Chairs have evolved over the centuries and during each era the design changed. The Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and the modern times all had their own unique designs. But today chairs and chair design has undergone dramatic change. While it is no longer a symbol of state and dignity and has become an item of ordinary use, there have been several innovations on the design front.

By AYESHA KOHLI

On a late Sunday afternoon in April, Dhanya Nageswaran and Ria Ranadive, both aged 13 years, issued a strong clarion call to the audience gathered in front of them - “Wake up and pay attention to the huge amounts of paper, plastic, glass and metal waste we generate as a society!”.

Young minds with a mighty passion for recycling, they were part of a like-minded cohort of children, who were participating in Youth Talk. The event was an opportunity for children aged 10-16 years to present their ideas on recycling to Ashoka fellow, multiple award winner and founder of Goonj, Anshu Gupta.

It must be said: we live in extraordinary times. Notoriety can be worn as a badge of honour and comes with several juicy perks. Now even our poster boy for Olympic glory is in trouble. Boxer Vijender Singh is not going to find it all that hard to convince his fans that he is being persecuted and framed by rivals hell bent on finishing off his career. Assuming the Punjab police, with their abominable track record are venomously plotting against the pugilist, the question to ask is just this: did he or didn’t he experiment with drugs? Forget the answer. The truth is nobody gives a flying f***. It is exactly this aspect of instant-notoriety that is fascinating to monitor.

By NITHYA SUBRAMANIAN

If there were one word that sums up the personality of film star Sanjay Dutt, it would be ‘paradox’. He was born to talented parents, but as reports consistently show, he grew up to be a spoilt brat and drug addict. When he was at the peak of his film career in the early 1990s, he got involved in illegal activities including possession of weapons, which was part of the consignment used in the Bombay terror attacks that forced him to spend 18 months in jail. And till last month, when he was perhaps in the most contented phase of his life, his misdeeds from the past came back to haunt him.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India (SC) pronounced its verdict on Dutt’s involvement in the 1993 Bombay blast case sentencing him to five years in jail under the Arms Act. As he had already spent 18 months behind bars, the actor was ordered to serve the remaining three-and-a-half years. Last week, the SC provided some more relief by giving the actor four more weeks to surrender and complete all his pending projects.

The neon trend has been voted as being ‘hot ‘n’ perfect’ for the Spring Summer season. There are many ways to wear it and some options have been suggested below.

WOMEN :

For a casual look, pair your denim for the day with a fun neon pink or yellow tops/shirts or team crisp white tees/shirts with neon skirts or pants for city-chic style or clash with contrasting brights for cool, evening ensembles. Neon shorts worn with tees/ tanks are fun too.

Some neon designs make a single piece the focus and when teamed with sequins and sheers, it adds to a more ‘daytime glam’. Light fabrics create a more feminine ‘girly’ look on this trend and the key is to make a subtle pairing of bright hues with neutrals for more elegant and grown up sophistication. One could either team with a colour blocked top and skirt or with a dress. Rag & Bone, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, etc have beautiful skirts and dresses. Short neon shirt dresses also look very charming. Neon coloured jackets, teamed with dhoti pants, denims or skirts add to a fun afternoon.

By KEEGAN GAN

Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever - the second generation B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. Riding on a new platform, the new B-class in comparison to its predecessor is lower and provides a more upright seating position for a fi rst impression that hints at the compact sports tourer’s dynamic credentials. A totally whole new preposition; the new B-Class is no longer that awkward looking high-roof hatchback of yore. Further defi ning the new B-class is that low bonnet, steeply raked windscreen, oversized grille and 18-inch alloys amongst other new design elements to complete the new styling of the B-Class.

By NITHYA SUBRAMANIAN

The Indian subcontinent has seven principal mountain ranges, the largest being the Himalayas. The British developed most of the hill stations, as they preferred to move to cooler climes to escape the oppressive heat. Several hill stations served as summer capitals of Indian provinces, princely states, or, in the case of Simla, of British India itself.

These places are extremely picturesque with green slopes, misty woods, frothing rivers, azure lakes and fl ower-fi lled meadows. Here we present four stunning getaways that you might want to visit this summer.

By KEEGAN GAN

To push bottom lines, companies often go down the route of brand extension, in a bid to create and conquer a new niche. The automotive industry is no different, with companies introducing new crossover amalgamations that deviate from the norm. Some notable examples include the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Audi A5 Sportback, BMW X6 and more. And Volkswagen is no different, as they introduce the diminutive hatchback with SUV styling in the form of the Volkswagen CrossPolo.

By RICHA SHARMA

May is the month of mangos in India and we all look forward to our favourite varieties. From the worldrenowned Alfonso (also known as the King of Mangoes) to Malika (meaning Queen), Benishan (Bainganpally in Telugu), Dasheri (popular in North India), Kesari (from Gujarat), Totapuri (‘parrot’s nose’), Safeda, Neelum (has a bluish tone), Langra and several other local varieties, the options are plenty.

The fruit’s flavour is often described as an exotic mix of pineapple and peach. Thought to be native to India, mangoes have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years. Interestingly, the tree is related to the pistachio and cashew.

By NITHYA SUBRAMANIAN

India’s most recognised chef, Sanjeev Kapoor, wears several hats – that of a television host, author, restaurant consultant and an entrepreneur who successfully launched India’s first food channel called FoodFood. India Se caught up with Kapoor, during his recent visit to Singapore for the World Gourmet Summit.