Summer, skin, and sun go hand in hand, making smart style choices a must.Indie Times Style Check rounds up breezy, breathable footwear to keep you cool and comfortable all season long. As temperatures begin to climb, young adults are instinctively leaning towards one thing: comfort with ventilation. From breezy outfits to easy footwear, the focus is on staying cool without compromising on style. And when it comes to shoes, this season is all about letting your feet breathe. Lightweight designs are leading the way, with materials like mesh, canvas, and perforated leather dominating summer collections. They don’t just look good, they work hard too, allowing airflow, reducing sweat build-up, and helping avoid discomfort or unwanted odour during long, hot days. So this summer comfort is no longer optional, it’s essential. Cushioned soles, flexible outsoles, and proper arch support are becoming key features, especially for those constantly on the move. Whether it’s a day out in the city or a casual evening stroll, the right pair can make all the difference. On the style front, minimalism continues to reign. Soft pastels, whites, tans, and nude tones are everywhere, effortless, clean, and easy to pair. From flip-flops and floaters to ballerinas, mules, and sneakers, these understated shades are shaping everyday fashion. Open silhouettes are the real heroes of the season. Slides, sandals, and easy slip-ons are not just practical, they’re stylish staples. Even chunky sandals, once seen as purely functional, have stepped into the spotlight as bold statement pieces. But summer nights tell a different story. As the sun sets, the palette gets louder. Bold reds, teals, turquoises, and even hints of neon and sequins take over, especially in pumps, stilettos, and dressy flats, perfect for adding that extra edge to evening looks. Sneakers, meanwhile, continue their year-round dominance. Paired with flowy floral dresses, linen fits, or relaxed denim, they strike the perfect balance between casual and chic. They’re reliable, versatile, and effortlessly cool. Because at the end of the day, summer footwear is about more than just trends, it’s about feeling light, staying comfortable, and stepping out with ease, no matter how high the temperature rises. So go ahead and flaunt your feet this summer.

From big screens to shared cheers, April 1 turned cafés and lounges into the city’s liveliest match arenas. In Lucknow, IPL nights are no longer watched, they’re celebrated together.April 1 wasn’t just another match day in Lucknow, it was a city-wide watch party. As the Indian Premier League lit up screens, cafés, lounges, and bars across the city transformed into buzzing hubs where cricket met conversation, food, and community. From early evening, tables began filling up, teal jerseys made their way out of wardrobes, and the familiar hum of anticipation took over. Inside, the vibe was electric. Large LED screens and projectors recreated a stadium-like atmosphere, complete with live commentary, cheers, and collective gasps at every near miss. Every boundary brought strangers together, every wicket drew groans loud enough to echo across the room. For a few hours, these spaces stopped being just cafés, they became shared living rooms for cricket lovers.  At Sky Glass Brewing Co., the energy peaked early. Groups huddled around tables, drinks in hand, eyes glued to the screen. The menu played its part, kebab platters, fusion bites, and hearty mains kept the tables busy as the match intensified. “You come for the match, but you stay for the vibe,” said one regular, barely looking away from the screen. Across the city, similar scenes played out. IPL-themed menus took overloaded platters, pizzas, and quick bites paired with chilled beverages became the go-to match companions. Combo deals and group offers made it easier for friends to settle in for long innings, turning match night into a full-fledged outing rather than a quick catch-up. Up above, rooftops added their own charm. At Meraki – Bar and Bistro, the open-air setting brought a different kind of thrill. With the city lights in the background and the match unfolding on big screens, every cheer felt louder, every moment more cinematic. Mocktails clinked, starters circulated, and conversations flowed as effortlessly as the game itself. But what truly stood out was the people. Fans in team jerseys, voices hoarse from cheering, celebrating not just the game but the togetherness it brought. Friends, families, even strangers, coming together, sharing tables, reactions, and laughter. Because on nights like April 1, Lucknow didn’t just watch cricket, it experienced it. But disappointment was in order with home team Lucknow Super Giants, lost to Delhi Capitals, but the sting was lessened with bon homie shared during the collective watching of the match.

