YOURPLATFORM

Education abroad doesn't always need to entail high tuition fees and being forever burdened with loans.

In Europe there are a number of countries which offer education at cheap rates or even free education in certain courses along with scholarships to make an international education affordable to Indian students.

Germany is still the top pick when it comes to cheaper public universities and scholarships. France, Italy, Austria and Spain offer excellent quality of education along with cheaper tuition fees than many others around the world. Iceland, Greece and Czech Republic also provide good options for those who are willing to opt for courses in local languages or apply for scholarships.

All you need is to plan well ahead of time: research the course you are opting for, the language required, know the cost of living and prepare all the documents.

An international education may seem difficult to achieve but with proper research it can be made a reality.

Quantum computing sounds like science fiction, but it is already becoming one of the most exciting areas in technology.

Unlike ordinary computers, which process information using bits that are either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits. Qubits can represent combinations of 0 and 1 through a property called superposition. When qubits are carefully linked through entanglement and controlled with quantum operations, they can tackle certain complex calculations in entirely new ways.

That does not mean quantum computers will replace laptops or phones. Classical computers will remain best for everyday tasks. But quantum systems could become especially valuable for problems involving chemistry, material science, optimisation, cybersecurity and climate modelling—areas where the number of possible calculations becomes too large for traditional machines.

The challenge is that qubits are extremely delicate. Heat, noise and tiny environmental disturbances can cause errors, which is why researchers are focused on building more stable hardware and better error correction.

From drug discovery and safer encryption to new materials and smarter logistics, quantum computing may change what is possible—not overnight, but step by step.

The future is not fully quantum yet. But it is already being built.

Misty hills, tea gardens, cosy fireplaces and slow mornings with a view—Ooty has all the ingredients for a memorable honeymoon.

From heritage stays like Savoy – IHCL SeleQtions, The Grange Hotel and Kluney Manor to scenic hilltop escapes such as Sterling Ooty – Fern Hill, Sinclairs Retreat and Glyngarth Resort, the Queen of Hills offers stays for every kind of couple.

Looking for something quiet and intimate? Choose a cottage surrounded by tea plantations. Want a more luxurious escape? Pick a resort with spa treatments, private balconies, fireplaces and mountain views. Travelling on a budget? There are comfortable options near Ooty Lake and the town centre too.

The best part of an Ooty honeymoon is not just the resort. It is waking up to foggy mornings, sharing hot chai by the window, walking through green hills and ending the day under cool Nilgiri skies.

Before booking, check the latest guest reviews, room availability, location and current amenities, as resort services can change over time.

As people fast through Ramzan, the streets of South India fill up with the aroma of haleem, biryani, barbecue, sweets, and other delicacies prepared for communal consumption.

In Bengaluru, areas such as Mosque Road and Frazer Town become food centers in the evenings where you can find mutton samosas, khova naan, paya soup, cutlets, and more. Hyderabad's Old City serves up classic favorites like haleem around Charminar, nihari, gurda-kaleji, and sehri foods.

Head down south to get a coastal Malabar flavor in Thiruvananthapuram where muttamala, unnakai, and kozhi ada are served. Or you can head to Trichy and enjoy Ramzan favorites like kavum, thengai poli, and hearty kari dosa.

The uniqueness of the food trail is that besides the food being served, there is a lot of history behind each item.

From the pre-iftar hustle to the delicious dishes, Ramzan cuisine in South India is something you should travel for.

It is easier now to wait for trains in Dr MGR Central Railway Station.

This unique lounge with air conditioning is available to passengers near Platform 6 on the ground floor. Passengers can have some time to relax, work and refresh themselves before or after the travel in this new lounge.

The executive lounge can accommodate about 180 passengers at a time and has comfortable sofas, recliners, single and double sleeping pods, baggage storage, Wi-Fi, shower and change rooms, food and beverage corner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian buffets.

Passengers can avail the service starting from ₹200 per hour inclusive of Wi-Fi and tea/coffee and the single sleeping pods start at ₹840 for three hours and has facilities such as blanket, pillow, bed sheet, water bottle and welcome drink.

The 24-hour facility offers airport lounge style to passengers visiting one of the busiest railway stations in Chennai.

Improved performance for kids playing sports does not mean forcing them to do more every day.

There is no secret behind speed, coordination, stamina, balance, quick reaction and confidence. Proper practice, recovery and enjoyment in what you are doing will allow you to slowly and progressively get better.

A kid should always train in accordance with their age, under supervision and according to their favorite sport.

Simple exercises like running in ladders, high-knee runs, basic strength exercises without any equipment, stretching and sport-specific skills practice can be very useful. However, recovery plays an important role in performance improvement.

