A timeless essential for every girl, Kurtis are versatile piece, and a wardrobe must-have. There is a Kurti for every occasion, be it a day out with your girlfriends or a dinner date with your special someone or your best friend’s sangeet. They can go from formal to classy, to traditional to total chic and make you look like a stylish diva while still being extremely comfortable.
We get it, it’s rather confusing to pick the right Kurti, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from, from the range of materials to the various styles it can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help you select the right Kurti for every occasion.
So let’s get started and understand how you can pick the right Kurti for your special occasion:
For your office affair:
When it comes to formal looks, one has to make sure that the look is structured, it should look classy and presentable at the same time, it should be functional and comfortable. We have to opt for Kurtis that are easy to handle and doesn’t cause too much drama.
The best pick for office look would be a long Straight Kurti, Shirt Kurti, and a Denim Kurti. Pick it in subtle tone or earthy tones whichever you prefer and pair it along with a palazzo, leggings, or even jeans and you are ready to rule the world.
Kurtis for evening parties:
Parties are your chance to go all experimental with your fashion. You can decide your look based on the mood of the party. You can wear short kurta and pair it along with shorts or ripped jeans for a casual house party. You can even select a transparent georgette kurta and pair it up cotton pants and heels for the oomph. You can even opt for short flared kurta and treat it as a dress and pair it along with shoes for a girl next door vibe (only cuter). You can select the colour/ embroidery or embellishments according to your preferences. It is usually advisable to opt for darker colours for some night time fun.
What to wear for a coffee date? Or brunch with your girls?
When you have casual and fun hangout plans, you sure want to look trendy and chic. Afternoons call for a subtle dress over that gives a hint of a stylish diva. You can pair up a high slit single strap Kurti with jeans or straight pants along with a pair of heels, and you are good to go. You can even use your ankle-length flared Kurti as a dress and style it up with a belt. If you want to add a little drama to your look opt for Tail Kurtis.
Opt for bright shades or go for pastel tones the choice is yours to make.
Kurtis for your best friend’s sangeet party
Your chance to go all traditional. There are so many options to pick from. If you wish to keep your look contemporary, you can opt for dhoti style Kurti, and if you want to go for a classic look, you can opt for Anarkali Kurti and pair it with a skirt. You can opt for AngrakhaKurti for super traditional and ancient vibes. Even princess cut Kurtis make up for a great Kurti design for women. Opt for darker colours like maroon, green etc. and complete the look with beautiful jewellery.
Kurti to pick for a pool party or a beach party.
A kaftan Kurti makes up for a great option to wear at a beach or a pool party. If you want to go bold, you can opt a blacklessKurti or a cold shoulder Kurti. Tiers Kurti makes up for another great choice, and you can substitute that as a dress and look sensational.
Bella Hadid’s return to the Cannes Film Festival was anything but quiet. This year, the model showed up ready to challenge the red carpet rules without actually breaking them.
With new restrictions in place like no sheer fabrics, no visible nudity, no dramatic trains or bulky silhouettes, fashion-watchers wondered if Bella, known for her daring Cannes looks in the past, would tone it down. Instead, she found a clever way around the rules.
Her choice for the opening ceremony? A sleek black Saint Laurent dress with a high slit that climbed nearly to her hip. It was revealing but not banned. The asymmetrical cowl neckline and bare back added to the drama without crossing any lines. Paired with barely-there strappy heels, emerald statement earrings, and a ring, the outfit managed to be both understated and provocative.
Earlier in the day, she’d already turned heads arriving at Hotel Martinez in a white corset top and matching bootcut trousers, another Saint Laurent nod. Her honey-blonde updo, oversized sunglasses, and vintage accessories made it clear that Bella wasn’t here to just blend in.
And while the Met Gala missed her this year, Cannes got the full Hadid effect.
