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India Today
21 hours ago
- General
- India Today
A hidden height filter is spoiling your dating, marriage chances
Deepak realised while at school that he was shorter than the other boys. But he didn't let that deter him from the dating market later. He developed a sharp sense of humour, a calmness, a self-assuring temperament for himself. "But tall men do have it easier," he 33, decided to look for arranged marriage rishtas. His parents had one condition. A girl shorter than 5ft. They thought a taller girl would not be good with their son, who was 5'4. This was after he had been rejected by some girls over his is crucial in dating and marriage, especially for men. It is also seen in Tinder's new premium feature, which comes with a height filter. Last week, Celine Song's Materialists also hit the theatres. It clearly established that height equalled desirability and increased one's prospects in 'modern dating and marriage markets'. It is clear that in 2025, love and marriage come with a measuring tape. But why does height even carry such weight in modern dating? Also, while we have dealt with several other biases such as complexion, caste and community-based marriages, why does height remain a silent and ever-present factor?Tinder's new height preference feature lets paid users set a desired height range for potential matches. This is with the goal of matching singles whose desired height ranges is possible that the preference for a taller partner comes from an evolutionary bias. With time, while we have attempted to do away with other biases, why does this one persist?advertisementThis height parameter isn't always a personal preference. Most times, it is rooted in societal expectations."It is fine if some people are attracted to taller people. But many people want taller partners for social acceptance and validation," Bangalore-based psychologist Subash tells India Today evolutionary bias to social expectation, there are several reasons as to why height biases remain strong in India. It is ingrained to such an extent that even men start perceiving their height as an asset or liability and fixate on it. These biases reveal themselves in online dating and matrimony TALLER MEN ARE PREFERRED IN THE DATING MARKET?The instinct might have an evolutionary answer. "Height preferences go deeper than just looks," explains psychologist Sharya Sharma."Historically, height symbolised strength and safety, especially in men. Those associations still linger, even when they don't reflect real-life needs any more," she who are not tall sometimes fixate on other physical attributes."In my sessions, I see men who have spent years trying to prove they're 'enough' — just because they're not tall," says therapist Subhash."They'll chase promotions, build perfect bodies, because somewhere, they were made to feel they lacked the most basic currency of attraction."advertisementA 2015 study published in Evolutionary Psychology explores several reasons why many women prefer taller include a perception of greater safety; taller men are often seen as more masculine and physically capable, as well as the idea of potential reproductive advantages, like taller bias begins early and shows up everywhere, from teen years to marriage proposals, from online filters to queer dating spaces. While cultural norms and evolutionary ideas continue to shape these preferences, a growing counter-narrative is pushing back."I know short guys who have done pretty well," says Deepak, a 27-year-old software engineer. "But they have to work harder, that's for damn sure. You don't get noticed easily when you're 5'6 compared to 5'10."It's not that shorter men are shut out of love, it's that their desirability often requires extra qualities must be dialled up to offset what is perceived, often unfairly, as a flaw."It's like you need a portfolio," adds Deepak. "You have to be funny, ambitious, sensitive, stylish, and still, sometimes that won't cut it."This conditioning begins young. "It starts early," says Mayank, 30, a photographer based in Delhi."In school, the taller boys get picked first, on the field and by the girls. We were made to believe we were different". He remembers his teenage years. "I was always the shortest in my friend group growing up."advertisementThe message gets internalised early: taller is better. And it doesn't stop with IS NOT BLIND ON DATING APPSInterestingly, some people think when people meet organically at work, through friends, or college, the height filter is less important."Online, height seems to make a huge difference. Offline, not at all," says Arpita, 29. "When physical presence isn't reduced to a photo and a few stats, other qualities shine first. You might notice someone's laugh or how they speak before you even register their height."But not everyone's lucky enough to escape those digital first-impressions."People say love is blind," wrote one Reddit user. "But on dating apps, it's filtered. And height is one of the biggest filters."This quiet hierarchy shows up in queer spaces too."I'm 5'3 and gay," says Krish, 26. "Even in queer spaces, height is currency. I once had someone tell me, 'You're great, but I want someone who looks dominant.' What does that even mean?"advertisementMEN AND THE OBSESSION TO BE 'TALLER'In dating culture, height has become a kind of shorthand for desirability. "I'm six foot, by the way," is a line that often makes it into dating bios or first-date banter — unsolicited and not that everyone cares, but enough people do to make the statement feel like a safe more often than not, it works. It isn't rare to hear women admit they just "don't feel attracted to shorter guys" or "don't want to feel taller in heels."A false sense of "protection" might be at play here. "I have this false sense of protection and safety which I feel if the man is taller. I somewhere also think, my kids will be taller if I marry a