Munira Fidai

ChatGPT — Life in the hands of AI?

Popular natural language AI, ChatGPT had made waves in global news when it first arrived. Hailed as a revolutionary aid to all kinds of writing, it had the world riveted. Fast forward a few months, has it really evolved into the job-eating monster that writers around the world were scared it would become?

3d ago

How to wear your wedding and engagement rings

From ogling and drooling over celebrity engagement and wedding rings, and analysing their carats and shapes, we’ve done it all. However, the exchanging of rings is a deeply traditional gesture and holds personal meaning. But, is there really a right or wrong way to wear engagement and wedding rings and does it even matter?

2w ago

6 habits to quit for a successful life

This fast and frenzied world has us constantly on our toes, needing us to upgrade ourselves every so often. Fortunately, there are several ways to figure out what might not be working for you and to find sustainable, productive ways to reach your very own version 2.0.

2w ago

Things you need to know about sensitive children

In a world that takes pride in toughness and machoism, sensitivity is often mistaken for passiveness or weakness. In reality, however, this is a rare strength that runs the world, and given a nurturing environment, children with highly sensitive minds often enjoy certain advantages.

2w ago

How phones change our brains

For years, naysayers have been talking about how devices drain the brain, depleting energy, and reducing its ability to retain information. While no one discounts the science behind it, studies have found that

3w ago

Can exes be friends?

An age-old quandary, opinions are fairly divided on this one. We share some of our most profound moments with our exes and for a certain period of time, they mean the world to us. Unless things go supremely wrong, such as instances of infidelity or toxicity, it is reasonable to want to hold on to the comfort and familiarity of the relationship. However, this friendship comes with a messy baggage of rules, boundaries, and a healthy dose of confusion.

3w ago

Workin’ Moms: 5 things you can learn from the Netflix series

Popular Netflix series Workin’ Moms has come out with its final season and those who have religiously followed the lives of Kate Foster and her group of mum friends are sorry to see it end. Full of light-hearted and dark humour, and a host of inappropriate antics, the show is more than just a hoot and a laugh.

3w ago

Coronation and colonialism: The Kohinoor controversy

Dignitaries, celebrities and the crème de la crème of civil society flew in from around the world to make their presence known at King Charles’ coronation, a once-in-a-generation event that took place on the 6 May, 2023. Very conspicuously missing from the opulent ceremony was the Kohinoor, originally a 105-carat diamond that has long been the subject of a spat between England and post-colonial India.

In conversation with mothers of children with disabilities

All children are special

Mothers are known for their strength and courage, and for more than just how they bring children into the world. Raising children is a struggle, especially when they are afflicted with ailments. Farha Hasan and Nazli Hussain are just two of countless such special mothers who have made mountains move with their love.

Common travel mistakes while making hotel bookings

Making hotel reservations have become easier and yet, people still tend to make mistakes. To avoid this, we spoke to a popular hotel chain employee, who shared her experience about common travel slip-ups they have seen people make again and again, and how avoiding these can expedite standard procedures for them and make it easier for hotels to serve them.

Old school manners children should know

It seems as if saying please and thank you does not even scratch the surface of “old-school” manners children should know and use that would set them ahead of their peers. Parents must constantly practice manners at home, and set a good example for them, as children are great at mimicking actions. However, it is also prudent that parents have age-appropriate expectations of their children because kids are only capable of learning and doing certain things at each stage of life, even if they do amaze you sometimes. Positive reinforcement often works better on little people than threats and rewards do.

How to wear your wedding and engagement rings

From ogling and drooling over celebrity engagement and wedding rings, and analysing their carats and shapes, we’ve done it all. However, the exchanging of rings is a deeply traditional gesture and holds personal meaning. But, is there really a right or wrong way to wear the engagement and wedding rings and does it even matter?

The thin eyebrow trend is back from the 90s

The infamous fashion faux pas of over plucking eyebrows and redrawing them reed thin in the late 90s and early 2000s has most of us traumatised even now. If some of us were guilty of jumping on the bandwagon then, the regret is even more real. However, #SkinnyBrows is back as the most divisive trend on TikTok, with the Gen Zs bringing back the abhorred trend, much to the horror and dismay of the older generations. The app has also created a thin eyebrow filter that you can use to check out how it would look on you before taking the plunge.

6 skin hacks by Zendaya’s facialist, Joomee Song

You really have to be living under a rock if you do not know Zendaya. To get her unique facial glow, despite the demands of her rigorous schedule, here are 6 hacks her facialist, Joomee Song swears by, including good cleansing habits, the power of sweating it out, and regular facial massages.