In the heart of suburban Lucknow, Food Valley, in Gomtinagar is more than just a Food Hub. Indie Times explores this gourmet gully, and finds a living, breathing slice of modern Lucknow, a place where people don’t just come to eat, but to connect, unwind, and create memories together. An Evening in Gomti Nagar, Food Valley feels less like a dining space and more like a vibrant food fiesta. Strings of lights shimmered overhead, signboards glowed in every color, and the air carried the irresistible aroma of sizzling street food. It was the kind of place that instantly pulls you in, warm, vibrant, and full of life. As Indie Times wandered through the buzzing lanes, we struck up conversations with a few outlet owners to get a sense of how things were going. At one of the busiest counters, CHUNGFA, a staff member laughed as he described the rush: “Weekends get crazy, but in the best way. Sales have really picked up these past few months, and evenings are always packed.” Over at Crudo, another vendor shared a different perspective. For them, it’s not just about taste, it’s about how quickly and beautifully the food reaches the customer. “Weekdays are calmer,” he said, “but we still get a steady flow. People don’t come here just to eat they come for the whole experience.” And that sentiment echoed in the crowd. Groups of college students moved from stall to stall, plates in hand, clearly spoilt for choice. “You get everything here,” one of them said, grinning. “Indian, Chinese, Korean, and of course, proper Awadhi and Mughalai  food like Nausheen Jaan. Plus desserts from Neelkanth sweets. So why go anywhere else?” Families visiting the Food Valley, too, seemed completely at ease. Children ran around while parents relaxed in the open seating areas, soaking in the atmosphere. More than one visitor described it as their go-to hangout spot, a place where everyone finds something they love. But what stood out, especially for a place this crowded, was the attention to hygiene. Most stalls had clean counters, staff wearing gloves, and food handled with care. “For a place this busy, it’s surprisingly well-maintained,” one visitor noted appreciatively. But beyond the food and the cleanliness, it’s the feeling of the place that stays with you. Soft music hummed in the background, laughter floated through the air, and conversations overlapped in a comforting chaos. Different cuisines, different people, different stories, all coming together in one shared space. As the night deepened, the energy didn’t fade, it grew. Plates clinked, friends lingered over last bites, and families stretched their evenings just a little longer.  Go Ahead visit Food Valley Folks, it’s bound to surprise you!

Violence takes refuge in war. War is made up of Snakes and Ladders game where the one defeated is crushed with the might of the victorious.  United States Operation Epic Fury and Israel’s Operation Lions Roar jointly against Irans retaliatory Operation True Promise 4 has turned this war into a concern for entire Europe and crisis for Middle east with its tourism taking a backseat while the rest of the world watches uneasily fearing the flames may spread further.India too has felt the impact of market stability,oil & energy alongwith concern of its large numbers of Indians settled in the Gulf region.  President Donald Trump reasons  to eliminate  threats  from Iran to prevent them from having nuclear weapons and for  change of regime by eliminating its supreme leader Khamenei with his military brass  to the advantage of Netanyahu . Iran has fiercely retaliated by launching its missiles and drones on Israel and other Gulf countries having US military assets. Innocent civilians and children suffer from this mass destruction as death toll rises. One can bomb the world into pieces but it cannot be bombed into Peace. Acts done in war is a crime in peace yet it is said that war is necessary for peace but in this age of civilization, lasting peace can only be achieved through better understanding, diplomacy and enhanced negotiations.  Rajesh Rodricks 