A kid's sleep, hydration, proper nutrition, rest days and mental state are very important.

It is important to understand that the idea of making a child an adult athlete at an early age is a big mistake. You need to build their confidence and avoid burnout, providing them with pleasure of improvement.

The best thing parents and coaches can do is to focus on technique, realistic goals and regularity, not intensity.

South Asian stories are never just about a place. They carry memory, identity, family, rebellion, migration, longing and the quiet ways people survive.

From a fake-dating romance set within Bangladeshi-Irish culture to a surreal political mystery in Sri Lanka, this reading list travels across eight South Asian countries through stories that feel personal, powerful and deeply rooted.

There is a young girl in Pakistan fighting for education. An Afghan girl discovering freedom through a life lived as a boy. A Nepali woman navigating the emotional distance of migration. A Bhutanese story that keeps tradition alive through childhood, community and ritual.

Some of these books are light and hopeful. Others are unsettling, poetic or difficult in the way important stories often are. But each one opens a door into lives, cultures and histories that deserve more space on our bookshelves.

Whether you are looking for fantasy, literary fiction, travel writing, YA romance or stories about identity and belonging, these books offer a journey far beyond the page.

It’s no secret that some motorcycles are built to stay ahead of the curve, and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a standout in that department. Every ride on this beauty feels like an adventure waiting to happen.

With its powerful 636cc inline-four engine, eye-catching supersport design, multiple rider modes, and a sleek TFT display, the 2024 ZX-6R is all about performance. But don’t worry—it’s not just for the racetrack. This bike is just as much fun when you’re cruising around town or enjoying a scenic ride.

Experiencing winter in Europe feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted postcard.

Imagine wandering through the shimmering canals and vibrant flower markets of Amsterdam, or gazing at the snow-capped peaks of Zugspitze—each place has its own special charm. Picture yourself on a serene river cruise gliding beneath glowing bridges, or enjoying a scenic train ride through the majestic Alps. You can stroll along the quaint streets of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and don’t forget to visit the festive Christmas markets that bring warmth to even the chilliest nights.

Indian fashion has travelled the world for centuries—often without its name travelling with it.

From Kolhapuri chappals appearing on luxury runways to the dupatta being reimagined as a “Scandinavian scarf,” familiar Indian design traditions have repeatedly been repackaged for global audiences. But these are not passing trends. They carry history, craftsmanship and cultural memory.

Take paisley. Known in India as the buta or ambi motif, it has appeared on Kashmiri shawls for generations, carrying associations with fertility, eternity and spirituality. Or Madras checks: lightweight cotton born for Chennai’s heat, later transformed into a symbol of Ivy League “prep” style abroad.

Even seersucker has roots closer to home than many realise. Its name comes from the Persian phrase shir o shakkar, meaning “milk and sugar,” referring to its textured stripes.

Fashion is never just fabric, logos or runway moments. It holds the stories of the people who designed, wove, wore and preserved it long before the world called it luxury.

The real comeback is not only Indian craftsmanship on global runways. It is India reclaiming the credit, context and history behind every stitch.

Migration is often discussed through visas, jobs, numbers and success stories. But Lindsay Pereira’s novel Super looks at what those conversations can miss: the emotional cost of leaving home.

Set against the reality of Punjabi youth moving abroad, the novel explores the pressures that push people to leave—family debt, unemployment, uncertainty and the search for a life with dignity.

For its characters, migration is not simply about chasing luxury. It is about survival, stability, love and the hope of building a future that feels possible.

But leaving does not mean leaving everything behind. Language, food, memory, family and the feeling of home continue to travel with you. That tension—wanting to escape while still being emotionally tied to where you came from—sits at the heart of Super.

Through research, empathy and morally complex characters, Pereira turns a large political issue into something deeply personal.

Because behind every migration story is someone trying to hold on to dignity while figuring out where they truly belong.

Before spoken word found her, Sainee Raj was already drawn to stories, scripts and the energy of performance. A former child artiste, screenwriter and performer, she came to poetry almost by accident after stepping up at an open mic in 2019.

That one decision changed everything.

Her work blends poetry, acting, humour and storytelling—because, for Sainee, a poem on stage is not just about words. It is about pauses, rhythm, eye contact, body language and giving an audience something real to hold on to.

In a world that moves fast and rewards instant reactions, she believes poetry offers something quieter but necessary: warmth, patience and the reminder that we are not alone in what we feel.

From viral performances like Sahi Aur Galat to her wider work as a writer and performer, Sainee continues to explore how stories can make people pause and listen.

Her belief is simple: poetry is everywhere—in heartbreak, cities, memories, puddles, laughter and ordinary moments.

