​

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 a strange, little moth known as a bagworm 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.

 ​

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 meticulously tying thousands upon thousands of tiny knots before dyeing the fabric, resulting in dotted designs. 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 and curated handloom shops, 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 is a reflection of broader consumer concerns, including ethical practices and origin stories. Fashion is being pushed towards a more responsible engagement with cultural heritage, whether through collaborations, storytelling or proper attribution.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for more lifestyle news. You can also follow us on Instagram.

 ​

Khushi Mishra, 25, was just starting to earn when she opened her Demat account. She didn’t know what to do. She was overwhelmed by the terminology — mutual funds, SIPs and mid-caps — that no one had ever explained to her. So she did what many of her generation do instinctively: she asked an AI chatbot to simplify everything. “I remember there were days I would ask AI to — in detail — tell me about these funds as my bedtime stories,” Mishra, now 27, tells indianexpress.com.Mishra is not alone. The bedtime story investorFor Mishra the appeal of AI was not just convenience, but the freedom from judgement. She admits that she used to be shy about asking a friend for help with her Rs 5,000 investment because people around her had a lot of money. Asking a parent was a minefield of emotions. And a financial adviser? She says, “I don’t think I can afford a good financial advisor yet.” What AI offered her was an always-available, patient guide with no ego or fee. She could ask the exact same question in different ways and get clear answers every time. Story continues below this advertisement. If millions of users ask the same AI prompts, it can lead them to the same trades and themes, increasing crowding risk. (Source: Freepik). Over time, she went from understanding basic terms to comparing mutual funds and evaluating them based on their five-year returns. She then built what she calls a “balanced portfolio” of stocks using AI’s advice on diversification. I have invested using AI but I take the time to think about it,” she added. Quick, easy, non-judgmentalMoni Shadilya, a 26-year-old consultant at One Source uses AI in a different way but is still driven by the same impulse. Shandilya uses it primarily to track spending, manage small savings and split a budget with friends. I can ask at any time without feeling judged. She says that sometimes it’s easier to ask AI, especially for basic questions or’silly,’ than to ask people. Story continues below this ad.She recalls an instance when she followed AI’s advice on splitting savings while planning a trip with a group, setting aside a part for a potential emergency. She went along with the logic because it made sense and she felt that it was a low-risk decision. But when it came to stocks she was more cautious. She says, “I was not fully confident and I wanted human input so I asked my dad later.” The pattern is clear: AI for everyday, humans for high-stakes. Avirup Nag is even more circumspect. He uses AI primarily to plan his travel budget and to set savings goals based on salary. Story continues below this ad. “I have never sought such financial guidance from AI. “I would rather discuss with family or friends before investing,” says the professional. “AI isn’t for business investments, it’s for corporate employees that have to spend their money wisely each month.” What experts sayFinancial professional aren’t dismissing AI, but are aware of its limitations. Adhil Shetty CEO of BankBazaar sees AI as useful for “everyday” financial awareness, such as understanding credit scores, comparing product, or decoding financial terminology. Eight percent of Gen Z users report that they have suffered direct financial losses due to over-reliance on AI tools. Story continues below this adAI also has made young investors more opinionated, and sometimes overconfident. (Source: Freepik).Kshitij Takkar, founder MTrust Investments identifies a more subtle danger: false trust built on incomplete understanding. “AI provides crisp, convincing responses, without conveying uncertainties, assumptions, limitations, or uncertainty.” Thakkar warns that this can blur the lines between information and advice for young investors. He also highlights what he calls “herd amplification”. If millions of users are asking similar AI prompts, then they could be funneled into the same trades and themes, increasing crowding risk. AI tools are not accountable for the outcomes, unlike advisors regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The experts note a trend: being more informed about finances doesn’t always lead to better financial decisions. Story continues below this adShetty claims that Gen Z users have the lowest financial attainment of all age groups. “Using these tools have not yet led to achieving your financial goals,” he says. The gap between information and actions, between understanding a SIP and actually sticking with one through a downturn in the market, is still a very human problem. They come to consultations with their AI homework done, model portfolios and tax strategies in hand. Their questions are also sharper. He observes that this shortens the educational phase and shifts the conversation to validation, refinement and risk calibration instead of basic guidance. Story continues below this advertisementIn some ways AI has made Gen Z clients better, not fewer. But there is also a flipside. AI has also made younger investors more opinionated, and at times overconfident. Advisors have to spend more time correcting their assumptions. “Gen Z doesn’t replace advisors with AI. Thakkar says they’re redefining advisors’ roles from teacher to strategic partners. Trust problem Bruce Keith, CEO and founder of investorAi offers a broader view. He says that people have avoided financial advisors because of two main reasons for a long time: cost and lack of trust. AI is a solution to both. He cautions against the notion Gen Z is particularly vulnerable to AI-driven false information. “It isn’t Gen Z that is at greatest risk.” He says older people are more likely to accept the answers as true. Story continues below this adHis two children, both Gen Zs had access AI through their university education and are better equipped, he believes, than most of their senior peers “to use and criticize its responses.” Cost, however, remains a barrier. For Mishra and other young earners, investing their first Rs. 5,000 is out of reach. Keith acknowledges that this is the case, noting a hybrid model where advisors use AI to offer more options. But for Gen Z, such services will likely be out of reach for several years. She knows her portfolio much better than she expected at 25. She is honest about what AI can’t do. “AI won’t be affected if I lost all my money – it could give me incorrect data and it has nothing at stake,” she says. “On the contrary, someone with experience will be able to understand the same.” She concludes her essay with a list of wishes for the future. Shetty agrees. “I think AI is a great way to learn, but one day I’d like a good financial advisor.” “Use AI for information, but verify it before you act.” In the end, both AI, and the young investor, are still learning. They just do so at different speeds and stakes. Before making any financial decisions, readers should consult a qualified financial advisor, planner, or mental health specialist.