This week’s episode of Indie Talk Show brought listeners an insightful and deeply human conversation with Dr. Lokendra Gupta, a renowned specialist of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care  at Medanta Lucknow. In a thoughtful exchange with host Charanpreet Singh Bagga, the discussion moved far beyond clinical definitions of health, diving into the intricate relationship between mindset, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Dr. Gupta offered a refreshing perspective: health, he explained, is not simply the absence of illness, but a delicate balance of physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional stability. In a world that moves faster every day, he emphasized how our daily choices quietly shape our long-term health. From mindful eating and regular exercise to the power of consistent routines, he highlighted how small habits often make the biggest difference. What made the conversation particularly engaging was Dr. Gupta’s focus on awareness. He pointed out how easily people overlook early warning signs, often brushing them aside in the rush of everyday life. Through relatable, real-life examples, he reminded listeners that paying attention to our bodies is not optional, it’s essential. Equally compelling was his take on mental and emotional well-being. Stress, he noted, doesn’t just stay in the mind, it finds its way into the body, often manifesting as physical ailments. His message was clear: true healing begins within. By practicing mindfulness, cultivating self-discipline, and taking a proactive approach to health, we can reclaim control over our well-being. As the conversation drew to a close, Dr. Gupta left listeners with a simple yet powerful thought, well-being is a choice we make every day. It doesn’t require dramatic changes, but rather small, consistent steps that, over time, lead to a healthier and more meaningful life.

In a candid and deeply human angle episode of the Indie Talk Show, host Charanpreet Singh Bagga sits down with former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, R.P. Singh, not just to talk about law enforcement, but about the people behind the badge. What emerges is not the story of a career defined by authority, but one shaped by responsibility, difficult choices, and an evolving understanding of what it truly means to serve. Reflecting on his journey, Singh speaks with a quiet honesty about how policing has changed over the years. “It’s no longer just about enforcing the law,” he suggests, “it’s about understanding people.” In a state as vast and complex as Uttar Pradesh, this shift is not just philosophical, it’s necessary. From integrating digital surveillance and data-driven systems to strengthening emergency response networks, the force has embraced modernization. But for Singh, technology is only part of the story. The real challenge, he says, lies in trust. Leading one of the largest police forces in the country comes with immense pressure, but Singh points out that maintaining public confidence is perhaps the toughest test of all. It’s why he speaks so strongly about community policing,  about officers stepping beyond their roles as enforcers and becoming familiar, approachable figures within neighborhoods. Building relationships at the grassroots level, he explains, often prevents crime before it begins. There is also a softer, often unseen side to the force that Singh is careful to highlight  the emotional and mental toll on officers themselves. Behind the discipline and uniform are individuals working long hours under constant stress. Acknowledging this, he discusses efforts made to support mental well-being within the force, bringing attention to an issue that rarely enters public conversation. Perhaps the most striking moment comes when Singh is asked to leave viewers with a message. His response is simple, almost understated: policing is a shared responsibility. It’s a reminder that safety is not created by the police alone, but through cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect between citizens and those who serve them. In Singh’s words and reflections, policing becomes less about power and more about partnership, a balance of trust, technology, and teamwork working quietly, every day, to hold society together.  But it is an effort, maintains Singh. that requires both the people and the police full commitment only then a meaningful change would be visible. Singh emphasizes that achieving real and lasting change is not a one-sided effort, but a shared responsibility between the public and the police. He feels that both must show consistent dedication, cooperation, and mutual trust. Without full commitment from both sides, any progress will remain limited. Only through collective effort, accountability, and active participation can meaningful and visible improvements in society truly take shape.  We totally agree, Sir!

Over the past two years, there’s been a noticeable resurgence of classic and hard rock among the city’s younger generation. From ’70s legends like the Eagles to heavier acts such as Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden, rock music is steadily reclaiming space on playlists echoing the cultural wave of the ’90s and early 2000s Have you noticed it too? More and more people are walking around in T-shirts emblazoned with iconic rock bands and album art. Take a stroll through Lucknow, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot a handful. Guitar teachers are fielding requests for riffs written decades ago, and songs once considered “old school” are finding new life. So what’s driving this revival? Part of the answer lies in the craftsmanship behind the music. At first listen, rock might seem like a barrage of distorted guitars and gritty vocals. But beneath that surface is a deeply intricate process of songwriting that demands precision, emotional depth, and artistic intuition comparable to that of a seasoned painter. From dialing in the perfect tone to layering vocals and fine-tuning every element of the mix, the great rock tracks are carefully constructed pieces of art. They carry a weight of emotion that feels raw yet intentional. It’s this emotional honesty that continues to resonate. Rock has always been unafraid to explore themes like loss, alienation, and mental health, subjects that remain as relevant today as ever. For many listeners, that connection is deeply personal.“The music always felt like proof that someone out there understood what I was going through,” says Kabir Srivastava, a local guitarist and long-time rock enthusiast rediscovering the genre. And then, there’s the simplest explanation of all. At its core, rock music is just people in a room, translating their feelings into sound, loud, imperfect, and real. In an era increasingly shaped by polished, algorithm-driven content, that kind of authenticity stands out. Maybe that’s why this isn’t just nostalgia. It feels more like a return to something raw, human, and timeless.  So play on guys!

