nectar

May is the ideal time to create a vibrant, layered garden that supports local wildlife. Combining tall Shasta daisies with low-growing petunias offers a visually appealing display and attracts diverse pollinators. This dynamic duo thrives in sunny spots, providing essential nectar for butterflies and contributing to their survival in diminishing habitats.

Attract hummingbirds to your garden with the remarkable corkscrew vine, Cochliasanthus caracalla. This fast-growing climber boasts uniquely shaped, fragrant blooms that perfectly match hummingbird beaks, ensuring a reliable nectar source.

Homeowners seeking vibrant, compact trees are embracing the Merlot redbud. This striking cultivar boasts stunning rosy-purple spring blooms and wine-colored foliage that shifts beautifully through the seasons. Developed for heat and drought tolerance, it's ideal for smaller gardens, offering a dramatic splash of color and supporting local wildlife without overwhelming the landscape.

Galapagos' Vampire Ground Finch exhibits a unique survival hack. These small birds have adapted to drink blood from larger seabirds. This behaviour emerged due to scarce resources on remote islands. The seabirds tolerate this as finches also remove parasites. This opportunistic feeding is a testament to evolution's adaptability. It highlights survival through behavioural shifts over generations.

Mohini Ekadashi, a sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will be observed on April 27, 2026. This powerful day, falling in the Vaishakha month, is an opportunity for devotees to observe a rigorous fast for spiritual growth, blessings, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The fast concludes on Dwadashi, with specific parana times provided.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh stated India voluntarily halted Operation Sindoor on its own terms, asserting readiness for a prolonged conflict with Pakistan, which he labeled the "epicentre of International Terrorism." He emphasised India's "zero tolerance" for terrorism and its sponsors, highlighting the nation's robust military capabilities and resolve against nuclear threats.

A new online map lets you follow hummingbirds as they fly north. Millions of these tiny birds are migrating now. You can see their journey live, helping scientists and preparing your own garden for their arrival. This tool reveals climate shifts and connects you to nature's incredible events. Watch the map and welcome these amazing visitors.

May 04, 2026, a Monday, offers a blend of collaborative mornings under Anuradha and decisive afternoons with Jyestha. The day shifts from intense Scorpio Moon energies to a more forward-looking Sagittarius, guiding mindful decisions in work and relationships. Key auspicious timings support practical tasks and spiritual practice, while caution is advised during inauspicious periods like Rahu Kaal.

Our gardens need bees! These vital pollinators are crucial for fruits, vegetables, and vibrant flowers. Declining bee populations threaten biodiversity and food security. Simple changes like planting diverse, native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and providing nesting spaces can create bee-friendly havens. Even small efforts contribute to a healthier planet and more bountiful gardens.

A resident of Patna found himself in the ICU after indulging in 'mad honey', a rare delicacy from the Himalayas. This honey, infused with potent neurotoxins, led to a shocking cardiac arrest and loss of consciousness. Medical professionals stress that natural ingredients can pose significant risks, underscoring the importance of mindful consumption.

India's diverse bat population, crucial for ecosystems, faces significant threats from urbanization and habitat loss. A new national assessment reveals a critical lack of researchers and data, highlighting the vulnerability of these species to human-driven changes and climate impacts.

Mondays often feature the sacred Abhishekam of Lord Shiva, a ritual involving pouring milk and water over the Shiva Lingam. This practice symbolizes cooling Shiva's fiery energy, representing purity, nourishment, and life's flow. It also imparts lessons on non-attachment and fosters mental focus, akin to a moving meditation for devotees.

Transform your balcony into a butterfly haven by strategically selecting nectar-rich and host plants. Cluster flowers like Lantana and Marigold, and include milkweed for egg-laying. Provide water sources and shelter with dense planting or vertical gardens. Crucially, avoid all chemicals to ensure a thriving habitat. This simple approach guarantees a vibrant space, attracting butterflies throughout the year.

On April 12, 2026, the Panchang guides through a Sunday of action and reflection. The day emphasizes clearing pending tasks during Krishna Paksha Dasami and listening during Sravana Nakshatra. Auspicious timings support focused work and spiritual practice, while Rahu Kaal advises caution against new ventures and financial decisions.

Hindu traditions deem specific foods pious, offering them as naivedyam to deities. These sacred items, including milk, ghee, honey, bananas, and jaggery, embody divine grace and sattvic purity. Associated with mythology and ancient texts, these offerings are believed to elevate the soul and bring blessings, making them integral to rituals and festivals.

Rotherham town stopped mowing roadside grass and planted wildflowers. This policy change saved the town £25,000 annually. Wildlife returned in noticeable numbers. The verges transformed into colourful corridors of life. This initiative is now a model for cities seeking cost savings and biodiversity support. It shows how simple changes can yield significant environmental benefits.

An Indian national, Sandhu Ponnachan, faces serious charges after allegedly driving a car into pedestrians in Derby, injuring seven. The 36-year-old, who moved to the UK in April 2025, appeared in court charged with multiple offenses including grievous bodily harm with intent. Four victims have since been released from hospital.

On most days, India's economic heartbeat is invisible. It does not pulse through stock exchanges or policy corridors but across vast, restless waters where ships move quietly between continents. Yet, when conflict erupts in narrow choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, that invisible system becomes the country’s most visible vulnerability. The ongoing tensions have done exactly that, forcing India to confront a reality it has long managed but rarely foregrounded.