How to best use mehendi for grey hair

While chemical dyes can render hair dry and lifeless, a plant-based powder made of henna leaves can colour hair naturally, and without risking its sheen or lustre. In fact, the natural hair colourant has been known to additionally thicken hair and improve scalp health.

Bob hairstyle for women above 50

Women, especially beyond the age of 50, experience hormonal changes and many suffer from hair thinning. Celebrity hairstylist and expert, Glam Girl Gabi shares what might be the best haircut for thinning hair, making it appear bouncy and full.

Dos and don’ts of hair colouring

Hair colouring is a popular beauty treatment that has been around for centuries. While it can transform your appearance and make you feel confident and stylish, it also requires care and attention. To ensure your hair colour stays vibrant and healthy, it is important to know the dos and don'ts of hair colouring.

Boosting brain function for maximum control

Our brain is a powerhouse of thoughts and emotions. However, owing to the sheer amount of traffic running through our minds on a daily basis, the brain must be trained to control its views, words, and choices if it is to run on streamlined, optimal capacity.

Choosing that perfect shade of red lipstick

Think bold lip colours and the first thing that comes to mind is red. Every woman deserves to own that one perfect red lip colour that makes her feel her most empowered. But did you know that different skin tones have different shades of red made for them? Here’s how to find out yours

12 foods that unclog arteries

Clogged arteries are the first step towards coronary diseases. A poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and smoking, among plenty of other factors, can all cause poor heart health. A healthy heart ensures a long, healthy life and here are 12 foods to incorporate into your life that can help with achieving that.

3 questions to measure happiness according to Steve Jobs

Before his untimely death in 2011, Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple Inc, left us with some weighty advice. In the face of inevitable death, Steve shone light on what it means to genuinely be happy and some questions one must ask and ponder upon each day to evaluate happiness. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” he said.

Signs of depression in children

Children, at every age, are trying to navigate emotions bigger than themselves and it is not unusual for them to feel down and washed out from time to time. However, when the feeling is very intense and continues for a long time, particularly in a way that impacts a child’s social, family or school life, it may be worth probing into.

I am a woman and I can’t do it all

It is true that women have broken glass ceilings and gone on to lead exceedingly fulfilling family lives as well and no one argues that they cannot.

IELTS General Writing: 7 tips and tricks

Acing the IELTS General Writing test has never been easier. Straight from the horse’s mouth, CIC News brings to you 7 of the best tips for high band scores in the exam to take you a step closer to Canadian emigration.

How to be more disciplined in life?

Ever seen people who breeze through life with the right amount of sleep, a healthy diet, and time for everything? They seem to be living a charmed life. However, it’s not as much magic, as it is discipline — a good habit that takes years of perseverance to build and sustain. A fizzle-proof way of life, discipline delivers much more than willpower or motivation, and can be the best bet for even the lazier ones amongst us.

Ways to use ChatGPT for higher productivity

People have embraced ChatGPT for its apparent benefits in the fields of writing, studying, research, and much more. Despite the apprehensions prevalent in workplaces regarding the conversational AI tool, experts say that ChatGPT is not going to take away people’s jobs anytime soon but can actually help them be much more productive in their work.

Best ways to comfort a sad person

While an ideal approach would vary from person to person, growing research suggests that a good conversation can go a long way to make people feel better. People deal with sadness in different ways — some like to be left alone while others want company; some feel happier with a bar of chocolate, whereas others cannot register any form of solace until they start to feel better on their own.

6 behaviours to avoid

While there are plenty of tips and tricks one can internalise when it comes to becoming classy, not much has been said about the set of behaviours to avoid if you wish to exude elegance and grace.

Receding hairline and ways to stop it

A receding hairline can have a number of reasons, here we discuss ways to recover our crowning glory.

Tea breaks and the rise in productivity at the office

To break the tension at office and encourage some team spirit and warmth into the atmosphere, regular tea and snacks breaks are necessary.

Top 5 home remedies that can help reduce hair loss

Hair loss can plague one at any age, due to hormonal imbalances, an unhealthy lifestyle, or genetic predisposition. Thankfully, there are hassle-free ways to treat this issue and slowly regain hair health back.

Can exercise help battle depression in children?

Emerging as an unsung hero in battling depression, exercise has been known to work wonders in preventing mental health troubles in young people.

Carrie Bradshaw outfits we still love

Here are 5 iconic outfits worn by the star that would still get a place of honour in our wardrobes.