tall man," says Ritika, is true that even in some professions, taller men are preferred. This is done to ensure "efficiency" or command a room. The subliminal message is that taller equals more no surprise, then, that many men feel pressured to 2010, OkCupid said its research showed that most men inflated their height by two inches. In 2019, Tinder even joked about launching a "height verification" feature — to curb these quiet SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, BUT WITH A HEIGHT FILTERIn arranged marriage setups, the word "tall" is code for ideal. "Tall, well-settled, good family" — a phrase that repeats itself across hundreds of biodatas and WhatsApp fact, height is often listed right after age and income. To many, it signals good health, strong genes, and even association is so ingrained that parents sometimes eliminate prospects without even realising height was the silent deal-breaker."Whenever a rishta (marriage proposal) used to come, my mom's first question was always height," laughs Aditya, 33, a banker from Lucknow. "She thought if the girl was taller, it'll be embarrassing for us. We never got to personality." He adds: "I think I also got rejected because I'm 5'4. They never said it directly, but we knew."Of course, not everyone conforms to this recent years, a quiet rebellion has taken root, what the internet calls Short King Spring. What began as a cheeky phrase online has grown into a cultural pushback, celebrating men under six by memes, TikToks, and shifting tone, it flips the script: short isn't just okay, it's Tom Holland's red carpet moments to everyday tales of connection, the message is clear: charisma, compassion, and confidence don't come with a height requirement. And for many who have never fit the filter, this shift brings a quiet hope: that in the end, love might see above and beyond a few inches.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NMC scraps waste-to-energy project, eyes CNG unit instead
Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is scrapping its waste-to-energy project owing to underperformance and a shortage of food waste. In its place, the civic body plans to start a compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative that will utilize wet waste. The NMC's general body recently gave the green light to the civic administration's proposal. This clears the way for the tender process to begin for the new wet-waste-based CNG project, which will be set up at the existing compost plant in Pathardi, on the outskirts of Nashik city. The original waste-to-energy project was established at the Pathardi compost plant with support from Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). In August 2015, a work order was awarded to a Bangalore-based private firm for installation, repair, and maintenance of the plant that was designed to generate 3,300 units of energy every day. However, as the firm could not operate the plant at full capacity, the civic body terminated the contract and took possession of the plant in July 2021. The NMC operated the plant using food waste collected from city hotels. The plant requires 10 to 15 tonnes of food waste, but currently the civic body is unable to get the necessary amount of food waste. Additionally, solid waste management norms mandate large hotels to treat food waste on their premises, making future procurement more challenging. An NMC official, while talking to TOI, said other municipal corporations in the country have established wet-waste based CNG plants. "It is feasible to convert the existing waste-to-energy project into a CNG generation plant. Therefore, the NMC has decided to transform its current project into a wet-waste based CNG initiative," the official said.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Strong project pipeline to ensure sales momentum for Prestige Estates
The launches in the last quarter and a strong outlook has resulted in the stock gaining 21 per over the last month and 42 per cent over three months premium Ram Prasad Sahu New Delhi Listen to This Article After a muted first nine months of 2024-25 (9MFY25), which saw launch delays, Bangalore-based real estate major Prestige Estates Projects Ltd (PEPL or Prestige) ended the financial year on a strong note. The company saw a surge in bookings or presales on the back of four new launches in the fourth quarter (Q4FY25). The sales momentum is expected to continue in FY26 on the back of new launches and sustenance sales from recent launches. The launches in Q4 and a strong outlook have resulted in the stock gaining 21 per cent over the last month and 42 per cent over
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Flights delayed, cancelled, crashed: Travel anxiety takes off
After the deadly Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, there has been an uptick in cancellations, delays, and mid-air returns. Between June 12 and 17, 83 Air India flights were cancelled. According to reports, 66 of them were Boeing 787 Dreamliners. A Delhi to Bali flight turned back mid-air on Wednesday due to a volcanic eruption. Yesterday, a flight carrying 180 passengers made an emergency landing in Delhi from Leh after a technical glitch. This series of incidents, combined with rising chatter on social media, is fuelling a fresh wave of flight anxiety. This fear of flying can make people feel sick, sweaty, or panicked. It often includes intrusive thoughts and a feeling of being out of control. Travellers are suddenly paying close attention to flight numbers, aircraft models, and weather alerts. Searches for 'safest airline 2025' and 'how to calm flying fear' have shot up on Google Trends. Bangalore-based digital creator Swati Chauhan says, 'Most of my travels are by air. But after so many incidents, it feels uneasy to even enter an airport. On top of that, Instagram Reels are showing astrologers saying the Ahmedabad crash happened because the flight number adds up to nine, which is considered unlucky. All of this unverified information is increasing my stress.' In another case, entrepreneur Gurbani Bhatia from Gurugram, who was set to fly to New York this week, rescheduled and changed her flight. 