The Navya Scheme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) represents a focused effort to empower adolescent girls by providing them with education, awareness, and essential life skills. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s able guidance, UP is now recognizing that adolescence is a critical stage of development, and  the initiative aims to equip young girls with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed choices about their health, nutrition, and future. Implemented through the vast grassroots network of the Integrated Child Development Services,(ICDS) the Navya Scheme primarily targets girls in the age group of 11 to 14 years. At this stage, many girls face challenges related to nutrition, health awareness, and access to information. The programme works to bridge these gaps by using Anganwadi centres as platforms for outreach, learning, and engagement. One of the central objectives of the scheme is to promote health and nutritional awareness. Through interactive sessions, girls are educated about balanced diets, personal hygiene, menstrual health, and the importance of regular health check-ups. These discussions are designed to break long-standing taboos and encourage open conversations around issues that are often neglected. The scheme also focuses on life skills and personal development. Adolescent girls are encouraged to build self-confidence, communication skills, and decision-making abilities. Workshops and group activities help them understand their rights, the value of education, and the importance of delaying early marriage. Another important aspect of the Navya Scheme is community engagement. Parents, teachers, and local stakeholders are often involved in awareness drives so that the environment around the girls becomes more supportive of their growth and aspirations. By strengthening this support system, the programme aims to create lasting change beyond the classroom or Anganwadi centre. Overall, the Navya Scheme reflects a broader commitment within the ICDS framework to nurture healthier, more confident young girls. By investing in adolescent development today, the initiative hopes to build a stronger, more informed generation of women for the future. 

From kebab stalls in Purana Lucknow to fast-food chains, LPG shortages are shrinking menus, straining livelihoods, and quietly altering the city’s everyday rhythmAt first, it felt like a small inconvenience, a handwritten sign outside a favourite restaurant, a shorter menu, a delayed opening. The kind of thing you shrug off and blame on “supply issues.” But in the weeks since the strikes on Iran, those small disruptions have quietly stitched themselves into the fabric of daily life, turning into something far more personal. In the narrow gullies of Purana Lucknow, where food is as much heritage as it is livelihood, the change is immediate and visible. During Eid, a time when the area would normally hum with the aroma of kebabs and the press of eager crowds, there is a noticeable restraint. At iconic eateries, not every dish makes it to the table. Some recipes, slow-cooked, fuel-intensive, are quietly set aside. The impact doesn’t stop at traditional kitchens. Inside air-conditioned malls, even global fast-food outlets are adjusting in subtle ways. Menus are trimmed. Fryers sit idle longer than usual. What remains are items that demand less fuel, less time, less risk. But the deepest strain is felt by those for whom food is not just culture, but survival. The chaat vendor at the corner, the tea seller with a loyal morning crowd,  their margins were always thin. Now, with rising costs and uncertain supply, even a single day’s disruption can mean the difference between getting by and falling behind. And so, the crisis seeps into conversation. It shows up in news alerts, in WhatsApp forwards, in passing remarks exchanged with an auto rickshaw driver. It lingers in the question of whether gas will last the week, whether prices will rise again, whether tomorrow’s routine will look anything like today’s. What makes this moment striking is not just the shortage itself, but how quietly and completely it reshapes everyday life. In a city like Lucknow, where food is memory, identity, and pride, the shrinking of menus feels like something more than an economic adjustment,  it feels like a pause in the city’s heartbeat. And if the disruption continues, it may not just be the food that changes, but the rhythm of life around it.