 ​

What’s the distinction between chest pain due to acidity and chest problems related to heart disease? (Images: Freepik).Chest pain is often alarming and confusing. Many people panic when they feel chest pain. One internet user was concerned and sought answers on the online forum Quora. The question was: “How can I tell whether my chest pain is caused by gas or a cardiac problem?” While many people fear a heartattack, not all chest pain is cardiac. Gas or acidity are common causes of similar symptoms, making it hard to distinguish without knowing the warning signs. But how can you tell the difference?DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Gas pain vs. heart pain: What’s the difference? It may get better when you burp, move around, or pass gas. It often happens after you eat,” explains Dr Akhil Kumar Rustagi, Senior Director and HOD – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Cardiac Sciences, ShardaCare-Healthcity.On the other hand, heart pain feels like “pressure or tightness” in your chest. It may spread to your jaw, arm or back. You may also feel nauseous, out of breath or sweaty,” the surgeon adds. Red flags that may indicate a heart issueSome symptoms may indicate chest pain that is heart-related. It requires immediate attention. Dr Rustagi highlights the following warning signs.
The pain may spread to your arm, jaw or neck
Shortness of Breath
Sweating
Dizziness
Nausea
“The pain could last more than a few moments. If it happens when you are active or stressed and gets better with rest, it could be a heart issue.”Story continues below this ad. What you must do when alone and having a heart attackCan gas or acidity really feel like a heart attack?Because of overlapping symptoms, it’s not uncommon for people to confuse digestive discomfort with something more serious. Dr Rustagi confirms that gas and acidity can sometimes feel like heart attacks. It’s important to not assume that it’s gas. It’s better to check for a heart issue if your symptoms are severe or persist. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain
It lasts more than a few moments
You feel short of air
You are sweating
You faint
You feel nauseated
The pain may spread to your arm or jaw
“Don’t ignore unusual pain in the chest.” Dr Rustagi warns that chest pain can be harmless but should not be ignored or self-diagnosed. If symptoms are unclear or persistent it is best to seek medical attention. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

It turns out that marriage may have a side effect that no one mentions in the vows. People who have been married are less likely to get cancer than those who never got married. This provocative finding has raised questions about what keeps us healthy throughout our lifetime. If marriage is a “protective” factor in the data, does it matter if the couple has been married or if the marriage certificate itself? Or could there be something more important at play? Researchers analyzed cancer diagnoses for more than 4,000,000 adults in 12 US states. This represents a population of more than 100 million people. The researchers focused on cancers that were diagnosed after the age 30 between 2015 and 2020. This was a modern snapshot in an era where same-sex unions are legal across the country, which means more people can marry. Everyone was divided into two groups: those who have been or ever married, including widowed and divorced people, and others who had never been married. Researchers found that one in five adults were never married, a large minority whose health is often overlooked in traditional family research. Men who never married are 70% more likely to get cancer than men who have been married. Women who never married are 85% more likely to get cancer than women who have been married. Women appear to benefit at least as much if not even more from marriage. The gap widened with age, particularly after 50 when the effects of decades of habits (smoking and diet, exercise or lack thereof, medical checkups) finally surface. The differences were huge for anal cancer among men and cervical carcinoma in women, two diseases closely associated with infection by the sexually transmitted HPV virus. The rate of anal carcinoma in never-married men was five times higher than that of married men. Story continues below this adNevermarried women were three times more likely to develop cervical cancer. The cancers that are most likely to be prevented by HPV vaccination or regular screening for pre-cancerous changes include cervical cancer and anal cancer.The authors of the study suggest that being married could increase the likelihood that someone will be nudged to attend those appointments or have more stable healthcare and insurance. Elsewhere, this pattern echoed well-known biological themes. Cancers like endometrial cancer and ovarian carcinoma were more common among never-married women. This may be due to lower rates of childbearing.

The differences in cancers that are strongly influenced by organised screen- “breasts, prostates, thyroids” were smaller. Even if someone’s spouse reminds them of their appointments, screening levels the playing field. The study found that black men who were never married had higher cancer rates, but married black men had lower cancer rates. This suggests that marriage may be particularly protective in certain groups. (Freepik). Marriage is not magical. Does this mean that marriage protects us from cancer? Researchers are careful to say that no. The researchers’ study shows a pattern but not proof that marriage is to blame. The real question is if marriage makes people healthier or if healthier, wealthier, and better supported people are simply more inclined to get married. Marriage may not be the cause of cancer, but rather a sign that other benefits begin long before anyone steps down the aisle. There are also other reasons to be cautious. The “ever-married” group lumps together happily married people and those who are widowed or divorced, despite that these experiences can look very differently in practice. Researchers also cannot fully account of differences in incomes, education or accessing healthcare. All of these factors influence cancer risk. The study does, however, point out something important. People who are married or have been are more likely to receive encouragement from their spouse to visit a doctor and share resources, such as health insurance and financial resources. They are also less likely to smoke or avoid medical attention. This is not a health verdict if you have never been married. The study shows that marriage benefits such as social support, gentle “nagging”, easier access to healthcare, and more support for singles, widowed, or those living alone, are not only reserved for those with wedding pictures on their mantelpiece.

Leading oncologist says oral cavity cancer is competing with breast cancer: ‘I would run after them to spit it out’In the end, this study is less a love letter to marriage than a reminder that our bodies are shaped not just by genes and chance, but by the social structures we move through. People who notice that we are unwell, encourage that we book that test, or help us determine if we can afford that advice, may leave traces years later.