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When Dipika Kakar made a sweet dish for son Ruhaan (Photo: Dipika Kakar/Instagram)Actor Dipika Kakar made gajar ka halwa at home on her son Ruhaan’s request. “I didn’t expect him to enjoy gajar ka Halwa so much,” she told Shoaib’s YouTube vlog. Shoaib responded to a question about whether they were overfeeding sugar by saying, “Sugar Par Sugar nahi khilaaye Ja Rahe Hai (We aren’t overfeeding him). We do make him eat sugar. He said that we felt in this age children should be given all things but in moderation. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dipika added: “Ha, Bilkul deni Chahiye Kyunki Abhi Ruhaan’s in the growing-age. They should be given to him because he’s in the growing-age. They play, they run…so their bodies need energy. It does not mean that you should overdose them on sugar…correct. Limiting the quantity is also very important. We give Ruhaan everything. He eats pizza and pasta occasionally. Shoaib then said, “Sometimes we are not able shoot, but he eats sabzi roti, dal chawal. Woh sab kuch khaata hei (he eats all).” Taking a cue, we asked if it was a good strategy to use for parents of young children. (Photo: Freepik).Dr Rajiv, a weight loss expert and head of diabetes at Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of the Rang De Neela Initiative called it a ‘worrying’ trend that sugar is being normalised for very young children on the assumption that they are growing and therefore needing it. “Scientifically this is not correct. Dr Kovil said that a child doesn’t need sugar to grow; they need balanced nutrition. Story continues below this ad. “The taste for sweet is learned, and once this hedonic pleasure pathway is activated in early life, it sets up the stage for a lifelong preference for sugary foods. Dr Kovil argued that this directly relates to obesity, insulin resistant, and metabolic disorders in later life. Children do not understand food choice as parents do. “What we introduce to children in their first few years becomes normal.” Sugar is often used to reward, comfort or create a habit. We are unintentionally promoting unhealthy eating habits. In childhood, the foundation for metabolic health is set. This is where parents’ responsibility is critical. In simple words: we are not only feeding a child; we are shaping their metabolism,” said Dr Kovil.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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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 tying thousands upon thousands of tiny knots before dying the fabric, creating 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 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.
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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 and easy, but 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, putting aside a portion of her savings 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 to set savings goals based on his income and to plan travel budgets. 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 what an SIP is and actually adhering to one during a market decline, 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 explains that they’re redefining advisors’ roles from teacher to strategic partners. 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.

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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.

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Jacqueline Fernandez dressed to the nines (Image source: @jacquelienefernandez/Instagram)Jacqueline Fernandez recently opened up about the five wellness rituals she swears by to maintain balance in her fast-paced life. The actor, who made a Bollywood debut with Aladdin shared her wellness philosophy at the Vogue Beauty and Wellness Honours jury meet. Her wellness rituals focus on both mental and physically well-being. She revealed that each morning she starts on a positive note and that mental health is a major factor in the rest of her day. Staying hydrated is a ritual that she never misses. Jacqueline explained that she takes electrolytes to maintain her energy throughout the day. The actor also stressed the importance of meditation as part of her daily routine. It is very important. She said that it is good for both your energy and your skin.
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Skincare experts share their insights into cryotherapy and explain the medical technique’s benefits and side-effects. The technique can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. The treatment can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. “Facial and body cryotherapy treatments have been marketed by wellness and cosmetic facilities for their supposed benefits, including better blood circulation, decreased inflammation and tighter skin,” said Dr Prabhu. “When the skin returns to normal temperature, the blood vessels dilate and increase the blood flow to the facial area,” explained Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy. The technique is an adjunct to other treatments. Continue reading below this ad. Dr Prabhu also stressed that cryotherapy doesn’t replace regular skincare routines such as sun protection and moisturisation. He said that cryotherapy should be seen as a temporary cosmetic treatment for skin conditions, not an essential skincare procedure. Dr Prabhu also warned of the potential side effects of the method, including the damage to the skin barrier. He explained that the skin barrier, which protects from environmental damage and moisture loss will be damaged when people undergo treatment at excessive rates or receive treatment that does not match their skin requirements. Dr Prabhu also added that cold temperatures can trigger flare-ups in people with skin disorders like eczema or rosacea. “It’s the patients who exercise caution when using treatments because these procedures should compliment basic skincare methods that restore and protect skin barrier,” he said. Story continues below this advertisement.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information from the public domain or the experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.