India Scripts History, Crushes England In 2nd Test At Edgbaston By 336 Runs

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In a commanding display of Test cricket, India secured a resounding 336-run victory over England in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston on July 6th. This win marks India’s first-ever triumph at the iconic Birmingham ground and stands as their largest away Test victory by runs. The comprehensive performance also leveled the five-match series at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting continuation.

Despite the absence of their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, India, after being put in to bat first, amassed a formidable 587 in their first innings. Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front with a magnificent 269, an innings adorned with 33 boundaries. Crucial contributions also came from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 87, and Ravindra Jadeja, who added 89. For England, Shoaib Bashir was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets.

“The Three Lions” responded with 407 runs, largely thanks to Harry Brook’s 158 and Jamie Smith’s unbeaten 184. However, the rest of their batting line-up faltered, with six batters dismissed for ducks. The Indian seamers were exceptional, with Mohammed Siraj bagging 6 for 70 and Akash Deep picking up 4 for 88.

In their second innings, India declared at 427/6, setting a daunting target of 608 for the “Bazball”-inspired English side. Gill once again starred with a fluent 161, ably supported by KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65), and Jadeja (69*). Bashir and Josh Tongue claimed two wickets each, while Brydon Carse also contributed with two for England.

England, led by Ben Stokes, were ultimately bowled out for 271 in their final innings. Jamie Smith, with a fighting knock of 88, was the most comfortable batter for the hosts on the final day. Akash Deep delivered sensational figures of 6 for 99, taking his match tally to an impressive 10 for 187. This remarkable performance secured him the best match figures by an Indian in a Test in England, surpassing Chetan Sharma’s 10/188 at the same venue way back in 1986.

This comfortable win not only ended India’s long wait for a victory at Edgbaston, which came in their 19th attempt at the historic venue, but also saw captain Gill make history. At 25 years and 301 days, he became the youngest Indian captain to win a Test overseas, breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s previous record set in 1976 at Auckland.

Shubman Gill was deservingly named Player of the Match for his extraordinary 430 runs across both innings. The series now moves to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London for the third Test, scheduled to begin on July 10th.

Congratulations, Indian team.

Kajol’s Hand-Embroidered Gold Lampi Border Sari is a Vision in Ivory

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The perfect wardrobe chameleon is an ivory sari, which is eye-catching enough to draw attention while remaining understated enough to minimise the appearance. Kajol showcased the timeless appeal and adaptability of the silhouette during the star-studded premiere of her legendary horror movie, Maa. Kajol chose a flawless look by Kapardara for the Mumbai red carpet event, which is both nostalgic and pleasantly contemporary.

Kajol demonstrated once more that less is more when she wore a billowing confection from Kapardara’s most recent “Serpent & Bloom” collection, appropriately named “Alina.” Clean lines, lightness of spirit, and a touch of vintage glam are the main features of Kajol’s Alina sari. Pure silk and organza are used in its creation. The silk base guarantees a structured fall, while the organza pallu adds a sheer, ethereal grace,” said Sneha Shekhawat, co-founder of Kapardara.

The sari’s elaborate border was what made it stand out from the crowd. Her sari has a handcrafted, pure gold Lampi border and beautiful Turi embellishments. In the age-old embellishing method known as lampi, wires of gold or silver are woven into fabric and then embossed with elaborate designs. The Lampi work alone took forty-five hours to complete by hand, and the sari took an additional twenty-eight hours,” she continued.

Kajol completed her ensemble with a pair of stud earrings, keeping her accessory choices simple and understated. The sari was accentuated with a red bindi, a sleek fishtail braid embellished with gold ribbons, and a subtle makeup look. An ivory sari, such as this Kapardara style, is a classic that works well for both private and red-carpet events, as it can be worn day or night.