The model’s new hair colour, a shift from brunette to a summery honey blonde, felt like a fresh chapter. Soft waves framed her face, complementing the dark, moody tones of her red carpet outfit. Makeup stayed simple with smokey eyes, matte skin, and nude lips. No theatrics, pure elegance and confidence.
The most impressive part of it all? She managed to follow every rule while still standing out. While some stars played it safe under the stricter dress code, Bella turned the limits into a challenge. No sheer panels? Try bold cut-outs. No dramatic trains? Go for shape-hugging minimalism with impact.
Fashion at Cannes has always been about pushing boundaries. This time, Bella Hadid did it with precision, walking the tightrope between compliance and creativity.
A nationwide recall of five eye care products has been issued in the United States after concerns were raised about their sterility and manufacturing standards. BRS Analytical Services, LLC, the manufacturer of the affected products, has urged consumers to stop using them immediately due to potential safety risks.
The recall, shared in a press release by healthcare distributor AvKARE, affects more than 1.8 million cartons of eye drops. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified multiple violations during a recent audit, including failures to meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards.
CGMP regulations set the minimum requirements for the manufacturing, processing, and packaging of drug products to ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy. The FDA stated there is a “lack of assurance of sterility” in the recalled items, which could pose serious health risks to users.
The following products have been included in the recall:
Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Gel 1%
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution
Lubricant Eye Drops Solution
Polyvinyl Alcohol Ophthalmic Solution
Although the company has not specified the exact health risks, it warned that the products are of “unacceptable quality” and that “it’s not possible to rule out patient risks resulting from use of these products.”
The recalled products were distributed from 26 May 2023 to 21 April 2025. Consumers in possession of any of the affected items are advised to discontinue use immediately and either return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
Customers are also encouraged to complete and submit the recall notice form, including the “Quantity to Return” section and their contact details. These can be sent via fax or email to AvKARE, even if the products are no longer in their possession.
The FDA has categorised the recall as a Class II, meaning there is a reasonable probability that use of the products could result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or that serious harm is unlikely but possible.
Keep ReadingShow less
This may influence future decisions on treatment options for obesity patients
Eli Lilly announced on Sunday that its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, outperformed Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in a head-to-head trial, showing superior results across five weight-loss targets, including waist circumference reduction.
This trial, the first of its kind comparing the two widely used obesity medications, offers Eli Lilly a competitive advantage as it aims to secure broader insurance coverage in the rapidly growing obesity drug market, which is projected to exceed $150 billion annually by the next decade.
The results revealed that Zepbound helped nearly 25% more participants achieve a weight loss of over 15% compared to Wegovy. In addition, Zepbound demonstrated a more significant reduction in waist circumference, with an average decrease of 18.4 cm. In comparison, Wegovy participants saw an average reduction of 13 cm.
Novo Nordisk, in a statement sent via email on Monday, pointed out that the weight loss achieved by Wegovy in this trial was lower than what was observed in a 2021 trial with a similar dose. However, the company emphasised that Wegovy is the only GLP-1 agonist medicine approved to prevent major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, a critical benefit for patients with obesity. Novo also mentioned that a trial with a higher dose of semaglutide, Wegovy's active ingredient, conducted earlier this year, showed greater weight-loss results.
Lilly had previously reported in December that its obesity drug had already surpassed Wegovy, with patients treated with Zepbound losing 47% more weight than those who received Wegovy. These findings were also shared in a press release and presented at the European Congress on Obesity.
The timing of the trial results coincides with a recent decision by CVS Health to exclude Zepbound from some of its reimbursement lists, preferring Wegovy instead. This move highlights the ongoing competition between the two pharmaceutical giants in the obesity treatment space.
Zepbound mimics two gut hormones to support weight loss, while Wegovy relies on a single mode of action. In separate trials, Lilly's Zepbound helped patients lose more than 22% of their body weight after 72 weeks, while Wegovy led to a 15% reduction in weight after 68 weeks.
The growing competition in the weight-loss drug market is also impacted by another Eli Lilly medication, Mounjaro, which has shown positive results for diabetes and weight loss. With these advancements, Eli Lilly is positioning itself as a major player in the obesity treatment landscape.