Bhajan Samrat Anoop Jalota speaks of his passion for singing, receiving the Padma Shri and his entry into Big Boss in an in-depth tete-e-tete with Editor Indie Times. Q You have earned the distinction as the “Bhajan Samrat” and your popularity has increased steadily with all age group. How have you managed to do this in a fast changing entertainment industry? Ans. I’ve always believed in keeping things simple,  I truly love what I do. The moment work starts feeling like a burden or something you have to push yourself through, it begins to lose its meaning. For me, the joy has always been in the journey itself. Fame, however, changes things. While it brings recognition, it also brings pressure. Once you become a household name, it feels like the world is constantly watching every move observed, every action judged. It pushes you to work even harder, to live up to expectations. I’m 72 now, and even today I perform around 20 concerts every month, across India, the UK, the USA, Australia, and Africa. On top of that, there are regular recordings , it all adds up to a demanding schedule. But this has been my life for the past 45 years. And in the end, I believe it’s all worth it.  Q. You were conferred with the highest civilian award -The Padma Shri in 2012 for your contribution to devotional music. How was that experience? Ans. You know, my father was honoured with the Padma Shri a few years before I received mine, and we remain the only father–son duo to have been conferred with this award. That, in itself, is something I hold very close to my heart.  I was in Mumbai when I received a call from the Home Ministry informing me that I had been selected for the Padma Shri, and asking if I would accept it. I was overjoyed,  it was a moment of immense pride,  and of course, I said yes. The first thing I did after that was call my mother. I said, “Chaiji, I’ve been chosen to receive the Padma Shri.” And her response was so simple, yet so profound: “Betaji, ab theek se gana.” That one sentence says everything about the kind of family I come from,  a reminder that no matter what you achieve, there is always room to do better, to stay sincere to your art, and to keep growing. Q. How would you define music today, specifically devotional and ghazals? With AI now doing almost everything including creating music and lyrics, how has things changed for artists like you? Ans.Change is a natural part of growth, nothing stays the same, and that’s true in every field. But change isn’t something to fear; it’s something to learn from. Every new shift brings with it a chance to evolve, to see things differently, and to grow. In today’s music landscape, there is an incredible surge of creativity. Artists have the freedom to experiment in countless ways, and that openness brings out new dimensions in their work. We are now exposed to music from across the world,  something that wasn’t as accessible earlier, and that has enriched both artists and listeners alike. I, too, have embraced this change. While the essence of my singing remains the same, I’ve incorporated new musical instruments into my performances. My  audience has welcomed this change. Q. What is your connection with Lucknow? You have a very special bond with this city? Ans. I spent 20 years of my life in Lucknow,  it’s where I grew up, studied, and eventually graduated from Lucknow University in 1973. Not many people know this, but main yahan ki mitti se juda hoon — I have a deep, personal connection with this city. Even today, whenever I get the slightest chance to return to Lucknow, main bhaaga chala aata hoon. There’s a sense of belonging here that’s hard to put into words.I also love visiting Agra, Kanpur, and Prayagraj. Each place holds its own special memories for me. This entire region has shaped who I am, and I carry those experiences with me wherever I go. Q. Tell us about Big Boss season 12, hosted by Salman Khan. What was that about? It was a complete shift from your singing career. Ans. I had never watched Bigg Boss,  not even a single episode, even after I became a part of it. The whole journey began when Jasleen Matharu, who was my student, came to me with her father. She had an opportunity to enter the show, and they felt it could help her career. The condition, however, was to participate as a “vichitr jodi,” and they requested me to join her. I agreed, thinking it would support her. But I was quite taken aback when she introduced the narrative that we were in a relationship, while I had always maintained that she was my shishya. Despite the unexpected turn, I ensured that my conduct remained dignified throughout the six weeks I spent there. Inside the house. After a week, I even requested to leave, but since the TRPs were doing well, they wanted me to stay. In hindsight, I have no regrets. In fact, it had an amusing upside, a whole new Gen-Z audience began googling Anoop Jalota, discovering my ghazals and bhajans. My younger fan base grew significantly after Bigg Boss and that, I must say, was quite enjoyable. (laughs).