey in business by owning a Subway in West Orange at 18 which was bought by his father, who owned an accounting business and invested the family’s savings into the purchase. Shah described himself as a business-savvy person.
Shah is reportedly the first Indian-American to be elected to the New Jersey borough council from Passaic County.

Shah’s arrest was part of a two-year-long investigation that revealed illegal operations in Woodland Park, Garfield and Totowa. Amongst the 39 people arrested were also members of the high-ranking Lucchese crime family. The cops raided four illegal poker clubs connected to the family, two of which were run out of the backrooms of the restaurants. They also searched a business in Paterson that stored gambling machines and the homes of seven other people involved in the operation.

Image credits: Canva

The entire gambling ring had hierarchies that ensured smooth functioning. As per officials, there were high-level managers who delegated the daily tasks, low-level managers who collected the rent from the poker game hosts, and the hosts, also known as house, who recruited their own players, provided food and beverages to host the games and financially stake them.

Shah has been charged with racketeering, money laundering and conspiracy to promote gambling for which he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. According to the officials, Shah is not accused of using his office to carry out the crimes and is not accused of being a made member of the mafia, but an associate of it. He will be presented in the Morris County Court on Tuesday.

(Image: https://x.com/SilverScholar15)

We all grew up hearing the story of Cinderella—the beautiful girl rescued from a life of misery by a charming prince. But beneath the glittering fantasy of this beautiful tale lies a deeply rooted psychological pattern. In 1981, American author and psychotherapist Colette Dowling gave the syndrome the name of “Cinderella Complex” to define a state of mind in which women have an unconscious wish to be cared for by others, and in particular by a strong male one.
This psychological syndrome is about the subtle and often unconscious fear of independence that many women struggle with—despite their education, capabilities, and achievements.

The Cinderella Complex refers to a woman’s hidden fear of independence and an unconscious wish to be saved or cared for. It reflects a dependency mindset, where a woman may feel insecure about standing on her own and instead looks for a partner to provide emotional and financial security.

(Image: https://x.com/rella234091/)

Colette Dowling investigated the Cinderella Complex in her bestseller “The Cinderella Complex: Women’s Hidden Fear of Independence.” She noticed that even successful women inwardly struggled with self-doubt and dependence. Dowling believed that these tendencies weren’t necessarily a part of women’s nature, but socially conditioned by childhood fairy tales, gender roles, and patriarchal norms. Girls are taught to be nurturing, fragile, and compliant. Boys are taught to be assertive, ambitious, and independent, by contrast. Over time, such messages become internalized, reinforcing how women see themselves and their place in society and relationships.Women with this complex tend to avoid assuming leadership, worry about becoming financially independent, wait for a partner to impart purpose or direction to their lives, underestimate their own abilities and require constant approval or protection. It’s a subliminal assumption that things will somehow sort themselves out if the right individual (typically a man) shows up.
At first glance, it may seem like the Cinderella Complex is outdated. Today, women are physicians, CEOs, astronauts, and business owners. Education and feminism have made countless women all over the world self-assured. However, the complex remains particularly in those cultures that place high value on traditional family roles. In countries like India, for instance, despite rising literacy and financial independence among women, societal pressure to “settle down” still pushes many into conforming to traditional roles—even when it conflicts with their desires or goals. Even highly accomplished women sometimes find themselves struggling with guilt over wanting “too much” autonomy or success. The social expectation of being a “perfect wife” or “selfless mother” can re-trigger old patterns of dependency and hence the Cinderella Complex Syndrome.

The Cinderella Complex isn’t a clinical diagnosis but rather a psychological pattern influenced by early childhood experiences, cultural narratives, and traditional gender norms.
Girls are often rewarded for being quiet, obedient, and dependent. Many are discouraged from being “too ambitious” or “too independent.” This early conditioning can lead to internalized beliefs like: “I need someone to take care of me.” “It’s not safe to be on my own.” “If I’m too strong, I’ll scare people away.”
Some women may hesitate to pursue independence out of fear that they won’t succeed or that others will disapprove. Choosing dependence can feel like the “safer” path.

Not every woman experiences this syndrome the same way, but some signs may include constant need for validation from a partner, fear of living alone or managing life independently, avoiding assertive decisions or leadership roles, fantasizing about being “saved” from problems, believing your life will start “after marriage”, financial dependency despite having the means to be self-sufficient and guilty when prioritizing your own dreams or career.