Can Stress During Pregnancy Impact Your Baby’s Health? Here’s What Experts Say

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Pregnancy is sometimes characterised as a magical journey. While it often accompanies feelings of joy, it may also bring bouts of stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Furthermore, did you know that stress of any kind during pregnancy can affect the future health of your child? It goes without saying that your emotional well-being, as recent studies show, is of utmost importance because it is entwined with fetal development and birth outcomes.

How Stress Affects the Body During Pregnancy

Under stress, your adrenal glands produce stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. While such hormones can be beneficial in the short term, constant stress during pregnancy can lead to a myriad of problems for the developing baby. It has been shown that elevated stress levels may lead to high levels of cortisol, which is capable of crossing the placenta and impacting your baby’s brain as well as their stress response systems.

Potential Impacts on the Baby

Along with other experts, I have come up with a set of possible outcomes resulting from prolonged maternal stress.

  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Weakened immune function
  • Developmental delays
  • Increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems later in life

Even when it’s true that not all mothers who are stressed will experience these outcomes, the risks are higher when stress goes unchecked for a longer duration.

Mental Health Matters

Maintaining good mental health during pregnancy is just as crucial as managing physical health. Anxiety and depression can create further stress and derail proper prenatal care. This is why mental health experts recommend emotional support and healthy coping mechanisms for expecting mothers.

  • How to Manage Stress During Pregnancy
  • Practice mindfulness and deep breathing
  • Engage in light physical activity (with doctor’s approval)
  • See a therapist or counsellor
  • Participate in prenatal yoga or support groups
  • Get sufficient sleep and proper nutrition

Fostering improvements in mental well-being during pregnancy — both for the mother and fetus — can be achieved through small, consistent efforts that are cumulative in nature.

While some stress is considered normal, it’s critical to manage it effectively. Overwhelmed with stress during pregnancy? Reach out for assistance without hesitation. Mental health care is an integral component of preparing for motherhood, complemented with the aim of providing a robust start to life for the baby.

Meghalaya in Monsoon: A Rain-Lover’s Paradise You Must Visit

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If you’re someone who finds beauty in cloudy skies, cascading waterfalls, and lush green landscapes, then Meghalaya in monsoon is a dream come true. Known as the “abode of clouds,” Meghalaya becomes a breathtaking canvas of nature’s wonders during the rainy season, making it a must-visit for every rain lover.

Why Visit Meghalaya During Monsoon?

The monsoon season (June to September) transforms Meghalaya into one of India’s most scenic destinations. Frequent rainfall blankets the hills in mist, rejuvenates rivers, and revives forests with fresh greenery. The sight of clouds kissing the mountains is an experience unlike any other.

1. Chasing Waterfalls

During monsoon, Meghalaya boasts some of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in India. Don’t miss:

  • Nohkalikai Falls – India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
  • Elephant Falls – Surrounded by lush forest.
  • Seven Sisters Falls – Majestic and perfect for photography.

These waterfalls come alive during the rains, offering spectacular views and roaring sounds.

2. Living Root Bridges

The rain-fed streams and valleys of Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong make trekking to the living root bridges even more enchanting. These bridges, handcrafted by nature and local Khasi tribes, offer a one-of-a-kind monsoon trekking experience.

3. Lush Green Trails

Meghalaya’s trekking routes, like the Double Decker Root Bridge and Laitlum Canyon, are wrapped in mist during monsoon, offering surreal views and a calm, peaceful vibe. If you’re a nature photographer or adventurer, this is your calling.

4. Cultural Warmth

Despite the rain, Meghalaya’s local hospitality shines. The Khasi and Garo tribes welcome tourists with open arms. Try local delicacies, shop for handmade crafts, and explore offbeat villages like Mawlynnong, declared the cleanest in Asia.

Meghalaya in monsoon is more than a destination — it’s an emotion. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, the state’s natural charm, waterfalls, and mist-covered mountains will leave you in awe.

