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Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. “It was brought to the attention of FSSAI by certain manufacturers that they were using ashwagandha extract and leaves in their products.” It is clarified that using ashwagandha in any form, whether it is in extract or crude form, is not allowed under the regulations. It has been used by people for centuries to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and increase energy. In classical practice, it was the root that was used as the primary therapeutic part. It is usually consumed in the form of a powder, decoction or standardised extract, which can be taken in capsules. Modern supplements also largely rely on root extracts, as these are better studied and considered safer when used in appropriate doses,” said Malhotra.Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)Ashwagandha leaves contain higher levels of reactive withanolides, particularly withaferin-A, that pose safety risks including liver toxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and potential neurotoxic effects, the advisory noted.Story continues below this adFSSAI has instructed state authorities to maintain “strict vigilance and initiate legal action against food business operators found using non-permitted plant parts”. The FSSAI also instructed companies to clearly state the plant part used in the product on its labelling for greater transparency. Goyal stated that manufacturers have been instructed to clearly state the specific plant parts in the product’s labeling. This is a win for the consumers, who deserve to know what they are putting in their bodies. If the label specifies root extract, then the supplement falls within the allowed category. It is more of a regulation for a specific plant part. The leaf is prohibited for safety reasons. The root is acceptable and in line with traditional use. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Rahul Vaidya and Disha Parmar perform Griha Pravesh at their new Mumbai home (Image source: @dishaparmar/Instagram)Singer Rahul Vaidya and TV actor Disha Parmar continue to woo their fans years after the couple confessed their love for each other on Bigg Boss season 14. They held on, got married in 2020, and welcomed their child in 2023. The couple bought a house in Mumbai and have begun a new chapter of their lives. They shared a series wholesome photos showing them performing the traditional Griha Pravesh on the auspicious Gudi Padwa. Disha wore a mustard-yellow suit with a sleek ponytail, statement earrings, and a sleek ponytail. Rahul chose a classic look with a white shirt and blue jeans. While the couple kept the majority of their house under wraps the photos revealed some gorgeous details: from a living room with a pastel theme to traditional touches. The apartment has large floor-to ceiling glass windows with excellent views of the outdoors. The front door opens into an expansive, pastel-themed space with ample ambient and overhead lighting. This space connects with a bright hallway that has rooms on either side. The interior design of the home is still in progress, as unpanelled cabinetry can be seen in the background.

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Experts say that light, space and colour palette are important elements in creating a warm, welcoming home. They also influence moods. Dr Murali Krishna of Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore explained that these elements are fundamental to the emotional atmosphere and visual appeal of a house. Story continues below this ad. Warm, layered lighting that combines ambient, task and accent sources can make a room feel welcoming and comfortable. However, harsh or overly bright light can create a feeling of sterility. Inside Sanya Malhotra’s new sea-facing Mumbai home: ‘Har Har Mahadev. Iss Ghar ki Har Deewar Mujhe …’ While space planning helps to make the house look and feel uncluttered, choosing a colour palette is equally important. The colour palette can influence how a space will be perceived and experienced. He said that colours should be matched to the function of each space. A well-planned layout will promote comfort, interaction, and ease of movement. When furniture placement, flow and proportions are carefully considered, the home feels more inviting and lived in. “The process requires partners to express their preferences, negotiate differences and reach shared decisions. It doesn’t matter if it’s about aesthetics, functionality, or layout. These conversations reveal more about each other’s personalities and habits,” he said. “More importantly though, co-creating an interior space fosters a shared ownership and emotional commitment,” he added.

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Learn how ‘delulu’ dating helps singles remain open to love. (Source: AI Generated).Trends of modern dating are often shaped and influenced by emotional fatigue that many people experience following repeated disappointments. Ghosting, unclear intentions and short-lived relationships are some of the most common reasons, especially as people spend more time online and use dating apps. According to a study titled Emotional Numbing: Is Dating Frustration a Subclinical Response?’ published by IRE Journals “The dating practices in today’s society are rapidly changing due to digital platforms. This leads to dating fatigue, which causes emotional exhaustion, disengagement from relationships, and decreased interest in date.” In response, new mindsets have emerged that attempt to make the dating process feel a bit less draining and a bit more hopeful. Online dating is becoming more popular. One trend is delulu dating. ‘Delulu,’ which is derived from the word “delusional,” is used with a light and humorous tone. The idea is to choose optimism, even if past experiences suggest caution. The phrase ‘delulu, is the solulu!’ originated in online fan communities where it was used to encourage optimistic thinking. This mindset has now found its way into the dating culture. It loosely translates as believing that something good, or even magical, could happen, even when things seem messy, complex, or uncertain. But how can people use this mindset to stay emotionally resilient during modern dating? Gurleen Baruah is an existential psychotherapist with That Culture Thing. She told indianexpress.com: “Optimism works, but blind optimism does not.” As BoJack Horseman said, “When you wear rose-tinted lenses, red flags look like flags.” The idea is to remain hopeful and aware, not to ignore reality. Balanced optimism can give you hope, resilience and the ability to move on after disappointment. It keeps you open to possibilities, rather than getting stuck in fear and cynicism.” But it must be grounded: seeing the good as well as the bad. The real resilience comes from hope with clarity and not illusion. It’s also a sign if you are overly positive and dismiss concerns (yours or other people’s). “Healthy optimism is calm and grounded. You can like someone but still see their flaws. You don’t dismiss them as a ‘bad’ person or idolise their goodness. There is nuance. You are open but not blinded. This balance is crucial. “Story continues below the adMaintaining hope and openness, while setting realistic expectations According Baruah it begins with not idolising others. No one is good or bad 100% of the time. Try to see people for who they are and not as potentials or fantasies. This requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and knowing your own patterns, needs, and limitations. “When you know yourself better, it’s easier to assess others realistically. Keep your eyes open, but keep your feet firmly planted. Do not become cynical, but do not ignore reality. Real hope is balanced. It allows for connection while still protecting your emotional well-being,” says the expert.