Recognizing the pattern is the first step toward change. Here’s how women can break free from the Cinderella mindset:

The Cinderella Complex is not weakness—it’s a result of deep-rooted conditioning that has been inherited over the generations. Authentic empowerment is not found in being rescued, but in rescuing yourself—building a life where you are the hero of your own narrative.

Earlier this morning, a widespread outage of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) disrupted digital transactions, with numerous users reporting issues with the instant payment system. According to DownDetector, a platform that tracks service disruptions based on user reports, problems with UPI began around 11:26 AM. The outage peaked at around 11:41 AM, with over 222 reports of digital payment issues.

Users express frustration
Users on social media platform X expressed frustration as they encountered difficulties making payments on platforms like Paytm and Google Pay. One user noted, “UPI is down again today, all payments are failing. There should at least be prior notification in case of a planned outage.”
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has not yet confirmed the status of the outage, and the issue remains unresolved. This marks the sixth major UPI outage in the past year.

In quick succession
Last month as well, UPI services came to an abrupt halt, leaving millions of users stuck while trying to make daily payments. From buying a snack to paying for a ride home, people were frustrated and helpless as their favorite payment apps– PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm– were down.

What happened?
What should have been a normal Wednesday turned into a nationwide digital crisis last month. People were unable to make payments or even log into their payment apps, causing widespread frustration. Whether you were trying to buy groceries, pay for a ride, or send money to a friend, the failure of UPI was causing problems everywhere.

Hilarious tweets and memes flood social media
As the situation unfolded, social media was buzzing with reactions– most of them hilarious, as people used humour to cope with the inconvenience. Memes were flooding in, capturing the frustration of suddenly being unable to pay.
Here was one reaction that summed it up perfectly: “UPI is down for the first time & it is already showing an impact. Most of us already stopped carrying liquid cash & this downtime has created a do-or-die situation. Elders were right about carrying cash.”

Gujarat Titan player Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premiere League (IPL) due to an injury he had while playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6.
The Kiwi all-rounder, who has returned home, “sustained a groin injury during the IPL contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6,” the Titans said in a statement. He was a substitute fielder in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Groin injuries are quite common among cricketers. The groin area includes several muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the inner thigh region, and these structures can get strained or torn due to overuse, poor warm-ups, or sudden movements.
Fast bowlers and fielders are particularly at risk due to the explosive movements involved in their roles.
For example, during diving, running between wickets, or bowling a good spell, a cricketer may stretch the groin muscles too much, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement. At times, the injury could be minor and heal with rest and physiotherapy, but in severe cases, it could result in muscle tears or even surgery.
Symptoms typically include sharp or dull pain in the inner thigh or lower abdomen, stiffness, difficulty in lifting the leg, and discomfort while running or changing direction.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, groin strains are graded based on the extent of muscle damage, and treatment involves rest, stretching, and gradual strengthening to restore full function.
Professional athletes like cricketers may undergo more intensive rehab programs, including physiotherapy, core stability work, and sport-specific drills.
Recovery time for a groin strain varies based on the extent of the strain. Mild strains (Grade 1), where the muscle is stretched but not ruptured, usually recover within 1 to 2 weeks with adequate rest, ice, and physical therapy. Moderate strains (Grade 2), where there are partial muscle tears, can take 3 to 6 weeks. Serious injuries (Grade 3), in which the tendon or muscle is ruptured, may require 2 to 3 months or more, usually with surgery and formal rehabilitation.
Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with painkillers and physiotherapy. For professional cricketers, injury management also includes strengthening exercises, core stabilization, and a gradual return-to-play plan to prevent recurrence.

After 4 months, the world’s longest pig kidney transplant has failed. 53 year old Towana Looney received a kidney from a gene-edited pig on 25 November 2024, had it removed after the organ suddenly stopped functioning. The pig organ was removed on April 4.
“The 4 months and 9 days Looney spent with the kidney set a new record for a pig organ in a human, but it is yet another setback for the long-struggling field known as xenotransplantation,” Science reported.
“I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of this incredible research,” Looney told the media. “Though the outcome is not what anyone wanted, I know a lot was learned from my 130 days with a pig kidney—and that this can help and inspire many others in their journey to overcome kidney disease.”
Looney was one of the two recipients of kidneys from pigs after the only kidney she had failed; she had donated her another kidney to her mother. In late March, her immune system began to reject the organ. “With the help of immunosuppressive drugs, Looney was doing so well with the pig kidney that she returned to her home in Alabama in February. But for reasons that are still being investigated, her immune system began to reject the organ in late March,” the report adds.
While the exact cause is not known, her medical team says it might be due to lowering of her immunosuppression regimen to treat an infection unrelated to the pig kidney.