'There have been so many cases of Indian flights being cancelled or delayed, so I decided to go with an international airline even though the route is longer due to the Iran airspace closure,' she says. Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is rarely about being in the air itself. 'It is about feeling out of control,' says Dr Deeksha Parthsarthi, neuropsychiatrist. 'You are far from home, you cannot get off, and you are placing trust in strangers and machines.' Psychologically and neurologically, the brain responds to flight incidents even from a distance. 'Hearing about a crash can trigger vicarious trauma,' says Dr Sneha Sharma, psychiatrist. 'The brain stores it like a real memory.' This activates the amygdala, which overrides logic and triggers the body's fight or flight response. People may experience nausea, a racing heart, breathlessness, or panic. Ordinary in-flight sounds, turbulence, or airport announcements can act as triggers. Claustrophobia, motion sensitivity, or fear of heights can make symptoms worse. Social pressure adds to the challenge. 'People fear losing control on a flight, but they also fear being judged for it,' says Dr Sharma. There is no single solution for flying anxiety, but experts say small, intentional habits can help you feel more grounded before and during a flight. Avoid reading aviation news right before flying. Listen to calming music. Caffeine and sugar can mimic symptoms of panic, such as a racing heart or jitters, so it is best to avoid them. Drink water or herbal tea and eat light meals instead. 2. During takeoff or turbulence: Use the box breathing method. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. Repeat this for a few minutes, especially during takeoff or bumpy moments. 3. For the journey: Carry familiar comforts. A lavender roller, a scarf, or a favourite book can serve as calming cues if you feel overwhelmed. 4. Let the crew know: Informing the cabin crew that you are an anxious flyer can make a difference. They are trained to help and may check on you during the flight. As more people seek reassurance before they fly, travel insurance is becoming more than just a document. For many, it now feels like a mental safety net. Trip cancellation insurance can help if you need to cancel for medical or personal reasons. Baggage delay insurance protects you if your luggage goes missing or arrives late. Flight delay coverage can pay for hotel stays and meals if you are stuck overnight. Personal accident insurance, legal cover, and medical emergency protection are also becoming common even for short trips. These services give travellers a sense of structure, especially in uncertain times. (Inputs by Manjari Singhal, Chief Growth and Business Officer, Cleartrip) If your flight is delayed by two to four hours, airlines must offer tea, coffee, or snacks. Delays beyond four hours require a proper meal. If you are stuck overnight, a hotel stay with airport transfers must be provided. For cancellations, most airlines offer a full refund if cancelled within 24 hours and at least seven days before departure. Compensation rules vary by airline and depend on the cause of the delay or disruption.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Bhalki's BKIT honoured with award for academic excellence
Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology (BKIT), Bhalki, has earned a prestigious accolade for its exemplary academic practices. The institute has been selected by Begin Up Research Intelligence Private Limited, a Bangalore-based research organisation, as the recipient of the 'Excellence in Education Standards Adaptability and Implementation' award for the academic year 2025. BKIT Principal Udaykumar Kalyane expressed immense pride in this recognition, attributing it to the institution's unwavering commitment to academic quality, innovation and holistic development of students. 'BKIT's success stems from several foundational strengths. The college boasts a team of highly experienced and dedicated faculty members who ensure academic rigour and provide strong mentorship. A consistent academic schedule supports uninterrupted learning, while the institution's willingness to embrace new technologies keeps it aligned with current industry demands. Regular interaction with industry partners enriches student learning through practical exposure and a strong alumni network plays a key role in mentoring and guiding students,' Mr. Kalyane said in a media release. In addition to these strengths, he added, BKIT has implemented several noteworthy initiatives that have significantly contributed to its recognition. 'The Centre of Excellence is a unique programme that provides skill training to students from their first to final semesters without any additional cost. BKIT has also forged partnerships with leading organisations to offer training, support and inspiration to its students. Alumni are actively involved in sharing their expertise and mentoring students. Weekly mock tests are conducted to assess and improve technical and IT skills. Parents are kept regularly informed of their children's progress through SMS updates on attendance and internal assessment marks,' he said. According to Mr. Kalyane, the college has also introduced online foreign language learning, beginning with Japanese, to broaden students' global opportunities apart from promoting well-being and holistic growth through yoga, music and sports classes. 'This award not only affirms BKIT's adaptability to evolving educational standards but also reflects its commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates through quality education, industry collaboration and comprehensive student development,' he said.