These results reflect the growing rivalry in the weight-loss drug market and may influence future decisions on treatment options for obesity patients.
Keep ReadingShow less
The WHO forecasts a continued reduction in the global nursing shortage
The global nursing workforce has grown by nearly two million over the past five years, yet major disparities in distribution continue to impede progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) and global health goals, according to the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report released on 12 May by the World Health Organization (WHO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), and partners.
As of 2023, there are 29.8 million nurses worldwide, up from 27.9 million in 2018. The report also notes a decline in the global nursing shortage, from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023. However, the report cautions that the improvements are not evenly shared across regions and income levels, leaving many low- and middle-income countries struggling with persistent shortfalls.
A striking imbalance in nurse distribution persists: 78 per cent of the world’s nurses are based in countries that account for just 49 per cent of the global population. High-income nations host nearly half the global nursing workforce, despite representing only 17 per cent of the world’s population. This concentration has raised concerns that many countries are being left behind, particularly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, where shortages are expected to remain critical.
The WHO forecasts a continued reduction in the global nursing shortage, projecting a shortfall of 4.1 million by 2030. However, almost 70 per cent of this gap is expected to be concentrated in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, which could seriously undermine healthcare delivery and preparedness for future health emergencies.
Low-income countries are seeing faster growth in nurse graduate numbers, yet many face challenges in translating this into increased nurse availability. Factors such as rapid population growth, limited job creation, and restricted resources mean these countries are unable to retain and integrate newly qualified nurses into the workforce. The report urges governments to prioritise domestic investment in health systems to ensure graduate absorption and improve employment conditions.
Meanwhile, high-income countries are experiencing a demographic shift in their nursing workforce. Around 19 per cent of nurses globally are expected to retire within the next decade. In some high-income nations, retirements are likely to exceed new entrants, raising the risk of workforce gaps and reduced mentoring capacity for younger nurses.
International migration continues to play a key role in shaping nursing workforces. Globally, one in seven nurses is foreign-born, with high-income countries depending on international recruitment for nearly a quarter of their workforce. By contrast, foreign-born nurses make up only 1–8 per cent of the workforce in lower-income countries. The report calls for stronger bilateral agreements to ensure ethical recruitment and mutual benefits for both source and destination countries.
Gender equity remains a central concern. Women comprise 85 per cent of the global nursing workforce, yet opportunities for advancement and leadership remain limited in many settings. While 82 per cent of countries report having a senior government nursing officer, only 25 per cent of low-income countries offer structured leadership development programmes for nurses.
The report also highlights progress in recognising advanced nursing roles, with 62 per cent of countries now reporting the existence of such positions, up from 53 per cent in 2020. Advanced practice nurses have been shown to enhance access to care, particularly in underserved areas.
Mental health and wellbeing support for nurses remains inadequate. Despite increased workloads and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, only 42 per cent of countries surveyed have formal provisions for mental health support. The lack of such measures is seen as a barrier to retaining experienced staff and ensuring quality care.
The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report sets out key policy recommendations for the 2026–2030 period. These include expanding and equitably distributing nursing jobs, aligning education systems with workforce needs, improving pay and working conditions, and strengthening regulation and leadership. Additional priorities focus on preparing nurses for digital healthcare delivery, addressing gender pay gaps, and supporting those working in conflict zones and climate-affected areas.
Pam Cipriano, President of the ICN, said the report served as an “important milestone” in tracking global efforts to strengthen nursing. “Delivering on UHC depends on recognising the true value of nurses and empowering them to lead health system improvements,” she said.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the progress but warned that deep inequalities persist. “This report is a guide to where we are and what we must do next,” he said. “Countries must act quickly to close the gaps and support the nursing workforce.”
