As the year draws to a close, Rediff's Senior Contributor Roshmila Bhattacharya takes a look at the hits and misses, the highs and lows, the newsmakers and the dealbreakers in alphabetical order.
Weddings today are not just events, they are full-blown productions. Between Instagram aesthetics, Pinterest pressure, relatives with opinions and budgets that magically stretch themselves, brides often find themselves overwhelmed long before the pheras begin.
Tips to avoid the heat, crowds, and travel risks, including incidents like the tragic Mufrihat accident that killed 45 Indian pilgrims.
For Indian parents, sending a child abroad for a three-year degree could deplete 48% of their retirement savings, while a four-year degree may consume up to 64%.
'Buy early and review the sum insured regularly.'
'Combining individual or family policies with corporate cover, along with top-ups and wellness programmes, can help maintain strong health protection throughout life.'
A DTC bus marshal in Delhi was arrested for allegedly biting off the tip of a conductor's finger during an argument over the bus route. The incident occurred after a dispute between the marshal and the conductor escalated, leading to a physical altercation and grievous injury.
'It takes time and the experience of a few market cycles to develop awareness about one's true risk appetite.'
Consistent preparation with the right skillset and good communication skills are important to crack any campus interview, says rediffGURU Professor Suvasish Mukhopadhyay.
rediffGURU Dr Upneet Kaur explains how to discuss and resolve financial arguments in a relationship.
To see the happiness on their faces that only a travel experience can bring is priceless.
>While it is natural to feel worried about elderly parents, it would be wiser to be well prepared so you can handle situations in a calm and efficient manner, says Dr Vijay Janagama, director, new initiatives, SuVitas Holistic Healthcare.
Be always alert and watchful about what your kids are doing online. Instead of spying on them secretly, try to involve them in the process of keeping them safe from predators.
As Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), gets ready to lay off about 12,261 employees from its global workforce this year, here's what it means for your career.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast, urged people to reduce their oil intake by 10% as a step towards fighting obesity. He highlighted the rising obesity rates in India and globally, emphasizing the need for healthier lifestyles. Modi also shared messages from Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra and boxer Nikhat Zareen, who urged people to adopt healthy habits and avoid fried food. Cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty highlighted the medical seriousness of obesity and linked it to excessive carbohydrate intake and oil consumption. Modi concluded by challenging 10 people to reduce their oil intake and pass the challenge on to 10 others.
One of the most exploited provisions is Section 10(13A), which permits exemption on HRA.
Make children realise that money is earned through hard work and used to buy necessary things.
Despite recent underperformance, MNC funds have delivered over longer time frames.
Roshani Sonawane tells us how parents can use the time to teach the right values and build important skills in children.
Irrespective of how busy your schedule is, we should always take out some time for the family, away from the gadgets that distance us, says Dr Upneet Kaur.
A biochemistry postgrad with a passion for poetry and science, Prayagraj's Shakti Dubey credits her family, teachers and her sheer persistence for her success.
Cross-check key documents, maximise your deductions, avoid errors, and ensure you get your refund smoothly.
Ding will face a stern challenge from the 18-year-old Gukesh, who "doesn't make any mistakes at all" and has had a terrific run in 2024.
Some of the suggested strategies include making thoughtful trade-offs between career choices and family responsibilities to avoid the guilt of not spending adequate time with elders and children at home; resisting the pressure to be a 'superwoman' by trying to manage everything alone; demanding, negotiating, and selecting jobs with flexible working hours; exploring work-from-home options; choosing an appropriate time for a career break; upskilling to re-enter the workforce after a break; and communicating openly with family members -- including spouse and in-laws -- about the support needed to grow professionally and the challenges faced at work, highlights N Ravichandran.
This is important because he is to be seen as a sure winner before criss-crossing the state to campaign for candidates of the party or an alliance, highlights N Sathiya Moorthy.
If nominees pass away, distribution is governed by succession laws of insured's religion.
'Being stressed is natural and it is a part of life. How we handle it is the important thing.'
Don't go for family floater plans; though convenient they cost you more.
'Eat well, rest well; keep improving; and go play, unplug.'
As concerned as you are for your son, the decision to stay with his wife should be his, not yours, advises rediffGURU Anu Krishna, while counselling a mother who disapproves of her new daughter-in-law
The unspoken subject of Mithya is violence, and the big zinger here is our recognition that the movie is showing us the makings of a juvenile delinquent -- perhaps the finest since Truffaut unleashed his Antoine Doinel, applauds Sreehari Nair.
Even small deeds of parents can work wonders for their child's performance in a board exam.
'He's gonna inspire billions of girls and boys.'
'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'
What is pushing students to take this extreme step?
'You can imagine for India what Shuks means not just to the billions of people in India but the entire Indian diaspora around the world.'
Care comes from a place of 'What is good for my child's development?' Care is a long-term view of the child's flourishing in life. Care is a sacred activity and it begins at home.
'...whether he is a top player or not, it doesn't matter.' 'If I go by a player's name I won't be able to bowl at my best.' 'For me he is just a batter, and my only focus is where I need to land the ball.'
'If you see it as a burden, you'll struggle. But if you're enjoying the process and make small lifestyle changes, it becomes much easier.'
'During a match, there is a lot of noise from the stadium -- cheers for sixes and fours -- but the batter focuses on the ball, not the pressure.' 'If you don't take pressure and focus on your duty, you can overcome stress easily.'
Your awareness about the effect of the home loan tenure and EMI on your loan empowers you to take better decisions, explains Gaurav Mohta.