Pigs are often used for xenotransplantation because their organs are similar in size and function to human organs. Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs, tissues, or cells from one species to another—most commonly from animals to humans. It offers a potential solution to the global shortage of human donor organs. Despite its promise, xenotransplantation poses significant challenges, including the risk of organ rejection and the potential transmission of animal viruses. As science progresses, xenotransplantation could become a life-saving alternative for patients waiting for transplants, but ethical and safety concerns remain.

Rick Slayman was the first man to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically engineered pig. Rick died in 2024 due to an “unexpected cardiac event.” There was no sign that his body rejected the pig’s organ.

FILE PHOTO: Tesla has suspended taking new orders for Model S and Model X vehicles on its Chinese website.
| Photo Credit: AP

Tesla has suspended taking new orders for Model S and Model X vehicles on its Chinese website, Reuters checks showed on Friday, as the world’s two largest economies exchange blows in a trade war.

Both models are made in the U.S. and imported to China. New orders for the two models were also no longer available on the automaker’s WeChat mini programme account in China.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

While the company did not give a reason for the move, it comes as China and U.S. have been locked in an escalating trade war. China on Friday raised its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125% on Friday after President Donald Trump’s decision to hike duties on Chinese goods to 145%.

Higher U.S. tariffs significantly increases the retail cost for Chinese consumers, making these cars more expensive than locally produced EVs.

The Austin, Texas-based company is least affected by Trump’s tariffs among automakers due to its largely domestic manufacturing for sales in the U.S.

The U.S. automaker makes Model 3 and Model Y cars at its plant in Shanghai for sale in the country and export to markets such as Europe, making up the vast majority of its sales.

China imported 1,553 Model X cars and 311 Model S cars in 2024, said Li Yanwei, an analyst with the China Auto Dealers Association.

The two models accounted for less 0.5% of Tesla’s deliveries of more than 657,000 vehicles last year.

Increasing competition from BYD and other local manufacturers has also hit sales of Tesla’s vehicles in China.

Deliveries of the category that includes Tesla’s premium sedan and SUV models and the Cybertruck were down 25% in the first quarter globally, largely due to the lack of upgrades to the vehicles and backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s politics.

If you’ve ever had the shock of suddenly discovering a snake in your yard, you can appreciate the cold chill of having this in your yard. Although snakes play a valuable role in the ecosystem, most individuals prefer to have them at arm’s length. Rather than employing poisonous chemicals to ward off snakes, employ a natural solution by planting certain types of plants which snakes detest. These flowers release pungent smells or have irritating surfaces that deter snakes from lingering around.
For maximum results, place these snake-repellent plants near entrances, fences, or other points that could be the invasion point where snakes will attempt to invade your yard. Aside from repelling snakes, these plants will also make your landscape more beautiful and offer fragrant scents. With these natural repellents, you can enjoy a safer, friendlier space while reaping the advantages of these plants’ ecological effects.
These are 10 of the top plants that keep deadly snakes away.

Marigolds are not just beautiful flowers to put in your yard, but they also serve a useful purpose. The roots of the marigold release a chemical that repels not only snakes, but other animals such as nematodes and insects as well. They are a great addition to natural pest control, providing both the added beauty and healthiness to your garden.

Image source: Amazon

Lemongrass is a high-grass with a very high citronella composition that is primarily used in the making of mosquito repellents. Lemongrass contains a very strong citrus aroma that is loathsome to snakes, which makes it a very good plant to use in order to chase them away from entering your compound. Lemongrass is also a very easy plant to grow and can be applied to almost any form of garden.

Garlic is also famous for its bad smell, and surprisingly enough, the same bad smell also repels snakes. When garlic is crushed, it releases a natural chemical that irritates snakes so that they do not feel like entering the area where the garlic is crushed. Garlic can be planted in certain areas of your garden such that a natural barrier is formed that is less likely to be crossed by snakes.