Original piri-piri flavoured Galito’s now in Bangladesh

A popular Piri-Piri chicken brand broke a few hearts in its wake when it chose to exit the country a few years ago but for those who were feeling its absence a little too strongly, fret not, for brands come and go, but Piri-Piri is here to stay! The newest Piri-Piri joint in town, Galito’s has the hot, pulsating African flavours at the heart of its recipes.

“Don’t come back, try to finish what you started”

Shah Rukh Khan's rise to dominance in Bollywood

Known as the King of Bollywood, Badshah, King Khan, and most recently, Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan has ruled over the Indian film industry for almost 30 years. Famous for his endearing dimples and signature wide-stretched arms, his charm is hard to resist and his expressive eyes tug at heartstrings one doesn’t even know exist.

Signs of an elegant person: Are you one?

Looks are temporary, class is permanent. One might feel that looking good, being groomed, acting polite, and working on one’s posture are enough to be elegant, but it’s not as simple as that. For the few external signs of being an elegant person, there are plenty of internal ones that come through practice and perseverance.

Father and children enjoying leisure hours in the pool

How to play with your children

Many compare children to being scientists or genius minds with photographic memory and an ability to learn absolutely anything. In truth, children are like sponges and their brains are the most fertile for the first five years of their lives. During these formative years of childhood, children learn to understand and express their feelings, regulate emotions, and absorb information from their surroundings through activities.

How fatherhood can change you

The following are just some of the changes fatherhood can bring to men.

What can investing teach you?

Made yourself a nice little bundle of cash? Before you go and throw your hard-earned cash on the next new luxury item, here’s a different thought. What if you invested the amount into a solid scheme and multiplied your savings? Investing is making money out of money, but that’s not all there is to it. If done right, the practice can teach you a thing or two about life itself.

Upgrade your life: The 2023 Edition

Whether your goal is to succeed in your career, in your creative corner or simply to become a better person, here are 6 tips and tricks you can really try, in order to achieve your objective for 2023.

Why don’t people like you?

It’s a diverse world and no two people are alike. As viewpoints differ, some gel together seamlessly while others clash and cause friction. This is expected, and quite natural. However, what if you find that you are unable to befriend anyone at all, and that everyone shuns you from their circle. It might be time for some introspection.

How to master the art of small talk

Small talk often starts with pointless questions such as “How are you?” According to research, these are three of the most useless words in the world of communication as the person asking is least interested in the response and the person responding hardly ever tells the truth. So, what can make small talk interesting enough to lead to an actual conversation?

Mastering elegance

Sought after by everyone, elegance is but an elusive virtue. It is a fairly common mistake to think that only aesthetics make class, when in fact, true sophistication is a mix of outward grooming, mindful habits, and intrinsic virtues. Here are a few ways to find out whether you have any of the prime traits that inherently classy people possess.

How to avoid destroying your relationships

Relationships are slippery. One moment, you have the most loving, caring partner in the world, and in the other, you’re at loggerheads with the same person. Arguments, silent treatments and resentments can build up fairly quickly and before you know it, you are thinking — how did it go from 10 to 1 so quickly? Well, even if it doesn’t feel like it right then, there are ways to pivot back to a better position.

Dhaka Lit Fest 2023 — A day’s experience

Spanning five days, the popular event had authors and creatives from a variety of genres and backgrounds, from Bangladesh, Australia, England, Switzerland, to India.

5 steps to avoid hours of wasted time

In today’s fast-paced world, it can often feel like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. From work and family obligations to errands and leisure activities, our schedules are often jam-packed and it's no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed, trying to juggle it all. But what if there were ways to reclaim some of that precious time and make the most of every day?

How to start your mornings right

Mornings are not for everyone and most of us take an hour or two to really get a head start on our day, even after waking up from a good 6-8 hours of sleep. As such, advice on getting up early, or joining the 5 AM Club, as it is called, may not be for all of us. Thankfully, there are a number of popular tips to try to start off the day with energy and keep it going throughout the work day.

5 Ayurvedic secrets for hair health

Just until a few decades ago, South Asians were blessed with the most beautiful and thick hair that was as long as it was lustrous. The recent rise in pollution, lifestyle challenges, seasonal fluctuations caused by climatic imbalance, and increased stress have wreaked havoc with hair health. Fortunately, Ayurveda has lots of secrets and the power to restore our crown back to its timeless glory lie in the shelves and containers of our very own kitchens.