So pack your raincoat, camera, and curiosity — because Meghalaya is calling!

iQOO 13 Green Colour Variant Launched in India: Price and Availability in India

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The Legend and Nardo Grey colorways of the iQOO 13 were initially released in India in December 2024. A third color variation has now been made public. The phone is exactly the same as the current model, save for the new color. It comes with a 6,000mAh battery, a dedicated gaming chip, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. A 50-megapixel triple rear camera set and a 144Hz 2K LTPO AMOLED display are features of the iQOO 13. Later this month, the new color option will be available for purchase.

iQOO 13 Price in India: Color Options

For the new Ace Green color option, the iQOO 13 costs Rs. 54,999 for the 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage combination and Rs. 59,999 for the 16GB + 512GB RAM and storage configuration. Legend and Nardo Grey are two of the three new color options for the phone. According to a press statement from the company, the new green version will be available for purchase in the nation on Amazon and the iQOO India e-store starting on July 12 at 12 a.m. IST.

Features and Specifications of the iQOO 13

The 6.82-inch 2K (1,440×3,186 pixel) LTPO AMOLED screen of the iQOO 13 has a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a maximum brightness of 1,800 nits. A specialized in-house gaming Q2 chip and a 3nm octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC power it. There includes a 7,000 sq mm vapour chamber for heat dissipation. The phone has up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM. It comes with Funtouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15.

The iQOO 13’s optics include a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with a 2x optical zoom on the back, a 50-megapixel ultrawide snapper, and a 50-megapixel primary sensor. The front of the device has a 32-megapixel sensor for video calls and selfies.

A 6,000mAh battery that supports 120W wired fast charging is included in the iQOO 13. It is said to be dust and water resistant, meeting IP68 and IP69 certifications. 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C are all supported by the phone. It weighs 213g and has a thickness of 8.13mm.

Want to Lose Weight and Cut Sugar Spikes? Eat Fibre First, Says Expert

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If you’ve been struggling to manage your weight or feel fatigued after meals, your food order might be the hidden culprit. According to top gastroenterologists, consuming fiber before sugar may be a game-changing habit for individuals seeking to lose weight and reduce insulin resistance.

Why Food Order Matters

It’s not just what you eat but also how and when. Studies show that eating fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, or legumes, before consuming sugary or high-carb foods helps slow down glucose absorption in the bloodstream. This prevents sudden sugar spikes that lead to fat storage, cravings, and energy crashes.

The Science Behind It

When you eat fiber first, it creates a gel-like barrier in your digestive tract, which slows the breakdown of sugars and starches that follow. This results in:

  • Lower blood sugar levels after meals
  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Reduced fat storage, especially around the belly

This method is beneficial for those with prediabetes, PCOS, or insulin resistance.

Real-Life Example

Imagine eating a bowl of salad or sautéed veggies before digging into rice or dessert. Your body processes the sugar more gradually, making you feel fuller longer and avoiding that post-meal crash.

Expert Tip: Build Your Plate Smartly

  1. Start with fiber – Think salads, greens, or legumes.
  2. Add protein next – Chicken, tofu, eggs, etc.
  3. Then, carbs or sugar – such as roti, rice, or a small dessert.
  4. Drink water between meals, not during.

This isn’t about restrictive dieting. It’s a simple shift in food order that can help you make the most out of your meals, naturally balance blood sugar, and support long-term weight loss.

Next time you sit down to eat, remember: fiber first, sugar last — your gut and waistline will thank you.

Fatt Gayi Na?: Sudhanshu Pandey Recalls How He Was Pranked By Akshay Kumar

Television actor Sudhanshu Pandey, widely recognized for his role in the popular daily soap Anupamaa, recently shared a humorous anecdote about his Khiladi 420 co-star, Akshay Kumar, describing him as quite the prankster.