As long as there is life, there will always be something to write about.

In Bengaluru, some places are more than places to eat. They become part of the city’s memory.

Vidyarthi Bhavan began in 1943 as a small canteen in Gandhi Bazaar, serving students from nearby colleges. More than 80 years later, it remains one of Bengaluru’s most loved food institutions.

Its iconic masala dosa is known for a rare balance—thick, crisp and full of character. But the real reason people return is not only the food. It is the familiar seating, the rush of staff, the smell of coffee, the conversations and the feeling of stepping back into a version of Bengaluru that still exists.

As the city changed around it, Vidyarthi Bhavan held on to what mattered most: consistency.

For generations of regulars, a visit here is not just breakfast. It is memory, ritual and a small piece of home.

Alexander Babu has never fit neatly into one label. Comedian, musician, storyteller, writer, yogi—he prefers something simpler: a joy spreader.

After more than a decade in corporate life, he stepped into Chennai’s stand-up scene in 2014, often as the oldest person in the room. At first, he tried to follow what seemed popular. Then he chose to speak about what truly mattered to him: Tamil songs, family life, everyday observations and the details that made people feel seen.

That decision shaped Alex in Wonderland, his much-loved solo special that blends comedy, nostalgia and the music of legends such as M.S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman.

For Alexander, music is an emotional language. Comedy changes with time, but a song can return after years and bring an entire memory back with it.

Yoga and music keep him grounded too. Whether it is pranayama, tabla practice, journaling or the steady sound of a tambura, these routines help him slow down and stay connected to what matters.

A recent invitation to perform with A.R. Rahman on the first death anniversary of his father—who first placed music in his hands—felt like a full-circle moment.

Through every joke, raga and story, Alexander Babu returns to the same idea: art should make people feel lighter.

Sangeetha Sringeri’s acting journey began before she even knew a camera was watching.

A simple moment—walking through a glass door in jeans, a loose white top and open hair—caught a director’s attention and led to her first major role in Har Har Mahadev. But behind that “meant to be” moment was a young woman willing to say yes to something that scared her.

Growing up as the daughter of an Air Force officer, Sangeetha was outspoken, athletic and often told she was “too much.” She learned early that fitting in was not always the goal. Self-belief was.

From struggling with Kannada dialogue during her first audition to finding confidence on set, she slowly built her place in the industry. Charlie 777 changed the way she looked at her work, making her more selective about the stories she wanted to be part of.

Then came Bigg Boss, where audiences met the person beyond the screen: direct, unfiltered and unapologetically herself.

Away from films, she is also building Simhini, her crystal and wellness venture, rooted in her interest in healing and helping people.

For Sangeetha, the future is about challenging roles, meaningful stories, forests, trekking trails, dogs and becoming the kind of artist who can change someone’s perspective through a character.

Keeladi is more than an excavation site. Beneath the Vaigai plains lies a story of an ancient Tamil society that played games, made jewellery, worked with textiles, raised animals and built a thriving urban culture.

Among the discoveries are terracotta and ivory dice, gaming counters, toy wheels, combs, ornaments and colourful beads. These are small objects, but they reveal something important: everyday life at Keeladi was not only about survival or trade. It also included leisure, craftsmanship, memory and community.

The site has also revealed sophisticated pottery technology, with black-and-red ware made through carefully controlled firing methods. Evidence of weaving tools, metalwork and bead-making points to a settlement shaped by skilled craftspeople and growing prosperity.

Even the landscape tells a story. Scientific studies suggest that the region once had wetlands, palms and grasslands, alongside periods of water stress. Burial sites nearby show that customs were varied and complex, not uniform.

What makes Keeladi especially fascinating is that much of it is still unexplored. Only a small part of the larger mound has been excavated so far.

Every new discovery adds another detail to the story of ancient Tamil life—and reminds us how much history may still be waiting underground.

For Shreyanka Patil, a comeback was never just about getting back on the field.

Before the Purple Cap, the wickets and the title celebrations, there was injury, uncertainty and the quiet fear of whether her body—and confidence—would ever feel the same again. Her recovery taught her that strength is not always about pushing through alone. Sometimes, it is about opening up and letting people support you.

Shreyanka’s journey has also been about trusting her instincts. She experimented with medium pace and leg spin before off-spin felt like home. That willingness to explore helped shape the player she is today: focused on impact, team wins and becoming better with every match.

Beyond cricket, she is creating something meaningful through her fragrance line, 317, and the SP31 Foundation, which supports young female cricketers who may not have access to the right opportunities.

With big dreams ahead—the T20 World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and an Olympic gold for India—Shreyanka is not looking back at her comeback. She is looking ahead to what comes next.