consumer confidence

A survey reveals that the 'baddie' aesthetic among young Indian women has shifted from heavy makeup to confidence, glow, and attitude. Over 64% now associate the term with presence and self-assurance, prioritising healthy skin and a natural look over full glam. This signifies a move towards a more personal and flexible definition of beauty and power.

Lakhs of medical aspirants took the NEET UG 2026 exam on Sunday. Students reported varied experiences, with some finding the paper easy and manageable. Physics was noted as less time-consuming by some. Smooth arrangements at exam centres contributed to a comfortable experience. Despite mixed difficulty, competition for limited MBBS seats remains extremely high.

Bhubaneswar police have busted a new LPG fraud racket where a middleman created multiple fake connections using identities of unsuspecting poor families. These individuals were paid commissions to allow cylinders booked in their names to be diverted to the black market, exploiting supply disruptions.

The 2026 election results in Bengal are a watershed moment that goes beyond simply altering the ruling party; it highlights the disintegration of a longstanding political regime. The BJP's sweeping triumph, driven by issues of illegal crossings and adjustments to voter lists, reflects a rising call for firmer governance.

Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia has been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. His wife, Maria Garcia launched a GoFundMe. It has raised over $144,000 for his medical expenses including chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX. Stephen Garcia urges others to prioritize regular screenings after his own diagnosis. He played in the CFL and AFL and went undrafted in the NFL.

Residential societies in Gurugram are mandating the removal of private EV chargers from basement parking due to fire safety concerns raised by the Haryana Fire Department. This directive, impacting Fire NOC renewals, could hinder EV adoption by removing convenient home charging options and increasing reliance on costly public stations.

Vintage watches are experiencing a resurgence, particularly among Gen Z, driven by their unique stories, scarcity, and inherent character. This trend sees a return to classic design elements and smaller case sizes, offering a respite from digital overload and a connection to history. Familial influence and aesthetic appeal are also key drivers behind this growing appreciation for timeless timepieces

Dunkin's decade-and-a-half adventure in India comes to an end as Jubilant FoodWorks pulls back from the franchise, pointing to stagnant growth and ongoing losses. The brand faltered in aligning its offerings with local breakfast customs and misinterpreted visibility for real success.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a Rs 1,647 crore grid sub-station in Keonjhar, aiming to transform the district into the "second Jamshedpur of eastern India." The project, along with new transmission lines, will benefit over 7 lakh consumers and bolster industrial power supply. Plans include remote grid management and future substations to meet rising demand.

Tesco is reintroducing its 'Free Fruit for Kids' initiative, offering complimentary British apples to young shoppers across the UK. This five-week program aims to boost children's fruit and vegetable intake, as research shows many fall short of daily recommendations. The scheme will extend through school holidays, with plans to double its school program reach in 2026.

What our favourite mango reveals about who we are – from our childhood to our personality types. The French have their Bordeaux and Beaujolais. We have our Alphonso and Langda

In a critical moment for Apple's survival, Microsoft, led by Bill Gates, invested $150 million and forged a strategic alliance in 1997. This unexpected move by a major rival provided crucial financial stability and software support, allowing Steve Jobs' restructuring efforts to take hold and paving the way for Apple's eventual resurgence.

Parenting in today's fast-paced, screen-driven world requires a shift from focusing solely on marks and discipline to nurturing children's mindset and mental well-being. Experts emphasize building confidence over creating fearful achievers, encouraging open communication, reframing failure as a learning opportunity, and fostering emotional connections to equip children for life's challenges.

New research from KAIST has clarified how graphene oxide's antibacterial properties work, revealing it selectively attacks harmful bacteria by targeting a specific lipid found in their membranes. This mechanism explains the success of graphene-based hygiene products and offers a novel approach to combating antibiotic resistance by physically disrupting bacterial structures.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will closely track movements on the rate decisions by several central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

The important detail, of course, is that this was not just whiskey. It was Kash Patel whiskey, or at least whiskey transformed into a Kash Patel object, reportedly engraved with “Kash Patel FBI Director”, an FBI-style shield, an eagle, his signature and the number 9, presumably a reference to his place in the line of FBI directors.

Precious metals gold and silver are poised for continued pressure this week, influenced by US-Iran peace talks, central bank decisions, and key economic data. Analysts anticipate volatility as investors weigh geopolitical shifts, inflation concerns, and a strong US dollar. Domestic gold and silver futures saw significant drops, reflecting global market trends.

For RBI the situation is clear: The resilience of the global economy, already inflicted with trade tensions, is being tested by the conflict in West Asia. The biggest takeaway from the RBI bulletin is that India’s domestic supply chains may come under risk from a prolonged war scenario, though strong macroeconomic fundamentals provide a buffer.

If you’re bored with the usual wedding dressing, skip the heavy accessories this season and let statement earrings take the lead. Experiment with shoulder-grazing lengths, architectural shapes and heritage-inspired motifs for a fresh, striking look