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Bagworm caterpillars can be serious plant pests that defoliate evergreens such as arborvitae and Juniper (Image: Wikipedia commons)Insects often survive by using clever disguises. Few take it to the extreme as the strange bagworm moth larva. This caterpillar literally covers itself in debris including the remains of dead bugs. At first glance, it does not even look alive. This caterpillar looks like a tiny bundle made up of dust, twigs and fragments when it is clinging to the bark or leaves of a tree. The caterpillar builds and carries this protective case around its body at all times. This caterpillar is always carrying this protective case. These deceiving creatures are actually bagworms, larval Moths (family Psychidae), which are known for building portable cases out of silk, leaves, and twigs. Bagworm caterpillars begin building their portable shelter as soon as they hatch. It uses silk to stitch together any materials it can find, including plant fragments, sand and sometimes the discarded remains from other insects. As it grows, this structure is reinforced and expanded, like a living armour. Spiders (allegedly) keep this animal as a glowing prisoner to draw more prey to their websWhy wear the dead?This unusual behaviour serves two key purposes. First, camouflage. The caterpillar blends in with its surroundings, and looks like a pile of dead debris. This makes it difficult to spot. Story continues below this ad. The outer layer is tough and acts as a barrier to predators like birds and insects. Scientists also believe that the use of insect remains can mask the caterpillar’s scent and make it harder to detect. In a world filled with predators, being noticed can be deadly. The bagworm caterpillar’s best strategy is to blend in, even if it means wearing a coat made from the forest’s remnants.

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Luxury fashion has always walked a thin line between inspiration and appropriation. In recent years, brands such as Prada and Ralph Lauren faced criticism for incorporating Indian elements into their designs, including Kolhapuri-style footwear, and traditional Indian jhumkas without acknowledging the origins. The latest controversy involves Ralph Lauren’s Bandhini print cotton skirt. The skirt is priced at Rs 44800 and comes in “Tie Dye Multi”. The product description highlights the visual appeal of the skirt, noting that it is “beautifully draped” and features a “vibrant design inspired by traditional Bandhini tie-dye techniques and motifs.”While the description references “Bandhini tie-dye techniques,” it stops short of explicitly mentioning India, the craft’s origin, or the artisan communities associated with it.This subtle omission has become the crux of the issue, with netizens questioning whether vague acknowledgement of inspiration is enough, especially when the design language is so clearly rooted in a specific cultural tradition.Screengrab of various comments (Photo: Instagram/viralbhayani)Bandhini skirt by Ralph Lauren (Photo: Website/ralphlauren.global)Why Bandhani is more than just a ‘tie-dye technique’Bandhani, also known as Bandhej, is one of India’s oldest textile arts, with a history that dates back centuries. The craft involves painstakingly knotting thousands of tiny little knots onto fabric before dying it. This creates dotted patterns. Story continues below this advertisement. Beyond aesthetics, Bandhani has a cultural and emotional significance. It is worn at weddings, festivals and auspicious events. ‘You mean stole’: Ralph Lauren faces backlash over South Asian jhumkas at Paris Fashion WeekWhere authentic Bandhani comes from in IndiaThere are several places in India where Bandhani can be seen in its truest form. In Gujarat’s Jamnagar, and Bhuj, artisans have a reputation for their intricate work and traditional motifs. From local bazaars to handloom stores, authentic Bandhani items, including sarees, dupattas, and skirts, can be found at prices that directly benefit artisan communities. Story continues below this advertisement. The controversy surrounding the Bandhani skirt involving the American fashion brand goes beyond one product. The controversy over the Bandhani skirt is not just about a single product. It reflects a shift in consumer consciousness, as buyers are now interested in ethical practices and origin stories, in addition to design. Fashion is being pushed towards a more responsible engagement with cultural heritage, whether through collaborations, storytelling or proper attribution.
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