Image source: iStock

Just like garlic, onions contain sulfur compounds that are repulsive to snakes. The compounds create a smell barrier which is unpleasant to snakes. Plant onions in some parts of your compound to drive snakes away from your compound.

Image source: iStock

West Indian lemongrass is quite like the common lemongrass but even stronger at repelling snakes since it’s composed of a large amount of citronella. It is easy to grow and does very well in tropical climates. Its pungent citrus aroma makes it an ideal plant to use as a snake repellent in your garden.

Image source: iStock

Also referred to as snake plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue can be recognized by its strong vertical leaves that create an extremely unpleasant crawlspace for snakes. The plant has a strong smell too that may be another deterrent from crawling anywhere near it. The plant is strong enough to use for both indoor and outdoor situations and one that would make a good homeopathic snake deterrent.

Mugwort is an ancient folk remedy and also used as a snake repellent. It has a pungent, strong smell that is a location snakes don’t want to be around, so they are kept away from wherever mugwort exists. Mugwort is a good option if you would prefer something that smells sweet and extremely effective at what it does in your yard.

Image source: Amazon

Indian snakeroot is also utilized in herbal medicine for centuries, and it’s said to have snake-repelling properties as well. The aroma of this plant is quite obnoxious to snakes, and thus it’s a great option for a person who wants to create a snake-free area in his/her garden.

Wormwood is a second herb whose very strong, nearly bitter smell creates pungency. The pungency signifies wormwood performs nicely at deterring pests of all kinds, even snakes. Since it’s an easy-care herb, wormwood will also impart a unique personality to your garden and keep pests away.

Basil is a home kitchen herb, but a few species, such as holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), are reported to keep snakes away. Basil’s strong scent can be a snake-deterrent force, as well as a tasty cooking herb. Basil is a simple-to-grow plant that provides both utility and beauty to your garden.
Also Read | King cobra vs alligator: Key differences between on the basis of size, behaviour, attack method and more

Chia seed water, known for their weight management properties, are emerging as a significant aid in reducing belly fat through their rich nutritional profile of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These tiny seeds contain high amounts of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids that work together to support weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Let’s find out if they can really reduce belly fat.

The seeds’ high fiber content, approximately 10 grams per two tablespoons, plays a crucial role in weight management. This fiber content includes both soluble and insoluble varieties, which help create feelings of fullness and aid digestion, preventing overeating that can lead to obesity.

Chia seed water contain significant amounts of protein per serving, which helps maintain healthy muscles and promotes satiety. They are also one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3s, providing anti-inflammatory properties that help combat obesity-related inflammation.

The seeds’ nutritional profile includes calcium, magnesium, and iron, supporting bone health and metabolic function. These nutrients contribute to maintaining a healthy weight balance.

The soluble fiber in chia seed water forms a gel-like substance in the stomach by absorbing water, which slows digestion and helps reduce unnecessary snacking. This property makes them particularly effective for controlling appetite and managing caloric intake.

Chia seeds help regulate blood glucose levels by preventing insulin spikes in the body. Lower insulin levels signal the body to use stored fat as fuel, contributing to fat loss.

The omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in chia seeds help reduce inflammatory processes that can lead to abdominal fat storage. These compounds also support heart health, enabling an active lifestyle necessary for effective weight loss.

The seeds’ fiber content promotes regular bowel movements and reduces bloating, supporting digestive health. This improved digestion helps the body process and eliminate waste more efficiently, potentially reducing abdominal bloating.

The balanced composition of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in chia seeds provides steady energy, supporting endurance during physical activities that help prevent belly fat accumulation.
Several methods exist for incorporating chia seeds into daily diet. They can be blended into smoothies, added to yogurt and oatmeal, or used to make chia pudding by soaking them overnight in water or milk. However, easiest one is to make chia seed water, made by mixing one tablespoon of seeds in water and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes This can be consumed before meals to enhance satiety.

In the corporate world, where time and efficiency are the currency that we are running short of, a silent AI revolution is making its place—powered by round-the-clock innovations in the field of digital technology and AI, rapidly transforming our workplace most of all.

The focus from ChatGPT has shifted towards more dynamic, immersive AI tools that can help you in your work, whether it is filing data or gathering analytics and stats.AI will help you all.

There is a growing demand for applications and software that make the work easier, help enhance productivity and presentations, gather research, and do automation.