Maha Shivratri is one of the biggest festivals for devotees of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. This festival is celebrated every month, but it holds special meaning when it falls during the months of Magha or Phalguna in the Hindu calendar. It marks the start of the summer months and is a time for fasting, prayers, and reverence to Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri means “the great night of Lord Shiva.” According to legends, on this night, Lord Shiva performs the

Personal loans for holidays are gaining popularity in India, particularly among younger travelers and residents of smaller cities. According to a recent report, 27% of personal loan borrowers used the funds for travel, marking a noticeable rise from previous years. This surge in demand has pushed holiday loans ahead of other personal loan categories, such as home renovation loans. The trend is being largely driven by Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which now account for a significant port

US President Donald Trump held high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, with discussions focusing heavily on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security concerns and ongoing diplomatic efforts in West Asia. The meeting comes at a time of renewed tensions involving Tehran and carries broader implications for global geopolitics, including countries such as India that maintain strategic and economic interests across the region. After the meeting,

US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that the threat of trade tariffs played a significant role in halting several international conflicts, including the recent military tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking in a televised interview on Tuesday, Trump claimed that economic pressure through tariffs helped bring rival nations to the negotiating table and prevented further bloodshed. Referring specifically to the four-day confrontation between the two nuclear-armed

The middle class, once seen as the backbone of society, is now facing a crucial dilemma: Should they focus on looking rich or becoming rich? Shyam Achuthan, Founder and CEO, sheds light on this growing divide between those who prioritize appearances and those who focus on long-term financial stability. The Struggle for Appearances vs. Financial Stability Achuthan points out that many people are trapped in a cycle of borrowing to maintain a facade of wealth

The festival season has kicked off, with gold shining at record highs, sparking a debate among investors about where to park their money. Gold surged by 1.1% to $3,723.81 per ounce, briefly hitting $3,726.19 — its highest level yet. US gold futures for December delivery also climbed by 1.4% to $3,758.40, strengthening gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset. With prices soaring, Indian investors are reevaluating their portfolios. Weddings, festive buying, and long-term wealth cr

Google has unveiled plans to establish its largest artificial intelligence (AI) hub outside the United States, right here in Andhra Pradesh, India. This $15 billion project, set to unfold between 2026 and 2030, marks a major milestone in India’s tech landscape, positioning the state as a key global center for AI research, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Transforming India into an AI Powerhouse The upcoming AI hub will serve as a central ecosystem

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued a new clarification under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, outlining how pension and family pension benefits are calculated. The update confirms that an employee’s pension will now be based on the rules in force on their final working day, whether it's the date of retirement, resignation, discharge, or death. This new rule eliminates confusion and ensures a fair, uniform process for calculating pensions

As India steps into 2026, its real estate market is poised for growth, driven by a combination of improving affordability, sustainable living trends, and the rise of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. After a strong post-pandemic recovery, the country’s housing sector is on track to offer homebuyers more attractive opportunities than in recent years. One of the primary factors behind this optimistic outlook is improved access to housing finance. With easier home loans, flexible repayment s

India’s digital lending boom has made borrowing easier, but it has also opened doors for fraudsters targeting those seeking quick loans. With promises of instant approval, zero paperwork, and guaranteed deals, these scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. Red Flags to Watch Out For: Unrealistic Loan Promises: Be wary of offers with low interest rates or guaranteed approval. Legitimate lenders conduct thorough ba

As India prepares for one of its busiest wedding seasons, with nearly 46 lakh weddings expected and spending projected to reach Rs 6.5 lakh crore, weddings are becoming grander than ever. The typical Indian wedding now features choreographed sangeets, lavish décor, and multi-day celebrations, often resembling Bollywood productions. With budgets crossing Rs 30-35 lakh and luxury ceremonies exceeding Rs 1 crore, families are investing unprecedented amounts into these events. However,

Actor Vijay, amidst the mounting uncertainty surrounding his much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan, made a public appearance at a high-profile wedding in Chennai on January 31. The actor, dressed in a white shirt and beige blazer, attended the wedding of Sahil and Vedika, hosted by YS Sunil Reddy, and was seen interacting with guests, including YSR Congress Party leader Jagan Mohan Reddy. The wedding quickly became a talking point with fans and celebrities alike, especially given Vijay'

A moment of immense joy has arrived for Tollywood’s beloved couple, Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela, as they welcome twins— a baby boy and girl—on January 31. The joyful news was shared by Ram Charan’s father, megastar Chiranjeevi, who expressed his gratitude and pride as a grandfather. Both the newborns and Upasana are doing well, with Chiranjeevi describing their arrival as a divine blessing. The news has been met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans, ce

Sitara Ghattamaneni, the 13-year-old daughter of Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu and actress Namrata, is garnering significant attention due to her poise and maturity. Recently, she was seen at a promotional event in Hyderabad as the brand ambassador for a jewelry label, further solidifying her growing presence in the public eye. Despite her fame and her family’s legacy in the film industry, Sitara is not rushing into acting. At just 13, she has emphasized that her priority remain

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has initiated a significant push towards environmentally responsible public transportation by directing officials to introduce at least 1,000 electric buses into the APSRTC fleet. This move is a crucial part of the government's broader vision to enhance green mobility and reduce carbon emissions in the state. At a recent review meeting at the Secretariat, CM Naidu emphasized the need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in the st