The report draws on data from 194 countries and is part of WHO’s efforts to monitor and strengthen the global health workforce as part of the push to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Keep ReadingShow less
Positive changes promote calm and clarity of the mind
In a fast-paced world fraught with stress, anxiety and unprecedented challenges, prioritising mental well-being has never been more important. Whether you are navigating personal struggles or supporting someone else, taking proactive steps can make a real difference. With mental health being an increasingly vital issue, Eastern Eye shares essential tips to help you feel better internally – and ways to support others who may be going through difficult times.
Exercise: Whether it is walking, yoga, dancing, playing a sport or going to the gym, find an activity you enjoy. Regular exercise supports both physical and mental well-being, as it releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters – which help reduce anxiety and depression. It can also build self-confidence and provide opportunities to connect with others.
Sleep: Establish a regular sleep routine, create a calming bedtime environment, and make your space comfortable. Good sleep is a foundation of mental health – and lack of it can worsen stress, anxiety and low mood.
Balanced diet: Nutrition directly affects mental well-being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can improve mood and energy levels. Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fish, flaxseed and walnuts – are particularly beneficial for brain health.
Gratitude: Focusing on the positives in life can help shift perspective and reduce negative thinking. Gratitude practices, such as journalling or simply reflecting on what you are thankful for, have been shown to significantly boost overall well-being.
Finding strength in small daily habits for better mental health
Mindfulness: Being present in the moment helps reduce stress. Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and gaining perspective. Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing, focusing on your senses or holding a comforting object, can offer immediate relief. Even a simple hug can help.
Connect: Maintaining social connections is vital. Reach out to friends, family or support groups – and do not be afraid to talk about your feelings. In-person interaction is often more beneficial than virtual connections, so consider spending less time scrolling and more time meeting up.
Set boundaries: Learning to say no is essential for good mental health. Whether it is work, family or social demands, taking a step back is sometimes necessary. Protect your energy and prioritise what matters most to you.
Professional help: If you are struggling, seeking professional help is a sign of strength – not weakness. Doctors, therapists, counsellors and psychiatrists can provide the support and tools needed to improve mental health. Early intervention can help prevent issues from becoming more serious.
Get creative: Creative outlets such as art, music or writing can be powerful tools for processing emotions. Engaging in creativity can relieve stress, promote a sense of achievement and foster human connection.
Simple steps to boost your mental well-being every day
Limit screen time: Constant exposure to screens can negatively impact mental health. Set boundaries, take regular breaks, and prioritise offline activities – particularly those outdoors – to restore balance.
Self-care: Be kind to yourself, especially during difficult times. Avoid harsh self-judgement and treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend. Practising self-compassion can help reduce guilt, stress and feelings of inadequacy.
Baby steps: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help reduce overwhelm. Celebrate small wins – each step forward counts and can help rebuild confidence.
Limit negativity: Whether it is reducing time spent with pessimistic individuals or limiting exposure to distressing news, set boundaries around what you consume. This includes taking breaks from social media when needed for mental clarity.
Support others: If someone is struggling, reach out with empathy and patience. Let them know you are there to listen – without judgement or rushing to offer solutions. Sometimes, just being present is powerful. You can also offer practical support – such as helping with daily tasks or accompanying them to an appointment. Ultimately, be patient and supportive as they navigate their path to recovery.
Check in: Follow up with someone you are concerned about, even after the initial conversation. Continued check-ins show care and help them feel less isolated. Similarly, check in with yourself regularly. When facing challenges, acknowledge your emotions rather than suppressing them. Recognising sadness, anger or frustration is often the first step towards healing.
How small positive changes can transform your inner world
Helping others
Recognising when someone may be struggling is key. Here are some common signs:
■ Behaviour: Withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest, or increased agitation
■ Physical: Fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, weight changes or frequent pain
■ Emotions: Frequent or intense mood swings, such as anger, sadness or irritability
■ Focus: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering things
■ Expressing: Talking about hopelessness, worthlessness or thoughts of self-harm
■ Vices: Increased use of alcohol, drugs or other substances