Pandey, who recently appeared on the Karan Johar-hosted reality show Traitors, recounted the incident to Bollywood Bubble: “He’s a prankster—he pranked me once a long time ago. I still remember, I was having lunch and sitting at the dining table when I got a call. There was some girl on the line, and she started saying things that made me a little worried and a little perplexed—like, kaun hai yeh ladki jo mujhse aisi baatein kar rahi hai?”

He went on to describe how, after a short while, Akshay Kumar snatched the phone and burst into laughter, exclaiming, “Fatt gayi na? Fatt gayi na?”

Akshay Kumar is pretty famous for his pranks.

“One Of The Biggest….”, Nidhi Bhanushali AKA Sonu Reveals Why She Quit TMKOC

Actress Nidhi Bhanushali recently spoke out about her time on the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, revealing that she experienced emotional breakdowns on set due to the intense work pressure. This, she explained, ultimately led to her decision to leave the show and take a hiatus from acting.

“One of the biggest emotional breakdown I felt was when I was working with TMKOC for 7 years and it was the same routine. Initially, I enjoyed a lot because I was learning a lot but when it became a routine, I did not realise that there was a lot of pressure on my brain. It was very overwhelming. Jab aap bhagte rehte ho aur aapko lagta hai ab rukne ki zarurat hai saans lene ke liye. That’s when I decided to quit everything and take a long break,” she shared in an interview.

Nidhi Bhanushali was known for her bubbly and cheerful portrayal of Sonu Bhide, the only daughter of Atmaram Bhide, on TMKOC.

Suresh Raina Will Make His Acting Debut Soon With A Tamil Movie

Suresh Raina, the beloved “Chinna Thala” of Chennai Super Kings and a former India cricketer, is set to embark on a new innings: his acting debut in a Tamil film. The movie will be directed by Logan and produced by Saravana Kumar under his newly launched production house, Dream Knight Stories (DKS).

The official launch of Dream Knight Stories took place Friday evening in Chennai, with Chennai Super Kings’ pinch hitter Shivam Dube unveiling the production house’s name and logo.

Suresh Raina, currently on holiday in Amsterdam with his family, joined the event via video call. He expressed his desire to be present but noted he couldn’t make it due to short notice.

When asked why he chose Tamil cinema and DKS for his acting debut, Raina responded, “I think DKS has a good director and first of all when the director told me the story, it was very close to us. Then being a cricket movie, it has to start from Tamil Nadu because we have been playing a lot of matches for CSK over the years and they have a lot of love, liking and a lot of affection.”

In a lighthearted moment, Suresh Raina was asked what kind of actor he would be, mirroring a question posed to Shivam Dube, who had suggested he’d be a romantic hero. Raina quipped, “I think I will be a very good singer. Having a guitar in my hand. Making a nice dosa for my team mates. Enjoy having rasam rice. I will be chilled out. No stress.”

Raina then added with a laugh, “He (Shivam Dube) can be a romantic actor, I can be a romantic singer. So, we can gel along.”

This is really exciting!

Raftaar Backs Uorfi Javed’s The Traitors Win Amidst Abusive Messages & Threats

After reality TV personality Uorfi Javed and professional poker player Nikita Luther claimed victory on The Traitors and walked away with the Rs 70.05 lakh prize, Uorfi took to Instagram to reveal she’d been deluged with abusive messages and threats.

 Now, fellow contestant and rapper Raftaar has publicly supported Uorfi, asserting that she won the reality show “fair and square.” He emphasized that people should accept her win, regardless of their personal feelings towards her, and even suggested that facing hate in victory signifies a greater triumph.

Following Uorfi Javed’s post about the barrage of negative messages, Raftaar expressed his solidarity on his Instagram story, writing, “You can love or hate @urf7i and @nikitaluther But they won fair and square. Swallow the pill and go to sleep. “Jeet pe bhi gaali pade to double jeet rahe ho, Zaindagi bhar se bhi aur logon se bhi. (If you get criticized even after winning, then it’s a double victory — over life itself and over people too).”

We completely agree with Raftaar, what about you?