Ishika Narang is a Multimedia Writer at the Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience in digital journalism, specialising in health, lifestyle, beauty, and consumer-focused reporting. Her primary coverage areas include evidence-based health journalism, preventive care, wellness trends, and affiliate-driven consumer guides tailored for digital audiences. She began her professional journey in digital media, where she developed expertise in multimedia storytelling and platform-optimised editorial strategies. Over the years, she has worked with reputed organisations such as Park+, Jagran, and Wavel.ai, steadily building credibility in health and consumer journalism. Her work reflects a strong progression in editorial responsibility, combining research-backed reporting with audience-focused content formats. At Hindustan Times, she produces in-depth health and lifestyle features, expert-led explainers, and data-informed consumer stories. She also focuses extensively on affiliate articles, creating well-researched buying guides, product comparisons, and recommendation-based content that balances commercial intent with editorial integrity. Alongside writing, she conceptualises and manages social media storytelling, ensuring content is informative, engaging, and optimised for platform-specific consumption. Her subject expertise includes preventive healthcare, nutrition, supplements, women’s health, beauty trends, consumer awareness, and affiliate commerce content. She integrates expert consultations, peer-reviewed research, verified product analysis, and transparent sourcing. Her strengths lie in evidence-based storytelling, simplifying complex information, and producing reader-first affiliate content that prioritises trust and value. Ishika holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Marketing from Guru Gobind Indraprastha University, which enhances her understanding of consumer behaviour, digital commerce, and audience engagement, skills that complement her specialisation in consumer and affiliate journalism. She is committed to ethical reporting, transparent affiliate disclosures, rigorous fact-checking, and maintaining editorial credibility, ensuring every story upholds reader trust and journalistic standards.
A home makeover does not always mean replacing existing furniture or appliances with new ones. Sometimes, it is about making better use of what you already own and introducing a few thoughtful additions to make everyday living more convenient. From creating a flexible lighting setup and upgrading your entrance to simplifying household chores, small changes can make a noticeable difference to how your home functions. If you are new to home automation and unsure where to begin, here are some beginner-friendly smart home upgrades worth exploring.
What to check before buying: Look at the bulb fitting, brightness, colour temperature, dimming options and compatibility with your existing fixtures. Check whether the bulb requires a particular Wi-Fi connection or a separate hub. An automatic soap dispenser can be a practical addition to both kitchen and bathroom washbasins. Unlike conventional dispensers that require you to press a pump, these models use a sensor to release soap when you place your hand underneath. This touch-free operation can be particularly useful while cooking or when your hands are dirty. Depending on the model, you can also adjust the amount of soap dispensed to avoid unnecessary wastage. Look for rechargeable options with refillable containers that are easy to clean and maintain. An automatic dustbin can make waste disposal more convenient, especially in frequently used spaces such as kitchens. Equipped with motion sensors, these bins open their lids when they detect movement near the opening and close automatically after a few seconds. This reduces the need to touch the lid while handling food scraps or other household waste. Depending on the design, they are available in different capacities and finishes to suit various kitchen layouts. Before buying one, check its opening mechanism, battery requirements, capacity and ease of cleaning. You do not need to upgrade every room at once. Begin with one or two products that address your most frequent household requirements. Once you understand how they fit into your routine, you can gradually explore other additions.
